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?
Tuesday, 8 June 2010
Kool Kids on the Block Got a Bunch of Hits
The secret is out about K street. It's the "cool" place to be. No longer a hidden hot spot amongst DC locals, this area has gained culinary praise in the NYT article In Washington, D.C., K Street Steps Out of Its Suit. It's only a matter of time until tourists start to visit my beloved Taylor Gourmet and take photos next to the whacky (lets be real) sculpture outside Bus, Boys, and Poets. With shiny condos and new restaurants, a revolution is underway. Viva la K street!
Taylor Gourmet is one of my favorite sandwich shops in DC. The bread is delivered daily from Sarcone’s Bakery in Philadelphia. Every sandwich is delicious, so there's no point in persuading you to try just one. However, you must try the arancini! Aracini are fried rice balls with gooey mozzarella in the middle. It's basically a Sicilian Suppli. It is nearly impossible to find arancini or suppli in DC. Let alone for $4.50, this is a must, must, must!
Rasika is an excellent, expensive, Indian restaurant. I'm not sure why it's featured in this article...it's not on K street! A great place to go during restaurant week. I can't remember exactly what I ate which isn't helpful for this blog, but I do remember the gulab jamun is delicious!
Taylor Gourmet is one of my favorite sandwich shops in DC. The bread is delivered daily from Sarcone’s Bakery in Philadelphia. Every sandwich is delicious, so there's no point in persuading you to try just one. However, you must try the arancini! Aracini are fried rice balls with gooey mozzarella in the middle. It's basically a Sicilian Suppli. It is nearly impossible to find arancini or suppli in DC. Let alone for $4.50, this is a must, must, must!
Rasika is an excellent, expensive, Indian restaurant. I'm not sure why it's featured in this article...it's not on K street! A great place to go during restaurant week. I can't remember exactly what I ate which isn't helpful for this blog, but I do remember the gulab jamun is delicious!
Wednesday, 2 June 2010
Sharing is Caring it can be....Educational!
Top 3 Article Round-Up for the Week.
1. "At P. J. Clarke’s, the Bartender of Your Dreams" by Frank Bruni
Made me want to become a bartender, wear a bow tie, sport suspenders, and sip a martini.
2. "Moneyless man reveals how to live a cashless life without starving" by Mark Boyle
Eco and recession friendly advice. This article keeps you grounded. No pun intended.
3. "The 101 Best Sandwiches in New York" by Rob Patronite and Robin Raisfeld.
#93 Bombay Pav Vada, Sukhadia’s "This deep-fried potato-and-chickpea croquette, painted with chutneys and smushed inside your choice of a burger bun or what looks like a KFC dinner roll, is strictly vegetarian and may be worse for you than a Big Mac. $4"
#76 Falafel, Taïm "The humble chickpea may achieve no higher station in legume life than as a Taïm falafel — herb-dappled, fried to order, and stuffed into puffy grilled pita. $5.25"
#21 Chicken Parm, Torrisi Italian Specialties "A proud standard-bearer of the red-sauce tradition: Progresso bread-crumbed, draped with homemade mozzarella, and crowned with fresh basil inside a soft Italian roll. $7"
#7 Scuttlebutt, Saltie "Salted, dimpled focaccia wedges barely contain an absurdly unwieldy Technicolor medley of vegetables, feta, and eggs. $9"
#1 Smoked Brisket, Fatty ’Cue "Together at last: Brandt Beef brisket and Cabot clothbound Cheddar (both house-smoked) with pickled onions, aïoli, chile jam, and cilantro on toasted Parisi bread. So fiendishly good it’s offered on the weekend late-night menu only, lest they sell nothing else and have to change the name to Fatty Sandwich. $10"
1. "At P. J. Clarke’s, the Bartender of Your Dreams" by Frank Bruni
Made me want to become a bartender, wear a bow tie, sport suspenders, and sip a martini.
2. "Moneyless man reveals how to live a cashless life without starving" by Mark Boyle
Eco and recession friendly advice. This article keeps you grounded. No pun intended.
3. "The 101 Best Sandwiches in New York" by Rob Patronite and Robin Raisfeld.
