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Dinner at Del Posto
This past weekend we finally made it back to one of the fanciest Italian restaurants in New York, Del Posto. The hotspot, run by celebrity Italian food personalities, Mario Batali, Joe Bastianich and Lidia Bastianich, occupies an opulent space in Chelsea, where live piano fills a bustling, warmly-lit dining room. Del Posto received a four-star rating from New York Times critic Sam Sifton a couple years back, much to the surprise of discerning editors and restaurant-goers alike who doubted it deserved a coveted spot next to the finest dining establishments in the city–Per Se, Daniel, Le Bernardin, Eleven Madison Park and Jean Georges.
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Haute Lobster “Rolls” at Le Bernardin
It’s a bit of a secret that many of the top Michelin-starred restaurants in New York offer a lounge menu in their bar area that serves a selection of the chef’s top dishes à la carte without having to
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No-Noodle Sweet Potato “Lasagna”
The other night I really wanted to make a hearty and comforting lasagna, but I usually avoid making it because it’s traditionally high in carbs and fat. So, I put together a noodle-less “lasagna” full of healthy vegetables and all of the taste everyone loves from this Italian favorite–creamy ricotta, marinara sauce and a crispy mozzarella topping. I called it Sweet Potato “Lasagna” because the sweet potatoes are really the “secret ingredient” in this dish that makes it so delicious. There are 3 important layers: (1) roasted thin slices of sweet potatoes, (2) roasted zucchini, and finally (3) kale, onions and broccoli. The best part about this recipe is you can swap in or out your favorite vegetables for each of the layers. I found that this combination works beautifully though. Check it out!
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Sandwiches from Mile End
This weekend we checked out Mile End Sandwich Shop, the Noho outpost of the Boerum Hill, Brooklyn favorite. Located on posh Bond Street between Lafayette and Bowery, this inventive and modern Jewish delicatessen is just what we needed in the neighborhood. The inside is sleek and minimalist, with a long communal table filling the room and dozens of hungry patrons lining up for take-out orders at all hours of the day and night. On the menu full of enticing combinations of meats, cheeses, vegetables and bread, there is truly something for everyone. Playful names such as “The Ruth Wilensky” (fried beef salami, mustard) and the “Chopped Liver” (gribenes, pickled shallots), make the whole experience exciting and fun.
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Saturday Morning at Russ & Daughters
It’s a Saturday morning tradition for us. We wake up, grab coffee at Think Coffee and then swing by Russ & Daughters for some of the best bagels and smoked fish in the city.
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King Cole Bar
It has been said by cocktail aficionados that the King Cole Bar in New York City was the first bar in the U.S. to serve a Bloody Mary after being originally invented at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris. It’s this type of history that makes this bar, situated in the posh St. Regis Hotel, so special.
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First Snow Of The Year in NYC
{ a view of the intersection of Bowery & Houston Streets in downtown Manhattan }
Stay safe & warm!
xo Janelle
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Forcella: Pizza di Napoli on the Bowery
I finally made it to pizza master Giulio Adriani’s new restaurant on the Bowery, Forcella. We went this past Friday, which was the first day the East Village got power back after Hurricane Sandy, so I give them extra points off the bat for hustling open to the delight of hungry SoPo diners like ourselves.
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Fall Roasted Chicken with Apples & Sage
As all of us in New York are finally recovering from the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, I couldn’t help but think back to the day before the hurricane hit, when the weather was bright, sunny and truly the calm before the storm. That day, Aaron and I ventured out to Union Square Greenmarket to pick up some ingredients for dinner. We set out to create a Roasted Chicken inspired by the wonderful warm flavors of the fall season.
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Easy Beef Barley Soup
With a wonderful fall chill in the air, I couldn’t wait to make a warm and comforting soup. I decided to make a lightened up Beef Barley Soup that is an easy, one-dish weeknight meal. I used a very lean cut of beef to keep the fat and calories down and added loads of tasty vegetables along with hearty pearled barley. This soup can all be made in one pot and is full of rich flavor. I used sprigs of fresh thyme, bay leaves and fresh parsley to flavor the soup — you will enjoy the fragrant aroma of fresh herbs that fills your kitchen as the soup simmers on your stove. My Easy Beef Barley Soup is delicious on its own, or with a side of crusty bread.