Marie Fromage

Bites: Hudson Valley Camembert; The Magna Carta & You; New Languages Jazz Festival; Bolt Bus

Cheese

Something Stinky This Way Comes:  Hudson Valley Camembert

A wonderful combo of sheep and cow’s milk, this little baby is bursting with buttery, creamy deliciousness.  Let it sit on the counter for a few hours to allow for peak ooziness and then dig in, especially tasty with crisp apples and an even crispier white wine or champagne.  Look for the tidy little white package sporting a label with a black sheep on a green background.  And if you find yourself in Old Chatham, NY any time soon, drive right in and get it straight from the source!

Old Chatham Sheepherding Co:  www.blacksheepcheese.com

Eats 

Summer may be over, but it’s not the end of enjoying good times in the great outdoors.  So, after a lovely autumn day on Governor’s Island, hop off the ferry and stroll over to some noteworthy edible hot spots.

Fraunces Tavern, The Magna Carta & You

Established in 1762 and still going strong, Fraunces Tavern will take you back to the days when George Washington roamed the streets of lower Manhattan. Grab a pint or two in the tavern then head to the Fraunces 

Tavern Museum, which is currently hosting a very special guest.  The one and only Magna Carta, the document that got this whole constitutional law stuff started way back in 1215, will be on display in the flesh for all to see until December 15. Head on down and let your freedom flag fly.

Fraunces Tavern (Financial District) 54 Pearl Street at Broad Street; 212-968-1776; www.frauncestavern.com

Stone Street

After the Magna Carta viewing, keep the history theme going with a stroll – and a meal – on Stone Street, a winding, cobble-stoned lane created in the 1600s (it’s the city’s first paved street) that is thankfully under the tourist radar.  Long forgotten for most of the twentieth century it earned landmark status in 1996, got a good scrub down, and is now a thriving,

lively and lovely spot to drink and dine al fresco at one of the many food establishments and pubs that line the way. Best time to go is on the weekends, where it is free of the financial 

district worker bees and full of laid-back lower Manhattan residents.    Stone Street is located in the lower Manhattan Financial District, between South William and Pearl Streets.

Music – New Languages Festival

Jazz is alive and well and currently stirring things up at McCarren Hall in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The New Languages Festival celebrates free jazz in all of its lively forms, kicking off its fifth year last Thursday with a stellar night, featuring the righteous and rollicking Respect Sextet, 

the atmospheric House of Mirrors and Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society, an 18-piece “steam punk big band” that will stretch your brain and get your toes tapping at the same time. And there’s more to come, so head on over to McCarren Hall and expand your musical horizons. 

 The New Languages Festival at McCarren Hall (until September 26):  98 Bayard Street, Williamsburg, Brooklyn. www.newlanguages.org; Only $10 for a night of sweet crazy music!

Travel – Bolt Bus

$17.50 and three and a half hours of my time - that’s all it cost to get from Midtown Manhattan to Boston on a recent weekend.  Nice and clean and with comfy seats.  And there’s wifi!  Well, some of the time. Super good deal here people. www.boltbus.com

(photo credits: all photos by Mary Connolly, except for The Respect Sextet by Ryan Gould)

Bites: Clear the Room with Red Hawk; A Cheesy Read; Edible Tweets; Lamb Face Sandwich; Cape Escape

Cheese

Something Stinky This Way Comes:  Cowgirl Creamery’s dense triple-cream, cow’s milk washed rind Red Hawk.  Whoa, this one stinks to high heaven!  You may be asked to please take that thing outside or to open a window.  Not recommended for eating in cars.  But boy oh boy, this is a lusty one. Creamy and tangy, it hits all the right cheesy notes.  Look for it at your favorite fine cheese counter or buy it online at www.cowgirlcreamery.com.

A Cheesy Read:  The Cheese Chronicles

Liz Thorpe sure knows her way around a cheese cave.  As the Vice President at Murray’s Cheese in NYC she’s seen a curd or two in her day and has a deep knowledge and respect for American cheese making.   "The Cheese Chronicles” is part history book, part reference and part personal odyssey, all told in a breezy down-to-earth style.  This is my kind of beach reading! 

Cheesy Fun:  In case you were wondering, here's how to write “cheese” in Chinese. 

Eats

“If You Don’t Tweet, You Don’t Eat” -- Hildegard

Midtown worker bees – and eaters all over the city for that matter – are dancing with delight over a new wave of food trucks offering edibles that are actually good.   Trucks offering grass-fed beef burgers, schnitzel, cupcakes, waffles, dumplings and other treats can be found roaming the streets at any hour of the day and night.  But due to turf wars with the long-standing street food old guard these trucks are always on the move.  So the key to gaining access to their goodies is a little know-how provided courtesy of Twitter.   “Follow” your favorite truck via Twitter and you will get word – straight from the source – of exactly what time and where they will be parked for the day (or the hour).  This way you can plan precisely how long it will take to get from your desk to the truck to beat the usually crazy long line. Lunch hour is precious and in most cases following these tweets is worth the effort and a welcome break from Midtown munchie monotony.

