tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27054504423982391782012-02-16T09:40:37.132-05:00Really, ridiculously, good eating.Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.comBlogger601100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-89342645588946976092010-07-06T13:32:00.006-04:002010-07-06T13:40:36.061-04:00

Wouldn't you rather be here right now...Now that summer is here, it’s time to get off your couch and get outside. What better way to celebrate the season and experience New York than by having a picnic in Central Park? Whether you prefer to enjoy a feast while taking in Al Pacino performing in The Merchant of Venice or just want to relax in the sweet grass of the Sheeps Meadow on a lazy Sunday

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-59337620463393833982010-06-03T18:06:00.005-04:002010-06-04T10:01:34.703-04:00

Friends, One of the great New York -- neigh, great American -- events of the year is nearly upon us. A gathering of some of the biggest names in barbecue will will ring their rigs around Madison Square Park on June 12-13 for the 2010 Big Apple Barbecue Block Party, where an unprecedented eighteen (18!) BBQ icons will cook until every mouth has been fed and every tummy has been sated. In addition,

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-4778507611301203992010-01-12T14:32:00.004-05:002010-01-12T14:40:33.202-05:00

Want proof? Check out this map created by the fine folks over at Epicurious.Seasonal Ingredients MapIt helps you not only figure out what's currently fresh in your area, but where to get it and what to do with your new purchases.If anyone's reading in Iowa, January is time to give kohlrabi a try...I hope this inspires you to try something, er.....fresh.Enjoy.

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-90188369780787148452009-12-06T23:51:00.008-05:002009-12-09T10:59:52.396-05:00

After our recent trip to Argentina, Tesha and I had some pictures to exchange and debts to settle, so I invited her and her boyfriend Clifford over for dinner this past Sunday night. Tesha is one of my favorite diners, as she is both adventurous and trusting that I probably won’t kill her with my experiments.We started off with a jazzed up version of the Argentine staple, provoleta. Lacking the

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-83382579100009219662009-11-12T10:00:00.009-05:002009-11-18T15:18:07.555-05:00

Saturday evening, I had the pleasure of enjoying a late night snack and drinks at Macondo with a small group of friends.We were enticed by the waitress to try their special drink of the evening, a concoction of whiskey, rioja wine, lemongrass and orange liqueur. However, it wasn’t the elixir itself, which was compelling enough, that prompted our order. It was the delivery method. Say hello to

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-85680564298587913082009-11-03T12:24:00.005-05:002009-11-03T12:30:51.965-05:00

The day I've been waiting for has finally arrived. Costco will open their first Manhattan Store on Thursday, November 12th. Expect long lines, crazy crowds and great deals. The store will be located on East 117th Street, near the FDR.You Can Find Me In the (Warehouse) ClubHooray!

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-17562959189370891492009-10-28T14:00:00.004-04:002009-10-28T14:08:07.946-04:00

It's been way, way, way, way too long.I'm sorry.Now that we've gotten that over with, I have much to share in the coming weeks (assuming someone is still reading this (thanks Mom)).First, a short article detailing how to get the most nutritional value out of the foods you are eating.Try adding some black pepper to this party for both complexity and, apparently, good healthLuckily, the suggestions

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-59816745191548858162009-07-23T23:24:00.014-04:002009-10-05T11:43:05.034-04:00

I made it out to San Francisco last month for a fantastic week long vacation. I stayed with my friends Jeannette and David and spent most of my time eating very, very well. This is the first of two posts discussing the wonderful things I consumed on that trip. This post shows off some of the work that David and I did in the kitchen during my time there.Next time I'll show you what we dined on

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-12280150349529406912009-07-13T23:15:00.002-04:002009-07-16T09:10:30.493-04:00

Eating well isn't my only pastime.I also like to enjoy a frosty beer, a fine wine or a well-crafted cocktail from time to time as well.The one issue I have with buying drinks when out is whether the juice is worth the squeeze.By that I mean, why pay six dollars for a beer when I could have the same exact same brew from the supermarket for less than a dollar a bottle? What reason do I have for

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-8189227968518693702009-06-19T12:41:00.004-04:002009-06-19T13:07:19.519-04:00

City Harvest, a non-profit organization that I am an active volunteer for, is the world's first and New York City's only food rescue program.The organization saves perfectly good food that would otherwise go to waste from restaurants, farmer's markets, grocery stores and trade shows and distributes the bounty to the people who need it most.To run this great organization requires some lubrication

