Bullfrog & Blog

Turning Over a New Leaf

By Kay Lindsay

For the first time ever, I can’t wait for fall. Typically, I live for summer – the sun, the beach, the BBQ - but day by day, I have found myself looking forward to fall fruits, wine and oddly enough hot tea.

With fall front-of-mind, I recently purchased specialty teas including Gunpowder Green and Chinese Jasmine varietals when I traveled to Solvang, CA, to celebrate a friend’s wedding. I am holding out for cooler days and nights to properly savor each of them with my beloved husband. As we end our days, the enjoyment of tea has become somewhat of a ritual for us and beyond food, politics and children, it connects us. With tea’s warmth and varying strengths, it creates an invigorating effect.

To brew a proper pot in style, I suggest the Bodum “Eileen” 51-ounce Gold Tea Press, pictured above. Hot, right? Broadway Panhandler sells it for $50 and it’s a great way for you, your friends and for your loved ones to get steeping started.

What I’m:

Reading: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Watching: “The Rachel Zoe Project”
Listening to: Baby music and holy hell I am starting to like it
Eating: Rosemary chicken
Drinking: My standby Sauvignon Blanc and soon, hot tea

Calories: To count or not to count

By Sloane Imrie Magny

I have tried everything from Atkins to Jenny Craig, South Beach to Weight Watchers with varying levels of success in my long journey to losing weight and “getting healthy”. My latest obsession is counting calories. This seems rather simple. Be accountable for what you eat, stay within your calorie guidelines and you will lose weight. Here are the pros and cons as I see it to micromanaging your diet:

Pros:

ü Deciding you don’t actually need fries with your burger – this was a major accomplishment for me!

ü No prepackaged food, complicated computations are needed for my meals and I don’t have to throw away the bread with my sandwich

ü Fitting into the jeans I bought last spring

Cons:

ü Not enjoying a margarita after you find out how many calories are in it

ü Eating lettuce all day so you can enjoy a fun night out

ü It’s not a magic pill!

So far my progress has been slow but I do genuinely feel like I am making life changes this time. I thought I hated exercising or sweating for that matter but discovered I love Spinning and Zumba and after enjoying a weekend out I actually got back on board with healthy eating and exercise come Monday morning instead of giving up and putting on sweat pants. Basically I decided I don’t want to become so obsessed that I don’t get to enjoy the food and drinks I love but I do want to make sure I am around for a very long time to enjoy it!

Reading: I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb
Watching: Weeds
Listening to: Sarah McLachlan
Eating: Veggie Burger
Drinking: Petite Sirah

My Journey to the Introductory Sommelier Exam

By Rachel Wolff

I thought I had a decent knowledge of wine. Between tasting wine at family dinners and working in restaurants, I thought I could make my way through a wine list without a hitch. Then I started talking to sommeliers and vintners – and my dream of navigating any wine list came crashing down. That’s when I decided to study for the Introductory Sommelier Exam. Couldn’t be that hard to pass the introductory course, right? Wrong.

I knew that the preparation to become a Master Sommelier was rigorous and could take years, but I figured the introductory course, especially when it doesn’t even certify you as a sommelier, would be more fun than anything. I thought I’d spend some time reading about wine, talking about wine, and mostly drinking wine. Then I spent some time on the sommelier website and was, yet again, shocked.

Here are some things that I learned about the Introductory Course and Exam:

· There is an intensive two-day review, instruction and training leading up to the 70-question multiple-choice exam.

· Candidates must successfully learn the Deductive Tasting method to properly blind test.

· Candidates must learn the proper way to serve Cigars.

· A score of 60% is considered passing. Ouch.

· A minimum of three years in the wine industry is strongly recommended for the Introductory Course & Exam.

Oh, and on top of that did I mention this costs about $500? Add the 8 books that are strongly suggested, wine - for tasting of course - and you’ve spent a month’s rent. Despite these few surprises, and the unexpected cost, I’m happy to say that 2 months in I’m still going strong. Only nine more months, 892 pages, and countless bottles of wine to go!

What I’m…

Reading: Hard Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World by Haruki Murakami

Watching: Entourage

Listening to: The XX

Drinking: Chanin Chardonnay Bien Nacido 2008

Eating: Pizza from Mozza

What I Learned From My Mother: Ancient Chinese (Kitchen) Secret

By Andrea Sun

I grew up in a big, noisy family of women. My mother is the fourth of six sisters, all of whom are independent, bossy, stubborn and incomparably loving. Most of my childhood memories revolve around the kitchen – cooking, eating, spilling, crying and laughing together. Turns out, this was foreshadowing for a lifelong obsession with food. Have you ever thought about the moment that you began to cook – I mean, really cook – and how it came to be? Don’t tell me it was out of desperation. I remember distinctly pondering that question, and realized that my cooking began with frantic efforts to re-create food memories in the distant and not-so-distant past. Whether they are severe food cravings or a nostalgic walk down memory lane, the dishes we make tell a very personal story about where we’ve been, what we ate, and who we shared it with. This is my theory, at least.

One such memory that I often turn to is my mother (and grandmother’s) recipe for wontons. It comes to me in bits and pieces – my grandmother’s hands nimbly folding the dough, my mother’s laughter through the buzzing sound of gossip, the soothing repetition of dipping my fingers in cold water and sealing the soft dough. When I’m homesick, craving comfort food or just plain sick, this is my go-to dish.

Recipe for Wontons

Note: one priceless piece of advice that my mother taught me is to never slave in the kitchen for no good reason. Sure, it’s heroic to attempt to make wonton wrappers or bao buns from scratch – but why, for goodness sake, why? The store-brought versions are just as good (in most cases, even better) and they’re easy to find at any grocer.

Ingredients:

Wonton wrappers

Meat filling

Filling:

1 lb ground pork, lamb or beef (lamb pictured above)

6 T sesame oil

3 T soy sauce

1 t salt

1 t sugar

¼ t pepper

¼ lb napa cabbage, minced

¼ lb chopped green onions, minced

¼ lb shitake mushrooms, minced

Method

Combine all ingredients for filling in a large bowl and mix together thoroughly with clean hands. Let sit for 10 minutes, and then squeeze out the excess liquid.

