Sweet Blog O'Mine

v. 2.0

  • Booze You Can Use: Have a Brooklyn

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    Photo credit: The Hooch Life

    Here in NYC, autumn is creeping in. Every time I think it's here for good, we get some random 80 degree day, but it's definitely on its way. Fall makes me crave stews, roasty meats and veggies, melty cheese and strong, boozy drinks. As many of you know, I do plan (eventually) to relocate to Brooklyn, and not just because of its delicious namesake cocktail. In the meantime, I'll settle for visits and a drink or two.

    Brooklyn
    2 ounces rye whiskey
    1 ounce dry vermouth
    1/4 ounce maraschino liqueur
    1/4 ounce Amer Picon (this may be hard to acquire; you can substitute bitters of your choosing)

    Stir over ice and strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a lemon twist or brandied cherry if you'd like.

  • Best Things I Ate and Drank This Year (or at least six of them)

    Once again, I was a contributor for Time Out New York's 100 Best Dishes and Drinks in New York City.  The stunner on the cover — the chicken dish at the NoMad that I now refer to as the FUCKING CHICKEN — was definitely one of the top hits, but I didn't write about that one, even though it was on the list. I wrote about these:

    I had many more favorites, but they may have to wait until next year. The new list has already started.

  • The Tourist List – East Village/Lower East Side

    Every so often I encounter tourists looking for places to eat/drink while they're in town. I don't have a definitive list, but I wanted to share a list I made last night. This one was for a French couple who is leaving tomorrow. They're staying at an apartment in the East Village and it's their first trip to the U.S. I tried to think of very New York places, modestly priced, that they could walk to from their home base, or places that they might find something they wouldn't find in their native Paris. They also asked me to pick just one from the list that they should go to if they only had time for one. Based on what they told me, I picked Katz's (but told them they should also go to Momofuku Ssam Bar if they could do two).
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  • Ode to a Buttered Roll

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    Sometimes, there is no breakfast more perfect than a simple buttered roll from a street cart or deli. A thin layer of salted butter on a fresh kaiser roll (I prefer mine unseeded) is always familiar and comforting, and in NYC, readily available.  Zero nutritional value whatsoever, but sometimes it just hits the spot.

  • Booze You Can Use: Dipsology


    Logo
    Dipsology, a new website designed to help guide you through the NYC cocktail scene, is throwing their launch party on September 26th from 7-10pm at Real Proof Labs, 169 Mercer Street.  Bartenders from Lantern's Keep, The Beagle & Raines Law Room will be providing the cocktails, which will be accompanied by cheese  from Beecher's, alcohol infused paninis by Salume and boozy cupcakes by Prohibition Bakery.

    Tickets are $65, available online,  and you'll get a discount if you use the discount code sweetblogomine.  See you there!

  • High Holidays

    It's the second day of Rosh Hashanah, although for the first time in years, I really didn't acknowledge the holiday in any way. No brisket, no round challah, no apples and honey, and no services. I still haven't solidified my Yom Kippur plans either. That said, I have been quite introspective, as I tend to get this time of year, reflecting on the past year and changes I'd like to make going forward. No matter how you and your family celebrate, or even if you don't, I wish you all the best for a happy, healthy, and sweet new year.

  • Booze You Can Use: Have Some Whisk(e)y

    Seriously, with the ridiculous week I've had, this is about all I can handle. I'll return to cocktail recipes next week. I'm contemplating busting into the Yamazaki 12 that hangs out in my office for emergencies (it was a gift from a colleague for helping out with some pro bono clients), but too much work to do right now.

    Pour a healthy slug of your favorite bourbon, rye, scotch, or whisk(e)y of your choice into a rocks glass. Add ice or a drop of water if you prefer. Drink heartily.

  • Construction/Destruction

    My building is under construction and will be that way through November 2013, if all goes according to schedule. My apartment windows have been sealed with plastic since the end of April and there is scaffolding covering them as well; what little light I usually get is now practically nonexistent. Moxie has been suffering through more of the construction noise than I have, which is starting to have an impact on her appetite. Yesterday, my dog walker had an emergency and couldn’t make it, so I headed home at about 2 to walk her. As I entered the building, I was informed that a steel beam had crashed through my bedroom window and that there was a crew handling the repair and initial cleanup in my apartment. Long story short, everyone was okay, Moxie was freaked out, and everything was replaced and thoroughly cleaned before I turned in for the night.

    I also learned that, despite the fact that I’ve been dealing with consequences of the construction for months, including some pretty serious jackhammering/drilling on my adjacent wall, that the major demolition/construction on the wall to the other side of me hasn’t even begun yet. That starts tomorrow and will be another three months, the first few days of which will involve major noise.

    Anyone have a nice cottage in the woods or a quiet garden apartment in Brooklyn I can move into for a while?

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  • Of Two Minds

    I'm not ready for summer to be over. I didn't get enough time to wiggle my toes in the sand, didn't get to relax by the lake in Casco, and didn't get to enough cookouts. I'm not ready for sweaters, boots, and scarves. My toes still want to feel the air.

    But . . .

    I am craving fondue, hearty stews, and cozy dinner parties. I want to walk in the woods and crunch leaves and twigs beneath my feet. I want to cuddle in front of a fireplace. I smiled at the brisk air when I stepped out of the door this morning.

    #Indecisive.

  • A Lesson in Goal-Setting

    I set three goals for myself this past weekend, as you may recall. I am proud to report that I achieved them all. Sort of. In lieu of purging the clothes in my dresser, I purged the clothes and shoes in my closet. Will tackle the dresser next. I've learned that in some cases, it's important to set realistic and manageable goals. Bottom line — sometimes achieving even the most modest goals feels great. Especially if there's lobster involved.