Salumi | Seattle Deliciousness with the Family

So, my brother-in-law Kenneth is somewhat of a foodie! And as such, he knows all the great places to dine all over the place (thanks in part to the very educational Food Network.)

While home in January, he told me all about this little tiny shop in Seattle owned by the family of Mario Batalli.

It's called Salumi.

Well, it's really called Armandino Batali's Salumi Artisan Cured Meats, but besides the meats, everyone goes for the sandwiches. They are only open for a few hours each day, have a very limited menu, and have virtually zero space to eat. They also have a line that wraps halfway down the block.

But, oh, is it worth it!

After sufficient enticing (which took all of 30 seconds) I begged to be shown this precious magical place he spoke of. So on my last day in Seattle, Mom, Sisters, Kiddos and I ventured there to enjoy this little piece of Heaven in the Emerald City!

Seriously, try the Mole Mozzarella Sandwich!

Along for the ride are:

My Not-Quite-Twin Sister : Erin

Darling Sister Mary and baby Jay

Mia Madre

And of course, Lady-killer Luke!

Jayson in his momma-snuggie! He's killin' me with the eye contact!

Luke and I had fun while waiting in the gigantic line!

muah!

Small spaces = shoulder rides!

Gorgeous mama and her boy. Now those are some hazel eyes!

And the special of the day: Gnocchi!

Erin demonstrates the proper way to handle a meatball sandwich!

(I know, she's gonna kill me for posting this one, but sis, you look so cute, and everyone will just assume it's me, anyway!)

Flying Pigs are Everywhere!

(It's the Salumi trademark, and a path of flying pigs point the way through the downtown area to the storefront shop!)

After our hearty meal, Momma went to work while the rest of us pressed on to Pike's Place Market, and the the infamous Gum Wall in Post Alley.

This was my idea. And I loved it!

Jay and that eye contact, again!

Pretty sister #1

Pretty Sister #2

Little old me :)

"It's a PIG!"

Luke donated some coins to the pig!

The Fish Market!

Attached to this friendly fish is a fishing line, which, when unsuspecting tourists pass, a man behind the counter tugs. . . making the monkfish jump at said tourists. So funny!

Sisters outside of Sisters, the restaurant!

Okay, kids, brace yourselves for

Post Alley!!

Yummy!

Erin contemplates why she got talked into doing this. . .

But then is the first to get into the action!

Then Mary gets a little close for comfort!

My turn to SQUISH it in there!

It. Just. Looked. So. So. Yummy!!!

Yeah, right!! Ew!! I can't believe I put my face that close to it!!

Luke wants in on the action!!

"Mommy, pleeeeeease, can I have some gum?"

See what I mean about the "Lady Killer"?

Hennessey sisters showin' you how to make an exit!

"Work that booty, work that booty, make sure you don't hurt no-boody!"

Sampling one of the candies I picked up. . . reminding me of my childhood in Santa Ana.

Tamarind with chile!

Luke had so much fun, he didn't want to leave!

He makes for his escape!

But I got him!

Buh-bye Seattle! Thanks for the fabulous day!

PS- Props go out to my sisters for snapping some of these fabulous pics (especially the ones of me! I am so rarely in the photos, cause no one knows how to work my big machine!)

Best Friend Fabulousness!

Can we just talk for a moment about how fabulous my friend is?

Besides her incredibly inspiring foundation PURE BEAUTY that teaches young women to live joyous and pure lives, and besides doing makeup for the entire cast of LOST, and besides jetsetting all over doing her incredible work, she has the audacity to look like this on her birthday!!!

If she weren't my best friend, I might have to hate her from jealousy!

Instead, I love her with all my heart!

Happy Birthday Month, Best Friend!!

My Gorgeous Nieces and Nephews

For Christmas this year, my darling Momma decided to take us all on a family getaway. We rented a gorgeous house on Lake Washington, this January, where we all cozied up for a weekend. It was the perfect timing for me to give my family Christmas gift. . . photos of all my darling nieces and nephews.

Luke finding his inner musician!

Precious Jay finding another family trait: A love of baseball!

I can not get enough of this toosh!

Playing peek-a-boo in the loft!

I used to sleep like this. . .

stunning already!

we had some observers during our shoot

how handsome is this kid?

Okay, folks. . . this is what we call "bedroom eyes!" Watch out sis. . . he's a heartbreaker!

so much work getting into this tree, but totally worth it!

cutest smile ever!!

Stunning Savanah!

Oy, with the gorgeousness!

Pretty and pensive!

Look at this preciousness~ is that a word?

He resisted me all the way, but this is one handsome boy!

As I have become quite famous for my fish lips, it is my favorite thing to find out everyone's best "looks!" Here is a montage of my crazy kids!

All the grown ones!

Wrangling these two into the shot was no small task!

Awe. . . Love you kids!

xoxo,

Auntie Kat

Extra Shots for Caitlin

Last summer I shot with the fabulous Caitlin, and recently she requested a few extra shots. I happily obliged. Here are her stunning looks. Can you believe when she came to me, she actually said that she wasn't photogenic? I beg to differ!

Open House in the Great Blizzard of 2010!

Wednesday afternoon, we were knee deep into the Great Blizzard of 2010! New York was covered in white out conditions, yet over 1,000 fabulous fans came out to spend the afternoon with us at our new home on the Upper West Side, banana's in tow! It was our Banana Shpeel big Open House at the Beacon Theatre. I got to be part of the festivities, arriving in a old fashioned checkered cab, revealing the marquee, posing for lots of photos, and doing a few interviews! I was overwhelmed at the incredible response from the enthusiastic crowd, many of whom waited for hours in the crazy weather! The first hundred who arrived with a banana got a pair of free tickets to the show! I can't wait to perform for that special "bunch!"

Even through the cold and the wind, the snow and the chill, it was such a fabulous day that I won't soon forget! Thanks again to all the devoted Cirque fans!

You can click here or watch below for the video from Broadway.com.

Happy New Year | Time for fun!

Happy 2010 everyone! I have had a great 2009, even with all of it's challenges and losses. But overall I feel so blessed!

I am looking forward to this new year, turning over a new leaf, and setting some ambitious goals.
And of course, having lots and lots of fun!
For Christmas, Mom is giving the whole family a snowy chalet vacation!
So we are hunting for vacation rentals within an hour from Seattle, close to ski lifts, but nice enough to just stay and relax. If you know of any, let me know!
So excited to get some playtime in the snow!!

And to all of you, I wish a very Happy New Year!