Meat-and-Three with a side of Southern Comfort

Just got back from a wedding weekend [well-spent] in the Deep South of Birmingham, Alabama. Two friends from college were getting hitched and I thought it would be nice to share in the celebrations and catch up with old colleagues. After spending four years in Dallas, TX with true (egh ugh) southern gentlemen and belles, I thought I had seen my "fare" share of what the south has to offer...until now. Until B'ham. Roll Tide!

I was picked up by the groom from the airport and taken directly to Garage. Traveling with one of the groom's pledge brothers (my boyfriend), we joined his groomsmen for a low-key guy's lunch. Bar, by night, and by day a courtyard seating with eclectic and antique decorations for sale. The no-fuss menu was simply your choice of: BREAD, MEAT, CHEESE, TOPPINGS and CONDIMENTS (yes, they used the word condiments). To my surprise they came up with an extraordinarily tasty 

turkey sandwich. The whole wheat bread seemed home-made with a nutty crust. Fresh turkey, spicy mustard, lettuce and tomato with salt and pepper over a bed of potato chips and a crispy pickle. I devoured my sandwich while listening to drunken stories (that of which seemed straight out of the movie Varsity Blues) from the previous night. They were all "drunk as a buck" from all of the "hunch punch" (think extremely southern twang here). Perfect start to a full weekend.

Dinner that night was spent at the highly recommended (2001 James Beard Award recipient) Bottega Restaurant. I was really looking forward to some all-star food and this seemed like just the place. Upon entering, the vibe was highbrow and elegant. The staff was on-cue and ready to serve. We were seated immediately and ordered cocktails at once: Dirty Grey Goose Martini for me, and Scotch straight up for him. The waiter seemed thrilled that we were in town from New York. We took his word and ordered his recommendations that you can only taste in "these parts of the states".  We started with the Fried Green Tomatoes and Okra with craw fish aioli and the Beef Carppacio with horseradish and arugula. 

Mouthwatering. Um...need I say more? I then ordered the Grilled Grouper with sweet peppers, eggplant and capers and he had the chicken. The waiter paired wine perfectly with our main courses. We were heading to a rehearsal party from here and did not want to fill up on dessert so he convinced us to try their watermelon sorbet, while we enjoyed our espresso.   

The following day started with a Wedding Brunch at a family friend's estate. The house was located on a hill in Mountain Brook with the most amazing view of the city. Brunch consisted of Bloody Mary's, Biscuits with Ham and creme fraishe, different varieties of egg souffles, grits (of course), fruit salad, and coffee cake. That evening was the wedding. We enjoyed ourselves at their country club with 600 other guests (serious southern celebrating). I had the opportunity to catch up with a sorority sister who was born and raised in Bhama, now married and residing there...along with the rest of the family- all lawyers or teachers. I wasn't leaving until 5:00 the next evening so we made a plan to grab lunch the next day. She got so excited she screamed in her utmost southern twang "Girl! I will take you to the best meat-and-three around!" I had absolutely NO IDEA what she was talking about. Baffled. [confused smile]. Ugh. Sure?? She definitely got one huge patooty kick out of the fact that I was completely clueless as to what she was talking about. "Meat and three vegetables, of course!"

Tracy's- B'ham's "go-to" for filling down-home meat-and-threes (again, one meat and three vegetables). The friendly folks behind the counters and the smell of 

wholesome home cookin' as you entered (and the fact that Harris knew everyone there) made me realize how far away I was from home. The menu was written on a chalk board and consisted of Today's Meats: Fried Chicken, Hamburger Steak (still not fully aware of what exactly this is), Turkey and Dressing and the like. Their ever-ending list of vegetables included all of the country classics: Fried Okra, Fried Green Tomatoes, Black Eyed Peas,  Mac and Cheese, Baked Apples, Squash Casserole and Avocado Salad. Of course you also had your choice of corn bread or a roll. So not my typical lunch, but definitely one that I was looking forward to experiencing!  I ordered the Turkey and Dressing (asked for dressing on the side, but they obviously don't get that much because they didn't come through on that one), Fried Green Tomatoes (can't get enough of these) the Avocado Salad and my corn bread. Pure country. 

The rest of the day was spent, well, quietly. This city is a ghost town on Sundays! I tried to walk around but only found luck with a Starbucks to be opened (and a NY Times!!). Just a few breathing beings strolling around. And the dry cleaners had only pastel dresses (both women and children's) hanging in the windows?? It was oddly perfect. Yet couldn't imagine having to set all of your "to-do's" for Saturdays! 

