Food, Fashion, and Photography: "Ah, the 3 F's"

Robert Kushner, the artist, and Steve Kasher, art curator and gallery owner, set the tone at last nights Gastronomica Forum for Food Fashion. Mr Kushner dove into the humor food evokes from eroticism, while Mr Kasher supported his comments with the idea of oxymoron and symbolism from the imagery.

They weren't the only two on the panel, though, which was headed by Gastronomica Editor in Cheif (and creator), Dara Goldstein. The other fellows at the table were Becky Conekin, author of Lee Miller's article, and Susan Spungen, highly successful food stylist (and wife of Steve Kasher).

The evening started with cocktails and vegetarian fare in the bar area of Astor and then moved to the gallery where we gathered for a scanty and tasty fashion show. This was a reprise of Robert's 1972 show Robert Kushner and Friends Eat Their Clothes (which premiered in California). The models were bejeweled with carrots, radishes, criminis, cabbage, collards, gummy fruits, and carbs (all vegetation). As laughter trickled through the room, probably a combination of some uncomfortable audience members and those who truly "got it", the mood was light and FUN. Nothing was taken to seriously, especially as the models ate each other's clothes.



We all made a quarter turn and listened intently to a discussion focusing on Food, Fashion & Photography. I have tons of notes, but I want to make a point by saying that THIS is what food events should be: new, fun, thoughtful, inspirational, and humble. Ms Goldstein has such a posh way of positioning and articulating different voices from different industries about the same theme. This was my third Gastronomica forum. The group was focused, articulate, informative, and left me with a playground for new thoughts.

At the end, a huge congratulations to my friends at the Astor Center for yet another grounded evening to celebrate food and culture.

Hungry Filmmakers: A healthy serving with a side of pretension

On a rainy evening, we gathered on the corner of 2nd Ave and 2nd St at the Anthology Film Archive Center to celebrate new food documentaries. Ten minute snippits of films ranging in the production process were projected on a large screen to a fairly decent sized crowd.

I have mixed feelings about the night, to be honest.

Jimmy Carbone, owner of Jimmy's 43, had the most personality out of the hosts. He was fun and welcoming to all of the guests and had a genuine interest in the films. Cathy Erway, author of The Art of Eating In, on the other hand, came across as frightened by the crowd and fairly uninterested. I was pretty disappointed in this because I would think someone who has such a great following would have been more open to meeting folks in the audience (not to mention gracious). When we first got there she took my ticket, ripped it in half, and gave me back the stub (normal, ok)... it wasn't until she took the stage I realized who she was. I guess I was expecting a little more of a, "Hey! Thanks for coming and supporting what we are doing!" from the hostess.

Well, that's neither here nor there, I guess. So, let's chat about the films, shall we?!

The End of the Line, by Rupert Murray
*What's On Your Plate
**Fly On The Wall
*Fresh, Ana Jones
**The Mad Cow Investigator, Nancye Good

*My top picks
**Honorable Mentions

The images from all of the films supported the ideas I've been writing about, talking about, and researching about for the past few years. Stats aren't really blowing me away anymore, mainly because I don't think in numbers, I am influenced by action.

While Fly On The Wall wasn't my favorite, I do think Jenny Montasir's project is a valiant attempt to make a community change and I applaud her for that. I am going to follow this one to see how responsive and open the Brooklyn neighborhood is to her.

Ana Jones, director and creator of Fresh, I have to admit was the most well spoken of the evening. She has a vision, a message, and a realistic approach to the subject of sustainable farming. To me, she was the most down to earth person on the stage.

So there you have it. I appreciate the films and what the filmmakers believe in. HOWEVER, I think that with this fight for good, accessible food we have to keep humble. There was so much pretension in that room last night, I was almost afraid to move. This is a movement and we are all on the same side... so let's start acting it.

Awesome Food Events

Between tonight and tomorrow, if you are in the area check these out -

1. Hungry Filmmakers Film Fest, Tuesday, 2/23 at 7pm
2. The Future of Food with Y+30 Forum, Tuesday, 2/23 at 7pm
3. The Gastronomica Forum: FoodFashion, Wednesday, 2/24 at Astor Center (really intrigued by this one)

Hope to see you there!!

Clever Leftover Salad

Rice and beans, sauteed crimini mushrooms with chives, and sweet potato "chips" all surrounding a bed of romaine with balsamic and olive oil. Filling, delicious, and not even the least bit wasteful! Just the way I like it.

