Sweet Blog O'Mine

Author: Laren

  • What’s Cookin’?

    My CSA is still going strong and I'm still doing my best to cook as often as I can (using as much of my CSA produce as I can) while balancing work, a social life, and everything else. In the past two weeks I've made:

    plus salads. I've been bringing lunch to work and eating well at home. I've got a few weeks left, so I hope I can keep it up! Although I'm tired at the end of a day at work, I find it relaxing to prepare dinner as I wind down, and the end results are always worth it.

     

     

  • Blast from the Past — A Night with Joan Jett

    I was lucky enough to go see Joan Jett earlier this week at a small venue in NYC. One of my favorite songs of the night (in addition to her rendition of "Everyday People") was this one:

  • Eating and Drinking NYC’s Best

    Once again it's time for Time Out New York's 100 Best Dishes and Drinks. I wrote a handful of the blurbs, including one in the top ten. Go check them out — both in the magazine and in person. Also, while you're at it, take a gander at my latest in Wine Enthusiast Magazine on coffee cocktails.

  • Booze You Can Use: Have a Real Fucking Martini

    I fully credit T.J. Lynch of Mother's Ruin for this moniker, but this is my take on what a real fucking martini should be. Drink one — you deserve it.

    A Real Fucking Martini

    2 oz gin (for this, I like Nolet's Silver)
    1 oz Dolin Blanc Vermouth
    3 dashes Regan's Orange Bitters

    Combine ingredients in a mixing glass. Add cracked ice and stir. Strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a lemon twist, if desired.

  • Stuck in My Head

  • Weekend Wrapup

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    Highlights of the weekend: visiting Nathan's Art of the Brick exhibit followed by margaritas and snacks at Añejo and setting sail with Bowmore on the Clipper City followed by a tasting and nibbles at the always wonderful Dead Rabbit. Many thanks to Brian and Scott for joining me!

  • A Change Would Do You Good*

    Columbia
    As you may know, I've got a new job, which I started a week ago.  One of the many things this means is the opportunity to explore a new neighborhood.  Almost every day since I started, I have been able to stroll around a bit during lunchtime and take mental notes of restaurants and stores in the new 'hood. Extra bonus — there's a greenmarket there every Thursday. Any suggestions for the Morningside Heights/Columbia area, bring 'em on!

    * In the words of Sheryl Crow

  • Bird is the Word

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    Most often, when I make a roast chicken, I use the Zuni Cafe recipe, which I adore. This past week, I had chicken that was roasted according to Thomas Keller's technique (pictured above). It was also delicious. Now I'm wondering which one is better. Until I get to do a taste test closer in time, I turn to you, dear readers. Any preference?

  • Before and After

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  • Le Grand Purge

    Earlier this summer I had grand plans to get rid of all kinds of stuff in my apartment. I've lived here for over a decade, and when you don't have the impetus of a move, it's a bit of a challenge to go through your belongings with a critical eye and get rid of the things that you don't need or use. I'm in the process of some big changes and so, although I'm a bit behind schedule, I've set aside some time to start purging. I've set aside a particular section of the apartment for each day (living room, bathroom, bedroom, etc.) and have started to get to work. For example, in my bathroom, not only did I go through my cabinets and throw out a ton of stuff, but I cleaned the inside of my medicine cabinet, light fixtures, and every nook and cranny I could reach. In my bedroom I went through the storage bins under my bed, set aside clothes for donation, and cleaned out my jewelry box in addition to basic dusting, cleaning, vacuuming and mopping. Today I've tackled stacks of magazines and paper in the living room and am moving on to my office. The goal is to make room for new energy — not new stuff — and get rid of old, dead weight. Wish me luck.