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...

Pancakes have never been something I seek out in restaurants.  I see them mostly as a vessel for maple syrup and butter (two of my favorite condiments) rather than a crave worthy brunch dish. However after just one bite of the pancakes at Chez Ma Tante last weekend, my mind has been changed forever.  These beauties arrived piping hot with a spongy, fluffy interior and a crisp, almost brunt exterior that left the edges of each cake crunchy and slightly caramelized.  On top a heavy dose of pure Vermont Maple Syrup and a pat of rich, creamy Normandy butter.  These pancakes were perfect; soft enough for soaking up all that wonderful syrup but crisp enough to give each bite a satisfying crunch.   In addition to the incredible pancakes Chez Ma Tante has some fantastic brunch cocktails beyond the usual Bloody Mary or Mimosa.  Mr. T ordered a refreshing John Daly (iced tea, lemonade & beer) while I sipped on the Pick Me Up Negroni with espresso. ...