To assemble, place 1 teaspoon of filling in the center of the wonton wrapper. Use fingertips to moisten the edges of the wonton wrapper with water. Fold the square in half from corner to corner, forming a triangle. Tuck in the corners of the wonton wrapper and pinch together to seal the edges. Repeat.

Wontons may be frozen and cooked later (for up to a month).

To cook, boil 10 cups of water and add dumplings; gently stir or add a tablespoon of oil to prevent dumplings from sticking together. Bring to a boil; add one cup cold water and bring to a boil again.

Serve with dipping sauce (I love vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil and hot bean paste) or add to some clear stock for wonton soup. WP24 by Wolfgang Puck has an amazing hot and sour soup with wontons, fresh corn and king crab.

What I’m:

Reading: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Watching: White Collar marathon

Listening to: Pink Martini!

Drinking: Ribera del Duero

Eating: Makeshift sandwich with pepperoni slices and havarti

Friday Night is….Alright! Getting out of Dodge (NYC)….Then, What’s for Dinner?

By Jonathan Kreissman

We all have been there -- a summer Friday in New York and all you can think about is getting to your destination for the weekend – basically getting the heck out of Dodge! Many urbanites have the ability to leave the city during summer which is a wonderful perk and always the prominent thought once hump day hits. But once the actual commute begins on a Friday afternoon, I always ponder, “Is it worth it?” But of course it is, dear Jonathan, because once you arrive the stress of the week subsides and the fun begins. The biggest issue though is usually the Friday evening meal. Hmm, what to do -- no reservations available until 10pm and the faint memory of what is still in the fridge and freezer is pretty fleeting. So since you are in the car for hours, obviously the game plan unfolds.

Here is what worked this past Friday:

1) Be the Boss. Assign culinary jobs while on the way to the beach. To make the prep time fun, everyone should pitch in. Figure out who can do what (hopefully you are with people that know how to turn on a burner) I love to grill and BBQ – I think it’s in the blood from growing up in Atlanta, so my job was sealed.

2) Craft the Menu. We had already planned to have steak based on the fact that we had some unbelievable strip steaks from Allen Brothers in the car thawing way and ready for the grill. The rest was easy – fresh local sweet corn from the local market grilled in the husks to perfection; a delicious salad made with romaine, hot house tomatoes, feta cheese and grilled peppers; classic baked potatoes (but on the grill) with homemade sour cream and chive topping; sautéed Vidalia onions and mushrooms. Sounds divine, yet complicated perhaps? Not so, if you create the social aspect of the cooking into the evening and don’t forget the wine to get the mood going!

3) Find Your Space. Since everyone is pitching in, you must have assigned work areas so you are not on top of each other. I took the grill area and prepped the steaks, corn and potatoes. Now, since we were grilling a lot of the menu, timing was everything, so that leads to #4…

4) Watch the Clock. We knew the potatoes would take the longest so we got them on the grill first. The secret to the perfect grilled baked potato – olive oil and lots of salt! Brush the potatoes with oil and roll in salt and then wrap in tin foil. Simple. Just place on grill and leave for 45 minutes while everything is being made. Next we did the salad and placed to the side and readied the corn and fixins. The steaks were last – simple again – salt and pepper on a really hot grill for 7 minutes for mid-rare. These were thick suckers so needed a few extra minutes. Allen Brothers consistently has the best-quality and delicious steaks around. Check them out at http://www.allenbrothers.com/ and they can be at your door step within a few days.

5) Enjoy and Have Fun. Obviously, that’s what it’s about right? Good food, great fun with loved ones. Check out the result in the picture! Looks delicioso and tasted even better. Til next Friday…

What I’m…

Reading: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – I am getting ready for the movie!

Watching: True Blood – can’t get enough of it.

Listening to: Anything and everything Mary J!

Drinking: Beer Cocktails!!! A light beer on ice with a shot of Canton and slice of lime

Eating: Steak on the grill (see above!!) from Allen Brothers

Business Travel Tips from a First Timer

by Vicki Loo

I consider myself a generally seasoned traveler – I’ve traveled around the world, and am a pretty light packer, but I’ve never been on a business trip before. So when the opportunity arose, I was, of course, very excited. My friends and parents gave me a handful of tips before I left – common things, such as:

Get to the airport on time
Keep all your receipts
Have your travel documents printed and within reach
Print extra copies of your itinerary

But what do you do when your destination is 90°F and you’re going to Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans?

Tales of the Cocktail is a five-day event in New Orleans that brings together the best and brightest of the cocktail community.

Now, I’ve always wanted to go to the city that is fondly called, “The Big Easy,” but I don’t know if I’d ever choose to go in July due to its heat and humidity. Nevertheless, the experience led me to come up with my own additional tips for those of you who ever need to travel to such a challenging destination:

Keep hydrated. In incredibly hot climates, it’s imperative to drink copious amounts of water. And if the only thing offered to drink is cocktails, then make sure you carry a big bottle!

Plan your meals. When in a city filled with an array of delicious cuisines, it’s important to plan your meals ahead of time. I was fortunate to dine at Cochon for some delectable pork cracklin’s; Mother’s for sumptuous po’ boys, jambalaya and gumbo; and Broussard’s for a beautifully arranged meal accompanied by tasty cocktail creations poured by the well-known mixologist, Nick Nemeth.

Keep business cards handy. You never know who you’ll meet. But more importantly, make business contacts before 10PM because it’s likely no one will remember who you are after that – especially if you’re at Tales.

The Weather Channel is your friend. Luckily, my team and I were alerted of a tropical storm headed our way. Staying ahead of the pack, we booked an earlier flight to escape the dangers of Tropical Storm Bonnie from possibly hitting The Crescent City.

