st. anselm

st. anselm

love, love, love! we checked out this tucked away little steak house last night and i can't say enough good things about it.  the vibe was laid back and casual but the guys in the kitchen could seriously throw down! everything we ordered was steeped in deep flavor and had an earthiness that only comes from the freshest ingredients.  

don't expect white linens and fancy china at st. anselm, that's not what they're about. you'll be eating on humble wood top tables and it may be a little too warm because the open kitchen is just a few feet away from where you're sitting.  it's all a part of the ambiance though and i assure you, you'll fall in love with it.  

we started with a grilled haloumi salad. i loved the brininess of the cheese combined with the pungent tang of fresh greens.  it was simple and they really celebrated the natural flavor of each of the components in the dish. for our mains, we did one of the signature steaks and bobo's chicken. i wouldn't normally do chicken at a steak place but this was seriously the best chicken i've tasted. the full body was served and it kind of looked like it was staring at me... slightly odd but i got over that very quickly after my first bite. it was moist, succulent and had a crispy skin to top it off. i don't know how they cooked this thing but kudos to the guys in the kitchen, it was top notch! as if we didn't have enough in front of us, we decided an order of the pan fried truffle mashed potatoes would be nice. wow, were they! crispy outside with a velvety smooth mash in the middle, ohh, do yourself a favor and give them a try.

last but not least, we finished up with a salted caramel pot de creme. ah-mazing.  

thank you st. anselm, we thoroughly enjoyed our meal last night!

bozu

bozu

sushi bombs and sake, anyone? yes? i've got a spot for you.  bozu is a cozy little japanese restaurant known for their extensive sake selection and infusions but just as popular for their creative take on a traditional roll; the sushi bomb.  

we were meeting our neighbor's new boyfriend for the first time this past weekend and wanted a spot that wasn't too stuffy and had an interesting menu.  bozu was a great choice! you know you're off to a good start when your sake's served in a square glass. the other 'ah-hah,' thing they do is serve you three choices of pre-wasabied soy sauce. genius, right? each had a little different intensity so everyone's happy- 

the sushi is of course very tasty but what sets bozu apart is the chef's original take on traditional japanese dishes. pork belly, mexican or spicy bombs and green tea thai flan are just a few things you may consider.  definitely do your taste buds a favor and treat your pocket book (it's not too expensive) and check out bozu for a fun night out~

good morning, sunshine

baked eggs & toast

we spent last weekend in new paltz and stayed at a cute little bed & breakfast called the arbor. nancy, the owner, was incredibly accommodating and was pretty impressive in the kitchen! i took a cue from her and made my own version of her baked eggs and served it with brooklyn's own blueberry preserves. 

fresh pico de gallo

pico de gallo

in the past month, i've been back and forth across the country, stopped in the middle a couple times, popped over to london and now finally landed myself back in sweet brooklyn.  it's monday night and without a ton of energy to whip up something fabulous, i went for simple and flavorful in my version of pico de gallo. i like mine spicy and chunky but you can play with the flavors and the dice sizes to suit your taste. this is great atop a bed of fresh spinach, fish tacos or served with a side of crispy tortilla chips.

london 2012!

wow, such an incredible experience to get to see the olympians in london this year (amongst other silly things)! the brits were lovely, travel to and from the events was seamless and we even got to sneak a peak of william and kate at the tennis match in wimbledon. of course we snuck in a few tasty bites along the way as well : ) we did one upscale, fancy lunch in mayfair and our other favorite meal was at a proper english pub with friends near hampton court palace. details on the travel page~

marlow & sons

marlow & sons

if you're in the mood to spoil your palette and sip on some fancy wine, be sure to check out marlow & sons on broadway, just past the bridge. you'll likely have to wait; after all, this tucked away spot only has about a dozen tables. if you want to beat the crowd though, go early (i'm talking 6 or 6:30) and grab seats at the bar.  that's what we did and thoroughly enjoyed our experience. our waitress and bartender were each incredibly friendly and the food was as delicate and flavorful as any other you'll find in the neighborhood. you know you're getting the freshest, best ingredients when you're served a hand-written menu...  

we started with some sparkling white wine and sampled the cantaloupe & ham appetizer. the cantaloupe was sweet and there was a smoky eggplant puree drizzled about the plate that set this dish apart from others i've tried.  after that, we ordered the 'big plate,' to split.  the 'big plate,' is a sampling of fresh seafood, all shucked and cracked so you don't even have to get your hands dirty. the lobster salad was by far my favorite.  they served it atop a cold lobster tail along with oysters, clams and fresh baked whole wheat bread. even the butter was softened. i love places that serve softened butter... 

