Greek Watermelon Salad

During these dogs days of summer one of the most refreshing foods is a really sweet, ripe watermelon. What's even better is making that watermelon into practically a meal.

I like to cube my watermelon, add some crumbled feta cheese and a fresh mint chiffonade(fancy word for chopped). I finish it off with my delicious  dressing and I have to say that there's never any left in the bowl.

I know that you might be a little reluctant to pair sweet watermelon with a savory dressing. But trust me, it makes a beautiful, tasty addition to the summer table.

Oh, yeah, this is my sourdough bread for the day. It really pairs well with the watermelon salad.

Greek Watermelon Salad
Cut up half a watermelon into 1 to 2 inch cubes.
3 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves
3/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese

Dressing
3/4 cup of extra virgin Greek olive oil
1/4 cup  white balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard

salt and pepper to taste

Mix watermelon, feta and mint in a large bowl.
Mix all dressing ingredients in a jar with a lid. Shake vigorously(make sure the jar is on tight.)
Once the dressing is mixed well and the ingredients have emulsified pour it over the watermelon mixture.
Mix the salad gently and serve with that good crusty bread.

Enjoy!

Maria

Cindy Sherman's latest New York City show

When I read about the new Cindy Sherman art show at Metro Pictures gallery in New York City I knew I had to see it. I have been following Cindy Sherman's work for decades and wanted to experience her new work. Cindy Sherman is an American photographer best known for her conceptual art self portraits.

Since the venue, Metro Pictures gallery, was close to the High Line, an old elevated train track re purposed into a public space/garden, I thought it would be great to combine a visit to the two.

It was a beautiful spring day in New York City and the gardens were lush and full of blooms. The High Line weaves through the city amidst towering buildings and terraces where you feel you could reach out and shake hands with the inhabitants.

Lots of people were enjoying the High Line experience.

Down a flight of stairs from the elevated walkway was the gallery. Once inside the gallery, I was struck by the new show's photographs.

Cindy Sherman, no longer the young woman who shot to fame with her shocking self portraits, had put together a show exploring age. 

 Can you believe that these are all photos of the same woman?

And here, see if you can tell if this is Cindy in all four, or if she has some guests in her photo?

The famous photographer does all her own makeup, dressing and photography. She is at once at both sides of the lens.

I have to admit that I found this show to be one of her tamest. As interesting as the portraits are in exploring ageing womanhood, I expected a bit more risk taking and some of that shock factor that characterized her early work.

Next time Cindy Sherman has a show, I recommend you check it out. Especially if it is at Metro Pictures gallery, a few steps from the celebrated High Line!

Enjoy!

Maria