Foodie Tawk – Heritage Radio Network

Heritage Radio Network is an internet radio site that features culinary taste makers from around the country, with regular shows from cheese queen Anne Saxelby to programs about wine, how-to tips and the intersection of music and food, among others.

The show “Urban Foragers”, hosted by Fatty Crab chef Zak Pelaccio recently featured my pal Joe Distefano, the culinary go-to guy for all you need to know about NYC’s varied ethnic delicacies. If you want to learn more about notable Asian restaurants and where to get a good lamb face sandwich, tune in!  And p.s. – Joe recently did a Queens food tour with star chefs Anthony Bourdain and Eric Ripert that will be featured in an article called “Feasting on Flushing” in the debut issue of Edible Queens, due to hit the streets in September. 

A Worthy Read:  “The Real Cost of Cheap Food” featured in the August 31 issue of Time Magazine. 

The abundant cheap food available to Americans is actually slowly killing the land, the ocean, the animals and us; not really cheap at all.  How can you help? Vote with your shopping cart: whenever possible buy organic, free-range, locally produced. For starters.

Travel Eats:  Cape Escape

Gastro Chic & I spent a recent long weekend eating our way though Chatham, Massachusetts, my favorite summer escape spot located on the elbow of Cape Cod. Bluefish, clams, clams, clams plus the quest for a good lobster roll were the order of the day, with lots of other delicious treats in between.

 Click here for my Cape favorites posting from way back when.  And here are Gastro Chic’s picks: The Chatham Squire, plus other notable nosh spots.

(Photo credits: all photos by Mary Connolly, except  for Chatham Squire Monomoy steamer by Gastro Chic)

Bites: Cheesy Bianca; Meatballs Make the World Go ‘Round at Anella; Julie & Julia: Chick Flick + Foodiness = Major Summer Smash

Have tomato, will travel:  I am off to Cape Cod with my Union Square Market tomato in tow for a few days of long overdue beach time.  Hey, I can’t let that beautiful tomato fester away alone in my hot apartment! And if that cheese shop in Chatham is still in business I will be one very happy Fromage by-the-sea.

Cheese

Something Stinky This Way Comes:  Hawthorne Valley Farm’s Bianca – not so stinky at all, it’s actually a soft, fresh tangy cow’s milk cheese.  It makes the perfect breakfast cheese to spread on toast with fresh berries or jam.

It’s also delish crumbled over a plate of fresh market tomato slices or tossed into an omlette. The possibilities are endless!  Look for it at the Union Square Farmer’s Market in NYC or stop by their Columbia County, NY Farm Store the next time you’re swinging through the Hudson Valley.  www.hawthornevalleyfarm.org

Eats

Shameless Plug Alert: Anella

If you find yourself hungry in or near Greenpoint Brooklyn anytime soon, look to my friends at Anella to scratch that itch. Anella is the latest culinary bright spot to open in this growing-hipper-by-the-minute nabe, bringing you locally sourced/rustic yet refined Italian-inspired deliciousness. At the helm is Chef Michael Sullivan (formerly of Le Zinc and Chanterelle), a man who certainly knows his way around a terrine. 

Did I mention local? The produce is grown not only in their own backyard, it also comes from Rooftop Farms, a 6,000 square foot garden on the top of an old warehouse located around the corner on Eagle Street. They get their meat from the legendary Brooklyn butcher Paisanos and probably catch the fish with their bare hands (just kidding). Even the wood for their fabulously nubby bar is from the Steinway piano factory in Queens.  

I paid them a visit recently with Gastro Chic and D in tow and we were overwhelmed by all of the delectable choices on the menu. The solution? We over-ordered and stuffed our faces, swooning over the famous meatballs, a magical terrine of the day, shell steak with marrow, gremolata and luscious olive oil mashed potatoes, a pizza topped with white figs, prosciutto and balsamic honey, and many other treats.  Go and pay Anella a visit, it’s worthy of your attention!

Anella: Greenpoint, Brooklyn. 222 Franklin St.(at Green St.); 718-389-8100; Cash only.

