My only day off this week and I'm laying in bed watching CBS Sunday Morning, reading the New York Times, sipping coffee, and making jokes with Joe.
While skimming through the Dining Times section I came across this article about tracing the farm or food producers where your grocery products come from. For the most part, I think its a great idea. I have some questions though.. but right now I must get back to my Sunday morning with Joe.
Salute!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Food For Thought Film Fest
My friend Martha, founder of Nani Ola Productions, has put together a fabulous film fest about food! Here is the info:
Food For Thought Film Fest hits New York City this April 11 and 18, 2009
Naniola Productions in partnership with Action Center to End World Hunger and Columbia University Medical Center Office of Government and Community Affairs presents the third annual Food For Thought Film Festival 2009; a showcase of films about our life sustaining resources: FOOD and WATER.
The festival begins on April 11, 2009 at the Action Center to End World Hunger downtown and will conclude on April 18, 2009 at the Columbia University Medical Center Alumni Auditorium uptown. This event is FREE to the public to encourage maximum community attendance.
The program will run from 1pm to 8:30pm showcasing four feature length films, three short films, guest speakers, and filmmakers. The detailed schedule and directions can be found at http://www.foodfilmfest.com/schedule.html.
This year's Film Fest focuses on several crucial issues: access to clean food and water; local and sustainable agriculture; and the effects of policy on small American farmers. Our goal is to promote dialogue within communities and to inspire action. For more information or to make a donation, please visit www.foodfilmfest.com
We invite you to stay for a reception featuring locally made products beginning 8:30pm on April 11, 2009.
April 11, 2009
Action Center to End World Hunger, 6 River Terrace Battery Park, NY
Directions: A, C, 1,2,3 to Chambers St. OR E to World Trade Center
April 18, 2009
Columbia University Medical Center Alumni Auditorium, 650 West 168th St.
(Btwn Broadway and Fort Washington Ave)
Directions: A, C, 1 to 168th St. Station
Schedule for Both Events:
1:00pm - Welcome and Introduction
1:30pm - Farm to Cafeteria: A Red Hook Lunch followed by Asparagus: Stalking the American Life
3:45pm - Hot Bread Kitchen; New Amsterdam Market followed by Eating Alaska
6:00pm - FLOW
Contact information: Martha Ma
Executive Director, Naniola Productions 120 Vermilyea Avenue, Suite I-43New York, NY 10034347-439-4110naniolaprod@yahoo.comwww.naniola.com
Food For Thought Film Fest hits New York City this April 11 and 18, 2009
Naniola Productions in partnership with Action Center to End World Hunger and Columbia University Medical Center Office of Government and Community Affairs presents the third annual Food For Thought Film Festival 2009; a showcase of films about our life sustaining resources: FOOD and WATER.
The festival begins on April 11, 2009 at the Action Center to End World Hunger downtown and will conclude on April 18, 2009 at the Columbia University Medical Center Alumni Auditorium uptown. This event is FREE to the public to encourage maximum community attendance.
The program will run from 1pm to 8:30pm showcasing four feature length films, three short films, guest speakers, and filmmakers. The detailed schedule and directions can be found at http://www.foodfilmfest.com/schedule.html.
This year's Film Fest focuses on several crucial issues: access to clean food and water; local and sustainable agriculture; and the effects of policy on small American farmers. Our goal is to promote dialogue within communities and to inspire action. For more information or to make a donation, please visit www.foodfilmfest.com
We invite you to stay for a reception featuring locally made products beginning 8:30pm on April 11, 2009.
April 11, 2009
Action Center to End World Hunger, 6 River Terrace Battery Park, NY
Directions: A, C, 1,2,3 to Chambers St. OR E to World Trade Center
April 18, 2009
Columbia University Medical Center Alumni Auditorium, 650 West 168th St.
(Btwn Broadway and Fort Washington Ave)
Directions: A, C, 1 to 168th St. Station
Schedule for Both Events:
1:00pm - Welcome and Introduction
1:30pm - Farm to Cafeteria: A Red Hook Lunch followed by Asparagus: Stalking the American Life
3:45pm - Hot Bread Kitchen; New Amsterdam Market followed by Eating Alaska
6:00pm - FLOW
Contact information: Martha Ma
Executive Director, Naniola Productions 120 Vermilyea Avenue, Suite I-43New York, NY 10034347-439-4110naniolaprod@yahoo.comwww.naniola.com
Peanut Sauce
My first try at peanut sauce was last night and I have to say, it wasn't that bad. There is definitely something missing, though.
