Weekly Inspiration

We like to provide a dash of motivation on Sunday's, to allow our followers to take a few minutes and prepare for the week ahead.

"My idea of a group decision is to look in the mirror."
- Warren Buffet

This Warren Buffet quote is often misconstrued as encouraging greed and promoting selfish behavior, but in context this is nothing like what Mr. Buffet meant.

Warren Buffet has long been a proponent of understanding the power of self-esteem and confidence. When he says the only two people he listens to are himself and the mirror he doesn't mean he is narrow-minded - he means that you are the most important in your life.

Too often are people more concerned with what their peers think, rather than what they think. No one understand you like you do, and you need to remember to stay in-tune with your conscious. When Warren Buffet makes an investment he will listen to others and their input, but ultimately he only acts in ways that he himself knows to be right.

The Gentleman's Group has long believed in this philosphy, as you will see in our blog posts and twitter updates. You'll notice we don't talk about prices or brands, we merely provide creative solutions and insight. We don't tell you what to wear, or what brand to buy like many other publications may do. We believe in letting our followers find their own inner-style, tapping into their own creativity, and making decisions based on what they believe.

Gents, as the week approaches remember to listen to others, and value thier input - but never forget that you are the most important person in your life,

The Gentleman's Group
Creative Life Recipes for Men.

The Refined and Classic Power of a Skinny Tie

What do black slacks, blue jeans, power suits, and velvet blazers all have in common?
A: Each is a timeless piece in every closet, and although they serve a specific purpose a skinny tie will add an organic touch of style to all of the above.

A skinny tie will polish and lengthen your physique, add a dash of energy, yet still hold on to that reputation of prestige and chivalry. Skinny tie's are sharp, modern, and subtle.

The Gentleman's Group Tip: They make skinny tie's in every imaginable fabric, try on a cotton or wool one.


Finding modern solutions for everyday life,
The Gentleman's Group

James Morrison

'Songs for You, Truths for Me'

Songs for You, Truths For Me is a classic James Morrison record that once again showcases his distinctive, raw, soulful style - but takes it to the next level. "It's less playful, more to the point," he says. "But I haven't consciously gone for a different sound. With me, it always comes down to the lyric, the melody, and the rest flows from that."

Gentleman's Tip: Enjoy his single from the album 'You make it real' with your favorite glass of Merlot, your favorite take-out, and your favorite person.

Enjoy,

A Billion for a Billion

We don't have a charity foundation, yet.

But we can still spread a good cause.

Chili-Rubbed Steak Tacos with Avocado Lime Salsa

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• A pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 1/4 pound top sirloin steaks cut 1-inch thick
• 12 small corn tortillas (5 to 6 inches in diameter)
• 3 cups shredded red cabbage
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro leaves
• 1 lime cut into wedges
• 2 cups Avocado Lime Salsa, recipe follows

Directions

In a small bowl stir together chili powder, garlic, cinnamon, salt and cayenne pepper. Rub spice mixture on both sides of steaks.

Grill or broil steaks for 5 to 6 minutes on each side for medium rare, turning once. Remove from grill and let meat sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Carve into thin slices.

Warm tortillas by placing them on the grill, for about 30 seconds, turning once. Or place 6 tortillas at a time between 2 moist paper towels and microwave for 45 seconds. Wrap in cloth napkin or place in a tortilla warmer to keep warm. Place the carved steak, warm tortillas, cabbage, cilantro, lime and Avocado Lime Salsa in serving dishes and let diners make their own tacos at the table.

Avocado Lime Salsa:

1 large cucumber peeled, seeded and cut into chunks (about 2 cups)

2 avocados, cut into chunks

1/2 red onion, diced

2 limes, juiced (about 1/4 cup)

Salt

1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves

2 jalapeno chiles, chopped, plus more to taste

Place cucumber, avocado and onion in a large bowl and add lime juice and salt. Add cilantro and chiles and toss gently.

Yield: 2 cups (1 serving is 1/3 cup)

Ellen Page

Ellen Page, Thank you.