#93 Bombay Pav Vada, Sukhadia’s "This deep-fried potato-and-chickpea croquette, painted with chutneys and smushed inside your choice of a burger bun or what looks like a KFC dinner roll, is strictly vegetarian and may be worse for you than a Big Mac. $4"
#76 Falafel, Taïm "The humble chickpea may achieve no higher station in legume life than as a Taïm falafel — herb-dappled, fried to order, and stuffed into puffy grilled pita. $5.25"
#21 Chicken Parm, Torrisi Italian Specialties "A proud standard-bearer of the red-sauce tradition: Progresso bread-crumbed, draped with homemade mozzarella, and crowned with fresh basil inside a soft Italian roll. $7"
#7 Scuttlebutt, Saltie "Salted, dimpled focaccia wedges barely contain an absurdly unwieldy Technicolor medley of vegetables, feta, and eggs. $9"
#1 Smoked Brisket, Fatty ’Cue "Together at last: Brandt Beef brisket and Cabot clothbound Cheddar (both house-smoked) with pickled onions, aïoli, chile jam, and cilantro on toasted Parisi bread. So fiendishly good it’s offered on the weekend late-night menu only, lest they sell nothing else and have to change the name to Fatty Sandwich. $10"
Monday, 31 May 2010
You Call this Caprese!?
My life would, pardon my language, suck without caprese. Caprese is a salad that consists of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. It sounds simple, but it is difficult to find high quality, sinfully delicious, heart fluttering caprese in America. My ideal caprese includes mozzarella di bufala, san marzano or heirloom tomatoes, and fresh basil. I like to add a hint of rock salt to the tomatoes and a touch of extra virgin olive oil. I could literally talk for hours about caprese...as many of you know :).
Lately, I've been reading about different "spins" on this classic Campania dish and thought I would share them with you.
1. Restaurant: Il Matto Dish: Zuppetta di mozzarella di bufala, granita di pomodoro, crostini al
basilico (Warm buffalo mozzarella soup, tomato ice, topped with a basil flavored crostini) Price: 13 Location: NYC
Note: This restaurant opens this summer in Tribeca. For a full menu read this review.
2. Restaurant: Nage Drink: Il Caprese (House-Infused Tomato Vodka, Fresh Basil, Sprinkle of Sea Salt) Location: DC, Delaware
3. Recipe: "A Different Approach to Insalata Caprese" Note: Fascinated with the addition of mint and mint pesto.
Lately, I've been reading about different "spins" on this classic Campania dish and thought I would share them with you.
1. Restaurant: Il Matto Dish: Zuppetta di mozzarella di bufala, granita di pomodoro, crostini al
basilico (Warm buffalo mozzarella soup, tomato ice, topped with a basil flavored crostini) Price: 13 Location: NYC
Note: This restaurant opens this summer in Tribeca. For a full menu read this review.
2. Restaurant: Nage Drink: Il Caprese (House-Infused Tomato Vodka, Fresh Basil, Sprinkle of Sea Salt) Location: DC, Delaware
3. Recipe: "A Different Approach to Insalata Caprese" Note: Fascinated with the addition of mint and mint pesto.
Wednesday, 26 May 2010
Last Call
Thank you Matt Gross for four wonderful, inspiring, and envious years. He may move on, but his NYT Frugal Traveler blog will be a great resource for my next trip (Shanghai, anyone?). His final post took me down memory lane and made me realize all the wonderful places I have yet to visit!
Monday, 24 May 2010
Chickpeas Chickpeas Checkplease
My affinity for chickpeas blossomed over the years. I can't explain why or how, but I am certainly glad to bring this protein into my life. Below are some of the best falafel lunches around and if you have any suggestions let me know, my lunch plans for tomorrow are TBD.
Roti- A new addition to the DC lunch crowd. I've heard it referred to as the "Mediterranean Chipotle" and I disagree. This is not to say Roti isn't great, it just doesn't leave you overwhelmingly full like Chipotle. The first time I went I made the mistake of ordering the spicy sauce. I love spicy, but this was way too spicy for me. A dollop and I was defeated, finito, caput. I'm convinced there is some form of sriracha in the sauce. Anyway, lets talk about the falafel. I've never had falafel like this before. A bit mushier (I never claimed my blog was scientific!) than others, but I enjoyed the mix of mashed and whole chickpeas. My only complaint is they are too salty. All and all great falafels, decent price, and close to my office. Win, win, win.
