Those things I could never do without...A Pen?!

So, I came upon this question a few weeks ago when I was on a certain kind of website Ill refrain from mentioning.. (At the moment I don't know if these sites are embarrassing to mention or something everyone and their mama are doing these days). Ill leave it at that.

Anyway, it asks you to list the things you could not live without. I had a hard time narrowing it down to the number they give you, but just quickly decided on a few and wrote them in. When I was done I found myself rethinking my decisions. Not that It this question and where I answered them was a big deal, but were these actually the things that meant the most to me. If I were to be put on a deserted island and only had the choice of a hand full of things I could take with me; what would it be? 

Well today while I was on the train I had a idea that came to mind, something I really wanted to write down. I usually prefer to write versus typing in my phone. That's just me. But my phone was off because it was dying, so I reached in my bag for my journal (which I almost didn't take with me today), Journal- check; but where was the pen? Dammit, I always leave the pen inside my journal? I started to freak.. like literally.
You know how people look when they think they have missplaced their phone. I use that as an example, because it is such an obvious situation. People start freaking out, patting every part of their body, ripping through their bags, grabbing their pockets, rechecking where they just checked. That omg did I just loose my phone panic face, and then the AAhhhh wheww... there it is calmness that sets back over their face when they have located it.
Okay, so that was me over a pen; while I kept saying in my head what I desperately needed to jot down. Yes, if my phone wasn't almost dead it would have been an easy solution and I wouldn't have panicked. But I couldn't find the pen. So I prayed that my phone had enough juice to turn on underground and stay on while I typed out my fascinating idea (not really) in my notes app. Thank gosh it did! But assuming that on this island there is a possibility I wont have good service and would therefor be jacking up my phone bill from roaming.. A phone I don't absolutely need. It's moments like this, when you freak out on a train over something that seems sooo small when you realize what you can't do without. And today,  I realized I soo can't do without a PEN!

Its Been a while | Summertime

It has been a while. Well, I'm back and so is my favorite time of year. Summer!! Yaay. Its taking its time, and being a little unpredictable and well rainy. But, I know it's gonna come out head on and strong when we've almost excepted its crazy unruly ways. Don't get me wrong, the city can be very... uuuhhh dreadful on  those humid 100 degree days walking around in a overly populated land... But that's when you find a secret little, cool, quiet and peaceful place to run off to; for me, its the West side Highway bike/walk path, with a blanket on the grass overlooking the water, jersey and people of course (you can never rid of the people here).

 I always tell people not to leave the city during the summer. You get to experience a completely different element from what you did the rest of the year. And although this winter (for the first time ever) was hardly a winter, and we had quite a few very warm days; Summer time here is like no other.

The people are different, the smell is different, your walk is different. You find new things about the city. Its beautiful. So, now that I'm back. I can't wait to share all my most favorite things I come across throughout the summer. Let's see what it brings me this time.

                          ** I hope this summer brings you all new adventures, exciting opportunities and new clarity about yourself**

NY Summer

Sunday Evening Wine Down

                                    

                                    
It doesn't seem like it, but we are smack dab in the middle of the holiday season. Thanksgiving has passed and now on to Christmas. The holidays usually means tons of energy used on cooking, spending money, decorating, family time, out of town trips, and your usual 9 to 5. Sooo... a Sunday evening Wine down is needed every now and then (or every Sunday if you prefer). This Sunday I am winding down the evening with Trader Joe's totally rad and uber cheap Charles Shaw wine. TJ's Charles Shaw offers about 4 types of red and white wines, all at an unbelievable price of $2.99 each. Perfect for a time of year when you don't no where your money went so fast. This Charles Shaw wine gets the job done. So if you are okay with not having the best of the best or paying $18 bucks or more for a bottle (which you may sip through, lets just say very quickly), try saving a few bucks on a regular not so special night with Charles Shaw. Plus, you wont feel so bad leaving TJ's with 6 or more bottles for no reason at all.  So tonight, if you didn't no about Trader Joe's Charles Shaw, now you do! Wine down (literally) with me next Sunday and let me know what you think. 

