DEAR DRINKING DIARIES They're definitely not your typical mommy bloggers. Meet Caren Osten Gerszberg and Leah Odze Epstein, the two Larchmont moms behind the Drinking Diaries, a blog where "women spill their drinking stories." The Dish pulled up a stool at one of their favorite local bars (Espana on Larchmont Avenue) to get the lowdown on this most unique blog. It all started when Leah and her family moved to Larchmont on Halloween in 1998. The Gerszbergs were the first "trick or treaters" to arrive at the Epstein's doorstep and a friendship was born. It turns out that Caren and Leah have a lot in common. Both are writers (Caren is a journalist who writes the Mom U column for the New York Times blog, The Choice while Leah writes poetry and young adult books) and both have mothers who abused alcohol. This latter shared experience was the catalyst to launch the “Drinking Diaries” blog in June 2009. From “celebration to revelation” women are encouraged to post their drinking stories in a safe and nonjudgmental environment. Some stories are joyful and hilarious. Others are sad and sorrowful. The contributors range from the anonymous to well known authors like Joyce Maynard, Gretchen Rubin, Julie Powell, Kathryn Harrison, and Helene Stapinski. The end result is an impressive collection of stories related to the topic of women and drinking. The obvious next step is a book and those plans are underway. This being Valentine’s Day, the Dish asked Caren and Leah to share some stories related to love and alcohol. Among their favorites:
The Miracle on West 4th Street, a writer meets her future husband in a NYC bar;
Marriage, on the Rocks, a married couple debates the issue "to ice or not to ice" a drink;
I’m Not Ashamed to Say I Love Pink Wine, the case for rosé wine;
Seductive Drinks for Valentine’s Day, some sexy cocktail suggestions for V-Day.
And speaking of cocktails, Caren and Leah offer some parting advice for those planning to indulge in love-inspired libations this evening. Keep it light and sexy. A sparkling glass of Prosecco, a glass of intense red wine or a light winter rosé create the mood for romance. Whatever you do, don’t overindulge. You’ll thank them in the morning.
THE MOVING VAN
GROOVE ON THE MOVE Ready to jam? Larchmonters can still get into the groove, but now on the other side of town. Groove owner Lesley Barovick opens the doors to her new family-friendly music and arts studio today at 108 Chatsworth Avenue. More information can be found on the Groove website.
MAKIN' SZENT ONLINE Szent & Company is going virtual. The Palmer Avenue store will close on March 31 and reopen on its soon to be renovated website. Stop by Szent before it closes. Owner Barbara Truesdale is offering a special deal: buy one product and get the second one at half price.
V-DAY LUNCH Members of At Home on the Sound are enjoying a three-course Valentine's Day lunch at Encore Bistro today. The cost is $20 for members. More information available on the website.
BE MINE Join Larchmont Dish in supporting Pet Rescue’s Valentine's Day fundraiser. For $10 you can cast a vote for your favorite rescue dog or cat. We’ve pledged our heart to Cinnamon, the gorgeous strawberry blond sheltie mix with the amazing hazel eyes. Cast your vote here.
HEART-A-RONI Special heart-shaped pizzas available today at HomeMade Pizza Company. Stop in or order one online here.
BLIND DISH Which super organized, fro-yo lovin' Larchmonter appears in a reality television show next month?
HAPPY BIRTHDAY tomorrow to Pascal, the chef from Pascal's French Restaurant.
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
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