8.31.2007

LUCKY TO BE AT LUCALI


Last night we were lucky enough to hit our new neighborhood favorite, Lucali. We smelled like we ate our way through a garlic patch on the way out, but we still considered ourselves quite lucky.

We'd tried a couple times recently to stop in, but the wait had been prohibitive. Lucky for us, we had a 20 minute wait last night and the waitress was kind enough to uncork the wine so we could have a glass on the front bench while we waited.

As you're probably well aware by now, Lucali doesn't have a menu. Just pizza with a couple topping options. Last night we went with garlic and pepperoni. Delicious. We didn't plan to eat the whole thing, but that reality quickly became apparent when the last slice was sitting there all by itself.

Following dinner, we were treated to some of the most amazing grapes I'd ever consumed. Delicious concord grapes that were filled with the most amazing, seedy, jellied fruit I'd ever tasted. Amazing. Totally.

8.29.2007

A DANG QUESADILLA


I think we might have run through a couple options when we were emailing menus to each other today, but Napoleon's grandma won out in the end - we made some dang quesadillas. There was talk of soups and pork tenderloin, but I don't know ... this just felt right.

I worked late, but I made it to the seafood store right before it closed and was able to pick up some salmon fillets ... so we were ready to roll when I rolled up on Verandah.

Tonight our little fire kissed treats had:
- salmon fillet (with salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper)
- jalapeño
- smoked mozzarella
- brandy wine heirloom tomato
- roasted bell peppers
- field greens
- red onion
- chipotle salsa
- sour cream
- flour tortilla

I thought this would be fine (I mean, seriously ... it's a quesadilla, they're aways good, right?), but it exceeded expectations. Considerably. It was actually really, really good. The creamy, rich salmon complemented the spicy jalapeño and chipotle flavors. And the chipotle with the smoked mozzarella gave the whole thing a wonderfully smoky flavor throughout. Oh boy. This one was yummy. There's even an extra for tomorrow's lunch! I'm excited already!

8.28.2007

BISTRO TUESDAY




I'm not actually sure why we decided to hit Bar Tabac last night, but while we were riding home on the train, our plans to hit the fish market disintegrated. So no good reason other than it just felt like a good idea.

And it was. Bar Tabac, despite its subtle air of pretension, really is pretty down to earth. There is something about those outdoor tables that feels a little off putting at first (and this is probably just me), but once you're there, those concerns gradually melt away. And we had a nice outdoor table last night that allowed us to ease into the evening while watching the neighborhood slowly pass by.

Anyway, the food was solid. Not great, but solid. We started with the scallop special:
- endive, bleu cheese, walnuts and citrus with seared scallops

Following the opener, Meena had:
- shell steak and peppercorn sauce with greens and fries

Alec had:
- late night bar tabac burger with cheddar, mixed greens and fries

Everything was good. Meena's steak was a little too much (I was actually surprised she ordered it ... but sometimes she just goes out on a limb). My burger was good. I'm not sure why I ordered it, but it was good. It really was a night of odd choices. But I think it worked out. We went home quite full and very happy.

ALL GOOD IN THE HOOD




Oh, Bocca Lupo, I love you. Let me count the ways. Your delicious little bites of heaven served so close to my home make me one of the happiest residents of Cobble Hill. You're only a block from my house and your tables look like the ones I want to have at my wedding. I think I really do love you Bocca Lupo.

Meena and I got home late last night and cooking didn't feel right. Instead, we opted for a Bocca Lupo love fest. We started with:
- bresaola w/ pepperonata & arugula pesto bruschetta
- mushroom fricassee & marscapone bruschetta

And worked our way into:
- veal & porcini meat balls

Our "main" course was one of the delicious panini's:
- sweet sausage, broccoli rabe, mushrooms & taleggi

We even had wine and the place was STILL cheap. Terribly cheap. And so delicious.

I think this is probably going to be one of the most frequently posted spots in the new hood. Just warning you. The nice thing is that they have so many fun options that I can keep it fresh. Something about this place makes me want to get something new every time I go.

8.26.2007

A PEDESTRIAN 300



Once again, the big number came out of left field. I really had planned on doing something a bit more elaborate for my 300th post, but as I've shown the world on previous anniversaries, I'm not as sentimental as I thought.

Tonight, we got started with something truly worth celebrating - an heirloom tomato salad:
- brandy wine heirloom tomato
- smoked mozzarella
- salt
- olive oil

It was about $11 for four tomatoes yesterday, but I don't care. They were worth every penny. I would have paid a lot more.