Thank you for providing a refreshing outlook on beauty, and talent. You have not fallen into the artificially tanned, make-up blurred, photoshoped image that we see so much today.

Thank you for showing people everywhere that you should be proud of who you are, and cherish your individuality. You are an incredibly talented and beautiful woman - and a perfect role model for young people in the world today.

We applaud you for showing everyone that you don't need surgery, and airbrushes to be beautiful.

To organic beauty,

The Gentleman's Blog.

Martini Dictionary

Arguably the most elegant, and classic drink made, the martini has been enjoyed for hundreds of years by people all around the world. Throughout time people have experimented, enjoyed, and shared different variations of the martini.

Here are the most common variations to the classic martini.

Enjoy,

Dirty Martini: Splash of olive juice.

Dry: Made with gin, and adds vermouth.

On the rocks: served over ice.

Up: No ice.

Twist (Lemon, Lime, or Orange): adds a garnish of the fruit peel.

Example: “Dry martini, up, lemon twist” will give you a gin martini with vermouth, no ice, and a lemon peel garnish.

How to walk with a woman

Gents,

It's a simple thing really. In today's world the chivalrous man probably won't be strolling down the street laying down his coat for every woman walking over a puddle of water. However, a nice gesture for the ladies you're with in any streetside situation is something that my mother taught me when I was sixteen walking with her down a busy avenue in Portland, Oregon.

It is customary in many places that the man walking with a woman should always walk on the side of the street with the most traffic so that in the case of a splash of water or an unruly driver the lady will be dry and safe from almost anything that could come from the unpredictable side of the walkway.

Do this with your lady, girlfriend, wife, or mother. If you like to hold hands everywhere you go, then whenever you two cross the street and the cars are on a different side just dance your arm over her head like you're doing a waltz and she's again on the safe side.

This way of walking with a woman will make her feel safe and you don't even have to tell her. One day you'll be on a sidewalk, she'll figure it out and ask why you always insist on being on the side with the traffic. You can tell her that you're mother taught you how to walk with a woman, and that you want to keep her safe even in the smallest - most unnoticeable of ways.

Cheers to modern day chivalry,

TGB

The Gentleman's Blog

Good Morning Gentlemen,

Over the past few months we've given a lot of thought to what we want to accomplish with The Gentleman's Blog and what the entire idea really comes down to is that that we want to help our readers to be as confident, knowledgeable, and happy in life as possible.

We don't want this blog to proclaim that you have to wear a certain style of clothing, drink a certain type of scotch, or smoke a certain ring sized cigar to be gentlemen - on the contrary what we do want is to provide unique insights and critical opinions on the facets of the world that we believe will give everyone who reads our blog something of value to take away and use as creative outlooks on life.

The Gentleman's Blog is about living as a creative outlet. Every person on this planet has creativity in them and we promote the positive use of that creativity for the betterment of your lives and the lives of those around you.

Thanks for stopping by our blog. We hope to see you on the next post.

"All men dream but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity; but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dream with open eyes to make it possible."

-T.E. Lawrence

The Leaves Are Changing Color

It's time for fall, and as the temperature drops its time to store the sandals and shorts and bring out the fall wardrobe. Here are a couple of suggestions for fall.

You'll notice we don't publish brands or price, we do this because we don't want to tell you how to dress. There are a lot of magazines, blogs, and websites out today that demand you dress a certain way, walk in a straight line, and talk with a certain accent in order to be a gentleman.

Well, The Gentleman's Blog knows that a gentleman is not defined by the label on his shirt, but by having confidence in his own individual stlye. If you run into another publication that assures you that a certain brand will make you more of a gentleman, have them email us: thegentlemansblog@yahoo.com

Fall wardrobe suggestions:

A dark brown, or heather grey quarter zip sweater.
A pair of dark-wash jeans.
And a pair of casual shoes

An Umbrella

Gents,

Yesterday Boston was: a crisp 58 degrees with gray skies . We decided we would explore the sidewalks and enjoy the company of passerby's. The gray skies were an indication of coming rain, so I brought my umbrella.

