Last month, to the joy of my sugar-loving boyfriend, I was invited by Melissa to Top Ten Pastry Chefs 2010, an event announcing the “the top toques of tuile, cocoa and sugar” according to Dessert Professional. During the event, guests were given the opportunity to walk from kitchen to kitchen at I.C.E. (The Institute for Culinary Education) and sample desserts from participating chefs. A lot of chocolate, sorbet, and even pop-rocks were eaten, but my favorite by far was Chapeau Chic by Nicholas Lodge of the French Pastry School. MORE »
I’ve been quite busy the last few days. I have visitors from out-of-town (so fun, but I feel like death!), contractors all up in my crib (argh, drilling and banging at eight in the morning!), new projects at work (I need a raise!), and I’m going to court tonight (wish me luck!). But because I love you guys, and because tomorrow is National Doughnut Day, I thought I’d write a short post about the doughnuts I ate this weekend. MORE »
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Growing up in America, you eat a lot of fried chicken and pies. At least my family did. In our refrigerator, if there weren’t a few slices of pizza wrapped in Reynolds Wrap, there was a red bucket of good ole’ Kentucky Fried Chicken (this was before the dawn of Korean fried chicken in the States). Pies were also aplenty. My dad, not a believer in moderation, would buy at least four Entenmann’s pies at a time. (It was general knowledge in the house not to say we liked anything within hearing distance of our dad. Tell my dad you liked anything and there would a carton or two the next day in the dining room. A week later, a moldy carton would find its way into the garbage.) And don’t get me started on the stockpile of McDonald’s apple pies in the back of the refrigerator. I think my dad thought my mom liked them, but I don’t recall her ever eating one out of the refrigerator.
Now as an adult wary of fast food, I still have pizza in the refrigerator, but rarely do I have any fried chicken or pies. But that doesn’t mean I don’t eat them. I’m just pickier now on where I get my chicken and pie fix. Last month I was seriously craving fried chicken and somehow resisted the peppery wafts of Popeye’s two blocks from my old apartment. Instead, David and I took a trip over the bridge and made our way over to the newly reopened Pies-n-Thighs in Williamsburg. Homemade pies and chicken together in the same place? Game on. MORE »
Ever since Pylos opened a few years ago, I’ve been meaning to go, but didn’t find my way there until recently. That happens a lot in New York, there’s just so many places you can try every week. Thankfully for my stomach, I finally made it out to Pylos, and I’m already planning my next visit. It was that good. MORE »
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I’m a month late or one year early with my Valentine’s Day post. I like to think the latter. Valentine’s Day is an annoying day to begin with. When you’re single, VDay is annoying because advertising, friends, and your mom will make you feel like a troll because you’re alone no matter how fabulous you are, and when you’re in a relationship, it’s annoying because it’s impossible to get a reservation anywhere, and even if you do, the restaurant will only offer mass-produced pre-made food from an overpriced prix-fixe menu. Saint Valentine, you suck. Anyway, since the last disappointing Valentine’s Day meal in 2005, David and I have been avoiding all restaurants requiring reservations, especially those offering “special” prix-fixe menus. This Valentine’s Day, we went to Sapporo East, my favorite cheap East Village Japanese restaurant since college. MORE »
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One day, I hope to be able to eat in the main dining room of Per Se whenever I want and not on a special occasions, but until then, there’s the Salon, the makeshift less fancy lounge outside the “real” dining area. Yes, it’s a bit uncomfortable as the tables are low and don’t accommodate for leg room (unless you sit at the communal bar table), and you’ll undoubtedly look on with longing as the people who probably have more money than you strut into the main dining area, but you make do because the food is solid, served à la carte (unlike the main dining room’s $275 prix fixe menu), you don’t need a reservation a month or two in advance, and the service is impeccable without being uptight. What’s a little discomfort? David and I minded only the slightest. MORE »
The City Bakery Hot Chocolate Festival kicked off officially this month, but technically it started the last weekend of January. That’s when I went. I couldn’t wait. I keep saying I’m not a big fan of dessert, but since last month, all I want to eat are sweets. I’m not sure why. I think it may have to do with the fact that I joined a gym. My appetite has been insatiable ever since. Perhaps I need to quit. Or maybe I have to stop watching Food Network while I’m on the bike. MORE »