Thursday, September 27, 2007

Grand Openings::

Now Open: Blue Marble in Boerum Hill420 Atlantic Avenue, between Bond and Nevins Streets, 718-858-1100"When Cobble Hillbilly Alexis Miesen couldn’t find a decent local scoop, she paired with friend Jennifer Dundas to open this ice-cream parlor. Look for eco-friendly details like biodegradable cups and utensils, with socially conscious flavors—like mint fair-trade-chocolate chip—to match." [Time Out New York]

Now Open: Viva in Red Hook116A Sullivan St., near Van Brunt St."It's at the same location as the much missed Huipil. It bills itself as Tex Mex food but seemed a lot more authentic than your self-styled Tex Mex joint. Anyway, a similar vibe as Huipil, laid back but friendly service. We had flautas de pollo and enchiladas de suiza. Both great. Well portioned, fresh, homey. Best of all, our menus advertised a free margarita with any entree, so we each had an unexpected and very delicious margarita for lunch today." [Chowhound]

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Sunday, September 9, 2007

Eating My Way Thru the Sunday Blues


Now Playing: Alicia Keys- "No One"
"And above all... Think Chocolate!" - Betty Crocker

I think I literally ate my way thru the city today, although I can't say it was the first time. My friend and I were up early and went to have lattes and donuts at Dunkin' Donuts, an American staple with surprisingly good coffee and donuts I wish I could eat for days without consequence. Then we went over to the Red Hook ballfields and made the usual rounds of tacos, empanadas (recipe below, seems to be the same ingredients as those at the vendors) and pupusas before needing a nap to handle the food coma we had imposed on ourselves. We then went into the city for chips, salsa/guacamole, and $5 happy hour margaritas at Miracle Grill (a great West Village treat). To top off the night and in yet another effort to thwart an appetite for dinner, we made a pitstop at the Chocolate Bar. I picked up a cherry, coconut, dark chocolate bon bon and he got a PB&J dark chocolate one. I have never been to this store but it was super cute, they had adorable chocolate bars (banana milk, salty pretzel, smores, etc) and a ton of special treats like peanut butter and chocolate dipped rice krispie treats.

Empanadas de Carne

Ingredients

  • 12 - 15 lb empanada shells
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2-3 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tbsp oregano
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 cup green olives, chopped
  • 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
  • 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped
  • salt and white pepper to taste
  • walter
  • sugar
  • butter

Instructions

Defrost the empanada shells.

Heat the oil and sautee the onion until golden. Add the garlic and sautee for a couple of minutes. Add the ground beef and brown. Drain off the fat. Add the spices and cook until the meat is done. Add the olives, raisin and egg, mix well.

Scoop the meat mixture (about a tablespoon worth) onto the shell. Fold the shell, forming a semi-circle. Close the empanada by passing a fork though its open edge, merging both sides of the shell.

Brush the tops of the empanadas with a bit of water or milk. Sprinkle with sugar. Bake in oven at 400 F. until golden.

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On the Road- Los Angeles

Now Playing: Rilo Kiley- "Breakin Up" (on repeat)

I have fallen down on the blogging recently but decided to post on a quick jaunt to LA a week back. And New York, I have to say, you win! Nothing compares to the foodie culture of this city. We hit up Gelateria, a gelato diner that oddly serves some of the yummiest pasta with sweet tomato marinara. They also have massive pieces of lemon coconut and red velvet cake that you can't pass up. The following night we made reservations at a hot spot restaurant in Culver City called Fraiche but unfortunately, I have to give it a major thumbs down. We had to wait 45 minutes past our reservations without even an apology and the food was nothing but okay. A complete C-. But in an effort to save the best for last, we stood in a 15 minutes line for Sprinkles cupcakes in Beverly Hills and this was worth the wait. We got a lemon coconut and chai latte cupcake and mulled a second trip for a strawberry one. They have a great variety. Scrumptious!

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