Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Good Food Gardens at NYBG

Our beautiful garden (photo taken by Mark Teich)
Me hanging out at our beautiful garden! (photo taken by Mark Teich)

Enjoy these photos for the time being! Stories to follow...

Monday, June 29, 2009

Stories to come and adventures to be had...

Keep on the look out tomorrow for the following stories...

- Good Food Gardens launch at New York Botanical Gardens (photos courtesy Mark Teich)
- Brooklyn flea farmers market and our non-vegetarian dinner (yikes... but YUM!)
- Coming up this week...

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Great Article...

Rooftop garden in Queens!

I'm really falling in love with this county...

GOOD FOOD GARDEN IN NY!!!!

This is very exciting and huge honor for me...

As some of you may know, I've been volunteering any spare time I have to the Good Food Gardens. This is a partnership we have at the Food Network with Share Our Strength and I've spearheaded several programs in the curriculum as well as the Pen Pal Program (which is SUPER responsive!).

Well, we have finally made a garden here in NY at the New York Botanical Garden and they asked little ol' me to represent our company on Saturday!!!

Please check out the website and if you are around on Saturday stop by the NYBG to visit our beautiful edible garden! I promise it will be a fun and exciting weekend!

Spread the love!

"Give Us Bread" Program

Contemplating over toast and coffee

It's been an exciting week in food for me...

Saturday I stocked up on bulk organic ingredients from a great natural food store in Lambertville, Bear Natural Foods. They package their own quinoa, beans, flax seed, etc, etc, so I decided to give it all a try.

After indulging on grilled portobella caps and delicious salads at my nephews 2cd birthday, I headed to The Stockton Inn for a great martini with my cousins! They had the cabana bar open in the back garden which was picturesque with the rolling rainstorms. Beautiful.

Sunday, I made my normal Sunday-Morning-Breakfast and then began soaking a cup of green lentils and black eyed peas for my curried quinoa. The cabbage leaves were ready for harvest so I decided that for dinner stuffed cabbage with my quinoa creation would be delicious... and it was. Perfectly sided with our garden greens salad and rhubarb-strawberry-apple chutney!

Monday I boiled the last of our homemade butternut squash raviolis and topped with cherry tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and olive oil. Mmmmmmm, my mouth is watering just thinking of that combination of seasonal flavors!

Tuesday night I attended the Astor Center for the Art/Farm class. By far, my favorite event to date (aside from tasting wine with David). Lisa Hamilton, Matthew Moore and Dan Barber have moved to the top of my inspirational list! More to come on this event later...

And then last night, Rebecca and I went to a screening of "Enlighten Up" at the Ruben Museum. An awesome documentary about the search for the "meaning" of yoga.

Let's put it this way, I have plenty material and I am so ready to start making my moves!!

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Food Prices & Distribution

I've been telling everyone about the play Give Us Bread. After the show we discussed food issues and the roles women play in the health of the family.

A topic I continue to explore is how differently people eat and view food from social class to social class.

In 1917, families would starve of hunger if they did not eat. In today's world, however, there is cheap food it's just that the cheap food is not the healthy choice we should be teaching our children to reach for! Today's poor are not starving in the same way they did a century ago, but in the sense that they are starving for nutrients to keep their bodies healthy. Our poor are being victomized by obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, etc, etc - and it is all because of the food they eat.

We live in a country where a hamburger, fries & soda cost less than many vegetables, fruits and (especially) whole grains. This is extremely unfortunate. While I cannot blame a mother of 4 who decides to feed her family fast/cheap food to keep them fed, it does make me ask why? Is it a question of education? Is it a question of preference? Ethnicity? Demographic? I do not know - but I want to find out more.

And then this raises my next point and question: how could we allow families to "survive" this way? How could we allow the taste buds of our children only crave sweets and salt? Where they believe a french fry is a potato, yet having no idea where that vegetable comes from? Or that chicken comes in different shapes and has air bubbles?

Study after study proves that when a person maintains a healthy lifestyle they are motivated, alert, and passionate. Could you imagine where and what we could be if everyone in our country were motivated, alert and passionate?! So, why aren't we? Why do we prefer to keep our hands so deep in the pockets of pharmaceutical businesses or the meat industry? Is money really that much more important than a person reaching their full potential?

I call it glutinous greed.

Thinking about the answers to these questions make me sick, but I do see a glimmer of hope. Thankfully gardens have been popping up in school yards around the country. I've been discussing starting one at the elementary school where my sister and her husband teach. I want people from the community to do cooking demos, be guest speakers, teach the children how to work with their hands! I want communities to get active!

We are not at a loss just yet and I believe there is a way to marry nature and technology happily together. We, as a country, need to do this. We, as a country, need to step up and take responsibility for ignorant and naive choices by way of food and make it right. I believe that we can and I believe that supporting (whether emotionally or financially) the arts that bring to life these issues, such as The Anthropologists have, is how we will get ourselves back on track.

So, what are you waiting for?

