NYC Tastes

2018 is officially over and what a crazy, wild ride it was from start to finish.  The year kicked off with a bang as my Buffalo Bills finally made it to the playoffs for the first time since 1999.  I was so happy, I cried tears of joy every single day leading up to the playoff game.  Of course they lost that Sunday, but I wouldn't give up that fabulous week of bliss  for the world.   Mr. T and I finally got to St. Louis to check out  Side Project Brewery .    This place was one of the best breweries we've ever visited.  The list was loaded with some of their rarest bottles and the staff were incredibly knowledgeable.  The space was so clean and comfortable I wanted to spend the entire weekend relaxing in the tap room.  We also made a few beer trips to  Vermont , a new beer-cation to  Miami for Wakefest   and of course, our amazing European trip to Paris, Bordeaux and Brussels, where we finally made it...

I don't usually get too excited about Italian fare but Barano in South Williamsburg has been invading my dreams consistently since the last visit.  Helmed by Chef Albert Di Meglio of Rubirosa, this cozy little spot is churning out some seriously incredible food.  Let's start with the pizzas, all of which are made in their gorgeous wood burning pizza ovens. The crust is thin and crispy with charred edges that make a satisfying snap when cut using their special metal pizza scissors.  The list of toppings change frequently but I highly suggest the Kabocha Squash Pizza with gorgeous stracciatella cheese, spiced crema and speck drizzled with an aged balsamic vinaigrette. The second thing I love about Barano are their inventive pastas, specifically the Saffron Gigli. These toothsome orange noodles are dusted with a layer of pecorino cheese and black pepper then doused in a Calabrian Honey Sauce.  It's both spicy and sweet a...