The Farm, The Sea and The Big City

Aquavit, Herring, Bouillabaisse and Stone Fruits

2011/09/24 § 5 Comments

Dear Friends – I know it’s been a while.

And I’ve missed you all.

But I’ve been unspeakably busy (in a really good way) and owe you many, many posts. I still have leftover summer stories though fall has crept in slowly.

A friend posted a photo of an aquavit bottle which reminded me of one of my last summer dining adventure here in New York. I had several errands in midtown east and was quite starved when I found myself in front of Aquavit. And since I haven’t been there in years, I decided to pop in for lunch.

You will love the restaurant if you are into mid-century everything. Look at the beautiful Arne Jacobsen Swan sofa set here.

And the Swan and Egg chairs. And barstools.

Under the long, undulating, wood ceiling.

Even the plates, charger and cutlery are mid-century.

Here is what I had for lunch -

Assorted bread

with butter sitting on volcanic stone…

Matjes Herring

with pickled beets, red onion, egg, sour cream

Scandinavian Bouillabaisse

with cod, mussels, root vegetables, parsley aioli

(which I truly adored!)

Macerated Stone Fruits

vanilla panna cotta, long pepper ice cream, chocolate muesli

And although I did not have aquavit this time…I love looking at their display of housemade ones with the most delightful flavors – anise, carraway and fennel, cucumber, horseradish, lemon and juniper, mango, lime and chili pepper, grapefruit, fig and cardammon, linie, and more.

Mmmmm….a great excuse to go back. When the fall nights get chilly.

Though my days are absolutely rosy.

Hope yours are too!

xxx

Casa Mono…again and again…

2011/08/20 § 4 Comments

I think that I shall never tire of this Catalunyan Boqueria - inspired restaurant…

xxx

Shrimp

with Guindillas Vascas

Whole Sepia ala Plancha

with Salsa Verde

Ensalada Mono

with Manchego

Crispy Belly

with Sweet Corn and Blueberries

Crema Catalana

con Bunuelos

Cafe Cortado

Somehow….

I keep coming back to you, Casa Mono.

xxx

Madison Square Park and its Skyline

2011/08/10 § 2 Comments

When I think of Madison Square Park, I think Shake Shack (and its super long lines). And nothing more.

I never tarried long enough to see just what a beautiful park it is and what a wonderful area it is in.

(Until this summer)

The park itself is tiny but restful and has interesting spaces…

A small circular reflecting pool with chairs and tables around it…somewhat reminding me of the big one at the Jardin de Tuilleries. An enclosed playground for kids with water-spewing spirals. Many benches under tall, leafy trees lining circular paths. A small, black, tiered fountain…

A white sandy area used by yoga devotees every afternoon.

An oval lawn with rotating artwork such as Jaume Plensa’s Echo - a 44′ tall sculpture depicting a young girl’s face in a state of silence and reverie.

Conveying so much tranquility and peace amidst the din and swell of summer crowds…

And while standing in the middle of the Park, one sees the architectural wonders around it which makes this small area in the middle of the city my new favorite summer hangout.

The New York Life building with it’s pyramidal, golden crown.

The Flatiron building.

TheMetropolitan Life building with its 700-foot four faced marble clock.

The Empire State building.

And we haven’t even talked about the many wonderful coffee, beer and fine dining places surrounding the park which has taken much of my time and contributed to my penury.

Next post, I promise.

xxx

Cafe Sabarsky

2011/08/02 § 4 Comments

My other favorite cafe in New York City.

Viennese. Old world and elegant.

Cozy booths by the large windows. Dappled sunlight streaming in. White marble-topped tables and black bentwood chairs. White-apronned waiters in black ties. Buffet table laden with cakes and pastries. Lacy paper doilies. Fireplace. Grand crystal chandelier.

Klimt Torte – hazelnut cake layered with bittersweet chocolate

Oh beautiful Vienna, you are on my mind.

xxx

Chelsea Market

2011/07/25 § 4 Comments

Walking is my favorite activity in New York.

But not in the midst of a heatwave like we have now. Where I melt in a puddle of sweat before I even reach the end of the block.

This is when I, who don’t like malls, actually long for one. To find shops and eateries under one air-conditioned roof is a godsend on days like these. So thank heavens for Chelsea Market (which isn’t really a mall but will do for my purposes). It used to be the old Nabisco factory and this now enclosed urban retail arcade has retained many wonderful architectural features such as…

…exposed old bricks and pipes, vintage clocks, lamps and ceiling fans, corrugated iron sheets…

…water wells and the like – that I absolutely adore!

The market is a long, winding alley of shops selling local and organic produce, fresh seafood, gourmet items, baskets, plants and flowers. Plus tiny outposts of some of the city’s best deli, brunch and sandwich places….

My good friend and I feasted on lobsters, oysters, salmon sandwiches, lemonades, eldelflower bubblies…

…and gelato – before braving the searing heat outside.

So glad New York has Chelsea Market!

xxx

NYC Summer: Little Italy Street Fair

2011/07/22 § 2 Comments

Many, many weeks ago (when it wasn’t this ridiculously hot yet), we chanced upon a lovely street fair in Little Italy.

But it just had to be when we were whiling time waiting for the restaurant we reserved in (that we’ve been dying to go to) to start seating. We dared not try any of the delectable street food at the risk of ruining our four (make that six) course dinner.

So J played shoot-the-hoop instead. And we came sooooo close to winning a giant stuffed wolf! Then we tried our hand at dice. With no better luck. But in consolation, we were given a Winnie-the-Pooh toy. Yay!