We went totally old school with the main course - CHICKEN FINGERS!
- panko
- egg
- salt
- cayenne pepper
- black sesame
- garlic powder
- chicken breast
- olive oil
- milk

We poured out a little Jim Beam barbecue sauce and whipped up a little honey mustard. Delicious. We're watching football and Meena commented that these oven-baked goods will likely become a Sunday staple when we get into the thick of the season. She's right. Very, very, very right.

FROM MEENA WITH LOVE


While I was workin' on the ol' blog this morning (made a few layout tweaks), Meena got the kitchen heated up with some of our leftovers from last night's meal. She's a crafty one in the kitchen.

Her little open faced egg sandwich included:
- peasant bread
- bruschetta
- field greens
- char burger
- black prince heirloom tomato
- egg
- salt
- black pepper
- sambal oelek
- milk
- garlic powder
- worchestershire sauce

Talk about a great way to get the day started. It was totally filling but not over the top. The eggs were fluffy and perfectly spiced. And all the goodness of those heirloom tomatoes really shined through.

CHAR BROILED






I didn't realize this until just now, but last night was the first time we'd had anyone over for a proper dinner here. So it makes sense that our first guests were Dan and Steve!

We started off with a little antipasto plate:
- prosciutto
- salami
- olives
- st. andre cheese
- artichoke and lemon pesto
- baguette

And we gradually added a little bruschetta
- brandy wine heirloom tomato
- garlic
- red onion
- olive oil
- salt
- black pepper

For the main course, we did an arctic char burger:
- char fillets
- jalapeño
- garlic
- worchestershire sauce
- anchovy
- soy sauce
- olive oil
- black sesame seeds
- egg
- panko

I forgot about some English muffins toasting under the broiler and they came out black. Sad. But I had a couple more for Dan and Steve and Meena and I had ours on some toasted peasant bread. I topped each burger off with some black prince heirloom tomato, field greens, stone ground mustard and Heinz ketchup.

Meena contributed a wonderful salad to the affair:
- watermelon
- feta
- sweet onion
- salt

She claimed there was too much feta, but I'm not sure that's a problem I'll ever have. There can never be too much feta. It was delicious.

We also had a bit of Mulderbosch chenin blanc at the beginning of the evening. I'd always wanted to try it, but it's always expensive. We found it for considerably less at Smith and Vine, so I thought I'd give it a try. Not bad. Not the best ever. But not bad.

At the end of the meal, Dan came through with one massive home run. He whipped up a little dessert that was simply the best.
- cassis
- champagne
- low-fat vanilla frozen yogurt
- blackberries

Excellent start to entertaining on Verandah!

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS BRUNCH






After a great night in the West Village with Matt, James and Diana, we decided to take a stroll up to Brooklyn Heights for some brunch and farmer's market shopping. I was technically on call because we had a shoot going on (and the band showed 2 hours late), so there were plenty of phone calls in the midst of our meandering, but change of scenery (albeit slight) was enjoyable.

Brooklyn Heights is odd. It's technically really nice and pretty, but for some reason, I never want to eat anywhere over there. We'd heard positive reviews on Lantern, though, so we ducked in for some brunch.

Meena had:
- beef pad thai

Alec had:
- beef prik king

Although you can't really call our food "brunch," we did really enjoy it. Well, I don't know. Meena's came out looking like a pad thai omelet (delightful). So I guess we were close. Anyway, the food was very nice and the people great.

After brunch, we hit the Borough Hall farmer's market. They had tons of great heirloom tomatoes, watermelon, etc. Awesome.

8.25.2007

I LOVE MY LIFE




I was working late on what's probably my last real summer Friday, so Meena was kind and ran out to Stinky Brooklyn for some delicious appetizers to ease me into the weekend.

Our little spread was spectacular and included:
- baguette
- assorted olives
- artichoke and lemon pesto spread
- salami
- brie of some sort

Wonderful. We had a couple glasses of white wine and very quickly all was well with the world again.

We needed something a little more substantial, so Cube 63 became the next destination.

Meena had:
- volcano roll
- barcelona roll

Alec had:
- miso
- scallop special (seared scallop with dried spicy scallop on top)
- salmon and avocado roll

Meena wasn't a fan of the Spanish number. It had seared beef on top (odd) but I enjoyed it. Quite throughly.

The scallop special was insane. It was just lightly seared so it really tasted like a spicy pillow made of butter. Amazing.

After dinner we went into the city for drinks on a roof in the West Village. Matty Chaymez was the music director of his sister's birthday so he asked if wanted to come by and partake. We did (THANKS, MATT!). As did James and D and it was wonderful. I wish I had a photo or two. The view was great. And there was plenty of wine!

