Tuesday 17 August 2010
Carrot Cake Recipe...From Prison.
A recipe from prison is definitely a nontraditional source. In the NYT article, "At Rikers, This Cake Is Renowned" prison chefs divulge the recipe of their highly popular carrot cake. Enjoy!
Monday 16 August 2010
UnBEElievable!
When I head to my local farmers' market I will put to the test the tidbit I read in the article, "Follow the Bees to the Sweetest Fruit." Apparently, bees can tell which fruits have the most sugar. Now I can choose wisely!
Taco Time
La Superior:
Would it be cliche to call these tacos superior? Probably, but it is the truth. Located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn this tiny Mexican restaurant offers a variety of delicious, flavorful, and overly spicy tacos at reasonable prices. My three favorite tacos were the amaron al chipotle (sauteed shrimps with chipotle sauce), tinga al pollo (shredded chicken in chipotle sauce), and pescado zarandeado (non-fried fish topped with pico). It is a perfect place if your looking for an authentic and spiiiiicy Mexican meal.
Cascabel Taqueria:
It finally happened. A scrumptious and reasonably priced (gasp) taqueria opened on the Upper East Side. Enter Cascabel Taqueria. As the website says, "a small place with a big menu, you can come back again and again for everything from a bite at the counter to a date that is easy on the wallet." Start with the guacamole it was delicious, chunky, and full of tomatoes! You really can't go wrong with your taco choices. However, for dessert avoid the Mexican chocolate at the counter. Lesson learned!
Would it be cliche to call these tacos superior? Probably, but it is the truth. Located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn this tiny Mexican restaurant offers a variety of delicious, flavorful, and overly spicy tacos at reasonable prices. My three favorite tacos were the amaron al chipotle (sauteed shrimps with chipotle sauce), tinga al pollo (shredded chicken in chipotle sauce), and pescado zarandeado (non-fried fish topped with pico). It is a perfect place if your looking for an authentic and spiiiiicy Mexican meal.
Cascabel Taqueria:
It finally happened. A scrumptious and reasonably priced (gasp) taqueria opened on the Upper East Side. Enter Cascabel Taqueria. As the website says, "a small place with a big menu, you can come back again and again for everything from a bite at the counter to a date that is easy on the wallet." Start with the guacamole it was delicious, chunky, and full of tomatoes! You really can't go wrong with your taco choices. However, for dessert avoid the Mexican chocolate at the counter. Lesson learned!
Next on the taco summer tour is Taqueria Distrito Federal.
Monday 28 June 2010
Sharing is Caring it can be...Inspiring!
Happy Monday!
Here are some articles to enjoy:
1. Back in the day (aka two years ago) the only thing you could order from food carts were pretzels, hot-dogs, or Italian ices. Nowadays you can get dumplings, pizza, cupcakes, or even curry! Check out this A La Carte article for a history on the evolution of food carts in NYC. For those in DC I would suggest seeking out the dynamic and tasty Fojol Bros aka curry heaven on wheels. A must try is the pumpkin masala!
2.Straight and simple a worldwide guide to restaurant tipping. Who knew "you may encounter an additional fee in Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay: customers are often charged the equivalent of $2 to $4 for utensils."
3. I leave you with this how adorable. Sorry, I had to throw that in there, but really how adorable!
Here are some articles to enjoy:
1. Back in the day (aka two years ago) the only thing you could order from food carts were pretzels, hot-dogs, or Italian ices. Nowadays you can get dumplings, pizza, cupcakes, or even curry! Check out this A La Carte article for a history on the evolution of food carts in NYC. For those in DC I would suggest seeking out the dynamic and tasty Fojol Bros aka curry heaven on wheels. A must try is the pumpkin masala!
2.Straight and simple a worldwide guide to restaurant tipping. Who knew "you may encounter an additional fee in Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay: customers are often charged the equivalent of $2 to $4 for utensils."
3. I leave you with this how adorable. Sorry, I had to throw that in there, but really how adorable!
Monday 21 June 2010
My Cup of Tea
As I battle with laryngitis I have a new appreciation for tea (9 cups a day keeps the doctor away). I decided to take a moment and spotlight some of my favorite tea shops in America.
Alice's Tea Cup Various locations in NYC. The first word that comes to mind is charming. If this shop was open when I was in elementary school it would've been the perfect place to go for an afternoon snack (and tea of course!) When you walk in you feel as if you have stepped into a make believe princess tea room. While it definitely is geared toward a younger audience, it is a great place for people of all ages to enjoy a great pot of tea. The menu has an extensive and easy to read tea list with wonderful descriptions to guide you through. They also serve soups, sandwiches, salads, pastries, and afternoon snacks (homemade graham crackers and honey $6).
Argo Tea Various locations in Chicago and NYC. Argo Tea is one of the best modern tea shops in America. In my opinion, Starbucks should view this company as a fierce competitor. Argo Tea does not serve coffee, but add an Illy machine and bam! I'm putting my eggs in this basket. What makes this place so special? For one, their loose tea is fantastic. When I was in Chicago this past winter, I stocked up on four different kinds: Pomegranate White, Masala Chai, Carolina Honey, and White Jasmine tea. WOW have these nurtured me through my hoarse laryngitis hours. Even better, the storefront offers some delicious specialty drinks. The Red Velvet in the winter time and the Ice Pom Tea in the summer...mm good. I can't wait for my next visit!
Ching Ching Cha Washington, DC. A traditional Chinese tea house in the heart of Georgetown. This use to be a wonderful oasis from the hustle and bustle of school. There is something so relaxing and soothing about this tea house, it's impossible not to feel refreshed when you leave. A big plus, the staff does not rush you out the door. So bring a book or a friend, take off your shoes, and sip back.
