Traveling for Great Meals

My husband and I took off on Sunday for a much needed (and twice postponed) three night get-away. This time we managed to actually make it to our destination but we were called back after two nights - our daughter was sick, again...Nothing serious, but important that we make it back early.

Regardless of the disappointment at cutting our trip short, we had a wonderful time -we did exactly what we set out to do...relax and reconnect. We went to West Dover, VT. and stayed at a truly terrific inn - The Deerhill Inn. (http://www.deerhillinn.com/) It was so beautiful and truly lived up to our expectations. We stayed in the Garden Suite - a two bedroom, one bathroom, space with a fireplace, a couch and cozy chairs and an over-sized whirlpool tub fit for two. The view of Mt. Snow (where I learned to ski, incidentally!) was unreal. We arrived after a quick four hour drive and relaxed with a complimentary bottle of champagne and Lake Champlain chocolates, as well as a lovely basket of water, fruit, and homemade cookies. Soon we were both refreshed and ready for dinner.

The innkeepers, Stan and Michael, were warm and accommodating. We enjoyed talking to them both and Michael is the Inn's chef. His creations were delicious. Sunday night we stumbled back to our room a little giddy with too much wine and very full.

Michael baked rolls that were so perfect I had to eat more than one. We started with a rabbit and pistachio terrine followed by our appetizers. I had an olive oil braised artichoke heart served with fresh tomato and mozzarella - it was delicious. My husband ate a crab cake that was so delicate and fresh we could barely believe it was actually crab! Then we each had a simple salad that we raved about - and my husband doesn't often rave about salad! It was Boston Bibb lettuce with shavings of Pecorino Romano, pieces of Ricotta Salata and pignoli nuts served with sea salt, fresh lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil. Ohh man!

Next I had a breast of veal that was so unreal - but I could not eat the whole thing...I thought I was going to pop! My husband had lamb that was equally as delicious.

The next morning we were served breakfast in bed (when was the last time you did that???) The homemade muffins were perfect and still warm when we got them! I snagged the only chocolate chip one in the basket.

We explored the area, enjoyed lunch at a local sandwich shop in Manchester Village and then made our way back toward Brattleboro to scope out the Grafton Cheese Shop (http://www.graftonvillagecheese.com). We watched them make cheddar from the viewing windows and we purchased gifts and cheese, of course! I'm anxious to eat it all tomorrow for dinner with a loaf of very crusty bread.

And our last night at the Inn was just as perfect as the first. As we ate, we sat overlooking the mountain and watched birds and little red squirrels playing on a tree. Our meal was a 6-course tasting menu that was included in the package we obtained from Luxury Link (http://www.luxurylink.com/). We had cream of cauliflower soup with chives, asparagus wrapped in prosciutto - roasted with a cream sauce, lamb carpaccio - unreal! - followed by another delicious salad of greens and goat cheese, walnuts, and a creamy vinaigrette. Next we had the best salmon I've ever had. It was wrapped in pancetta and roasted with a sherry-vinegar sauce and accompanied by roasted ribbons of yellow and green zucchini. It was out of this world - I asked for the "recipe" which I knew I was not likely to get but I did get a visit from the Chef who gave me a quick "how-to," which will have to suffice. Finally we finished our savory part of the meal with a Long Island duck in a cherry sauce, stuffed with portobello mushrooms and wrapped with chard and served over lentils. Very creative and the flavors were delightful together.

Desserts on both nights were elegant and delicious. The second night appealed to me more - it was mint ice cream! How could the chef have know how much I LOVE mint ice cream??

This was a very romantic inn with food and rooms that created just such an atmosphere. If you're searching for a hide-away, I would recommend the Deerhill Inn over and above any place we've stayed in a very long time.

Thanks Stan and Michael!

What I learned in PA: Recipe

There are very few times when I eat fried food. Don't get me wrong; I love fried food - who doesn't? But I feel a bit sick after eating an abundance of it - who doesn't?

Recently we were in Pennsylvania and ate dinner at a restaurant called Good 'N Plenty http://www.goodnplenty.com (which my mom tells me I've been to several times in my lifetime - uhm, it's that old, I guess!) serving "family-style dining." We ate at long tables with other folks we had never met before and ate like kings for very little money. We had relishes and homemade apple sauce and homemade bread to start. What came next was so abundant it was laughable: meat loaf, roast turkey, Lima beans, corn, whipped potatoes, and unbelievable fried chicken.

I've tried my hand at fried chicken and the result from this technique was moist meat and very crispy skin with a little bite to it. Soaking the chicken overnight in buttermilk gives flavor and moisture, protecting it during frying. Enjoy!

