Cousins' Visit, Day 1

We just had a 2 fun filled days. My cousin, Maryann, who is married to Claude Tayag, a famous artist, culinary chef and author, came for a visit all the way from the Philippines. And to add to the excitement, our other first cousin, Bubut, also came to join us from Alexandria, VA. It was a challenge to pack everything I wanted them to see in 2 days, but I am happy to say that a lot of it was accomplished.

After the airport, we drove around St. Francisville and visited Grandmother's Buttons and some antique shops.

 It was so nice to be with my cousins, Bubut and Maryann, who I both grew up with.

 Claude was like a kid in a candy shop when he saw vintage kitchen tools spread out on a table. You should have seen his excitement! LOL! Now, this was the first time I met him personally but when I saw that look on his face, I knew I would not have a hard time pleasing him.

He must have spent at least an hour in that little room.

All these egg beaters ended up in his cart. And this was after he already put a lot of them back.

Just look at that excitement!

Even the sales clerk was amazed and wondered what Claude would do with all of them:-)

From St. Francisville, we went straight to Roux 61 to eat. All that shopping made us hungry.

Before they came, I asked Maryann what I would feed Claude. I was really nervous about feeding them because for one thing, I am not a good cook. Besides, what do you feed a culinary artist who has been featured on Anthony Bourdain's "No reservations" show and whose restaurant "Bale Dutung" back home is being flocked by politicians and famous actors?

But Maryann reassured me that he is really easy to feed, that all he wants are steak and oysters. So this is where we took them to eat both.

We could hardly fit all the food that we ordered on the table.

We had so much fun eating, talking and just bonding.

 We went night swimming to relax after we got home.

Below are 2 books written by Claude (the second with Maryann too) published.

What a fun day we had! The  next day was even more hectic which I will post on another day. For now, I will be relaxing and just recovering, lol. They all left yesterday because they had to be in Memphis for a meeting today. Claude was invited for a big event and will be cooking for around 350 people, I think.

I would like to add also that Claude is a very talented painter and his work is often displayed on exhibits.

I miss them already! Thanks for your visit, guys! Come back soon!

I would like to link with

Paula's What's It Wednesday at

http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com
Vintage Thingie Thurs. at
http://coloradolady.blogspot.com/
Kathy's Home & Garden Thursday at http://blissfulrhythm.blogspot.com/

Thanks to everyone who stops by and to the hostesses for all their hard and dedicated work.