At Tales of the Cocktail, I didn’t just learn about survival travel tips. Being surrounded by the top mixologists in the country allowed me to take back recipes of some delicious summer cocktails:

Lava Flow

1oz. PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur

1.5oz. premium white rum

2oz. fresh pineapple juice

1oz. Coco Lopez Cream of Coconut

Splash of heavy cream

3 fresh strawberries

In a blender, combine PAMA and strawberries into bottom of glass. In a second blender, combine rum, pineapple, Cream of Coconut and heavy cream. Add ice and blend. Pour over PAMA-strawberry puree.

What I’m:

Reading: The Time Traveler’s Wife, by Audrey Niffenegger

Watching: Friday Night Lights on NBC

Listening to: Korean pop (aka k-pop), all the time

Drinking: chilled, mild Goose Island Sofie or Matilda

Eating: naeng myun, or cold Korean soup noodles

BuyWithMe.com—An Impulse Shopper’s Worst Nightmare

by Shelby Goldman

Please, don’t buy anything with me—seriously, you may even want to stop reading here because I am a bad influence.

I am the worst shopper—I can only walk into a store if I know what I am looking for, what I like to call “destination shopping.” Otherwise, I get overwhelmed and give up after 10 minutes. But, I must confess, I am a serious impulse shopper. I check out at my local CVS after running in to grab some more make-up remover pads that I’m running low on, and throw in a nail filer, a Kit-Kat bar and anything else lying near the register just because it’s simply there. Needless to say, my new discovery, BuyWithMe.com, is an impulse shoppers’ worst nightmare!

Last week, Eater NY included BuyWithMe in their newsletter. This groupon-like web site uses the power of group buying to score amazing deals, from 50% to 90% off the city’s top places. I signed up thinking it might be a nice way to find out about things in the area, save some money since I am clearly rolling in the post-college dough, and flood my inbox some more. Well, I’ve now learned the hard way that clicking the “buy” button happens to be an easier way to shop than impulsively throwing things in at the register, because when I click to join in on the offer, I am rolling the dice in hopes that enough people actually click it, too, before it expires. It’s almost like I am not even purchasing it, by agreeing to four personal training sessions in the West Village at half off—because I won’t really have to spend anything unless 16 other people join in on the deal!

Along with my four personal training sessions—in a neighborhood I don’t even live in (and, I am currently commuting from Long Island)—I also now have half off at The Bubble Lounge in TriBeCa, a champagne lounge/restaurant, and a Burlesque Boot Camp class for 70% off, also in New York City.

I have been meaning to work out… and now that I am moving into the city August 1, I think I might just put my impulse “clicks” to good use. Warning: If you can’t resist a good deal, or you are anything like me, refrain from signing up for the free newsletter—there is nothing free about BuyWithMe!

What I’m…

Reading: Adored by Tilly Bagshawe

Watching: True Blood

Listening to: John Mayer

Drinking: Any and all of the cocktails at Apotheke, especially their refreshing vodka infused with fresh mint, cucumber, lime and vanilla essence

Eating: Calamari, sautéed in a spicy red sauce or simply grilled with some fresh lemon

Summer Escapes

By Ashley Zink

Living in an urban environment like New York City in the summer can be challenging. How do you get to work without sweating in your nice work clothes? How do you keep an apartment without central air conditioning cool? How do you cook when turning on the oven turns your apartment into a sauna?

Suburbanites do not always fully understand the trials of city life in the summer. Even if they are accustomed to soaring temperatures elsewhere, should they visit our lovely city during sultry summer months, they will be surprised by the shimmer of sunshine on concrete, the stench of garbage on sidewalks, the stifling heat of subway stations.

Visitors are also likely to be surprised by the city’s emptiness on hot summer weekends (as my parents discovered when they made the questionable decision to visit in August). Restaurant reservations, theater tickets and available taxis are plentiful for one reason: New Yorkers have fled the city for cooler environs. The good news is that many affordable alternatives are a short trip from the New York area – perfect for a refreshing weekend retreat.

Here are a few of my favorite summer getaways along with my picks for dining and drinking in each.

The Hamptons

The Hamptons sometimes get a bad name, but if you skip the sceney clubs and overpriced restaurants, these small towns make for a perfect weekend getaway. My favorite is Montauk, which has managed to maintain a low-key, quirky island atmosphere.

Stay at one of the small hotels lining Old Montauk Highway, like Hartman’s Briney Breezes, run by husband-wife team Jennifer and Robert.

Eat at the newly opened LT Burger in the Harbor, in nearby Sag Harbor, for great burgers and every kind of milkshake imaginable.

Drink at Gurney’s Inn, a beautifully restored historic hotel in Montauk overlooking the beach.

Fire Island

Fire Island is a world all its own. No cars are allowed on most of the island, giving it an incredibly laid-back, friendly vibe. Bikes are the main form of transportation, families and sun-seeking twenty-somethings co-exist in peace on beaches and the ferry ride to the island will make you feel like you’re a million miles away.

Stay with a group of friends at one of the island’s many rental houses, which can be very affordable.

Eat whatever you can carry with you – purchasing food on-island can get very expensive! I recommend packing food for a classic backyard cookout and as many drinks as you can carry. Right now I’m loving Emeril’s Red Marble Steaks, which have great flavor and are a much higher quality than what you find at supermarkets.

Drink options on the island are limited (and more expensive than in Manhattan), so it’s best to bring your own cocktails. My warm-weather beer of choice: Goose Island Sofie Belgian Style Ale, which goes perfectly with summertime favorites like lobster and oysters.

Connecticut

The New Jersey Shore has a fame all its own, but don’t forget that Connecticut has beaches, too. My all-time favorite is the small town of Rowayton, located on the Long Island Sound just an hour outside of Manhattan.

Eat a sandwich to-go from Rowayton Market, a tiny grocery store with fresh-baked pastries and a fantastic gourmet sandwich selection (as well as old-fashioned house charge accounts for those lucky enough to live nearby!). Take your finds to nearby Bayley Beach, a small public beach overlooking Long Island Sound.