dress casual but get ready for gourmet plates.  marlow & sons has definitely landed on my 'top 10 faves in the neighborhood,' list~

dinner in west hollywood, the eveleigh

the eveleigh

it was a quick trip out to l.a. but we made sure to take time out for a leisurely dinner at the eveleigh.  check out the travel page for the dish~

summer citrus chicken

this recipe started with a trip to the greenpoint farmers market and a flip through my martha stewart recipe app.  i picked up some fresh scallions, thyme and then hit my local grocer for the rest.  the prep for this dish is super easy and cook time is relatively fast as well~

cafe de la esquina

la esquina

if you’ve been to the la esquina on the lower east side, you may know what to expect from the menu at the brooklyn location.  the vibe however, is entirely different.  summertime at the café de la esquina at the wythe diner is when the garden heats up and serves as a hip spot to grab a cocktail and a taco. 

the fresh, fruity cocktails are my favorite part of dining at la esquina.  they’re mixing it up with savory, sweet and spicy concoctions.  pair a pepino diablo (jalepeno infused lunazul blanco tequila, cucumber, agave nectar and fresh lime) with fish taco and you’ll be a happy camper.  also note that they do a good happy hour sunday thru thursday from 6pm-8pm;  you can snag a margarita, sangria or tecate & tequilita for only $5 a piece.  not too shabby!  i also like to order the chips off the small plates menu because they’re served with your own jar of la esquina’s salsa roja and guacamole.  dining is always more fun when you get to take a souvenir home with you : )

rye

rye

great food, great cocktails; excellent choice for dinner!  rye is nestled on a quiet street in south williamsburg but don't be fooled, reviews for chef cal elliott have been anything but quiet.  rye received the michelin guide's bib gourmand selection for best value, as well as one of time out ny's cheap eats awards. 


the last time i went, i was meeting a few girlfriends and arrived a few minutes before 7.  i parked at the bar and was pleasantly surprised to be able to order off the happy hour menu. there's no beating $5 for a cocktail.  not just a vodka soda either, i got a southside. this summer refresher had gin, muddled cucumber, mint, fresh lime and soda. just what i needed after a long day at the office : )


another good to know, rye's menu is a safe bet for just about anyone.  you can choose from staples like mac n' cheese and meatloaf or venture out and try the pork duo or long island duck breast.  you're in good hands either way, trust me, i've tried a number of items on the menu.  the one that i haven't had a chance to dig into yet is the grass fed ribeye for two.  it's next on my list.  the last time i visited, a group of gentlemen next to me ordered it and i found the presentation quite impressive. no matter what you order for dinner, be sure to save room for the donut holes afterwards.  they're warm and have a crispy outside and a moist, springy inside.  you get a sweet caramel sauce to dip them in; i think we wound up polishing it off with a spoon after we'd finished the donut holes. anyway, be sure to check out rye for brunch, lunch, dinner or just happy hour at the bar~

meatball shop

the first time i went to the meatball shop, i was fully prepared  for a carbohydrate overload and that heavy feeling in the pit of my stomach that tells me i've consumed too much red meat... sound familiar?  guess what?  the meatball shop rocks because you can avoid all symptoms above, if you so choose.  i was pleasantly surprised to find vegetarian meatballs (full of lentils, mushrooms and other healthy delicious things) and fresh market greens as a side.  after all, if i kept my dinner relatively light, i could save room for the awesome ice cream sandwiches afterwards.

when we go to the meatball shop, we generally have to wait 20 minutes or so for a table.  it's all good though, you can get a pabst from the tap and chill up front until your table's ready.  this gives you time to fully digest the way the menu works as well.  it can be tricky for rookies so don't be afraid to ask questions.  first, you pick your meatball type (beef, pork, chicken, vegetable or special).  next, you pick what kind of sauce you want (classic tomato, spicy meat, mushroom gravy, parmesan cream or pesto).  my fave combination is the vegetable balls with spicy meat sauce, sooo good.  finally, you pick how you'd like the meatballs to be served.  by themselves, on a slider bun, on a hero, over pasta or maybe over some fresh greens?  so many options.  once you've nailed down your meatball selections, pick out a few sides as well.  i love the polenta, it's smooth, buttery and feels like down home cookin'. save a little room for dessert too.  how much fun is it to pick your own cookie type and ice cream flavor??  so fun and so tasty.  

