VANITY FAIR: The Portraits.  A Century of Iconic Images.  Graydon Carter.

Vanity Fair has been a rather artsy magazine since it began publication well over 100 years ago.  But credit has to quickly be given to the various publishers who have been at the helm:  They have always made sure the pieces they included in each issue were on the cutting edge.

This coffee table-size book, Vanity Fair:  The Portraits features a couple of hundred of the photographic portraits that were posed by and for some of the most famous photographers.  Many of the historic figures you've heard about all of your life, but have no clue what they looked like are here to see.  Here's your chance to enhance your lifelong opinions of each of them.

The book's published price is $65, but I note it is on sale at amazon.com for $39.00.

THE REAGAN I KNEW.  William F. Buckley, Jr.

Bill Buckley and President Reagan were friends for decades.  They saw and spoke with each other often, and the two families vacationed together from time to time.  Interestingly, political conservatism apparently involved the input of both of these men, who formulated it together as they argued and debated the issues themselves.

If not the last book, most certainly the next to last book written and published by Mr. Buckley before he passed away.  For those interested in President Reagan and Mr. Buckley, this is a great insight.  Currently available at amazon.com on sale for $16.50

DON'T MIND IF I DO.  George Hamilton

I'll admit that there isn't much substance here, but it is a fun read about the man who dated Linda Bird while her dad was president, and who seems to have squired almost every good looking movie star at one time or another.  The best looking one of all was the one he married and divorced, Alana Stewart.

Currently available on sale at amazon.com for $17.16.

TWO GREAT COOKBOOKS FROM FAMOUS RESTAURANTS NO LONGER WITH US

IN THE PINK.  Rosalea Murphy.

Honest to goodness, and not just hyperbole, Santa Fe, New Mexico's Pink Adobe Restaurant operated under the watchful eye and with the smashingly good recipes of Rosalea Murphy for over fifty years.  Like many businesses, when the proprietor passed away, the restaurant faded into the past.

We spent many nights warming ourselves by the big kiva in the Pink's bar, surrounded by fragrant pinion wood smoke, waiting for our table to become available in the restaurant.  Great memories.

Copies of In the Pink remain available, although primarily used rather than new.  You'll learn, for an example, how she made baby back ribs with her grill, some tequila and green chili salsa.

BRENNAN'S OF HOUSTON IN YOUR KITCHEN. Chef Carl Walker.

Brennan's of Houston was overseen by Ella Brennan's grandson, Alex Brennan-Martin, and it was for at least the past thirty years.  It was located in a building that was originally built for the Junior League.  There on Smith Street downtown, it had 100% of the charm of the family's famous New Orleans' restaurants.

When Hurricane Ike rolled in in September 2008, Brennan's caught fire and was totally destroyed.  While it will most assuredly be rebuilt, here's your chance to cook some of Alex's restaurant's most famous recipes.

BILL CHERRY, REALTORS

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