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-4451520891514483932009-06-10T13:41:00.009-04:002009-06-10T14:11:22.003-04:00

For those of you who aren't already planning your weekend around it, let me encourage you to reschedule whatever you thought you were doing and head to the 7th annual Big Apple BBQ Block Party.Due to using up the world's supply of beans on one pot, the Proclamation Stew Crew won't be joining us this yearLast year I did a preview of what was going down, which you can see here. All of those

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-19207617365309823842009-05-15T11:05:00.003-04:002009-05-15T11:09:53.573-04:00

I'm famous. Melody Serafino is bringing value to the masses Fellow frugal New Yorker Melody Serafino pens a valuable blog called Fabulously Frugal. For her weekly Friday profiles of people living according to her site's mantra, she has chosen yours truly.Check it out here.

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-40972757631673289762009-04-27T22:14:00.016-04:002009-05-14T17:20:42.002-04:00

Can you feel it in the air? More importantly, can you smell it?That pungent garlicky aroma? It can only mean one thing.Ramps are back.Tastiest Weeds EverFor those who aren't familiar with these spring delicacies, ramps are wild green onions that grow in eastern North America from north Georgia up through Canada. Prized for their sharp, powerful flavor and come-hither aroma, ramps substitute

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-81501395858522541032009-04-14T14:58:00.004-04:002009-04-14T15:36:17.212-04:00

It's official (seemingly).Costco is coming to Manhattan.According to this article, it will arrive by year's end.Cheapskates rejoice!

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-40701700932786759062009-04-01T13:52:00.005-04:002009-04-09T09:48:51.488-04:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that after witnessing a PETA video last night and then reading the following article, I have decided to become a vegetarian.This blog will now focus only on textured vegetable proteins (TVP) and (more so) on good old fashioned vegetables.I encourage you, dear readers, to do the same.Consider the Lobster - by David Foster Wallace APRIL FOOLS!

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-68173928052054510512009-03-23T21:41:00.002-04:002009-05-12T00:20:35.706-04:00

I first experienced the wonder that is lamb bacon at Resto, a Belgian restaurant in Manhattan. The dish was called Lamb Belly with Snap & English Peas, Tendrils, Leaves, Goat Cheese.From the first bite, I was smitten.Combining the intense, delicious flavor of lamb with the salty, crispy goodness of bacon, the lamb belly was a revelation. I couldn't believe I hadn't experienced this product

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-3371159058450609072009-03-05T18:48:00.004-05:002009-03-05T18:57:06.422-05:00

I won't delay you from clicking on these links any longer than I have to.There are two things you need to know A.S.A.P.1) Big Apple Block Party Fast Passes are now on sale2) Park Avenue Winter, one of my favorite restaurants in the city, is doing this (via Eater):"Attention UES parents, creepy old men, and ladies willing do anything for a free meal. Feast your eyes on this little ol' Dealfeed

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-79701348147564400832009-02-22T15:57:00.003-05:002009-02-22T16:38:07.541-05:00

Your humble host bring news of another fantastic New York event.Last year's Village Voice Choice EatsWhile there are plenty of tastings around the city, usually for the benefit of one charitable organization or another, the great majority of them are incredibly expensive or lack variety. The event I bring to your attention this evening has an extensive, eclectic lineup of some of New York's best

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-90557666005890074322009-02-12T11:58:00.003-05:002009-02-12T12:01:28.482-05:00

Sorry for the late notice, but, if you've got an extra quarter-Benjamin lying around, you can attend what promises to be a pretty fantastic event. See below:Tongue TestThursday, 2/12 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.Food chemistry guru Harold McGee and taste expert Linda Bartoshuk discuss the science behind flavor at this interactive tasting ($25). Attendees will sample various foods, including the

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-40797215509432960552009-01-25T21:58:00.004-05:002009-01-25T22:47:20.302-05:00

Chowhound, a valuable resource for regionally based dining advice has added a new video on demand section with some very interesting and informative shorts.The videos give very specific and valuable bits of advice regarding their chosen topics from people who really know their crafts.That's Mr. Carmellini to you...When I found out that one of my favorite chefs, Andrew Carmellini, was getting in

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-12207849147095492532009-01-11T22:53:00.004-05:002009-01-11T23:06:07.393-05:00

