Hello! Happy Friday. It’s a beautiful day out there with loads of sunshine. This is my kind of Friday.

For a week that began with intense back pain (it is slowly improving) and is ending with the one-year anniversary of my working from home (and the pandemic quarantine beginning), a lot has happened in just five, short days.

Thankfully, my back is slowly going back to normal and I will never take ease-of-movement for granted again. Also, I continue to be amazed that it’s been a full year since of all this began. We’ve been working from home, wearing masks when out, and avoiding everyone as much as possible for a full year. Wowza.

Now, we’re still wearing masks and working from home, but the light is at the end of the tunnel. Family and friends are finally starting to get vaccinated, the weather is improving, and I have so much hope for things to get back to normal-ish in the coming months. A major sigh of relief, if you ask me. I hope you’re feeling that way as well. It’s been a heck of a year (longer, actually).

On a lighter note, today’s Buffet includes one amazing pancake recipe, a very pretty kitchen, healthy dinner ideas, and a sweater I’d love to order to continue matching my house. ;)

Have a great weekend! Here’s to spring on the horizon and lots of joy to come.

READ

A look at how culinary school graduates are faring right now as many finished up right at the start of the pandemic.

Prince William (kind of) spoke up. Did you watch the Oprah interview last Sunday?

An excellent list of (not hideous) pet-friendly throw blankets for the couch. I may need a few of these…

Until we can all hang out in busy restaurants and bars again (soon!), I’m going to turn our kitchen into one of my most-missed set of sounds.

Making note of several skincare products in Maayan Zilberman’s must-have list.

Gaby Dalkin revealed her new kitchen this week and my goodness it’s beyond lovely.

COOK

This lemon kale pesto pasta would be perfect to serve for our first outdoor dinner on the deck (TBD on timing).

For a special occasion, or any occasion at all, this beef tenderloin with garlic and rosemary would be a splendid main course.

We made Alison Roman’s buttermilk pancake recipe last Sunday and they were the best ever. Easy to make gluten free - just swap out the flour!

Just found cool ranch chicken tostadillas with honey lime crema and I think we need to make them tonight. Yum!

Sesame-scallion chicken salad - could be great for lunch, a light dinner, or an al fresco meal this summer.

One more (healthy) dinner option: roast fish with curry butter. Sounds good to me!

DINE

With the feel of spring in the air, there’s nothing I’m craving more than eating lunch/dinner outside. Yes, we have a deck so we’ll be able to do that at home, but there’s something about eating al fresco at a restaurant that’s even more appealing right now. Here’s where you’ll (eventually) find us dining outside…

Twist Bakery Cafe - I love having lunch outside at one of their tables.

The Stones - I’m so glad they’ve decided to have outdoor seating. Fries are even better eaten in the sun.

Lone Star Taco Bar - I will go back to Allston to have a margarita (or two) and plenty of carnitas tacos on their awesome back deck.

Tempo Kitchen - I can’t wait to go back and eat all of the things, outside, from this great restaurant.

Do you know of a sweet spot that has plentiful outdoor seating? Let me know in the comments!

SHOP

The Everlane Drape Trench was delivered and it’s perfect for spring.

I’ve begun looking at lighting for our front hall and this pendant from Rejuvenation may be a strong contender.

There are countless designs in the world, but I do think this Cedar and Moss flush mount light would be nice for upstairs, too.

Speaking of design, I was considering these olive nightstands, but they’re backordered for far too long. I will keep looking!

Did you see The Home Shop? It arrived this week and has the sources for many of the main pieces throughout our house.

As I continue to unintentionally dress like the house, I may need to order this striped Tory Sport sweater. It would look great in the kitchen.

Enjoy!

Mollie

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