Maoz- A rather new addition to DC. A simple menu that focuses on one food...falafel! You can get a pita or salad with falafel and that's pretty much it. The falafel is good, but I've had better. What really keeps me coming back is the unlimited toppings bar. It varies slightly from day to day, but usually offers carrots, beets, olives, tabuli, spicy onoins, coleslaw, and the pièce de résistance tomato and cucumber salad. After I pile high my topping I add a little yogurt/garlic sauce and voila! A must are the sweet potato fries and apple juice (freshly squeezed).
In a perfect world, I would combine the falafel of Roti and the unlimited salad bar of Maoz.
Roti- A new addition to the DC lunch crowd. I've heard it referred to as the "Mediterranean Chipotle" and I disagree. This is not to say Roti isn't great, it just doesn't leave you overwhelmingly full like Chipotle. The first time I went I made the mistake of ordering the spicy sauce. I love spicy, but this was way too spicy for me. A dollop and I was defeated, finito, caput. I'm convinced there is some form of sriracha in the sauce. Anyway, lets talk about the falafel. I've never had falafel like this before. A bit mushier (I never claimed my blog was scientific!) than others, but I enjoyed the mix of mashed and whole chickpeas. My only complaint is they are too salty. All and all great falafels, decent price, and close to my office. Win, win, win.
Maoz- A rather new addition to DC. A simple menu that focuses on one food...falafel! You can get a pita or salad with falafel and that's pretty much it. The falafel is good, but I've had better. What really keeps me coming back is the unlimited toppings bar. It varies slightly from day to day, but usually offers carrots, beets, olives, tabuli, spicy onoins, coleslaw, and the pièce de résistance tomato and cucumber salad. After I pile high my topping I add a little yogurt/garlic sauce and voila! A must are the sweet potato fries and apple juice (freshly squeezed).
In a perfect world, I would combine the falafel of Roti and the unlimited salad bar of Maoz.
Wednesday, 19 May 2010
You got to start somewhere...
For the past month, I've debated how I want to start this blog. With so many ideas whirling around my head I decided to start with one of my new favorite places in NYC...Pizzeria 28.
Initially, I thought I read about Pizzeria 28 in the NYT article "In New York Restaurants, the Rise of Rome." However, I confused the restaurant with Numero 28 Pizzeria Romana in SoHo (#26 on my culinary bucket list). Slight mix up, but what a rebound!
Pizzeria 28 is the kind of restaurant I've been looking for in NYC. It has the ability to transport me back to Italy (without the cost of airfare). Apart of me felt like a tourist because everyone around my table spoke Italian and seemed to know each other.
But wait! I've digressed from what I really wanted to discuss. What I can't get out of my head, and what inspired me to start this blog...the patate pizza.
Patate pizza =Ricotta cheese, potatoes, and walnuts. It's simply fantastic. Thinly sliced potatoes and the smoothness of the ricotta juxtaposes perfectly with the crunchy walnuts. An unexpected, but perfect balance. I enjoyed my bruschetta and tiramisu, but I would hold off next time for gelato at GROM around the corner.
Initially, I thought I read about Pizzeria 28 in the NYT article "In New York Restaurants, the Rise of Rome." However, I confused the restaurant with Numero 28 Pizzeria Romana in SoHo (#26 on my culinary bucket list). Slight mix up, but what a rebound!
Pizzeria 28 is the kind of restaurant I've been looking for in NYC. It has the ability to transport me back to Italy (without the cost of airfare). Apart of me felt like a tourist because everyone around my table spoke Italian and seemed to know each other.
But wait! I've digressed from what I really wanted to discuss. What I can't get out of my head, and what inspired me to start this blog...the patate pizza.
Patate pizza =Ricotta cheese, potatoes, and walnuts. It's simply fantastic. Thinly sliced potatoes and the smoothness of the ricotta juxtaposes perfectly with the crunchy walnuts. An unexpected, but perfect balance. I enjoyed my bruschetta and tiramisu, but I would hold off next time for gelato at GROM around the corner.
PS. It's cash only, but have no fear there is an atm outside the bathroom.
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