Enjoyable weekend overall...I think I fell in love with Bhama. 

Latest O'Cookies Flavor!

EXTRA! EXTRA! 

Drum roll please.................

I am here to announce the latest addition to the O'Cookies family: 

Double Chocolate Cherry Chunk! 

Decadent white and dark organic chocolate with whole dried cherries and oats. Heavenly. 

Try one for yourself. Place an order by emailing: erino@o-cookies.com. Or stop by your local Cafe Angelique! 

Cheers!

The Best Turkey Meatballs. Ever.

I was leaving Equinox one evening a few weeks ago craving their turkey meatballs that they serve there....the greatest weeknight dinner.  I had never wanted something so badly. I hadn't stopped talking about them throughout my workout to the point that I also convinced my friend Natalie that she wanted them for dinner that night too. When they were out, we were thoroughly disappointed. After whining to the cashier for a few minutes and pouting to one another, we finally pulled ourselves together and walked to Gourmet Garage to get ingredients to make our own. The last thing I wanted to do that night was to spend the time to actually cook my dinner, but once we walked in we started to get creative.  Pine Nuts!  Top 'em on salads, pastas, and vegies. Bake 'em in cookies and cakes, toast 'em for extra crunch.....the highest form of protein in a nut. Done. The BEST Turkey Meatballs ever. 

Turkey Meatballs with Pine Nuts

1 lb ground turkey

1 large garlic clove, minced

1 large egg, slightly beaten

3/4 cup fresh bread crumbs

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

3 Tbls pine nuts, toasted cooled and chopped

1/2 cup minced fresh parsley leaves

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

olive oil

Stir together. Form small-sized balls. Place olive oil in medium-heat skillet. Place a few meatballs in at a time, shaking skillet until browned and cooked through. Top with a ready-made tomato sauce. Serve with a mixed greens salad. 

I usually cook half and freeze the rest for later in the week. I have had these around over the past month and eat them at least once a week! Perfection. 

Fast Food Revelation

As you can imagine, I am not a big chain restaurant connoisseur. But over the past few weeks, I have been  pleasantly surprised with our classic American on-the-go eateries. I have stumbled upon some shocking revelations at these cheap eats, only known to me for its "super-sizing" of processed, unhealthy, oily, greasy foods.

Epiphany #1. 

After living in my current place for about a year now, I recently noticed a McDonald's down my street. I honestly thought to myself, who would ever go there? The very next night, walking home from dinner with a friend who lives on the opposite corner of 6th Avenue and West 4th Street raved about their iced coffee, so much to the point that she forced me inside to taste. You have to understand, I am a true tea drinker, but there is something about the change in weather in New York City. That first break of sunshine and warmth that makes me crave iced coffee ALL summer long. This, my friends, was the best thing that I could have come across that evening. Not to mention the cheapest. I shall return.

Epiphany #2. 

I was having one of those mornings- woke up late, no time for breakfast, running out the door. I found myself at a Starbucks uptown just to grab my morning tea...and then my stomach growled. I immediately noticed their breakfast sandwiches (again, something that I usually ignore: ready-made food that has to be heated up doesn't usually settle in my mind too well. Not too mention what really could be in those sandwiches??).  I next saw that the calories and fat content were written right there AND there was a reduced-fat Turkey Bacon with egg whites on a whole grain english muffin. I died and went to heaven.  I asked for mine without cheese and forgot about where I was off running to. I picked up the Post and sat down to enjoy. Delish. 

Epiphany #3. 

Just yesterday I was running from one audition to the next and found myself with thirty minutes to spare. I saw a local Starbucks and made my way over for a coffee break. It was, again, nice sunny day. One that only gets me craving some sort of frosty frapp, or some other wasted caloric drink just terribly wrong for you. I got in line and looked at the menu. [Ahhhhhhhhhh] Enlightening! Posted calories. NO WAY?? I quickly snapped out of it and ordered their regular iced coffee with sugar-free vanilla for only 60 calories (vs. their Caffe Vanilla Frappuccino Light at 140 calories) and carried on with my day.  THIS IS GENIUS, I thought. This needs to be at every fast-food chain. 

I remember rumors of a proposed city ruling a while back to require food establishments with some certain number of outlets to post calories. Starbucks and Subway have already gotten on this, but it seems the city keeps hitting bumps in the road to get this passed. Delayed two days ago, yet again.  I could only imagine that other fellow New Yorkers are thirsty for this info as well?? I'm not trying to say that The Waverly Inn should have calories posted next to their truffled mac and cheese, but I do think that the fast-food chains should be required to do so in our country full of obesity. Grub Street recently wrote that IHOP also offers caloric information next to each menu item. Apparently posting that their omelettes range from 1,150 to 1,490 calories doesn't seem to bother the guests. Sadly, not surprising.  To us healthy people, calories count.