(photos of Anella courtesy of Mijola Photography)

Food on Film

Julie & Julia: Chick flick + foodiness = major summer smash.  And it’s a solid one mostly for the Julia portion of the film, which focuses on Julia & Paul Child’s time in France when Mrs. Paul Child starts to find her groove and begins her late-in-life journey to become the legend that we love today.  As for Julie – that’s a sweet tale too, just a small one and not as compelling.   While Julia Child was an inspiration to Julie Powell, the parallels that the film tries to create between their two lives are a bit flimsy.  When you are in the neurotic Julie-land part of the film, you long for the delightful company of Julia (an inspired performance by Meryl Streep) & Paul Child (played by the sexy Stanley Tucci) in picturesque Paris. Overall though, it’s a well done movie with a big delicious heart that may inspire people to follow their own unique muse, whatever that may be!

Julie & Julia opens in theaters nationwide August 7.

Bites: Dating Tips from the Cheese Mistress, Bar Centrale, La Cense Burgers, Dirt Candy

Cheese

Something Stinky This Way Comes: Cabot Clothbound Cheddar

Oh yes.  This is REAL cheddar people, a small-batch Vermont cow’s milk cheese that has been swaddled in cloth, not wax, and tenderly aged to tangy perfection. Pair it with a sudsy brew for your own personal culinary fireworks display.   

Dating Tips from The Cheese Mistress

“Is anyone single? Try carrying around a Coor's Light soft cooler as a purse. Full of cheese. No beer. Boy, men go nuts for that. Don't forget the heels and tight shirt.”

A Glass of Wine, A Plate of Cheese & Thou:  Bar Centrale

Enjoy your wine and cheese in peace, tucked away in a cozy nook far from the paparazzi and your adoring fans. It’s so great to know that there are these intimate little secret places where one can relax with a nice piece of Cantalet, a robust red and sure, what the heck, while you’re at it order one of those luscious lobster rolls they are famous for. Go on, no one will know…

Bar Centrale:  Midtown West.  324 W 46th St. between 8^th & 9^th Avenues (no sign). 212-581-3130.

 

Eats

 La Cense Burger Truck

 There’s a new truck in town, one that’s been rolling around Midtown at lunchtime when folks are at their weakest, most hungry and with palates open to suggestion.  I’m always amazed by the lines at some of these mobile culinary question marks.  The La Cense Burger Truck has lines of epic proportions.  Why?  What makes this one different from all of the other lunch trucks? Well this one offers a burger made of 100% grass-fed, free range Black Angus beef that comes directly from their ranch in Montana.  No antibiotics, hormones or steroids.  No grain in the feed ever!  A beef that’s lower in fat and calories than regular beef and packed with Omega-3s and antioxidants!  A highly unusual find for worker bee lunch fare, which also comes with a promise of little-to-no guilt. 

But the bottom line for serious eaters always comes down to this - does it taste good? Will it haunt my dreams? Is the line worth it? Is it the best burger ever?  Um, it’s just ok.  It’s fine, but it lacks a little…something.  They top it off with caramelized onions and cheese and it’s still not quite there.  Evil, unnatural grain-fed beef makes for more flavor because the meat is more fatty; fat = flava.  So as it turns out, guilt tastes better.  And I’m deeply conflicted by that!

La Cense Burger Truck: for updates on truck location, follow them on Twitter.com or go to www.lacensebeef.com

Dirt Candy

 “I don’t care about your health. And I don’t care about your politics either. But I do care about cooking vegetables.”  -- Chef Amanda Cohen

Folks, that is a real chef talking.  Cook for taste, taste is the priority – that’s what it’s all about. I don’t object to meat-free meals and consider tofu just another protein source.  However, I’m not a fan of vegetarian restaurants.  Unless the cuisine is naturally, culturally vegetarian the food usually just plain old doesn’t taste good. However, Dirt Candy turns the standard vegetarian restaurant model on its ear and presents meat-free meals that are free of political agenda and are cooked to just taste great; it’s vegetarian for non-vegetarians.

This is not a place to come when you’re on a diet.  The ingredients are top quality and it’s the fat factor that makes this flavor engine go – cheese, eggs and cream are all part of the family here and are at the heart of a several inventive, swoon-inducing dishes.   To wit: an appetizer of jalapeño-studded hush puppies with a decadent maple butter; portobello mousse served foie gras style with toast rounds and a pear fennel compote; creamy grits with pickled shitake mushrooms topped with an oozy and crunchy tempura poached egg; a Greek salad featuring crispy rings of trumpet mushrooms drizzled with a preserved lemon dressing.  And for dessert? A deeply delicious and creamy popcorn pudding grabbed my attention on more than one occasion.

It’s a tiny little slip of a place so prime time reservations can be tough to get, but it’s worth the effort for the dead-serious cooking served with a light-hearted perspective that will leave you satisfied. 

