Ready for Fireplaces and Blankets

This cold snap sucks!

On other fronts, We've been to Keuka Kafe; Nick's Mediterranean (not to be confused with Nick's Pizza); Sunswick; a weekend in Montauk; MOMA; the shops at Bryant Park and Two Boots Pizza.

I've also cooked:  Big pot of sauce with meatballs and hot sausage; Turkey London broil baked with sauerkraut; Filet Mignon roast with pearl onions; and macaroni with red clam sauce.

I had the tattoo on my foot fixed.  It never really took this summer.  Probably the sun, sand and sunscreen issues.  Hurt more than hell, but at least it's over now.

Montauk with friends was a great weekend.  First time Michael and I have been away since Italy in 2008.  We were due.

Thanksgiving is almost upon us and I am so ready for days of prepping; baking; cooking; table setting and most of all, having our family here!  It's the greatest day of the year when we are all together.

Happy Turkey!!

It's Tuesday

That doesn't mean very much, not working today, switched with the other secretary for tomorrow. Work's going well. Staff are really nice and I'm getting the hang of things.  Need to learn about payroll, then I'll be all set.

As for going out...We've been to Tuscan Hills with Jill, Lenny, Patty and Vince.  (http://www.tuscanhillsnyc.com/).  Food is pretty good, shrimp dishes not so good (shrimp is canned, maybe, small, definitely).  Service is good.  We had a good time all around.  Same crowd, but with Karen and Brett also, went to Dinosaur BBQ in Harlem after the Avon Breast Cancer Walk that Jill and Brett do every year.  We had the usual:  Chipotle garlic wings, fried green tomatoes, beer, hard cider, pulled pork, brisket, ribs, bbq chicken...Always a special annual outing for all of us!  Jill, Sue Boyle and I met at Bonfire last week.  Drinks and apps at the bar.  We had a really nice night.  Michael showed up near the end for chicken wings and while we walked home, he biked around us :)

As for staying in...I've made pork roast, spare ribs and Guinness stew, along with usuals like roasted chicken, Greek salad, etc...Mike and Margo were here for the weekend.  Glenn and Eileen joined all of us for Chinese on Saturday night.  Love hanging with friends at home.  Need to do this more often. 

Passed a few birthdays too:  Ryan was 21, Sarah was 19 and Barb was 60!!! Gotta love milestones (where would we be without them)?

Since Then...

Since the scotch tasting...I've cooked a bit. Jesse was home for a long weekend and I made chicken meatballs (I don't make them, Costco does) but I made the sauce and etc...The Wisners shared that dinner with us :)   The next day for lunch I made French Onion (soup) grilled Cheese:  Grilled rye bread with rare roast beef, melted gruyere and caramelized onions with spicy mustard (yum).  I also made seafood stew (cioppino) with chorizo, shrimp, scallops and calamari.  These are cooked with fennel and celery root in San Marzano tomatoes and white wine (also yum). 

Before Jesse left we went out for Chinese (http://www.yelp.com/biz/grand-sichuan-ny-ii-rego-park)
at Grand Sichuan across the Boulevard.  We have only ordered in but decided to try it.  They love the spicy wontons in red oil (shrimp and pork).  We also had soup dumplings (which cannot compare to others, but are fine nontheless).  The place got busier and busier as we ate, we had good timing that night.  It's good for take out and it's a real eat-in restaurant.

Thursday night, Michael and I went to Jack and Nellie's (thanks Tom and Monica).  Yummy as always.  Good wine specials, nice beer selection too.  We shared:  Warm olives with lemon zest; spinach and artichoke dip with crostini; veggie quesadilla and a chicken sandwich with mozz and peppers.  Jill and her friends were at the next table :)    Fun night.

Tomorrow is the CT Garlic Festival and we are going again with Ryan.  Last year was so much fun.  Looking forward to it!!

A Scotch Tasting and More

Michael and I met Britt and JoAnn for a scotch tasting at the Flatiron Room (http://www.theflatironroom.com/).  Before we met up, Michael and I were across the street at the Flatiron Hall (http://flatironhall.com/).  Both places are very cool.  At Flatiron Hall we sat at the bar, had beer and a GIANT pretzel (for $9.95 it had better be giant) but it was good.  The place is very colonial looking inside and the bathroom was tiled nicely too (lol).  I really liked the vibe in there, but it was early (6:30pm) so it might get louder later.  They have a large downstairs room with long tables that are shared.  The menu is:

    

 

 

The Flatiron Room was across the street, fancier place, funky live music and cute room upstairs for the tasting.  We had Bowmore.  12 year, 15 year, 18 year and 25 year.  With and without water, which was the theme of the evening.  What water (by varying amounts) can do to the flavor of your scotch. It was pretty interesting and the served a nice cheese board alongside the drinking.  They have a single malt chocolate malted on their menu so we asked if we could try it and they gave us one on the house.  It was delicious and very much appreciated.  Next time you have a chocolate shake or a chocolate malt, add a shot of single malt scotch to it.  It's really good.

50 was a great Day!

I spent my 50th birthday with Michael.  It was a great day!

Of course, I woke up around 10:30am.  Sleep is the best! 

We went to Cabana (http://www.cabanarestaurant.com/originalcabana_m.html) on Austin Street for lunch.  We sat outside in the beautiful sunshine and had mojitos, ceviche, tostones and jerk chicken.  Flan and cafe con leche and iced espresso finished the meal. 

We went out to dinner too :)  We were at Cipriani's (http://www.cipriani.com/en/services/restaurants/harry-cipriani) at 7:15pm.  For some reason, unknown to myself, I have always wanted to eat here.

Let's check this one right off the list. While reservation through open table was honored and service is average, food is also average. 

Bellini was good. Can make better (and way cheaper at home $18.95 are you kidding me?). Prices are outrageous, not high. We had to ask for our water glasses to be refilled more than once. 1/2 a roasted chicken for $38. Please! It's not as if the quality warrants these prices either. 

I had cannelloni. It was good. Michael had a burger, it was good. We shared the beet, string bean and goat cheese salad, it was fine.

The hike to the ladies room, through a door, across the lobby of the hotel, down a flight of stairs, past the health club. Holy crap I was exhausted by the time I got there. And the worst, on the way there and the way back not one waiter stepped out of my way. They all pushed past doing their best to look busy. I had to get out of their way. Disgusting service for such an establishment. 

Don't waste your time. Next time I'm 50 I'll go elsewhere :)

 

Afterwards we went on a horse and buggy ride through Central Park.  The moon was bright, the clop-clop of the horse's hooves was great to hear and sitting with Michael was the best! 

