I've Got the Blues

As I was sorting through "stuff", getting things organized for my move, I came across a box of blue and white transferware dishes. Seeing them again after a few years brought back lots of memories. After deciding to close the door on my antique business, I sold most of what was left of the inventory, but wasn't able to part with my beloved blue and white. My collection is mostly from the mid to late 1800's- gathered from antiquing trips to England. Over the course of several years, I bought literally hundreds of bits of blue and white for collectors. At times red, black or brown transferware would become the hot new trend, but blue and white has always been, and still remains, the most popular.

These ceramics were not hand painted, but as the name suggests, the design was "transferred" from inked, etched copper plates to paper or special tissue. While the ink was still wet the paper was laid on the piece of ceramic bisque for a second firing in the kiln. This new method of production made it possible for the average household to afford dinnerware that imitated the fine china used by the wealthy upper class.

Abundant floral designs and pastoral scenes of the English countryside were the predominant motifs during the Victorian era.

Colors range from the pale, watery blue of the "Asiatic Pheasant" pattern to the deep cobalt so often seen in "Flow Blue" china.


The shade of blue may offer a clue as to the age of a piece, but color is just one of the characteristics to be considered. Some back stamps on the bottom have the name of the maker, but earlier pieces may have no stamps or marks at all. 

This large bowl was a gift from a friend who was game enough to go with me on one of my excursions.  She didn't even complain about the long hours we put in each day or the miles we walked.  Like me, I think she just enjoyed the hunt.

The Blue Willow pattern, based on an old Chinese legend, was first made in the Staffordshire area of England in the 1780's. As the story goes, the daughter of a wealthy mandarin was eloping with her lover. When her father caught them, the gods turned the couple into birds so that they could fly away and escape the wrath of her father.

          I can't imagine anything prettier than a bouquet of flowers in one
of these old pitchers.

                                                                                                                            

Parlez-vous francais?

It was a beautiful summer evening with just enough breeze to cool the crowd that gathered for the 16th Annual Bastille Day celebration. The grounds of the historic French Legation in east Austin were dotted with blankets spread across the hillside, as people settled down to listen to the live music of Ava Arenella, Courtney Sanchez, Kalu James and Sway.

Every year the Alliance Francaise d'Austin throws La Fete Nationale, to commemorate the French Revolution and the storming of the Bastille. No passport is required, and you don't even have to be French to enjoy this evening of music, food, games and auction.


Strolling across the lawn we were entertained by the talented jugglers, and then we stopped to watch as players lined up to try their luck at "petanque", a form of boules. In Italy it is called bocce, but the traditional French game is played with hollow metal balls. Whatever you call it, it seems to be addictive.

A young boy gets some pointers on the game of petanque

What would a fete be without crepes? Judging by the long queue, the crepes must have been delicious.

Luscious lemon tarts and iced macaroons in the colors of the French flag

These two bon vivants were getting into the spirit of things

Tres chic mademoiselle

If you would like to find out more about Alliance Francaise, or perhaps polish your French, members meet on the first Wednesday of the month for wine (of course) and hors-d'oeuvres. The next aperitif will be at 6pm, August 3rd at Peche.

At 2pm on the second and fourth Sunday of every month, members and guests of Alliance have pot luck and petanque at the Legation. Newbies welcome.

You can email questions to Alliance Francaise at info_@afaustin.org

Pitchforks and Tablespoons

When people ask me about my favorite restaurants, Eastside Cafe is always on my short list. What I love about Eastside is that it is not like any other restaurant in Austin, yet it manages to feel authentically Austin. A visit to this charming vintage cottage on Manor Road is like spending time with an old friend. The individual rooms provide seating that feels cozy and personal, allowing for easy conversation. Now isn't that a welcome change?


It was 1988 when Dorsey Barger and Elaine Martin first opened their cafe, and it has been evolving over the years to become much more than just a restaurant. Shaded by a leafy 150 year old elm tree, the acre of land includes a thriving organic garden that provides fresh herbs and vegetables for many of their signature dishes. The owners have published several cookbooks, sharing recipes for customer favorites like Artichoke Manicotti, Huevos Rancheros, Wild Mushroom Crepes and homemade soups. Oh, I almost forgot to mention the mouth-watering cornbread muffins that arrive at your table. Personally, I would buy the cookbook for the cornbread recipe alone.

New dishes like salmon dumplings with mango relish are always popping up on the  menu.

Only steps away from the cafe is Pitchforks and Tablespoons, offering items both on and off the menu for take away. Or why not enjoy lunch al fresco under the trees at one of the picnic tables? Not only do they offer delicious food, wine and house salad dressings, but the shop is brimming with gifts for the gardener, and samples of the best chocolate chip cookies you will find anywhere. 

Seasonal fresh organic vegetables from garden to table-a vegetarian's delight

Before you leave, be sure to check out the chicken coop-a bountiful source of fresh yard eggs for the cafe.

        

Contact Info:
Eastside Cafe
2113 Manor Rd.
Reservations:  (512) 476.5858
Hours:  Mon thru Thurs 11:30am to 9:30pm
           Friday 11:30am to 10:00pm
           Weekends 10am to 10pm


Pitchforks and Tablespoons
(512) 494.1464