Buttermilk Fried Chicken
8 chicken legs, skin on (about 1 1/2 lbs)
6 chicken thighs, skin on (about 1 1/2 lbs)
2 cups buttermilk
Salt and pepper

3 cups flour
2 Tbsp. salt and pepper
1 Tbsp. cayenne pepper
1 Tbsp. paprika
1 tsp. dried oregano

Vegetable Oil for frying

Place chicken in a large plastic bag and pour buttermilk over it. Allow chicken to soak overnight.

In a large bowl, combine flour and all herbs and spices. Mix well. Heat about 4 inches of oil in a very large pot that can be used for frying. Bring oil up to about 350 degrees (if you don't have a thermometer, allow oil to heat up for about 8 minutes and peel off a small piece of chicken skin and drop into the pan; if it sizzles immediately, it's ready).

Before frying, remove chicken from plastic bag and dry well with paper towels. Drop chicken into the flour and coat well. Shake off any excess flour. Place about 4 pieces of chicken into the pan at one time and allow them to fry about 10 - 14 minutes, turning once. Remove and drain oil onto brown paper lunch bags. Repeat with additional chicken.

New Place stirs up an Old Favorite: Recipe

My husband and I just returned from four days in Block Island where we went to share in the wedding of a close friend of mine. She was simply gorgeous, as was her awesome spouse, but this was the first time we had been to "The Block," as it's affectionately called, and we were stunned and overwhelmed by this great space between Montauk, Long Island and Rhode Island. It was wonderful - laid back and relaxed yet active and busy. I took a photo at a four-way intersection that seemed to describe the Island...organized chaos, I called it. The photo shows cars, bicycles, pedestrians, and motorcycles all in one spot. And that's it - right there! You can bike or walk or ride or drive to wherever you're headed and once you get there the options are abundant. Swimming, surfing, lounging, hiking, running, biking, riding, eating, etc., etc.

The food was great, too. Among others, we had an incredible meal at The Atlantic Inn where we started off with tapas and cocktails on the lawn overlooking the Atlantic. What a site. We moved inside for dinner and had a four-course prix-fix meal for a reasonable $54 per person (of course, as we usually do, we added on and the bill never had a chance to stay at $108 plus tax/tip). I had the most unbelievable monkfish I've ever eaten. The choices were great - something for everyone.

But all of this made me long for an old favorite - New England Clam Chowder. Of course we had it on the Island (my husband ate it twice!) and it was great, for sure. I knew that when I returned I would have to take a crack at it myself. Even though it's desert hot outside here at home, I still needed a bit of soup to rekindle the memories of Block Island.

An Islander's New England Clam Chowder
2 doz. clams, washed and scrubbed well
1 2/3 cup water
1/3 cup sherry
4 oz. prosciutto, cubed into tiny squares
2 onions, chopped fine
2 leeks, sliced thin
3 celery stalks, sliced thin + 1/4 cup celery leaves, chopped
3 carrots, sliced thin
4 cups of potatoes (about 4 or 5 large ones), peeled and diced
2 Tbsp. butter
2 Tbsp. fresh Thyme leaves + 4 sprigs
1 ear of corn, cooked and removed from the cob
1/4 cup flour
2 bay leaves
2 Tbsp. salt (more to taste)
1 1/4 cup milk
1 1/4 cup heavy cream
several grindings of fresh pepper

In a large soup pot, combine clams, water, and sherry. Cover and put on med-high heat for about 15 minutes - until all clams have opened. Remove clams from shells and place in a small bowl to cool completely. Strain liquid and set aside in another bowl. Once cooled, chop the clams.

In the same pot, cook prosciutto over medium heat until fat begins to release about 5 minutes. Add butter and melt and then add onions and leeks. Saute until soft - about 10 minutes. Add thyme leaves, carrots and celery plus celery leaves. Saute another 10 minutes. Add in the flour and mix well for about 5 minutes. Do not let it burn. Then add in the bay leaves, some salt and pepper, the reserved clam liquid, and the potatoes and the thyme sprigs. Simmer on low for about 15 minutes. Stir once.

Then add the corn and the clams and allow to simmer another 15 minutes. Finally add the cream and milk, more salt and pepper, and simmer about 10-15 minutes.

A Wonderful Surprise in Town

Long Island is certainly an amazing place. The Island boasts beautiful beaches, gardens, lush terrain on the North Shore, opulence in places like the Hamptons, among others...it is truly an amazing place.