8.24.2007

WELCOME TO MY SANDWICH


This week has been a real bummer on the work front. We've both been working incredibly late and it has been highly annoying.

But last night I was determined to make something for dinner. I was sick of eating out and just needed to assemble something, even if it was super simple. Fortunately, we found time to run by Pacific Green on the way back from the train to pick up some staples.

So sandwiches it was:
- prosciutto
- field greens
- marinara
- fresh mozzarella
- roasted red and yellow peppers (from a jar ... sorry!)
- peasant bread

After a few minutes on the skillet, these suckers were golden and crispy.

I also threw together a quick salad:
- field greens
- goat cheese
- roasted red and yellow peppers
- salt
- black pepper

Meena threw a few salt and vinegar potato chips on the plate and we had a meal. Now let's do this Friday thing and ease into the weekend. Pleeeeeeeaaaaase!

8.23.2007

LIFE PRESERVER


Last night Meena ended up working later than I've known her to work in a long time. I had to go to a party on the LES that Rolling Stone/Men's Journal were throwing together for Jose Cuervo. So when we both made it back to Brooklyn, cooking just wasn't in the cards.

Meena was completely run down, so I suggested Lobo - the one thing that's sure to put her back on track. She happily agreed.

After a margarita a piece, Meena ordered:
- edwin's enchiladas (chicken with verde sauce)

Alec had a slight variation on his usual:
- pork soft tacos

I normally order the chicken tacos and while they are very good, the pork was a lot better. I definitely have a new regular. Meena housed her enchiladas and I think it put her in a much better place.

Nothing like a little Mexican to get you back to where you ought to be.

NOTE: Meena's isn't pictured. Thing won't load! Sorry!

8.22.2007

IT'S COLD, YOU NEED A PIZZETTA





For reasons unknown, we've hit a cold spell in August. It's in the 50's again and slightly rainy. So basically, it's pretty gross.

After another long day at the office, Meena put in a request for some more pizzettas. I couldn't argue. Pizzettas sounded perfect.

So here's last night's break down:

Option 1: The Pinwheel
- prosciutto
- fresh mozzarella
- red onion
- basil
- marinara

Option 2: Napoletana
- red onion
- fresh mozzarella
- red pepper flakes
- anchovy
- marinara

Option 3: Hearts of Fire
- fresh mozzarella
- artichoke
- anchovy
- marinara
- red pepper flakes

Option 4: The Big Smooth
- goat cheese
- prosciutto
- marinara
- black pepper
- garlic powder
- red onion

I think we liked everything but the "Hearts of Fire" option. The artichokes I bought just suck. And they made it watery.

But the other three were delicious. With a glass of red wine, I can't think of anything more perfect for a cold, rainy Tuesday night in Brooklyn.

8.21.2007

APPS AND INDIAN




After fighting the urge to just stay in bed all week, we were able to get ourselves out of bed and to the office Monday. I'm not sure how, but we did.

Following the office grind, we both went out to see Dan in Park Slope because Steve was out with some friends. Like the champ he is, Dan made us a delicious tapas spread that featured delights such as pepper jack, dill havarti, crackers, hummus and tomato. Bravo, Dan. Bravo.

After the apps, we just decided that the cold, rainy day called for a little Indian delivery. When it's cold outside, nothing is better than a little hot curry, right?

Dan suggested Amin and we called it in. Dan and Meena both had:
- chicken tika masala

Alec had:
- lamb vindaloo

While it wasn't Baluchi's, it certainly wasn't chopped liver. My vindaloo was hot and tender with just a hint of sweetness. Their masala was rich and comforting.

Now we just need to find OUR local Indian delivery. Stay tuned.

8.20.2007

BACK HOME AGAIN


After a lively drive home from Narrowsburg Sunday night, we rolled up on Verandah Place around 8:30 pretty hungry for some dinner. And at that point, cooking just didn't feel like a very appetizing option.

Enter Joya. We'd never tried the neighborhood "favorite" but with a dwindling delivery deadline and grumbling tummies, we just said "what the hey" and gave dudes a call.

Meena had:
- chicken pad thai (sorta spicy)

Alec had:
- chicken pad thai (really spicy)

Not bad, Joya. Not bad at all. Mine was quite peanut-ey and spicy as promised. I think I even ate all of it. Which is mildly gross. But it was necessary!

CLEANING OUT THE FRIDGE




One final lunch looking out at the river before we had to split for the city again. We really tried to clear out the fridge for this one, so don't judge on the mishmash. Please.

