the perfect bite

As I was eating my Greek Salad today (chopped Romaine lettuce, grape tomatoes, olives, feta drizzled with Olive Oil, a dash of Vinegar, some Lemon Pepper and anchovies- which was a last minute decision/bad idea because now I feel sick), I noticed how i was piling on the ingredients onto my fork: two leaves of lettuce, a grape tomato, feta and a green or black olive which makes it "The Perfect Bite".

I first heard this term in The Mirror Has Two Faces when Barbara Streisand is explaining to Jeff Bridges how she makes the perfect bite. Something must be said for this scene to stick with me after 13 years, not even remembering what the movie was about. It has also stuck with my mom and to this day we joke about making "the perfect bite."
Lucky for us, we have Google and the ability to search and find quotes:

     Rose: You're not eating.
     Gregory: No, I'm watching your ritual. I just about got your sequence now.
     You start by rotating the plate counterclockwise ...
     ...cut on the diagonal ... remove unwanted elements ...
     And now comes my favourite part: The loading of the fork.
     It's fascinating, the percentages you use of different vegetables, -
     Rose: -to create that one harmoniously-balanced, perfect bite.

Apparently a lot of people do it, including my friend Jared- whom I got a late lunch with at my favorite Vietnamese restaurant, Thái So'n. I got my usual... Bun Cha Gio Thit Nuong (Spring Rolls & Grilled Pork W. Lettuce On Rice Vermicelli) which was delicious, but Jared got the dish I had thought about trying and chickened out. He ordered the Pho Xe Lua (Combination Extra Big Bowl. Rice Noodles Beef Soup Six Differences Brisket, Navel, Frank, Omosa Tendon & Eye of Round.)

I watched in awe as he tore mint into his bowl, ladled soup with his spoon, added some beef, noodles, and topped it off with some drops of Sriracha and Hoisin Sauce. He repeated this step making each one the Perfect Bite. We discussed it a little further; I agreed with him that any dish with more than 3 ingredients had to be eaten in that way for the full tasting experience.

Here, Jared uses a Big Spoon
I would also like to add how amazing/annoying the service was this time around. I've been going to Thái So'n since High School and introduced friends and family to this restaurant because the food is good, cheap and the service usually speedy/attentive. There used to be a waiter who had a crush on me, and whenever I dined there, he would stare at me and try to talk to me. (You may think I am really full of myself, but I have witnesses; the rest of the table noticed how blatant he was about it too.) Unfortunately he no longer works there, though I did get many 'hellos' as I was waiting for Jared outside. But I digress. Once he arrived, they seated us immediately, as it was only half-full at 3:45pm.

About 45 seconds passed and a man brought us over some tea and asked if we were ready to order. Jared asked for some water and I said we needed some more time as we had JUST sat down. I don't think our menus were even open at that point. I kid you not, in the following 2 minutes, two more waiters came up to us with a pad and pen asking if we knew what we wanted. It was kind of ridiculous; because like I mentioned, it's not like they had to rush us out of there to seat more people. Also, Jared's soup came out about 5 minutes after he ordered. Mine took a little longer but it was still impressive to say the least.

Big Daddy's Diner / City Crab & Seafood Company

The first time I heard about City Crab & Seafood Company was during my Sophomore year of college when a friend of mine was a hostess/waitress there. However, I always thought it was too 'upscale' for a poor college student like myself and never thought to dine there.
Flash forward a couple of years... I went to their neighbor's restaurant, Big Daddy's Diner (& incidentally another place my friend waitressed) with Stephen during Senior year and revisited a couple of times this past summer with my friend James. We signed up for their "Insiders Club" since they promise a free meal on your birthday. Because of this, we ended up on their mailing list. I took advantage of some of their deals, like when they had "Hot Dog Week" to celebrate the namesake's 124th birthday. James and I went there to claim the "Buy one, get one free" special. We both ordered "The Texas Tommy" which is a hot dog covered in melted cheddar cheese, bacon and spicy ketchup, with tater tots on the side.

It was a disaster. Don't get me wrong, the service was great, as was the first bite of the hot dog, but it all went downhill after the second and third. I get heartburn just recalling it. We didn't even finish our dinner but were so full after that meal; stumbling out of the restaurant, not knowing we'd still feel the effects a day or two after. Lesson learned... be wary of fancy souped-up hot dogs; stay classic and simple with Gray's Papaya or the backyard grill. But if you are going to load up, a la Los Angeles' "Pink's Hot Dogs", go easy on the toppings. (Just kidding. If you ever get to visit Pink's, I recommend the Martha Stewart: 10" Stretch Dog, relish, onions, bacon, chopped tomatoes, sauerkraut & sour cream... I'll spare you the photo)

Now, getting back on topic, I used to receive an email from Big Daddy's once a week or so, but I suppose things are getting a little rough financially because in the past two months they have been informing me of a promotion every few days. In addition to their specials, they have teamed up with City Crab who has also been sending me an emails. My mom and I decided to take them up on their Buy 1 Entree, Get 1 Free for a Weekend Brunch.