Dirt Candy: 430 E. Ninth St.
 bet. 1st Ave  & Ave. A  (East Village); 212-228-7732; www.dirtcandynyc.com

(Photo credits: Cabot Cheddar, Bar Centrale & La Cense Burger – by Mary Connolly; Greek Salad & Jalapeno Hush Puppies– courtesy Dirt Candy)

Bites: Not Your Mamma’s Grilled Cheese; The Asian Bloody Mary; Food, Inc; Dred Scott Trio

Cheese

 Something Stinky This Way Comes (with recipe): Halloumi

Halloumi is a firm Greek sheep’s milk cheese that holds up well to grilling, making it a delicious alternative to the usual hot dog & burger backyard BBQ fare.  Cut it into cubes, thread it on a bamboo skewer with your favorite veggies, brush with a little olive oil and lay it on the fire for cheesy kabobs. And here’s another serving suggestion that’s sure to please meat eaters and veggies alike!

 

Grilled Halloumi with Chili Oil

Adapted from Nigella Lawson

 Makes about 30 slices.

 3 blocks of Halloumi cheese, approximately 8 oz. each (available in the “gourmet cheese” section of most supermarkets). Cut into slices approx. ¼ inch thick.

 1-2 red chili peppers, seeds removed and finely chopped (you may also use dried crushed red pepper flake, about 1 teaspoon or to taste).

Fresh thyme (1-2 sprigs, leaves removed from stem).

3 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Juice of ½ a lemon (lime would work well too).

1) In a small saucepan heat the oil on a low flame until it barely simmers. Remove from heat, add the chopped chili pepper, cover and let the flavors mingle as the oil cools down.

2) Using a non-stick pan (no oil needed), add the Halloumi slices.  Cook until toasty brown, about 2 minutes per side. 

3) Place on a platter and drizzle with the chili oil. Sprinkle with fresh lemon juice and thyme leaves.  Serve warm or at room temperature.

Eats

 Marie Fromage, Gastro Chic & Joey Deckle walk into a bar…

and give birth to the Asian Bloody Mary, “the dangerous brain child of three food people drinking sake.”  Get the back story and Gastro Chic recipe here!

Food, Inc.

Food, Inc. is a new film currently terrifying eaters in major cities around the country.  

It’s a “Scared Straight” for the supermarket shopper, a horrifying indictment of the American industrialized food system featuring Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation), Michael Pollan (The Omnivore's Dilemma) and several other notable beacons of food sanity.  You won’t look at a piece of chicken breast the same again.  Or vegetables for that matter.  And you may want to rethink your late night Hot Pockets habit while you’re at it. It’s an important film to see if you care about where your food comes from.  But don’t plan on going out to dinner afterwards! For movie locations and more information, go to www. foodincmovie.com.

And since we’re on the subject, I also recommend that you pay a visit to the web site “Food Politics”, written by learned food lady Marion Nestle.  She’s lately become my go-to gal for getting my food facts straight and has more interesting things to say about this film, among other things, such as the safety of our food system.  Raw Toll House cookie dough anyone?

Music:  The Dred Scott Trio

Several years ago an edgy, swinging jazz pianist named Dred Scott decamped from San Francisco and landed in New York City, much to the delight of metro-area music fans. Dred Scott, drummer Tony Mason and bassist Ben Rubin can be found pretty much every Tuesday night at midnight at the cozy Rockwood Music Hall on the Lower East Side, throwing down their fun, itchy, careening, cosmopolitan and sublime musical brew.  

It’s worth risking a little late-night music hangover at the day job to see this group play live.  They will soon be celebrating the 4 year anniversary of their residency at Rockwood and are on their way to becoming a Big Apple music institution.  But if by midnight you’re in bed and you can’t make it down to Rockwood in person, pick up their CD “Live at The Rockwood Music Hall” for an irreverent virtual concert in the comfort of your jammies. 

For more info go to their web site, dredscott.com.  Purchase “Live at The Rockwood Music Hall” on iTunes, Amazon.com and other fine retailers. 

Rockwood Music Hall: Lower East Side; 196 Allen Street (between E. Houston and Stanton); 212.477.4155


(Photo credits: Grilled Halloumi – by Mary Connolly; Asian Bloody Mary – courtesy of Gastro Chic; Food, Inc. - courtesy of Magnolia Pictures; Dred Scott – courtesy of The Dred Scott Trio)

Bites: All Hail The High Line; A Bit of Cheese; Rice Krispie Treat Tower of Delish

Travel: All Hail The High Line!

