his + hers blackened steaks w/ smokey blue cheese




blackened steaks w/ smokey blue cheese

 

treat yourself to a little weeknight steakhouse dinner. go on, you deserve it (and if you stay away from the bread, you can make yourself feel better by noting that you're eating gluten-free : ) all you need is a cast iron skillet, two good quality beef loin fillets and a spicy red wine.

grilled tequila-lime scallops



tequila-lime scallops





























i wanted to close the long memorial day weekend with something light but flavorful.  these scallops served with a spicy yellow pepper sauce did the trick.  the spicy sauce is one that's been tradition in jack's family for i'm sure, much longer than i've been around. luckily though, my sister-in-law shared the recipe with me; you'll love the vibrant color and extra kick it gives. grab the tequila and heat up the fire!

betto



betto


hands down, my favorite feature at betto is the way they deliver your wine when you've ordered by the glass.  betto has an extensive list so you've got plenty of options as well.  after you've picked your poison, they bring the bottle to your table (no matter how many different types of wine your table has selected) and let you try a sip before they pour your glass.  they wait for you to smell it, swish it around, the whole thing! i've yet to experience a restaurant that would do this sort of thing.  and it's no big deal if you don't like it, they genuinely want you to enjoy your wine, i loved it! sure you get this kind of treatment when you sit at a bar but we were so pleased with the somelier's service, it really elevated the dining experience.
we started with a few of the crostini and and one of the specials, the bufala mozzerella.  the presentation was rustic and the flavors were earthy and rich.  my favorite crostini was the basil pesto with the house made ricotta coming in a close second.
after we lingered over our appetizers (with no pressure to place a dinner order, another thing i loved) we opted for a few small plates to share and one big, impressive, deep fried rabbit. the short ribs and broccoli rabe papardelle were really nice but the rabbit, whew, it was light, juicy, crispy goodness. i hesitated over my first bite but quickly got over my inhibitions.  trust me, you will too!
definitely make your way over to betto.  it's relaxed, the service is excellent and the food is perfect whether you're looking for a light snack or you want to bite into a whole animal. the communal table's great for those looking for a little socialization as well.  two thumbs up~

wythe hotel

cocktails on top of wythe hotel



wythe hotel

 
lucky for us, we can see manhattan from a new vantage point now. wythe hotel was converted from an old factory building into what i'd consider to be williamsburg's premier spot for cocktails. we had berry park and juliette but nothing compares to the view on top of the wythe. they did a classic feeling glass box extension on top of the existing 1901 factory and the old roof now serves as a hip, relaxed hangout.

you enter the hotel on the corner of wythe and north 11th. the restaurant is on your right hand side; i first noticed the gorgeous lofted ceilings and vintage vibe. pass the restaurant though and keep walking to get up to the bar. you'll be greeted by a real deal door girl before you're allowed up. she had a warm smile though and made the experience feel almost exclusive. when you step out of the elevator, you immediately see the bright skyline ahead of you. they did the walls of the space in a rich, steely blue lacquered finish and mirrors were layered on top so the view is the focus no matter where you happen to be standing. the view's not the only attractive draw, the bartenders could have passed for calvin klein models... these guys mix up a mean cocktail though, our harvey wallbanger's were spot on. we hung out and had a couple of rounds and then made our way over to betto for dinner afterwards. the rooftop was the perfect spot to start our night, definitely pop in and check it out~

summer salmon

summer salmon over kale, roasted in parchment

for anyone who lives in a small space and has seared a piece of fish on their stovetop knows even the aroma of a spectacular fillet isn't something you want to linger.  try this; wrap your fish in parchment and let the oven do the work.  you'll get a deliciously tender piece of fish and you can infuse it with whatever flavors you like.  i went for thyme, ginger, greens, fennel and a little lemon zest.  click below for the recipe~

cookin' low n' slow

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his + hers slow cooked pulled pork

who doesn't love a pulled pork sandwich?  i definitely do but i wanted to incorporate something somewhat healthy as well.  hence, the his + hers version.  for jack, i served up a hearty portion sandwiched between a sesame roll with a little kale salad on top.  for me, kale was the heart of the dish and i garnished it with some of the shredded goodness.  i did a cornbread side, chock full of bacon and scallions (right, so this isn't the healthiest of sides but it's sooo good.  treat yourself to one slice and then be sure to share the leftovers). and being a cincinnati girl, i had to use none other than ribs king montgomery inn barbeque sauce.  this stuff is the real deal, hands down my favorite bbq sauce on the market. it's thick, has a hint of sweetness and big, bold flavor. 