Heron Harbor Suites

Forgot to mention that we stayed at Heron Harbor Suites and it was spectacular! Clean, comfy, and cozy. I loved having a kitchen for a few days and the L'Occitane shampoo and conditioner were luxurious little treats.

On Sunday morning I took a walk down to the Peconic Bay and drew in the salt air. Afterwards, I drove down to the Blue Duck Bakery for a chocolate croissant and some house blend coffee.

Aaaahhh... I can't wait to go back!!

I heart Long Island wine country

The Tasting Room tasting menu for 2/15 - 2/21. I love this place! Spent a wonderful half hour with Charles, a retired NYC architect, whose appreciation for good food and wine is complimented by his humble and welcoming personality.

Lenz! Their merlot moved to the top of my LI wines list. I brought home a bottle of their 2004 and 2002. Clean, fruity, and simple, yet deep and interesting.



Pindar tasting room and their jazz corner. Not a fan of the Cab Franc (very sediment heavy) and while their merlot wasn't comparable to Lenz's, it made for a nice sunny afternoon by the window.

Love Lane Kitchen.... ADORABLE! I could totally see myself running a little restaurant like this. Sweet and local... right up my ally!

LI Jazz and Wine Fest!

Today, Molly and I head up to the North Fork of LI for some wine, jazz, and good food! We have a suite with a kitchen and are planning on stopping at every farm stand along the way for some delicious winter root veggies.. and of course every vineyard for some wine!!

Pictures and stories to come...

Healthy, Easy Food

Nothing makes me feel better than a fresh, colorful, variety of vegetables for dinner!

Last night my new friend, Tabatha, and I went to the New York Academy of Sciences Girl's Night Out Series to listen to Marion Nestle. I have tons of interesting notes to share with you tomorrow, but for now let's talk food.

We were chatting about diet fads and eating healthy on the cheap. Tabatha said if she could share any advice to dieters it would be to have as many different types of veggies, fruits, and grains on their plate as possible at each meal. Tonight, I followed her wisdom: baked sweet potato, steamed kale, red grain french rice, and black beans. Remember, save the water you steam your kale in!!! It makes for a delicious after dinner drink or snack!

The dinner gave me enough food for the next few days and has such a range of flavors, that I can't get bored with it. If it weren't freezing out and I didn't have a cold, I would be going for a nice evening walk right now. Seriously, all of those vitamins are really working together and giving me some healthy lovins!

Love your food and it will love you right back!

Congested head and sore throat soup

Parsnip Soup with ginger, garlic, parsley, corn, and elbow noodles.

The closest thing I've been able to get to a vegan style chicken soup. Parsnips are jam packed with vitamin C, fiber, niacin, and potassium. The ginger historically calms the stomach and the garlic is a century old cold fighting aid. Yummy, yummy, yummy.

Pictures will be up when my phone is charged.

Stay healthy!

Shocking!

Last night I went to Western Beef to pick up some groceries. The circular had just come out for President's Day and had a promising selection of inexpensive, fresh produce.

Let me first start by commending WB for placing the originating state or country of each vegetable and fruit. For someone who is trying their best to eat local (and not go broke) in the dead of a New York winter, California seems closer this time of year than at any other time. But I digress.

What I wanted to comment on, however, is my check-out experience. The young woman behind the cashier was sweet, yes, but when she picked up my artichoke (from Italy) and gave me a questioning look, I paused. It took her to say, "what is this?" for me to respond. While I was unbelievably astonished, I replied "an artichoke". She looked at me again with those same eyes... so I began to spell it out, "a, r...". Another teller stepped in and said, "look under the a's!" I didn't want her to feel bad, but I could tell she was embarrassed. If this was the only vegetable it happened with I could let it go. But it wasn't. She then asked me what my scallions, parsnips, and krimini mushrooms were.

I realized at that moment how much I don't care about economic status or education level, there is NO reason why a human being shouldn't know what these vegetables are! How can our society condone not teaching children what vegetables and fruits are?! I'm not putting down my cashier at all, so don't think that. She was inquisitive after and actually cared. What I am judging, however, is how it even got to this.

This proves to me that people really do believe potato chips and french fries "grow" from a bag and not the earth; artichokes come in a heavy cream and spinach sauce used for dipping fried corn chips; tomatos magically turn themselves into salty sauces or ketchup.