For as long as I can remember The High Line was an eye sore snaking through Chelsea, an abandoned elevated industrial railway in a once dicey part of town that the city just hadn’t gotten around to tearing down.  Fortunately for all of us a few visionaries had the bright idea to turn it into a park and after many years the dream has finally become a reality:  The High Line is now the latest example of reclaimed urban space in NYC that will make your heart sing.

The High Line runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meat Packing District to West 34^th Street.  Right now the park is complete up to West 20^th Street (the second section is slated to be completed in 2010).   

Enter on the corner of Gansevoort Street at Washington Street and let the stroll begin.

The old rails peek out here and there and have been planted with local wild flowers and weeds to give it a playful "overgrown" look.

Kick back on a chaise-like bench with a cup of coffee and take in a relaxing view of the Hudson.

You will come upon a theater of sorts with bleacher seating where you can relax and gaze at the traffic zooming up 10^th Avenue, which is surprisingly hypnotic.

The High Line is strictly for pedestrians with no bikes, rollerblades or pets allowed, which adds to the overall serenity vibe. And in New York City you need to grab on to any serenity you can find with both hands!

For more information visit the High Line web site at www.thehighline.org.

Cheese

Something Stinky This Way Comes:  Brunet - an Italian goat cheese delivered to you in a tidy, bloomy rind round. A little creamy & a little crumbly with a tangy kick!

A Glass of Wine, A Plate of Cheese & Thou:

The Bar Room at The Modern:  In the mood for a classy & sophisticated place to eat a little something but you can do without the hefty price tag?  May I suggest a bit of cheese and wine at the Bar Room at The Modern, where a solid and varied cheese selection + the least expensive glass of red wine on the menu (a robust Spanish Tinta del Pias) = cheapchiceats.  The Modern at MOMA: Midtown; 9 W. 53rd St.
(bet. 5th & 6th Aves.). 212-333-1220.  www.themodernnyc.com

Recipe

Rice Krispie Treat Tower of Delish

This is more a serving suggestion than an actual recipe.  But oh, what a suggestion – this will delight children young and old.  Perfect for your next BBQ, as it’s a lip-smacking show stopper that’s easy to put together.

* For the Rice Krispies Treat Balls:

3 Tbs. butter

1 package/10 oz. marshmallows

6 cups Rice Krispies cereal 

 * For the Dulce de Leche

Dulce de Leche is a type of caramel made from condensed milk that has been cooked down for a period of time.  It is extremely popular in Argentina and can be found in gourmet stores here, but it’s just as easy to make your own.

 1.     Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees. Make sure wire rack is in the middle of the oven.

2.     Fill a kettle with water and bring to a boil.

3.     Pour one 14 oz. can of condensed milk into a 9-inch pie pan.

4.     Cover pie pan tightly with aluminum foil. Place inside of a larger roasting pan. 

5.     Open oven and pull rack out part of the way. Place roasting pan on oven rack.  Fill the roasting pan with boiling pan, coming up to half the side of the pie pan. Carefully slide the rack into the oven and close the door.

6.     Bake for 1 hour until the milk is thick and caramel colored.  Remove pan from oven and allow to cool a bit.

7.     When water in pan has cooled a little, carefully remove pie pan. Remove the foil.

8.     Break up the caramel with a wire whisk and beat until smooth.

 * Other ingredients:

·      Semi-sweet chocolate, melted (use a good quality chocolate, such as a bar of  Ghirardelli). To melt, just use the microwave: break into pieces and place in a microwave safe bowl.  Heat on high for one minute and stir.  Keep heating and stirring in one minute intervals until melted.

·      Grated white chocolate OR coconut (or what the heck, use both).

* To Assemble the Tower

1. In large pot melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.

2. Add the Rice Krispies to the butter-marshmallow mix and stir until completely coated.

3. Using your (spectacularly clean) hands pull off a piece of the warm cereal mixture and roll into the size of a golf ball. Place on a round serving platter or large plate. Continue making the balls and continue to stack on the plate until a cone shape is achieved.

4.  Drizzle with the prepared dulce de leche.

 5.     Drizzle with the melted chocolate.

6.     Sprinkle with white chocolate or coconut and serve to your drooling, adoring fans!

(photo credits: all photos by Mary Connolly)

Bites: Joy of Cheese, Monkey Bar, Koko Taylor

Cheese

Something Stinky This Way Comes:  Paglierina

This runny, oozy, gooey delight is a cow’s milk cheese that hails from the Piemonte region of Italy.  Think Camembert with more oomph.  Pair it with a crispy white wine for a cheesy flavor blast!

And Speaking of Stinky, Attend a Joy of Cheese Tasting!

Educate your palate and move your taste buds to the next level by attending a Joy of Cheese tasting, hosted by journalist and cheese expert Martin Johnson.  Martin will expand your cheese knowledge and appreciation in a pretense-free environment with generous samples! 