 

All in all, a great 50th birthday.

 

 

A Review

Of Me...

I will be fifty years old (OMG) next Tuesday .  I cannot believe I have come this far.  I certainly don't remember being born, or most of my early years, but I really feel as if I were nineteen just yesterday.

Time doesn't fly, it disappears right before your eyes.  Jesse was just twenty-one.  How is that even possible?

I was not always the happiest person, I was not always the most social, but I  always strive to be as introspective as I can; to change the things about myself I do not like and proliferate the things I do.  I hope I was as best a friend to all my friends that I could be.  I hope, even with my trials and tribulations, that I was the best mother that I could be; and certainly I've tried to be the best wife-lover-friend to Michael that I can be.

What else can we do in our lives but to be good, to love, to be kind, to do our best?  Other than our best (which is all perspective anyway) what else can we be?  Some appreciate the effort, some don't, some don't see it at all.  In any case, the sun rises and another day comes around.

Depressing? I don't think so, just honest. I can honestly say that I have had the funniest, most wonderful days; the most surprising and astonishing days; the happiest and most joyful days.  I am thankful for all my days and all my experiences because they make me who I am.

I love to go to the beach, to read a good book, to hang with my friends, to take care of my family, to cook, to have days of my own and to feel good about myself.  And I get to do all of those things.  What could be better?

Growing older alongside Michael and being Jesse's mom are two of the most important things in my future.  I am happy to have them to look forward to.  Having my greatest of friends is icing on the cake. 

It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Thanks to all my friends for letting me be stupid with them :)

Have a great day and thanks for listening!

The Beach House and Barboncino

The Beach House, Long Beach:

 

Casey our waitress was pretty good. Forgot pepper and sour cream but she is forgiven. The plates are sooooo heavy. Don't know how they manage. Menu is varied and food is good. Menu is

better than food though. Drinks could use more alcohol. All in all, if in the neighborhood I would go back, but only sit outside. Inside is tacky. Bathrooms are not clean.  Had a really good time for our last summer dinner outdoors with Jill and Lenny.

 

Barboncino, Crown Heights:

 

So far, so hipster. Waited at the bar for a table. Cheap pour on the wine. No one asked if we wanted anything else.  Server seems ok. Hot honey as an addition to pizza, copy of Paulie Gee's... Roasted peppers with Buratta and spinach salad with apples and Gorgonzola are very good.  Waiting for soppressata picante pizza. Service still ok. Clear tables pretty well.  Pizza came. Very good! Will come back.  Good meal with my honey!

Quickly...

I'll work backwards...We've been to Buffalo Wild Wings (good for wings, beer and TV screens) not much good for anything else; the Lobster Joint in Greenpoint (fantastic) and Ray's Candy Store on the LES for beignets (yum, yum, yum); Pershing Square; Dani's; Narita and The Meatball Shop.

I started work today :)  Will begin with just 2 days a week and if there's more to come that's fine, otherwise 2 days is good.  Payroll secretary at PS 174!

Beach closes this Sunday (boo hoo), but good things are on the way.

So Little, So Long Ago

Yes, totally slacking off...

Busy with Jesse and Clayton...

Michael and I have been to:  Dani's, Station House, Dee's, Dirty Pierre's, Ayhan's Shish-Kebab (Port Washington).

I've cooked: Meatballs, Rigatoni, Pork Tenderloin with sauerkraut, Chicken Francese (I've been using boneless, skinless thighs instead of breast cutlets-more flavorful and juicy), Mahi-Mahi (some with tomato and capers, some with butter, lemon, capers), Chicken Wings, Chicken cutlets, Turkey tenderloin roll ups with ham and cheese, Filet Mignon and lots of different veggies.

Some weekends at the beach, some at friend's backyards, some at home.

That's all for now...

13th Street Repertory Company, Gene's and Bar 6

13th Street Repertory Company: (http://www.13thstreetrep.org/) 

Cute, divey, old, funky playhouse.  Run by Edith, a grand dame of the theater since she graduated college and left the midwest for summer stock on Rhode Island.  She made her way to NYC, leased the building with a small theater downstairs, eventually bought it and has been going strong ever since.  Her daughters are actors as well.

We came on Saturday night to see "Line" a play written in the 60's but somehow timely.  I felt updating could be done, but that's just my opinion.  Our friend Angelo was in the play and he was great.  The other actors portrayed their characters completely.
If you're in the neighborhood, or just need an hour or so of stage time, go, you'll be glad you did.

Gene's (http://www.genesnyc.com/):

When you go for dinner with 16 people it's difficult to accurately judge service, food, etc. in a restaurant.  But I'll try.  Saturday night we went to Gene's with 16 people :) Our table was ready and waiting.  We sat at the bar and had a drink while we waited for everyone to arrive.  The bar area is up front and is so old school it exudes charm.  The bartender is out of a movie, as is the whole place.  I was enamored!

We were seated, drink orders taken, appetizers brought, dinner brought, dessert and coffee served all with no complaints.  The rest of the customers might not have liked our exuberant manner, but what can you do?

They have a prix fixe menu and also a huge a la carte menu.  I had soft shelled crabs that were some of the best I've ever had. No yucky stuff in the middle at all.  Pastas were good, fish was good.  I would definitely return with a smaller party (maybe just 2 or 4) another time. 

After the show, we migrated, actors and all, to Bar 6.  A cute bistro joint, good cheese plate and sangria. 

It was a totally fun evening!

Nan Xiang Dumpling House

I don't know why people complain about long lines, we've never waited for a table. Maybe lucky I guess.  Soup dumplings (called steamed pork buns) really are great!  Better than Joe's Shanghai and Shanghai Cafe.  Not that much better, I would eat them at all these restaurants, but they are good and local.  Small menu, don't expect the usual Chinese fare.  I found most dishes to lack flavor.  But the scallion pancake with beef is really tasty and sweet, also the cold cucumber with garlic is just perfect with this heatwave.

Spa Nordstrom

This review is for Spa Nordstrom, not the store in general.  Firstly, there is no manager.  That's a problem going around lately.  Secondly, they are barely accommodating to their guests.