spicey spaghetti squash

spicy spaghetti squash

does it look like one of scott conant's little spaghetti nests?  yeah, i guess that's a bit of a stretch...  while i wouldn't compare my spaghetti squash recipe to scarpetta's, it's full of flavor and easy on your waistline.  nonna's spicy sauce (i picked it up at the gourmet guild) gives this dish a kick and some added capers and kalamata olives give further depth and complexity. the recipe is simple, you just need to be patient and give the squash enough time to roast~

il paiolo



osteria il paiolo



happy mother's day to all moms reading my blog!  and a very special happy mother's day to my own mom who graciously edits my posts : )  you're the best mom~
this year my husband and i spent some quality time with his family on mother's day and took them to il paiolo for brunch.  il paiolo's an authentic northern italian restaurant that's known for their scratch-made pasta and recently added outdoor seating area.  on a nice afternoon, there's nothing better than sipping a glass of wine and watching the foot traffic march up and down north 6th street.
i love the colors, texture and depth of flavors in the dishes here.  we started with a few beet and goat cheese salads. the goat cheese was rich and velvety and the arugula was peppery and fresh.  we followed that up with calamari for the table.  the batter was deliciously light and crispy.  we then ordered an array of entrees and after tasting a few, i'd say my favorite was the parpadelle with puttanesca sauce.  i didn't mention the bloody mary's yet so i have to go back to that one... i'm a little fussy when it comes to these because i like them spicey but i'm not a huge horseradish fan.  il paiolo makes one of the best bloody's i've had in a long time.  it's spicy yet smooth and has an addicting salt & pepper rimmed glass. mmm, perfect for a sunday brunch!
there aren't too many white table cloth places in williamsburg so if you're looking for a polished kind of spot for a family dinner, date or a girls night out, il paiolo is perfect.  alex, the owner, and his wife are always around and take great care of  their patrons.  il paiolo's a little gem that luckily found it's home just a few blocks away from our apartment. be sure to check it out.
http://www.ilpaiolonyc.com/

smorgasburg

i heart smorgasburg

smorgasburg

i guess manhattan could see the big heart drawn in the sky saturday morning as well but for some reason, i felt like it was meant for brooklyn...  we had a particularly late night on friday and were in need of some serious hangover food the next morning.  lucky for us, smorgasburg sets up  in our backyard so we didn't have far to go.  the open market accommodates about 100 established purveyors and food entrepreneurs from new york's own pool of local talent.  they sell both packaged and prepared food and you'll also find some specialty kitchenware booths. 
moving along, our first stop was porchetta. you can't go wrong with fennel and spice laced pork stuffed into a crispy, buttered roll.  after that had a few minutes to settle, we went over to hop on line at the red hook lobster pound.  the maine lobster roll did the trick.  big hunks of fresh lobster mixed in with a little mayo on a buttered slab of bread turned my morning around quickly. once i had taken care of the savory and salty part, i just needed to satiate the sweet.  a fresh baked donut from dough was the perfect finish.
there are plenty of other scratch-made options to choose from so i'm definitely looking forward to next weekend when i can sample some more. more info on smorgasburg here.

ramps



ramps & roasted garlic




my neighbor enlightened me (thank you, leon) this week and shared with me one of his favorite ingredients; ramps. we fixed a healthy meal with relatively few ingredients in under a half hour.  i had never cooked with ramps before but fell in love with the vibrant color in the stems and pure white bulbs at the base of the stalk.  ramp season is short lived so when you see them, pick 'em up and incorporate them into your favorite dish. this garlicky tasting member of the onion family is actually classified as a wild leek so we treated it as such.  we sauteed them with mushrooms, olive oil, a little chicken stock and pulled the dish together with some brown rice pasta and roasted garlic. 

