Sunrise Mart

February 20, 2011

We made a stop yesterday at the Sunrise Mart, a specialty Japanese supermarket in East Village that not only has every food you could possibly want to take back with you from a holiday in Asia, but houseware items, videos and magazines. We picked up some soy sauce and noodles, so I’ll be sure to share our homecooked Japanese cuisine when it’s prepared.

Seasonings and oils

Fresh seafood including octopus and squid

Authentic Japanese bottled beverages and sauces

The Barrel

February 20, 2011

I briefly mentioned The Barrel in a post not too long ago, but unfortunately didn’t tag my camera along with me. We loved it so much though, we had to go back yesterday afternoon. Located down in East Village, it’s a quaint little tapas bar that serves a great brunch menu and has the sweetest waitresses making it all the more welcoming. When we asked for tea to go, they went next door just to get disposable cups for us to take with us.

House Club Sandwich with chicken, homemade berkshire bacon, tomato, red onion, lettuce, american cheese, served w/ mix fruits & mixed greens salad

Plum Tomato & Avocado Salad with avocados, plum tomatoes, palmito, & mixed greens tossed in balsamic dressing

Happy Valentines Day!

February 14, 2011

A fun little V-day party Saturday evening with friends. More shots to come!

Dessert at friend's, Jess and Scott's Valentines party Saturday evening

Superbowl Sunday

February 6, 2011

Cheers to a fun and safe Superbowl Sunday. I couldn’t resist picking up these adorable cookies from Citarella to bring to tonight’s party!

Citarella's Football Sugar Cookies

 

Robert’s Brunch

February 6, 2011

A weekend brunch at Robert, above the Museum of Arts & Design overlooking Central Park and the lovely Upper West Side.

Ricotta Cheese Pancakes with apples and whipped creme

Love the floral accents on the tables

Grilled Vegetable Wrap with Sweet Potato Fries

Smoked Salmon Benedict with Petite Bagel, Dill Hollandaise and Potato Rosti

Fish Friday

February 4, 2011

In the middle of a snowstorm, my roommates and I, along with some friends from our building enjoyed a local meal at Kefi. Pictured below is the Pan Seared Striped Bass. Flashing back to another amazing fish dinner, check out a home cooked Wahoo evening in Aruba not too long ago.

Pan Seared Striped Bass, String Beans, Potato, Capers, Olives

Local Aruba Fish Market

Wahoo

Cooked and ready for dinner on the ocean

Wahoo Tacos

I learned tonight that one of my favorite spots, Café Gitane, tucked into the West Village’s Jane Hotel, not only has a fantastic brunch, but evening menu as well.

Apple, brie and bread

And as a side note, in the past week I’ve gone on way to many unplanned dining excursions that I’ve learned to start carting my camera around with me at all times. I apologize for the lack of photos, but these places were too cute to be left unmentioned. Saturday, while making an attempt to go to the popular East Village brunch hang out, The Smith, a typical 2 o’clock crowd was pulling in a 45-minute wait, so we opted to head down the street and found the much quieter, Barrel, which I highly recommend. Seated immediately in what resembles an actual barrel, I ordered a simple eggs and toast, but it was delicious with homemade bread. Although I haven’t tried the rest of the menu, their extensive list of European tapas looks like something I’ll have to go back for.

Other meals from last week I’d recommend include Organic Veal meatballs from The Tangled Vine, the Egg Casserole with spinach, parmesan and smoked bacon from The Mermaid Inn, and of course I made my way back to Kefi yet again to fill my Greek cravings.

Back to Reality

January 21, 2011

Another fresh coat of snow this morning. Here are a few shots on my way to work, along with a muffin mix and hot cocoa on a stick. A fun gift I put together recently and excellent to make on a cold day.

Huckleberry Muffin Mix

Hot Cocoa on a Stick

Marandi Sunset

January 18, 2011

A little flashback to the warm evenings in Aruba last month. Here’s a dinner enjoyed seaside at sunset in a palapa hut at Marandi.

Shrimp Tempura

Tuna Tartar

Happy Friday

January 14, 2011

Here’s a Sourdough Strata with Tomatoes and Greens dish I made for a brunch with girlfriends in Syracuse. Recipe courtesy of the Food Network Magazine. Have a wonderful weekend! x

Sourdough Strata with Tomatoes and Greens