Perfect Saturday Afternoon Snack

The Artichoke. 

Facts: a low calorie food, a fat free food, a cholesterol free food, low in sodium, a good source of fiber, a good source of vitamin C, a good source of folate, and a good source of magnesium. Steam it. Grill it. Stuff it. Saute it. Bake it. Fry it. Dip it. EAT IT.  

Most people seem to be slightly intimidated by the artichoke. They just have no idea what to do with this grenade-looking vegetable. A friend recently admitted that she started to eat the petals whole at a dinner and was somehow able to convince the rest of her table it was the way to go. It wasn't until someone finally admitted that she had been knawing for quite some time and her jaw was starting to hurt that they realized they were way off. Once you master the "eating an artichoke" technique, you will never turn back. 

Official Guide to Eating an Artichoke:

Pull off the outer petals one at a time. Dip the base into a sauce or melted butter. Pull through teeth to remove soft, pulpy portion of the petal. Discard the remaining petal. Continue until all petals have been removed and you find yourself at a fork in the road. Confused. Unsure of where to turn next? You've made it, my friends, to the heart. Spoon out the fuzzy center and discard. Cut the tender heart into pieces, dip into your sauce or butter and seriously enjoy. 

Okay. Now that you've got an overview of this great thing we like to eat, back to my perfect Saturday afternoon snack. After preparing the artichoke by running under cold water to wash, cutting off the the top quater and clipping the petals, steam the artichoke by placing it a few inches above boiling water. Using a steam basket is ideal. Cover and and steam 25 to 45 minutes or until a petal near the center pulls off easily. I like to add a garlic clove, lemon slice and a bay leaf to the bowling water for additional flavor. 

Meanwhile, take a stick of butter out of the fridge in order to soften to room temperature. Once softened, crush and mince a garlic clove and add to about three Tbsp of the softened butter for dipping. 

Enjoy with an ice cold refreshing beer. Again, the perfect Saturday afternoon snack.  

New Fav

"BOBO- derived from the melding of 'Bohemian' and 'Bourgeoisie'- refers to a group of people who straddle the creative Bohemian realm and the Bourgeoisie world of economic achievement...this 100-seat restaurant was inspired by European dinner parties, celebrating the shared experience of dining with family and friends in a warm setting.  So that, at 5 o'clock in the morning, your guests haven't even considered leaving." 

Dirty vodka martini, amuse bouche of sweet potato puree on a parmesan cracker, mushroom risotto, wild striped bass with blood orange, endive and parsnip, and the most amazing chocolate souflee I have ever come across. Nuf said. Go tomorrow.

Cookie Cracked

Have I expressed to you my true infatuation for a good cookie? Well in the case that you are unaware, I am a cookie monster. I'm talking a lean mean fighting cookie-craving machine. A cookie maven, a cookie master, a cookie freak. A professional cookie taster. The powerhouse of...okay, you get it. Where did this come from one may ask?? I have to be honest, it's in the genes. I got my dreaded sweet tooth from my mother- it was always in the cards. C'est la vie! How can one pass up a gooey, chunky, decadent, oat-y baked treat at any time of the day? This, of course, is why I created my own version. On the healthier side, my cookies are made with a wholesome blend of flours, oats, unrefined sugars, some with dried fruits and nuts, some with decadent organic chocolate, and they are the perfect size to indulge sans the guilt! Sound too good to be true? Try them for yourself! Check out my latest flavor, Fruit and Nutz, with your morning coffee at Cafe Angelique! 

Fare-well New York...

One of my very best friends is leaving the city...and getting married! We moved here together four years ago from college and have experienced practically every New York moment together.We are going to miss her dearly. This past weekend was her last. What would you do on your final days in this city?!??!  Base them around fine fare, of course! We started Friday evening off at The Bowery Hotel for cocktails and headed down the street to her going away party at the East Village Yacht Club.  Saturday was spent recovering, only to prepare for Sunday's wedding shower with a 5-course high tea at noon at The Inn at Irving Place. This was just divine. We pretended to be grown-ups with champagne upon arrival, tea sandwiches of smoked salmon with dill cream cheese on pumpernickel, goat cheese and sun-dried tomato on 7 grain, smoked turkey and cranberry on brioche and cucumber with mint creme fraiche on brioche. A third course of scones was served with clotted cream and