This has to stop... or else we are screwed.

So much to say...

For not having any solid Valentines day plans, my sweetheart and I certainly found our way around some darling dishes.

We took Saturday morning and afternoon easy and then decided to venture into the city with only Bleecker area in mind. After walking around the freezing cold for about twenty minutes, my hunger started growing and my nose running. We walked down MacDougal Street and I noticed a familiar awning I had seen only in pictures. The black and white mermaid was immediately recognizable: The Mermaid Oyster Bar. It was only 5:30 and they were having their $1 bar oysters!

Now, neither of us really know anything about oysters aside from the fact that we aren't huge fans. However, the restaurant seemed promising and the mood was welcoming and cozy. We sat at a small bar table by the window and had our waiter guide us through three fantastic beginners: Kumamoto (California), Shibumi (Washington State), & Island Creek (Massachusets).

What we learned is that West Coast oysters are have a more buttery texture and are sweet in flavor, where as East Coast-ers are more briny. However, all three went down extremely well with our bloody mary.

While tempted to stay, we moved on to dinner at Chez Jacqueline. The zuppe di poison was remeniscent of France and Mike's goat cheese salad was earthy and fresh. I then had the pork with roasted garlic and he had the lamb shank. Soooo good and for $60/person, was not a bad deal at all.

I have to say, though we called it an early night, both places were spectacular in all aspects ambiance, food, and service. I couldn't have asked for a better weekend or a better partner.

I have so much to write about... but I'll leave you with that for now. Cheers!

Snow Day!

I had one medium size winter squash, one large sweet potato, and some garlic and fresh parsley. Hmmmm, what to do? Snow Day Soup!

Super easy - while cutting up the squash and potato, allow some minced garlic to sizzle in olive oil over medium heat. Combine the squash and potato into the dutch oven with a small handful of chopped parsley and fresh squeezed lemon. Season with salt, crushed red pepper, and curry powder. Mix and then cover the ingredients with water (or chicken stock). Bring to boil (btb) then lower to simmer.

After about 40 minutes when the potato and squash are soft, puree either in a food processor or with a submersion blender. Note that this soup soaks up a LOT of water and may look more like a thick puree, just add more water (or chicken stock if you so prefer) while blending to the desired texture.

When serving garnish a drizzle of truffle oil and some parsley or arugula on top. If you have day old bread, whip up quick garlic croutons under the broiler.

Now, sit and watch the snow (or put in a travel mug and walk around outside)!!

Hemp Milk

Hemp Milk may be my new favorite fridge item. No doubt it has a large price tag, so when I find it on sale, I load up. It has this interesting earthy and nutty flavor to it that is somewhat similar to soy milk. Soy, while delicious, has been proven to cause ovarian cysts when consumed regularly.

I haven't gotten the hang of drinking hemp milk by the glass full just yet, but it is the perfect compliment to my morning coffee, cereal, and even baking needs. It is packed with natural omega 3's, protein, fiber, and is low in cholesterol and sodium.

Here is how to make your own (notice, it's not actually milk but ground hemp seeds and water):

Ingredients:
1 cup hemp seeds (shelled)
5-6 cups of purified water
Natural Sweetener, such as Agave Nectar or Raw Honey
Recipe Makes: 6-7 cups

Directions:
Combine the water and the Shelled Hemp Seeds in a blender. Use more water to achieve a skim milk consistency and less water to produce a heavier cream consistency of the milk.

Turn blender on high for 2-3 minutes, or until you reach your desired consistency. (I use the VitaMix™ brand blender)

After blending you can sweeten the milk by adding: Organic Agave Nectar, raw honey, or Organic Vanilla. Blend again to mix sweetener. You can drink it thick or strain it through cheese cloth to remove the large seed particles. The seed pulp can then be used as an excellent body scrub, facial mask or compost.

It will stay fresh for 3 days in the refrigerator in a sealed glass container (mason jar). Shake well before each use.

Grandmom's 88th Birthday Lunch!

Sunday we made homemade pizzas topped with portobella, arugula, fresh mozz, tomato, garlic, and basil. My sister brought a roasted veggie pasta salad and my Aunt Deb provided the rustic greens with grapes and cranberries. Super fresh, super delicious, and a mighty fun time with Grandmom!