Cafe at 407
April 27, 2011
Heading to Syracuse for the holidays always involves catching up with as many old friends as possible. This past weekend I was discussing friends’ wedding plans over a Java Chip Frappachino in the village of Liverpool. Not only does Cafe at 407 have an appetizing menu, their decor is so inspirational with quotes and colorful furnishings to make you feel like you’re hanging out at your artist friend’s living room rather than a coffee shop. As for the back story? Cafe at 407 was opened to fund Ophelia’s Place, a non-profit organization to help those with eating disorders and provide a community space for redefining beauty and health.
Garlic hummus with fresh chopped tomatoes, parmesan and provolone cheese and focaccia wedges
Java Chip Frappuccino
More hummus
Ninety Acres at Natirar
April 12, 2011
I spent Sunday afternoon taking in the fresh air of a countryside farm and indulging in some fine dining all at the same time. Having the honor of getting the full tour of Natirar, a 500-acre property in Somerset County, New Jersey, I certainly kept myself busy in an attempt to explore and taste as much as I could. An ongoing project that will include not only dining, but spas, pools and accommodations, the first phase is currently complete and ready for diners. At the restaurant known as Ninety Acres, Food & Wine’s Best new chef of 2011 for the New York area, David Felton, prepared what seemed like endless amazing dishes until we couldn’t eat anymore. Aside from the food, I couldn’t leave out photographs of the old manor house, with it’s classic antique decor, it’s the perfect venue for an elegant wedding or event.
The farm at Natirar
Natirar Beet Salad with baby lettuces, goat cheese, hazelnut granola & cocoa balsamic and tomatoes growing in the greenhouse
Paprika Rubbed Grilled Octopus with meyer Lemon, baby romaine, parmesan & garlic confit
The Dining Room
Organic Risotto with saffron, sundried tomato, crispy porchetta & fried herbs
Wine & Dine
Imperial Wagyu Steak Tartare with chimichurri, picked red onions, two-hour yolk & frico
Interior of the Manor House
Wood Fired Pizza special of the day-Parmesan flat bread, prosciutto & arugula
Griggstown Quail with chili-apricot compote & brown butter brioche
Farmer's Plates on the menu
Alto Cinco
March 23, 2011
If you happen to be strolling through Syracuse, NY, and are in the mood for some Mexican cuisine, I highly recommend making a stop at Alto Cinco. Located near the university, on the eccentric Westcott Street, this small-sized, yet full of character Mexican joint is one of my favorites around town. It’s always top of my list when I’m in the area, and their menu never gets old.
Chicken Burrito
Chips & Salsa with a Chicken Burrito
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
Italian Chicken Noodle Soup
January 12, 2011
I couldn’t have had a better morning waking up to the sun shining brightly on all the newly fallen snow across the city. It’s a perfect day for a cup of homemade chicken noodle soup.
Combining my favorite ingredients from the traditional chicken noodle and Italian wedding, you get a fantastic mix of the best. I brown chicken, add in the chicken stock and water, and allow to cook for an hour and a half. Then putting in the vegetables- carrots, celery, kale and onions, I cook until tender. Next step is removing the chicken, debone it and add a box of pastina. Finally for the Italian wedding part, I take dime-sized cooked meatballs, stir in the mix and there you have a delicious bowl of soup.
My father's soup recipe made with chicken, mini meatballs, carrots, pastina, kale and some seasoning
Winter Hor d’oeuvres
January 3, 2011
Before my holiday break came to an end, I enjoyed my final day in Syracuse relaxing and snacking on toasted cheese and my father’s famous spanakopitas by the fireplace. While his recipe consists of the traditional spinach and feta cheese combo wrapped in triangles of filo pastry sheets, he adds a topping of raspberry jam that is just the right amount to satisfy your sweet tooth. A perfect treat for a damp winter day.
Honey & swiss cheese on toast with a side of mixed nuts and blueberries
Spanakopitas with raspberry jam
Late Autumn Picnic
November 28, 2010
Strolling through Syracuse’s Sunday morning flea market, I found amazing vintage Native American fabrics that inspired me to have an afternoon picnic with fresh bread, cheese, fruits and my great-grandmother Hazel’s cheese grater, before heading back to the city and work tomorrow morning.
French bread & pears
Cranberries, Challerhocker cheese, apples & pears
Welcome
November 19, 2010
A traditional Sunday meal with friends at Lucia's casa.
Fruit smoothies at a café on a rainy Milan day.
Salads, fruits and cheese at Seebad on Lake Luzern. While in Zurich, I had time to spare while my friend was at work, so enjoyed an afternoon at a neighboring town, basking in the Swiss sun at this bathhouse with an amazing view.
A fresh loaf of bread from Jones Dairy café. A hidden gem on a side street off Columbia Road, host of London's Sunday flower market. Quite possibly my favorite place in the world to be on a Sunday afternoon.
Modern English cuisine at the industrial chic, Wapping Project restaurant in East London. Once an old hydraulic power station, this half art/half dining venue was perfect for a dinner catch up with the old crew from Amelia's Magazine.
Hot summer evenings on my roof, with a pitcher of Pimms and Lemonade, garnishing the leftover fruit with mint, and smoked salmon bruschetta.
Mac and cheese at Montauk's Navy Beach for a mid-summer escape to show my friend from Sydney a taste of our local beaches and sunsets.
Lobster rolls at the restaurant at Rowayton's Seafood. While my parents were in town visiting we spent a day dining by the Long Island Sound.
A backyard barbeque in Brooklyn at my friend, Geordie's home. All vegetables and mint for the mojitos grown locally, right from the back garden.
Fresh vegetables
An italian dinner at Margherita's Pizza & Café in Hoboken. I love taking summer ferry rides across the Hudson to relax, enjoy the view of the city and visit my friend, Beth.
Sandwiches, soups and salads at Cathryn's in Cold Spring, NY with some friends to celebrate my birthday and explore the small town about an hour north of the city.
Perfect autumn meals
And the party continued back in the city as we prepared stuffed squash boats, roasted potatoes and much more for a dinner party that evening.
The ingredients for the feast
Fresh fruit from Santa Monica's farmers market. By far the best fruit I've ever tasted.
While taking a mid-October break out on the west coast, we prepared a dinner with a couple old friends, new friends and family. Buying fresh from the market, we enjoyed pumpkin pasta, prosciutto wrapped pears and roasted potatoes.
a camera in the kitchen 