We went on a Saturday morning. City Crab has a very calming sophisticated atmosphere (unlike Big Daddy's which is bright, flashy, youthful and fun); a two-man jazz band played on the floor (see first photo) and we were seated upstairs even though it was basically empty downstairs. Nevertheless, we were happy. It was a beautiful day and who doesn't love Brunch? I decided on Eggs DelMarVa (Eggs Benedict but with crab cakes instead of Canadian bacon) and my mom got the Chef's Omelette (lobster, spinach and manchego cheese). Made very well; my eggs were poached perfectly, huge chunks of crab in every bite... but it was really fishy and I was hungover from the night before.
Another lesson learned: Never consume seafood to nurse a tequila and whiskey hangover.

All in all, a pleasant experience. If you live in Manhattan, please visit either or both of these establishments. They are vastly different in styles, ambiance and food but still quality service and eatin'. Plus, they are practically giving away food.

Katz's Deli

Living in New York City your whole life, people might expect you to be well-seasoned in various things including the subway system, best places for shopping/food/nightlife and assume you've visited various landmarks in the city.

While I can give subway directions and tell you where to shop, there are still a few places I have yet to visit in NYC (that I really want to)... The Statue of Liberty, The Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum, Nobu, and Katz's Delicatessen.


Three weeks ago, I finally stepped foot inside Katz's Deli- you know, where the famous scene in When Harry Met Sally was filmed? I met up with Stephen and his friends, Dorian, Travis and Pinbo. However, I had just come from dinner and couldn't dream of ordering something off their menu, as delicious, albeit intimidating, as it all looked. I actually arrived just as the guys were finishing their meals, but Stephen and Dorian decided to split another. Impressive to say the least. It was also a feat because this was one of the first times Steph decided to eat meat again. He had been a vegetarian for awhile now and I've always secretly wanted to convert him back to being a carnivore omnivore.

But I still have yet to sink my teeth into a $15 6" tall sandwich and sample their pickles... so if you want to take me out, I will be MORE than happy to join you :)


top photo: Dorian showing the goods. bottom photo: Stephen takes a bite out of his half of the Reuben(?) sandwich

P.S. - Max Brenner's

While we're on the topic of Chocolate, let me post this warming beverage.

If you've never been to Max Brenner's - Chocolate by the Bald Man, please for the love of all things delicious, go and treat yourself to a warm hug mug of hot chocolate. Seriously, these little handleless mugs are adorable. This one has little cocoa puffs in it, giving it depth, texture and whimsy-- the guys I was with were very amused by it. (Thanks to Bril for introducing me to this concoction)

The wait may be long and it is not cheap, but it is so worth it.

The first time I got to go to Max Brenner's was last year for my birthday. My friend, James O., treated me lunch. After perusing the novel they call a menu, I ordered crêpes and they were completely satiating and filling.

A note to novices though: Unless you are okay with having a sugar arrest, please order one chocolate item per meal.
You will thank me.

Meet Me at the Bar

The chocolate bar, that is.

I am a sucker for really good chocolate. While I won't object to a Hershey's kiss, let's get real here... It would be like saying give me a US-made Cadbury bar over a British-made Cadbury. There is a noticeable difference and don't let anyone tell you otherwise!

My cocoa bean-to-bar of choice is Green & Blacks. In my opinion, it's a couple of steps above Ghiradelli, and a few below Sharffen-Berger or Cote d'Or. I first came across this delight in a Sainsbury's or Tesco's in London. I had never seen one before and thought it was a specialty to the United Kingdon. However, to my surprise and delight upon arriving back in the states, I see these beauts in my local store (Fairway, to be exact). While I haven't found the bar I cherished so dearly across the pond (Dark Chocolate with Almond), I took kindly to Green & Black's Milk Chocolate with Almonds as a substitute. I may even like it more than Godiva.

Actually, I've been more a milk chocolate girl lately after two decades of loving the semi-sweet. They do say your taste buds change every seven years, so it is possible I am going through chocolate puberty.

But I really didn't write this post to rave about G&B's, though you should check out their site and find your "perfect match". I am apparently "Ginger" (blech!) and my perfect match is Dark 85% with an apt description so maybe I do like a little bitter taste after all...

"You are Ginger
You’re full of crazy zest yet you’re down-to-earth. You would wear your best shoes even when you walk to work every day. Your friends find your outlook refreshing. A bit quirky but always charming nonetheless. Your mantra: "Ruin a pair of shoes, save the earth.

Your match: Dark 85%
Is your match intense, perhaps an artist or writer? This person definitely has a deep, dark side but is also incredibly irresistible and a great partner. He or she always looks chic and elegant. Your match appreciates inner beauty and loves discovering the hidden intellectual. Mantra: "Green never goes out of style."

