Lidia B

She is my favorite TV chef and if I ever have the honor of meeting her, I don't even know what I would say. Well, I do. I would tell her how incredible a teacher she is and that she embodies every memory I've taken from Italy.

I'm watching her make foccacia with her 3 grandsons. She reminds them to make sure the tomatoes were turned seed-side-up on the bread so that the water and juices are not released into the dough which would make it soggy.

"Nature gives us such beautiful ingredients", she began to explain. "We must respect these ingredients and exalt them to the delicious, expressive gifts they are".

I'm not 100% sure these were her exact words... but they are close and they remind me why I genuinely love cooking and food. Sometimes we lose sight of all the simple joys in life, however, it only takes a moment to remember and receive their warmth.

Thank you, Lidia.

Tea in the morning

I am been quite the AM coffee drinker.

I appreciate my tea in the afternoon because I find it comforting. While I'm at work I can't exactly curl up on the couches by the wii lounge for a little zen time, so I find it where I can.

I've been drinking this wonderful Healing Heaven loose tea (green tea with all kinds of good stuff added to it) from the T Salon downstairs. At $13/3.5 oz it has lasted me for some time now though the initial purchase seemed steep.

When in college my tea of choice was rooibus. I love, love, LOVE that deep red, mineral, herbal, floral aroma that the dried leaves from South Africa create in my mug.

But, today, is a different day.

After I opened my work "pantry" (literally the shelf above my desk is filled with olive oil, sherry vinegar, a 2008 Sauvingnon Blanc from Medlock Ames (unopened), Petron (unopened), honey, vitamins, 2 types of tea and sugar in the raw - not to mention several work binders, notebooks, and some back up betas of The Cooking Loft & Bobby Flay) I found the forgotten bag of fig & anise tea from my friend Marni.

Marni, I have to brag, is our fabulous wardrobe stylist from Hawaii. While she doesn't look Hawaiian, per say, she has this beautiful, tropical aura surrounding her that gives off an exotic je ne sais quoi. Last Christmas she gave me this loose tea and I savored every drop it gave me.

So today, I am happy to report that I'm savoring yet another cup and it's everything I could possibly need right now.

Zucchini & Raisin Muffins

I made them and I think I am finally onto something good!

Basic ingredients - zucchini, raisins, carrots, whole wheat flour, rolled oats, 2 eggs, a pinch of salt, a splash of nectarine nectar, honey, flax seed.

I'll post the full recipe when I get home. I'm just psyched I baked something that looks and tastes like it's supposed to.

Sweet!

What I'm craving today...

Last night I went out with a dear girlfriend and drank what some may consider a little too much wine and bourbon. Well, we only get to go out once every blue moon so we lived it up. However, we are both paying for it today.

While the morning was slow, the afternoon is shaping up to be pretty relaxing. It is lunch time here in this big apple and I am salivating over the decission of what to have!

I have to admit I am a bit spoiled here at work. First of all I work at the Chelsea Market so some of the most delicious food in the city is 2 floors below me. Second, I happen to be good friends with our executive chef, Rob, and a few of the food stylists, putting good food within arms reach (literally).

"How's the hangover?" Rob asked.

"Jubilant" I replied.

Now, back to my lunch dilemma! Whenever I feel slightly "under the weather" I crave comfort food. The long and short of it, I coerced Rob to make me a grilled cheese sandwich.

"I don't know if we have bread so come up stairs and we'll search", he said.

No bread!! But we're have 2 HUGE kitchens, there has to be bread!!

I was up there in a flash going through the studio and walk in with my chef. We finally found what we were looking for (and more) and within moments a beautiful grilled colby cheese and thyme sandwich was in the frying pan heating up!

I love lunch time!

Italy

Here are a few of my most prized food photos from Tuscany. These were taken summer 2008.

The most beautiful butter dish in the whole world!

I'm not even joking.

Sunday Adventures

It's true, I spread myself too thin and get anxiety from sitting still. Sometimes I work all weekend and still feel the need to do something! Well, yesterday, was no exception to my move-move-move behavior.

After waking up around 8:30am, I flipped on CBS for some Sunday Morning program and proceeded to tidy up the house, brew coffee, and start making something yummy for breakfast. Our normal potatoes where frying in the skillet and when I transferred them to the oven I had an epiphany.

"We should go to a museum today", my mind said distinctly.

"How marvelous!?", my heart responded.

It was settled. I would make some delicious french toast, have breakfast with my man, and then get ready for the Nassau County Museum of Art.

