MAY 2016 - Stony Point Fashion Park

in.good.taste.
MAY 2016
Bloom
Let your creativity blossom
at Stony Point Fashion Park
ON THE COVER
Sweet dreams are made of this: creativity blooms
in.good.
taste.
MAY 2016
at Stony Point Fashion Park, like crafting luscious
lemon cupcakes with a lavender-infused frosting
and garnished with edible flowers. Plant the seeds
for your inspiration during a stroll around the mall.
1
About Patrick
Find out more about our
Resident Food Expert
2 An Entertaining Idea
How sweet: an afternoon posy party
3 Shopping List
Patrick’s been shopping; here are
some fabulous foodie finds to add
to your list
6 Take 5
Down on the farm(ers) market
6 Getting Social
ABOUT PATRICK
Share your Stony Point Fashion Park
foodie photos on social media
Patrick Evans-Hylton is Stony Point Fashion Park’s
Resident Foodie and editor of in.good.taste.
Patrick is a Johnson & Wales-trained chef and awardwinning food journalist. He has reported on food in
print, television, radio and social media since 1991.
7 Foodies – Mark Your Calendar
Awesome events you won’t want
to miss
He is author of several books, including “Dishing Up
Virginia.” He blogs at www.PatrickEvansHylton.com
Patrick’s tip: I look for pet friendly places to bring
my chihuahua, Pico, and Stony Point Fashion Park
fits the bill. Just because she has four legs doesn’t
mean she doesn’t like to shop. And since she is my
in.good.taste. is published five times a year by Stony
Point Fashion Park and is free of charge. All information
contained herein is copyrighted and may not be used
without permission.
Stony Point Fashion Park is located at 9200 Stony
Point Parkway in Richmond. For more information call
(804) 560-7467 or visit www.ShopStonyPoint.com
little chow hound, I like to treat her with one of the
seasonal, fresh-baked treats at Fido Park Avenue
Dog Boutique as a respite during our excursion.
in.good.taste. - 1
idea.
an.entertaining.
How sweet: an afternoon
posy party
The Planning
bites and sweet tea. Have a bold color theme, and use lots of
fresh-cut flowers in the décor.
Flowers and creativity bloom during the spring and summer
with longer, warmer days filled with plenty of bright sunshine.
I like to entertain outdoors as much as I can during these
months, and at this time of year, with so many flowers in
bloom, an afternoon posy party seems very apropos.
DATE, LOCATION – Pick a late afternoon; the sun is still high
in the sky this time of year. If you serve bubbly, this could be
a good wind down from a work day. Host on your patio or
backyard.
THEME – An Afternoon Posy Party is a less formal than a
garden club gathering and less structured than a tea party.
It’s meant to be a fun gathering of friends with some small
GUEST LIST – This isn’t a formal party – think of it more as an
outdoor gathering of folks with some simple, tasty eats and
drinks to celebrate friends during this glorious season.
The Preparation
INVITATIONS – Write out and mail your invitations at least
7-10 days before your Afternoon Posy Party to give your
guests time to get their reply into you. In the theme of
“bloom” we love the Farm Fresh note cards at Papyrus
(see “Shopping List” on page 3).
MENU PLANNING – Start thinking about what you will serve;
here are some suggestions:
- Sweet iced tea, with fresh mint, in Kate Spade All-Purpose
glasses (see “Shopping List” on page 4)
- Sparkling wine, with a strawberry in each glass
- Cut veggies with Garden Herb Dip (see “Shopping List”
on page 5)
- Sandwiches, cut into small portions (pick some up at
Panera Bread)
- Cupcakes with lavender sugar (see “Shopping List” on
page 5) frosting and garnished with edible flowers
KITCHEN NEEDS – Think about what you will need to pull
off the perfect Afternoon Posy Party. Here are some things
to consider:
- Ice bucket and ice scoop for tea
- Champagne flutes (I found some at Dillard’s)
- Colorful plates, platters and napkins
- Tall glasses or vases to display flowers cut
from the garden; also display fresh cut herbs
in the same manner
The Party
The big day has arrived! Be sure to give yourself plenty of time
to set up the area where you are holding your event so you won’t
be rushed and so that you will have plenty of time to relax and
enjoy your guests.