d.o.c. wine bar



d.o.c. wine bar


this past friday we went to d.o.c. for a second time since we moved to the neighborhood.  we were with a large group of friends so we got to taste a number of different things and assorted bottles of wine were sampled throughout the evening.  if you're looking for an extensive wine list, d.o.c. is the place to go. i couldn't pronounce many of the titles but i liked that there was a nice 'by the glass,' selection and the servers were very helpful in directing you to their favorites.
the outside of the restaurant is pretty unassuming but once you're inside, the warm, intimate atmosphere wraps itself around you.  they were great about accommodating a large group but this place screams date night to me. it's cozy, the lights are dimmed and the majority of the menu is perfect for sharing (boyfriends and husbands, take note). the decor is an eclectic mix that feels slightly moroccan but you notice the italian influence once you have a look at the menu.  i'd say heavy apps and dessert would be the best way to approach a meal here. do a mix of cheeses, a little charcuterie, a toasted panini and finish up with their signature tiramisu.  they also have a few small tables outside so on a nice night you can relax and people watch while sipping a cool italian white. 
http://www.docwinebar.com/ 
 

remembering the creative legacy of maurice sendak...
although not food related, great article below about the life and work of native brooklynite, maurice sendak

http://www.fastcodesign.com/1669723/remembering-the-creative-legacy-of-maurice-sendak-in-his-own-words

nola style cheesecake

[made in brooklyn]

nola style cheesecake

last october, jack and i walked down the aisle and said our 'i do's,' in one of the south's most fascinating cities, new orleans.  we had a three day party with our closest friends and family and took in all the sights, sounds, off-the-wall cocktails and culinary specialties nola had to offer.  this past weekend, friends of ours that had celebrated with us threw a dinner party and made one of their favorite dishes from a recipe they had picked up on that trip.  my job was dessert.  i wanted something that embodied nola's signature flavors and also wanted to marry in some local ingredients too.  i decided to top my grandma lou's cheesecake recipe with pralines, a little lemon zest and serve some fresh whipped cream on the side. instead of using dark corn syrup to make my pralines, i used our own duchess county's crown maple syrup.  the maple syrup made a deliciously glossy glaze. trust me, a few bites of this rich and decadent dessert are all you need~

it was back to reality bright and early this morning... when i was sneaking out of my hotel room at the fontainebleau to catch a 6:30am flight, the kids were actually still pouring out of LIV, the resident club at the hotel.  as sad as i was to say goodbye to miami and all of its outrageous characters, i'm looking forward to getting myself back on track with lots of water, leafy greens and a hot yoga class on wednesday night... yes, i know it will take more than one yoga class to make up for all of the tasty things i consumed this weekend but it's a start!

welcome to miami...

fontainebleau, miami

ah, how sweet it is to get the heck out of new york for a few days!  little pool time, phenomenal restaurants and a serious nightlife scene.  we had a taste of everything and didn't even have to leave miami beach.  check out the travel page for details on where we ate on our last excursion.

gourmet guild

gourmet guild

when i told my neighbor, sandy, i had started a food blog, she told me i absolutely had to stop by the gourmet guild.  she raved about how friendly the owner was and how passionate he was about bringing his mission to the foodie culture in williamsburg.
i had the pleasure of meeting steven this afternoon and he gave me a broad brush overview of what the guild is all about. they're more than just a local source for all things vended within 300 miles.  soon we'll see them as a social, educational and cultural hub for all things food related and they even hope to have a few of their favorite vendors in house turning out their own fresh specialties.  i just loved that i didn't have to face the crowds at smorgasburg to get a few of my favorite sauces!  the guild is pulling all the best local goods and stocking their shelves. 
i picked up some nonna's spicey sauce and crown maple syrup.  i have some travel lined up over the next couple of weeks so i'll be away from my kitchen but as soon as i'm home, you'll see some recipes incorporating these local faves.  in the meantime, definitely head over the gourmet guild and check the space out for yourself.  they're still growing and filling their space but you'll find fresh, sustainable, local goods you can work into your own kitchen.

mable's smokehouse

mable's smokehouse

maybe you can see a pattern here, we're totally into dives that crank out good food!  this is one of them.  when we visit mable's, my husband and i make ourselves feel better by ordering a 'sampler platter to split.' who are we kidding, it's still a ton of food.  the ribs and pulled pork are seriously dig-in worthy though.  don't skip the mac and cheese either.  it's a purists delight, just creamy cheesy elbow noodle deliciousness-

the vibe is super relaxed and they play old country songs so you feel like you've literally walked into a bbq joint somewhere in birmingham.  the chairs are mismatched and you'll likely come across more than one handle bar mustache. 

when we go, we sit at the bar but if you opt to sit at a table, you just place your order at the feed station and they'll give you a cute little sign that resembles one of their favorite states so they can identify you and deliver your order once it's ready. 