An hour later, rain. My walking partner was female so I instinctively handed off my umbrella; I ended my day with a water-logged jacket, but when I heard "Thank you" escape that smile, it was worth it.

Bring an umbrella with you today gentlemen.

White Chocolate Coffee

It seems like a cup of Pike Place Special Reserve is just as important to a successful morning routine as eating breakfast, or brushing my teeth. A nice cup of coffee starts to tell your body that its time to be alert and take advantage of the day, but does so subtly as you watch the sunrise from your kitchen table with the quiet buzz of the news in the background.

But coffee also has its place in your post-noon routine too. Here is a recipe for delicious white chocolate coffee. This drink is too sweet for many in the morning, but try it as an after dinner drink.

Enjoy,

Ingredients:

• 3 oz white chocolate, chopped
• 2 cups half n half
• 2 cups hot coffee
• Whipped cream

Preparation:

Heat the milk and chocolate together in a saucepan until melted and smooth. Stir in coffee and serve with whipped cream on top.
Serves 6

Why Jeans Never Go Out of Style

Blink

Blink is all about the power of the subconscious, the ability to think without thinking and how we react to split second decisions. The book demonstrates how our subconscious makes some pretty important decisions without us even knowing that it’s happening. The author explains complicated scientific experiments proving the power of the subconscious in a way that makes sense for the readers.

Although exploiting this power of the subconscious may be a complicated concept to grasp, the book isn’t written as a scientific journal, the author guides the readers through stories and experiments that prove his theories in an intelligent and entertaining way.

Blink doesn’t provide a secret formula for controlling the uncontrollable, but it does offer an explanation to what is going on when people make decisions in the blink of an eye.

If you're looking for a great read that will help you understand the utilization of the mind, check this out.

Knowledge is Power.

-TGA

Macadamia Mahi Mahi, with pineapple and peppercorn chutney

5 (6-9 oz.) MAHI MAHI fillets
8 oz. macadamia nuts
2 tsp. olive oil
Cornstarch Mix (50% cornstarch 50% water mix until smooth)
1 fresh pineapple
1 c. pineapple juice
3 tbsp. pink peppercorns (whole)

Chop nuts in food processor or blender.

Lightly salt each side of fillets and coat both sides with nuts. Place olive oil in cold saute pan, add fillets. Turn flame on medium and cook fillets until nuts are lightly brown. Turn fillets over and cook until lightly brown. Remove from pan and place in 375 degree oven. Remove when fish is firm to touch.

Chutney: Clean and finely dice 1/2 of the pineapple. Crush the peppercorns. Add the pineapple juice and pineapple to a sauce pot and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, add the peppercorns and whisk in the cornstarch mix to thicken. Pour over fillets and serve.

Rocky Patel Vintage 1992

The Rocky Patel Vintage 1992 is often regarded as the "Filet Mignon of Cigars" because of its medium-full body. It is rich in flavor, and lacks the delicate and fruity notes that are becoming more and more popular.

Fortunately, the absence of light and fruit flavors doesn't make it an overpowering smoke. If your looking for a classic cigar that isn't too harsh, one that a gentleman might enjoy, we recommend the Rocky Patel Vintage 1992.

Hey Ocean

I guess you know a band is unique when even our musical staff writer is at a lost for words when trying to describe the sound of Hey Ocean.

So, instead of trying to lure you into to listening to them by a eloquently worded definition of their style, we have a music video for your listen to.

You'll know within the first 20 seconds if Hey Ocean is one of your new favorite bands or not.

Enjoy,

Cigars 101

Being a cigar aficionado isn't necessary in becoming a gentleman, in fact, nothing is "required" to be a gentleman. The only thing that truly defines a gentleman is his outlook on life, and how he carries himself everyday.

However, chances are you'll smoke a cigar once in your life. I personally enjoy a cigar once in a while, but its not for everyone; and by no means are we saying you have to take up cigars if you want to be a gentleman. If enjoying a cigar is something you want to try, we want to make sure you have the knowledge to confidently interact with others in the cigar-smoking world.

