BuzzSugar

Buzz In: What's On Your Summer Reading List?

BuzzSugar — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 06:30:43 PDT

If ever there's a time to get serious about reading, Summer's it! Whether it's because of the longer hours of daylight or the relaxing vacations, lots of folks start stacking up on good reads during the Summer months.

There are some good new books out just in time for beach reading, too. For those of you looking for a little beach-themed escapism, you might check out a couple of this year's books that are set in the Hamptons: How the Other Half Hamptons and LoveHampton. I'm currently having a great time reading my June book club selection, but am definitely adding books that have been getting high praise like The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao and the brand new David Sedaris book When You Are Engulfed in Flames. I also like to add nonfiction to my lists, even if it's something a little darker, like Kathryn Harrison's While They Slept.

So, what's on your Summer reading list? Do you prefer light and fun or do you tackle something more challenging when the weather heats up? Anything you've promised yourself you'll pick up and complete before Labor Day?

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Geoffrey Zakarian on Winning The Next Iron Chef: Super Chefs

Susannah Chen — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:50:31 PST

Those of you who've tuned into the Food Network at all in recent days might have heard that the last season of The Next Iron Chef: Super Chefs has just wrapped, and a new champion has emerged victorious out of the star-studded (and highly competitive) lineup.

That would be Geoffrey Zakarian, guest judge of Food Network's Chopped and chef and owner of The National and The Lambs Club in New York City and Tudor House in Miami.

I had a chance to catch up with the chef over the phone, where he revealed his thoughts on why he won, how he hopes to set himself apart from the others on Iron Chef America, and what he always makes for the holidays.

YumSugar: You had a very serious expression on your face when the final outcome was revealed. What was your first thought when they announced you as the winner?
Geoffrey Zakarian: Well, they actually didn't call my name, which was sort of confusing, because whenever anyone got kicked off, they would actually say, "You will not be the next Iron Chef." But I was stunned, shocked, and relieved; there was a real sense of accomplishment.

Zakarian on his toughest Next Iron Chef moments, and his upcoming Kitchen Stadium challenges, after the jump.

American Quilts, "Smalls," and The Perfectly Imperfect Home: Continuing Our Chat With Deborah Needleman

Elka Karl — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 06:00:54 PDT

Yesterday, I posted the first half of my interview with Deborah Needleman. The former editor of Domino magazine and the current editor of WSJ. Magazine, Deborah's new book The Perfectly Imperfect Home explores the concept of a comfortable, stylish home that's uniquely your own. Keep reading for the second half of my interview with Deborah Needleman!
CasaSugar: I love how you include American quilts in your list of ethnic fabrics. I feel like they’re underappreciated in the world of high design. How do you suggest highlighting them to their most stylish advantage?
Deborah Needleman: American quilts can be amazing. You can use them obviously on your bed as a coverlet, or just folded at the end of the bed for some color, or draped over the back of a sofa, or covering a round table or over a console against a wall. I don’t love them hung like art on a wall, but that doesn’t mean that someone else shouldn’t hang them like that if they do.

CS: What are three lessons from your book you wish all people would try?
DN: Well, to relax, have fun, and keep in mind the point of it all - which is to create a nice setting for the life you want to lead not to impress others. But, also for people to hang pictures lower, move furniture away from the walls, and kill the overhead lights as much as possible.

Keep reading to learn more about the book, and to find out how Deborah Needleman's home is perfectly imperfect.