* I just attended the June 2 tasting at 10 Degrees, 121 St. Mark's Place (East Village); $25. Cheese theme: Good Cheese for Hard Times, 10 cheeses all under $25/pound.  This is the first of a summer series.

* June 8: 6:30pm at Nectar Wine Bar, 2235 Frederick Douglass Blvd /121st St. (Harlem); $25. Cheese theme: The 8 Best Cheeses of the American West.

 

* June 16: 7pm at d.b.a. Brooklyn, 113 North 7th St. in Williamsburg (a block and half west of the first L stop into Brooklyn, Bedford Avenue).  $20.  Cheese theme: the d.b.a Six Pack, a new series that pairs 6 cheeses with three beers.

For more info: 

1) Get on the mailing list by sending an email to:  thejoyofcheese@gmail.com

2) Go to the Joy of Cheese web site: www.thejoyofcheese.blogspot.com or 

3) Purchase your ticket in advance via BrownPaperTickets.com

Eats

Monkey Bar

Vanity Fair editor/restaurateur Graydon Carter takes his exclusive hot spot formula uptown to the East Side and presents a buffed-up, old school swanky martini scene. The food? It’s a salute to continental, classed-up country club fare.  On the night Gastro Chic & I checked it out the meal was merely ok, no head rockets. It was recently announced that they brought in superstar chef Larry Forgione to whip things into shape so I have high hopes. But really, who cares about the grub when Hugh Grant is coming down the stairs! So this will be a classic cool hot spot with chopped salad on the side.  And that’s not such a bad thing!

Monkey Bar at the Elysée Hotel: 60 E. 54th St. between Madison & Park Aves. (Midtown East); 212-308-2950

Music

R.I.P Koko Taylor, a royal blues queen of the gritty, Wang-Dang-Doodle variety who passed away this week at the age of 80.

I had the pleasure of seeing her play live many times.  Koko, thank you for the inspiration.

(photo credits: Paglierina – courtesy of www.frescaitalia.com; Martin Johnson & The Cheese Mistress – by Mary Connolly; Monkey Bar - courtesy Gastro Chic; Koko Taylor – courtesy Marc Norberg for KokoTaylor.com)

Bites: Christmas in NYC; The Best Coffee in the World; Singer-Songwriter Leslie Mendelson

Happy Holidays to one and all!

See my latest article on Sheckys.com!  Home for the Holidays:  Christmas in NYC

“Hark! No matter what your religion, Christmas can be a time for Chinese food and a movie—or more traditional wassailing fare—at these festive places open on Christmas Eve and even Christmas Day.”

Cheese of the Week: Califon Tomme – from New Joisey!

A semi-firm, tangy mixed raw cow and sheep’s milk cheese from Valley Shepherd Creamery in Morris County, New Jersey.  A perfect melting cheese, enjoy it broiled over thick slices of juicy beefsteak tomatoes on crusty peasant bread.  I picked-up a wedge at the Union Square Market in NYC - look for yours at a fine food market near you.

Marie’s Little Luxuries:  Bluestone Coffee

 COFFEE!  I love the way it smells, I love the way it tastes, I love the little spring it gives to my step when I down a double-espresso.  Yes, I heart my coffee and my current bean obsession is with Bluestone Coffee found in Montclair, NJ (a.k.a. “The Upper West Side of New Jersey” located just 12 miles from Midtown).  Bluestone is a homey little café located in the Watchung Plaza section of town, a favorite hang for the locals and conveniently located near the bus stop for me!  The food there is pretty darn good.  But what really makes the place special is the coffee, roasted right there in the middle of the room.  It is strong, smooth, toasty and roasty, needing very little cream or sugar to make it zing!  Whenever I pass through town I make an effort to get a couple of bags of beans for the road – they just don’t make it that good on the Manhattan side of the river. 

BlueStone:  123 Watchung Ave 
Montclair, NJ 
(973)783-3523

Music:  Leslie Mendelson

 If you are a fan the groovy, mellow, catchy folk-soul of the 70s (think Carol King, Carly Simon) you will adore this up-and-coming New York City-based artist that I discovered quite by accident a few weeks ago playing live at The Canal Room.  I had a terrible cold, I was there to see another performer and low & behold, an opening act that turned out to be delightful surprise!  Keep an eye on this one, she’s just getting started.

www.myspace.com/lesliemendelson

Bites: Play It in the Key of Building, Saint-André, Tomato Time

Cheese of the week:  Saint-André 

Yes, it's everywhere (at least where I live).  Yes, you can probably find it right now in the "gourmet" cheese section of your supermarket.  But just because it's everywhere doesn't mean it's not special and delish!   This is a French triple-cream cow's milk cheese made in the Brie tradition; only it's creamier and more butter-like. In the style of easy summer entertaining, here's a serving scenario: you've just laid out the surf & turf, the cold beer and crisp white wine are flowing. You're stuffed, but you also want to serve just a little something for dessert. Present a wedge of room temperature Saint-André with some fresh figs, pear slices and some super-thin ginger crisps - the perfect coda to a satisfying feast.

