as interviewed by Angie Nevarez, co-author of THE BATON:
YOU ARE AN AUTHOR, WRITER, RESEARCHER, MOTHER, SISTER, DAUGHTER, ALUMNA, DEDICATED COMMUNITY MEMBER AND SEEKER OF THINGS THAT DELIGHT — HOW DO YOU INTRODUCE YOURSELF?
I love to introduce myself as Ella and Grace’s mother — it’s my favorite position in life and the one I find most inspiring.
HOW HAS YOUR FIRST MAJOR PUBLICATION, THE INVENTION OF CHIC: THÉRÈSE BONNEY AND PARIS MODERNE, INFLUENCED YOUR LIFE AND WORK?
In the most tangible sense, I discovered new subject matter while I was researching and writing this book. It pretty much set my course for the next several years and very much continues to do so. In a less tangible but certainly more profound sense, I met a lot of fascinating and generous people here and in Europe during the preparation of The Invention of Chic — many of whom I remain close friends with. I am still in awe of all of the doors that were opened to me during that process and all of the information very willingly exchanged. This generous and open spirit has definitely influenced my professional life resulting in a number of great collaborations and connections with other scholars and writers.
WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU WORKING ON NOW?
Two books, two articles and this blog!
WHAT BRINGS YOU JOY?
My family first and foremost. And second, travel — with my family, of course.
COMB OR BRUSH?
A large wooden paddle brush — it’s the only thing that can get through this head of hair.
DO YOU LIKE YOUR NAME?
I do, although its a bit of a mouthful — Lisa Pilar Schlansker Kolosek. I especially enjoyed growing up with the middle name Pilar — its so beautiful and strong and I was named after a family friend in Spain which I find quite endearing. In fact, I think it’s such a good name that I passed it on to my daughter Grace as her middle name. She really likes it too.
FINISH THIS SENTENCE: MY AGE IS…………….
something I hope makes me more interesting and something I know makes me more confident. I don’t worry about the small things like I used to and I know myself so much better now which is really quite liberating.
WHAT’S FOR DINNER TONIGHT?
Lovely organic blueberry pancakes. Its been a crazy day……….
Originally published on December 22, 1923 in The Toronto Star Weekly, Christmas on the Roof of the World is one of Ernest Hemingway’s most perfectly written short stories and my absolute favorite. As we read it aloud each year on this night I am completely transported to the Swiss Alps — breathing the cold mountain air, skiing all day long, and feasting on beautiful, simple food. After waiting all year long, I can’t wait to go back there again tonight.

Masala Farm by Suvir Saran — think Dévi in Manhattan — is one of the best cookbook reads we have had this year. And we really mean READ. Full of wonderful, seasonally and locally inspired recipes, Masala Farm is also a chronicle of Saran’s life on the upstate New York organic and sustainable farm he shares with his partner Charlie Burd — American Masala Farm. Rightly presented within the context of the four seasons, it is peppered with stories about the farm and its inhabitants (both two and four-legged), Saran and Burd’s upstate community rich in fellow farmers and makers of some of the best food in the state if not the United States, and the joys of country life for these long-time city dwellers. Ben Fink’s photographs are gorgeous, Saran’s words are captivating and personal and remind us that food is about so much more than just sustenance. Masala Farm is a feast for the eyes, the stomach and the soul — its such a pleasure to have this peek into their world.
Masala Farm (Chronicle Books, 2011) www.masalafarm.com