Last year my husband gave me a Spa Nordstrom gift card for Christmas.  I made my appointment, was early and was kept waiting past my scheduled time. I was led into the spa room, given a robe, undressed and then led to a small alcove for a foot soak and a beverage (tea or water).  They put a warm wrap around my neck and shoulders.  Not 3 minutes later, I was whisked out of the chair and back to the spa room.  Not very relaxing.  The massage was good, not the best, but far from the worst I've had.  A 3 star massage.  Afterwards, I wanted a quick shower to rinse off the oil so I wasn't a greasy mess in the store and the mall.  But no, why should a supposedly upscale spa like this one allow their guests to clean up.  But wait, they do.  But only if you've had certain services.  I guess a $100 massage doesn't count.  Maybe they don't mind their guests leaving greasy and trying on clothes in their dressing rooms.

So, this Christmas, my husband gives me another Spa Nordstrom gift card because he knows I love a massage and it's been a stressful year.  This time I figure I will help myself.  I call to make an appointment and specifically ask if I can shower afterwards.  Of course, I was told no.  There isn't any time for a shower.  Funny that there is time if you pay for a different/more expensive service.  It was decided that I could forgo the foot soak (hardly a miss since it was only 3 minutes) and that time could be used for a shower at the end.  Again, no manager in sight.  Maybe they should make their appointments 5 minutes longer to accommodate their guests, maybe not.

I mulled over this situation for several days and decided to drop the whole affair.  I cancelled my appointment this morning and I will use the gift card for extra Christmas presents.  And then we'll be done with Nordstrom.  I can certainly spend my money elsewhere and get better service.  I was fooled by their reputation, but they don't live up to it.

Amber Steak House

Didn't honor reservation which was confirmed via email. Waited at bar for an hour and a half for a table ! How crazy is that? Finally we ordered appetizers, but by the time they arrived we had just been seated. I must say that the food was really good. Beet carpaccio, Steak tartare and fried calamari were all great. Dinner was Amber seafood platter (all food, no pasta or rice fillers, sauce amazing), French onion soup (best we've had in a long time) and a 16 oz NY Strip with peppercorn sauce. Creamed spinach on the side.

The 2 star rating is NOT for the food. Food would get it a 4. Even the service was good, believe it or not. Anita, at the bar, and a waitress, and a hostess, was filling all these positions at once because there is NO MANAGER in sight. And that's where the problem is. Why bother having a reservation system on line when no one bothers to check it. I even received an email confirming our reservation, but it was no where to be found, and the response was "oh you must have booked on line, you really should call."

I must say that there was a huge party going on in the front of the restaurant which left less tables for regular customers, but if there were a MANAGER, he or she might have been able to handle the logistics of a party and regular customers on the same evening.

After all was said and done, they comped our bar drinks and appetizers which was very nice and the least they could do. It was our 24th wedding anniversary after all...

Totally Slacking Off

That's what I have been doing with this blog.  I admit my laziness.  It's summer. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.

We've been out to eat tons:  Lobster Joint in Greenpoint, Sunswick in Astoria, Sato in Forest Hills, Agora Taverna in Forest Hills, Keuka Kafe, a wine bar, in Forest Hills, Don Peppe on Lefferts, Dirty Pierre's in Forest Hills, El Quijote in the city, Gypsy Wolf Cantina in Woodstock, Cafe Ole in Astoria. 

Especially liked Keuka Kafe, it's on Queens Boulevard past Ascan Avenue towards Union Turnpike.  Nick, the bartender/host/waiter was great.  Jill and I sat at the bar, had wine and appetizers and loved it.  Salmon carpaccio with mango salsa was totally yummy.  I must have more.  So much on the menu I want to go back and try.

Grilled octopus at Agora Taverna is still my favorite.  Went to dinner with Jesse and he loved it also. I had shrimp saganaki appetizer and he had seared scallops.  We shared octopus, salad and soup too.  Fun!

Tonight I am going with Jennie and Barbara to Barosa, then we are going to the casino at Aqueduct.  Never been and hope to strike it rich at the penny slots :) :)

June

I've cooked some...Asian pork burgers with corn cole slaw.  Burgers were ground pork (very underrated, even if i don't eat it much), scallions, ginger and rice vinegar.  Slaw was green cabbage, carrots, leftover corn on the cob (cut off, of course), mayo, sour cream, sugar and vinegar.

Also summer chili and corn bread.  Chili had no meat.  Pinto beans, frozen corn, stewed tomatoes, portobello mushrooms, onions, garlic, jalapeno peppers and 3 tablespoons of homemade adobo seasoning.  Cornbread had scallions and jalapenos.

Tried my hand at oatmeal raisin cookies from scratch.  Not bad :)

Made ham dinner for Brett.  Spiral ham, just gets warmed, ziti with pink sauce and mesclun salad with goat cheese, beets and bacon.

Went to Ithaca/Cortland for orientation.  Had a nice time.

Since home, been to Dani's, Don Peppe's and Barosa.

Almost 4th of July!!!!

Missed Some...

Just found notes on my phone for Oktoberfest:  Michael and I had Coors Light (me) and a Black and Tan (Michael).  We shared an Oktoberfest pretzel with mustard (no pickled veggies on the side, disappointed), a smoked Black Forest BLT and a Caesar salad with grilled chicken.  FYI: Female wait staff very nice, male wait staff not so much.

We were also at the Station House again, sitting at the bar this time: Smuttynose Star Island Dry Hopped with Lemon Drop (on cask) (me) and Left Hand Milk Stout for Michael.  Also, Imperial Stout and Blue Point Blueberry (me) and to top it off a Lagavulin 16 (Michael).  We ate:  Pizza (don't order it, it's yucky) and a pulled pork on brioche with slaw (very good).  Joe the manager/bartender was a great!

Cafe Ole

Michael and I checked out a new Spanish place in Astoria, Cafe Ole (http://www.cafeolerestaurantny.com/).  We were pleasantly surprised.  It was POURING outside and it was warm and inviting inside.  Small dining room, but seated immediately.  We shared a pitcher of red sangria, and also received two extra glasses on the house at the end of our meal :).  Stuffed mushrooms with crab meat were extra yummy! Shrimp in garlic sauce was good, garlic soup needed salt and smoked paprika, arroz con pollo was delicious (if not a tad small), Manchego cheese and olives were good and tostones were fresh and hot with great garlic sauce on the side. 

The ambiance is terrific.  Alex and his team know how to treat their customers and we will definitely be back.  The strawberry cheesecake was really good and so was my piping hot cafe con leche.

We've also been back to the Station House in Forest Hills.  Paolo was once again our server and he's just a pleasure to deal with!  We had:  Hell or High Watermelon, Bruery Bois, Blue Point Toasted lager, Ommegang Abbey, Left Hand Milk Stout, Heineken, Victory Hop Devil Nitro and Ketel One with club soda.  Great Beer selection!