Play It in the Key of Building

They don't get much cooler than David Byrne.  With his latest project the musician, visual artist and bicycle enthusiast presents us with the opportunity to actually "play" an abandoned waiting hall located within The Battery Maritime Building, via an old church organ that's been rigged up to the walls, pipes and ceiling girders. Hit a few keys and the walls groan, pipes clank and girders sing, creating a delightfully eerie atmosphere within the crumbling space. But things this neat don't last forever - this is the last weekend so don't miss it!

CREATIVE TIME PRESENTS
Playing the Building: An Installation by David Byrne

The Battery Maritime Building

Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday: Noon - 6PM (Free)
LAST WEEKEND: Closing August 24, 2008
The Battery Maritime Building
10 South Street, New York, NY
Entrance on the South side, facing the Staten Island Ferry Terminal

Tomato Time

The tomatoes are here!  The tomatoes are here!  This is that special time of year when these ruby orbs of deliciousness are at their peak and in abundance.  Buy local – head over to the nearest farm stand and load up on the heirloom and Jersey varieties.  And because they are at the peak of perfection there’s very little that you need to do to enjoy full on tomato glory.  Here’s a suggestion that’s barely a recipe and more of a collection of high quality ingredients that create the perfect simple meal:  

Ingredients:

-       Crusty baguette, cut in half 

and then cut lengthwise

-       A few ripe tomatoes, sliced thin

-       1-2 cloves of garlic, peeled and sliced in half

-       Extra virgin olive oil (use the best quality you can find)

-       Sea salt (use Maldon if you can find it)

1)    Pre-heat grill (or use a ridged grill pan if indoors).

2)    Place the bread cut side down onto the hot grill and toast until browned, about 2 minutes at the most.  

3)    Rub half of a garlic clove over the toasted side of the bread while still warm.

4)    Arrange tomato slices on the bread, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt and serve immediately.  Yum!

Photo Credits: Saint-André (Mary Connolly); Play the Building (David Byrne, Playing the Building, Battery Maritime Building, New York, NY, 2008); Tomato Time (Mary Connolly)

 

Bites: Ricotta Salata with Recipe, Young @ Heart Chorus, An Appetite Grows in Brooklyn

Summertime, and the livin’ is BUSY!  I’ve been running all over the place, from city to sea to mountain, collecting fun things to share with you.  Here’s the latest…

Cheese of the Week: Ricotta Salata, with Recipe

 

This is a firm, white, slightly salty and milky sheep’s milk cheese, similar in texture to Feta cheese. And like Feta, it is just as versatile and can be used in a similar fashion.  Cube or crumble it up and toss with salads, or grate or shave it over grilled veggies.  Heck, it even tastes great with watermelon and mint!

I recently used it in a grilled corn recipe that takes your taste buds way beyond butter.

 Fabulous Fiesta Corn

 8 ears of corn, husks and silk removed

½ pound Ricotta Salata, grated

1 cup mayonnaise

1/2 Tablespoon of chipotle pepper powder (or use half this amount if you prefer less spice)

3-4 limes, halved and juiced (with extra limes for garnish)

Salt & pepper to taste

1)    Combine mayonnaise, chipotle powder, lime juice, salt & pepper in a bowl and set aside (this can be done a few hours before use, but be sure to keep it chilled if not using right away).

2)    Pre-heat the grill.

3)    Using a basting or pastry brush, coat the ears of corn with the chipotle-lime mayo and place on the grill.  Grill, turning frequently, until the corn is lightly charred.

4)    Remove the corn from the grill and, while corn is still warm, brush on more of the mayonnaise mixture. 

5)    Then, roll the corn in the grated Ricotta Salata.

6)    Garnish with extra lime wedges and serve immediately!

Young @ Heart Chorus

What do you get when you throw a bunch of musically inclined nursing home residents together with a rock band? Pure magic people, pure magic!  I had the supreme pleasure of seeing this group at The Beacon recently, and the memory of it still brings a smile to my face. The chorus members ranged in age from 73 to 92 and performed with a feisty, ironic spirit that turned rock songs inside out to reveal an alternative perspective. 

