Archive | October, 2012

A not-so-bad-for-you treat

29 Oct

I like to end my nights with something sweet. (And please don’t tell me to eat fruit—it doesn’t count as dessert if I eat it for breakfast!) I discovered Sheila G’s Brownie Brittle at Fairway and am in love a little bit. With 120 calories and 4 grams of fat per 6-piece serving (and 4 pieces usually suffice because they are that satisfying), it is my of-the-moment snack. Best part is that you won’t have the desire to eat the entire bag! Crunchy and sweet but not overly so, they soften to perfection when lightly dunked in skim milk (which always makes me feel better about my dessert choices—you too?).

Available in three flavors: Chocolate Chip, Traditional Walnut and my fave, Toffee Crunch. YUM.

Find at a store near you.

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I couldn’t be a hater at Anejo Tequileria

26 Oct

Having grown up in San Diego, I get irritated at upscale Mexican food. The quesadillas we ate as kids cost $1.75 at Cotija and they tasted rad. But even when my palate evolved to beachside fish tacos and rolled tacos with a perfect blob of guacamole and a side of tongue-searing, this-can’t-actually-occur-in-nature hot sauce, I never paid more than $5. So I am skeptical when two tiny New York tacos cost $15 and there is nothing else on the plate.

Still, I visited Anejo Tequileria in Hell’s Kitchen the other night and was totally impressed. The food menu is not extensive (the choice is in the tequilas, which I did not get to try), but flavor pairings were unique and seriously enjoyable. The guacamole had pomegranate and pumpkin seed and charred poblano! The salad had sweet chili cashews! The corn cake had Oaxacan cheese and jalapeno! The short rib tacos were braised in cocoa! The pork tacos were really bland so let’s move on! The churros were served with not only chipotle chocolate but also dulce de leche!

All in all, it was a great meal by Top Chef alum Angelo Sosa. Portions are small, so don’t come starving. The flip side to that is you don’t leave stuffed. The vibe is loud and lively; expect the typical New York scene where you’re eating on top of your neighbor but pretending like you don’t mind because you’re at a cool place in pretty much the best city around. Tequila or no, your life will feel pretty good. And so will your stomach. (Your wallet will feel just OK.)

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3 great foreign films you missed when all the hype was about “A Separation”

24 Oct

The 2011 Iranian drama A Separation fully deserved the Oscar it got for best foreign language film, but here are three others that I can’t seem to forget:

Bullhead (Belgium): The performances in this dark, deeply disturbing and testosterone-laden story of a man who endures a childhood trauma and never recovers are fierce, even though the backdrop—the cattle farming industry plagued by gangsters—is kind of weird. The plot can be hard to follow at times (it’s partly based on a real incident that occurred when a government veterinarian inspector was killed), but I found myself thinking about this movie long afterward.

Goodbye First Love (France): I’m a total sucker for young love stories because they make me recall my own innocent and all-consuming experiences from a million years ago. While some people might be bored by the minutiae of the affair (this is a very French film), I was hooked on the young girl’s attempts to finally move past the relationship and grow into a new person. I also secretly hoped the two lovers would find happiness together again.

Tomboy (France): One of the most thought-provoking films of last year is about a 10-year-old girl who identifies as a boy, dressing and acting like one (without her parents’ knowledge) when they move to a new town. The child actors do an amazing job—at times I felt like I was watching a documentary. Anyone who doesn’t “get” the issues surrounding gender identity should see this film; it’s impossible not to empathize with the girl’s confusion and struggle for acceptance.

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Your new workout song

22 Oct

I have a pretty high tolerance for big beats, but if you can’t take Dada Life‘s insane new album in its entirety, at least try the song Boing Clash Boom. I swear it will make you run faster!

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Where to take visitors after the High Line

16 Oct

It’s fall! In the city! It’s awesome! Aaaaand suddenly, everyone wants to come visit. And because you are a fabulous friend/niece/daughter-in-law, you welcome them with open arms and guarantee a great time. At some point you’re sure to end up at the High Line (because “nice view from up there” and “it’s free” and “we can get some exercise.”) But what to do afterward? Continue your hostess duties with these three nearby stops:

1. Shop at STORY (Tenth Ave. at 19th St.). Called a “permanent pop-up” when it first opened, Story is a NYC-themed “retail space that has the point of view of a magazine, changes like a gallery and sells things like a store.” Its rotating themes always have a New York hook; right now the place is showing the work of local fashion designers. The last time I visited I left with a bag full of products made by artisans from the five boroughs.

2. Eat at COOKSHOP (Tenth Ave. at 20th St.). An oldie-but-goodie, the food, space and service here will impress any out-of-towner. Marc Meyer’s American menu features seasonal ingredients, many of which are cooked on a grill, rotisserie or in a wood-burning oven. One more reason to love this place: Before diving into your starters (including brussels sprouts pizza) and mains (local swordfish, spit-roasted sasso chicken, etc.), you can order from the “snacks” portion of the menu: Choose from little delights like spice-fried hominy, a pickle plate and, on a recent night, pulled chicken mini-tostadas. Oh, and if you leave without ordering the coffee cake sundae, your life may be a little more sad. P.S. They take reservations.

3. Drink at THE HALF KING (23rd b/t Tenth and Eleventh). Sure you can go to Biergarten at The Standard, but the scene might be too loud, young and frat-astic for some. As you lead your guests to The Half King, name-drop Sebastian Junger as part owner, then get ready to get comfy in this low-key, cozy pub with a nice beer list. If it’s too crowded, leave your scarf on and head to the intimate backyard garden—have one more $4 beer during happy hour from 5pm-8pm and you won’t even notice the fall chill.

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Drop me off in Harlem

11 Oct

This past week I’ve eaten at two spots in Harlem that totally reminded me why I love living up here.

1. Melba’s. Imagine the southern comfort food of Sylvia’s (Melba is Sylvia’s niece) served in a small, modern and slightly more upscale dining room with better decor (century-old chandeliers, black subway tile, church pews). We went for brunch on a drippy, chilly morning and my irritation at the unpleasant walk dissipated when we stepped into the warm and homey interior. Despite being packed (they take res before noon), Melba’s managed to exude a calmness; instrumental Bob Marley tracks played softly. After a short wait and being served biscuits—never a bad thing—I ordered a basic spinach omelette (zzzz) but my husband tried the signature brunch dish: Southern Fried Chicken and Eggnog Waffles. He said it was one of the best dishes he had EVER had. Based on my bite, it’s no wonder it beat one of Bobby Flay’s in a throwdown. The bill—including one mimosa and a side of grits to honor my late Meme in Birmingham—came to less than $40 with tip! I couldn’t help but think how welcoming and festive this place must feel around the holidays.

2. Chez Lucienne. This cozy French bistro is right next door to Red Rooster. Less of a scene while still being lively,  it’s been ranked as one of the top restaurants in Harlem for the past few years. Even on a random Tuesday it was full of French speakers, both at the bar and at tables. The soupe a l’oignon has just the right amount of salt, topped by a perfect  slice of gruyere—sop up every last drop with thick-cut french bread. Choose from steak au poivre, coq au vin, moules, escargot, and assorted poisson and other treats from la mer. Or hell, just have a delicious-looking kobe beef burger. But no matter what you order, you MUST get the frites. Wines are about $9/glass, and while we didn’t indulge, other people appeared to be enjoying the selection. Or go on a Wednesday when many bottles are half off. In fact, there are a bunch of daily specials that keep your tab from becoming extravagant.

Uptown really is indescribable: the spots, the people, the vibe. Come visit us sometime!

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