Happy new year!It's been way, way too long and I'm sorry for the delay.  I have plenty of fun things to discuss this year and I'm looking forward to a delicious 2009.To get things started, I thought I'd post this fascinating article from The Onion.Who knew?PEOPLE LIKE FOODThese days it's hard to get people to agree on things. Some people like wearing shorts all the time, but other people think

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-41776754365323765762008-12-11T16:13:00.009-05:002008-12-11T19:51:26.894-05:00

I write to you today to ask for your consideration.No I'm not up for an Academy Award.I'm asking for your consideration of an issue near and dear to my heart. That issue is agricultural policy in the United States. Since Richard Nixon's administration, the United States has been manipulating farming through various incentives provided to both industrial and independent farmers.  While I'm all for

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-78597646321713025452008-12-03T13:15:00.005-05:002008-12-03T13:28:12.378-05:00

You probably shouldn't try it at a restaurant either.A reporter for ABC has embarked on an important journalistic endeavor; to record for future generations a series of eating contest menu items at various restaurants around the country.The pinnacle of human achievementIf you're in the mood for a 50 pound burger (that's 200 1/4 pounders for you non-math folk), a 76 ounce steak with all the

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-8687841985886144362008-11-17T21:35:00.015-05:002008-11-26T11:46:00.185-05:00

After sampling a particularly delicious dish at Momofuku Ssam Bar featuring Benton's Bacon, I decided to see if I couldn't procure some of this superlative swine myself.  I checked out Mr. Allen Benton's website, and ordered myself four pounds of bacon and a pound of "Tennessee Proscuitto."   The man and his hams After a couple of shipping miscues (the UPS guy couldn't figure out what floor my

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-88802860877964446682008-11-13T19:03:00.003-05:002008-11-13T19:17:53.651-05:00

If you haven't noticed, the economy is not doing so well.  One positive outcome of tough times tends to be unusual good deals, both in the stock market and in your super market.  Restaurants have a particularly tough road ahead of them as dining out is one of the easiest forms of discretionary spending to curb.  To curb the curbing, many restaurants in New York are offering great deals to get you

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-90121107602673904142008-11-03T12:14:00.006-05:002008-11-09T21:17:20.073-05:00

To say that I’m a big Trader Joe’s fan would be an enormous understatement.I shop there about twice a week, talk to friends and family about the wonders of their stores even more often and eat something procured from their shelves just about every day.Of all the wonderful items they stock, there is one that I sing the praises of more often and more loudly than any other. That item is pumpkin

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-30162713043875182432008-11-02T22:49:00.002-05:002008-12-05T12:20:25.069-05:00

I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to travel through Europe the summer after I graduated college.I spent a couple weeks with my family in Italy, a month backpacking through London, Brussels, Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Munich, Zurich, Barcelona and Paris with my close friend and his girlfriend and three weeks working at a sleep-away camp near Nantes in France.My campers in NantesAfter the

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-19190046876869579752008-10-28T22:28:00.000-04:002008-12-24T01:13:37.936-05:00

The Five Borough Challenge lived up to it's name, lasting nearly ten hours and taking it's participants on a journey above and below ground, on the water and through all five New York City Boroughs. The quest was to consume a slice of pizza and a beer in each Borough. Here's what happened...As Jerry Garcia once said, the first days are the hardest days. This was certainly the case in the

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-86276217175769058472008-09-26T07:54:00.000-04:002008-10-19T14:22:04.689-04:00

Williamsburg, a neighborhood in Brooklyn, is known for its legendary steakhouse, its large Hasidic Jewish population and most recently, for having the world's highest number of hipsters per square foot.How do you afford your rock n' roll lifestyle?Since October 2004, Billyburg has also been known as a destination for some mighty fine pizza.  Fornino owner and chef Michael Ayoub is obsessive about

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-7971330625903022022008-09-25T07:43:00.004-04:002008-10-19T14:22:04.689-04:00

As we all learned from Prince Akeem, Queens is an incredible place to find a bride.  It also happens to be a borough brimming with fantastic pizza places.With a surfeit of pizza parlors to peruse, we hit the books to do a little research on what place might be the perfect stop on our cheese and sauce fueled journey.  A name that kept coming up over and over as a favorite of locals and critics

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-27634896000002733332008-09-24T07:51:00.004-04:002008-09-24T08:02:47.900-04:00