Drink in the beautiful view of the marina at The Restaurant at Rowayton Seafood (known as “The Restaurant” by locals). Watch the boats and kayakers float by and enjoy every kind of seafood imaginable.

Stay in your own bed – trains back to Grand Central run until the early morning hours, making Rowayton an ideal day trip.

What I’m…

Reading: Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

Watching: The new season of Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations

Listening to: Vampire Weekend, the perfect summer soundtrack

Drinking: Crisp, refreshing white wine

Eating: Anything and everything grilled

First Bites From a First Time New Yorker

By Megan Bailey

Food serves many roles in my life whether it be a comforter, a conversation piece or a reason to gather. Perhaps the greatest role to date is a catalyst for change, because I can certainly say that it has played a tremendous role in why I recently packed up my bags and left my home of four years in Washington D.C. and moved to the Big Apple.

After graduating college, I was lucky enough to arrive in D.C. at a time when the food scene was on the rise. Chefs like José Andrés were championing the city with nationally acclaimed restaurants like minibar and Jaleo. I found I loved the flavors and fun of Ethiopian cuisine and restaurants like Rasika opened my eyes to the elegance of Indian fare.

Even with the exciting growth of DC's food scene, I could not ignore the call of New York. I had always known it to be the culinary city that others were often measured against. I felt a need to be in the thick of it, so to speak, and discover that world for myself. So here I am, trying to find my way in a new city with each passing meal. So, what treasures have I found in the last month? Here are a few of my first bites:

Soft shell crab roll at Morimoto: This dish highlights the seasonal treasure I first tried in D.C., and combines it with asparagus, another favorite, and Morimoto’s talent for presentation. It was a total treat.

Arepa at Caracas: Upon recommendation, from my very wise coworker I visited Caracas (conveniently located in my neighborhood) late one night hoping to arrive after the dinner rush. The still twenty minute wait was a promising sign that what I was about to eat was a highly coveted item and boy, was it. My favorite was the shredded beef with black beans, white salty cheese and sweet plantains.

Maine Lobster Risotto at Ed’s Chowder House: Summer and seafood are the perfect pair and I was in good hands with Chef Ed Brown. While risotto is often thought of as a heavier item, this dish captured the essence of summer with summer peas and fresh mint to pair with the buttery lobster.

Nathan’s hot dog at Coney Island: Made my first visit to the infamous beachfront property to enjoy the quintessential dish. While it may not be the best hot dog I’ve ever had, it was perfectly paired with loads of sunshine, beach breeze, and happy crowds.

Chocolate Ice Box Pie at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que: I’m a huge barbeque fan and Dinosaur does not disappoint this southern gal at all with the deliciously tender and flavorful pulled pork, brisket and ribs, but it was this velvety, almost frozen chocolate pie that hit the spot on a warm day in Harlem.

What I’m…

Reading: Frank Bruni's Born Round

Watching: World Cup

Listening to: Grace Potter & the Nocturnals

Drinking: Chateau St. Michelle Riesling

Eating: Smoked Barbeque Ribs

Last Year, In Italy

By Carly Blitz

So happy to make my debut on the B&B Blog! Time has absolutely been flying by, summer is here (oh my, is it ever), and I can’t help but think about where I was at this time exactly one year ago…

Well, readers, funny you should ask. I happened to be in Italy, wandering down the side streets of Florence with a new acquaintance, heading to La Giostra, one of the city’s classic restaurants.

We entered the cavernous space, with its twinkling white Christmas lights strung up on the wooden beams, tacky and perfect all at once. As we glanced over the menu, an Australian couple sitting next to us gestured helpfully at their warm appetizers — “They bring you a huge plate of cheeses and meats, so be careful!” They laughed, looking down at the large quantities of abandoned food on their plates.

I attempted, in my rudimentary Italian, to chat with the sommelier about the wine list, hoping I was coming across endearingly. The waiter convinced us to order the classic Bistecca Fiorentina to share, in addition to the Pear and Cheese Ravioli already chosen.

The appetizer plate quickly arrived, full of cured meats that coated your tongue with salt, crisp bruschetta, and the Florentine delicacy Pollo Fegato on toast, which my companion slid towards me. It was simply a chunkier version of the chopped liver I ate every Jewish holiday in my Grandma’s living room, and so I happily obliged. The Pear Ravioli was as heavenly as I had hoped — the homemade al dente pasta hid a sweet puree of pear and cheese, the smell of ricotta and copious amounts of butter wafting over the table.

When the steak finally arrived, it seemed as if an entire cow had been happily led to our table, plopping down on its enormous silver platter. We began in silence, pausing only to drink our wine or pick at the accompanying caramelized carrots and home-fry-style potatoes. After some time had passed, we leaned back in our chairs with labored breath, smiling over the now meager leftovers.

We were practically in a stupor by the time Francesco, our waiter, placed dessert in front of us, as the sommelier simultaneously surprised us with a bottle of sticky sweet Muscat. The tart lemon sorbet cleansed, while the whipped tiramisu was both light and unbelievably rich all at once, in true Italian fashion. We stumbled home, hours after our arrival — the sommelier practically helping me out the door, as he called after us, “Return again! Ritornate, per favore!”

I think that the reason this memory has stuck with me certainly has a lot to do with the fact that my dinner acquaintance soon became a very close friend. I have to believe that sharing such a wonderful meal together played a part in that.

So, as I begin to share meals (and meals and meals) with all of my new Bullfrog co-workers, I sincerely hope that they, too, can have the same effect.

What I’m:

Reading: The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami

Watching: So You Think You Can Dance

Listening to: Vampire Weekend Radio on Pandora

Drinking: Taro Bubble Tea

Eating: Anything that doesn’t require an oven—Ceviche & Cold Soba Noodles with delicious dipping sauce

Discovering the First Saratoga BrewFest

By Eliza Whipple

If you build it, they will come. And they did – 1,500 to be exact, to Ellms Family Farm in Ballston Spa, NY, to taste and mingle with over 40 breweries at the first Saratoga BrewFest on June 19, 2010. The brainchild of two local beer enthusiasts, A.J Bodden and Garth Ellms, the Saratoga BrewFest was developed and executed seamlessly in only a matter of months. Lofty goals from the start, putting together an impressive lineup of 40 breweries, 4 hours of live music, and a VIP tasting lunch with guest speaker Greg Engert (named Top Sommelier of 2009 by Food & Wine magazine and the beer director/partner at Church Key-Birch & Barley in Washington, DC); I was very impressed to see it all come together.

