Afternoon at the Pub
March 20, 2013
It’s been awhile since I’ve stayed in my own neighborhood, but this past weekend I decided to venture uptown to Five Lamps Tavern. Located in close proximity to Columbia University, this whole area is buzzing with great places. While their food is pretty standard pub fare, they have an impressive craft beer list, and fantastic back garden space. Although the snow stopped us from a seat at the picnic table, next time around I’m hoping for more spring-like temps.
Sliders
Corned Beef
Beer flights including Third Shift Amber Lager and Radeberger to name a couple
Back garden area
Donna D. Photography Brings Us… For the love of uni
December 18, 2012
I have an obsession with those spiny little globular animal’s gonads. I can’t get enough of their creamy custard-like texture that dissolves on your tongue and tastes like a delightful ocean mist with a sweet after tone. Anytime, I hear about a restaurant serving up the best oceanic foie gras, especially one whose menu reads like a Jacque Cousteau book, a visit is a must. It took me two years to get there but Marea, and its warm sea urchin wrapped under a cashmere blanket of melted lardo, was well worth the wait.
FUNGHI acquarello risotto, wild mushrooms, parmigiano
RICCI sea urchin, lardo, sea salt
ASTICE nova scotia lobster, burrata, eggplant al funghetto, basil
SAN PIETRO new zealand john dory, sunchokes, pomegranate, brussel sprouts, hazelnuts
SPIGOLA NERA local black bass, beluga lentils, cipollini onion, trumpet royal muchrooms, red wine jus
TAGLIOLINI manila clams, calamari, white wine, hot chilies
FUSILLI durum wheat pasta, red wine braised octopus, bone marrow & SPARNOCCHI sweet main shrimp, lava salt, lemon
BOMBOLONI deep fried doughnuts, zabaglione crema, espresso crumble chocolate sauce, white espresso gelato & NOCCIOLA PRALINATO hazelnut, dark chocolate lemon, mint
Spring Snacks for the Park
April 6, 2012
With the flowers blooming all across Central Park, taking an enjoyable walk home is a far better option than the subway. The sun was setting to create a beautiful golden light on the cherry blossoms, lilac gardens and midtown’s skyline. After all that walking, why not take the time for a quick snack. Local favorites of mine include breads from Sarabeth’s and Ciao Bella’s Green Tea gelato from the new foodie shop in town– Gastronomie 491, that is part cafe part gourmet market.
Happy Weekend! I’m heading Upstate for Easter, so be sure to check back soon for all the holiday menus! x
Green Tea Gelato
Central Park
Green Tea Gelato
Sarabeth's breads
Sarabeth's raisin bread
Trees in bloom
Cafe Lalo
April 2, 2012
Famously known for Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks’ meeting in You’ve Got Mail, the Upper West Side’s Cafe Lalo has always been a favorite of mine, and quite honestly am surprised I’ve waited this long to feature it. Not only do they have great brunch options, but their large selection of cheesecakes and other desserts makes it a great late night stop as well. With it’s Euro-feel, it’s the perfect spot to go on a warm spring day when the floor to ceiling windows are open, and you can people-watch the sidewalks below.
Coffee
Steamed eggs with Bulgarian feta cheese, olives and herbs served with roasted potatoes and a Mediterranean salad
Mediterranean salad
Breads
Purple Potatoes
I Heart NY
November 11, 2011
This morning was one of those, “I love NY” moments while I was walking to work. The sun was out, the fall colors at their peak, and I just finished shooting last night’s dinner. Part II of my autumn pasta is finally here. I tossed together the pasta with olive oil, some seasonal herbs and goat cheese, adding in arugula, almonds, raisins, apple chardonnay chicken sausage and topped it with asiago cheese.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Fresh arugula
Salted almonds
Pasta with Apple Chardonnay Chicken Sausage and Arugula
Salted almonds and raisins
a camera in the kitchen 