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When J. Jill sent me an email asking me if I’d like to sample one of their new chino pant styles, I checked out their website and thought, “Huh. Not exactly ‘me’.” And they’re totally not - they’re way more conservative than the stuff I usually wear - but, you know, I’m open-minded about clothing, so I requested their “boyfriend” style (available on their website starting Feb 1). Surprising me completely, I love them and have barely taken them off since they arrived. They’re more lightweight than you expect, and just baggy enough to be kinda cool while still making me feel a smidgen like Carolyn Bessette.

Above they’re worn with a Theory button-down, but to de-prep the look a bit I’d do a white ribbed tank, heels, and big gold jewelry.

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GRANDMA’S PEARS at Trattoria Casa di Isacco

Boil pears in a mixture of champagne, honey, fresh lemon juice, lemon peel, and a cinnamon stick for about an hour, or until tender. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a cinnamon-mint “tree.”

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Isacco serving up the Jamon Iberico de Bellota (the Sobrasada is on the left). This stuff is expensive, but must be tasted to be believed.

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On Tuesday, Megan, Eric and I were treated to what was seriously one of the best meals of our lives at one of my favorite restaurantsTrattoria Casa di Isacco, while doing a little filming for an upcoming DB episode. Isacco started us off with plates of Sobrasada Iberico (sort of like a pork pate, served on crusty bread) and Jamon Iberico de Bellota (absolute top-quality cured ham from acorn-eating, free-roaming pigs in Spain), and then inhaled sizzling platters of garlicky shrimp and rosemary-crusted squid. We sampled some of their house-made raviolis (oh my goodness, is the lobster ravioli ever delicious) drenched in creamy sauce, and then moved onto a parade of desserts, including champagne and honey-soaked pears and a platter of perfect manchego cheese. All of this was served alongside some of the best wines I have ever tasted in my life. The final touch: a tasting of Isacco’s homemade grappas (hence my ruddy cheeks in the above photo).

My favorite thing about this restaurant is that it’s on 9th Avenue, directly south of the Port Authority, and is a total hidden gem. There are only about ten tables, so call ahead for a reservation…and give Isacco a big hug for me when you see him (which you most certainly will; he’s there seven days a week).

Sir Alistair Rai one-shoulder blouse.


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