“I went down to the Chelsea drugstore to get my prescription filled…” 

Songs like the Ramones chestnut “I Wanna be Sedated” take on a whole new meaning when sung by an elderly man with a cane in a wheelchair, as does the Bee Gees dance hit “Staying Alive” sung by a man connected to an oxygen tank.  Surprising.  Even more surprising was their edginess, humor, agility, professionalism, poignancy and pure joy.  They were all having a blast up there!

 Directed by Bob Cilman, the chorus came together in a nursing home in Northampton, Massachusetts in 1982 and has since gone on to thrill audiences around the world. 

 I have to make sure I retire in Northampton so I can be in that chorus!

 Stay tuned for news of the release of their documentary on DVD this September, available on Netflix.

 An Appetite Grows in Brooklyn

I spent a recent summer Sunday with my friend Kit Kat exploring the culinary delights of Fort Greene, Brooklyn.  Fort Greene has had quite a bit of buzz about it lately, reaching beyond BAM's performing arts charms with a unique and soulful food culture. Here is a highly selective sampling of what we devoured:

 Cake Man Raven:  first stop on the food tour was a visit to Cake Man Raven, famous for his version of the classic southern Red Velvet cake. We shared a huge hunk of luscious, moist cake with a decadent cream cheese frosting. Cake Man Raven:  708-a Fulton St. Brooklyn, 718.694.CAKE (2253)

Habana Outpost – Eco Eatery:  Not only can you get your drink on in the form of icy, tangy margaritas, you can munch away on classic Tex-Mex fare with a guilt-free conscience, knowing that they, in their own words, “use earth-friendly practices in their design, construction, and day-to-day operations. Habana Outpost aims to reduce wasteful consumption and promote sustainable solutions.” Well gosh, thank goodness for that.  Hey waiter, can we get another round over here?  And please bring us some of that famous grilled corn I heard about.  Hey Mr. DJ, turn it up, I love this song.  Kit Kat, I think we’re gonna be here for a while…

Habana Outpost:  757 Fulton Street Brooklyn, 718.858.9500

Brooklyn Flea: this fantastic and slightly controversial new flea market features the usual collection of antique and vintage house wares, furniture and clothes.  But what makes it exciting is the young, innovative local artisans selling hand-crafted and unique furniture, jewelry, clothing - and delectable foods!  And since food is my focus, here’s who was there that day:

Kumquat Cupcakery:  This little bakery creates mini cupcake creations for delivery or pick-up when they are in residence at the Brooklyn Flea.

 Be sure to try the chocolate peanut butter cupcake – pretty petite and pretty amazing, a one-bite flavor bomb.  Bet ya can’t stop at just one!

Crop to Cup - Family Farmed Coffee: Basically, this is a coffee farmer representative who buys high quality Arabica beans directly from farmers and then sells to us, but they also reinvest 10% of their profits back into farm family communities.

Sure, that’s all well and good, but how does it taste?

I enjoyed a small cup of “Uganda Bugisu” created by the contributions of 300 farm families in Buginyanya Sub-County, Sironko District, Uganda.  It was an exceptionally smooth, naturally sweet brew, no sugar or milk needed.  So I bought a bag! Coffee with a conscience does a body good.

Whimsy & Spice: founded and run by a husband and wife team (he’s a pastry chef, she’s a graphic artist) they offer treats inspired by the spices and flavors of India and the Middle East.  For example, I picked-up a sack of their Rose & Black Pepper Thumbprint cookies, which were meltingly tender and sweet with a subtle bite from the black pepper. A fascinating flavor combination for a cookie that tasted great.

Salvatore Bklyn, Handmade Goodness:  “If cheese were a rock star, it’d be Salvatore Bklyn.”  They’re talking about their fresh and creamy whole milk ricotta cheese, and I have to say I agree.  Try a spoonful over fresh berries and toasted almonds drizzled with honey  - a special summertime treat.

Blue Marble Ice Cream:  Their shop is based in the Boerum Hill neighborhood, they source their milk from the Hudson Valley, and the vanilla ice cream they were scooping up at the Brooklyn Flea was fresh, creamy and true.

 Brooklyn Flea: located at Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, on Lafayette Ave. between Clermont and Vanderbilt Ave. Takes place every Sunday from 10am to 5pm.

 Fort Greene is a proud, deeply entrenched, food-loving community with a funky, artsy twist that’s just another thing to love about living in NYC.  

Photo Credits: Ricotta Salata (Mary Connolly); Young@ Heart Chorus (Young@Heart Photo Archives); Fort Greene (danomyte.blogspot.com); Brooklyn Flea (brownstoner.com); Rose & Black Pepper Thumbprint Cookies (Whimsey & Spice)