Tuna Pasta Salad

I think of pasta salad the same way I do of fried rice; a way to get rid of random leftovers in your refrigerator.  After making a ginormous pot of chicken noodle soup (also a great way to make full use of a chicken carcass), I had some leftover vegetables and cooked pasta.  Normally, I … Continue reading

Oceana, NYC

Oceana Executive Chef: Ben Pollinger Executive Pastry Chef: Jansen Chan Cuisine: Seafood, American Nouveau Neighborhood: Midtown West Price: $50 per person for food (excluding drinks) I had never been to the original Michelin-starred Oceana restaurant located on East 54th Street, but from what I have heard, it was a sophisticated old-school restaurant dedicated to crafting … Continue reading

Chinese Mabo Tofu

Mabo Tofu (or Mapo Doufu) is a popular Chinese dish that originated from the Szechuan province.  The dish consists of tofu set in a spicy chili and bean-based sauce that is mixed with minced meat, usually pork or beef.  The original Szechuan recipe is made to be powerfully spicy, although in America, the dish’s heat … Continue reading

Brussels Sprouts with Mushrooms

It is unfortunate Brussels sprouts have such a stigma in popular culture; I grew up thinking “Brussels sprouts” were synonymous with “ew stinky” as that is what everyone would say while wrinkling their noses.  And by “everyone” I really mean characters from television shows.  Due to this misguided train of thought, I had never tasted … Continue reading

Stuzzicheria, NYC

Stuzzicheria Executive Chef: Paul Di Bari Chef: Mike Franzetti Cuisine: Italian Neighborhood: TriBeCa Price: $25-30 per person for food + wine Phone: (212) 219-4037 Address: 305 Church St, NYC 10013 Hours: Mon-Sun 12 pm – 4 pm / Mon-Sat 5:30 pm – 11 pm / Sun 5 pm – 11 pm Happy Hour daily 5 … Continue reading

Chinese Corn Soup

I received this super simple recipe from my friend Susie (who had also introduced me to Shrimp Scampi pasta).  Whenever I was at her house and we wanted something quick, she would whip up this delicious corn soup.  I had never actually known this soup was considered “Chinese” as I had never tried it in … Continue reading

Insalata Caprese

Simple and refreshing salad!  We also like to make mini caprese salads using cherry tomatoes and bocconcini (the smaller fresh mozzarella balls).  You can stick them together with toothpicks and it is a great appetizer to bring to parties! Insalata Caprese Ingredients: 4 Roma tomatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick 1 lb fresh mozarella, sliced 1/4 … Continue reading

Sammy’s Roumanian Steak House, NYC

Sammy’s Roumanian Steak House Cuisine: Jewish, Steakhouse Neighborhood: Lower East Side Price: $45 fixe prix dinner (family style) +$3.95 cover charge for Friday and Saturday nights + the necessary bottles of vodka encased in blocks of ice ($99.95 Ketel One, $129.95 Grey Goose) = $125 per person if you are going all out “Sammy’s Way” … Continue reading

Beignets from Cafe Du Monde

When I visited New Orleans for the first time, I brought back a delicious souvenir — beignet mix from Cafe Du Monde! The Original Cafe Du Monde Coffee Stand was established in 1862 in the New Orleans French Market. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When my friends and I … Continue reading

Peanut Butter and Banana French Toast

If you’re looking for a little bit more than just plain french toast, try it with peanut butter and banana! This simple dish is delicious and so easy that children can pitch in to help make breakfast. Peanut Butter and Banana French Toast Yields: 1 sandwich Ingredients: 2 eggs 1 dash vanilla extract 1 dash … Continue reading