Friday, June 19, 2009

Give Us Bread & The Action Center of Mercy Corps

Please check out these two amazing websites.

First of all, the women of Give Us Bread presented bold performances that felt authentic, accurate and organic. GO SEE THE SHOW!!! The black box theatre was everything I remembered from my days on stage - gritty and gorgeous. The perfect setting for The Anthropologists' 1917 food riot production.

Second, PLEASE visit the Action Center to End World Hunger. Marny & Sheldon (sorry, ladies, if I have butchered the spelling of your name - it will be corrected) of Mercy Corps led a discussion after the show that could have gone on for hours. They are passionate, positive and I hope to someday collaborate with them.

What an inspiring, eye opening and all together active Thursday night! The only thing I would have changed was to have more time, I did not want the discussion to end!

I have a ton to say about this play & the Action Center, but because I have to get my work done before I can blog, you'll have to check back later tonight!

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Wine & Music

What a night!

Wine tasting with, master mind, David Lombardo & then singing (full force, none of this under-my-breath BS) The Beatles in the subway with a random musician-man!

A rad evening that could only be made possible in Manhattan.

Sweet dreams!

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Give Us Bread

Give Us Bread by The Anthropologists Theatre Company.

June 5-21, 2009
The Milagro Theater at CSV
107 Suffolk Street
F/J/M/Z to Essex/Delancey
Tickets: $20/$15 students & seniors

I'm going to see this performance on Thursday evening. Please check out their website and get to the show if you can!

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Sunday Dinner and a Romantic Picnic

I am not a fan of Sunday evenings. They mean the weekend has ended and Mr Hyde to my normal Jekyl is about to appear.

We packed a lovely picnic of fruit, cheese, bread, tomato salad and wine and rode our bikes to Crocheron Park; napped for about an hour and then came home.

After watching a bit of PBS cooking shows, we became inspired and left extra large portobella heads and 2 thin slices of steak to marinate in rosemary, lemon, garlic and salt. While everything grilled, we sipped Chardonnay from Tomasello Winery in NJ and noshed on the rest of quinoa and beans (I promise I'm eating the last of it for lunch tomorrow).

To round the evening off we played a fierce game of 500 Rummy with Baba.

A fabulous weekend which only a fool would want to end.

Sunday Breakfast

Instead of running down to our local Italian Market for our usual Sunday morning breakfast staples (white potatoes, ham or bacon, etc, etc), we chose to do something a little different and here are the fabulous recipes I just threw together:

Sunday Morning Skillet Potatoes

1 Yam (or Sweet Potato) cubed
teaspoon of rosemary* chopped
1 sprig of thyme*
2 teaspoons of chopped garlic
salt and pepper to your liking
coat and toss with extra virgin olive oil

Start the ingredients all mixed together in the skillet on top of the stove until the oil start crackling a little. Transfer to 400 degree oven for about 30 minutes. Sweet potatoes should be slightly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Eggs with Spinach, Herbs, and topped with Quinoa and Beans!

4 Eggs
Handful of Spinach*
Basil* chiffonade
1 sprig Thyme*
1 teaspoon chopped Parsley*
Salt & Pepper to taste
Quinoa and Beans were leftovers

Beat the eggs with a little bit of water and pour into medium size skillet. Layer the herbs, spinach & salt & pepper. Transfer to 400 degree oven (with potatoes) for 13 minutes. Heat up the quinoa and beans separately. When the eggs are done, take them out and portion amongst 2 plates and spread the quinoa and beans on top, then top with parsley.

* - from our garden

Joe and I both rated this our BEST breakfast yet. Extremely healthy and very high in protein. Trust me, when I finally open the cafe, this will be on the breakfast menu!!

Oh yes, and for you vegans out there (Ryan, my darling friend) - you can totally use soft tofu instead of the eggs.

That "Life-Track" I'm Always Yappin' About...

Yesterday I ran a 10K in the morning.
Joe cheered me on, I ran alone,
But then I got a coconut ice pop at the end.
Totally worth it.

Last night we went to an incredible Italian dinner at Giardino's in Little Neck.
Much more to come - but places like this are the reason I love Italian Restaurants and people.

This morning:

Quinoa and bean breakfast burritos
Sunday potatoes with yams

This is the life-track I miss...

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Dinner, Stretch and Sleep

The weeks have been long and the days extend far past their allotted 24 hours.

Tonight was a twist on the usual comfort food. I wasn't particularly hungry so I figured being creative would make up for my lack of large portion:

Roasted Plantain
Quinoa with fresh squeeze of lime juice and red pepper flakes
Pinto & Black Beans with fresh hot pepper
Cherry tomato and hot pepper salad

Not bad - I would do things differently next time, but not bad.

Now, time to stretch and then sleeep!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Sushi and Yoga

I've been trying to eat less meat. I've been trying to calm my nerves. I've been trying to grow a fruitful garden. I've been trying to run far and fast. I've been trying... I've been trying... I've been trying.