We ate:  Fried pickles, Mac and cheese with bacon (yummy), pickled pepper wings, buttermilk chicken with chorizo and queso fries, a decadent burger and a portobello wrap.  Great company, great night!

Barosa with Joe and Denise

Wednesday night we went to Barosa with Joe and Denise.

Always good company!

We had:  Calamari Barosa in red sauce baked in a pizza crust; chopped salad, seafood salad in avocado; chicken scarpariello with cherry peppers; shrimp scampi; soft shelled crabs and chicken with chopped tomatoes and mozzarella.  Dessert was zabaglione with strawberries and an Italian Iced Coffee!  Coffee was great.  I must remember to order one every time I go.

Isabelle's Sweet 16 and More

Isabelle's Sweet 16 party was at Fox Hollow.  Cocktail hour was basic, we missed half of it because we were stuck in traffic.  But the room was pretty with a gas fireplace.

Her party room had wonderfully high ceilings and a fireplace too.  Centerpieces were all white and gorgeous.  Isabelle was gorgeous.  Everyone looked so nice, most of the girls had on short (and I mean short) dresses, but so cute.  Food was average, but it is a catering hall.  Music was loud and obnoxious just like the kids like it :) But we had a good time and hung out with good friends!

We also went to see Michelle Shapiro in her newest play: All Shook Up in Seaford.  The singing was great. Better than any other show we've seen her in.  She was cute in the ensemble but we'd love to see her in a starring role :) Afterwards we went to the Massapequa Diner.  All was average diner food, service was weird.  Loved the company though!!

I cooked too:  Chicken sausage with broccoli rabe over orrechiette; chicken sausage on skewers with peppers and onions on my outdoor George Foreman, along with Israeli cous cous with mixed veggies.  Must be a chicken sausage type of week.

Tonight is Barosa with Joe and Denise! Bobby, Ian and Jojo just turned 21!!!

Thursday Joey is 21. Yippee!

Have a good week.

26 Corner Taverna, Astoria Bier and Cheese, Blue Bay Diner

Last week Michael and I went to 26 Corner Taverna in Astoria (http://www.yelp.com/biz/26-corner-taverna-astoria).  It's a very small place with outdoor seating when the weather is good.  There is one waitress and she handles it all really well.  I don't think I have ever been in a more accommodating restaurant.  It's like eating in someone's house.  Guests begin at their own tables, but end up with other diners when tables are pushed together to make room.  Food is decent but average.  Grilled octopus was good and chicken breast was moist. Jesse liked his take-home chicken souvlaki sandwich very much.

Michael and I had:  Grilled octopus, a small Greek salad, fried feta with veggies, grilled chicken breast with vegetables and lemon potatoes, tzatziki with pita, black olive dipping oil, a liter of house red and a medium Greek coffee.  Company was the best :) food was average, cute place, well managed.  I would go back to sit outside, but not for any other reason.

Afterwards, we went to Astoria Bier and Cheese (http://www.yelp.com/biz/astoria-bier-and-cheese-astoria).  Great beer selection with cheeses and small plates on one side, wine and liquor store on other side. 

 

This is a photo of the mural painted on the wall of the bathroom at Astoria Bier and Cheese!

 

They have a really nice staff, beer, scotch and wine tastings.  We got Joey's 21st birthday gift here!!

 

We also went to Blue Bay Diner for breakfast before looking at nurseries for plants and flowers for the terrace.  Busy joint! We had blueberry pancakes and eggs with bacon and home fries.  I like my coffee better :)

 

We went to Dee's also, the 3 of us. That was nice. Fried calamari, mesclun greens with beets and artichokes, pizza with kalamata olives and a turkey burger.  Yum!

 

 

Dirty Pierre's, Surf Bar and The Meatball Shop

Last Friday night Michael and I sat at an outside table at Dirty Pierre's.  Our first al fresco meal this season :) I had 2 glasses of their $5 red sangria which is pretty good and Michael had margaritas.  We shared clams and chorizo, which is really good and dipping bread in the sauce is even better.  Michael had grilled chicken on a muffin with caramelized onions and I had mesclun salad with goat cheese.  Great night!

Saturday night we went with the Wisners to Surf  Bar in Williamsburg (http://www.brooklynsurfbar.com/).  Sand on the floor! What could be better.  We walked in and got a table right away.  Half inside/half outside.  Margaritas, Red Stripe beer and vodka and soda all around.  We had lobster rolls (they were passable. but SO much better at Lobster Joint in Greenpoint); shrimp tacos; pappardelle with lobster and cherry tomatoes; monk fish in banana leaf and clams and mussels in white wine.  All yummy and what a cute place. Dominic our waiter was terrific.

Afterwards we walked to The Meatball Shop for ice cream sandwiches!  Another great night!

Eli's Vinegara Factory and The Lobster Joint for Mother's Day

Mother's day we picked up Chris (Michael's mom) and took her to Eli's Vinegar Factory on the UES.  The store downstairs is chock full of wildly expensive food and kitchen items, but fun to walk through.  The restaurant is upstairs and absolutely nothing to talk about. 

The host is a short, round, snooty man.  Immediate turn-off.  The atmosphere (well, there isn't any).  I had a mimosa and eggs Florentine and a cappuccino (I was sick to my stomach later-so needless to say, I would never eat here again).  Michael had an omelet and Chris had blueberry pancakes.  The presentation (well, there wasn't any).

Pass it by.  But the time spent was just fine.

Afterwards, we dropped Chris at home and made our way to the beach.  Michael hooked up the water supply, etc...Then I decided I wanted lobster.  Couldn't really locate anywhere special near the beach (as odd as that sounds) so we went to Greenpoint to the Lobster Joint.  It's great!  The other end of the spectrum from Vinegar Factory. 

Food is amazing.  Beer selection is good, atmosphere is shore-like and servers and customers are friendly.  I had the New England lobster roll (slight mayo, all lobster) with chips and Michael had the Connecticut lobster roll (warm with butter).  We shared fried calamari and some Alagash White.

Lovely end of Mother's Day (even if I missed having Jesse with us).

Station House

We went to the Station House near the Forest Hills Railroad on Continental Avenue last week with the Wisners and the Boyles.  We had a great time. Our server was Paolo and he was super friendly and took great care of us.  We saw a few other FH people and that was fun too.