Tea on the go? Next time your in Whole Foods and want something to really quench your thirst try an Ito-En tea. My favorite is the Rose Tea (can I get an amen Emma?)
Enjoy your tea time!
Alice's Tea Cup Various locations in NYC. The first word that comes to mind is charming. If this shop was open when I was in elementary school it would've been the perfect place to go for an afternoon snack (and tea of course!) When you walk in you feel as if you have stepped into a make believe princess tea room. While it definitely is geared toward a younger audience, it is a great place for people of all ages to enjoy a great pot of tea. The menu has an extensive and easy to read tea list with wonderful descriptions to guide you through. They also serve soups, sandwiches, salads, pastries, and afternoon snacks (homemade graham crackers and honey $6).
Argo Tea Various locations in Chicago and NYC. Argo Tea is one of the best modern tea shops in America. In my opinion, Starbucks should view this company as a fierce competitor. Argo Tea does not serve coffee, but add an Illy machine and bam! I'm putting my eggs in this basket. What makes this place so special? For one, their loose tea is fantastic. When I was in Chicago this past winter, I stocked up on four different kinds: Pomegranate White, Masala Chai, Carolina Honey, and White Jasmine tea. WOW have these nurtured me through my hoarse laryngitis hours. Even better, the storefront offers some delicious specialty drinks. The Red Velvet in the winter time and the Ice Pom Tea in the summer...mm good. I can't wait for my next visit!
Ching Ching Cha Washington, DC. A traditional Chinese tea house in the heart of Georgetown. This use to be a wonderful oasis from the hustle and bustle of school. There is something so relaxing and soothing about this tea house, it's impossible not to feel refreshed when you leave. A big plus, the staff does not rush you out the door. So bring a book or a friend, take off your shoes, and sip back.
Tea on the go? Next time your in Whole Foods and want something to really quench your thirst try an Ito-En tea. My favorite is the Rose Tea (can I get an amen Emma?)
Enjoy your tea time!
Tuesday 15 June 2010
Where did I put my glasses?
Following the footsteps of Oprah, I decided to start my own summer reading list!
1. The Hundred-Foot Journey by Richard C. Morais
Oprah introduced me to this book (not personally..sigh). Read this and I guarantee you'll be hooked: "My first sensation of life was the smell of machli ka salan, a spicy fish curry, rising through the floorboards," recalls Hassan Haji, in Richard C. Morais, The Hundred-Foot Journey (Scribner), a mouth watering debut novel of colliding cultures and cuisines. Cooking has always sent Hassan into a "magic trance," but when his family's grand Bombay restaurant burns to the ground, they go eating across Europe: A "platto di Mussolini" is a plate of mussels, not the dictator on a dish, Hassan has to explain to a waiter in Tuscany. The family finally opens Maison Mumbai in a small French mountain town and incurs the wrath of the imperious chef across the street, in this hilarious romp through life, love, and the workings of a French kitchen." - Lousia Ermerlino. Indian cuisine, Tuscany, and France all in one book...too bad it's fiction!
2. Ripe: The Search for the Perfect Tomato by Arthur Allen
You had me at perfect tomato. For those of you who need more than tomato in the title read this article.
3. Tip It!: The World According to Maggie by Maggie Griffin
Life lessons from a 90 year old woman who loves boxed wine, yes please. "And be sure to get the last drop out of living. Isn't it nice that "Tip It" acts as a toast? I'm 90 years old, and I think "Tip It!" even works pretty well as a motto for living to the fullest. So, Tip It! today." - Maggie Griffin.
1. The Hundred-Foot Journey by Richard C. Morais
Oprah introduced me to this book (not personally..sigh). Read this and I guarantee you'll be hooked: "My first sensation of life was the smell of machli ka salan, a spicy fish curry, rising through the floorboards," recalls Hassan Haji, in Richard C. Morais, The Hundred-Foot Journey (Scribner), a mouth watering debut novel of colliding cultures and cuisines. Cooking has always sent Hassan into a "magic trance," but when his family's grand Bombay restaurant burns to the ground, they go eating across Europe: A "platto di Mussolini" is a plate of mussels, not the dictator on a dish, Hassan has to explain to a waiter in Tuscany. The family finally opens Maison Mumbai in a small French mountain town and incurs the wrath of the imperious chef across the street, in this hilarious romp through life, love, and the workings of a French kitchen." - Lousia Ermerlino. Indian cuisine, Tuscany, and France all in one book...too bad it's fiction!
2. Ripe: The Search for the Perfect Tomato by Arthur Allen
You had me at perfect tomato. For those of you who need more than tomato in the title read this article.
3. Tip It!: The World According to Maggie by Maggie Griffin
Life lessons from a 90 year old woman who loves boxed wine, yes please. "And be sure to get the last drop out of living. Isn't it nice that "Tip It" acts as a toast? I'm 90 years old, and I think "Tip It!" even works pretty well as a motto for living to the fullest. So, Tip It! today." - Maggie Griffin.
Wednesday 9 June 2010
Sharing is Caring it Can Be...Rewarding!
Weekly Roundup. Here we go!
1. "The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen Presses Into SoMa"
What happens when a kindergarten class meets twenty five year old hipsters.
2. "Torrisi Italian Specialties"
I hope you read this and think...What a great place to take Candice for her birthday! :)
3. "Journey to the Center of the Mango"
This is a MUST watch. Who knew the politics behind mangoes?
1. "The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen Presses Into SoMa"
What happens when a kindergarten class meets twenty five year old hipsters.
2. "Torrisi Italian Specialties"
I hope you read this and think...What a great place to take Candice for her birthday! :)
3. "Journey to the Center of the Mango"
This is a MUST watch. Who knew the politics behind mangoes?
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