Thanksgiving Home Made: Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry Sauce, You Must Try!!

I know its last minute. But this easy and delicious recipe is a must have to go along side your thanksgiving meal this year. I saw an episode on the food network a few years ago, when Bobby Flay visited Norma Jean Harden from Spoonbread in Harlem, where she shared a few of her favorite thanksgiving recipes. I was use to eating that tart jelly-ton like, cylinder shaped,  ruby colored sauce (if you can call it that) out of the can, until I saw this. I have been making this cranberry sauce ever since. Once I whipped it up and tried it along with the rest of my family, I have been making it ever since (kind of forced to make it by the family). I panic every time I think I have lost the recipe. Its simple, easy, delicious, and it beats the canned stuff any day and time. Soo, if you can run out for the ingredients in the morning, I say to make this a new addition to your yearly meal on Thanksgiving. Enjoy... Happy Turkey Day all!!

Ingredients

• 1 pound (4 cups) fresh cranberries
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 whole orange, unpeeled, seeds removed, and chopped fine
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves ( very overpowering; dont use much)
• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• Sprinkle ground cinnamon

Directions

Wash cranberries and set aside.

Bring sugar and water to a boil. Add cranberries, oranges, and cloves. Simmer over a high flame, stirring frequently, until berries pop open. Add crushed pineapple, walnuts, and cinnamon, and blend. Cool and serve.

Sunday Morning Tea

 

Its autumn, even though today is 63 degrees (whats going on?!, but not complaining). And there is nothing like having a stock of, smooth warming tea to wake you up in the morning or put you to sleep at night. Today I sipped on Hibiscus Mango Tea from Spices and Teas. I found Spices and Teas this summer at the Madison Square food market, where they had a influx of spices and teas, everything you could think of. So exciting, for someone who loves to cook and experiment or wrap up on a chilly evening with a pretty cup of aromatic tea. Now they have a new store on Broadway between 97th and 98th street. loose spices and teas to choose from, if your looking for great additions to your spice and tea racks... hmmmm there will be a lot of yumminess going on in the kitchen this winter!

    

Its the Dough: A Brooklyn Thing!

Venturing down to the Brooklyn flea this weekend for the first time, I was excited to find that there were tons of food vendors to sample on while perusing the antiques and handmade goods. The perfect addition to any outdoor event, in my opinion, is food-even a local flea market.  Im always curious to try someone's Homemade recipe or made up concoction of something I haven't quite figured out how to do myself. The food vendors at the flea are the perfect place to experience all things new and delicious in food.  The grounds are full of eclectic foodies open to share their new recipe for a freshly pulled pork sandwich (pulled from the leg right in front of you) or a spicy jarred pickle to a korean style beef jerky.  From Tacos to oysters the food at the flea is enough to make a food lover go cccrazay!

Hibiscus

With my stomach set on a yummy lunch, my body was suddenly over taken by the force of sugar. My heart could feel it was close, and lo and behold out the corner of my right eye, there they were.. huge, fluffy, colorful, sweet looking doughnuts. I am a sucker for sweets; especially homemade desserts. I stepped away, but had a vision that I'd be going back for what looked like greatness. After having a small mexican lunch of pupusas, stuffed with pork, cheese and jalapenos; I headed straight over for my dessert. It looked like a lot to take on as I got closer and closer; but I wanted them. They had been calling my name since I first laid my eyes on them and now it was time. I convinced a friend to share one with me, due to the size; I thought it would make me feel a lot less guilty. We played it safe with our first choice, and went with a classic glazed doughnut. She wasn't very excited about devouring this thing, guilty conscious and all, but we went for it. The glaze wasn't sticky the dough wasn't heavy (even though the doughnut its self was, it was ginourmous as I said before). It was fluffy, but not chewy, sweet but not too sweet, flavorful and just so darn tasty. Walking away with it almost half gone, I knew deep down I would be returning for another one before leaving the flea market. To my surprise, my friend who didn't want it to begin with begged and pleaded to go back.

