Friday, June 24th, 2005
- I have a new favorite cheese shop, Cavaniola’s Gourmet. They have a great selection of local artisanal producers as well as some extraordinary international cheeses. But it’s not just the cheese, it’s the people - they are constantly cutting wedges of cheese to try making the visit fun and educational. In addition to cheese, they carry a nice selection of olive oils, crackers, teas and other gourmet items. Plus at lunchtime, they make awesome panini. The store is located at 89B Division St, Sag Harbor, N.Y.
- Do you like lamb chops? Then you must try the Tandoor - grilled lamb chops at Devi, the upscale Indian restaurant in New York City. These chops explode with flavor. Chefs Hemant Mathur and Suvir Saran have a menu that will knock your socks off. Devi is located at 8 East 18th St, NYC. Their website is www.devinyc.com
- Great meals start with great ingredients, and in my mind there is no place more important than than a good butcher shop. Keep in mind that in addition to providing good meat, they should cut your steaks to your desired thickness, freshly grind meat, and butterfly a turkey or a leg of lamb upon request. I am lucky, I have a great butcher, L. Simchick at 944 First Ave at 52 St in NYC.
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Sunday, May 29th, 2005
- Mecox Bay Dairy is a new artisinal cheese maker in Bridgehampton, New York. Art Ludlow, who was a former potato farmer, now raises cows. They presently offer three cheeses: Atlantic Mist which is soft ripened cheese akin to brie, Shawondasee which is a semi-hard tomme with a natural rind and a mild taste, and lastly Sunrise, which is also a tomme, but with a washed rind and therefore rather pungent flavor. A new Gruyere is planned for late fall. These cheeses are available at The Village Cheese Shop in Southampton, Cavaniola’s Gourmet in Sag Harbor, and the Fairview Farm stand in Bridgehampton (Mecox & Horsemill Ln.).
- Tiger Spud Potato Chips are grown and kettle cooked by the Foster Farm, long time potato farmers in Sagaponac, New York. These chips are very tasty, and are not mass produced - you can actually taste the potato.
- The farm stands are turning green. They are overflowing with asparagus, peas, lettuce and spinach. It is so nice to have a salad with fresh greens, and a good vinaigrette.
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Saturday, April 23rd, 2005
Soft Shell Crabs are in season. Pick them up at your favorite fish monger, or just enjoy them at your local restaurant.
A real treat is presently at the Farmer’s Markets in the northeastern U.S., they are Ramps. If you have not heard of them, they look like baby scallions, but their flavor has a burst of garlic….yum.
Do you love your salad spinner? I had one with a hand crank on top, it worked well, but I would be sweating by the time the lettuce was dry. Then I bought a salad spinner by OXO, it’s amazing how such a simple device can make your life so much easier. Available at many online kitchen supply sites.
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Saturday, March 19th, 2005
- I have always been a fan of Wusthof knives, the quality edge and superb balance seemed perfect. Recently however, I tried a new toy, a 4 1/2 inch Paring knife by Global. These Japanese knives are thin and razor sharp. The forged blades are welded onto hollow, dimpled steel handles to form one seamless piece. These knives are very light, and I find them great for dicing vegetables. Available at most fine kitchen supply stores.
- Riedel “O” Wine Tumblers are a fun addition to your wine glass collection. These wine glasses do not have the stem which is typical for wine glasses, but they do have the bowl shape that allows the wine to properly breathe. I enjoy these tumblers because they are different and more casual, a perfect glass for quaffing a summer wine. Available at www.iwawine.com.
- Do you like spicy sausages? If so, then you have to try Hans’ All Natural Gourmet Sausage. I recently ate the Chicken Sausage with Fresh Cilantro and it was spectacular, bold flavors with plenty of heat. Check their website www.hansallnatural.com to determine a retailer near you.
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