Last night I finally attended a Hatha yoga class. It wasn't as easy to relax and breathe and stretch and extend and plant and intend as it had been before April, but I tried. While I struggled through moves that used to come with ease I realized that I can still do this I just have to try harder.

Needless to say, I left feeling good. And hungry.

I went across the street for a quick bite of veggie sushi. I sat there alone while couples and friends chatted it up, drinking their beer and eating their expensive rolls. I was so content and clear minded.

When I got home - tea and a hot bath. Then my book... then my bed.

I didn't even have to try to have sweet dreams.

Namaste!

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Rainy days...

... I wish I could be out puddle stomping.

But I loved the rhubarb muffin from Amy's Bread.
I thoroughly enjoyed my fresh blueberry, greek yogurt with honey drizzle.
The coffee matched perfectly with the jazz I heard in my head.

I don't need to repeat how wonderful rainy days are.

Spinach and Leafy Lettuce

I could not hold out any longer!

The thunderstorm woke me up last night and I knew my plants would be getting the aqua they were quenching.

This morning I ran down stairs, grabbed the scissors on the way out the door and began examining my spinach and lettuce. While I was only able to harvest a few stems from each - I can't wait to try them!

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Tofu...

...is not my forte. I need someone to show me how to really cook this phenomena of soy!

Finally a little relaxing...

The past few days have been filled with running around.

Friday was my first cooking class at Astor Center. I was the chef's assistant and cannot wait to get back in for more! I really miss working in a kitchen and am hoping and praying it is in the future as a full time job. More to come on this tomorrow!!

Saturday, Joe and Justin's show at Triumph Brewery. Great friends, incredible music and FANTASTIC micro-brew! Who could ask for a better evening?

Tonight? Well, we are grilling some BBQ tofu and eat outside. I've been letting it marinate for about 4 hours now in BBQ sauce, salt, pepper, fresh parsley and some hot peppers. We'll be making Quinoa with fresh herbs, Italian bean salad, and cucumber/tomato salad. Then, I'm going to make Joe believe that riding our bikes to the homemade Italian gilatto place is the best idea he's ever had (sneak, huh?)!

What are you having for dinner?

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Kohlrabi

I am obsessed with food market shopping. I love finding new veggies and fruits, scouring the spice aisles or comparing the different varieties of quinoa.

Over my lunch break today, I picked up some fresh produce from the Manhattan Fruit Exchange and decided to try Kohlrabi as my new-grab-of-the-week.

I've never heard of this root veg, so decided to give it a shot. After doing a little research I've found that you can peel the outer skin and eat it raw in a salad. It is supposed to have a broccolli stalk taste to it with a hint of radish.

I'll try it tonight with my plate of veggies!

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

The How-To Movement

This is an interesting profile-article from the Dining & Wine section in the NY Times. It seems to me the trend today is to get life back to simplicity and how things "used to be in the good ol' days". Well, us Gen X & Y'ers have put our own spin on the How-To movement.

A few thoughts...


My schedule has been severely thrown off these past few weeks because of late nights at work, social gatherings, and the trying to catch up on sleep. Here are a few simple practices that I am trying to work into a daily "routine":

- When eating use a real plate, real napkin, real utensils and turn everything off! I've been trying to figurein out why I've been gaining weight and I believe one of the reasons is because I've been eating on the run (no matter how healthy the food) and thus, not realizing when I'm full.

- Stretching, walking, or gardening in the morning for a half hour before I get ready for work. It forces me to get out of bed and has an incredible ripple effect thoughout the day - it helps me to feel centered.

- Taking pictures when I have even 5 minutes of down time. I've found that when I am looking through a lens (mainly photos of food or nature) I see a ton of beauty that I might otherwise overlook. Again, it is very centering.

- Fresh cut flowers from the garden. Joe's Baba grows these breathtaking roses and irisis and I refuse to resist the urge of snipping a few and putting them in a vase in the kitchen (of course I cut her a bouquet as well!).

So, these are what I'm working on. Any other suggestions?

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

It's raining on a Tuesday...

First, I had some breakfast. Toasted Whole Wheat Italian with a bit of olive nero pate and a drizzle of extra virg olive oil...


This is my cute little kitchen frog. He doesn't have a name, though he has been sitting on my windowsil since Christmas of '08.

Italian Flat Leaf Parsley

Spinach (dark green) and Leafy Lettuce (lighter in color)

Monday, June 1, 2009

Monday's breakfast and a brief lunch


Quinoa and Cherry Tomato Salad - gotta love left overs!

3 slices of Whole Wheat Italian Bread, 2 toasted with peanut butter & 1 with some left over fruit... DELICIOUS!

Some photos of last nights dinner




Only a few, but I hope you enjoy!!

From Top to Bottom: Garden and Table (the ladder in the back had candles going down it which was very romantic); Quinoa Salad, Cherry Tomato Salad, and Strawberry Blueberry Salad; Cherry tomato and Basil Salad