I used freshly ground peanut butter, some coconut milk, some water, a little lemon, a bit of soy sauce, a little curry and a lot of red pepper (I like spice). I can't tell if the peanut and coconut were even - hmmm. It was pretty tasty though with my sauteed veggies and tofu.
Now, if only someone could really teach me to cook Eastern style cuisine, that would be great. I think that there is a fine balancing act of new and exotic spices that I have to start experimenting with.
I used freshly ground peanut butter, some coconut milk, some water, a little lemon, a bit of soy sauce, a little curry and a lot of red pepper (I like spice). I can't tell if the peanut and coconut were even - hmmm. It was pretty tasty though with my sauteed veggies and tofu.
Now, if only someone could really teach me to cook Eastern style cuisine, that would be great. I think that there is a fine balancing act of new and exotic spices that I have to start experimenting with.
Friday, March 20, 2009
THE OBAMA'S VICTORY GARDEN!!!
Ladies and Gentlemen, it is official, the Obama's are planting a Victory Garden on the front lawn of the White House today!!
Read the full story here from the NY Times.
Now, let's all get our hands dirty and start growing some food!
Read the full story here from the NY Times.
Now, let's all get our hands dirty and start growing some food!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Ants on a log...
I'm an adult (or so I like to think), but I love ants on a log. There is something about the crunch of celery, the thick and gooey-ness of peanut butter, and sweet raisins.
While I attribute this Godly creation to my grandmother and Lamb Chop, I'm forever grateful to whoever really did make this for the first time. They are my hero.
While I attribute this Godly creation to my grandmother and Lamb Chop, I'm forever grateful to whoever really did make this for the first time. They are my hero.
Monday, March 16, 2009
An evening in Forest Hills
Joe and I took Saturday night to try some new restaurants in Forest Hills.
Torn between tons of places that I've been dieing to try, we settled on Pampas for dinner and My Kitchen for dessert. Needless to say, I was not disappointed in the least.
First, Pampas. An Argentinean Steakhouse with a pretty interesting menu consisting of both Italian and Spanish flavors. We decided to share the homemade spinach ravioli in meat sauce (aka: bolognese) and the Pampas Mixed Grill. It was a good thing we went in with the intent of splitting everything because the amount of food that sat on our table was intense... and delicious.
The meat sauce was so perfect - spicy, sweet, meaty - with the raviolis, I'm still raving. The mixed grill came on a sizzling parilla (charcoal grill) and consisted of sweetbread, blood sausage, skirt steak, chorizo, and short ribs. All cooked to a beautiful medium rare - incredible.
I only wished I was drinking a glass of malbec instead of my dirty martini. The food came out so fast (which is the way I like it) that I didn't have a chance to finish.
Afterwards, we walked down about a block and a half to My Kitchen. What an adorable spot! We ordered the dessert sampler which consisted of the following AMAZING sweets: tiramisu (rich and thick), 5 berry tart (words cannot express my love for this sweet and tangy treat), canoli (smooth and creamy) & apricots topped with homemade Italian whipped cream (unbelievable pairing - very beautiful). Seriously, we licked the plate clean. Not a crumb went uneaten, it was that good. I don't usually have a sweet tooth, but I will forever make an exception for the 5 berry tart!
The restaurant, wait staff, and chef are unbelievably charming - I cannot wait to go back in the spring to sit outside!
Torn between tons of places that I've been dieing to try, we settled on Pampas for dinner and My Kitchen for dessert. Needless to say, I was not disappointed in the least.
First, Pampas. An Argentinean Steakhouse with a pretty interesting menu consisting of both Italian and Spanish flavors. We decided to share the homemade spinach ravioli in meat sauce (aka: bolognese) and the Pampas Mixed Grill. It was a good thing we went in with the intent of splitting everything because the amount of food that sat on our table was intense... and delicious.
The meat sauce was so perfect - spicy, sweet, meaty - with the raviolis, I'm still raving. The mixed grill came on a sizzling parilla (charcoal grill) and consisted of sweetbread, blood sausage, skirt steak, chorizo, and short ribs. All cooked to a beautiful medium rare - incredible.
I only wished I was drinking a glass of malbec instead of my dirty martini. The food came out so fast (which is the way I like it) that I didn't have a chance to finish.
