NYC Tastes

It was the 8th year for the Star Chef's International Congress and a big one, as the four day event moved to a new space at Pier 57 and introduced a hard core theme: Guts and Glory, Leaving It All on the Line. The buzz in the building was incredible.  There was so much to see and do...check out the main stage where chefs like Francois Payard and Bryan Voltaggio were presenting, peek in on a round of the pastry competition and Somm Slam or maybe have a private tasting at one of the various pop up sessions.  I did a little bit of everything over the course of the event...let's check out some of the best of the savory dishes. This was an international event but I have to say some of my favorites food on display were from NYC like this Smoked Yukon Potato Puree with Brussels Sprout, Carrots and Country Ham from Maysville... ...and the decadent Poutine from Mile End draped in some of the best gravy I've ever had in my life. Another favorite was from Leah ...

It's been a crazy week. I'm still going through my photos from a recent trip upstate but in the meantime check out our incredible Fourth of July party at Cannibal. Those are Cannibal dogs up front topped with beef heart chili and mustard.  The dog was so amazing on its own the condiments weren't even needed.  The burger in the back had a fantastic salty crunch much akin to Shake Shack. Macaroni salad and potato chips rounded out the picnic style setting. All we had to do was sit back, relax and enjoy copious amounts of delicious Bronx Pale Ale.  That's a pretty great Independence Day in my book! The Cannibal

I love a good beer bar and it really gets no better than The Cannibal.  Where else can you enjoy house made pork rinds... Followed by a decadent Veal Tartare And washed down with a Cisco Grey Lady and Ommegang Adoration. No it really doesn't get any better than this. The Cannibal

You may remember me talking about Cannibal a while back, the new offshoot of Resto that specializes in good beer and tartares.   I’ve been a few times now and although I continue to have a love/hate feeling towards Resto (currently in the hate side) I have a total love side for Cannibal- here’s why.   Number one- bar snacks.   Whole nuts still inside the shell sit on the bar with a cracker just waiting to be used.   This bowl immediately brought me back to my youth when we would visit my great Aunt during the holidays. She always had a big bowl of almonds just like this and it was so satisfying to crack each one open.   Number two- the Tartares. This is the Lamb Tartare and they blend the meat with shallots, capers and a little harissa aioli which made it utterly freaking delicious.   Number three- the extensive beer list.   Okay so I went for an extra dry cider to begin with but finished up with one of my favorite bottles ...

The Hurricane is coming...that means it’s time to stock up on the essentials. I got some very sound advice yesterday from a relative whose been through these storms before. "Just make sure you have enough wine, vodka and cognac" Who am I too argue with that? I'm just also going to add beer to the list as well! When I heard Resto was opening a new beer shop I have to say I was psyched. Resto is right near my house and unfortunately while the food and service has been seriously downhill and disappointing the last few times we’ve gone- the beer has always been great. I swung by just as they were opening up last Sunday and got a peek at some of the beers. Wow- they had a lot of interesting brews! A ton of classic Belgian's. Then some quirky things like a 40 oz. of Miller High Life and some Coors Original? Mr. T's upstate relatives love the banquet beer! Now we have a place to take them! But definitely don’t stop in if you’re a vegetarian. T...