Monthly Archives: March 2012

Mar 30 2012
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Pencil It In

pencil it in: weekend fun

March 29- April 1: AIPAD Photography Show

This weekend the Park Avenue Armory plays host to the Association of International Photography Art Dealers’ annual show. Featuring some of the finest museum quality work from around the globe, the photography to be on display includes everything from 19th-century photos to contemporary images. For ticket options and pricing (admission ranges from $10 for students to $250 to the opening gala) visit the events’ official site.  Park Avenue Armory, 643 Park Ave, Thurs- Sat 11 AM- 7 PM, Sun 11 AM- 6 PM

March 30: Winter Thaw

Head on to the Museum of the City of New York for an after-hours party to usher in the Spring. Hosted by the museum’s Young Members Circle, the event will feature cocktails, music and access to exhibits including “Cecil Beaton: The New York Years” and “The Greatest Grid: The Master Plan of Manhattan, 1811–2011.” Tickets are $25- $115 and can be purchased here. Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave, 7 PM

April 1- 29: Asia in the City

Across the Asian continent, cherry blossoms signify the start of the spring season. The tradition of cherry blossom festivals celebrating the trees in bloom has come to NYC. For the month of April, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden will host a hanami, the century-old Japanese custom of cherry blossom viewing. For more information visit www.bbd.org. Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Ave, Brooklyn NY, 718 623 7200, Tues- Fri 8 AM- 6 PM, Sat & Sun 10 AM- 6 PM

April 3: Tasting Brooklyn

To honor the borough’s culinary culture, Brooklyn Exposed will be hosting a Tasting Brooklyn even this Tuesday. More than 25 notable Brooklyn vendors are on board and include the likes of Maison Premiere, Robicellis and Fort Reno. Tickets are $25 and can be bought here. Dumbo Loft, 155 Water St, Brooklyn NY, 6:30- 9 PM

April 3: since Cuba’s opened up…

Celebrate with a five hour feast of Cuban food and drink! This outdoor party hosted by Chefs Marco Canora and Sara Jenkins among others will feature a Cuban buffet, rum drinks and a live band.  Proceeds from the event go to Proyecto Paladar, an international food and art installation. Tickets are $150 and can be purchased here. Hudson Terrace, 621 West 46th Street, 6- 11 PM

April 5: Padma’s Top Chefs

Top Chef host, Padma Lakshmi salutes her culinary heritage April 5th as the host of the Varli Food Festival. Featuring over 60 Indian restaurants and chefs from around the world for a series of tasting events. A free Spice Market will also be on premises. For full event information and to purchase tickets, click here. Varli Food Festival, Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street, 5- 10 PM

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Mar 29 2012
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That Dish

that dish: post ski snack

After a weekend of skiing Colorado’s Rocky Mountains the only thing on my mind is procuring a bowl of amazing pho. Luckily for me, Southwest Denver is home to one of the nation’s most prominent Vietnamese districts with authentic restaurants lining the neighborhoods streets.

packed inside Pho 95

Good pho (pronounced fa) can be hard to find. Often the broth is too watery or salty, the meat chewy and noodles overwhelming. Often restaurants give diners a measly few bean sprouts and thai basil to toss in. Not the case at Pho 95. Pho 95 is perhaps, and in my humble opinion, the best of Denver’s Vietnamese joints. I think the restaurant may actually be one of the top reasons I make my ski pilgrimage out West each year. The rich broth, tender meat and supple noodles are the perfect end to a weekend spent on the slopes. Icing on the cake, the staff there gives every table a heaping pile of the aforementioned soup additions. The pho itself is prepared in numerous ways. Options include various beef, chicken and vegetarian adaptations with a myriad of possible add-ins. My favorite is the marinated rare steak and tendon version. Toss in some fresh hoisin and siracha and you’ve got yourself the perfect bowl of soup. While the pho is the main reason to make the trek out to Pho 95, the other dishes are executed with sublime precision as well.

shrimp spring rolls, heaping pile of pho accoutrements, my pho before addition of sauce

I like it hot: my heat packed bowl before I dig in

Sunday supper here is the perfect end to a wintery weekend.

Pho 95 Noodlehouse & Grill, 1002 S Federal Blvd, Denver CO 80219, 303 936 3322, daily 9 AM- 9PM

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Mar 28 2012
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That Place

that place: take me to the beave

Though everyone may think winter is over, this morning in NYC certainly felt like it. Winter, for me, means ski season and that means my annual trip out West. With a plethora of mountains in Colorado’s Denver area the choice of which to visit may seem difficult. For many, I presume it is. For me, however, it’s quite simple: take me to the Beave.

Beaver Creek is my favorite ski resort. Embodying the slogan “not exactly roughing it” the mountain fits my sensibilities. Getting there is easy. From NYC most major carriers fly nonstop into Denver and back for around $300 or less. Jetblue’s 1 AM Monday morning flight is possibly the best option for a quick ski weekend getaway. Fly out Friday, ski all day Saturday and Sunday and arrive in New York in time to be at the office by 9 AM. From Denver, the (sometimes) quick drive should only take about an hour forty if you’re lucky to avoid traffic. Once there, many hotels offer luxurious if not expensive options for lodging. The Ritz at Beaver Creek is a perennial favorite. Located at the bottom of the Bachelor Gulch area of the resort, the hotel’s location is hard to beat. For those on a tighter budget, the Super 8 Motel in Dillon is a surprisingly close, clean, comfortable and cost-effective option.

