Make your own free website on Tripod.com

The World of the Elegant Giraffe

Home
Contact Giraffe
About Us
Services
Resumes
Future Information

All day, every day, make it excellent!
Sundial Rotating
Always available to bring your vision to life.

Welcome to the world of the Elegant Giraffe. Interior design, fine dining, creative costumes, vintage collectibles, arts and crafts; our renaissance talents cover all these areas and more. Every day is another opportunity to be creative, inventive and unique. Nothing is more satisfying than ending the day admiring something that did not exist at its start. We are here to give you tips, clues, information and guidance on a variety of topics that will bring forth your talents and enhance your quality of life. Whether the budget is champagne or beer, start having some fun with artists of the Elegant Giraffe.
 
Rik Burkard is the resident artist at the Elegant Giraffe. He holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in sculpture. He is also a capable weaver, woodworker, tile artist, costume maker and carpenter. His favorite expression: "Parts is parts!" Leave it to Rik to adapt any item to another purpose and to find the creative solution to any design problem.
 
G. Ian Gioseffi is the resident interior designer and culinary artist at the Elegant Giraffe. Event planning is his specialty, with contingent capabilities as a print artist and photographer. Can't think of the right gift for that special someone? Ian will create it to your most detailed specifications or find it for you somewhere around the globe and deliver it on time.
 
Both Rik and Ian are also expert gardeners, floral designers and creative writers. For every creative need surrounding the interior, exterior and "heart" of your home, they are available to make your dreams come true.

The Latest at the Elegant Giraffe!

Beef Braciole - A Beautiful Italian Entree - Easy to Prepare
1 pkg. white button mushrooms, chopped
2 tblsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 pkg. thinly sliced beef milanese, 7-8 pieces (available in grocery meat case)
salt
freshly ground black pepper
1 32 oz. container part skim ricotta cheese
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped (substitute 1 tsp. dried parsley flakes)
1 tsp. dried basil
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes (substitute 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper)
1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes
toothpicks
grated parmesan or peccorino romano cheese
 
In large frying pan (with cover), saute mushroom pieces until softened, remove and set aside.
Lightly salt and pepper beef on both sides, careful not to tear the pieces.
Add egg, garlic, parsley, basil, pepper flakes and mushrooms to ricotta and mix well.
Spoon 2-3 tblsp. ricotta mixture onto each piece of meat and roll up, tucking in ends to prevent leakage. Skewer with toothpicks to secure rolls. Brown (high heat) each roll on all sides in pan. Cover with diced tomatoes, lower heat, cover and cook for additional 15-20 minutes. Garnish with grated cheese and fresh parsley.

Vintage Costume Jewelry
coro.jpg
We've been collecting for 15 years!

We are here 24-7 to answer your questions or assist with your creative concepts.

Before you envisioned it, there was a void now filled by your creation.