And if you are currently an avid cigar smoker, skip our Cigar 101 posts, and look for our reviews about various cigars.

To be honest, I was intimidated before I had my first cigar, and I even asked the gentleman working at the cigar room what I needed to know before I took that first puff.

So, here is our first addition to Cigars 101:

Basic definitions:

Ring Gauge: A measurement for the diameter of a cigar divided into 64ths. Thus a 64 ring gauge would mean that a cigar had a one inch diameter. A 32 ring gauge indicates a half inch diameter; a 48, a three quarter inch diameter.

As in: "Whats the ring gauge on this cigar?"

Draw: The act of drawing smoking from the cigar.

As in: "This cigar has a nice draw, its a very smooth and easy smoke."

Plug: Caused by an obstruction in the cigar, causing a very difficult draw

As in: "This is cigar is definitely plugged."

Body: The strength of a cigar, which usually comes in three variations: mild, medium, or full bodied.

As in: "Is the body on this cigar fairly mild?"

The Gentleman's Blog Tip: Always light your cigar with a match, the butane in a standard lighter will taint the flavor of your cigar.

Ginger Rogers

2 oz tequila

1/2 oz. stem ginger

1/2 oz. sugar syrup

Fresh squeezed lemon juice

3/4 oz. pineapple juice

Dash of ginger beer

Combine the ginger and sugar syrup in a mixing glass and muddle lightly; add the lemon juice, pineapple juice and tequila before mixing and double straining into a cocktail glass. Top with a dash of ginger beer, and garnish with a lime.

Crab and Shiitake-Stuffed Filet Mignon with Diver Scallops Wrapped in Peruvian Purple Potato Nets and Bearnaise Sauce

We believe that sometimes the secret ingredient that makes things better is just some extra quality time and energy. This recipe may be intimidating at first but the end result won't leave you with anything less than a great feeling of accomplishment that you can revisit anytime you please.

Plan to devote 30 minutes of time, and yield 4 servings.

ngredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups cleaned and sliced shiitake mushrooms
• 1/2 cup diced shallot
• 2 tablespoons diced celery
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons freshly chopped marjoram leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly chopped oregano leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 1/4 pound crabmeat
• 2 tablespoons unseasoned bread crumbs
• 4 (6-ounce) 2-inch thick filet mignon steaks
• 1 cup coarse ground black pepper
• 8 strips hickory smoked bacon
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 4 diver scallops
• 1 cup Bearnaise Sauce, recipe follows
• 4 Peruvian Purple Potato Nets, recipe follows
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped chives

Directions

Heat the oil in a saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms, shallot and celery, season with salt and pepper and saute until soft and tender, about 8 minutes.

Add the garlic, marjoram, oregano and parsley and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Remove from heat and let cool. Fold the crabmeat and bread crumbs into the cooled mushroom mixture and transfer to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped and fully incorporated, about 30 seconds. Set aside.

Heat broiler.

Cut a 2-inch horizontal incision in the center of each filet, being careful not to slice the steaks in half, to form a pocket for stuffing. Stuff equal parts of the mushroom dressing into each steak. Pour the coarse pepper onto a flat surface and roll the edges of the steaks on them to coat. Wrap 2 slices of bacon around each steak and fasten them with a toothpick to prevent them from slipping during cooking.

Melt the butter in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.

Place the steaks in the skillet and sear until browned, about 1 minute on each side. Transfer the skillet to the broiler and cook until medium-well, 2 to 4 minutes. Remove steaks from skillet and let stand for 5 minutes. Return the skillet to a stovetop burner over medium heat. Place the scallops in the skillet and sear until cooked through, about 2 minutes on each side. Remove from heat and set aside.

To serve, place 2 tablespoons of the Bearnaise Sauce in the center of a round plate.

Place a steak in the center of the plate and place 2 more tablespoons of Bearnaise Sauce on top. Place a scallop atop the steak and cover with a Purple Potato Nest. Sprinkle with chives and serve.