this is a good spot to drop in when you're in the mood for comfort food that will stick to your ribs.  come hungry and be sure to check out their saucy southern cocktails~













 

brown rice pasta & fresh ricotta

brown rice pasta & fresh ricotta

i was doing a little neighborhood exploring this afternoon and popped into marlow & daughters over on broadway. they're well known for their grass fed, hormone-free meat and poultry selection but today i opted for some of their fresh ricotta.  i wasn't looking for anything in particular but thought the ricotta looked light, fluffy and delicious.  after i picked my signature ingredient, i grabbed a few bunches of broccoli rabe, brown rice pasta and fresh basil. the ricotta made the dish, it added a really nice velvety, rich texture. recipe as follows:

spritzenhaus33



spritzenhaus33



if you had a chance to check out my travel page, you know we did some serious eating on our away weekend in boston.  you'd think on our way home that sunday night we would've stopped for something quick and light.. au contraire, we hit up one of the new beer garden-esqu, german inspired spots in greenpoint, spritzenhaus33.
when the weather's nice, hipsters line the sidewalk in front of this place.  the cool, industrial, loft-like space can hold plenty of folk so they jamb them in on all sides.  when we went, we opted to sit at the bar, which is still only steps away from sidewalk.
my husband and i both started with a licher beer.  it was citrusy and wheaty, similar to a heffenveisen.  next, we had a look at the sausage menu.  you'll notice an updated offering that goes so far as to introduce rotating artisinal and vegan sausages.  there's sort of a system to ordering though, it's a little embarrassing if you come off like a rookie!  you peruse the menu, pick your sausage type, slaw, sauce and then place your order with the bartender.  in about 10 minutes, you head up to the pick-up window with your receipt in hand and grab your order.  i opted for a chicken sausage with jicama chili slaw and jack got a  pork sausage with traditional peppers and onions.  we also ordered a pretzel to split, you'll love the different mustard sauces that come it comes with.  i'm really not a mustard person but these were super tasty and somewhat unexpected.
spritzenhaus33 is a perfect spot to drop in if you want to day booze.  the casual vibe of the place is key and you can tell it's a bit of a scene with the mid twenties and thirties hipster type.  grab your flannel, hop on your bike and go get your day bomb on~
link to facebook page

fennel & green bean salad w/ roasted tomatoes



fennel & green bean salad w/ roasted tomatoes
and moscow mule cocktail

 it was just me tonight so i cut down my portion size and raided the fridge for something quick and simple.  it got up to almost 80 degrees this afternoon so i was in the mood for crunchy, light and crisp.  i think you could also use those words to describe the cocktail i whipped up for myself as well...  i know, it's only monday.  don't judge me.

rosarito fish shack

rosarito fish shack and tequilla bar

ever heard of a 'hotdog de pulpo?' if not, remember the term and be sure to order one the next time you go to rosarito.  the bacon wrapped octopus with chipotle-cabbage slaw is a mouth watering appetizer you'll find yourself craving for days after! crispy fried bacon on the outside with a tender octupus filet in the center, mmm.

rosarito fish shack swooped in and definitely stole surf bar's thunder with their white-washed, beachy atmosphere and authentic menu.  most portions are relatively small so i'd recommend ordering a few things and doing a sampler type meal.  you can also step up your game and pick from an array of tequillas, anejos or mezcals.  get your booze straight up or mixed into fresh, fruity cocktail; both are delicious.

after our hotdog de pulpo, we opted to get a longosta al pastor.  sad to say, we gobbled up the lobster taco before i could even take a picture...  the lobster was rich, buttery and the pineapple served as a sweet, citrusy compliment.  we finished up with the enchiladas de pollo.  the mole sauce was dark and piognant with piles of tender shredded chicken beneath.

rosarito is a perfect spot to have a light bite before a night out, or rather to grab a nightcap before you turn in.  staff are very friendly and the casual ambiance will bring you back again and again.

http://www.rosaritofishshack.com/

two snaps tiramisu

tiramisu

this tiramisu recipe is great when you're craving something rich, indulgant and you want it fast!  i made myself a healthy sized  bowl of this coffee goodness and then portioned out several other individual bowls to hand off to my neighbors. never underestimate the thoughfulness of giving food.  who doesn't like when dessert finds its way to their doorstep? 

brooklyn oneology



boe

it's sounds a little desperate housewives-ish but we have a social committee group in our condo building that orgazines events in the neighborhood.  our last one was here, at brooklyn oneology.  boe is a locally focused tasting room that works to bridge the creative culinary, agricultural and art worlds by crafting regional wines from ny state grapes, and by displaying the work of new york city artists on the bottle labels.