We devoured our carb loaded meal and headed north on Northern Blvd to one of my favorite areas.

I could barely contain myself the whole 20 minute drive. The day was looking beautiful, regardless of the mugginess. The trees were lush and full and the sky was blue as blue and adorned with white cumulus.

The left turn after the bridge led us down a long, windy driveway and opened up to 145 acres of sculpture, gardens, and the museum.

"Magic", I whispered through my gasping breath.

Napoleon was the main exhibit and Alice In Wonderland was down in the miniature building. Families of young and old strolled the grounds admiring the beauty that surrounded them. My eyes were wide open the entire time and I believe I forgot how to breathe everytime we turned a corner.

Unfortunately I get carried away in these posts, so I do apologize for the length. It's just that there is no way to describe such a tranquil setting in only a few paragraphs. So I'll say this: just go!

I can't wait to return.

Oliviera

I really didn't know how to connect with France when I found out we were going. I could speak bits and pieces of the language from my studies in high school and knew that their wine is exquisite. Their food isn't exactly my style - heavy and more complex compared to my simple Italian - so this frightened me a little.

But, alas, there I was in Borders at Newark Airport searching the travel section for a French travel book 30 minutes before boarding the plane to Paris with the final destination being Nice.

I thumbed to the section on the French Riviera and started reading away remembering (and becoming excited at the thought of) how close we would be to northern Italy. "Ah yes, perhaps I'll find something to eat," I thought.

Then it was there: Oliviera. I read the short description of this little olive-oil-centric restaurant on rue du Collet over and over again. I had to go there. This would be the restaurant that would change my mind about French cuisine forever!

Now, I don't know how well you know me, but, when I get an idea in my head I'm going to make it happen. One way or another, it will happen. Sometimes the reality turns out as a disappointment, but for the most part it turns out to be just as wonderful, if not more amazing, as how I had imagined it. So we set out to find Oliviera.

In an old city as twisty and turny as a dream I became doubtful that we would even find the establishment let alone secure a table. Our short vacation was quickly dwindling to an end but it was imperative, come hell or high water, that we dine there.

Joe and I wandered the streets of Old Nice following a silly children's map. We got off the bus and began to carefully navigate each step as though we were following secret directions to pirates booty. Well, olive oil may not be treasure to some, but to me, it is liquid gold.

And there it was! The end of the rainbow and the commencement of an intense love affair with French olive oil.

Nadim, the owner, welcomed us as though we were old friends that join him nightly for dinner. He poured us each a glass of Coteaux d'Aix while explaining how he chooses the many varieties of oils and local ingredients. I was all eyes, ears and tastebuds for the next 3 hours.

This story could go on for days if I were to describe the intensity of each dish... however, this is a blog so I will leave you one final thought: I would swim the Atlantic and walk across France just to spend another evening at Nadim's Oliviera.






Pictures: Carte du 30 Juillet 2009 (Menu for July 30, 2009); Myself and owner of Oliviera, Nadime

Tonight's Menu Includes...

...but is not limited to:

Hearth Restaurant - wine, dinner & pie with Elizabeth
Julie & Julia!

I can't wait to see this movie for two reasons: Queens & Food.

This used to be my playground

Meil's Restaurant was my very first job.

I signed my working papers at age 14 - so excited to be part of the world! My mother was their insurance agent and they allowed me to come in for an "interview" to be the new bus girl.

I remember being so nervous walking up to the door and asking for Mr. Meil. It was a warm summer morning and my dad dropped me off in his maroon buick - he went across the river and got an ice cream or something from Dilly's.

Michael Meil came out and shook my hand with a welcoming smile. "Let's go sit out here and talk", he said. I recall his voice being strong and fatherly. He led me out to a picnic table out in front of the building and gave me a run down of how restaurants work.

The most memorable moment in the conversation was when he asked me how strong I was because some trays can be very heavy. Without answering, I flexed my right arm and told him I was a gymnast, I would have no trouble carrying heavy trays or large bins.

I got the job and bussed almost every morning that summer. I worked there for several years, the first being the best because I didn't have that true teenage attitude yet.

To this day, I get the same feeling every time I walk into a cafe where Billy Holiday rotates sets with Myles Davis and John Coltrane. The smell of freshly baked peach muffins and snickerdoodle cookies quickly transports me to memories of Fiestaware dishes and learning how to make the perfect cappuccino.

I'm not sure why I thought of all this, but it is a very pleasurable experience to look back on.

So much to say!