Our sandwich featured:
- whole wheat bread
- turkey
- cucumber
- brown mustard
- lettuce
- american cheese

We also had a smattering of chips, watermelon and chocolate on our plates. We needed energy for the drive home, right?

I also used up the cucumbers an onion in a little salad:
- cucumber
- red onion
- salt
- black pepper
- olive oil
- red wine vinegar
- celery salt

Goodbye, Narrowsburg!

FEASTING FIRST THING







Ah, breakfast. The most important meal of the day. The fuel to get you going.

Or in our case, the most decadent, beautiful spread that's been assembled before 10:00 a.m. in the history of the world.

That's a little grandiose. It was really good, though. The thing that really put it over the top was simply eating outside with friends on the banks of the Delaware at Larissa's house.

Our setup was pretty great and it began with some pancakes Meena and I flipped up. We used some natural, organic mix from the store. Not sure what it was called but it made a decent flapjack.

Diana threw together some strawberries with sugar and vanilla and it was the perfect accompaniment. I don't typically like sweet stuff in the morning, but I made and exception and it was totally worth it.

We also had some of those delightful eggs from River Brook Farm. Outstanding, beautiful misshapen eggs. It's wonderful when you open up the carton and there are a few sizes and varied colors. They're real eggs from the chickens I saw running around the farm. Excellent. So our little scramble featured:
- eggs
- red onion
- heirloom tomato
- salt
- black pepper

We had a little of the bruschetta mix left over so we spooned the remnants of that over the top, too. Not bad!

The River Brook Farm also had a "breakfast sausage" that we threw in the basket the previous morning. Where I come from, breakfast sausage is typically small, but these were like breakfast bratwurst, honestly. Totally delicious. Excellent, really. Just HUGE!

I think the only thing left to mention was the egg we scrambled for James with a little American cheese. Not only did he eat it, he enjoyed it he later told us. Now that's success. James eating eggs? Amazing.

8.19.2007

ICING ON THE CAKE






After a day of lazily floating down the Delaware and sleeping in gently swaying hammocks, the only thing that really felt right was creating a wonderful feast and having a couple bottles of wine in the back yard. Fortunately, we didn't have anything else to do so that's exactly what we did.

I believe I got things started with a nice little bruschetta featuring an assortment of goodies from the farm:
- heirloom tomato
- garlic
- red onion
- white pepper
- olive oil
- sea salt
- red wine vinegar
- grilled whole-wheat bread

Next up was the bane of my existence - potatoes. We made the mistake of not covering these things and they ended up wrecking the fire and never actually achieved complete cooking status. It was a mess. They were good once we ate them, but hardly worth the effort. Next time ... salad.

Once we got the fire back up to speed after the potato incident, we threw on some delicious burgers and cooked the crap out of them. They were nice and well done and completely covered in slices of American cheese. I'd normally like my burger medium, but for some reason, these were just fine well done. No clue. But I'm cool with it.

We also had a couple hot dogs that proved to be one of the better things we consumed. Sabrett's hot dogs were the key. Honestly, they're some of the best dogs I've ever tasted. With some mustard and ketchup ... nothing is finer.

So after watermelon, hamburgers and hot dogs, you're asking yourself, "what else could they possibly consume?" Well, we have the answer - smores.

That's right. It was like being 12 all over again. Amazing graham cracker, chocolate and marshmallow? Over a nice, big open fire? I mean seriously, this is the life.

Perfect eveing.

NARROW MINDED LUNCH










When we woke up on Saturday morning, it was cold, friends. Way cold. I'm talking in the 50s. Which isn't normally that bad. But when you're on vacation and all you have is shorts and some T's ... it's a little concerning.

So first thing, we decided to go hunt for food and our quest lead us to River Brook Farm. Amazing people, fantastic produce, delicious meat and eggs. You couldn't ask for more. I threw in a couple photos of the actual market and its products, but check out that shot of the farm's grounds. Beautiful greens and blues. Just the way it should be.

For everything we couldn't get at the farm, we found at Peck's Market in town. Town is a relative term here. It's almost not even a town it's so small. But Peck's had some of the crap we needed - chips, beer, etc.

Diana started the sandwich assembly when we got back (although that's James in the photo ... just to clarify):
- turkey
- lettuce
- tomato (from the vines behind Larissa's house!!!!)
- apple
- mustard
- baguette
- american cheese

Of course, we had some chips, too.

Also, James doesn't drink, but he calls his lifeblood (crystal light) beer. So I thought it would be funny to put my beer next to his beer and take a photo. So ... there you go.

I mean … it just doesn’t get better.