It doesn’t hurt to have entrepreneurship running through your veins. I’ve known Ellms for pretty much my entire life – we met in nursery school when I was about 2 years old. He’s always managed to gather people for a good time and currently has his hands in several successful businesses including a DJ business and continuing to work on his parents’ tree farm, which he now co-owns. I would never bet against Ellms! Add in family friend and partner Bodden – the two make a great team. Congratulations on a fantastic inaugural year!!

Now for the beer! The BrewFest pulled brews from all over the region including several that I’ve never had before. This was refreshing to see and made the event interesting for even the most seasoned beer drinker. I came away with a few new favorites that will be perfect for summer. I suggest you try these new finds I discovered last weekend at the Saratoga BrewFest:

Odd Notion from Magic Hat Brewing Company

I’m a huge fan of Magic Hat’s beers but this could be my new favorite and definitely my pick of the day! This hazy gold brew has tons of zip and its super refreshing. The aroma is quite spicy with hints of ginger.

Doc’s Draft Cider

I like almost every hard cider you put in front of me but this one really got my attention. It’s manufactured by the Warwick Valley Wine Company, a very small winery in Warwick, NY. It’s made with NY state apples, fermented with champagne yeast and pear juice – yum! The taste reminds me of a light sparkling wine with hints of tart pear. The color is pleasantly pale and the aroma of my small tasting glass was really powerful.

Heinnieweisse Weissebier from Butternut’s Beer & Ale

You might recognize the name Butternut’s Beer & Ale; their popular Pork Slap Pale Ale has been seen on more and more beer menus – the chic pink can is hard to miss. I was surprised to see this wheat beer in Butternut’s arsenal. This golden beer screams wheat on the nose and on the palate. Its super crisp and tasted amazing in the extreme heat of the afternoon. Plus, isn’t it now cool to drink out of a can? Heinnieweisse Weissebier is dressed in a bright lime green – very cute!

What I’m:

Eating: Breakfast Pizza from Max London’s Restaurant & Bar

Drinking: Odd Notion from Magic Hat Brewing Company

Reading: The New York Times

Watching: World Cup Prime Time

Listening to: Phish

Forget Birthday Cake; Bring on the Lobster!

by Brooke Vecchio

It’s summertime and the living is easy, particularly with lobster season in full force and “National Lobster Day” yesterday. A simple steamed lobster is the ultimate meal for me and one that I greatly look forward to as, in my opinion, the crustacean is best enjoyed in all its natural glory. Growing up, my parents and I would steam them at home, sit outside in our Florida room during the warm summer months, and literally spend one whole hour (with little to no conversation because we’re too busy) cracking, ripping into, tearing apart and enjoying all the succulent meat!

It is no wonder that upon considering where to celebrate my birthday this past weekend, I wanted to go to a restaurant where I could savor a simple steamed lobster (especially after a decadent steak dinner at Peter Luger the night before). We headed to Riverbay on Long Island, where we dined on Island Creek Oysters, Flash Fried Rock Shrimp with piquant ginger peanut sauce, New England Clam Chowder and Pear Salad to start before I relished in the company of a two-pound steamed Maine lobster.

I was coerced by my father to join him in bearing a bib (see below for proof) and before I knew it, the stunner arrived to the table and I was soon dissecting it with all of the necessary utensils – seafood cracker, seafood fork, fork, knife, and the best utensil of all, my hands. I devoured the celebrated claw and tail meat, in addition to other inglorious treasures such as the legs, roe, and green tomalley. The meat was as sweet as my childhood memory. My birthday dinner was truly perfect in every which way.

Aside from the simplicity of a perfectly steamed lobster, some of my all-time favorite lobster dishes include:

* Astice (Nova Scotia Lobster, Burrata, Eggplant al funghetto, basil) at Marea (NYC)

* Butter Poached Maine Lobster at Clio (Boston)

* Broiled Lobster at El Telégrafo (Madrid)

* Lobster out of the shell with Meyer lemon-Fresno chile butter sauce + crispy hominy cakes at Mesa Grill (NYC)

* Roasted Sea Scallops served with sweet onion confit and lobster sauce at Sale e Pepe (Marco Island, FL)

What I’m:

Reading         The Year of Eating Dangerously by Tom Parker Bowles
Watching       The World Cup Forza Italia!
Listening to    (and singing to)… 70s disco in the car
Eating           Any kind of lobster I can get my claws on
Drinking        A glass of bubbly to continue my birthday celebration

Taking the Summer Off

By Pamela Spiegel

I may have made my last warm, home-cooked meal of the summer. The steamy mixture of 90-degree weather, a hot open flame, and a tiny New York City kitchen sends me running to the take-out menus. I am taking the summer off - my stove will stay dormant all season.

Growing up, warm weather meals included a lovely cheese plate with fresh fruit and vegetables; this of course was my mother’s version of a “no cook” meal. While I have fond memories of sitting on our families terrace nibbling cheese, I am determined to try my hand at a few, more sophisticated no-cook, no-heat meals this summer. I will find new uses for my under-appreciated appliances that traditionally take a backseat to my oven and stove-top.

As a novice cook, I will start simple by preparing Chef Carla Hall’s Minted Pea Pesto. Determined to keep the stove off, I will try heating the peas via microwave (hopefully I won’t be sabotaging a perfect recipe). As the summer progresses I will be on the search for dinner recipes that can quickly be whipped together after work. Let me know if you have any suggestions!

