thoughts, observations and other miscellany

Mark Bittman, “More Weight on Less Meat” (7/18/11)

Mark Bittman, “Junk Food Guidelines Won’t Help” (05-03-11)

-David Beckmann, a reverend who is this year’s World Food Prize laureate.

From “Why We’re Fasting” by Mark Bittman, New York Times

sixohthree:

Totally putting these on my foodie to-do list.

(Source: carlovely, via problemsolver)

Heavy Table’s Andy Sturdevant illustrates all of the great eats on 38th Street. Love this!

Last night I joined a few of my favorite gal pals for a ladies’ night in.  We prepared a delicious feast (food pics to come)…

If you’re looking for a fun fall-ish baking activity this weekend, you should absolutely should try these Apple Fritters (see batter bowl in photo)…they are BETTER than state fair doughnuts.  I kid you not.  And, we served them with Minnesota Creamery Cinnamon Ice Cream instead of the liquored up homemade stuff.

It feels like it had a been a long time since I’ve been truly floored by a culinary experience.  I was on the road for work yesterday, and got home late.  My coworker and I rewarded ourselves for a day of hard work with dinner at Bar La Grassa.

I’ve heard all of the hype.  All of the A+++ reviews.  The Facebook posts.  The Tweets.  And seriously? Oh. My. God.  The experience was amazing. 

We started with a great bottle of red wine (a Barberra?)…and four of the Bruschetta.  The famed Soft Eggs with Lobster was rich, and creamy, and decadent and amazing.  The Gorgonzola with Peporanata was delicious: the peppers were fantastic and paired fantastically with the creamy Gorgonzola.  The White Anchovy with Avocado was fresh and delightfully salty.  And the Fava Beans! Oh the Fava Bean with Pecorino and Romano bruschetta was amazing.  The flavors. 

I had the Spaghetti Carbonara (fresh pasta, yum!).  It was great.  The table favorite was the Calamarata with Raw Tuna.  Spicy, warm, fresh noodles, paired with cool, fresh tuna: genius.  The linguini with clams was delightfully lemony.  We also loved the grilled pork ribs and sausage. 

And, as if we weren’t satisfied already, we had the salted butter/caramel crepes for dessert.  Sweet. Salty. Buttery. Delish.

The greatest surprise of the night?  The menu was not only ridiculously delicious!  The prices were oh-so-reasonable. 

So, I’m hooked.  Thanks for the wonderful menu, Isaac Becker!

Swoon!  Chocolate ganache.  Peanut butter mousse.  Angel food cake. Devil’s food cake.  I MUST make this cake. 

Heaven and Hell Cake from Saveur

{Photo: Andre Baranowski}