For the second one, we went with the lemon poppyseed. I am not too big on this flavor most of the time,  but they got this just right.  Just enough lemon to not be overpowering, and with the poppy seed and the glaze it was just perfect. These are luscious, with all the right elements you'd want in a dessert doughnut.  I am not sure which I liked best but my sweet craving was extremely satisfied for the day and maybe for an entire week.

The absolute best part of the 'Dough' experience is that these huge, fluffy, buttery amazing doughnuts will only run you $2 each. Yes thats right, it beats a small cupcake for almost 4 bucks. I'm looking forward to trying the other flavors they offer like Hibiscus, Toasted Coconut, and what they say to be the best seller, the Blood Orange doughnut. But until then; head down, actually run down for a weekend treat to Clinton Hill Brooklyn; off the Bedford-Nostrand stop on the G train, to get these amazing doughnuts at Dough. Yup thats the name, Dough, and oh so fitting isn't it? Your taste buds will love you for it.

Or you can find the Dough vendor stand at the Brooklyn Flea on Saturdays in Fort Green on Layefatte or Sundays in Williamsburg at the East River Park (Kent Ave) between N6 and N 7th street. Enjoy!!

Lemon Poppyseed

German Beer..In Harlem?

Well, if your talking about Bier International, then yes; yes there is German beer in Harlem. Its Harlem's first beer garden and its doing quiet well in it's first year.
Being that I've lived in Harlem for about 5 years now, it's only fitting that we stay on the look out for the true hot spots in the area with delicious food, a cool atmosphere or the best bang for your buck.

  On this particular Saturday evening I took on Central Harlem; with one of my best friend's, which is in the midst of an extremely noticeable face lift in every way. New restaurants, lounges, cafe's, shops and condos are popping up like flowers in the spring. Opening it's doors just a year ago, Bier International, took a big chance in such an upcoming area, as the first beer garden amongst very few eateries and hangout spots in the immediate area; as it planted it's seed on Frederick Douglass Blvd. (8th ave) between 112th and 113th streets. But not surprisingly the folks flocked to this new spot, and seem to still be excited about such a great addition and option in the area.

Its a clean, crisp place with white and taupe walls, but added a rustic and laid back feeling with the wooden tables and benches. Of course the decor and vibe is cool and all, but we really came here to try the food. To see if this will be a place to recommend to others and frequent ourselves. After perusing the menu for a bit of time and taking in the scene we decided to first go with their Thuringr, the veal and pork sausage with spicy mustard and truffle french fries. Well we are in Germany right, so we have to get the sausage; well a German beer garden, but still. The sausage was tasty, but the spicy mustard it came with was a must for every bite for a bit more depth to the flavor. The kicker of the dish for me were the truffle french fries, just delicious. Although its a staple dish for the beer garden, it didnt impress me enough to want to have it again; and you can get the truffle fries as a side order, so I wouldn't be missing out. Our second dish was the Catfish tacos- the winner for the night, hands down. 2 medium size flour tortillas with seasoned chunks of catfish, caramelized onions and peppers with a cream sauce. Now, this was the perfect meal to end the night with. The tacos were flavorful, the veggies were perfectly cooked and crunchy and a refreshing spring salad with a vinaigrette dressing on the side complimented the dish well. So if your into fish, and tacos, go for the Catfish tacos on one of your visits.

The staff this night were very friendly and extremely knowledgable about the dishes and beers they offered. The place was bustling and loud, so be prepared to talk with your outdoor voice, as the noise level gets up there. But with a few of their beers, I'm sure your voice will start to reach a high level on its own, you'll fit right in. A great place to go with friends and with the close tables including long picnic tables that can sit more than one group, its definitely a place to meet new people.

The only bummer is that its cash only- which we didn't find out until we had our cards out and ready to pay. As someone who rarely carries much cash, it would have been great and appropriate to know about that as we were seated. But with that said, Im glad a place like this has entered the Harlem world. Although there is new competition for this first beer garden of Harlem, I think they have found a good routine that will keep them going for a long time. If your looking for a bustling, hotspot, a place to go with friends, watch a game, maybe meet other people, an option to sit outside, chug down a huge beer and eat pretty good food and your in this area; you should definitely try this place.