W Hotel Washington D.C.: 3 Stars

The POV Terrace roof deck at the W DC has fabulous views of the Washington skyline and monuments. The POV lounge has the most phenomenal view of the Washington Monument that I have ever seen. It's worth the visit just for the view.

The food and drinks are, however, just OK. I do recommend the Pina Colada, which is made with real coconut milk. People speak highly of the vodka lemonade, but I did not taste it. I was extremely disappointed with my cosmo. It tasted like straight alcohol and was served in the smallest martini glass I have ever seen. I was shocked and disturbed that the W would serve such a cocktail. I would return for the view and I'd stick with rocks drinks.

Images and Landscapes
by Yolène Legrand
http://www.yolenelegrand.com/

September 25, 2009 to October 9, 2009


Meet the artist reception: Friday, September 25, 2009, 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Viewing hours:
Embassy of Haiti
Monday through Friday, 10:00am to 3:00pm


The Embassy of Haiti in Washington, DC is pleased to announce the opening of Images and Landscapes by Yolène Legrand. The exhibition opens September 25, 2009 and presents more than 20 works in oils, pastels, etchings & aquatints by Yolène Legrand, a Haitian-born landscape painter who currently lives in New York City.

Yolène Legrand is a visual narrator and teller of stories, and although she still paints figures, she is better known for her landscapes. Her sensitive and evocative treatment of her subject matter captivates the viewer with a bright yet balanced pallet. This sophisticated colorful calmness defines her work as colors are skillfully restrained.

Legrand’s interest in art began when she was a child and although she went on to study Finance, her passion for art always remained strong. Eventually she enrolled in the Art Students League of New York where she developed her artistic talents. She has been teaching art to young people and adults in New York, Georgia, and New Jersey.

Ms. Legrand is an internationally recognized artist and her paintings have been exhibited in many galleries and museums in the US, Europe and Haiti, and are included in many private and corporate collections.

Curator: Stéphane C. Rosenberg, Counselor for Cultural Affairs, Embassy of Haiti

Cafe Milk & Honey 3.5 Stars!

1920 W. Division Street
Chicago, IL 60622
773.395.9434
www.milkandhoneycafe.com

A busy Wicker Park cafe serving salads, gourmet sandwiches, house-made soups and pastries. Breakfast is served daily with a weekend brunch until 2pm. For brunch I recommend the Orange Brioche french toast with Toasted Almonds or the vanilla yogurt with fresh fruit and house-made granola. Order the Bloody Mary, which is garnished with tomato, cheese, and a deliciously spicy pickle. Portions at Milk & Honey are substantial, so think sharing.

The staff was friendly; but, I particularly appreciated the graciousness of the hostess who ensured we were seated promptly at a table of our choice and recommended the french toast.

Milk & Honey is cafeteria styled dining. You stand in line to order your food and then are given a number to take to your table and receive service. Seats turnover fairly quickly, so it's worth the wait.