THE DAY BEFORE:
- Set out serving pieces and napkins, as well as vases for flowers
- Set out decorations, including candles (see the Margaritaville
collection from Yankee Candle in “Shopping List” on page 4)
- Press any tablecloths or other linens
- Bake cupcakes, or pick up some undecorated ones at a
gourmet grocer
- Prepare cupcake frosting
THE DAY OF:
- Prepare iced tea and chill champagne
- Pick up sandwiches and cut
- Cut vegetables for crudité and prepare dip
- Cut flowers and herbs and put in vases
- Decorate cupcakes
SHOPPING – Here is the fun part: shopping for
the event. The first stop should be at Stony
Point Fashion Park. A trip to an area farmers
market is also needed (see our Take 5 tips on
page 6) as well as a run to an upscale grocer.
#stonypointfoodie #stonypointdining
in.good.taste. - 2
shopping.
list.
Fabulous foodie finds
from Patrick Evans-Hylton
I love to be inspired, whether for my own personal life, my career as a writer,
or for those special times when I am entertaining family and friends.
One of my favorite ways to get that inspiration is to leisurely walk through
Stony Point Fashion Park’s stores and restaurants. Sometimes I have a
purpose – like a get-together or party – sometimes it’s just for fun.
I recently walked through the mall with a friend who helped me find all sorts
of great items perfect for my upcoming party. With my trusty iPhone in hand,
I took photos of some of the items we found and share them with you here.
RECIPE:
Cloister Honey: Bourbon Infused
Berry Buzzsicle:Spring and summer usher in
more than flowers – it’s also popsicle season.
Make our Berry Buzzsicle by adding 1 cup fresh
blackberries and 1/2 cup fresh blueberries to a
small sauce pot with 2 tablespoons water and
3 tablespoons honey. Bring to a boil and let
liquid reduce until thick and syrupy, about 3-5
minutes. Remove from heat and, with the tines
of a fork, mash slightly.
AT PECAN JACKS
Thank goodness there are those busy bees
buzzing around the blooms this time of
year in pursuit of making honey. We love
this bourbon-infused offering from Cloister;
the subtle flavor of the Woodford Reserve
mixes throughout, making it a treat in hot
In a small bowl, add 2 tablespoons honey and
1-3/4 cup cream. Fill popsicle molds a little more
than half full with milk and spoon in berries to fill.
Place on top of mold, add sticks (depending on mold
type) and freeze until solid, about 4 hours.
beverages, atop cereal, drizzled on biscuits, or
for use in baking.
Bowls
Farm Fresh Note Cards
Cherry Novelty Pen
AT ANTHROPOLOGIE
AT PAPYRUS
AT PAPYRUS
A mixture of colorful bowls – in the hues
of spring and summer – are perfect for
indoor and outdoor entertaining. We love
these cheery vessels from Anthropologie,
and would use them to serve our Berry
Buzzsicle with a bit of Prosecco poured
atop, or perhaps a big scoop of vanilla bean
gelato served affogato.
Let your correspondence bloom with these
charming note cards, which feature simple
recipes highlighting the seasonal bounty.
Sending a note card is a much classier way
to check in with friends than Facebook,
and who knows, maybe they will make one
of the dishes offered and bring it to a summer
soirée of yours.
Life is just a bowl of cherries when you use
– or share – this fun novelty pen. Maybe you
are writing out invitations to your cupcake/
tea party, or perhaps gifting some Farm
Fresh note cards (see left.)