Afterwards, we walked down about a block and a half to My Kitchen. What an adorable spot! We ordered the dessert sampler which consisted of the following AMAZING sweets: tiramisu (rich and thick), 5 berry tart (words cannot express my love for this sweet and tangy treat), canoli (smooth and creamy) & apricots topped with homemade Italian whipped cream (unbelievable pairing - very beautiful). Seriously, we licked the plate clean. Not a crumb went uneaten, it was that good. I don't usually have a sweet tooth, but I will forever make an exception for the 5 berry tart!
The restaurant, wait staff, and chef are unbelievably charming - I cannot wait to go back in the spring to sit outside!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
My date with a full moon, rosemary, and thyme
It was in my head that I was going to take myself out to dinner tonight, a date with me. I went so far as to text my bartender friend to make sure she was working tonight. It was going to be Greek food and red wine. I was excited.
But then I stopped by the yoga studio, picked up a new book and began reading. I realized that tonight, in fact, I needed to be home. The temperature was high 50's, weather was overcast, but it was only 6pm and still light out. I decided to abandon myself at Sala and walk to the grocery store and wine shop.
It was incredible.
For some reason I was craving more than the bland foods I had been consuming lately. I love my root vegetables, I really do. But I need meat and substance and layers of flavor - something that only herbs can give me. I was also really missing the warm weather and summer, so I brought myself back to a time of pure happiness: Toscana.
Tonight was the night for lamb with rosemary and thyme, a side of asparagus, and portebella mushrooms in a red wine reduction.
I was missing Joe while preparing everything; talked myself through the whole process as if I were a celebrity chef for the network I work at. I made 2 servings and wrapped his up (I hope he likes it.)
Anyway, my date was successful. In fact, I even decided to stay for a second glass of wine.
Salute!
Dreaming mashed pots
I'm not going to lie, I make a damn good mashed potatoe. There are a million ways to make the comfort food, but I think my favorite is rosemary garlic with red skin chunks.
You're probably wondering why I am bringing the smooshed starch up - it's simple: I had a dream about them last night. Don't ask me why, but I think it's because I had a sampling of mashed pots from the deli downstairs yesterday.
Now, I have to go home tonight and make potatoes. I have an assortment of purple, red, yellow, etc at home.
That's all.
You're probably wondering why I am bringing the smooshed starch up - it's simple: I had a dream about them last night. Don't ask me why, but I think it's because I had a sampling of mashed pots from the deli downstairs yesterday.
Now, I have to go home tonight and make potatoes. I have an assortment of purple, red, yellow, etc at home.
That's all.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Food Safety
I guess you could say that my passion for agriculture and sustainable food started when I was little, growing up around farms and gardens. In college I took a class on Environmental History and started researching Monsanto. As part of an assignment we were told to write a paper on environment-culture concerns - I chose Monsanto. Years later, I am still keeping an eye on this company and cringing.
Now, I just learned that one of their executives may take a position on the Obama administration as part of the food safety team. This is scary.
From an email: FOOD DEMOCRACY NOW
Dear Friends,
Help stop a former Monsanto executive from working in the White House!
Currently America is in the middle of a record food safety crisis and it could get a whole lot worse.
There's a possibility that former Monsanto executive Michael Taylor and irradiation proponent Dr. Michael Osterholm will be named to top food safety spots in the new Administration.
We need your help to defend America's food supply. Write Secretary Vilsack ( AgSec@usda.gov ) and tell him to stand strong on food safety.
Ask Secretary Vilsack to say no to Taylor and Osterholm.
1. Michael Taylor, a former Monsanto executive, whose career literally fits the definition of the revolving door between government, lobbying and corporate interests. Before serving on the Obama ag transition team, Taylor made a name for himself rotating in and out of law firms, Monsanto, the USDA and FDA. While at the FDA he helped write the rules to allow rBGH into the American food system and our children’s milk.
Now we’ve learned that Taylor may be in line to run an office in the White House on food safety!
2. On Monday, Secretary Vilsack is set to announce the appointment of Dr. Michael Osterholm, a food safety expert, to lead the Food Safety agency at the USDA. According to Food & Water Watch, Osterholm has been “a zealot in promoting the controversial technology (of irradiation) as the panacea to contaminated food.”
Irradiation allows food processors to nuke disease from contaminated food at the end of the production line, while ignoring the root problems that create unsafe food.