Their wide beer selection is their draw and they don't disappoint.  Something for everyone, even me, the boring beer (Coors Light) drinker :)

We had ribs; arugula salad with beets; fried balls of brisket and pickles in a batter (funny, not much taste at all); fried meatballs; garden falafel burger; turkey sandwich; buttermilk chicken; decadent burger; roast pork tenderloin and the following beers:  All Day IPA; Hell or High Watermelon (that's what I had and I really liked it); Alesmith Speedway Stout; Evil Twin Femme Fatale Noir; Flying Dog something; Weihenstephen-a wheat bier; 2 shots of Patron (me and Jill).

Good music, no rap or any other bullshit.  Would definitely go back.

The Flying Pig

Saturday night we went to The Flying Pig (http://theflyingpigforesthills.com/) on Austin Street.

Our server was Izzy and she was great!  We sat at a bar height table with Jill and Lenny and Sue and Steve.  The beer selection is broad ranging and tastes are available before getting a whole pint.  I had Purple Haze (3 of them)!   Jill had All Day IPA, Steve had Heineken, Michael had Founder's Dirty Bastard (and tasted a few others), Lenny had All Day IPA and Purple Haze and Sue had a Blue Moon look a like, but I can't remember the name.

I have to say that although the food was good, the portions are very small and the check was very large.  Place is noisy too and the ladies room was out of order.  But I would try it again.

We had:  Charcuterie with bacon, sausage and prosciutto; cheese platter with Manchego, Menora and Irish cheddar wine; baked clams; bibb lettuce salad with bacon; seared Ahi tuna; asparagus salad with goat cheese and asparagus mousse; pan roasted duck breast with bread pudding (very good bread pudding); roasted salmon; french chicken breast and a side of fries made in duck fat. 

Dessert was:  Salty caramel pannacotta; peach shortcake and sorbet. 

Friday Night at Denise and Joe's

Yes, still our favorite place to eat in Forest Hills.
Top photo of mussels, clams and shrimp marinara and bottom photo of desserts made by Monica.
Denise also made guacamole, orrechiette with sausage and broccoli rabe, salad, tomato and mozzarella, cheese plate, olives, smoked salmon, and I can't remember what else :) Lots of wine and good friends!!

Cadaques, Exo, Banter

Michael and I went to Cadaques (http://www.cadaquesny.com/cadaquesny/Welcome.html) with Dina and Dmitry on Friday night.  Williamsburg is hopping!  After dinner, we walked over to the Meatball Shop so Michael could have a chocolate chip cookie and espresso ice cream sandwich for dessert :)

Dinner was good:  Pan con Tomate with Manchego cheese; Patatas Bravas with spicy aioli; Vegetable Platter with Grilled vegetables-Patty pan squash, Brussells sprouts, pearl onion, fennel, baby carrots, piquillo peppers, cherry tomato, asparagus, Japanese eggplant, zucchini and romesco sauce; Garlic Shrimp-seared shrimp, corn, zucchini, piquillo pepper and mojo picon verde; Octopus with tomato confit, fingerling potatoes, asparagus, piquillo coulis and squid ink.

The octopus was out of this world.  Everything was really good.  The red sangria was good too, although they call it a large pitcher, when we would call it small.  And at $25 per, we had two, was pretty pricey.  Service was fine.  Although people seated after us were served before us, but our food was hot and delicious.

I was also at Exo Cafe on Austin Street last week.  (http://exocafe.com/).  We shared spinach-artichoke dip (very small portion) and then had sandwiches on ciabiatta bread-grilled cheese with tomato (really good) and grilled chicken.  Service is average.

Michael and I tried Banter on Queens Boulevard next to the Midway Theatre too.  We shared mac and cheese - small portion but tasty, nothing to write home about.  I had Shepherd's pie (hot on the outside, lukewarm on the inside and very average taste).  Michael had a Banter Turkey burger-it looked dry to me, but he said it was fine.  A few beers and an Irish coffee to top it off.  They have a large beer selection, but please don't confuse that with a good or varied beer selection.  It was all just average. 

I've cooked a bit too...and Friday night we are going to Denise and Joe's (our favorite place to east in Forest Hills!!!).

xo

Vin and Wendy's

Pizza on the grill.
Top photo:  Caprese (fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil)
Bottom photo: Fish taco (cod, avocado, sprouts and lime)

We were at Vin and Wendy's Saturday night for yummy food and fun friends!  There was sausage and pineapple pizza and eggplant parm pizza as well.  Baked shrimp; roasted potatoes and onions; smoked pork loin (3 large loins smoked right in the backyard); collard greens-soooo good; yummy apps and desserts too.  I think the crowd went through 18 bottles of red wine.  Vin pulled out the guitar and we sang American Pie, Rocky Raccoon and some others.  So fun!

Agora and ...

I've cooked a bit...turkey chili, Old Bay chicken drumsticks, stir fry chicken with veggies and rice and a pot of chicken soup.

We've also been out to Agora with Jill and Lenny.  I must say that their fish leaves something to be desired.  I've ordered several different kinds and been there when others have too.  Bones are something I just cannot abide, beside that, the fish is usually thin and dry and not too flavorful.  It's a disappointment.  This time Lenny ordered the fish and there were bones aplenty.  Jill and I shared grilled shrimp and Michael had lamb chops (he ordered pork chops, but...).  We all shared grilled octopus (it's great), Horiatiki (Greek) salad and a plate of Greek spreads with pita.  Some wine and cocktails and we had a good dinner.

We also brought dinner in one night with Jill and Lenny, Lenny's brother and sister in law and the Boyles.  This time it was from Dani's.  The usual:  Eggplant casserole, shrimp parmigiana, heroes, salad.  They sent along a plate of mussels marinara because it was made by mistake and they gave it to us for free.  Very nice!

Saturday night we are going to Eileen and Glenn's for a pot of sauce and spaghetti and friends! We are bringing appys from Iavarone, Yum!

Have a good weekend.

Parkside

Tuesday night I went to Parkside (http://parksiderestaurantny.com/) with Sue.  Sue was one of my mom's best friends and a part of our family my entire life.  We haven't spent time together in a while so it was really  nice that we went out together.

We shared arugula salad, a half carafe of red and a pistachio profiterole.  Wine was iffy, salad and dessert were good.  For dinner Sue had veal picatta and I had escarole and white beans over linguine (not on the menu, but they made it for me just the same).  Decent food, average service (although water was replenished frequently).  It was crowded all through dinner and even more crowded when we left.  Parkside continues to be a staple of the neighborhood.

