A New Direction...or should I say “Obsession”?

Next week I start a focus on a career combining my love of art and my passion for cooking by embarking on the Culinary Arts Program at The French Culinary Institute in New York City. The professional training and education that will build me up for a jump start to food styling couldn’t begin in a more inspirational and exciting school and city.

Along with this new direction comes a fresh blog featuring my fine art photography who’s models are of the delectable variety, so come follow me as I explore and absorb all that the new city and kitchen bring on at TooManyIngredients.com.

Cocktails at L'Ecole

Cheers!

Springtime in the City

I spent a fantastical week in New York City recently and one of most stunning of spots can be seen while strolling The High Line. Spring has just started to peek out from under the wintery foliage and the walk along the line is a welcome introduction to fresh new buds among the cityscapes.

...and what’s a trip to the city without some gourmet exploration? Just before my leisurely walk I made an event of lunching at Colicchio & Sons in the Tap Room.

With a menu to drool over my foodie friend and I sampled the crisp and tasty Frisée and Apple Salad, ventured forth with the Roasted Bone Marrow (a must try), couldn’t pass up on a truly wood fired pizza and indulged on the scrumptious Hanger Steak. All paired with what else? wonderfully flavorful flights from the tap.

Cozy Comforts

I have been craving a rich, tasty, gooey, yummy mac & cheese...but not the simple, beloved by kids all over, kind from a box. A true, baked with crumbs on top decadent macaroni and cheese casserole. I partially blame the March issue of Bon Appétit magazine that has the most tantilizing dish on the cover...it's been taunting me from my coffee table for weeks.
So I finally gave in and created a scrumptious recipe I found while browsing Epicurious...


...other cozy comforts come in the form of handmade, keep you warm and toasty knitted scarves from schemata. All inspired by tasty treats and handmade by me for a unique addition to your already stylish wardrobe. If you are in the area, stop by The Art Works in Paso Robles to try on any of the scarves from the collection and feel for yourself their soft coziness.

It Can't Rain All the Time...

My current corner of California has been relentlessly washed with rain over the last week, with little end in sight...actually I've read there will be an even more soggy storm a' coming.


While I watch the drops fall and my muddy, country driveway become less, and less passable I searched out some rain inspired creations on Etsy...take a look at this gallery that celebrates the drama and beauty of the Spring Shower...It Can't Rain All The Time.

Waiting in the Rain-Original Acrylic and Metallic ink on stretched canvas

18 x 18 inches (45.72 x 45.72 cm)

Where I've Been...

Please excuse my absence since the new year...I've done some traveling, spent some time in New York City and now have grand plans developing to move from the sunny Central Coast of California a little north to San Francisco.


In the mean time I've been packing in obsessive fashion to store my studio and finished artwork until I'm more settled and can continue to create.

I have started adding my original images to a store on zazzle to offer some products featuring my artwork allowing you to keep my paintings with you everywhere you go. Check out the fun iPhone & iPad cases, mouse pads and other adornments. I'll be adding more images regularly but if you have a favorite painting of mine you would like to see on an iPhone case or any other product offered please let me know.

In addition, look forward to the re-opening of both my Etsy shops, SarahJohnAfana and schemata with limited inventory in the interim.