Minted Pea Pesto

2 cups frozen peas

½ cup fresh parsley

¼ cup fresh mint

3 cloves garlic

¼ cup pine nuts, toasted

¼ cup fresh Parmigiano Reggiano cheese

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

salt to taste

Quickly blanch the peas in generously salted water until thawed. Drain and immediately immerse the peas in ice-cold water to retain the bright green color. Drain again, and transfer the peas to the work bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade.

Add the parsley, mint, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmigiano. Pulse 7 or 8 times until a chunky paste forms. Pulse again while drizzling in the olive oil. When the mixture reaches the desired consistency, stop and season to taste with salt. Store pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

What I’m:

Reading Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole

Watching Alex’s Day Off on the Food Network

Eating Minted Pea Pesto

Listening to Glee

Drinking Iced Coffee

Hot Town, Summer in the City

By Khuong Phan

Being from South Florida, part of the appeal of moving to New York City definitely had to do with opportunity to experience the seasons. When you’re from a corner of the world that perpetually exists in either spring or summer, you’d be surprised at how much you yearn to just one day get to feel autumn’s crisp air or see winter’s white snow.

That said, when it’s say January or February here in the Big Apple I’m usually quite diminished. By this time, the once-pristine snow has become a brown mush, the layers of clothes I’ve piled on to keep warm constantly leaves me feeling claustrophobic and the sun’s regular retreat from the sky before 6PM makes walking around simply depressing. I find myself longing for the inviting postcard picture-worthy waters of Fort Lauderdale Beach where I learned how to swim, the soft slap of a pair of Havianas against the soles of my feet and a ripe, golden-skinned mango from the tree in my parents’ backyard.

Come June I’m finally feeling good. To me there is no greater season in the city than summer. Hands down. Don’t get me wrong, summer here is not without its frustrations and faults. The city doesn’t get warm in the summer—it swelters. It’s a five-borough oven with heat bombarding you from all directions, including from the sidewalk up. With the constant humidity your sweat glands explode open, and breathing turns into heaving as your lungs are forced to realize that air can not only have volume, but also density. And don’t even get me started about the smells.

Despite all of this, when friends ask when they should come for a visit, I always tell them to come during the summer.

“You’ll fall in love with this place in the summer,” I say, “because that’s what exactly happened to me.”

I was 26 the first time I ever visited NYC. It was July. The moment I left, all I could think about was how I soon I could feasibly move here. The following year I did—in June.

The energy and feel of the city from late May to September is simply amazing. Restaurants pull tables out onto sidewalks and open back gardens. Pretty girls abound in dresses, shorts and tank tops (including of course, my lovely fiancée). Calendars are loaded with great events. The Yankees and Mets are in full swing. People are just outside everywhere. You can hang out on the roof of The Met!

So here are a few things I’m hoping to do this summer:

- Have weekend brunch at Anella. This place is right in my neighborhood. Chef Joe Ogrodnek is quite talented, and is a bit of anomaly in that he cooks and bakes. Get a table in the restaurant’s backyard garden, start with a house-made pastry basket and go with either the French toast or burger.

- Walk the High Line. Don’t get me wrong I love ambling through Central, McCarren and Prospect Parks, but this place is just so unique.

- Grab a cone from Cookshop’s ice cream cart. After a stroll on the High Line, I’m always in the mood for either Pastry Chef Emily Wallendjack’s lemon curd or banana, chocolate, espresso with salted peanut crunch flavors. Who am I kidding? I usually just order a scoop of each because they’re so delicious. (And then I walk the High Line again just so I don’t feel guilty.)

- Ride a bike on Governors Island. On Fridays from June 11 to October 8, you can borrow one for free.

- Eat lots of sandwiches from Saigon Vietnamese Sandwich Deli. The place has the best banh mi in the city. The No. 1 is my favorite, and makes for an inexpensive, tasty and easy-to-pack picnic bite.

- Watch Al Pacino tackle Shakespeare—for free. One of the greatest actors of our time will be performing “The Merchant of Venice” and in order to get tickets all you have to do is wait in line. Granted, the line will be insanely long, but I’ve queued up for worse.

- Drink a few beers at the Black Rabbit. This is my favorite bar in the city, and not just because I live ridiculously close to it, but it’s got a great beer selection, a charming backyard and board games I can borrow to play with my aforementioned tank-top-wearing, lovely fiancée.

What I’m…

Reading: Dave Egger’s “You Shall Know Our Velocity”

Watching: The Stanley Cup playoffs

Listening to: The Tallest Man on Earth (He’s like the Swedish Bob Dylan, no really.)

Drinking: Doc Brown’s Black Cherry soda

Eating: My fiancee’s ridiculously good pulled-pork sandwiches with her homemade barbecue sauce

On Choosing a Restaurant

By Jackie Goldstein

The Fall Semester ended in December and I received my Bachelor of the Sciences in Marketing Communications in a “Do Not Fold” package some time in January. I have since been working for the past three months, but tonight after the close of business, I will travel back to Boston for one last collegiate dance.

There is only one ceremony for the Emerson College graduating class each year. Senior Week started this past Monday, and after a week of debauchery and reminiscence, the Commencement Ceremony will be on Monday, May 17. I have been looking forward to this for a while: seeing my friends, heading back to the Northeast, traveling on the T—one of the worst transportation systems ever… Whenever I hit a milestone in my life, whether it be a holiday, a birthday, a success or a graduation I like to use it as an excuse to empty my parents’ wallets by taking the family out for a great meal. Choosing the special restaurant, however, is an incredibly daunting task. First of all, my dad is actually a rather picky eater. I’m not sure where I got my adventuresome taste in food but I’d like to note that I recently brought sushi to my grandparents’ house and it was the first time they had ever seen Japanese food in person. My mother has a more refined palate and she also picked up a recent interest in cooking, so she’s easy. My sister will also be joining us. However, they are not the ones making it difficult. It is the pressure I put on myself to pick the perfect place. Since we’re in New England, should we get seafood? How about indulging in an Indian feast in Cambridge? Should we go to some trendy spot in the South End? Italian in the North End? A Barbara Lynch restaurant? So many options, so little time.

