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Eating Southern

Filed Under: Fall, Restauranton October 28th, 2010

I was craving a trip down south this weekend. The Southern air is still wavering on the warmer side, while in New York this weekend, we head towards cold. I think this spell of humidity is all the Indian Summer we’re going to get up here.

Unfortunately due to lack of funds and will, I will be selling-out in true New York style to the demon of the blue-light-special holiday, Halloween. Similar to its sister holidays, New Years Eve and St. Patrick’s Day. I won’t count Fourth of July, hardly anyone is here anyway. All worth the hype in celebration, just not the mobbed bars, slutty costumes, and astronomical party fees.

Where did the fun of dressing up and trick-or-treating go? In a city with so many treats to indulge in (and believe me I’ve had many of them), why does it seem like Halloween weekend is full of tricks?

I detour. As I said, I was feeling nostalgic for the South. And yes, I capitalize it, because any Southerner (there I go again) who saw if I didn’t, would have a small panic attack launching into a shpeal about why it’s South and not south.

What I was missing most though, other than the weather, was the food. Having to get my fix another way, I walked East (yes, I’m going to do it for Manhattan too, same reason above) to meet my freelancing buddy/dancer friend, Emily at the new Bowery hot-spot, Peels.

Since her favorite restaurant is Freeman’s Restaurant, we had to try what type of dishes were coming out of this new-age Southern restaurant. What’s ironic about this restaurant is that it’s not so much Southern food, as downtown New York City hipsters serving fried food in an elegant way. These people aren’t Southern, they don’t cook like Southerners, and chances are most of the people in the restaurant were born and raised in New York. BUT that’s the best part; all the charm of the South, gruff and cooking skills of the North, without the travel. Maybe there wouldn’t have been a Civil War if the North and South collaborated long ago on this issue …

Beer is served in a mason jar, large portion appetizers, friendly service, good lighting, etc. Watch the noise level after about eight, it gets loud.

I also spotted Frank Bruni, former NY Times Food Critic at the bar, having a slight heart attack myself. Believe me, I was star struck, it wasn’t the butter-coma. My companion didn’t flinch, or notice. Isn’t New York great sometimes?

Until it smacks you in the face with a bag of Halloween candy.

Peels
325 Bowery, at 2nd Ave


Must Eats:

  • Shrimp & Grits fried egg, shrimp, lasso bacon, and grits
  • Fresh Fried Chicken fresh kill, free-range birds, corn, and watermelon
  • Hush-puppies
  • Sundae

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Posted in Fall, Restaurant | 1 Comment »

Fall Lunch

Filed Under: Catering, Fallon October 26th, 2010


I love meeting new clients. And generally I go above and beyond what’s called for, going the extra mile I’ve learned gets you a repeat client. And repeat clients get you referrals. This is my “family” mentality; I treat everyone as if they’re people I would cook for in my home.


It’s my greatest downfall. This theory isn’t exactly business savvy. New York is toughening me up though, I assure you. So as I tread the line of being too giving and giving just enough I’d love to share with you some pictures of a recent luncheon I did. I couldn’t have asked for nicer people to prepare for, the entire office was incredibly down-to-earth and charming. I hope I can go back and give them more in the future.

Lunch Menu

Chickpea and Carrot Salad
served room temperature with fresh herbs and toasted almonds

Autumn Greens Salad with Cider Vinaigrette
mixture of endive, watercress, romaine, and chard, tossed with pears and cider vinaigrette

Cast Iron Skillet Frittata with Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Goat Cheese
farm fresh eggs, brussel sprouts and goat cheese served in an authentic cast iron pan

Butternut Squash Pasta
pasta served with roasted butternut squash, toasted pine nuts, and fresh parmesan cheese

Chocolate Ganache Cupakes with Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Icing
October-themed cupcakes with ganache filled center and topped with brittle



Posted in Catering, Fall | Comments Off

Hot Pot Culinary Events

Filed Under: Fall, Hot Pot Culinary Eventson October 20th, 2010

October has been a crazy month to say the least. The exact opposite of my relaxing August sitting on the beach and praying catering jobs would pile in after Labor Day, and boy did they ever. I couldn’t be more thrilled to be back in the kitchen cooking, especially now that the weather has settled into, not just Fall-like, but cold.


Over the course of the last couple of months I’ve been working for Hot Pot Culinary Events, an event team creating interactive cooking parties, sort to speak. The events occur in homes, bars, restaurants, you name it. Small, large, burger parties, dinner parties, mixers. It’s a great way to bring together a group of people and “teach them” a fun and easy food item they can make on their own.