The past few years, come late February into early March, Beaver Creek has called my name. With three close friends calling Denver home, the choice to fly out for a ski weekend is always an easy one. The warm chocolate chip cookies served lift-side, don’t hurt the mountains’ cause either. This year was no different and the first weekend in March found me out West.

Skiing Beaver Creek is not exactly difficult. Though the terrain varies from rolling green trails to steep diamond and tree runs, the powdery soft snow allows your skis to glide down the slope. Maybe I find it more appealing, coming from the generally icy East Coast mountains. Regardless, the day in Beaver Creek goes by quickly. With dozens of runs to chose from, it is hard for one to get bored or even begin to cover the resort in it’s entirety. After a few runs down the front side of the mountain my game plan is always the same- head to Bachelor Gulch, my favorite area to play in on the mountain.

A long day on the mountain is easily rewarded. For a quick, delicious and fun bite or beer, my recommendation is the mid-mountain Red Tail Camp. Serving up yummy barbeque, cold drinks and good music, the mountain hot-spot is hard to beat. Spago at the bottom of Bachelor Gulch serves a tasty après menu, compliments of world renowned chef, Wolfgang Puck. The Beaver Creek Chophouse hosts a champagne toast for all in the restaurant between 3- 3:15 PM. Those wanting to impress will have to make reservations (they’re required) at Beano’s Cabin. The on-mountain restaurant is expensive but had a reputation for excellence that will not disappoint.

some mid-afternoon (@ Red Tail) and après (@ the Chophouse) drinks with Mike and Rachel

drinks with a view at the Chophouse

Even though today didn’t feel like it, it seems as if ski season 2011-2012 is unfortunately come to an early end. Hopefully with the help of this post, you’ll gear up and be ready to rock out next winter.

Beaver Creek Resort, 26 Avondale Lane, Avon CO 81620, 970 754 4636, click here for lift ticket and season pass pricing.

The Ritz Carlton-Beaver Creek, 0130 Daybreak Ridge,  Avon CO 81620, 970 748 6200

Super 8 Motel, 808 Little Beaver Trail, Dillon CO 80435, 800 454 3213

For rentals: Christy’s Sports have numerous locations throughout the Denver and mountain ski areas making it easy to mountain hop while only renting once. They’ve got lots of packages to chose from covering beginner to advanced ski and snowboarders. Their equipment is good, their prices competitive and they are my recommendation for rentals in the area. 

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Mar 26 2012
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That Find

that find: two things i love

Airplane food has long been the butt of many jokes. Mush on rice with a side of wilting lettuce and plastic wrapped bread is unfortunately, de rigueur. With the paltry meal options available in flight many travelers are taking to being their own on board.

Flyers out of NYC’s Laguardia airport at in luck. Delta will be filling their newly anointed Terminal C with some of the city’s tastiest treats. Italian chef extraordinaire Michael White will open Cotto, serving far more than simple pizza and pasta fare. Andrew Carmellini will be bringing Victory Grill and Minnow and Balthazar alums, Anne Burrell and Artichoke Basil will all be opening spots as well. Add in some Pat LaFrieda meet and an appearance by food network personality Andrew Zimmern and you’ve got the recipe for the hottest space on the NYC dining scene.

Finally, your stomach can be as excited as you are to fly. You’ll actually want to get to the airport early.

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Mar 23 2012
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Pencil It In

pencil it in: ready, set, plan!

March 23: HUNGER GAMES!!

and again, HUNGER GAMES!!

March 23:  DIY Delivery

Craving dumplings but not delivery? Haven’s Kitchen is offering a dumpling cooking class that will teach you the intricacies of the Chinese stuffed treats. Tickets to the class are a little more than your average delivery fee but the skills you’ll master on dumplings, gyoza and more will save you from your future delivery woes. Haven’s Kitchen, 109 West 17th Street, 6:30- 9:30 PM 212 929 7900

March 23- 24: hahahahahaha

This weekend marks the inaugural NYC Improv Festival hosted by the Peoples Improv Theater. Head on over to the groups new Gramercy digs to catch some of the nest laughs NYC has to offer. For complete festival info visit nycimprovfest.com. Peoples Improv Theater, 123 East 24th Street, Fri 6- 11:59 PM, Sat 5- 11:59 PM, prices vary

March 25: It’s Matzah Time

Get your Passover prep started with a day of Passover food preparation through NYC’s original Jewish neighborhood. The Lower East Side nosh and stroll will take you to Streit’s Matzos Shop, the Pickle Guys and more. To purchase your $15 tickets click here. Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge Street, 11 AM- 4 PM