Tonight I made turkey chili and tomorrow is chicken soup.  It feels like winter, so winter food is on the menu.  Hopefully I can begin to cook on the grill on my terrace sooner rather than later.  We do need sunshine!

La Paella, Top Hops, Euro Market, Ray's Candy Store and Ferrara's

All in one night!

Michael and I went to Ferrara's last night to buy Easter bread.

Afterwards we ate dinner at La Paella:  Manchego cheese with apples; shrimp in garlic; pork chop with peppers and potatoes; grilled calamari.  1/2 carafe of red sangria.  Place is small but quaint. Service is good, attentive but no rushing, red sangria is really good (lots of fruit) and the grilled calamari was some of the best I've ever had. 

After that, we went to Ray's Candy Store for beignets.  They were amazing!

Then on to Top Hops (http://tophops.com/) where Michael loves their beer selection.  Cool place to drink there and take out in bottles or growlers.

Next on to Astoria to Euro Market (http://www.yelp.com/biz/euro-market-astoria) where they have a great beer selection too.  I also shopped for a while and got French Feta, Hungarian salami, Greek spanikopita, bread and spoon sweets (sour cherry) to put over their homemade Greek yogurt.  This is a great store with a wide selection of products from out of the country.  It smells like smoked meat when you walk in and the guys that work there are really nice and helpful.

Tonight it's Greek treats for dinner!

Happy Easter and Happy Passover!

Spring, Will it Ever Show Up?

Has this winter been sooooo long or is it me?  I can't get the chill out of my bones and I am longing for warm sunshine!

Easter is this Sunday and we always go to Glenn and Eileen's.  Such a special treat to celebrate and share delicious food with our close friends (Framily).  Glenn makes lamb soaked in garlic on the grill and the smell is amazing.  Tonight, as is our annual ritual, Michael and I will go to Ferrara's (http://www.ferraracafe.com/home.php) to pick up Easter Bread for Sunday.  Afterwards, we have a reservation at La Paella (http://www.lapaellanyc.com/) on East 9th Street.  Review to follow :)

Recently I've had Tom Yom soup from Asian Bowl on Queens Boulevard twice.  I ask them to add tofu and they do and it's pretty good.  The vegetable spring roll was so small it was cute, but not worthwhile.  Their Pad Thai wasn't too great either, but I am willing to try other things.

Michael and I were at Cronin and Phelan last week.  I usually order their Shepherd's pie, but changed to roasted turkey dinner instead.  It was yummy.  A bit salty (but I like that) and the gravy had the right color, consistency and flavor!

We've been to Oktoberfest on Yellowstone also.  Went with junior high school friends to hear a  band called Jagged Edge (good and fun) and had dinner too.  Pastrami Reuben, Caesar salad..just what you'd expect.  Fine for what and where it is.

A few weeks ago I was at the Tenement Museum on the Lower East Side and afterwards we ate at Congee Village (http://www.congeevillagerestaurants.com/restaurant-village.php).  It is a staple New York Chinese restaurant that I've never been to before (odd, I know).  I've passed it often and somehow thought it was Vietnamese (not that it matters).  Anyway, got there at just the right time, huge line when we left.  Food was good, place is decorated in Chinese kitsch and servers are average.

And lastly, but certainly most importantly, announcing our new grandson CLAYTON:

Dirty Pierre's

 

Shrimp Quesadilla

 

Goat Cheese Salad

 

 

Grilled Chicken Sandwich

 

Tito's Vodka with Cranberry and Extra Lime

 

Mitch, the bartender is great! We had Margaritas, Vodka and juice, Vodka and seltzer.  Quite a buzz was going on for all of us and the food was good, as usual.  Service too. Really nice Friday night with Jill, Lenny, Steve and Sue. Thanks guys!

Please Sign the Petition

http://www.change.org/petitions/kraft-stop-using-dangerous-food-dyes-in-our-mac-cheese



Hi there, this is Vani Hari from Food Babe and Lisa Leake from 100 Days of Real Food. We recently discovered that several American products are using harmful additives that are not used – and in some cases banned – in other countries. One of those products is an iconic staple that almost every American, us included, has had at one time or another: Kraft Macaroni and Cheese.
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese in the US contains the artificial food dyes Yellow 5 and Yellow 6. These unnecessary – yet potentially harmful - dyes are not in Kraft Macaroni and Cheese in other countries, including the UK, because they were removed due to consumer outcry. Kraft reformulated their product for the UK, but not for their fellow American citizens.
It’s time we demand the same here in the US!
Note: Yellow 5 (labeled asTartrazine) is also used in these products in Canada, and we're sure they don't want to have it in their food either!
That's why we are petitioning Kraft to remove all dangerous artificial food dyes
 from their line of macaroni and cheese.
Here are the reasons we are asking Kraft to remove Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 from their Macaroni and Cheese.
Artificial food dyes...
- Are man-made in a lab with chemicals derived from petroleum (a crude oil product, which also happens to be used in gasoline, diesel fuel, asphalt, and tar).
- Require a warning label in other countries outside the US.
- Have been banned in countries like Norway and Austria (and are being phased out in the UK).
- Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 are contaminated with known carcinogens (a.k.a. an agent directly involved in causing cancer).
- Cause an increase in hyperactivity in children.
- Have a negative impact on children’s ability to learn.
- Have been linked to long-term health problems such as asthma, skin rashes, and migraines.
- Add absolutely no nutritional value to the foods we are eating and are solely used for aesthetic purposes only.
To prove this last point we personally tested both the US and UK versions of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese and found virtually no difference in color or taste (see the video above).
We both grew up eating this product, Lisa used to feed it to her kids, and it’s available at almost every grocery store across the country.
Our kids deserve the same safer version that our friends get overseas!
Kraft Foods is the largest food company headquartered in the United States. If Kraft changes their Macaroni and Cheese, we know this could inspire other food companies across the US to finally eliminate dangerous artificial food dyes once and for all.
Join us now and sign this petition. Together we can make a difference.

Dinner out

Yes, I cook often, and Yes, we go out to dinner often (lunch and breakfast less frequently).

Recently we have been out to dinner with Jill and Lenny at Ovelia (http://www.ovelia-ny.com/) in Astoria.  We had:  Grilled octopus (which was so good the last two times) and not so good this time.  Village salad (standard Greek with feta, tomatoes, cucumbers and green peppers).  Hummus with pita (quite good).  Jill had grilled shrimp, Michael had a lamb burger, I had crab stuffed shrimp and Lenny had Fillet of sole.  Dessert was pumpkin galaktoboureko (way yummy) and Greek yogurt with sour cherries, also great.  Greek Shiraz and cocktails were good too.  Service was so-so, Erica no longer works there.  Would I go back. Nope.  Too many Greel places to choose from to settle for not-so-good-anymore.  But the company was terrific!

