NYC Tastes

It's been such a crazy summer it's hard to believe August is here and I haven't even talked about July!  Here's a quick recap of some great moments over the Independence Day weekend in Vermont. The first stop of the trip was Prohibition Pig Brewery for beers and some of the best Peel N' Eat Shrimp we've had in years. These were plump, juicy and dusted with the perfect amount of seasoning. I would expect shrimp like this on the coast somewhere, but certainly not in Waterbury, VT.  The following day we drove out to Hill Farmstead and spent the day drinking some wonderful beers on their patio including 2014 Flora and Juicy Batch 3.  Then we made the obligatory pit stop at Parker Pie for a surprisingly great Steak Sandwich, that was so good I forgot to even snap a pic. Saturday we checked out the new  Lawson's Brewery  in Waitsfield.  We've been enjoying their beer for years at can sales, but to see the new facility was really amazing.  Th

Restaurant Week is upon us once again and this year we kicked it off at Park Avenue Summer, the gorgeous NoMad spot known for it's fantastic RW options and seasonal decor.   Even knowing this was such a popular place we forgot to make a lunch reservation and were relegated to dining at the bar.  This was a fine excuse to indulge in one of their delightful cocktails the Papa's Pineapple Sumaquiri made with Bacardi Ocho and sumac. Their signature cornbread arrived first, piping hot and served with spicy jalapeno butter.  I usually try not to fill up on bread but these were too delicious to resist.  1st Course- Tuna Tartare with champagne mango and avocado.  A classic preparation of light, cooling ingredients perfect for these soaring temperatures. 2nd Course- Green Circle Chicken with roasted summer squash and grilled lemon.  I honestly forgot grilled lemon was listed as an ingredient, so my first bite of that sharp citrus fruit hidden underneath the chicken w

The Fancy Food Show returned to New York City this past weekend taking over the entire Jacob Javits Center.   This annual event is the largest food show in North America, showcasing over 80,000 specialty food and beverages. Since a full day of sampling requires some serious energy I always begin my day in the coffee section.  This year spirit infused coffee shared the spotlight with the usual vanilla and caramel blends.  Jack Daniels used their classic Tennessee Whiskey while Don Pablo soaked their beans in Kentucky Bourbon. The cheese section was also one of my first stops at the show.  It takes up about 35% of the entire event, so one could basically just eat cheese for three straight days if so inclined. I was incredibly excited to see Four Fat Foul from Hudson Valley with their flagship St. Stephen on display.  This triple cream cheese is one of my go-to party gifts for it's rich, buttery texture and nutty delicious flavor.  Point Reyes Blue is

Ahhhh...Bar Pisellino, my brand new "happy place" in NYC.    This gorgeous spot from owners Rita Sodi and Jody Williams is absolutely bursting with old school Italian charm.  The long marble bar inside is perfect for sipping mid-day espressos, while the tiny tables out front beg for cocktails and people watching. The Pisellino drink list is split into two categories; Apertivi made with Prosecco and Italian cocktails focusing on gin and vermouth.  Negroni's are my current obsession, but since the temperature has risen I've moved on to the classic Sgroppino. Sgroppino's originated in Venice years ago and are a simple blend of Prosecco, vodka and  lemon sorbet.  These are sometimes served as a dessert but I find them refreshing enough to have at any time.  Lemon, bubbles and a cold creamy body, this i summer in a glass!   In addition to drinks, Bar Pisellino has a small menu of arancini, bomboloni and paninos to snack on, but I suggest heading across

It's Fathers Day weekend and that calls for a celebration, so we're breaking out a bottle of the acclaimed Lot No. 1 Cabernet Sauvignon from Louis Martini.  The history of Lot No. 1 wine dates back to 1952 when Louis P. Martini began to select only the finest lots to create a Cabernet showcasing the best of Napa Valley vineyards and terroir. This powerful, deep ruby wine gives off aromas of black cherry, blueberry and licorice with complex notes of dark cherry, cedar, and plum with a long, lingering mocha finish.  This is a big, beautiful wine that exudes strength and elegance.  Louis Martini 254 South Street Helena Highway Helena, CA 94574

New York City is home to many great yakitori spots. Places like Yaktori Totto, Taisho and Kenka are always in high demand, with waits that can last up to two hours during prime dining hours.  But one place consistently stands out above all the rest, Yakitori Torishin. This cozy spot tucked away behind a simple awning on West 53rd Street is the only yakitori restaurant in NYC with a Michelin star.   They focus on using every part of the chicken, all organically raised, and cook the meat over Kishu Binchotan, a special type of Japanese charcoal that releases large amounts of infrared rays, keeping the meat crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Torishin is comprised of three separate areas; a small sake and shochu bar up front, where guests wait for their table or enjoy a small bar omakase; a bi-level room in the rear for large groups and between the two, a small narrow bar hidden behind a curtain where the special Select Menu is served.  Here guests have the opportunity to