My neurotic process: I generally begin with a list of restaurants that I’ve never been to and always wanted to try. Then I check out trusted sources such as BostonChefs.com or Boston Magazine’s website (www.bostonmagazine.com). However, then I usually still have quite a long list. This is when I get critical, looking at reviews (professionals and Yelpers), re-reading menus, reaching out to friends, looking on Opentable to see if I can even get a table… Usually after a day I’ve narrowed it down only slightly. The obsession continues until I get bored, and finally just sigh and close my eyes and point at an option on the list. And I’ve never been disappointed. Stay tuned to my next post to see where I ended up.

What I’m…

Reading: Elena Kagan coverage

Watching: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Marathons

Listening to: NOFX

Drinking: Helen’s Market Pantry Green Tea

Eating: Falafels from Pita City

MAREA IS NAMED BEST NEW RESTAURANT AT THE 2010 JAMES BEARD AWARDS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Bullfrog & Baum 212-255-6717

Jennifer Baum / Katie Haines-Stiles

jennifer@bullfrogandbaum.com / katie@bullfrogandbaum.com

MAREA IS NAMED BEST NEW RESTAURANT AT THE 2010 JAMES BEARD AWARDS

NEW YORK CITY (May 4, 2010) – The James Beard Foundation named New York restaurant Marea, Best New Restaurant at its annual Awards Ceremony that took place last night at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall in New York City. The James Beard Awards were established in 1990 to honor the achievements of chefs and restaurants, food and beverage professionals, broadcast media, journalists, and authors writing about food, restaurant architects and designers, and are considered to be one of the highest marks of distinction within the culinary community.

The award for Best New Restaurant is presented to a restaurant opened in 2009 that already displays excellence in food, beverage and service and is likely to have a significant impact on the industry in years to come. Other 2010 nominees included Bibou (Philadelphia), Flour + Water (San Francisco), Frances (San Francisco), Locanda Verde (New York City), and RN74 (San Francisco).

“It is an incredible honor to have received this award, and I am thrilled for Marea to be recognized amongst the best in the culinary community,” says Michael White, Co-owner and Chef of Marea. “It is with immense appreciation that I accept this award on behalf of the Altamarea Group. This award is for the teams at each of our restaurants for all their hard work and dedication.”

The Altamarea Group and Chef White redefined the seascape of high-end Italian cuisine with the opening of their fifth restaurant, Marea. The regional foods of Italy are heavily influenced by ingredients drawn from the four bodies of water that surround the boot, and at Marea, White presents a fresh interpretation of Italian coastal cuisine. Marea has also received nods from Esquire and GQ magazines as Best New Restaurant in the Country, a three-star review from The New York Times and a coveted Michelin Star within the 2009 guide.

A full listing of awards nominees and results can be found at www.jamesbeard.org. Event photos will be available for press purposes at www.jamesbeard.org/awards/2010/awardphotos today after 10:30am.

# # #

Quarter-life Crisis

By Molly Kinsella

My 25^th birthday is next week. To be honest, I’m having a difficult time accepting it. I still feel like I’m 22 and just getting out of college. I guess it’s time to admit that I’m actually in my mid-twenties and have been out in the “real world” for three years. But, as I’ve started the struggle to plan my 25^th birthday party, I’ve been feeling rather nostalgic about birthdays past.

When I was younger, I can remember throwing numerous temper tantrums on my birthday because I felt as though I wasn’t getting enough attention. I can’t remember the exact reason, but I believe I was convinced my twin brother was receiving more presents than me (which I’m sure isn’t actually true – my parents tried to be very diplomatic in their gift-giving). To this day, my brother and I insist on having two cakes on our birthday – ice cream for me, chocolate for him.

On another birthday, my parents had pony rides in our backyard, and I can distinctly remember my older sister commandeering the horse and refusing to let any of my friends take turns riding it.

One of my favorite birthday memories is of my 22^nd. After completing my last final of college (Intro to Judaism, which I thought would be fun and interesting and turned out to be one of the most challenging of my academic career) at 8am on my birthday, I walked back to my off-campus house with one of my roommates. When I walked into the house, I was surprised by my closest friends and a living room full of streamers, balloons and an enormous blow-up monkey (don’t ask). If you’ve never thrown a surprise party for someone, I highly recommend it… it’s one of the best feelings you could ask for on your birthday.

So, as I embark on my 26^th year, I’ve decided to kick it off with one of my favorite activities: day drinking. I plan on finding a spot in the sun at a bar by the river and basking in the idea that I’m 25 years young.

What I’m….

Reading: Magical Thinking by Augusten Burroughs

Watching: “Friday Night Lights” – finally back on May 7^th!

Listening to: All Taylor Swift, all the time.

Drinking: IPAs

Friday Night Pizza Night

By Kate Kendall

Every family has its traditions and when I was growing up, my favorite tradition occurred every Friday night. Both my parents worked long hours, so when Friday night rolled around, the nanny was off dinner duty and it was Mom and Dad’s turn. This is how Friday Night Pizza Night was born. My brother and I looked forward to the end of every week, when we would place the same order from the same pizza parlor faithfully every Friday. The “usual” order changed one time during our 10 year stint- when we made the switch from thick crust to thin. We were very loyal--We even moved to the next town, and still called our order in from miles away. As we got older, Friday Night Pizza Night lost its fervor, but not forever. Now that we are older, what began as a quick fix for dinner at the end of a busy week, the tradition has morphed from delivery pies to a patient process every Friday night, where my family comes together to slow down, unwind, catch up. Mom makes whole wheat dough and rolls it out on the pizza stone. We grill chicken sausage, sauté spinach, caramelize onions, grate Parmigiano-Reggiano and slice fresh mozzarella. We dust the dough with garlic-infused olive oil and watch the masterpiece bake in the oven. Mouths are watering and the table is silent for the first time all night when the slices hit our plates. Once a 2 minute phone call, Friday Night Pizza Night has turned into a 2 hour adventure. And although the tradition was once very different, it was my favorite family tradition then, and it is still my favorite family tradition- now thanks to the strong undertones of love, connection, teamwork and appreciation for one another that the experience brings. Now I'm in my own apartment and upon my mother's departure from moving me in, she bestowed on me my very first pizza stone to carry on the tradition. Having mastered the tricks of homemade pizza in my big kitchen at home, I love the opportunity to make pizza for my friends, as to me it is one of the best gifts I can give to the ones I love.