As America's "first" suburb, it has certainly existed in the shadow of New York City. However, this Island has its fair share of phenomenal farms, homes, culture, university, shopping, and of course...restaurants and nightlife. One doesn't have to look far to see it. Friday night was further proof. We had dinner in our own small town of Lynbrook and we were so thrilled with what we found - a perfect gem. We ate at a small restaurant called "Branzino." (http://www.branzinoristorante.com/).

The food was delicious. There were nearly 10 specials and I swear I could not recall what our waiter said...we asked him to repeat certain items several times. It is a small restaurant - just my kind - with only about 15-20 tables. The staff was friendly and the atmosphere was warm and inviting.

I ate a special that was awesome! It was a cold seafood salad made of small slices of octopus and shrimp tossed with cut asparagus, corn, fava beans and cherry tomatoes - it looked a bit like Italian Succotash! It was dressed with lemon and olive oil. It was excellent! The portion was very good - and I could have eaten more since it was so light.

For my main course I ate fresh homemade spinach linguine with steamed clams, shrimp, and lobster tossed in a brandy cream sauce. There was so much food - and I did a great job nearly finishing the dish! It was perfect. At the table with me was my husband, of course, and two friends. Their dishes were equally as good and they looked fantastic.

Admittedly we did not have dessert - though my husband and I both had cappuccino. We were too full to eat another bite. I am sorry about that since I wanted to try the cannoli. Oh well - I'll have to go back again! You can be sure I will.

Moules and Frites with Friends

If you haven't been to Waterzooi, in Garden City, New York, I strongly suggest you take a trip. it is the only Belgian Bistro on Long Island. The food is great - it's creative and delicious and the mussels (moules) and the french fries (frites) with mayo are beyond terrific.

The lobster bisque is rich and creamy and the sweet potato gnocchi with andouille sausage, cream, and peas is awesome. But oh the Moules Pots...so wonderful and the pot seems to be endless - and what better way to eat than to never see the bottom of the bowl? I ate mine Provencal style...mussels steamed with tomatoes, white wine, and herbs. Perfect!

Of course, there are what seems to be more than 100 beers listed on the menu and a stunning array of cocktails to choose from.

http://www.waterzooi.com/

Better Pizza Next Time

You know the old saying, "You get what you pay for?" Well, tonight I got the pizza I purchased. YUCK. I will spare you the details other than to say that I was in a hurry and the pizzeria was next to the grocery store I was heading into so I ordered a pie. Again...YUCK.

But here is a pizzeria that I love and that has history, flavor, and brick-oven on its side: Grimaldi's Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria in Garden City. Of course Frank Sinatra used to frequent the Grimaldi's in Brooklyn (which is still there)- yes, they're related!

The pizza is so amazing that I have often eaten one half of the large pie by myself. The ingredients are fresh and ripe and you can't stop eating until the pie is completely finished. The menu does not have a tremendous amount of distracting items on it as other pizzerias have - this is true to its mission of serving excellent quality pizza.

This is where we should have gone tonight.

http://www.kpsearch.com/df/grimaldis/all.asp

Ode to the Farmer's Market: Recipe

http://www.nyfarmersmarket.com

If you have been to a Farmer's Market, then you immediately know their value. If you have never stumbled upon one or have never made a pilgrimage to one, I strongly encourage you to do so. They are amazing sources of fresh food and unique ingredients. I love the Farmer's Market! Lynbrook's Farmer's Market is opening this weekend (tomorrow) and I may be the first person there - I wait all year for the market to return. This year I understand there will be a cheese monger and that was all I needed to hear - I might just sleep there and await their arrival.

Markets can give you prepared foods as well as fresh and the colors and varieties are stunning. The best market I have ever seen is the Green Market in NYC's Union Square and have often made a trip there just for such special things as: Chocolate Milk in glass jars from Ronnybrook Farms or the chicken cutlets and eggs from one farmer or the heirloom tomatoes that look like a rainbow.

I do love big, full, sandy bunches of basil so I can make a big batch of pesto sauce and keep my jar refilled all summer.

Pesto Sauce

2 cups of fresh, washed, basil
1 cup of extra virgin olive oil
1 cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 cup of Romano cheese, grated
3 large garlic cloves
1 cup of pignoli nuts

Process basil, garlic, and nuts in food processor until finely chopped. In a steady stream, with the machine running, add in the oil. When fully incorporated, add in the cheeses, a pinch of salt, and some fresh pepper. Briefly process to combine. Serve over pasta (makes 2 cups, enough for 2 lbs of pasta).