#stonypointfoodie #stonypointdining
in.good.taste. - 3
AT DILLARD’S
All-Purpose Glasses
Metal Picnic Basket
Fiesta Entertaining Set
Whimsical design and bright colors make
Perfect for picnics, whether at a favorite
The classic Fiesta bright colors radiate from
these Kate Spade All In Good Taste Pretty
park or just in your own backyard, this
this five-piece entertaining set, which features
Pantry all-purpose glasses a must for spring
metal picnic basket from Southern Living
four wedge-shaped trays around a central
and summer entertaining. We love to fill ours
holds all sorts of goodies in a retro-now
bowl. It’s great for many things, but we like
with homemade lemonade, sinfully sweet
style. Fire engine red with aluminum
to think outside the bread box and use it as a
Southern-style iced tea, or a combination of
handles, the generous size does double
cupcake decorating station, with frosting in
the two.
time for kitchen storage when not in use.
the center and fresh ingredients in it’s orbit.
Dog Cookies
Matcha Tea Singles, Swell Bottle
AT FIDO PARK AVENUE
AT TEAVANA
The Mason jar is the de facto suppertime
The benefits of green tea with subtle notes
glass on many southern tables, and doubles
such as peach pair perfectly in these singles,
in the spring and summer as a vase for
which are ready to enjoy at a moment’s notice.
blooming dandelions, and as a temporary
I carry a few around in my backpack to have
home to glowing fireflies at dusk. The fun
throughout the day. The singles go great with
of these seasonal activities is captured in
the stylish Swell bottle, also at Teavana.
these cookies just for Fido.
#stonypointfoodie #stonypointdining
Margaritaville Collection
Candle, Chair
AT YANKEE CANDLE
Warm weather means frozen concoctions
to help us hang on, and we are inspired to
do just so with these tropical drink-scented
candles. Based on the Jimmy Buffet
song, the island fragrances create just the
right atmosphere to get washed away,
even better when displayed in one of the
signature Adirondack chairs.
in.good.taste. - 4
Hydrangea Collection Votive Candle Holder
AT SUR LA TABLE
A gorgeous collection of plates, platters and other accessories highlight the beauty
of hydrangea. This votive candle holder, pretty in purple, complements the other items.
And while it would be great in its classic use, we put in a few dollops of Garden Herb Dip
(see recipe) and stand cut veggies inside to serve as crudité cups.
Garden Herb Dip recipe: in a large bowl, add 1 cup Greek yogurt, zest of half a lemon,
and 3 tablespoons fresh herbs, finely chopped with kitchen scissors. Stir, cover, and
refrigerate at least an hour before serving.
AT SUR LA TABLE
Bee Aprons
Honey Pot, Candle
Bee-Themed Cookie Cutters
What’s the buzz? These adorable bee-themed
We love this ceramic beehive-shaped
Any cookie is made cuter when cut into fun
aprons at Sur La Table. The season’s favorite
honey pot, wonderful for keeping the sticky
shapes. We found a huge assortment of cookie
insect (they make us honey, after all) is the
sweet stuff close at hand and drizzling it
cutters at Sur La Table, including these in such
star on these white, black and sunshiny
on goodies without the mess. Another fun
seasonal shapes as a daisy, bee and beehive.
yellow aprons, perfect for whipping up some
item: the beehive-shaped candle, which we
Cook up a batch of sugar cookies and cut with
cupcakes or other bee-utiful treats.
love using as a centerpiece on our porch
these then decorate with a frosting spiked with
table this time of year.
my Lavender Sugar (see recipe below).
French Herb Spice Jars
AT SUR LA TABLE
Perfect to use and beautiful to display,
this collection of three earthenware
jars with lids come in a wood caddy.
Each jar is dishwasher safe, and
holds 7-1/2 ounces of herbs found
in classical French cooking, or your
own favorites, too.
#stonypointfoodie #stonypointdining
RECIPE:
Lavender Sugar: Impart the fragrant flavor
of lavender into dishes by filling a spice jar
with one cup sugar and 1 teaspoon dried
lavender buds. Close the jar and shake;
keep sealed a few days for the lavender
oils to distribute. Use in iced tea, sprinkle
on fruit salad, bake into treats, or whip
into frosting for cookies or cupcakes.
in.good.taste. - 5
5
take.
Down on the farm(ers) market
It’s more than just flowers in bloom this spring and summer.
A revolution is occurring in the way we eat and many folks
are enjoying all that local farmers markets have to offer.