the interior of the space is warm, rustic and largely hand-made.  the majority of the furniture was crafted from salvaged doors, plumbing pipes and other bespoke items.  it's a great space for a private party; it's open, airy and loft-inspired. you'll also notice they stock and sell some of brooklyn's finest.  you can buy mast brother's chocolate, mcclure's pickled tomatoe juice, brooklyn salsa and plenty of other local favorites. 


when you sample the flights, you can either choose from an array of recommended pairings or pick and choose your favorites to tailor the flight to your liking.  you can also order some nibbles if you're hungry, either sweet or savory to go with your wines.  the cheeses are excellent, all are sourced within the state and the selections are rotated regularly. 


boe pours a deep 'tasting,' so for around $15, you get to sample four different wine selections(or spirits).  this is a great spot to stop in after dinner or you can take advantage of the happy hour specials after work.  look for tj when you go, he's the incredibly friendly and knowledgeable guy behind the bar that will school you on all things wine related-

http://www.brooklynoenology.com/

la superior

la superior

when you've got a name like la superior, expectations are automatically set pretty high.  come hungry, the mexican street fare is spot on and these guys live up to the name. 

don't be surprised if there's a line out the door when you arrive.  hipsters and waterfront people alike are all vying for one of the tiny little tables or a few seats at the bar.  when we go, we always sit at the bar and i start with a margarita.  these are not your typical margaritas though...  they top them with a little cayenne (or something that's sprinkly, red and spicy) and the flavors tend mellow after the ice has had a chance to settle.  if you're a little lady like me, just one is all you need!  these bad boys are strong... 

this time, we did the flautas de pollo first and had a few gorditas and a fish taco as an entree.  their flautas were perfectly fried; crunchy and snappy, not the slightest bit greasy (which is important when trying to convince yourself you're eating healthy). you'll notice the different sauces on each of the plates too, they really layer in that extra level of flavor and spice that makes la superior so special.  and don't be shy, order a bunch.  dishes are small and they fly out of the kitchen quickly. i've tried about 75% of the menu and you really can't go wrong with any of it (not even the pig's feet)!   

the decor on the inside is nothing to write home about but as far as mexican street tacos go, i say they're be best in the 'hood! 

http://lasuperiornyc.com/

homemade lemon pasta & chicken meatballs

homemade lemon pasta & chicken meatballs

fresh pasta is something i had wanted to tackle for a while.  this recipe is great for beginners, there's nothing to stuff and you'll have a fluffy and delicious bowl of creamy goodness to show for your efforts.  my husband and i also ground the chicken and pork (yes, just a little pork to keep the meatballs moist and flavorful) for the meatballs ourselves but that's totally not necessary if you don't have a meat grinder. 

cantina royale

cantina royale

cantina royale is definitely spicing things up in north williamsburg! the mexican inspired scratch-made food is fresh, delicious and definitely carries a serious bite.  i was lucky enough to dine in a group of twelve so i tried about everything on the menu.  you've got to start with the salsa sampler though.  oddly enough, there were no tomatoes in sight.  the salsas ranged from mild to crazy hot and each had its own signature ingredient that further infused the flavor.  the tumbada was also noteworthy.  you can't really go wrong with creamy, savory rice when topped with meaty mussels, crab legs and tender calamari.  keep an eye out for the chef / owner as well (he's very cute, personable and doesn't look a day over 22).  you'll know him when you see him and if you're lucky, he'll toss your table a few samples of his favorite tequilla. 

the cuisine at cantina royale is expressive and bold. you'll notice a similar theme in the ambiance of the space.  they somehow manage to pull off industrial chic and still make you feel warm and cozy (or maybe that was the free-pour margarita speaking?). the breathtaking chandelier also helps set the tone when you walk in.  wear heals, wear gym shoes; anything's appropriate.  but come with a big appetite and get ready to indulge in a serious flavor experience. 