A couple of weeks ago I helped teach a candy apple event, using classic red candy, caramel, chocolate, and an assortment of toppings. The perfect way to immerse yourself into Fall. Since it was the first time with this event (as well as my first time teaching with Hot Pot) there were some trials, but rest assure, everything worked out fantastically. The client was pleased, the bar was pleased (Side Bar near Union Square) and no one got burned. Trick and treat!

Again, I will venture into the world of candy apples tomorrow night as Hot Pots attempts round two. I expect no problems once-so-ever and look forward to having great treats to bring home for the upcoming weekend.

Please check out and join their Facebook Page and Twitter Page.

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Posted in Fall, Hot Pot Culinary Events | 1 Comment »

Park Perfection

Filed Under: Catering, New York City, Workon October 11th, 2010

Beautiful photos from last week’s picnic proposal, compliment of Blue Daisy Photography.

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I’m officially a year old!

Filed Under: About me, Life, New York Cityon October 6th, 2010

Plus one week and one day … guilty, I forgot.

I think I’m probably the only female in the history of the world to forget a birthday and anniversary. Eh, I can make croissants, I know not every girl can do that.

I’ve rounded up my five favorite stories of the past year (all are equal, I couldn’t decide!):

  • The comedy of my everyday life. While I was still living down in Financial District I ran into some cops, watching me, rather than being on “high alert.”
  • When pastry gets dirty. Cannot tell you how incredibly hilarious this moment at school was, yet only one other person got it.
  • Not your mamma’s burger. No one on this planet loves burgers more than my mother, before they became part of pop culture. This is my favorite NYC (and all time) burger.
  • Because this is the point. Go get something sweet.
  • It’s official. How could I not include this one?

There are many, many more, including, “Boyfriend Chicken” which now has left my “boy” referred to by people as “You’re boyfriend chicken?!” at bars. As well as, “New York Moments,” “I Heart NY” and “Hangover Cures.”

Now I must warn you, and to give you a window into what my life is like on a random Saturday. This picture is me, eating my favorite ice cream, after eating brunch at my favorite spot and too many beers, attempting to sober up in order to cook for an unexpected catering gig that night.

I’m not sure ice cream can cure a buzz, but hell, it sure tastes good. And I was raring to go in the kitchen.

I want to thank everyone I’ve worked with over the past year and for all the experiences and skills I’ve been taught including the faculty and staff at The French Culinary Institute with special consideration of Gina Novak, MaryKate Roberts, and Phil Gutensohn. Kimberly Belle, Erin Fritch, Amy Atlas, the test kitchen and editorial staff at “Everday with Rachael Ray,” Sarah Pease at Brilliant Event Planning, Chef Jeff Starr and the team at Sutter Home Winery, Lauren Braun Costello and Erin Merhar, and Leslie Sbrocco and fellow Thirsty Girls.

Thank you to my family and friends for being constant readers and supporters!

Be serious and efficient in the kitchen and at work, learn to laugh at yourself when things go wrong. As you can see from below, I haven’t lost my love of working … or sweets …

Posted in About me, Life, New York City | 2 Comments »

Eat Something Green

Filed Under: Fall, Living Healthyon October 6th, 2010

Enjoy …

the …


harvest.

What are you making for dinner tonight?

Posted in Fall, Living Healthy | 1 Comment »

This is what love is, I’m just the caterer

Filed Under: Catering, New York Cityon October 1st, 2010

I can cry at almost anything, a character trait (along with cooking) I get from my mother. Chick flicks, Foldgers commercials, greeting cards, flowers, weddings, the “holidays?!” forget it, you better grab the Kleenex. I fully believe (probably because this is how I behave), that in order to live a spherical life, one must laugh and cry heartily.

Hidden clause: I never cry in the kitchen or about work. I’m emotional, not a whimp.

This is what love looks like, compliments of “Love in Production Video Productions.”

Edward and Nicole in Central Park

I was just the caterer.  Ah, so glamorous, my job.

This was the Central Park Picnic Basket I prepared for Brilliant Event Planning. I can’t tell you how many people said to me after they found out I did a picnic basket that they would die for that type of proposal. What girl wouldn’t want to be wooed in a park with a picnic and a little bubbly?

This guy puts all other guys to shame. Sarah Pease has really tapped into a market; men wanting to romantically propose with no idea how to. Genius!

Check out the full album of photography from Blue Daisy Blog.

Posted in Catering, New York City | 1 Comment »

New York Moments

Filed Under: New York City, Thirsty Girl, Workon September 29th, 2010

I was given the wonderful opportunity to represent Thirsty Girl at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and interview Chris Adams, CEO of Sherry-Lehmann Wines and Spirits, aka the booze provider. This was a surreal experience and I talk about it all on Thirsty Girl’s latest post.

In the tents before the show.

Ironically, I went to go see the Naeem Khan show, a client of The Dinner Belle that I helped cater last fall. Funny how one can go from serving canapes in a large Soho loft with the largest Warhol collection, to being front row at his fashion show. That my friends, is New York.