Here are a few highlights of this week already (and it's only Wednesday!!):

1. Astor Class, American Heritage. Discussed the appeal (both agriculturally and economically) of raising heritage livestock breeds. For reasons that range from natural parasite resistant coats to weed/crop management (eating the weeds and fertilizing the soil) to marketable in the farming fad. Fascinating class and makes me want chickens even more!

2. The Encyclopedia of Cajun & Creole Cuisine. One of the biggest surprises I've ever found at my desk! My friend, Panini Pete, sent me a signed copy of this incredible, massive book. I flip through the pages when I need a break from work-reality.

3. NY Times article, Stars Are Aligning Over School Lunch Programs. I don't need to tell you how passionate I am about school nutrition. Just wish they would have mentioned our Good Food Gardens!

A good Monday

This morning I woke up with an ache in my heart. I wasn't exactly sure why I was dreading a day that hadn't even begun yet. Perhaps I just didn't want to get out of bed?

Well, I decided, right then and there that I would will it to be a good day. And here I am, with a positive attitude and a smile on my face!

I enjoyed a cup of coffee, some yummy fruit and a little french toast... now I'm ready for the day!

I guess, sometimes, we just need to tell ourselves "Hey babe, don't worry! Today is going to be a great day, embrace it. Have some healthy comfort food and breathe".

Happy Monday!!

My Kitchen...

I believe that a clean and organized kitchen is a happy kitchen.

My father taught me when I was very young that a good chef always cleans up after themselves. This will show that you take pride in and have respect for your craft.

This morning I scrubbed, reorganized and gave tons of love and attention to my favorite room in the house! It looks like a million bucks, feels fresh and cozy.

Now, I can't wait to make tomato sauce for my pasta dinner!

Running and Iceberg Lettuce

Last night I ran a fantastic 4 miles. I prayed and meditate throughout the whole run and felt great at the end... basically ready to do another 4 miles (but it was dark, so I didn't).

Anyway, as I was approaching my house and slowing for my cool down lap I kept thinking of iceberg lettuce. For some reason it seemed like the perfect food to end a race with.

I vividly imagined myself crossing the 13.1 mile finish line on Sunday morning and someone handing me a full head of iceberg. Without hesitation, my imaginary self, took a giant bite of the juicy, light green veg and felt the sweet water splash through my mouth! How refreshing, I thought.

I love how even when I'm running I think of food (a blessing and a curse)!

Mmmm, my lunch...

Baked zucchini, peach bean muffin, and a salad. 50% from the garden, 100% homemade...

Peach Bean Muffins!!

They were a success!!!

Some notes for next time
- Add a little nectarine juice to the batter for sweetness all the way through
- Let peaches defrost before using & cut into smaller pieces
- Add a pinch of salt (and possibly some flax seed?)

Other than that - HOLY MOLY!! I'll post a few photos a little later today.

What's on the menu tonight?!

I didn't have the energy after a long(ish) run, folding the laundry, and changing the bed linens. My intent was to bake bean-peach muffins for the week, bread some zucchini and fry some zucchini-corn fritters. Clearly, none of this happened and I was REM'ing by 10!

What I did make myself do, however, was cut up the peaches and freeze them to ensure they would not mold before I was ready to use them. (The freezer is my new best friend, by the way)

So, the plan for tonight is...

1. Bake the muffins!
2. Make breaded zucchini for sandwiches
3. Zucchini-corn fritters
*BONUS - Pesto!

Well, we'll see if I get to the pesto...

Are we ever truly ready?

I've been taking my time reading Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. It's taken me a few weeks but I'm finally in the section about devotion, prayer, yoga, self control, and God. This is exactly what I need to be hearing and what I want to start truly practicing.

For a while I've been out of yoga practice, in and out of good eating and sleeping habits, starting projects without finishing them. It's been frustrating not only to me, but those around me. While they don't come out and say it - myself included - I think I've just hit on why I've been having a difficult time communicating with friends and family. The bottom line is that I haven't been able to successfully communicate with myself.

I'm sure that I'll slip back into a haze of "I want this, no that, no this, no that" because we all allow our ego's to get the best of us sometimes. We are human after all. For now, however, I'm content with being content and in the present.

There is no need to rush - unless, of course, it's grilling the breaded zuchinni before it goes bad or baking those peach muffins I keep putting off!

Dinner with Marcy...

Joe and I arrived home around 4pm yesterday. We were fast asleep at 4:15pm and didn't peel ourselves off the bed until 8:45pm. Graziella's pizza was ordered and delivered by 9:15pm.

I called it a night at 10.