http://cantinaroyal.com/

salmon flats w/ panzanella salad & warm butter peas

salmon flats w/ panzanella salad & warm butter peas

yes, 'salmon flat,' is a fancy term for a salmon cake, or a salmon patty.  these are a little heartier, however, and are full of flaky, tender roasted salmon. the flats can be made ahead, formed and refrigerated until just before ready to cook up and serve.
there are (3) recipes in this post.  they compliment one another because you'll notice chopped ginger, lemon and fresh herbs run throughout.  a friend of ours sent us an italian bottle of botasea rose which seemed like a good fit to serve alongside this meal.  the wine had a refreshing and lively acidity leading to a palate-pleasing silky texture, notes of summertime watermelon, rhubarb and fresh raspberry, along with a hint of pluot ( i most definitely did not formulate the description of that wine but do completely agree with the assessment : ).

cafe mogador

cage mogador

succulant moroccan cuisine has made its way to williamsburg!  cafe mogador has a warm, welcoming ambiance and an enclosed outdoor seating area that let's you enjoy dinner under the stars. 

upon entering the restaurant, you can smell the allspice, dill and plethra of other exotic spices.  we started with the halumi cheese appetizer pictured above. the briny, bright flavor of the cheese, paired with the roasted tomato, pepper and pearl onion skewer was a perfect introduction.  for our entree, we split a chicken cous cous and mixed grill platter.  the cous cous was fluffy and filled with plump raisins, tender vegetables and roasted chickpeas.  the marinated grilled meat skewers were grilled over a coal fire and served with more vegatables and basmati rice.  the compliments were a huge bonus too; there was a small side of a spicy, minced grainy type dipping sauce, a cucumber yogurt sauce and a tabouli salad. 

keep this place in mind if you're being health conscious as well.  the menu had plenty of waist friendly options.  good find, we'll definitely be back (and they deliver!)~

had to add another paragraph to this post tonight, my girlfriends and i stopped in for brunch this afternoon.  the service was a little slow but understandably so, it was packed.  it took us longer to get our mimosas and bloody mary's than our entrees but when they turned up, we were all smiles.  the food was spot on, seems like there are just a few kinks to work out behind the bar.  i'll definitley be back for brunch though, mogador was buzzing with fresh young faces and they have something to offer no matter what you're in the mood for.

brunch, lunch or dinner, i'd say cafe mogador's been a cool and delicious addition to the neighborhood~








http://www.cafemogador.com/menu.htm

thru the garden pizza

thru the garden pizza

we all love a good slice but don't always like the way it makes us feel afterwards.  this recipe uses just enough parmigiano-reggiano to round out the flavors of the pie sans the grease and calories of a typical slice served with shredded mozzarella.

prep: 20 minutes
bake time: 40 minutes to roast the vegetables + 20 minutes to cook the pie
ingredients:

• 1 thawed whole wheat pizza crust
• 1/4 cup cornmeal
• 1 lb. grape tomatoes (1 carton full)
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (i like to keep mine big and chunky)
• 1 lb. fresh mushrooms, quartered
• pinch of granulated garlic
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• salt + pepper to taste

peter pan bakery


peter pan donut & pasty shop

hallelujah, it's sunday! you know what that means...  calories don't count : )  if you're in the greenpoint area, i highly recommend you drop into peter pan donut & pastry shop.  this small, polish bakery is cranking out fresh donuts, breads and even has a small cafe at the back.  the donuts are light, moist and delicately crispy around the edges.  sooo delicious!  and affordable.  we had a chocolate cake donut, bacon egg and cheese on a roll and two coffees for $6.90.  yes, we managed to do brunch for under $10.  and the donut was truly the best i'd ever had-

http://www.nytimes.com/restaurants/1248069042884/peter-pan-donut-and-pastry-shop/details.html

veggie parmesan bake

veggie parmesan bake

you'll love this delicious pasta bake full of flavorful vegetables and broad egg noodles.  it's not exactly super food but it's a much healthier alternative to my typical home baked mac & cheese! it's loaded with green spinach and the carbs are cut in half by substituting crunchy cauliflower for half of the pasta.

blue bottle roastery

blue bottle roastery








































looking for a great cup of coffee?  head over to berry street between n3rd and n4th and hop on line at blue bottle roastery. they roast coffee in house on vintage gear, put it in compostable bags, and still manage to bring it to your cup within 48 hours. it takes a little longer but the wait for a cup of fresh drip is well worth it. 

http://www.bluebottlecoffee.net/

wicked pudding shots

wicked pudding shots

























not that this recipe is from boston...  it's actually from a dear friend of mine in ohio.  these pudding shots are wicked because they're choc full of delicious, creamy, booze.  you can be proper and serve them with mini spoons, or you can just toss them to your friends and watch them shoot them like they're back in college.  either way, these shots taste like the most delicious, grown up version of a wendy's frosty you've ever had!