For Osterholm, the recent peanut butter fiasco apparently was just another example of how irradiation could save the day. "Clearly it's a problem where the raw peanut butter or paste is consumed and not cooked," Osterholm said.About the magnitude of America’s most recent food safety crisis, Osterholm said, "The recall has reached a level that is far beyond what's necessary."Try telling that to the relatives of the nine people who died and to the over 600 sick individuals across the country."This was like peeling an onion," Osterholm continued. "It demonstrates the magnitude of processed food in this country."Well, at least he got that much right…
The problem, Osterholm doesn't take constructive criticism of his favorite technology lightly. In 1999 he wrote an editorial calling food safety advocates who questioned the safety of irradiation terrorists.
This doesn't sound like the type of leader that the USDA needs right now. If you think this is bad news, let the Administration know about it!
Join Food Democracy Now! in calling for true reformers to be placed in positions at the USDA, FDA and beyond. We need a food safety system with some teeth - one that is independent of corporate interests.
Now, I just learned that one of their executives may take a position on the Obama administration as part of the food safety team. This is scary.
From an email: FOOD DEMOCRACY NOW
Dear Friends,
Help stop a former Monsanto executive from working in the White House!
Currently America is in the middle of a record food safety crisis and it could get a whole lot worse.
There's a possibility that former Monsanto executive Michael Taylor and irradiation proponent Dr. Michael Osterholm will be named to top food safety spots in the new Administration.
We need your help to defend America's food supply. Write Secretary Vilsack ( AgSec@usda.gov ) and tell him to stand strong on food safety.
Ask Secretary Vilsack to say no to Taylor and Osterholm.
1. Michael Taylor, a former Monsanto executive, whose career literally fits the definition of the revolving door between government, lobbying and corporate interests. Before serving on the Obama ag transition team, Taylor made a name for himself rotating in and out of law firms, Monsanto, the USDA and FDA. While at the FDA he helped write the rules to allow rBGH into the American food system and our children’s milk.
Now we’ve learned that Taylor may be in line to run an office in the White House on food safety!
2. On Monday, Secretary Vilsack is set to announce the appointment of Dr. Michael Osterholm, a food safety expert, to lead the Food Safety agency at the USDA. According to Food & Water Watch, Osterholm has been “a zealot in promoting the controversial technology (of irradiation) as the panacea to contaminated food.”
Irradiation allows food processors to nuke disease from contaminated food at the end of the production line, while ignoring the root problems that create unsafe food.
For Osterholm, the recent peanut butter fiasco apparently was just another example of how irradiation could save the day. "Clearly it's a problem where the raw peanut butter or paste is consumed and not cooked," Osterholm said.About the magnitude of America’s most recent food safety crisis, Osterholm said, "The recall has reached a level that is far beyond what's necessary."Try telling that to the relatives of the nine people who died and to the over 600 sick individuals across the country."This was like peeling an onion," Osterholm continued. "It demonstrates the magnitude of processed food in this country."Well, at least he got that much right…
The problem, Osterholm doesn't take constructive criticism of his favorite technology lightly. In 1999 he wrote an editorial calling food safety advocates who questioned the safety of irradiation terrorists.
This doesn't sound like the type of leader that the USDA needs right now. If you think this is bad news, let the Administration know about it!
Join Food Democracy Now! in calling for true reformers to be placed in positions at the USDA, FDA and beyond. We need a food safety system with some teeth - one that is independent of corporate interests.
Too Busy
Life has been extraordinarily busy lately. Between work and writing and friends and outings and relaxing and running and yadda, yadda, yadda - I've barely had the chance to catch my breath.
Joe and his best friend, Justin, played an incredible show Saturday night at the Triumph Brewery in New Hope, PA. I drank the IPA and danced with my mom and my best friend, Lisa, (who is also Justin's girlfriend).
Sunday was filled with more rushing around and traffic. I sadly missed a highly anticipated event - SWAMP CABBAGE - last night.
But Saturday... Saturday was filled with a delightful run up to Stockton (about 6.5 miles). I saw a blue bird (not a blue jay), a robin, Ken Good (a childhood family friend) and his new little girl, and a woolly bear caterpillar. The sun was shining, air warm - it was a good day.
One thing I've been missing lately is cooking. Sunday morning I helped (by helping I mean stirring) my friends make pancakes from scratch and then we sat around the table talking politics over coffee. However grand this was... I miss real cooking. Perhaps tonight, I'll find the time to shut out the crazy world, read some headlines, and make a soup.
Until then, I'll just have to breathe.
Cheers!
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