Michael and I took out from Fontana (http://www.fontanagyros.com/) for gyros and souvlaki.  The best place for both.

I also went to Jack and Nellie's again (http://www.yelp.com/biz/jack-and-nellies-forest-hills)
with Jennie and Barbara for Jennie's birthday dinner.  It was as good as it has been. Yes, I would go back.  We had:  Hummus and pita; artichoke dip and crostini; brie and prosciutto sandwich; cheese board with goat, cow and sheep milk cheeses; Cote de Narbonne wine; apple tart and coffee.  Both the company and the food were great!  Jill met us for dessert!  We walked home, each with a small airline size bottle of Amaretto, swigging all the way.  i thought it was a good treat for Jennie's birthday.  Drinking in the street-open container-good thing we didn't get stopped :)

Michael and I went to Dani's the other night.  Stracciatella soup, small salad, eggplant parm and chicken with broccoli, peppers and onions.  What more could we want?

Sunday we went to Paulie Gee's (http://www.pauliegee.com/home.php)  with Joe and Denise.  It was as good as last time.  Eden salad, Hellboy, Regina and Greenpointer pizzas.  A few beers there and a few at Brouwerij Lane (http://brouwerijlane.com/) and it was a fun evening.

This week's at home menu is:  Shrimp with chorizo and sun dried tomatoes along with Greek salad; Double cut pork chops with vinegar peppers and broccolini; chicken cutlets with wedge salad and blue cheese and spaghetti with garlic and oil.  That's all folks!

Home Cooking Photos

Stuffed Pork Chops

Garlic Soup

Rigatoni with clams

Salt Potatoes

Organic Carrots with Rosemary

Pork Loin with Rosemary-Balsamic Crust over Cabbage, Onions and Apples

February's Food

In no particular order:  We've been to Paulie Gee's (http://www.pauliegee.com/home.php) in Greenpoint with Dina, Denise and Dimitry.  We shared: The Gates of Eden salad with
Seasonal Greens, Gorgonzola Cheese, House Candied Walnuts, Sliced Red Onions, Dried Cranberries, Bosc Pear and Red Wine Vinaigrette; and The Arnold Brothstein soup made from
Parmagiano Broth, Pasta, Fresh Escarole and Italian Tomatoes.  Both were delicious. We shared three pies too: The Hellboy - Fresh Mozzarella, Italian Tomatoes, Berkshire Sopressata Piccante, Parmigiano Reggiano and Mike’s HOT Honey; The Spectacle 261 – Our tribute to Roberta’s Specken Wolf - Fresh Mozzarella, Speck, Sliced Cremini Mushrooms, Sliced Red Onions and Milled Black Pepper and the 12Greenpointer - Fresh Mozzarella, Baby Arugula, Olive Oil, Fresh Lemon Juice and Shaved Parmigiano Reggiano with vegan housemade sausage added.  Two bottles of  Montepulciano D'Abruzzo and great friends!  We would all go back in a minute.  The service was good, place is full of families with kids, young couples, hipster types.  Just beware, it's rustic (nice) and dark (very). Hope your phone has a flashlight app :)

Moving along:  We went to Nan Xiang Dumpling House (http://www.yelp.com/biz/nan-xiang-dumpling-house-flushing) in Flushing with Jill and Lenny.  We shared Pork soup dumplings and Pork and Crab dumplings (they cal them buns).  They have more soup in them than any other soup dumplings I have had, and the flavor is great too.  We also had cold cucumber with garlic, wontons with spicy sauce, which turned out to have peanut sauce on it (wow, quick smell and taste and we ripped the chopsticks out of Michael's hands), but they were good (maybe they can make them without peanut next time) whew...Also, Shanghai Udon noodles and scallion pancakes.  Everything was great and we plan to go back.

Then:  Trattoria 632 with Ryan (our nephew) and Emily (our niece) in Purchase (http://www.trattoria632.com/).  We drove up to take the kids out to dinner.  It was a great evening.  We had:  Fried calamari and escarole and bean soup; then a Margherita Pizzette with tomatoes, mozzarella, basil and artichoke hearts; Chittara pasta with veal meatballs and shaved ricotta salata; two pork chops with cherry peppers; and penne ala vodka.  Dessert was a cannoli and a nutella pizza.  Food was good, service was good, cute place, but the bill at the end seemed way higher than expected.  The wine was $10 a glass. Pretty nervy for a small town.  But...we had fun and we will, of course, take the kids our for dinner anytime they want to go with us.

I stopped by J and S Pizza (http://www.yelp.com/biz/j-and-s-pizza-rosedale) in Rosedale on my way to an oil change at Valley Stream Acura.  Michael turned me on to this place a few years ago.  Only Sicilian slices (no round) and regular heroes and such.  Good if you're nearby.

I've also been to Don Alex recently (http://www.yelp.com/biz/pollos-a-la-brasa-don-alex-forest-hills). Many think of it as strictly take out, but they have white tablecloths and candles with make it a cozy spot for a meal.  We had a 1/4 chicken with rice and yellow beans along with maduros (sweet plantains), more rice and beans and an avocado salad.  They do not serve alcohol, but you can bring your own, so I did.  It was a nice meal.  Everything was good, I would go back or order in.  Their green sauce is good too (not sure it rivals Pio Pio, but totally fine).

And, of course, I have been cooking:  Borscht with matzo balls (this time with organic beets from my farm share) and also a crock pot of chicken and stout:  I browned boneless, skinless thighs in olive oil on the stove, then put them in the bottom of my crock pot.  Next I sauteed bacon in the pan and added flour to make a roux.  Then I added a bottle of Oatmeal Stout and scraped up the bits. That went into the crock pot.  Next I added sliced carrots, onions, mushrooms and garlic.  Then a cup of chicken stock and dried thyme, salt and pepper.  It cooked for 7 hours, then I added frozen green peas till they were soft and served it over rice.  Even I ate some. It was good :)

Jennie and I did our volunteering bit for the farm share the other night.  It was like old times, working together and laughing and talking.  This time I donated my rutabagas and watermelon radishes to the food pantry.  I just don't know what to do with them. 

This weekend is all open, maybe cooking, maybe going out, maybe ordering in.  It's nice not to have plans sometimes.