prep time: 20 mins
ingredients:

• 1/4 cup vodka
• 1/2 cup kahlua
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1 package small instant chocolate pudding
• 1 tub cool whip
• 40 1 oz plastic shot glass cups w/ lids
• chocolate syrup

toss all ingredients into a stand-up mixer and blend until there are no more lumps (scrape the sides every now and then), or mix by hand with a whisk until nice and creamy.  line small jelly roll pan with 40 or 50 cups.  laddle mixture into a 1 gallon ziplock bag.  snip the end of the bag and distribute mixture evenly to all cups.  top with a small dollop of chocolate syrup.  place lids on top of cups and put in freezer over night. 

enjoy!

homemade pesto spinach salad

homemade pesto, spinach & fresh pea salad

ok, after the 'classic beef stew,' i had to lighten it up a little bit.  here's my interpretation of ina's pesto pea salad.  this salad is perfect to serve alongside a nice roasted chicken, an omelette, or by itself if you're cooking for one : )

prep time: 20 mins
ingredients:

• 5 oz fresh baby spinach leaves
• (1) 10 oz package frozen peas, thawed and drained
• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup homemade pesto (recipe follows)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons chopped, toasted macadamia nuts

classic beef stew

classic beef stew

when it's cold outside and you want to serve a meal that warms you from the inside out, pull out your slow cooker, set it in the morning and settle in for a lazy afternoon with a good book (or, like me, use your freed up afternoon to finish doing laundry and return those emails you forgot to send earlier in the week : )

mercado on kent

pickled sardines w/ plantains

scallops

seafood paella

pain perdu

mercado on kent - absolutely worth a visit
recently some friends and i went to mercado, probably looking more forward to the fresh baked breads than anything. wow, we didn't know what we were getting ourselves into! we walked into the stark, modern building and were instantly hit with a satiating aroma coming from the bakery downstairs. it was almost 8pm and they were still cranking out their delicious goods. we sat, had our wine opened (it's b.y.o., for now) and browsed the somewhat limited but delictable looking menu. while we took our time deciding, gorgeous little rolls were sent over. we tasted a traditional sourdough, chocolate chip (would pair marvelously with a latte on a sunday morning), an everything type and a whole wheat option. all were very tasty, especially when dipped in the red pepper / chili oil served on the side. if that weren't enough to whet our appetites, the kitchen then sent out some fried sage and some sort of spicy green pepper, um-hmm.

we decided to start with pickeled sardines. i expected a brackish type dish you'd normally find but these were light and packed with tangy citrus flavor. the sardines were followed up with a warm mushroom salad, mercado's version of fried mozzerella (but much more delicious) and some stuffed peppers. all were mouthwateringly amazing.

for dinner we stuck with the seafood options (good friday friendly). the scallops were caramelized on the top and bottom, then tender and billowy after the first bite. they also had an olive tapenade type puree served along side. mmm, i'm smiling just thinking about it! after that, our seafood paella was full of distinctive saffron flavor and each of the mussels, shrimp, clams and scungilli were cooked to tender perfection.

we ordered a few desserts but the chocoloate pain perdu was the best by far. it was served atop chocolate consume and was complimented with a velvety dollop of cream and a milk chocolate straw. this lavish dish proved a perfect ending.

go... soon!

http://www.facebook.com/mercadoonkent

bright tofu stif-fry

bright tofu stir-fry

don't let the number of ingredients scare you away.  this dish is fast, healthy and scrumptious.  the bright, crisp flavors of the veggies paired with the layered textures of the tofu make for a perfect weeknight entree.  you also won't feel bad for eating that last pint of icecream after something as light as this ; ) 

prep: 20 mins

ingredients:

2 tablespoons lite soy sauce

1 tablespoon oyster sauce

1 tablespoon fish sauce

1/2 lemon, juice squeezed

2 tablespoons good olive oil (plus more to cook mushrooms)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon sriracha hot sauce (or to taste)

1 teaspoon sesame seeds

1 package extra firm tofu

1/2 head purple cabbage, de-cored and sliced thin

1/2 lb sugar snap peas

1 lb white button mushrooms

2 cloves minced garlic

2 large carrots, julienned (or 2 handfuls of pre-packaged skinny baby carrots, once they're thrown in the mix, no one will be able to tell you didn't julienne them yourself!)