The Bronx - Louie and Ernie'sGuest post by TurkelWith many of the city's largest Italian neighborhoods, it should comeas no surprise that the Bronx offers some of the city's best pizza.Strangely, a simple Google search for "Bronx Pizza" generally featureshit results for a pizzeria located in San Diego, California.  Nodisrespect to this restaurant, but I think one of the goals of ourchallenge is

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-86092706039534518642008-09-23T07:54:00.006-04:002009-05-14T17:42:04.806-04:00

Manhattan - Patsy's PizzaThere may not be a restaurant with a more storied and controversial history than Patsy's Pizza. Pasquale “Patsy” Lancieri learned the art of pizza-making at America's first pizzeria, Lombardi’s. In 1933, Patsy ventured out on his own and created his eponymous restaurant in East Harlem. The pizzeria gained legendary status over the years for creating classic New York

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-1864198060147233462008-09-21T23:41:00.005-04:002008-09-22T00:00:29.012-04:00

Staten Island - Goodfella's PizzaGuest Post by TurkelStaten Island isn't exactly known as a beacon of culinary eminence. Aglance at Zagat's 2008 restaurant guide reveals that only sixrestaurants in the borough had food ratings of twenty-two or higher.Indeed, with Manhattan boasting many of the world's finest diningestablishments, it would appear to be an unlikely restaurantdestination for

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-9143398582431665082008-09-17T21:46:00.004-04:002008-09-24T07:51:03.695-04:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, The day is nearly upon us.   For years, people have said it couldn't be done.   Sunday, September 28th, 2008 years after the birth of Jesus Christ, come join us for a day of indulgence as we attempt to eat a slice of pizza and drink a pint of beer in all five boroughs..... in one day.   We will meet under the large STATEN ISLAND FERRY sign at the entrance to (you guessed

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-12995279568689386042008-09-16T22:55:00.006-04:002008-09-16T23:01:57.481-04:00

For my second installment of the Iron Chef challenges, I was asked by Tesha to compose a meal that featured mushrooms in every dish.I didn't always like eating mushrooms (in fact I avoided them like the plague until about six years ago), but I have grown to become a fungi fanatic, so I was very much looking forward to this meal.  I knew one of the dishes that I would make, but the others would be

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-49991040698441291572008-09-16T12:38:00.004-04:002008-09-16T12:45:22.997-04:00

Just because the summer is over doesn't mean that you have to get down about the disappearing heirloom tomatoes and fresh corn. There's a lot to look forward to come fall, as evidenced by this article listing ten foods that will be at their respective peaks in the coming weeks. Get ready for Kabocha....Ten Foods to Eat This Fall Kabocha. Not just fun to say...

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-29251497982449753762008-09-03T18:19:00.017-04:002008-09-03T18:53:17.571-04:00

While this is primarily a food blog, from time to time, I will let you know about things that are so important that I just can't help myself from telling everyone I know (and those I don't). . Here's an example.... What if I told you that there was something incredibly simple that you could do that would accomplish the following:. 1) Make sure you never miss an article on your favorite website (

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-13811302793407059532008-08-21T13:11:00.007-04:002008-09-03T18:46:27.412-04:00

I've been known to say that peaches are my favorite fruit. I'm not talking about canned peaches, which are serviceable, at best. I'm talking about the fresh version, the type that has no idea what light syrup is.For a few weeks each summer, these ripe treats are available at the greenmarket in peak condition. I'll eat them whole, sliced, grilled or any other way you can think of. Anytime in July

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-71948151832388274412008-08-09T13:16:00.011-04:002008-08-18T14:31:57.940-04:00

Dear reader,Your fearless leader has returned safe and sound (though incredibly exhausted) from a rollicking jaunt through Barcelona, Pamplona, Madrid, Porto, Lisbon, Marrakech, Fes, Santorini, Mykonos, and Athens.As you would expect, I had many a good meal on my journey. Here's a list of the top ten things I ate while on my journey.#10 - Crema Catalana - Bilbao-Berria - BarcelonaA creamy, sweet

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-28705620526949286802008-07-09T14:01:00.002-04:002008-07-09T14:04:11.843-04:00

Dear readers,Sorry that I have been lax in my postings.I have a pretty good reason though. I´m in Europe with little access to a computer. There will be much posting and merriment upon my return later this month.Until then,Smith

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-16446303024218658762008-06-21T12:11:00.006-04:002008-06-22T16:16:51.275-04:00

