Yes, it was a good idea! Asenath and I visited the Barnes Foundation Museum in Philadelphia on Saturday. Walking around looking at artwork for about 2 hours made us both hungry, lol. The museum has a collection of the world’s most important impressionist, post-impressionist, and modern paintings, including works by Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, and Picasso. Displayed alongside them are African masks, native American jewelry, Greek antiquities, and decorative metalwork.

​Around 1:30 pm we had lunch at the Barnes Foundation’s Garden Restaurant. Asenath ordered the HOUSE MADE FALAFEL and I had the SEARED SALMON, no drinks. Our lunch totaled $56+tip. Here are photos of our delicious meals...

After lunch we went to check out the current exhibition of Isaac Julien: Once Again . . . (Statues Never Die), an immersive film installation exploring the relationship between Dr. Albert C. Barnes and famed philosopher and cultural critic Alain Locke.
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Here is a video clip of the exhibition...

I would like to share a refreshing summer cocktail I put together called Lush Chiaro, lol. When I’m not drinking wine, this is the most delicious thing to drink during my home events or backyard barbecues. The recipe makes one serving, but you can adjust accordingly and make more.

Lush Chiaro

1 cherry (remove stem and seed)
1 strawberry
1/2 medium lemon, cut 1 wedge
1 shot of Ciroc Summer Citrus
1/2 cup of pineapple mango juice, or as needed
1/2 cup of ice cubes, or as needed

1. Use a mortar and pestle to crush the cherry, strawberry and lemon wedge. If you don't have a mortar and pestle, use the end of a wooden spoon instead and a small bowl.

2. Remove the lemon wedge from the mortar.

3. Add the crushed cherry, strawberry with lemon juices, 1 shot of Ciroc Summer Citrus and 1/2 cup of pineapple mango juice to the cup of ice cubes.

4. Stir, taste and enjoy!

Gigi's Tostones, an insanely delicious Father's Day weekend breakfast food event. They were incredible!! We had her tostones with saltfish and johnny cakes (fried dumplings), along with scrambled eggs and turkey bacon. The combination of flavors thrilled our taste-buds. Tostones are slices of unripe green plantains smashed and twice-fried to a golden crisp. The yummy goodness will remind you of a true Caribbean breakfast. Here are photos from the kitchen…

Please leave comments, if you like.

Johnny cakes (fried dumplings)

Saltfish

Turkey bacon

Scrambled eggs

Besides comic books and graphic novels, I have two favorites. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison and Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse. Have you read any of these books? I would love to hear your favorite book recommendations, comment below if you like.

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The Bluest Eye. "The Bluest Eye, published in 1970, is the first novel written by Toni Morrison. The novel takes place in Lorain, Ohio, and tells the story of a young African-American girl named Pecola who grew up following the Great Depression."

Siddhartha. “Siddhartha: An Indian Poem is a 1922 novel by Hermann Hesse that deals with the spiritual journey of self-discovery of a man named Siddhartha during the time of the Gautama Buddha. The book, Hesse's 9th novel, was written in German, in a simple, lyrical style."

Father’s Day this year falls on June 19 and should be considered one of the most important days of the year. Almost like a holiday, lol. I would be remiss to mention that it is also Juneteenth.

Every Father's Day Asenath and the kids try to secretly buy me Father's day gifts, but this year I'm going to help them out a bit. Here are a few items from my FD Wishlist. ​Have a great weekend!

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BrüMate Hopsulator Slim Can Cooler $24.99 Insulated for 12oz Slim Cans | Skinny Can Coozie Insulated Stainless Steel Drink Holder for Hard Seltzer, Beer, Soda, and Energy.

Ripple Junction Men’s Naruto Shippuden Kakashi and Akatsuki $54.95 - $58.95 with Hidden Leaf Village Symbol Cosplay Military-Style Hoodie.

MiiR, Wide Mouth Water Bottle $39.95, Vacuum Insulated, Leakproof, Stainless Steel Construction, Basal, 32 Oz.

Final Touch Conundrum Red Wine Glasses $40.70 (Set of 4). 

Ripple Junction Naruto Shippuden Adult Unisex Symbol Dad Hat $19.95 OS Olive.

Crocs Unisex-Adult Men's and Women's Classic Clog $29.24 - $104.95