preserves, followed by a 24-layer crepe cake with fresh berries and assorted cookies and chocolate covered strawberries to finish.  We continued on to Hotel Gansevoort for cocktails on their rooftop only to finish our day at The Spotted Pig for their Pub Ale, Sheep's Ricotta Gnudi with Brown Butter and Sage, Devils on Horseback and burgers. One cannot forget about the Pumpkin Salad with Pecorino and Pinenuts, and a couple of orders of their Brussel Sprouts. Now that's what I call an ultimate Sunday in Manhattan.  Her final fare will be spent at our Nolita sushi spot, Mottsu, tomorrow evening where we have fancied one too many glasses of wine and spicy tuna rolls. Oh, with crunchies please. 

Our dearest Dareth, New York will not be the same with you. You will be missed, but I know that you will just eat up your new life in the BIG D!

EASTER FEAST (for two)

Today could have seemed like a typical New York (almost Spring!!) Sunday...

I walked around my neighborhood basking in the sun (yes, with my coat still on), went to Physique 57 to work out, met my friend Natalie at the Chelsea Market (I of course tasted the Fat Whitch brownie samples on my way in), picked up my friend's dog from Pup Culture...but it's actually Easter Sunday and all I could think about all day was FOOD.  I was anxious to get in the kitchen and cook up a flavorful feast for the holiday. The unfortunate thing was that I had to wait for dinner, so I literally spent my day wasting time trying to get my mind off of the juicy lamb chops that were marinating in my refrigerator. I had gone to my local butcher the day before, who had cut and prepared a rack of lamb for me, and stopped by the bodegas and shops in my hood for the rest of the fresh ingredients for my meal: Mouthwatering herb and garlic grilled lamb chops with roasted brussels sprouts and red potatoes. Homemade chocolate and raspberry sorbet eggs from Cones with crumbled freshly baked biscotti on top from Rocco's. Delightful. 

I used a Giada De Laurentiis recipe for the marinade on my lamb chops. I can always count on Giada!

Giada's Grilled Lamb Chops

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1 Tbls fresh rosemary leaves

1 tsp fresh thyme leaves

Pinch cayenne pepper

Coarse sea salt

2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

8 lamb chops

In a food precessor add garlic, rosemary, thyme, cayenne, and salt. Pulse until combined. Pour in olive oil and pulse into a paste.  Rub the paste on both sides of the lamb chops and let them marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.  When ready to cook,  allow the chops to come to room temperature before cooking. 

Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Potatoes

Extra-virgin olive oil

10 oz brussels sprouts, halved

10 oz red potatoes, quartered

Sprinkle of dried oregano

Sprinkle of dried basil

Sprinkle of fresh thyme

Sprinkle of fresh rosemary

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven at 400 degrees F.  Put parchment paper down in a baking dish. Place vegetables in the baking dish and add the olive oil, herbs, salt and pepper. Toss to coat the vegetables evenly. Add more olive oil if the vegetables seem dry. Place in the oven and bake for 40 minutes. 

In the mean time, heat a grill pan over high heat, add the lamb chops and sear for about 2 minutes.  Flip the chops over and cook for another 3 minutes for medium-rare. 

Chocolate and Raspberry Sorbet Eggs with Crumbled Biscotti

Homemade Chocolate and Raspberry Sorbet

Freshly baked hazelnut biscotti

Place biscotti in plastic bag. Crush with a meat tenderizer. Scoop out sorbet and plate. Sprinkle with biscotti.

Happy Easter!

Luck O' the Japanese?

My unfortunate St. Patty's Day...

After a long incredible wedding weekend with friends and family, I returned to the city late last night only to enter into a bustling Monday back to reality. I found myself wrestling the Saint Patrick's Day parade leaving work uptown, rather than joining in the festivities. With no time for meal preparations for the holiday and a cold that I brought back with me from the weekend, the only green drink I was craving tonight was green tea.  Hey, the Japanese celebrate the Irish! Heck, isn't everyone Irish on March 17th? So I picked up some green seaweed salad from Lobster Place on my way home that perfectly complimented my warm cup of miso soup. I do have to say that it was quite satisfying. And healthful! Perhaps it wasn't so unlucky after all.

Miso Soup

4 ounces vegetable stock

4 ounces yellow miso

2 ounces low-fat firm tofu, diced

2 scallions, sliced

Bring the vegetable stock to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer.  Add miso and stir until heated. Pour into a bowl and add desired amount of tofu and sliced scallions. Serve immediately.