This morning I woke up at 5:30am and forced myself through a half-assed (pardon the expression) yoga routine which I was falling all over the place in.

Still exhausted, I drug myself to work and slowly started "coming to" around 9am. As the day got rolling I realized I needed to start filling my body with good food and my mind with positive thoughts. That's when I got the text from Marcy.

"Hi gorgeous, Is tonight still good for you? if not we can resched. Looking forward to see you - xoxoxomarcy"

I thought about taking a rain check and just going home to pretend to run and then sleep. But, something inside me said, "go with Marcy and have fun".

I responded, "Nope! Tonight it is!! Let's go to Blossom!"

Blossom is one of my favorite restaurants in NYC. I went there with my girlfriend, Ryan, and the food was out of this world. Vegan couisine and on the expensive side, but completely worth every penny and every bite.

Needless to say I am really looking forward to discussing life, peace, and love tonight! She's an unbelievably balanced woman with one of the most delightful airs surrounding her.

Comforting food and fabulous company... what more could a woman ask for?

Hopewell Valley Vineyards

If you have a chance and live in the area - you should totally go here!!!

My cousin, Jennifer, and I went yesterday and had fabulous afternoon. They have Happy Hour on Wednesday and Friday's from 5 to 8 with live music, food, and inexpensive GOOD wine.

I suggest a glass (or bottle) of the Merlot, Barbera, or Sangiovese.

Who could ask for more?

Old Friends and Watermelon

I was reading my good friend Sarah's blog yesterday and was drawn into her descriptive encounter of a conversation she had with an old friend. Recently, one of my dear friends from childhood contacted me, so I gave her a call last night.

We chatted about what we are doing now, how are families are, etc, etc. But, what really caught my interest is how humble she still is after all these years.

Briefly we spoke of what we used to do on Friday nights and I realized that it isn't much different from what I find comfort in now - going to a cafe with a book, a latte or tea, and bouncing from topic to topic for hours with friends or strangers.

This morning, while I found it hard to get out of bed, I dragged myself to the kitchen to cut up some watermelon. I remember helping my mother carefully pitting those slippery, black gems from the bright magenta, juicy fruit for my great grandmother, Gammy.

"She loves this", mom would say, "you'll understand someday that it doesn't take much to brighten someone's day".

As I sliced mine up and placed it carefully in my lunch container I thought of my mother and Molly and my Grandmother and Gammy and my sister and Sarah and Lisa and Kate and Beth and Ginny... and all the wonderful women who have always been my grounding souls.

Julie & Julia

Almost all girlie-foodie's are blogging, twittering, and gossiping about this movie... but I really want to see it. With every fiber of my being, I want to be there Friday night for the opening.

Just watch the trailer...

And for those who are SUPER interested, here is an article about the REAL Julie (Julie Powell) from Astoria, NY where this whole project began...

National Day of Action - 9/7/2009

Let's get REAL food in our public schools!!

National Day of Action

Slow Food USA's Time for Lunch campaign
Labor Day - September 7, 2009

Description: One potluck could help bring healthy food to all of our schools.

On September 7, 2009, people in communities across the country will gather with their neighbors for public potlucks "Eat-ins" to send a clear message to our nation's leaders: It's time to provide America's children with real food at school. This National Day of Action, a part of Slow Food USA's Time for Lunch campaign, couldn't be more timely. This fall Congress will be debating whether to update the Child Nutrition Act, the law that determines what kind of food kids eat at school. Children who grow up enjoying food that is both delicious and good for them learn healthy eating habits that last throughout their lives. Those habits can start at school, but only if we give schools the resources to serve real food instead of overly processed fast food that endangers children's health.

Sign the Time for Lunch petition and get info on holding your own potluck!!

A Yummy Sandwich

I just threw together this sandwich for lunch:

Blue cheese
Grapes
Arugula with olive oil & sherry vinegar
Rustic roll

I toasted everything together and enjoyed!

A few select photos from France...

My journey to France (and back)

As some of you may know, I spent last week in Nice, France. Unfortunately I was not able to "log-on" all week, however, I happen to be an avid journal-er and wrote down every culinary adventure I went on.

Here is the list of posts to come:

1. The gastronome markets of Nice (vegetables, fruit, spices, olive oil, fromaggerie, boulangerie)
2. Dinner with Joe in Villefranche-sur-Mer
3. Independent Vineyard (Jean Baptiste!)
4. Olive Oil
5. Captaine Cook restaurant
6. Oliviera restaurant
7. ...

So be on the look out this weekend! I'll post photos and tales of the incredible cuisine!