For those of ya'll who have neither the time nor discipline to make your way over to the Javits Center and enjoy one of the coolest events ever, there is an alternative form of food enlightenment available on the same weekend.The UnFancy Food Show was created in 2007 as an alternative for people who are more interested in local, artisanal products than the majority of those available at the Fancy

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-52779091019215733332008-06-14T19:35:00.013-04:002008-06-16T13:52:33.760-04:00

Of all the posts that I have made on this blog, I hope that this one will have the most actual influence on my readers. I implore you to read on, and follow my simple advice to markedly improve your life the last weekend of June 2008. The Gateway to GluttonyFor three days every year, the Jacob Javits Center on Manhattan's west side hosts the New York Fancy Food Show (FFS). The FFS is a forum for

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-50493965051912599722008-06-11T13:39:00.005-04:002008-06-16T14:35:49.082-04:00

Though I'm sad to report that some of my 10 favorite deals have ended or changed (related articles have been updated), I am reassured by the fact that many great lunch deals still exist. Here is a good sampling of lunch deals at some of New York's finest:By STEVE CUOZZO, New York PostJune 11, 2008 --ANTHOS, 36 W. 52nd St.; 212-582-6900. Its three-course, $28 lunch option is remarkable at a

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-807278497986402512008-06-07T10:07:00.002-04:002008-06-07T10:12:39.584-04:00

For some unknown reason, going to baseball games makes me ravenous.  The Baseball Food PyramidEvidently, I'm not the only one.  Here's a fun map of the best and worst foods available at each major league ball park.  Enjoy.http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2008/06/08/travel/20080608_BALLPARK_GRAPHIC.html

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-91534194490654779042008-06-04T16:54:00.007-04:002008-06-06T12:52:32.253-04:00

My favorite weekend of the year, the Big Apple BBQ Block Party, is upon us.With over a dozen different BBQ joints offering their wares this year, navigating the meaty landscape may require a guide.I hereby humbly offer myself, if you choose to read on.Our format will be as follows: I am dismissing all of the New York City restaurants in attendance. They are all too easy to try at any other time (

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-30438326368287095822008-06-02T23:57:00.025-04:002008-12-05T12:21:00.393-05:00

It’s been said that necessity is the mother of invention.Nowhere is that statement truer than in the kitchen. How else could you explain the fact that humans eat (and even love) strange animal parts such as tripe, sweetbreads, foie gras, rocky mountain oysters and the like? Or that they’ve consumed horrible smelling fruit like durian?I suppose that some of these culinary oddities might have been

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-11117173986089546442008-06-02T14:06:00.012-04:002008-06-03T09:07:52.274-04:00

Last night, I ripped into a ripe lemon. It tasted of delicious lemonade.I tore into a tart lime. It tasted of Rose's Sweetened Lime Juice.I scarfed down a fist full of goat cheese. It tasted like cheesecake.I chugged a shot of Frank's Red Hot Sauce. It tasted like spicy fruit glaze.Why was I eating these foods? And, more importantly, why did I perceive their taste differently? The answer is

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-13953125747448996432008-05-30T12:25:00.008-04:002008-06-05T17:03:11.561-04:00

9) Shun Lee Palace - $24.07 for three coursesI have been a huge fan of Chinese food since my first trip to the Great Wall Restaurant for my very first birthday party. I was placed in my high chair and given a bowl of rice to eat, as my palate wasn’t yet ready for the likes of moo goo gai pan.I must have not appreciated the beauty of white rice yet (i.e. it’s great when you want to eat 2000 of

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-53123464683762958862008-05-22T15:39:00.016-04:002008-06-03T00:14:14.281-04:00

My little brother (who at 6”6, 250 lbs is actually not so little) was in town this weekend. Being a food lover runs in the family, so I tried to show him both a good time and a few of the vittles that make New York City justifiably famous.In trying to feed him a little of everything he "needed" to try in his 48 hours in the city, we ate everything in our path, which isn’t surprising since we set

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-88600647190232482032008-05-13T22:55:00.015-04:002008-05-14T18:20:44.947-04:00

7) $28 Prix Fixe Lunch at Jean GeorgesOne of the great features of New York's dining scene is that a lot of difficulties that arise in sampling the city's best places simply go away when you choose to eat lunch rather than dinner at these places. Table availability, service and most importantly price tend to improve if you are willing to eat earlier in the day.Many famous restaurants have prix