Italian Delights: A European Pastry Shop

Recently there arrived a beautiful little bakery in Rockville Centre with some of the most unbelievable edibles. My husband discovered it and has fallen for the cappuccino (as has everyone in his office) and pastry. Me? I cannot imagine a finer miniature treat than the white chocolate truffle with the flaky cookie bottom all covered in pure white chocolate. Oh, they have one in milk chocolate, too...

All of the truffles are gorgeous and delicious. The cakes are perfect. The cookies are wonderful and the owners are lovely (and local!). What more could one ask for? Oh yes! They come straight from Italy, daily, so I would urge you to fly on over to Milano Dolci, right away!


Milano Dolci
222 Merrick Road
Rockville Centre, NY, 11570
5165362358

http://http://ny.local.yahoo.biz/milanodolci/contactus.html

A Surprise re"find": Tutto Pazzo

One of the most enjoyable things about loving food is the fun I have discovering, or in this case, rediscovering restaurants. I am one of those people that would probably eat out all the time if not for the fact that I actually love to eat in.

But last night I had a delicious meal at the (fairly) newly renovated Tutto Pazzo in Huntington - a place I hadn't thought about in years. But last night I walked into a beautiful restaurant with an expansive feel. You are immediately greeted with a glass display of fresh seafood and cooked goods and the bar is tremendous. The food has always been very good here but tonight it was great.

The food was a pleasure. My sashimi salad was perfectly chopped into bite sized pieces tossed with an awesomely spicy dressing and decorated with perfectly sliced tuna and salmon. My main course was even better - it was handmade linguine with lobster, shittaki mushrooms and asparagus in a brandy cream sauce - hmmmmm.

Fortunately for those in Huntington this is an easy trip to make. For me? Well, it took 30 minutes to get there but it was well worth the ride.

http://www.tuttopazzo.com/

Sex and the City

Today marks the long-awaiting return of the four NYC fashionistas. All those years of watching the show made me realize just how romantic it is to be in New York City. Surely the movie will not dissappoint.

With swarms of women, clad in everything from patterned dresses and black and white gingham pumps to jeans with "Sex and the City" glitter T-shirts, the choices for dinner near the theater would all be packed.

Sure enough, the one place we picked - an upscale eatery called "City Cellar" was jammed, as was the theater, with hundreds of women. Despite the most unusual 40 minute wait time, the food and atmosphere was energized and exciting.

The first time I ate at City Cellar was about 18 months ago in West Palm Beach, Fl. and this one in Westbury is just as swank. It's rich, dark colors make it warm and inviting and the enormous bar with a beautiful showcase of bottled wines encased in glass behind it makes it feel modern and sexy. The food is tasty, interesting and creative. There is something for everyone though it seems their seafood items call my name each time I'm there.

Here's the website for City Cellar restaurants (there's one in Westbury, Coral Gables, Fl., and West Palm Beach). http://www.bigtimerestaurants.com/

It was a perfect place for good company, interesting conversation, tasty food, and innovative cocktails!

Thanks again, Carrie Bradshaw!

Preparing for a Food Onslaught

We are heading to my parents' house today for a Memorial Day celebration. We're supposed to be there at 2 p.m. and since I grew up there, I know what's coming. An onslaught of wonderfully delicious treats are ready to be eaten the moment we arrive: chips, guacamole, salsa, cheeses and crackers, steamed dumplings and brouschetta with fresh tomatoes and basil. My husband and I will be offered wine or sparkling wine or beer and shortly after our arrival out will come baby lamb chops with mango salsa and maybe a toast-pointe with fig spread topped with a slice of prosciutto and crumbled goat cheese. Those are just the nibbles. "Dinner" will follow and will consist of pinwheel sausage and marinaded flank steak all cooked on the grill. Mom may do the obligatory burgers and dogs but her hers won't be standard, for sure. Burgers will be homemade (but will contain too many onions that we'll all complain about). And of course there will be a full array of salads to accompany all of this. You should know that we eat this way every time we go to my mother's house.

So what do you do when you know you are headed somewhere like this and you feel compelled to use some restraint throughout the remainder of the day? Well, I think I've perfected a plan. Eat a very hearty breakfast early (like 8:30 a.m.) and then a small snack about noon (maybe toast and jelly or a half-sandwich?) Today, in fact, we ate bagels and cream cheese from a wonderful bagel store in town whose bagels are very authentic and whose baked goods are fantastic. Visit them in Lynbrook or online: http://www.lynbrookbagels.com/

Of course, when you get to that place that stuffs you tremendously, you're on your own. The only other suggestion I have is to visit the new Lynbrook Runner's Stop (a few stores away from the bagel shop) and try out new sneakers on the in-store treadmill!