Here’s an blip from the piece, but please check out the full story:

You know those surreal New York City experiences?

The ones that make the cursing cab drivers, missed subway trains, or astronomical rents fade into the white noise of the city; the moments when you look around and go, “Damn, I’m the luckiest person in the world right now, only in New York.”

These moments, they’re like a drug high (I would imagine?), a wine buzz (check) or mind-blowing sex (check). These moments create a euphoric feeling; natives and tourists alike never want to leave, or grow up. New York City is the real life version of Peter Pan’s Never Never Land.

New York City Fashion Week. Just the words alone get people in a tizzy. Thirsty Girl gave me a surreal experience last week to represent the company at the Mercedes Benz New York City Fall Fashion Week 2010 at Lincoln Center. My job was to interview Chris Adams, CEO of Sherry-Lehmann, the official sponsor (and largest New York CIty provider) of all things bubbly and alcoholic. Immediately I knew I’d like him …


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Posted in New York City, Thirsty Girl, Work | 4 Comments »

It’s Fall

Filed Under: Life, New York Cityon September 22nd, 2010

I’m finally ready to embrace the new season; something I wasn’t too keen about doing three weeks ago as I drove across my seaside bridge separating summer and reality, i.e. the beach and the city. But now I’m getting into all things fall, cooking up a storm, and finding myself quite happy eating scores of apples and wearing light jackets to work.

Beach at sunrise

For me, fall always represents transitioning.

In high school, innocent afternoons were spent playing field hockey, attending pasta parties, (attempting) to look cute at Friday night football games for the player-of-the-week, baking with girlfriends (and trying to keep each of them in check at the same time), horse races and starting school again.

In college, the activities of late-night diner hangs and making-out in my boyfriend’s car were replaced with sundresses, summer weather (I went to school in the south), binge drinking tailgates (complete with dunkeroos, dizzy bats, and various other games), theme parties, and immense amounts of reading.

Moving into the city last year created an entirely new pleather of “fall activities” including walking anywhere and everywhere, enjoying the day as a human being  (hangover-free), walking through the farmers market, and getting oommpah-pahhed at a Biergarten. The fall is truly a wonderful season in the city. The sky is strikingly blue and cloudless, the tourists die down, New Yorkers come back and things begin to take motion again. Weekdays and weekends become bookended with parties, meetings, and obligations, but that’s okay because the collective New York seems (almost) glad to be back.

I find myself “fully booked” until my birthday. Hell, I even decided to take a gig on my birthday … well the day after, but my birthday weekend. Luckily my job is something that I love doing, and in essence, is basically eating, drinking, cooking, and traveling. I can’t complain one bit.

But take a moment, smell the air, I promise it smells different. Stop and realize the beauty today. The last day of summer and the first day of fall.

West Side walk along the water, hello beautiful NJ!

Okay, I promise my Oprah moment is done, get back to work.

Posted in Life, New York City | 3 Comments »

Recap of “Just Desserts” Party

Filed Under: New York Cityon September 16th, 2010

Last night I was in a NYC funk, the total opposite of Saturday.

I didn’t want to leave my apt, could sleep for days, and had no desire to go out at 10 PM. But I did, all for the sake of journalism … and booze … and networking …

But, I got to Johnny Iuzzini’s Top Chef Just Desserts Premiere Party and still didn’t want to be there. Can’t fight city hall! I do have a recap though (even for my short jaunt uptown), here it goes:

  • Johnny Iuzzini really does have those chops. In fact he rocks them. I guess living in Brooklyn gives you the ability to pull this off. The feature is as much his trademark as Tom Colicchio hairless top or Gael Greene’s hat.
  • He also donned TV chef (and newly divorced) Claire Robinson from Food Network’s “Five Ingredient Fix” on his arm all night. 
  • Cocktails served were created especially for the party, hand squeezed by all my intern friends at Jean-George.
  • All the cocktails had inventive names, none of which I could read with the low lighting and tiny print, but according to my crew tasted less than delicious. The rest was cash bar, I paid $5 for a soda water.
  • If you’re ever looking to have a party on a rooftop in midtown the Dream Hotel is beautiful.

I need to go to Jean-George and eat dessert and see all Iuzzini’s sexy magic happen via sugar and chocoalte. I had a trail at Mercer Kitchen (another one of Jean George’s restaurants) while I was still in pastry school and enjoyed working in the kitchen very much, just wasn’t the right fit for me at the time. I still crave the cheesecake there but have yet to return for fear of turning the position down. I should go back. 

It was an honor to be invited and I wish I was able to hob-nob with the glitterati, but after a long taxi ride back home I realized that sometimes the best parties are for one.

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Posted in New York City | 1 Comment »

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