There are many farmer market across Richmond, and to
get started visit the Grow RVA website at www.GrowRVA
for a complete list.
Also to get you started, here are five of our favorite tips to
make the most of your shopping:
- Dress appropriately. Most markets are outdoors. Wear
comfortable shoes and light, loose fitting clothing. Wear a
brimmed hat and bring water for hydration. We found some
great bottles at Dick’s Sporting Goods that we fill with water
and a wedge of lemon to shop and sip.
- Bring sturdy canvas bags to carry your farmer market finds.
We found some bags we love at Anthropologie and Sur La Table.
- Make a list and check it twice: go shopping with a game plan
whether for dinner tonight, or canning for winter, but be flexible
because you can’t predict Mother Nature and what she will have
for you fresh this week. Papyrus has some awesome pads for
note taking.
- Ask lots of questions about how a product is grown and how
to store and prepare it. One way we keep our herbs fresh is
standing (like a bouquet) refrigerated in a tall ice tea glass
(look for them at Dillard’s) with a bit of water in it.
- Know your seasons. Not everything is available at the same
time of the year. Learn to cook fresh with classes at Sur La Table.
getting.social.
Foodies – show us what you’ve got
Maybe it’s a great piece of cookware from Dillard’s or a
tasty tea from Teavana. Perhaps it’s a luscious lunch out that
you’ve enjoyed from Brio Tuscan Grille, or a cocktail served
in adorable glasses from Anthropologie.
However you get your foodie on from one of the great stores
at Stony Point, let us know!
Share your fabulous finds at Stony Point Fashion Park by
posting your photos on social media using the hashtags
#StonyPointFoodie and #StonyPointFoodAndWine – I’ll
be checking them out from time to time. We may use one
of your photos in an upcoming issue of in.good.taste. and
reward you for your efforts.
#stonypointfoodie #stonypointdining
in.good.taste. - 6
foodies.
mark.your.calendar.
Here is a sampling of events to mark on your
calendar. For complete details, and for information
on other events at Stony Point Fashion Park, visit:
www.ShopStonyPoint.com
THROUGH MAY 21
Visit our Selfie Stop outside Aldo and Victoria’s
Secret and snap a picture with your prom party and
post on Instagram using #StonyPointFashionPark
for a chance to win a $500 mall gift card.
And remember there are plenty of great restaurants
to include in your festivities on prom night.
THROUGH MAY 31
Capture a photo of each dog sculpture located at
participating retailers for a chance to win a $250
Stony Point Fashion Park shopping spree!
Here is how it works:
Visit nine retailers that will be featured on a card;
pick yours up at Customer Service. Take a photo of
the dog in front of each participating store between
through May 31. Show each retailer your photo in
front of their store and they’ll punch your card.
Present your completed card to Customer Service
so you may be registered to win one of four $250
Stony Point Fashion Park shopping sprees.
And remember to pick up a tasty treat for your
fur baby at Fido Park Avenue Dog Boutique.
JUNE 4
Hitting Cancer Below the Belt is having a Boxer
Brief 5K on June 4 at Stony Point Fashion Park!
The Boxer Brief 5K Run raises awareness about
colorectal cancer prevention while raising funds
for community education, early detection services,
patient and survivor support. Register at
www.ShopStonyPoint.com
Each month Sur La Table hosts an assortment
of culinary events and classes that cover a wide
range of topics; here’s a sampling:
May 16
Fresh & Fabulous Spring Cooking
May 21
Deliciously Healthy Cooking
May 29
Summer Pasta Workshop
May 30
Kid’s Memorial Day Baking
June 7
Amazing summer Cakes
June 12
Summer Sweets: Ice Cream & Sorbet
June 26
Foolproof Preserving
June 29
Fourth of July Party
For more details and a complete list visit
SurLaTable.com or call 804-272-7094
And remember to grab a healthy pre- or post-run
bite at one of our outstanding eateries.
Stony Point Fashion Park
•
9200 Stony Point Parkway in Richmond
•
(804) 560-7467
•
ShopStonyPoint.com
in.good.taste. - 7