Bearnaise Sauce:

• 1/4 cup freshly chopped tarragon leaves
• 1/4 cup chopped shallot
• 1/2 cup champagne vinegar
• 3 egg yolks
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• Salt
• Freshly ground white pepper

Combine the tarragon, shallot and vinegar together in a small saucepan over high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until liquid reduces by 50 percent. Remove from heat and set aside. Whisk the egg yolks together in a double boiler over medium heat until they become pale and double in volume, 3 to 4 minutes. Whisk in the butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, until all of the butter is incorporated. Strain the liquid from the shallot mixture into the sauce and whisk until all of the ingredients are fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

Purple Potato Nest:

• Canola oil, for frying
• 4 Peruvian purple potatoes, peeled
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Purple Potato Nest:

Heat the oil at 350 degrees F in a fryer or large pot.

Use a roto-slicer to cut the potatoes into 4 continuous noodle-like strands. Place the potato strands in the oil, 1 strand at a time and fry until crispy, using a spider to keep the potatoes in a bunch, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Season with salt and serve.

Yield: 4 purple potato nests

The Return of The Cardigan

A necessity in any male wardrobe through the 1950's once disappeared, and has made its way back to mainstream fashion.

The cardigan sweater is no longer strictly for country clubs, nor are you required to be drinking a glass of 1800's scotch to wear one.

The new cardigans have a modern cut, and are made in a variety of subtle colors. As fall approaches we recommend the cardigan to make its way into your closet.

Where to buy a cardigan: Nordstrom has a range of cardigans from Public Opinion ($60) to Vince, or Marc by Marc Jacobs ($200). Also, Saks Fifth Avenue carries cardigans in the $200+ range.

Affogato

I stopped at The Simply Seattle Chocolate Box today for a traditional order of coconut gelato and was turned on to a new Italian dessert, affogato.

Affogato in Italian means to drown, and it is prepared by selecting a scoop of your favorite gelato, then drowning it with a shot of espresso. The rich flavor of the gelato balances the bitter taste of espresso, while still reaping the benefits of java.

I had a coconut affogato, and would recommend it if your a fan of coconut. Other variations to try: cinnamon, vanilla, or chocolate.

The $250 Suit

The right suit is the most important thing any man can have hanging subtly in their closet. A well-made suit will enhance a man’s confidence, and give him that drive to accomplish even the most seemingly impossible endeavors.

It is something about the luxury and class a suit projects that commands respect in any situation, and a man who commands respect can achieve anything.

And now, thanks to H&M a man doesn't have to spend $1,000 for that confidence and respect. The suit pictured here is the actual $250 suit you can find at H&M, along with an array of other suits within the same price range.

visit: http://www.hm.com/gb/storelocator__storelocatorhtml.nhtml

to find an H&M near you.

Photo courtesy of men.style.com

Lamb + Blackberry Sauce Recipe

Try it before you think blackberry and lamb don't go together.

Ingredients:

1 ½ teaspoon of chopped shallots.
1 clove garlic.
1 teaspoon of olive oil.
2 cups of blackberry pulp.
2 teaspoons of honey.
1 whole clove.
1 teaspoon of cardamom.
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced.
1 ½ cups of Port wine.
4 lamb chops.

Directions:

Sauté the chopped shallots and garlic in hot olive oil until translucent.

Mix the blackberry pulp, honey, clove, cardamom, and jalapeño; then add the port.

Reduce to half, then add the add remaining ingredients.

Grill the lamb chops for about 4 minutes each side for medium.

Serve with sauce.

www.lambrecipes.org

Vodka Mojito

The Mojito is a perfect blend of citrus, mint, and alcohol - the more traditional recipe calls for rum, but if The Gentleman's Blog were traditional it would be as boring as everyone else.

So here is what we call The Gentleman's Mojito:

Start by crushing mint leaves at the bottom of the glass.

Add ice, 3 oz. of vodka (We recommend Ketel One), a spoon full of sugar, fresh squeezed lime and lemon juice, and a desired amount of lemon-lime soda.

Stir, garnish with a lime, and enjoy.