March 25- April 7: flowers here, flowers there, flowers flowers everywhere

Spring begins at full speed with the 38th Annual Macy’s Flower Show. This year’s theme (and seemingly the theme for everything this year) Brasil: Gardens in Paradise will feature exotic plants brought in from the South American country. The flowers will come together to represent different aspects of Brazil’s lush landscape, from the wild Amazon rainforest to the vivacious city of Rio de Janiero. So if you can’t make it to Brazil this year, make it to Macy’s instead. Macy’s Herald Square, 151 West 34th Street, Mon- Sat 10 AM- 9:30 PM, Sun 11 AM- 8:30 PM

March 27: 10 Years of Street Food

To celebrate 10 years of New York City street vendor rights, the Street Vendor Project will be hosting a vendy celebration. Head down to Judson Memorial Church in Washington Square this Tuesday to sample tasty morsels from past Vendy Award winners. Judson Memorial Church, 55 Washington Square South, 7- 10 PM, $50, tickets here

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Mar 22 2012
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That Place

that place: magical cusco

Almost everything written about Cusco, peru comments on the city’s magical quality. The main square, Plaza de Armas, enchants the visitor with its’ historic charm. On my recent trip down South, the UNESCO World Heritage Site did not disappoint. While breathtaking during the day, the square truly becomes alive at night.

plaza de armas @ night

Hope you like the pics…. Stay tuned for a full expose on my Peruvian adventure.

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Mar 21 2012
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That Find

that find: a warm weather crawl

If you missed the last two, Artlog and Thrillist are bringing you another. Another downtown Art Crawl that is.

The latest from the duo will be on Saturday March 31st and will take you through the galleries of NYC’s Soho neighborhood. If a warm afternoon spent wandering the artistic hood isn’t enough to entice, rum tipple cocktails will be available at each stop. A kickoff event at Grey Area will assure you get your rum tastings started at the get-go. After visiting the art houses in any desired order, you’ll head to Le Poisson Rouge if you know what’s good for you. There guests will find a two hour open bar.

The best part? Kickoff, self-guided touring privileges and after party access are all only $25. A $45 VIP option secures all that plus early check in (with an additional rum flight cocktail) and a small group tour of two private studios and two galleries.

To purchase tickets to this kick-ass art event click here.

Saturday March 31, Grey Area 547 Broadway (between Prince St. and Spring St.), 4- 7PM regular  entry, 2:45- 7 PM for VIP. After party at Le Poisson Rouge, 158 Bleecker St., 7-9 PM.

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Mar 20 2012
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That Place

detour: machu picchu

transport: perurail here we go

the start: and here we go. thank you side-of-the-road train stop.

the players: alex our guide, sarah sharon harp and me. best hiking buddies ever.

the trail: of course i managed to only take photos in the ridiculously flat parts. this lasted no more than 10 minutes. after the trail, i’d be happy not to see a stair for a while

company: inka trail illama

the view: not too bad

the reward: we made it

holy shit: a city in the clouds

taking in: …

…: the big picture…

…: and a closer look

the end: we made it. hello world, from the top of it.

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Mar 19 2012
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That Dish

that dish: peru’s national

I just got back from my latest journey, this time to the mega destination: Peru. Seeing that undertaking a food adventure was the main reason for my travels, I think it’s most appropriate that I start my Peruvian reflections with the country’s source of gastronomic pride. In a country where food rules, ceviche is king.

With the abundance of seafood found off the capital city’s coast and in the country’s numerous lakes, it’s no wonder this fresh fish dish has taken Peru by storm.  Ever so popular among the locals, ceviche has even had a holiday declared in its’ honor. The dish is a relatively simple one. Hunks of fresh raw fish and shellfish marinate quickly in a mixture of citrus (in Peru, lime) and seasonings such as salt, cilantro, red onion and chillies. Along Peru’s coast, Corvina and Lenguado (bass and sole respectively) are the most common fish used in the classic version. Inland, Trucha (trout) is the major player. Scallops, mussels and shrimp are commonly found in the mixto varieties. Once the cooking by acid has begun, the seafood mixture is scooped up and served, typically with corn and a side of potato. The liquid runoff is poured over the plate. Those wanting a real wake-me-up scoop up the liquid, called leche de tigre, and drink it along with their meal.

Needless to say, ceviche was as popular with me as it is with Peruvian nationals. This last week has afforded me the chance to have many delicious renditions of the fish mixture. Below, the highlights in photo collage.

various ceviche bites

Can’t get to Peru? No worries, here’s how you can make your own:

1 3/4 pound raw fish fillets (bass or sole) cut into 1-inch dice

1 red onion, finely sliced

1/2 cup fresh lime juice

1 ají limo (limo chili pepper), chopped very fine

2 teaspoons finely chopped cilantro leaves

Place the sliced onion in a bowl of warm water, let stand 10 minutes, then drain. Meanwhile, place fish in a non-reactive bowl and rinse gently. Season with salt, onion and the chili pepper. Toss fish preparation in lime juice and mix well. Let for 5 minutes or until the fish begins to turn white. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve.

Voila!

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Mar 18 2012
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Just Because

just because: miss me?

I know it’s been a while but as promised I am back. Sorry for the much needed vacay…  I promise I won’t take another one for a while :)

Ready??!

- Sarita   aka thatgr8little

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