Little Luxuries: Crisped Breadcrumbs with a Golden Mustard Smear

Beautiful ones, Freya and I have decided to welcome you to our oasis of understated luxury with a little "excitement of the mouth," as the French are wont to say. Perhaps you're only accustomed to savoring a delicate amuse-bouche at 5-star restaurants, when they emerge--tiny miracles, labors of love--directly from the chef's hands. But what's wrong with recreating a little elegance at home? This tantalizing tidbit is perfect for those days when, weary from endless racks of vintage couture and infinite art gallery openings, you crave a certain relaxation tinged with opulence.

Ingredients:

• High-quality slice of bread
• A good exotic mustard (I adore Bulgarian, Freya prefers Azerbaijani)

Directions:

1. Toast the bread. For richer flavor, use an open fire.
2. Place toasted bread on an attractive plate. Move it around a bit. Listen to the crumbs falling off the bread like little stars.
3. Once the plate is sprinkled with breadcrumbs, remove the toast and throw it away.
4. Dab a dollop of mustard on the edge of the plate. Pay attention to the symmetry of the dish. Does the end result sing? If not, break the dish in two and start over again.

Curl up in front of a roaring fire and savor the interplay of flavor and texture. Enjoy with a glass of Chateau Margaux 1995.

Welcome...and a little backstory.

Welcome to Fake Fashun, a retreat from the banal, noisy, oft overcrowded existence of urbania. Started by two young, aesthetically-minded denizens of the windy city, we seek to provide solace for the hip. The young. The wandering. Those moved to tears by the sight of a simple plate of radishes. Those overcome with grief at the vision of an abandoned feather falling slowly to the pavement. Those who lose breath at the sound of a lone keening violin playing nearly out of tune.

We are Fuschia and Freya, your guides into the lost art of living. Sartorial advice for the fashionably inclined. Unique recipes for the discerning palate. Up to the minute commentary on the current events shaping our metropolis...and our terrene.

Born on separate ends of the globe, we first crossed paths while studying abroad at the Sorbonne in Paris. Instantly linked by our intuitive longing for artistry, together we explored the hidden corners of the City of Lights.  Back in the states, Fuschia completed a Masters in Interior Space at NYDW while Freya took an academic hiatus to find herself in the wilds of Burr Ridge, IL. Today, we inhabit a small three bedroom loft in Chicago's own Ukrainian Village. Our days are spent shopping for indigenous folk art, urban textiles, and upcycled fedoras.

Sit back. Mix yourself a Morning Glory Fizz (scotch, lemon juice, simple syrup, a dash of Peychaud's bitters, an egg white, and an absinthe rinse).

Join us.