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-90743618196518546872008-05-09T13:26:00.013-04:002008-06-14T19:23:32.358-04:00

5) The Secret Lunch Take-out Menu at Pamplona Created as a "courtesy to the neighborhood" (though they don't exactly check ID's), this New York Times two star restaurant is serving up Sandwiches ($5.95), Salads (Price varies depending on ingredients) and Soups ($3.95) that are far better than your standard deli fare. Sandwiches may include Roast Chicken and Avocado, Grilled Steak and Manchego

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-11170973139966252072008-05-04T13:45:00.014-04:002008-06-14T19:22:53.754-04:00

3) $1.75 Slices at Naples 45To someone who knows nothing about Manhattan real estate, Naples 45 would be a baffling establishment. If you sit in the dining room and consume their personal 10-inch pizza, it will cost you approximately $16. If you buy the same pizza, but have it delivered, it will run you $7.50-$10. If you purchase the pizza acreage equivalent of said pie (2 large slices) at

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-44419311531442146932008-04-28T12:11:00.016-04:002008-05-15T08:15:40.362-04:00

To the naked eye, Manhattan is an expensive place.To the Gucci sunglass shaded eye, not so much, perhaps.Finding a great deal in Manhattan is a wonderful but strange phenomena. You immediately want to tell everyone who will listen, but with the way word of mouth spreads in this town, one is justifiably worried that it will become too popular (i.e. Shake Shack, Sake Bar Hagi) and you’ll only be

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-80781317782811693642008-04-21T12:20:00.023-04:002008-06-06T12:52:02.216-04:00

The past two years I have had the privilege of attending one of the most enjoyable (and delectable) festivals in existence. The Big Apple BBQ Block Party is an event organized by uber-successful restaurateur Danny Meyer that invites the best barbecue restaurants in the country to bring their smoking rigs up to Madison Square Park in New York City to cater an informal gorge-fest. The event has

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-58119823037908854312008-04-17T12:43:00.006-04:002008-04-23T17:41:21.507-04:00

A few years ago there was a public service announcement that was played on my college radio station several times a day. This PSA was meant to drum up support for programs that feed the homeless. The premise of the ad was that there are thousands of families who can only afford bacon fat on toast for dinner. How awful, I remember thinking. Images of dirty jars of rendered bacon fat spread on

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-64117676320179406852008-04-09T16:33:00.012-04:002008-04-10T14:34:11.698-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, my friend Tesha challenged me to make her a meal that was a) composed of dishes unlike any she had eaten and b) spicy enough to challenge her Thai palate.Last night, I made my attempt to satisfy her cravings.First up was a salad composed of grilled, then chilled watermelon spears, warm, crispy Niman Ranch bacon, diced sweet red bellpepper and paper thin slices of serrano

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-11220186533877940002008-04-07T23:11:00.009-04:002008-04-09T19:28:35.121-04:00

When I was eight years old, I consumed thirty-two McRib sandwiches in the month of March.  To put that in perspective, I weighed 94 pounds at the time.  As a McRib weighs approximately a pound with all the fixin's, in one month I basically ate a third of my weight in McRibs.  You could say I was a big fan.The (rib flavored) apple of my eye.Thankfully for my cardiovascular system, the McRib

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-71663980713741079652008-04-03T21:34:00.009-04:002008-04-09T19:28:35.122-04:00

The Philly Taco could be considered either a triumph of American ingenuity, or everything that is wrong with society, depending on your perspective.    What exactly is a Philly Taco you ask?    Invented by a group of college students from the University of Pennsylvania, whom I’m proud to call my friends, this monstrosity is a Philly cheesesteak wrapped inside of a slice of pizza.  Yes, the whole

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-88414401399022135862008-04-03T13:50:00.003-04:002008-04-03T22:17:47.027-04:00

A handy guide to the bounty of the season. Eat fresh.http://media.timeoutnewyork.com/static_content/downloads/653/653.afreshstart.pdf

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2705450442398239178.post-6134003013217920432008-04-02T23:22:00.003-04:002008-04-03T22:10:46.650-04:00

I love to eat.  I think about food constantly.  During meals I watch television shows about food or read grocery store ads.  I spend hours a day researching restaurants, green markets, specialty food stores and recipes.  I genuinely love grocery shopping, cooking and discussing all things food.  I used to own and run my own catering company.  You might say I'm obsessed.  I plan to write this blog

Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14455746135805441449noreply@blogger.com0