Tuesday, August 28, 2012

C is for colorful

One of the best things about summer here in NYC is the Greenmarket. Local family-owned farms transport their exquisitely organic, sweet, delicious and colorful fruits and veggies all the way down to the big apple for us city folk to partake of. (Amongst other goods such as: homemade pie, cage- free eggs, honeycomb, fresh fish and cheeses... the list goes on.)


There are two Greenmarkets near my apartment that come once a week. Today I found tomatoes, corn, onions, cucumbers, peaches, plums, yellow squash and some peppers for my spic-a-holic husband (who's taste buds are apparently rooted in his Mexican heritage).


Clearly, I got a little produce happy. (See photo) Come on though, what person in their right mind could resist, when the selection is this chromatically beautiful? No special lighting or anything of the like needed to make this beautiful loot look appetizing. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go make me some mean gazpacho.

Monday, August 20, 2012

B is for Beer Brownies

B is for brownies. Specifically, brownies that will rock your world. These little alchohol- infused kickers are so magnificently moist and gooey while simultaneously packing so much salty- sweet flavor that you think your eyes might pop out of your head. Though you can't find these chocolate treasures in any bakery here in the city, you can create them in your very own kitchen- which is part of their beauty. I found the recipe in a Bon Appetit magazine a while back, and have decided it a mortal sin to keep such a key to utter happiness to myself (as much as I'd like to take credit for being the genious that came up with these beauties). So, because I love you, dear reader, here is the link that will lead you into the realms of ultimate joy and pleasure (in the way of your tastebuds):

http://www.bonappetit.com/search/query?query=stout+brownies&qt=dismax&sort=score+desc&allRecipes=true

Readers be warned: this recipe is not for the faint of heart. You can't just go throwing all the ingredients into a bowl and turn on your Kitchenaide. Please respect the brownies. Do what the Bon Appetit gods instuct you to, with precision and care. Also, try not to defile the brownies with crappy ingedients. I like to use Ghirardelli chocolate and extra stout Guiness. Good luck and enjoy!

Thursday, August 16, 2012

A is for Alice's Tea Cup

Ok readers. I have decided that over the next few months I will compile a list of some of my favorite eats in NYC, in the form of the ABCs. Naturally, we'll start with A.




A is for Alice's Tea Cup. I like this place for a few reasons.
First, it is a magical place for kids and adults alike. When you walk in you feel as though you have been transported to Wonderland itself. Everything from the tepid water in your glass, to the traditional English scones, to the five-year old girls dressed as princesses having a tea party at the next table tells you that you aren't in New York anymore. They also have the best eggs benedict I've ever had (aside from my husband's, of course).


Arden enjoying her pumpkin scone
Second, as previously mentioned, they have scones. Not just any scones, mind you, but go- back- three- and- four- times- for- more- on- the- same- day scones. In my opinion, it is their specialty (besides tea, that is). My favorite flavor is the pumpkin spice, any time of year. Coming in at a close second is the lemon blueberry. Be sure to get them with a side of clotted cream and preserves. They may not be the most inventive flavors in the world, but it certainly is curiouser and curiouser how they get those things to be so perfectly moist and flavorful. If I lived nearby to any of their locations, I would have one for every one of my unbirthdays.


Extensive tea selection





The third reason why I like this place so much is the quirky and eccentric gifts that you can find within. I once found some "fairy dust" for my four year old (at the time) niece. I also found a magnet for my mom that says "Make your own damn dinner". You can also find adorable children's books and costumes.
Alice has three locations. One on the Upper West Side at 73rd and Columbus, and two others on the Upper East Side, at 64th and Lexington and 81st and 3rd Ave.


Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Doughnut Plant

I first discovered this place on a food tour a few years ago. I remember that I wasn't really in the mood for a doughnut. I remember trying a bite of one anyways. I remember being delighted at how someone had finally made a doughnut that was inventive and interesting as well as being delicious. Don't get me wrong, a good old fashioned glazed doughnut is great and all, but sometimes it's good to mix things up a little, right?


Doughnut Plant boasts intriguing flavors such as Cashew Orange Blossom, Valrhona Chocolate and Rose Blossom. Other, slighly less complex flavors such as Coconut Creme, Tres Leches and Matcha Green Tea are equally delicious. My favorite is the Creme Brulee. It's a lot of other people's favorite too, apparently, as they usually run out of this flavor mid-day. I suggest making a trip early in the day, so you have the best pickins. There are two locations, one on Grand and Essex in the Lower East Side, and one 23rd between 7th and 8th, in Chelsea. Although the LES location is the original, I prefer the Chelsea location for it's ample space and disco-themed bathroom. These doughnuts really will make you want to do a little dance...


My little foodie with our doughnuts.
Washing her hands post-feast in the psychedelic bathroom.