CULINARY
New York is getting hot. Really hot. And it's only mid-June. If you find yourself melting in the heat– on the sidewalk, in the subway, in your apartment that's lacking AC– and hungry to boot, this easy (and delicious) Gazpacho recipe will help cool you down. Gazpacho, the chilled, tomato-based vegetable soup that originated in Spain, is perfect for these sweltering days. Tomatoes are slowly coming into season so now is the time to hit the farmer's market and get "cooking" with a good cold bowl of soup. It's light and refreshing, but packed full of the good stuff. It pairs great with some fresh baked garlic bread and a cold beer. Here's to summer!
Farmer's markets are becoming increasingly popular with the world slowly evolving towards a healthier lifestyle. But did you know that you can also buy fresh, high quality fruits and vegetables while simultaneously participating in local farm production? CSA (Community Sponsored Agriculture) allows potential buyers and current members to purchase a share of a farmer’s crop each season, allowing that particular farmer to acquire the essential tools to grow and harvest his land while also providing a fail-safe market for his produce.
Upon purchasing a CSA you will recieve a weekly share of freshly picked fruits and vegetables, directly from a local source. While some farms do offer home delivery, it is more common for buyers to pick up their produce at a central location. Of course, purchasing a CSA carries some caution: the fickle weather plays an integral part in agriculture and affects whatever is produced. You might recieve a bounty of goods one season and slim pickings the next. But this can also be considered a perk of purchasing a CSA- the ever growing need to reserach and try out new recipes. Creativity is key in figuring out how to transform all those weekly sweet potatoes into something delectable.
It's a no-brainer. When browsing a menu and unable to decide what to order, always go with the chicken. Nine times out of ten, it will be edible. If there is fried chicken, nine times out of ten, it will be delicious -because who doesn’t like fried anything? Here a few local spots (in no particular order) for some soul-satisfying fried chicken.
1. Buttermilk Channel - 524 Court Street
Not only does this establishment have buttermilk-fried chicken, but they also serve fluffy cheddar waffles drizzled with balsamic syrup alongside it. Visit during Monday night and order this signature dish as part of a $25 prixe fix menu where an additional salad or soup and a dessert will have you in a food coma within minutes.
Weekend brunch is something to look forward to year around. As it gets closer to summer and people start opting to eat outside, there’s nothing quite like starting off your Saturday at 1 p.m, sitting in the sun with mimosa in hand and waiting for your favorite breakfast/lunch meal. Now that restaurant sidewalks, gardens and patios are coming alive with tables, it’s the perfect time to explore what NYC has to offer in the way of amazing brunch spots.
When it comes to finding a single neighborhood with an insane amount of restaurants and brunch menus— Williamsburg is hard to beat. Known for its young crowd and vibrant nightlife scene, Williamsburg has a lot to offer during the day too. So if you find yourself getting off the L train at the Bedford or Lorimer stops, here are five great restaurants that are sure to satisfy your weekend brunch craving.
As with any large metropolis, New York has very limited space. Buildings, streets, and sidewalks overwhelm what little land is left. So one has to wonder: how does an urban environment entrenched in concrete and asphalt become a viable provider of farmed goods? How does a city like the Big Apple find an environmentally friendly way to supply a variety of quality produce for its community without traveling beyond the city limits?
Hydroponics is a system of growing fruits and vegetables by using irrigated, mineral-rich water to create a highly sustainable way to farm and harvest produce. The benefits include a significant decrease in the use of pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides, the elimination of fertilizer runoff into waterways and oceans, and the reduction of water use by 70 to 90%. Plants are also no longer susceptible to soil-borne diseases such as salmonella and E Coli. And one of the biggest perks? Hydroponics uses less square footage than traditional field agriculture, an ideal situation in an urban setting.
The best part of springtime is the ability to dine al fresco. The most coveted outside table in the city is at Parc. Located smack-dab on Rittenhouse Square, this Stephen Starr brasserie boasts authentic French cuisine and incredible sidewalk entertainment. It’s a little slice of Paris in the heart of Philadelphia’s most chic neighborhood.
Once the warmer weather descends on the area, Parc regularly throws open their floor-to-ceiling windows. Plus, because Parc is located on the corner of 18th and Locust, it has two stretches of sidewalk to use for outside dining. This means patrons have ample opportunity to enjoy their meal al fresco.
May's dessert of the month is a healthy little biscuit that everyone in the family will enjoy: Toats Organic Cookies. They're made with organic grains, nuts and extra virgin olive oil, with a touch of sweetness from honey and pure cane sugar. They're even gluten-free and egg-free!
The cookies are a cross between between biscotti and shortbread, but much denser, and small enough that you won't be able to eat just one. Upon careful inspection, you'll be able to identify almonds and oats in each hearty and toothsome biscuit.
Who isn't thinking about avocados these days? When the sun is out and the temperatures are high, an avocado can find its way onto any table and in so much more than guacamole.
This recipe is just as healthy as it is insanely good. Avocados are used here instead of cream, and what you get is a creamy, rich and filling dish, that's still light and perfect for an upcoming summer. The garlicky flavor and zing from the lemon juice work wonders alongside avocados. While this dish is perfect for vegans, it will make anyone happy. It's quick and easy, so you can whip it up and enjoy it in the sun.
Every year Wine & Spirits magazine conducts an Annual Restaurant Poll to showcase the most popular wines in America's restaurants. They transform the page into an interactive and exciting night of tasting (read: drinking) and eating at the Top of the List Wine Tasting Event!
Not to be missed, this spectacular wine tasting event is on Tuesday, May 10th at the Metropolitan Pavilion from 6:30-8:30pm. Don't forget to get your tickets early because they will sell-out. General admission is $65, while VIP tickets at $95 will get you into the event early.
Locally-grown food has gotten much attention in the last couple of years for it's great flavor and positive environmental impact. However, starting a personal garden can seem like a daunting and overwhelming project. Fear not!: creating a personal garden is super easy, low cost and fun!
First, you have to assess the space you have for your garden. Whether you’re lucky enough to have a yard or even just a windowsill, the concept is the same: you are looking for a space that has lots of light where you can plant herbs and vegetables that grow well in that season.
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