Ethel's Chic & Quick Pantry

Hi

My name is Ethel Shihomi Lutz - a muse of accessory label “72 Smalldive”. For those who know the label, you may have known me through 72 Smalldive’s newsletter and their style column ViTRINE Style…

As a muse, an occasional art-movie-actress, and an aspiring multi-hyphenated professional in the world of fashion, film, and high-society, I have very little time to indulge in a thing which I enjoy thoroughly. No it is not shopping! It is EATING and of course entertaining friends with home cooked food.

This blog is all about living it up the simple & elegant life and of course whipping up quick and chic meals that are both comforting, aesthetically appealing and appropriate for intimate dinner parties, dining alone, and feeding the unexpected hungry guest...

Enjoy!
At Bacaro da Fiore, ordering food requires just as much skills as preparing them. Enjoy the wide array of grilles and fried seafood like a true Veneto…savouring your seafood platter (commonly known as cichetti) off the bar counter with a glass of wine.

At Bacaro da Fiore, ordering food requires just as much skills as preparing them. Enjoy the wide array of grilles and fried seafood like a true Veneto…savouring your seafood platter (commonly known as cichetti) off the bar counter with a glass of wine.

At Bacaro da Fiore, ordering food requires just as much skills as preparing them. Enjoy the wide array of grilles and fried seafood like a true Veneto…savouring your seafood platter (commonly known as cichetti) off the bar counter with a glass of wine.

At Bacaro da Fiore, ordering food requires just as much skills as preparing them. Enjoy the wide array of grilles and fried seafood like a true Veneto…savouring your seafood platter (commonly known as cichetti) off the bar counter with a glass of wine.

Creeping jasmine lovely way to perfume the courtyard and balcony

Creeping jasmine lovely way to perfume the courtyard and balcony

Guacamole fajitas…a relaxed way to have friends over for dinner and beer

Guacamole fajitas…a relaxed way to have friends over for dinner and beer

Fennel seed brioche at Caraviaggio, via Meda, Milano

Fennel seed brioche at Caraviaggio, via Meda, Milano

Boiled asparagus and eggs with wasabi vinaigrette (excuse the badly displayed dish…)

Boiled asparagus and eggs with wasabi vinaigrette (excuse the badly displayed dish…)

Steamed rice with black sesame and roasted veg drizzled with ‘chop suey’ gravy… Low in fat, full of flavour

Steamed rice with black sesame and roasted veg drizzled with ‘chop suey’ gravy… Low in fat, full of flavour

Mushroom pesto ( sauteed mushroom blended with organic eggs) fettucine served with a glass of Teroldego…a nice to Monday…

Mushroom pesto ( sauteed mushroom blended with organic eggs) fettucine served with a glass of Teroldego…a nice to Monday…

Cascina Cucugna

Cascina Cucugna

Coffee at Cascina Cucugna, which was farm cottage by the edge of Milan
City

Coffee at Cascina Cucugna, which was farm cottage by the edge of Milan
City

The trick to getting thyme blossoms - Sunshine!

The trick to getting thyme blossoms - Sunshine!

Marinated grilled aubergines and roasted peppers server with italian breadsticks. ( marinate - vinegar, extravirgin olive oil, salt & pepper to taste…and slivers of garlic for the brave at heart)

Marinated grilled aubergines and roasted peppers server with italian breadsticks. ( marinate - vinegar, extravirgin olive oil, salt & pepper to taste…and slivers of garlic for the brave at heart)

Sauteed tofu with salted black beans and chillies served on a bed of steamed spinach - my twist to a typical chinese vegeteroan dish

Sauteed tofu with salted black beans and chillies served on a bed of steamed spinach - my twist to a typical chinese vegeteroan dish

Pizza weekend…making a pizza from scratch is not a quick and easy feat…but having a friend around to help with the kneading and baking makes it all worthwhile

Pizza weekend…making a pizza from scratch is not a quick and easy feat…but having a friend around to help with the kneading and baking makes it all worthwhile

Sometimes we need to do away with the formalities and serve our pasta like it is…hot from the stove onto the table…ruffian and hearty

Sometimes we need to do away with the formalities and serve our pasta like it is…hot from the stove onto the table…ruffian and hearty