Reading: Google Reader

Watching: The sunset

Listening to: East River Morning Run Mix

Drinking: The Water Goblet Challenge

Eating: FSTG Chip Crumbs

Dear Ms. Hoz-pitality

By Susan Hoz-mer

There are plenty of resources these days for diners looking for guidance and advice. Bon Appétit has the BA Foodist, a column in which restaurant editor Andrew Knowlton tells Americans what to do - and not do- when dining out. The New York Times enlisted writer Florence Fabricant to educate New Yorkers on proper dining and entertaining etiquette with Dear FloFab. After reading all of this advice, it dawned on me that there’s nobody out there advising the restaurateurs. With that mission in mind, please let me introduce Ms. Hoz-pitality.

Question:

Dear Ms Hoz-pitality,

I am the General Manager of a busy casual restaurant concept. I’ve been having trouble turning tables recently. We have parties lingering at their tables for 45 minutes after dessert. We’ve tried dropping the check, but it doesn’t seem to make a difference. It’s become a real issue because other guests are waiting for their reserved tables. What should we do? How do we keep both parties happy?

Chiffin Nod, San Francisco, CA

Answer:

Dear Chiffin Nod,

This is common problem for many busy restaurants. First, I recommend buying a round of drinks for the guests who are waiting for their table. It’s amazing how a drink will make people forget how long they’ve been waiting. You can also hurry the seated table along by telling the guests that you will love to buy them an after-dinner drink at the bar. If all else fails, keep the drinks flowing for the guests waiting and buy them dessert.

Question:

Dear Ms Hoz-pitality,

I just opened my first restaurant. What do I do if a food writer or critic comes in to dine? Should I send out food? Provide a free meal? Should we do a tasting menu?

Julie-Ann Vej, Boston, MA

Answer:

Dear Julie-Ann Vej,

While anonymous critics are a thing of the past, most reviewers’ goal is to experience the restaurant like a normal diner. So what is my advice for you? Put your best server on the table and make sure that food comes out in a timely manner and is executed perfectly. As far as the general food writers, unless you have invited them in as your guest, they do not need to be comp’d. In most cases, similar to critics, writers want an authentic experience. Therefore, don’t hover over them. And while it is appropriate to send out a signature dish or two, do not go overboard by sending out too many gratuitous courses. Feel free to offer the chef’s tasting menu only if it is appropriate to the concept and present it as an option rather than a guilt trip. Oh, and another thing, never make them wait too long for their drinks.

Have questions for Ms. Hoz-pitality? Email her at mshozpitality@bullfrogandbaum.com.

Reading: Advice columns and reluctantly about to begin Happens Every Day: An All-Too-True Story by Isabell Gillies

Watching: Word World, Cars, Little Bear and when it’s my turn, Modern Family

Listening to: My 3 year old sing Life is a Highway from the Cars Soundtrack

Drinking: WPM (Wylie’s perfect Margarita)

Eating: Duck Liver Bao Buns from WP24

Fresh Ground Health

By: Shayna Bryan and Gary Culig

What’s the old saying? Bad habits die hard? In our daily work/life balancing act we often find ourselves with the same old fatty tacos and mayonnaise-laced sandwiches to quench our hunger between projects, phone calls and press-checks. It’s no secret that healthy choices are often sacrificed in the interest of convenience. But on the flip-side, the organic, grass-fed, locavore, master-cleanse, macrobiotic, microbiotic, probiotic, whole foods, whole grain movement can be intimidating and a little obnoxious.

Fortunately for us, we were hired to design the logo for an expert who not only understands how overwhelming holistic food trends can be, but who has provided us with some easy, “Kickin’” recipes that are delicious and healthy to boot.

Fresh Ground Health’s Kelly Hoogenakker offers healthy cooking classes (live and online) as well as private nutrition counseling for people with all types of health goals. Whether her clients want to lose weight, increase energy, enhance fertility or just be smarter grocery shoppers, Kelly demystifies the world of healthy living.

We love her because she is our go-to for questions like, “Is there a salad we can make that tastes like meat?” And there is!

KELLY'S KICKIN' KALE RECIPE

*One special ingredient that I think makes a big difference is Smoked (or "Spicy") Paprika. It sometimes goes by other names, but it is a paprika made from smoked peppers. It adds a flavor akin to bacon. You can find it at Whole Foods or the Chopping Block or some other specialty cooking store.

1 bunch of Kale
1/2 Red pepper
1/4 cup coarsely chopped purple onion (to taste)
1 garlic clove (optional - makes it spicier)
juice of 1 lemon
½ cup olive oil
¼ tsp salt
pepper
smoked paprika
cayenne pepper
(can also use liquid smoke)

Strip kale leaves off stems and tear into bite sized pieces into a colander. Rinse well and drain/shake/blot dry with a paper towel - remove most of water, or as much as you can.

Put kale pieces in a large bowl, add lemon juice, 1/2 cup olive oil and about 1/4 tsp salt. Massage the greens with your hands for several minutes to work in the lemon and oil. Allow this to sit while you prepare the marinade.

In a food processor, add all of the rest of the ingredients, plus just enough olive oil to allow the mixture to turn over and become a saucy consistency. It should look a little like french dressing. I use about 1 tsp of the paprika and just a few dashes of cayenne - I recommend seasoning to taste - but it will be strong by itself.

Toss the greens with the marinade (this time use salad tongs or wooden spoons). You can either eat right away, allow to sit at room temp for 30 minutes to marinate longer, or refrigerator overnight and eat the next day.

Reading: Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Márquez
Watching: Justified
Listening to: our nutritionist
Drinking: Iced tea with sprigs of mint
Eating: Kale