Bartaco
July 22, 2011
When the sun is shining and the afternoon is young, Bartaco’s outdoor patio is a perfect option for lunch. Catching up with a friend, I enjoyed some tacos, a margarita and cheese quesadillas. Tucked against the river in Port Chester, NY, its part surf shack part Mexican vibe does just the trick to make you feel as though you’re on a beach holiday without a care in the world.
Have a great weekend! x
Pork Belly Taco
Bartaco Margarita
Chicken taco
Pool Party
July 20, 2011
Back in a New York state of mind, I recently had some girlfriends over for poolside entertaining at my parent’s house. While my dad took care of the sliders with mac & cheese, I had fun throwing together some dips and bruschetta from Wegman’s, a regional favorite supermarket here in the Northeast. I spread asiago cheese & artichoke dip on the pita and topped with tomatoes and fresh cucumber. And then just plain bruschetta on bread slices, followed by a taste of good old fashioned grape licorice.
Artichoke & Asiago Cheese Dip, Bruschetta, Pita bread and Cucumber
Grape Licorice & Grilled Pita Bread
Sliders with mac & cheese to go with the appetizers
Cooke City
July 12, 2011
After spending a morning driving 11,000 ft above sea level through the winding roads of Beartooth Highway through Montana and Wyoming, we stopped for lunch in Cooke City. A tourist destination for those traveling to Yellowstone National Park, there’s nothing more than a few restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops, but it’s certainly full of character with a picture perfect backdrop.
Cooke City General Store
Chicken and tomato wrap from the Ore House Saloon at Soda Butte Lodge
Burger & Fries
The Juicy Lucy Burger stuffed with cheese and peppers
Homespun Foods
June 16, 2011
Gazing out my office window at the sunshine, I desperately want to rewind back to my relaxing weekend lunch in the back garden at Homespun Foods in Beacon. A quaint little dining retreat in town, the staff was welcoming and the food produced locally including cage-free eggs from Feather Ridge Farm, grass-fed beef from Bittersweet Farm, Wallkill smoked salmon and Murray’s poultry. Top on my list was most likely the cheddar cheese sandwich with cranberry apple chutney, definitely easy enough to repeat at home, and the baba ganoosh had me going back for seconds as well.
Pita bread and dressing
Cheddar and Chutney Sandwich: sharp cheddar cheese with cranberry apple chutney
Mac & Cheese
Middle Eastern Platter: Hummus, baba ganoosh, tabouli, feta, olives, cucumbers and tomatoes with pita bread
Salad
Mac & Cheese with a colorful salad
Southampton IPA
Lunch at Bergdorf’s
May 16, 2011
After spending a day shopping around Manhattan with out of town friends, a little lunch break at Bergdorf’s Bar 5F was the perfect remedy.
Lobster salad wrap with avocado, bacon and mixed greens
Smoked turkey wrap
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
a camera in the kitchen 