Okay, so the real inspiration behind this post is the chocolate bar Lela got me for my birthday. She said Mast Brothers was one of her favorites. They are local Chocolatiers hailing from Williamsburg, Brooklyn. They are living the dream... my dream.




After admiring the packaging for so long, I finally decided to break into it. I felt like Charlie Bucket opening the chocolate bar he got for his birthday... running my fingers over the wrapper feeling the grain and texture of the paper, slowly unfolding the corner, anticipating the treat underneath the foil...and finding a glint of gold.
Well I share with you my unveiling:



Aside from the apparent cat hair found on the chocolate that can be seen in one of the photos (ah, Brooklyn!), I must say this is a mighty fine chocolate bar. Like almonds or bacon, the Fleur de Sel ("flower of salt") adds a lovely touch and balance to the chocolate. Also, who doesn't like to say "Fleur de Sel"??

My first Mast Brothers bar was a success and I seriously only ate what I broke off (see picture 1) as it is very rich. I will trek to Billyburg to try other flavors.

Birthday Dessert Surprises

I am SO spoiled
I was treated to various desserts upon turning 24 years old; the first from Saela on my actual birthday:
A month or two ago, we had discussed French Macarons (not to be confused with the chocolate covered coconut macaroon), debating where the best place to get them was. She surprised me with a box of six varied macarons (pistachio, caramel fudge, passion fruit, cassis coconut, strawberry and something else i can't remember) from Madeleine's on my birthday and I relished in them with pure delight. They are light, but chewy and just one of the most perfect little desserts on Earth. Plus they package their pastries in a really cute box.

My second surprise came from Tom. He found a place called Financier and got me two different mini chocolate cakes; a chocolate caramel mousse and a chocolate fudge-like cake with hazelnut creme (?) in the center (pictured). The latter was so smooth. Unlike regular cake, I savored each bite making sure nothing was left on the fork. I wanted to save this to share, but it was impossible to not eat the entire dessert.

This gift was threefold... it was an apology for "forgetting" my birthday, but a birthday gift nonetheless, and it was also a nice pick-me-up at 1am... which is when I was stuck in the edit room working.

I love my friends.




I call the stack of macarons a "big mac"... har har

Greek Stuffed Peppers

These are the stuffed peppers that I love to rave about and love to make even more.

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Fairly easy, and pretty healthy, plus easy to edit.
These are 'Greek' in that they use Feta cheese, but make yours 'Italian' by using Mozzarella, or Vegetarian by omitting the beef and adding more veggies, or make yours 'Aunt Kathy' and omit the cheese altogether.

The recipe:

* 1 pound lean ground beef
* 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and
squeezed dry
* 1 medium zucchini, coarsely grated (about 2 cups)
* 1 small onion, minced (about 1 cup)
* 1/2 cup bulghur
* 1 egg, lightly beaten
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* Freshly ground black pepper
* 3 red bell peppers, halved lengthwise, cores and ribs removed
* 2 (14 1/2-ounce) cans low-sodium stewed tomatoes, finely chopped
* 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large bowl combine the beef, spinach, zucchini, onion, bulghur,
egg, oregano, salt and a few grinds of pepper. Mix until thoroughly
combined.

Arrange the pepper halves cut side up in a 9 by 13-inch baking dish
and fill each pepper half with the meat mixture. Pour the tomatoes
over the peppers and sprinkle with the feta cheese. Cover with foil
and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake until the meat mixture is
completely cooked and the peppers are tender, about 25 minutes longer.


Enjoy!!

source

Wise Words of Homer J Simpson

Lisa "Dad, come in the kitchen, quick!"
Homer: "Is there any other way to enter a kitchen?"

-Season 20, Episode 13

Warm Brie and Honey

L'oeuf! It's bean a long thyme since I've posted.

Incredibly CORN-y, I know, but in all seriousness... I've just been super busy lazy.

But as the economy keeps plummeting, I will keep finding ways to keep things cheap- even if that means eating spaghetti for a couple of days in a row (which is what I made this past week).

Yesterday I went on a little cheese shopping spree at Zabar's. They have some pretty good deals if you have the patience or smarts to shop there during low-peak-but-crammed-with-little-old-ladies-and-i-mean-OLD-ladies hours.

My newest addiction? Warm brie and Honey Sandwich. Take a baguette, drizzle honey on the insides, pop it in the toaster oven, cut 1/4" slices of brie (I bought a wedge for .99!) and place on one side of the baguette slices. Leave in there til the brie gets to a gooey consistency, and voila, easy peasy sandwich that is fancy, but cheap.

I also got a large container of Feta on sale, so I'll probably be making those stuffed peppers I love or Greek salads next week. Stay tuned.