Have a good one!

Bistro SK

Bistro SK has great reviews on Yelp and I don't want you not to go because of me, however, once again, it is the company you spend time with, and not the food, that really makes the evening.

Bistro SK is a small, very cute French cafe on City Island.  The owner greeted us at the door and took our coats (but he wasn't aware that we were 8 people, even though he called Denise to confirm).  It was a bit chilly, the butter plates were on the wrong side, the water came in tall plastic glasses, the bread and butter took forever, and there is only cold water running in the bathroom sink.  There was one waiter, not serving us, we had the owner. We had to ask for him to take our drink order before taking our food order.  He recommended a decent red and we obliged by having three bottles.  Also a few glasses of chardonnay, that Tom said weren't great.

We had:  Sea bass; salmon; duck confit; coq au vin; stuffed chicken; onion soup; salad; excargots; creme brulee; apple tartin and a floating island of merange.

Everyone enjoyed what they had, the sides of roasted potatoes and mashed potatoes were very good.  My salad was bland and my soup had barely any broth, too much bread and onions, but the flavor was good.

It was our annual pre-Valentine's Day dinner with Joe and Denise, Joe and Penny and Tom and Monica.  Would I go back, no.  Would I go out with these friends again, any day of the week!!!

Happy Hearts to all.

Canterbury Ales

Canterbury Ales in Huntington (http://www.canterburyales.com/) had it's Annual Winter Tasting on Sunday February 10, 2013.  Our friends JoAnn and Britt have been going for many years.  This year we joined them along with Glenn and Eileen for an afternoon of food and drink.

We began with baskets of warm pretzels and mustard accompanied by Fire Island Beer Company Frozen Tail Ale.  Next came the winter wild rice soup with beef and root vegetables along with a Brooklyn Brewery Winter Ale and a Goose Island Mild Winter.  This was followed by a grilled mango salad and a Brooklyn Blast and a Blue Point Hoptical Illusion.  Next was an appetizer of prosciutto, mozzarella and potatoes with Greenport Brewery's Anti-Freeze and a Heavy Seas Winter Storm.  Next was the entree of berry BBQ short ribs and tostones accompanied by a Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA and a Shipyard Brewing Old Thumper Ale.  Lastly we had espresso pecan pie along with a Long Ireland's Black Friday Imperial Stout.

Wow.  Ten beers with lunch.  It was fun, got a buzz, didn't love the food.  They should really stick to what they do well:  Bar food ie; Shepherd's pie, bangers and mash, etc..  As for the beer, you all know I am Coors Light girl (not saying much for beer) but I did enjoy the different flavors and even liked a few of the less malty/hoppy ones.  Michael missed a Bourbon stout or a Breakfast stout, but otherwise he liked the whole event.

It was a nice way to spend a winter's afternoon with friends.

Since Jan. 24

Obviously home from Ithaca, actually been there and back again. Anyway...

Michael's mom had surgery (and she is doing really well, home from Beth Israel in one day).

We've been to El Quijote, Dani's, Bonfire, Artichoke Basile's, 5 Burro, Dirty Pierre's, Exo Cafe and Canterbury Ales.

I've made chili, pork roast, mushroom soup, chicken soup, and assorted minor dinners.

Tomorrow we are going for our annual Valentine's Day dinner (but never on Valentine's Day) to Bistro Sk on City Island.  Friday night is pizza night at the Creutz' and we have no plans for the weekend.  I think we need a rest.

xo

PS: Sorry for the minimal details. Maybe I will get a second wind...

In Ithaca

Jesse and I drove up yesterday.  He's squared away in Cortland and I am enjoy peace and quiet in Ithaca.  Last night Chysalis and I made dinner:  Lasagna, with ground turkey, onion and garlic; mozzarella and ricotta mixed with egg, salt and pepper; marinara sauce and fresh lasagna noodles that cooked in 4 minutes.  We even used a throw away pan so there was no clean up.  We added salad with chopped veggies and homemade vinaigrette and a loaf of soft Italian bread.  Yummy and so great to have assistance.

Not sure about tonight maybe Japanese or maybe not.  Doesn't matter.  I am on a 2 day vacation. I will take the bus home Friday and hopefully Michael and I will go to El Quijote for garlic soup, salad, lobster and arroz con pollo!!

Baby it's cold outside. Keep warm!

Quickly...

Received my second vegetable share and this one came with beans too (separately ordered). I got organic black beans and pinto beans, one pound of each.  Black beans are cooking on the stove as I am typing this.  I added: Jalapeno (from my summer garden), green pepper, celery, carrots, onion, garlic, can of organic roma tomatoes and two containers of organic chicken stock. It should simmer for about 4-6 hours. Yum!

I have also recently made: Farfalle with peas in a pink sauce and salad when Joe and Denise came for dinner and ham, macaroni and cheese and salad when Jill, Lenny and Brett were here for dinner. 

I made split pea soup and used the ham bone. I also pureed it in the pot with my new hand blender Michael gave me for Christmas.  Worked really well.  I also made a pot of straciatella soup.  Seems soup-like weather lately.

I will be in Ithaca soon for a few days. Keep warm!

OMG

I have been royally slacking off! Sorry.

Since December 18 (ouch) we have had many a gastronomic event.  Details aside, we have had dinner and holiday parties at the Creutz', the Carbones and the Figliolias.  We have had dinner and holidays with the Wisners and Brennans too.

We have been to El Quijote, Pio Pio, Dani's, Barosa, Artichoke Basille's, Blackwater Inn, Dee's and Katz' Deli. Whew.....

I have made chicken soup, pasta fagioli, gazpacho (summer I know, but Michael made a special request), lamb chops with rosemary, sweet potatoes, linguine with langostines, pork roast with sauerkraut, a pot of sauce, cookies, stuffed cabbage and other things I just can't remember now.

I have also received the first 2 of my vegetable shares.  I joined a food cooperative out of the Forest Hills Jewish Center.  Every 3 weeks organic veggies come from upstate to the center.  I go pick up our share.  So far we've gotten sweet potatoes, creamer potatoes, rutabaga, beets, carrots, parsnips, watermelon radish, leeks, white and green cabbage.  I also bought an organic bean share and so far I have black beans and pinto beans.  It's really too much food for me to use so I have been parceling out to Sue, Jill and my mother in law.  I love the idea and the freshness, etc...but I think I will not do this again next year.  Maybe I will try the summer share instead.

Anywho....Happy New Year to all and to all good health and happiness!