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
Happy Easter!
April 24, 2011
For the family easter dinner, I decided to bring a taste of some of my favorite New York desserts from Crumbs, Bouchon Bakery and Jacque Torres.
Vanilla Sprinkle Crumbs Cupcake
Peep Crumbs Cupcakes & Chocolate covered Peeps from Jacque Torres
Vanilla Sprinkle Crumbs Cupcake & Brownies from Bouchon Bakery
Sweet Leaf Organics
April 23, 2011
This smoothie and snack stand, Sweet Leaf, has quite the resume of festivals, setting up everywhere from Coachella to Bonnaroo. Providing the essential thirst quenching drink for those hot desert afternoons, these guys serve up some of the best. Based in Oregon, this traveling restaurant uses a solar powered kitchen to prep their organic smoothies, sandwiches, salads and more.
Fruit Smoothies
A Camper’s Breakfast
April 23, 2011
It’s amazing what you can do with no kitchen. Take this array of bagels and breakfast sandwiches cooked up while camping at Coachella as the perfect example.
Bagels, Toast, Eggs & Tomatoes
Bagel Sandwiches
Coachella Farmers Market
April 21, 2011
After falling in love with Santa Monica’s Farmers Market fruit last fall, I was beyond thrilled to experience more from the west coast. Spending a majority of Coachella Music Festival on the grounds, the onsite resources such as the Farmers Market that brought in vendors from neighboring areas of Palm Desert, Palm Springs and La Quinta became most valuable. Here’s what I feasted on that got me through the days…
Lemons, Oranges & Limes
Oranges & Golden Berries
Blueberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, Strawberries & Goldenberries
Green Energizing Drinks
Off to the West Coast…
April 13, 2011
I’m jetting out of town today to soak up some desert sun, photograph all the stylish fashionistas and dance my weekend away at Coachella Music Festival out in California. Of course checking out the local farmers market and other festival foods to share next week is top of my list. Be back soon… x
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
Sushi Saturday
April 11, 2011
Sushi is by far one of the most beautiful food presentations out there, rich in color, textures and just so visually appealing (and of course tasty). Stopping through one of my favorite city spots, Momoya, they kindly prepared their selection of the best sushi/sashimi for me to photograph before bringing it home for friends to enjoy.
During preparation
The Sushi/Sashimi Platter
Salmon Crunchy Roll- spicy salmon, mango, avocado & crunchy rice
Sharing plates with friends
Hello, Spring
April 6, 2011
Inspired by the weekend sunshine, I took a trip to Zabars, my local gourmet food store, and stocked up on all sorts of fresh and colorful fruit to make a breakfast bruschetta for friends to enjoy. Slicing a loaf of whole grain bread from the farmer’s market, I spread mascarpone cheese and Zabar’s cranberry spread, topping off with sliced papayas and mangos. On the side, a beets and bean salad.
Breakfast Bruschetta and Zabar's Cranberry Spread
Beets & carrots marinated in vinegrette, carbanzo beans, walnuts, olive oil and garlic oil
Spices & Tease
April 4, 2011
On one of my weekly trips to the Sunday Market, I decided to tag along with my camera and snap some shots of Spices & Tease, a true highlight of GreenFlea Market in New York’s Upper West Side. Not only visibly appealing, these guys have an impressive array of spices and teas ranging from Relaxation Tea, Geisha Dancing (green tea, pineapple and coconut) to spices for your meats, omelettes and just about anything else in the kitchen.
Mayan Secret-- Green Tea Darjeeling, Rooibos, Papaya, Apple, Carrots, Lemongrass & Marigold Blossoms
Relaxation Tea
a camera in the kitchen 