definitely check out the meatball shop and don't shy away if there's a line.  belly on up to the bar, grab a drink and wait your turn.  it's well worth it~

thoughts on radishes

radishes

i haven't always been a fan of the natural pungency in radishes.  however, when prepared with a little extra love, they can be tangy and flavorful.  my father-in-law grows radishes in his little plot in carmel, new york.  after a visit upstate, i love coming home with bags full of cruciferous root veggies chock full of dirty bulbs and leafy tops fresh plucked from the earth. here are a few tips on how to get the most out of your radishes (from our trusty friends at green giant):

walter foods

walter foods

and for the saturday night birthday extravaganza dinner? where else but walter foods...  save yourself a trip to the cape and camp out here in the garden for an evening. dig into a lobster roll, fresh oysters or any number of other raw bar delicacies. be sure to try the french fries as well, they're the really skinny, crispy kind that can actually keep their shape when dipped into a nice thick mayonnaise.  


the atmosphere is laid back and gives off a bit of that hipster vintage vibe.  you'll also find fancy cocktails and a pretty lengthy wine list.  definitely make a reservation and make your way over to walter foods.  you will surely leave lickin' your chops!

dressler

dressler

this past weekend, i was a very lucky girl...my birthday was on saturday and my parents surprised me by coming into town for a visit. i couldn't have asked for a better birthday present!  we kicked off our celebration with dinner at dressler. i hadn't been there in about a year and i was absolutely overdue a visit.  this is by far one of the classiest spots in williamsburg.  fancy cocktails, chandeliers & wrought iron decorations dripping with french elegance and as a bonus, a very down to earth wait staff. 

we started off by introducing my dad to sweetbreads : )  quite a delicacy you won't find on any ordinary menu. they had a smooth texture and were complimented by a really nice pickled ginger on the side. we did the dayboat scallops as well and as expected, they were seared perfectly on the outside and melted in my mouth after the first bite. finally, a taste of pan roasted quail to round out the first course. it was crispy, rich and deliciously greasy.  

the boys both did the roasted loin and confited breast of colorado lamb for their main.  i went for the braised oxtail ragu.  mmm, mmm, good.  it was tender and the stock had a full, hearty body to it.  to top it off, they even let you order a half-size portion if you like. suddenly i didn't feel so bad for cleaning my plate...

don't skip coffee after dinner either.  they're old-school and serve your cup of joe in a french press.  i'm not one to drink my coffee black but this was just bitter enough and full of flavor.  i've only been to dressler twice now but both times, i thoroughly enjoyed myself~

aurora

aurora

the experience, the garden and the delicious heart-warming pasta dishes make aurora one of my favorite restaurants in the neighborhood.  whether you're visiting for brunch, lunch or dinner, you can bet you'll leave with a full belly and a smile on your face.  

our most recent visit was with friends who had traveled from the far west: the upper west side that is...  it's always a treat when they make their way out to williamsburg so we had to pick a special spot to take them to.  with a last name of del bene, you'd think they'd be psyched to check out our favorite italian restaurant.  until they told us they'd recently decided to go gluten-free...  hmm, what to do?  we went to aurora anyway.  i, of course, dug into the pasta special; pappardelle with gorgeous mushrooms and black truffle. i really tried to be a lady and leave a little leftover on the plate but you just can't do that here.  the food is so luscious and flavor-filled, you can count on me to be a member of the clean plate club. our gluten-free friends fared quite well also.  i'm told the chicken was perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside and the scallops had been seared to perfection. we finished our meal with an affogato, i'm sorry i don't have a picture of this one to share.  our ice cream drowned in espresso obviously didn't last too long.  it was rich, had that slight bitterness and that hot/cold combination that always makes the flavors and textures of dishes more dynamic. 

if you're lucky enough to snag a table in the garden, be sure to soak up the scenery.  whether it's a frosty evening in december or a cool summer night, their garden is comfortable in any season.  treat yourself and enjoy every bite of it.  the well rounded menu and tasty wine list have made me a repeat offender  :) 

   

long day = light salad

citrusy arugula salad

if you read my travel page, you saw the crazy amount of food i ingested this past weekend.  i needed something light and refreshing for dinner tonight.  and since i didn't get around to opening the fridge until about 9, it needed to be quick.  this salad was citrusy, refreshing and had a bit of a snap from the minced ginger.  just a few simple ingredients required and there were hardly any dirty dishes at the end!

101: eating & drinking thru maryland and d.c.

maryland & d.c.

from crab feast to waterfront and sushi to cupcakes, check out the travel page for our favorites in the d.c. area. thanks to dear our friends, we had a delicious time!

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/