Few things are more evocative of childhood summer nights than an ice cream truck. Fidgeting anxiously on the sidewalk as the truck wends its way down the block, grimy fists clutching coins and dollar bills, seriously deliberating the choice at hand: maybe these memories are why everyone has such visceral feelings toward ice [...]
Big City, Little Kitchen
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The Hamburger-Killer: Homemade Shrimp Tacos
The perfect way to end a summertime beach day is, in my opinion, with homemade shrimp tacos. Last year, I discovered a surprisingly easy recipe for tortillas from an unlikely source, and have been making them with some regularity ever since. Filled with citrus-spiked shrimp, charred vegetables, and creamy avocado slices, these are a perfect [...]
Balthazar’s Seafood Cornucopia
Big City Little Kitchen Spy Shot
Last night, as a belated birthday dinner, I was treated to the towering fruit de mer “platter” at Balthazar. Also available in a smaller size (Le Grand, $58), Le Balthazar ($99) is a feast for two, generous snacking for four, and a towering, three-tiered spectacle for your neighboring diners [...]
British Goodies: Fortnum & Mason Products in the U.S.
Venerable British institution Fortnum & Mason, long known for their teas, biscuits, and “hampers” (essentially chic gift/picnic baskets), has finally made its goods available for order in the U.S. In perusing their new website, I found so many special, poetically-named condiments and foodstuffs (Strawberry Preserve with Champagne! Welsh Heather Honey!) it was [...]
The Versatile Pizzelle
Pizzelles, Italian waffle cookies made in a special iron, are so much more than crisp, lacy nibbles. Although they’re delicious on their own, dusted with a bit of powdered sugar, try sandwiching two together with a layer of Nutella or jam (or both?). You could also increase the lemon zest in the recipe [...]
Fave Five: Downtown Bakeries
I consider weekends to be prime dessert-eating time, and, as more often than not I find myself below Houston Street, I have done my share of due diligence on the downtown bakery scene. And so, after too many calories, frosting smudges, and crumb clumps to count, here are my unequivocal favorites:
