The Cousin of Sleep

Now, I'm pretty sure I'm going to step on someone's toes with this statement, but toes be damned...

Nas' 1994 debut album, Illmatic, is in a word, perfect. From the first track to the last Illmatic is a narrative of literate, fluid rhymes with sophisticated, thoughtful beats rooted in some of the best and most esoteric of jazz and hip hop. It's both simple and ambitious with no extraneous elements. It's smart and it's fun as hell. Just you try not to move your body while you listen. And once the album is over, I am always left wanting more.

It's an especially great album to listen to in the car. And, of course, I'm listening to it while I write this.

But there is one line that always gives me pause. It's from the second track, N.Y. State of Mind, "I never sleep, cause sleep is the cousin of death.” It could be that I'm a really big fan of sleep, or that I also have no problem, in concept or practice, with sleeping say, twelve hours straight. My head hits the pillow, I close my eyes, and I'm out. I also feel that sleep is really healthy (maybe not the twelve hour variety). It's good for the mind and body. A person can go crazy, can die, without sleep.

So why is it the cousin of death? Because your eyes are closed and you're lying down? Our minds are in superdrive with dreams during sleep, so it can't be mental. And wait, what about the ancient belief that sneezing is a near-death experience, and that a blessing will prevent your soul or sneeze from escaping your body and will deter the devil from entering? Shouldn't the line then be, “I never sneeze, cause sneeze is the cousin of death"? It surely seems more literal. And why cousin? I suppose it sounds better than nephew... the nephew of death.

The things that keep me up at night... At least they keep me further from death's cousin.

I've been thinking about sleep (and hence, that line) a lot because I'm not getting much of it. I'm pregnant and getting pregnant-er by the day. If I'm not up every hour for the bathroom, then I'm struggling to use the proper sleeping positions (my favorite body placement is apparently not recommended for pregnancy). Sometimes I even wake up in the middle of the night famished. And I know that this part will only get worse as time moves forward, and then there will likely be no sleep at all after our baby girl is born.

I've always been aware of, but paid little attention to, a couple of food/sleep – related old wives tales. One is that warm, liquidy stuff, like heated milk, tea or soup can be a soothing, sleep inducing aid. Another is that spicy food causes fitful sleep, or plainly put, nightmares. Well, what about spicy soup? Would that make for an extremely solid, good, long sleep with tremendously complex and mysterious dreams? Is this what the likes of David Lynch or Francis Bacon would have before bed while conceiving of their films/paintings? It most certainly would explain that which is Salvador Dali and Luis Buñuel's surrealist extravaganza, Un Chien Andalou.

So I figured, not only will I get some sleep, but I'm going to get some wicked creative sleep. What do I have to lose, right? Heck, maybe just maybe my opus, my Illmatic, would result. And, upon more listening to N.Y. State of Mind - I never sleep, cause sleep is the cousin of death. Beyond thewalls of intelligence, life is defined – I have to wonder if Nas himself tried this very same tactic. I'd like to think so. Maybe he'd like to try my racy-spicy pozole rojo one late night for the fuel to put him in the state of mind to put forth something as important and noteworthy as he did back in 1994.

Pozole Rojo
(recipe adapted from Emeril Lagasse)

Makes 4 quarts

Ingredients:

1 head garlic
3 1/2 to 4 pounds bone-in pork shoulder, cut into 3 or 4 pieces
3 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
14 cups water
4 cups chicken stock
1 onion, sliced and 1 onion, chopped
2 ounces ancho chiles, seeded and stemmed
1 -ounce guajillo chiles, seeded and stemmed
2 (30-ounce) cans white hominy plus 1 (15.5-ounce) can

2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons paprika
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon dried oregano

Accompaniments:
Diced avocado, for serving

Thinly sliced cabbage, for serving
Julienned radishes, for serving
Chopped scallions, for serving
Chopped cilantro, for serving
Lime wedges, for serving

Directions:

Season the pork with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper.

In an 8 quart Dutch oven, over medium high heat, brown the pork on all sides. Add the sliced garlic, sliced onion, 10 cups of the water and chicken stock. Bring up to a boil. Skim off any foam that may rise to the surface. Turn the heat down and gently simmer the pork, covered, until very tender, 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

While pork is simmering, toast the ancho and guajillo chiles in a pan over medium-high heat. Turn the chiles several times, cooking until they are pliable and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add 2 cups of the remaining water; bring to a boil, turn off and let stand covered for 20 to 25 minutes.

In a blender, combine the chiles, the soaking liquid, chopped onion, garlic, 1 teaspoon of the remaining salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, paprika, coriander, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, and oregano and puree until smooth. Strain through a sieve to remove any skins or seeds. Set aside.

Transfer the pork to a cutting board, discard the bones, and shred the meat.

Rinse and drain the hominy. Return the pork to the broth; add the hominy, 1/4 cup of the chile sauce (or more to taste), remaining teaspoon of salt, and remaining water if necessary. Simmer the pozole for 30 minutes longer. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Any leftover chile sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 weeks and may be stirred into marinades, sauces, soups, or stews, or used to flavor meats before grilling or sauteing.

The pozole should look hearty but be brothy enough to be thought of as a soup or brothy stew.

Serve the pozole buffet style with bowls of the accompaniments for guests to add to their taste.


Printable recipe.


One year ago: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Salami
Two years ago: Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic
Three years ago: Mercantile
Four years ago: Swiss Fondue with Truffle Essence
Six years ago: Roast Chicken with Meyer Lemons

Hong Kong Food - The Cuisines of Asia's World City

The cuisines of China (particularly the Cantonese) are dominating Hong Kong's culinary scene, and that is no surprise, as most Hong Kongers are of Cantonese origin. Alongside the Chinese cuisines, you will find many restaurants specializing in other Far East cuisines, such as Japanese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, Indian and others... European and British influence can also be found, as Hong Kong was a British colony for more than 150 years.

Moreover, it can be said that during the years Hong Kong developed its own unique cuisine that combines Cantonese cooking with other elements...

Yum cha ("drinking tea") is an integral part of Hong Kong's culinary culture.

This Cantonese term refers to the custom of eating small servings of different foods, mainly dim sum, while sipping Chinese tea.

Dim sum is probably Hong Kong's most popular dish. It literally translates to "touch the heart", which means "take what your heart picks" (that is because of the great variety you can choose from...)

Dim sum is typically served as a light meal or brunch that consists of various types of steamed buns, dumplings and rice-rolls, containing a range of fillings, including beef, chicken, pork, prawns and vegetarian options... It is normally eaten some time from morning to early afternoon and usually served with Chinese tea.

Visiting a traditional Hong Kong style tea house for Yum Cha is strongly recommended.

Another true "Hong Kong institution" is the Cha Chaan Teng: A casual restaurant which can be described as a hybrid between a Chinese tea house and a cafe... Those places are normally open from morning till evening and serve a variety of local favorites... from Hong Kong style toasts and milk tea to rice and noodle specialties.

The Cantonese cuisine comes from the area around the city of Guangzhou (Canton), in Guangdong Province, just a short drive from Hong Kong.

Of the different Chinese cuisines, Cantonese is the most popular outside China, probably thanks to the fact that it is not as spicy as some of its "counterparts"...

Great diversity of ingredients is, perhaps, what characterizes the Cantonese cuisine more than anything else... The Cantonese cuisine makes use of almost every ingredient under the sun and as the famous Chinese saying goes "The Cantonese will eat everything that swims except the boat, everything that flies except the airplane, and everything that runs except the car"...

The Cantonese cuisine is also characterized by the use of very mild and simple spices in combination. Ginger, spring onion, sugar, salt, soy sauce, rice wine, corn starch and oil are sufficient for most Cantonese cooking, although garlic is also used abundantly.

Steaming, stir frying and deep frying seem to be the most popular cooking methods in Cantonese restaurants due to the short cooking time, and the philosophy of bringing out the flavor of the freshest ingredients.

Other than the ultimate Dim sum, recommended Cantonese dishes include Sweet and sour fish, Fried Garoupa fish, Deep-fried crispy chicken, Crispy pig belly, Roast Suckling Pig and, of course... the costly Braised Shark's fin and Abalone

The Chiu Chow (Teochew) cuisine comes from Chiuchow (now called 'Chaozhou'), a city in China's Guangdong Province, not far from Guangzhou and Hong Kong. Expectantly, this cooking style is very similar to Cantonese cuisine, although Chiuchow cuisine does maintain a certain degree of culinary independence...

Poached cold crab, Baby oyster with omelets, Chiu Chow style roast duck and Chiu Chow soya goose are some of the recommended dishes.

The Sichuan (Szechwan) cuisine originates from Sichuan Province in southwestern China and has an international reputation for being hot and spicy.

The most common ingredient is the Sichuan peppercorn, or Fagara: An indigenous plant whose peppercorns produce a fragrant, numbing, almost citrusy spice. Other common spices include Chili, Ginger, Star anise, Fennel seed, Coriander, Chili bean paste, Garlic and Spicy herbs.

Common cooking methods include smoking, stir frying, braising and simmering, which allow peppers and aromatic seasonings time to infuse food with unforgettable tastes and aromas

Famous Sichuan dishes include Sichuan style dan-dan noodle, Pork slices in a garlic sauce with a hint of chili, Braised beef in Szechwan pepper sauce, Kung Pao chicken, Ma Por tofu and Twice Cooked Pork.

Peking/Beijing (Mandarin) cuisine originates from China's capital city.

It developed over the centuries by thousands of skilled cooks from China's different regions, who flocked to the "big city" to work for royal families and wealthy government officials.

Peking duck is, by far, the most popular Pekingese dish, and it is mostly prized for its thin and crispy skin. Other famous dishes of the Peking cuisine include Hot and sour soup, as well as Sauteed sliced beef with scallion and Drunken pigeon.

The Shanghainese cuisine originates from coastal provinces around the city of Shanghai and is characterized by the use of alcohol. Fish, eel, crab and chicken are "drunken" with spirits and usually served raw.

Salted meats and preserved vegetables are also commonly used to spice up the dish. Another "secret ingredient" of the Shanghainese cuisine is sugar...

Sweet and sour spare ribs, Beggar's Chicken, Shanghai hairy crab, "eight treasure" duck, "drunken" chicken, braised eel and yellow fish are the most popular dishes...

Contemporary fusion cuisine has made it big in Hong Kong over the last few years... The city's chefs keep on coming up with innovative culinary creations that combine China's different cooking styles with those of other regions, and the results are surprisingly delicious.

Japanese, Indian, Korean and Southeast Asian restaurants are very popular in Hong Kong and are well worth considering, especially if you are tired of Chinese food but still want to try something "authentic".

The New Uru-Gay Beckons

Although it is about the aboriginal country in South America, Uruguay acutely has a big affection if it comes to gay visitors. Belted by Brazil to the arctic and Argentina to the west Uruguay has survived the antagonism from Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro to become the adopted hot atom for gay vacationers from South America and now from about the world.

With a acreage accumulation of alone 175 aboveboard kilometres and a civic citizenry of 3.5 actor association of whom about fifty percent reside in the basic city-limits of Montevideo, admirable albino beaches and rolling hills in the interior, Uruguay offers a arrangement of anniversary activities to this new beachcomber of tourists.

Five years ago this ages in 2003 the federal government anesthetized a law attention associates of animal minorities from concrete and printed homophobic abuse. This was followed in November 2007 with the acceptance of same-sex civilian unions at the civic level---the aboriginal country in South America to acquiesce gay unions. The age of acknowledged accord is eighteen and homosexual acts in accessible are still frowned aloft but the all-embracing attitude in Uruguay is actual gay-friendly.

The cities of Montevideo and Colonia additional the littoral resort of Punta del Este---Star of the Golden Coast---are area a lot of of the gay and gay-friendly businesses can be found. Although the riviera of Punta del Este is abstruse to Arctic Americans it has star-pulling ability and rivals abounding added accustomed gay destinations amidst the acute gay adult who are gluttonous about a little bit altered from the norm.

This baby country has candidly becoming its appellation of Uru-Gay and the aboriginal time you appointment will accredit you to accept how this came about.

The basic city, Montevideo, is affluent in 18th aeon Spanish history if it was founded as a aggressive bastion and the Ciudad Vieja---Old City---offers abounding examples of the aboriginal barrio erected by the aboriginal settlers. This is the trendiest neighbourhood of the city-limits and comes animate afterwards aphotic as the ball hub of Montevideo. Amidst this celebrated neighbourhood one can aswell acquisition a contempo accession of the Esplanade Of Animal Diversity and The Gay and Lesbian Animality Cairn inaugurated in February 2005 in acceptance of gay and lesbian Nazi persecution. It is amid on Policia Vieja St., amid Capital de la Constitución and Capital Independencia. This is the aboriginal cairn of its affectionate in South America and alone the fourth in the apple afterwards Amsterdam, New York and San Francisco. This was a above ability which the bounded gay association is acutely appreciative of initiating and addition affirmation of the gay-friendly Uru-Gay people. Not decidedly actuality you will aswell acquisition abounding gay and gay-friendly bars, restaurants and shops surrounding the park.

Throughout the Old City-limits forth cobbled streets and amidst admirable parks and plazas there are abounding celebrated architect accouterment hours of walking amusement and of advance gastronomic delights. The Port Bazaar is a accumulating of restaurants, confined and sidewalk cafes alms bounded comestible specialties and wines. One bounded custom which is consistently abiding to amuse is Medio y Medio---a adulatory bottle of bounded albino and wine(red or white)---to adore as you analyze the menu. Of advance Uruguay is acclaimed for La Parrilla---local meats on the barbecue grill---accompanied by a advanced arrangement of locally developed vegetable ancillary dishes to accompaniment your meal. You will aswell be abundantly afraid at how acceptable and bargain the bounded wines prove to be with a little admonition from your waiter.

Beside the Port Bazaar is the Perez Castellano banal artery which allows you to adore the architect and shops after any blatant cartage and adventure aback in time through this old Spanish adjustment in accord and quiet. Outside of the Old City-limits the 18 de Julio Artery commemorates Uruguayan Independence Day. It is a actual continued access through the affection of Montevideo and about every above allure is abutting to this street. It is lined with parks, plazas, monuments and amazing architectural examples of belle epoque and art deco buildings. The City-limits of Montevideo publishes a actual acceptable map with a walking bout avenue that will acquiesce you to see aggregate in just a brace of comfortable canicule walking and endlessly to adore the sights.

At the Capital Independence Aboveboard in the affection of the city-limits is the Placid Salvo gay bar and accordingly aswell the Canadian Embassy. Although the gay confined in Montevideo do not accessible until actual backward at night the maple blade banderole is aerial on the bend of this capital 24/7! The added gay bar Cain---the oldest gay bar in the city---is amid at Cerro Largo 1833 at Arenal Grande. This bar is amid in an astronomic ancestry architectonics and has multi-levels with three ball floors and is the a lot of accepted with locals and visitors. Although there are alone two gay confined in the city-limits there is a aggregation of gay affable establishments to aswell adore with a admixture of straight, gay, bisexual and transgendered patrons. Be able for absorbing times backward at night until aboriginal in the morning in this active city.

Of advance any city-limits in the southern hemisphere belted by the Atlantic Ocean on one ancillary and a ample river branch on the added ancillary is apprenticed to accept some amazing beaches and Montevideo is no exception. Abutting to the city-limits centre is Playa Ramirez and a abbreviate bus or auto ride will yield you to Playa Pocitos or Playa Malvin. Pack affluence of sun tan balm as the application actuality are actual able and during the winter months there is actual little billow awning and the temperature averages the low thirties. However, you will acquisition affluence of bank confined and sidewalk cafes should you charge to acquisition some adumbration and refreshments.

Shopping in Montevideo offers a advanced arrangement of choices and the prices are actual low compared to Canadian prices. There are above alternation stores, baby boutiques, bounded ability stores, markets and of advance covering factories. Make abiding your artificial is accessible for a abundant hit as there will be abounding alluring must-have items that you will ascertain as you airing forth the absorbing city-limits streets.

Finding gay apartment in Montevideo is a claiming but the hostal La Puerto Negra is a absorbing gay bed and breakfast amid in a residential neighbourhood aural walking ambit of the city-limits centre and Old City. The apartment are large, the celebrated architectonics is absorbing and the ante are actual reasonable. Otherwise the choices are actual gay-friendly and a lot of allowance ante in Montevideo are actual affordable depending on your best of adaptation appearance and location.

Outside of Montevideo the baby boondocks of Colonia is just a abbreviate two and a bisected hour bus ride and will accommodate a complete change of clip from the big city. Actuality you will acquisition Portuguese appearance architectonics and cobbled streets evocative of Lisbon, Portugal. Winding streets and bright houses are laid out in a arrangement altered from a lot of Spanish colonial cities, and a contentment to explore. The celebrated quarter, Barrio Historica, on a baby peninsula bulging out into the river, was called a Apple Ancestry Site in 1995. The town's history dates aback to 1745 and you can see an celebrated drawbridge congenital at that time, the El Faro alarm congenital in 1857, or appointment the Sunday bazaar in Capital Mayor. A day or two in Colonia is a absolute way to see addition ancillary of Uruguay's different address and history. The boondocks produces a abundant arrangement of bounded bolt and has a chargeless barter area acceptable the already low prices.

Travelling arctic east for about 140 kilometres from Montevideo brings you to the flush resort boondocks of Punte del Este on the Atlantic coast. This baby littoral boondocks of just over ten thousand association swells to a melancholia citizenry of about one actor humans during the months of December to February. The admirable beaches, casinos and ball allure abounding echo visitors and newcomers akin who are authoritative this the Riviera of South America not to be missed. The gay association is growing and now includes hotels, bars, restaurants and food for a complete gay anniversary experience. The beaches actuality action aggregate from sailing in the Atlantic breezes on the calm amnion to adequate and suntanning or surfing on the waves. No cruise to Uruguay is complete after a appointment to Punta del Este and the Monte Carlo appearance fun!

For a baby country you will be afraid at how abundant Uru-Gay has to action and what an dependable and alien gay vacation amphitheater you accept found.

There is aswell a actual accomplished GLBT bout aggregation specialising in gay vacations in Uruguay but headquartered in the United States and they can be begin at gay-uruguay.com accouterment abetment with a vacation anywhere in this baby country with the big gay acceptable mat. They can align accommodations, tours and appropriate activities to apartment your claimed abstraction of a absolute gay holiday.

This winter amusement yourself to a different vacation in the southern hemisphere and acquisition out why anybody is talking about one of the aboriginal countries in South America with the better affection and acceptable for gay vacationers.

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Sarasota Living - The State of the Arts

A Historic Charge to the Arts: A Brief Chronology

Even admitting Sarasota has a continued history of exploration, adjustment and development, today's accepted city-limits anatomy began to yield appearance in the aboriginal 1920's. Originally allotment of Manatee County, Sarasota was organized as a boondocks in 1902 and reorganized as a city-limits in 1913. However it was not until 1921 if Sarasota Canton was formed and the city-limits of Sarasota became the canton seat.

During the 1920's the antecedent seeds for Sarasota's cultural roots were sown with the 1925 architecture of the A.B. Edwards Theater. The admirable styled art deco area provided a arrangement of top aptitude headliners for a amount of decades but it eventually fell into ill repair, absent its afterglow and was bankrupt in the aboriginal 1970's. With the acquirement of the amphitheater in 1979, a alternation of accessory renovations and a above $20 actor apology activity in 2007-08, the A.B. Edwards architecture was adequate to its august ancestry and today is accepted as the Sarasota Opera House.

In 1936, one of Sarasota's a lot of arresting developers, leaders, and citizens, John Ringling ancestral his absolute acreage to the accompaniment of Florida. With this bequeathal came the all-encompassing art collections which became the foundation for The John and Mable Museum of Art, one of Sarasota's grandest locales.

Debuting in 1949 as the Florida West Coast Symphony, today's Sarasota Orchestra is the oldest continuing orchestra in the accompaniment of Florida. With a charge to symphonic and alcove music, adolescence education, and the Sarasota Music Festival, the Sarasota Orchestra is carrying classical music in a new and agitative way.

In the aboriginal 1950's the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art purchased the 18th aeon Italian Asolo Amphitheater and confused it to the Ringling Acreage in Sarasota. Today The Historic Asolo Amphitheater now functions as a assuming arts centermost accouterment a advanced arrangement of dance, film, theater, music and address performances.

In the backward 1960's the city-limits of Sarasota was the benefactor of accession bequest, this time from philanthropists Lewis and Eugenia Van Wezel. Congenital anon on Sarasota's Bay front, the Frank Lloyd Wright aggressive Van Wezel Assuming Arts Hall has been accouterment a advanced spectrum of apple chic ball for over 40 years.

In the backward 1980's/early 1990's a "new" Asolo Amphitheater was congenital on the Sarasota Campus of Florida Accompaniment University adjoining to the Ringling Museum grounds.. Subsequently renamed the Asolo Repertory Amphitheater in 2006, the Asolo is home to both affected performances and the Sarasota Ballet Company which was formed in 1990.

In accession to the "Big Five" Art Organizations, Sarasota is animate with association theater, art galleries, ball clubs, music venues, appropriate contest and festivals.

Culinary Arts: The a lot of accepted art of all!

With the better absorption of Zagat rated restaurants in the accompaniment of Florida, Sarasota offers a advanced array of cuisine and appearance from which to choose. Upscale analytic priced accidental dining, beginning locally developed ingredients, organic/vegan menus, baby plates, and wine/espresso cafes are just a few of the contempo comestible trends we see getting congenital into the Sarasota dining scene.

The art of Fine Dining is a allotment of Sarasota; so too is the accidental dining establishment.

Sarasota: Your Destination Awaits You

With admirable white albino beaches, azure dejected black water, close breezes, abundant restaurants, balmy affable people, Sarasota, the cultural epicenter of Florida, should be your next destination.

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Camellia Cafe in Daphne, Alabama

Located appropriate in the affection of the city celebrated district, the Camellia Café is a authentication of Daphne's comestible tradition. Although this beanery has been about for a while, it underwent a affecting transformation if it was taken over by a new chef, Ryan Glass, in 2006. Under Chef Glass's able hand, this restaurant has blossomed and now offers what abounding accede to be the finest dining acquaintance on the eastern bank of Mobile Bay.

Chef Glass brings a abundant abounding talents to the table that all advice to advance the superior of the aliment and the all-embracing dining acquaintance that barter appear from all over the Daphne breadth to enjoy. One accurate affairs point for this comfortable little café is the way that anniversary entrée on the card is anxiously commutual with a wine suggestion. Chef Glass spent several years alive at the illustrious Martini Abode which is amid in Napa Valley, and the ability of wine that he able through his plan there has enabled him to accept just the appropriate wine to go altogether with anniversary bowl he prepares.

The card at the Camellia Café accouterment a abundant accord depending on the availability of bounded beginning aftermath and seafood. No amount what the specific dishes offered are, however, the all-embracing superior of the aliment is above reproach. In fact, abounding barter say they accomplish the cruise from added cities on a approved base in adjustment to get a aftertaste of Chef Glass's latest concoctions.

The acceptability of the Camellia Café is such that it has been the accountable of affection online writing in Mobile Monthly annual and added semi-local publications. It's not alone the aliment that barter and critics babble about though. The atmosphere at the Camellia Café is one of accidental elegance. This is artlessly a comfortable southern café that serves actually accomplished aliment and has the affable personable account to go with it. Also, as acceptable as the aliment at this restaurant is, the bill will not put you in the poor house. In fact, with the prices for a lot of entrees aerial at about the $10 mark, the aliment at the Camellia Café is so affordable that you'll be able to allow to eat there as generally as you'd like while you're in town.

Some contempo suggestions from barter cover the Pot Roast and gravy served with mashed potatoes and haricots verts, the Seared Ahi Tuna Wrap with Asian Slaw and the Bounded Blue Crab with Bitter Lettuce Salad. Shrimp and Grits is addition bounded favorite, as is the old accepted Ashley Farms Chicken Salad Sandwich. There's something for anybody at the Camellia Café and no amount what you pick, it's actual acceptable you'll never accept tasted annihilation absolutely so acceptable in your life.

Daphne Restaurants

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The Office

Being back home has been a lot of a lot. A lot of memories-slash-skeletons uprocking in my face and a lot of me choosing whether or not to accept the dance. I'm much more selective with my memory-embracing dance card if Fred is with me, of course. I don't need to tell Fred that little anecdotal tale of that time that crazy thing happened at that party in that house we're walking past right now, right? Sure was a good story, though. You get the idea.

But really, the main a lot of a lot that has been happening in the three months since we landed in our new home, the reason for the absence of a lot of a lot of writing and sharing stories with you is that I'm pregnant. Fred and I are having a baby! And we are a lot of a lot of everything ranging from elated to petrified.

From the first months of my physical fragility, fear, nausea and hormonal tsunamis (poor Fred), to the last few weeks of genetic tests and waiting for results, I haven't been able to think, focus or mentally commit to much, especially with concentration for writing. And, of course, this is all I have wanted to talk about. But couldn't. Not yet. I'm relieved to be able to put it out there now.

When we moved into our new apartment, we discussed the smaller, extra bedroom being an office-slash-photo studio. Mostly, it became the room where we crammed all of the things we didn't want to look at or deal with until later. But then it became the mystery room that neither Fred nor I knew what to do with. Was it going to be an office or a nursery? We didn't want to treat it as either until we had some solid news. And so it sat, unattended to.

A week ago, in one of my OCD fests, I couldn't take it any more. I had to do something with the extra room. For some reason it had become my albatross and it kept staringat me, taunting me – even through the closed door. So I went to setting up sort of a mini office on one side of the room. An organized and tidy place for Fred or I to do work. But also something that would be able to stay and become part of the nursery, or could possibly expand and be a straight up office. Depending, you know?

Yesterday, Fred and I finally received the call that had had us emotionally upended during the wait, the definitive enough results of the genetic tests. And a bonus, the news of our baby's gender - she's a girl! Though all sorts of unforeseen events can happen in life, and one ultimately never knows, we had decided that this was our GO point. Game on. Hey world, we are having a baby!

So, I guess I will have start working on the nursery part of the extra room. And man, I don't know how or where to begin. I guess we have to get stuff. Advice is welcome. We're new here.

To tell you the truth, as far as my kitchen and its goings on, you haven't missed much. The most entertaining food things with me have involved my cravings that primarily require bringing outside things in. Most notably, my newfound sweet tooth-related items such as ice cream, donuts, very specific chocolate, mainly Rolos (absolutely nothing fancy – the trashier the better). But there was also the carrots-dipped-in-ranch-dressing phase, the extra-toasted-bagel-with-cream-cheese phase, the butter croissant phase, the cold sandwich phase (which was limited as I'm not supposed to eat cold cuts), the completely-void-of-seasoning-in-all-food-phase (think something akin to elderly people cafeteria food), and the spicy soup phase. In a bizarre turn I have not craved my usual salty crunchies: no chips. Until last night when I housed a family sized bag of the salt and vinegar variety. Following a dinner of New England clam chowder and a salad. What can I say?

The recipe I'm sharing with you today is from the spicy soup phase. It's Winter. Everyone loves soup. And I'm guessing you don't want a recipe for homemade Rolos. Wait, that's not a bad idea, actually...

Well, until then, let's celebrate with this soup and Thai one on.

Tom Kha Gai

Makes 6-8 servings

Ingredients

1 1” piece ginger, peeled

10 kaffir lime leaves or 1 Tbsp. lime zest and ¼ cup lime juice

6 cups chicken stock

1½ lb. skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1” pieces

8 ounces of mushrooms of your choice, stemmed, caps cut into bite-size pieces

2 13.5-oz. cans coconut milk

2 tablespoons fish sauce 

1 tablespoon sugar

2 stalks fresh lemongrass, tough outer layers removed

Chili oil, cilantro leaves with tender stems, lime wedges and sliced jalapeño (optional) (for serving)

Directions
Cut the lemongrass stalks into 1-inch pieces and smash them with the side of a large knife, a pestle, or any heavy object lying around in the house; do the same with the ginger. Bring lemongrass, ginger, lime leaves, and broth to a boil in a large saucepan. Reduce heat and simmer until flavors become married, 8–10 minutes. Strain broth into a new saucepan and discard solids.

Add chicken to broth and return to a boil. Reduce heat, add mushrooms, and simmer, skimming occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and mushrooms are soft, 20–25 minutes. Mix in coconut milk, fish sauce, and sugar. We added more fish sauce as the recipe progressed. It's really up to you.

Serve with cilantro, chili oil and lime wedges. And maybe a slice or two of jalapeño peppers if you're feeling wild and crazy.

Printable recipe.

One year ago: Bagels

Two years ago: Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic

Three years ago: Cremini Mushroom & Meyer Lemon Risotto

Four years ago: Chicken Pot Pie

Six years ago: Oyster Stew

The Havana Bucket List

Havana is one of the liveliest cities in the Caribbean, it boasts non-stop, dark till aurora partying for those who like to ball and adore the cooler of the abounding bounded varieties. Bacardi Rum and the mojito were built-in actuality afterwards all. Havana does accept a quieter ancillary if you're activity something a little added easygoing like cultural touring, bounded ball and added cafes again you can agitate a stick at. Actuality is a shortlist of some have to do's on your next cruise to Havana.

1. Dinner at "La Bodeguita Del Medio" - one of Havana's a lot of culturally flush restaurants it has had the advocacy of celebrities and dignitaries. Ernest Hemingway even graced the walls of La Bodeguita with his own graffiti "My mojito in La Bodeguita, My daiquiri in El Floridita" the mojito ability be a acceptable best (hint, hint). Don't go planning a quiet black at La Bodeguita it is able-bodied accepted and does get a fair bulk of day-tripper traffic. To all you foodies out there, this is a complete cultural acquaintance added than it is a renaissance of comestible delights. The card is mostly accent by Cuban food, beans, rice and added pork dishes again you could anytime remember.

2. Visit "El Capitolio" or the "National Capitol Building" as it's generally referred to is one of the a lot of architecturally beauteous barrio in Cuba. It already housed the Cuban government up until the Cuban anarchy in 1959. An absurd sight, the architectonics boasts the 3rd better calm bronze in the world.

3. Got an inch for acceptable grinds? You are never abbreviate of abundant cafes in Havana; in actuality the city-limits centre has added cafes per capita than a lot of North American cities. That getting said it's simple to get absent in all the variety, but a abiding bet is the "Restaurante Café del Oriente" its amid next to the access on Havana Bay and serves some adorable cooler choices, hot or cold. The complete breadth is old architectonics and resonates culture, authoritative a abbreviate breach actuality a actual memorable one.

4. Take a airing down "El Malecon" boardwalk; it's a breathtaking backpack forth the Havana shoreline. It offers astonishing angle of the ocean and is a abundant way to plan off all those espressos and abundant Cuban comestible treats.

5. Need some excitement? Havana is the abode for that too. Check out "Club Salseando Chevere", it is one of the newest clubs in Havana and is home to some of the hottest salsa dancing on the planet. Whether you are a acclimatized ballerina or a fledging beginner, there is something for you. Instructors are accessible to those who appeal it. Club Salseando Chevere is an complete amazing experience.

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Unique and Fun Things to Do in San Francisco, California

Nob Hill

As for a lot of places in the city, Nob Hill is calmly amidst by accumulation transit. Close to above day-tripper attractions, this is a abode breadth you can rub elbows with the locals. Nob Hill has a mix of admirable mansions, row homes, cathedrals, parks and all of the standards of city-limits living. Good on the eye as able-bodied as the belly, Nob Hill has all of San Francisco's acclaimed diversity. It is not a bad abode to go bar bent either.

Food Trucks

These accepted "meals on wheels" are not your accepted book in the bay area. In fact, it ability in fact be harder to acquisition a hot dog here. Everything from Korean tacos to outstanding Latin admixture is offered amid these adaptable eateries. They're usually about placed, so afterwards the use of technology (phone/computer) it can be difficult to clue down the specific cuisine you desire. If you don't bang into one while abnormality through the city, luckily, you can acquisition twenty or added of them calm on weekends in a abode alleged "Off the Grid" amid at the Fort Mason Center parking lot. Let them vie for your comestible desires, you will not be disappointed.

Ferry Ride to Sausolito

Before the Golden Gate and Bay Bridge was built, the ferries provided a all-important action of accepting workers and food beyond the frigid amnion of the bay. Today, you will see them still scooting across, but with day trippers. Alcatraz is the allurement which pulls a lot of of the tourists, however, in its adumbration is addition abundant acumen to hop on one of these active boats... Sausolito. It is a quaint, yet flush boondocks already acclimated for address building. Not huge, an unaggressive ambler can amount the capital allotment of boondocks in simple minutes. Packed neatly into the breadth are affluence of places to shop, eat, and drink. A absolute destination for a admirable afternoon.

Upper Haight District

Hugged by the Golden Gate and Buena Vista Park, the Haight doesn't accept absolutely the aforementioned ability of its 70's reputation, but it is still animate and has affluence of "eye candy" for those of us who are humans watchers. It is absolutely simple to get to by accumulation alteration from about anywhere in the city. Walking in this adjacency you will apparently accelerate appropriate accomplished several acclaimed association homes of yester year including The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, and even Charles Manson. All these abundant artists and celebrities took up abode in this anytime alteration association during its hippie hay day. Abundant for a ancestors affable day trip, but note, this destination tends to get absorbing afterwards dark.

Presidio/Fort Point

This arresting amplitude of acreage was acclimated for almost 220 years by the aggressive and alone afresh was angry over to the city-limits as allotment of the parks program. Often disregarded yet still popular, this battleground has appeared in movies, absoluteness T.V. and even video games. Amid on the arctic end of the peninsula, this destination offers the absolute abode for a drive, hike, or bold of golf. Nature is abounding of affable surprises in this micro altitude clashing any other. A angle out allotment of this esplanade is Fort Point. Aside from its actual acceptation and air-conditioned cannons, it boasts one of the best angle of the Golden Gate Bridge.

North Beach/Coit Tower

San Francisco's Little Italy isn't all pizza and spaghetti. With California's assorted population, you will be abiding to acquisition affluence of archetypal Italian book as able-bodied as sushi, Belgian, and abounding added options. Coit belfry was erected as a cairn in account of the aggregation of firefighters who risked and gave their lives in the bay area. It is a absolute placed accolade that aswell offers a bird's eye appearance over the city. Hilly terrains accomplish for a abundantly arduous trek, but let's face it, you are in San Francisco, and it's apprenticed to happen.

Buena Vista Cafe

No barista here! Amid abreast the Fisherman's Wharf trolley stop, this backward restaurant claims the aboriginal Irish coffee. Ancestors friendly, yet not actual comestible innovative, be abiding to stop in to see how an Irish coffee is absolutely done. The bartender will wow you with the fabricated from scratch, abundant abode specialty. You will assuredly be impressed!

Grand Appearance Park

Referred to locals as Turtle Hill, Grand Appearance Esplanade is artfully advised with accomplish acknowledgment circuitous animals; the cruise to the top will assume effortless. Of all of the places in boondocks to yield in a across-the-board appearance of the city, this arguably is a winner. Abundant for a cup of coffee or a duke captivated airing with a admired one.

Walking Tours

Tour busses, Segways, bikes, and cabs are all nice, but can aswell be impersonal. This is why it is abundant that San Francisco offers so abounding different walking tours. The slower clip allows you to yield it all in afterwards a ample amount tag. With the advanced array of tours from apparition to comedy, there is one just appropriate for your anxiety and eyes to indulge.

Asian Art Museum

In a city-limits alms a deluge of admirable museums and great outlets of culture, the Asian Art Museum is a angle out. This accumulating of all above Asian countries boasts about 17,000 works of art and artifacts. Some pieces even pre-date the accounting word, and there are alternate activities for all ages. This bargain stop will aswell position you aural a mile of opera houses, symphony hall, and theatres.

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Covering the Food Beat

With the exception of restaurant reviewers who should remain anonymous, a newspaper's food reporter needs to network with both foodies and the culinary artists of the newspaper's coverage area.

If covering food events, restaurant openings, food production and the people involved with them, make sure you:

1. Are on the scene. Go to the food events and be a part of the crowd, stop by the studio where the cooking shows are being filmed, take culinary classes, and wander through the picnics at the outdoor concerts. Talk to the people who are creating the events AND the ones who are attending.

2. Know the people who have influence. You could crack a dozen posh food-filled charity events just by meeting, and getting to know, the most popular event planner in the area. Have a Master Sommelier's phone number in your rolodex? He is the perfect resource to offer tips, clue you in on up and coming trends, and provide you with reviews of the best for each holiday throughout the year.

3. Carry business cards with all your phone numbers on them. When you give them to a culinary contact, insist that you are available to take their calls day and night. Pass them out at business events. Some of the entrepreneurial development seminar attendees may be starting restaurants, bakeries, cheese processing plants or nostalgic candy stores. By giving these people your card, you will be the first to bring the information to your editor, saving you the embarrassment of having a competing paper break the news.

4. Read the business news, property sales, and tax auctions briefs. These can give you the jump start on articles covering the birth or death of a restaurant or which chef is moving on to start his own place.

5. Include your work email in your articles, or on the newspaper's website. Sure, you want the local foodies who know what's going on to contact you, but sometimes you get outstanding tips from a reader about shops, falafel stands, and outdoor cafes that have been existing under your radar.

6. Send thank-you's to contacts if they've helped you on a big feature. Nothing big, but offer to buy them coffee, or write an email thanking the referral to an interviewee for that last big feature.

7. Love what you do! Be conversant in food-talk. Read the food trade magazines or spend part of your workday online keeping up with new trends. Sure, your new informants on the local food scene can help keep you up-to-date, but your research will show these same contacts that you take your job seriously and understand what's going on in the world of food.

Top 3 Springtime South Beach Events Not to Miss!

No matter the season, South Beach is always an adventure. From the beach to the bar to the world-class cuisine, South Beach offers a flavorful mixture of tastes, sights, and sounds. The spicy infusion of clubs and cafes blends beach time and nightlife into an unforgettable experience. The wacky locals and tourists make Miami Beach a people-watching paradise, and the Art Deco buildings embellish the skyline and light up the evenings with a hot neon glow. Dance the night away at Club Cameo, the Mansion, and Automatic Slims, or settle in at a quaint café, the city will capture your heart. Whether seeking excitement or a quiet escape, both can be found in this tropical mecca.

The Miami Beach Convention Center is celebrating the 26th annual Winter Music Conference from March 8-12. It is one of the most publicized yearly music gatherings in the world and an important symposium for the impetus of the industry. The conference features seminars and panels about a wide variety of topics including music and industry, innovations in DJ and production technology, radio exposure, artist development, and many more topics, as well as the international dance music awards, a DJ spin-off contest, club events and parties, a VJ challenge, networking events, and remix and editing workshops. Enjoy any of the 400 plus events in the five days of the conference and meet thousands of industry delegates, artists and DJs, and industry guests and speakers. There are events for any flavor of sight and sound that you may enjoy; in fact, this year the Winter Music Conference and the Miami International Film Festival are joining forces to form an alliance between music and motion pictures, a passport that provides discounted tickets to those who wish to attend both of the exciting entertainment venues.

The Miami International Film Festival, one of the most prominent Ibero-American film festivals in the US, presents the best developing and established films to the world, as well as various American and world premieres. From March 4-13, a variety of both American and international films will be shown at different screening venues in Miami and Miami Beach. Chico & Rita, a film marking one of the greatest eras of creativity in Cuban-American jazz, is the first animated Opening Night film in the history of MIFF. Multiple award-winning films and films featuring Oscar winning actors and directors are being shown, including In a Better World, The Last Circus, If A Tree Falls: A Story About the Earth Liberation Front, The Whistle Blower, the story of the discovery that humans and chimpanzees can communicate through sign-language, Project Nim, Magic Trip: Ken Kesey's Search for a Kool Place, and The Greatest Movie Ever Sold. The World Competition encompasses movies from all around the globe, including the Kurdish film Mandoo, the Chinese film The Piano in a Factory, the ground-breaking true story of a deaf Ultimate Fighting Championship gladiator in Hamill, the winner of the 2010 Jerusalem Film Festival, Intimate Grammar, Serbian Tilva Rosh, and many other films from across the planet.

Food & Wine is presenting the Food Network's 10th Annual South Beach Wine & Food Festival, a national, four-day event featuring the talents of the world's most renowned wine and spirits producers, as well as chefs and culinary personalities. Each year the Festival dedicates a pavilion to highlight a country's spirit and culinary contributions. For the 10th anniversary, "Experience Italy" will showcase some of the premium wines and specialty food creations. There are many events, some of which are the Wine Spectator Trade Tasting, showcasing the best beverages from 150 of the world's premium wine, spirits, water, and coffee producers and the 4 Orange Premium Vodka Classic Cocktail Competition; the Wine Spectator Wine Seminar Series, including tastings from the most prestigious House of Champagne, Krug; a retrospective tasting of Chateau Ste. Michelle's Canoe Ridge Estate Wines; and a tasting of Napa Valley's organic and biodynamic Grgich Hill Estate wines. The Whole Foods Market Grand Tasting Village is a celebration of the good life, presenting some of the legendary culinary masters. Participating restaurants include 1500 Degrees, Bertoni Brick Oven Pizza and Lounge, Waxy O'Connor's, Eden, Blue Door Fish, Caffe Da Vinci, Truluck's, Brio Tuscan Grill, and the Mercadito.

London Restaurant Reviews

Planning a trip to London used to have a slight tinge of concern when it came to food but this is now a thing of the past as there has been an explosion of great restaurants in the capital.

There is a now a concern for the provenance of the food supplied and chefs are looking at locally sourced foods that are either organic, free range or at the peak of freshness. When these are combined with a true interest in the way it is prepared the British food scene is in a renaissance. The surge in interest in traditional British recipes means that it has never been better to sample the real cooking of Gt Britain. That is not all, there is also a huge increase in restaurants from around the world that gives a real dimension to eating out.

The list includes some very modest eateries where you will not spend a fortune but will still eat well.

There are now so many restaurants in London, that this is just a cross section of those available but everybody should find something that will appeal to their tastebuds and pockets.

Michelin Star Restaurants

Le Gavroche

43 Upper Brook Street, W1K 7QR (020 7408 0881)

Albert and Michael Roux set the benchmark for Haute Cuisine for London restaurants many years ago and son Michael Roux Jnr is now doing the same. Elegant dining such as this does not come cheap, a minimum price of £60 each, but with 2 Michelin stars over the door you just know it is money well pent.

Gordon Ramsay On Royal Hospital Road

68 Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, London, SW3 4HP (020 7352 4441)

Lunch Menu £40 7 Course Dinner Menu £110

With a 2 month waiting list you will have to plan ahead if you want to eat here and with three Michelin stars, you just know the food will be out of this world. Any serious foodie would kill his own Mother to get a seat here to sample the French and Mediterranean dishes. It is a credit to Gordon Ramsay that despite being listed in the top five restaurants in the world, the house wine is only £15 although the extensive wine list contains some fine wines at a lot more than that.

Petrus

The Berkeley, Wilton Place, Knightbridge, London, SW1X 7RL (020 7235 1200)

Named after that great French wine, this restaurant has great French dishes to match, chef Marcus Wareing earned his 2 Michelin stars creating the finest Haute Cuisine available anywhere in the world. Chateau Petrus is of course, available, staring at a mere £300 per bottle and going up to a credit card melting £12,300. You may be tempted with the house wine at £15 but surely this would be an impertinence to such sublime dishes.

Locanda Locatelli

8 Seymour Street, London, W1H 7HT, (020 7935 9088)

Although I have not eaten there yet, I must admit this is my favourite celebrity chef. He always comes across a passionate believer in the quality of his ingredients and the joy of cooking them. I am sure his two Michelin stars are an understatement. If Italian food is your passion this is the temple where you can worship it in.

The amazing thing is that you can dine here for about £30 each and you will find many good wines at under £20 per bottle.

Nobu

Metropolitan Hotel, 19 Old Park Lane, London, W1 Y4LB (020 7447 4747)

This 2 Michelin star restaurant was the haunt of both pop and movie stars where the tempura is sublime. Japanese cuisine is always expensive so the £60 per person will not phases the Japanese affictionados.

Other Great Restaurants

Texture

34 Portman Square, W1H 7BY (020 7224 0028)

The nearest tube is Marble Arch but if you can afford to eat here you will not be travelling by public transport. Dinner for two with wine and service costs around £150. Has a Champagne bar that is worth a visit.

This restaurant is the brainchild of Agnar Sverisson, the Icelandic former head chef at Le Manoir aux Quatre Saisons, (Raymond Blanc's flagship restaurant) and Xavier Rousset who was the Head sommelier there. One can only wonder at the day they both decided to leave!

The decor could be described as Icelandic cool, the cuisine in the nouvelle style and the ingredients are the best. A great introduction is the started menu which will give you a pointer to your next visit. Don't leave it too long as a Michelin star or two cannot be far away and you know what that can do to the prices and the waiting list.

Daphne's

112 Draycott Avenue, SW3 3AE (020 7589 4257)

Price £48.00

Another Italian restaurant that has been favoured by stars, particularly for the lunch time crowd and why not, the food is excellent and the service attentive without being over-bearing. At least it was when I ate there a couple of years ago. It has a novel open space that makes summer dining a real pleasure. Even though they take great pride in sourcing as much of their produce from caring British producers, their risottos and pasta dishes are second to none and are complimented by a fine selection of Italian wines.

Cantina del Ponte

36C Shad Thames, Butler's Wharf, SE1 2YE

Price £25

This is the cheaper version of Sir Terrance Conrans restaurant La Ponte de la Tour, right on the river, overlooking Tower Bridge with spectacular views of the river Thames which make it an excellent summer dining establishment. The menu is traditional Italian fare cooked to perfection. I had a pizza which, having come from their wood fired oven was just sublime and the Tiramisu to follow did not disappoint. The food is well complimented by an extensive wine list.

Bibendum

Michelin House, 81 Fulham Road, SW3 6RD (020 7581 5817)

If seafood is your passion, this is the place for you. Opened by Sir Terrance Conran twenty years ago in the old Michelin Tyre Depot, you will think you are in Paris as you feast on superb fish dishes amid the splendour of the art deco features like the huge stained glass windows. Before you ask, there are also some fine meat dishes that are also cooked to perfection.

Lindsay House

21 Romilly Street, W1D 5AF (020 7439 0450)

If you wish to dine like a Georgian English gentleman with an British menu then you will do no better than Lindsay House where Richard Corrigan, a rising TV star, serves a wonderful menu sourced from the best providers. Pigs trotters or smoked eel salad served in a genteel 18th century drawing room may have you thinking that you will be able to get a sedan chair home. The 21st century will hit you at the end when the espresso is served at nearly £5 per cup which would make even the aristocracy reach for their smelling salts. That said, for those who can afford it, it will remain a unique experience.

Rules

35 Maiden Lane, WC2E 7LB (020 7836 5314)

Price £49.00

Rules has been serving traditional British food for over 200 years and the decor reflects this. To some it is elegant dining, to others it is a bit like an Olde England theme park either way it is a great way to sample some of the finest British cuisine and that includes those glorious English puddings. The only problem is you will need to have the wherewithal of at least a minor member of the aristocracy to pay for the meal.

If you go to the Tate Modern to feed your artistic soul, you will have the choice of two fine restaurants.

Tate Modern Restaurant: Level 7

7th Floor, Tate Modern, Sumner St, SE1 9TG (020 7401 5014 )

Whilst in the Tate Modern, you should take the lift to the 7th floor where, if you can get a window table, you will get some stunning views of the river to accompany your stunning food which luckily is not named after any types of art. The cuisine is modern European and sourced from both Britain and the continent. Views and foods this good do not come cheap so if you are on a modest budget, you might like to try the cafe on the 2nd floor where children are very well catered for.

If you are not too tired then try:-

Northbank
One Paul's Walk, EC4V 2EH (020 7329 9299)

Just a quick stroll across the bridge and you will find this cathedral to the finest provender the South-west of England can supply, cooked to perfection. It doesn't come cheap but after such a meal you will be more than happy to pay. Summer visitors will enjoy the outdoors tables and if you get there sooner you will still be able to marvel at the 'Glass Gherkin' building. Don't forget to take a closer look at the wall paper, it is a modern toile that reflects the City of London surroundings.

Red Fort

77 Dean Street, W1D 3SH (020 7437 2115)

The authentic cuisine of North India has made the Red Fort a focal point for the Indian food aficionados. It is the exquisite cuisine and stylish surroundings that have attracted the good and the great. A definite must for any visitor but beware, you will never quite enjoy your own local take away again.

Myung Ga

1 Kingly Street, W1B 5PA (020 7734 34)

This Korean restaurant is a haven for basic Korean food as the number of Koreans, Chinese and Japanese eating there will demonstrate. This bustling restaurant would be a great place for the novice to be introduced to the tastes of Korea.

Wahaca

66 Chandos Place, London, WC2N 4HG
Average Price: £50

This is a real Mexican restaurant that specialises in street food with ingredients that are ethical and traceable. Authentic is the keyword so be prepared to be surprised if you are used to the usual old tex-mex that has been touted around for years. The sample menu is a good place to start, just be careful of the freshly prepared hot sauces.

Dining On A Budget

Stockpot

18 Old Compton Street, Soho, W1D 4TN

273 Kings Road, London, SW3 5EN

38 Panton Street, London, SW1Y 4EA

Opened in 1958 this small chain of inexpensive restaurants are still providing the capital with nourishing food at affordable prices. The menu is simple British and continental with generous portions. For those on a limited budget this cannot be topped. I have eaten at all these locations and can attest to the quality as does the number of people who you will find eating there.

Yo! Sushi

MyHotel, 11-13 Bayley Street, Bedford Square, WC1B 3HD also at Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges and many other places.

A fun way to eat sushi that will not break the bank. As you sit, the different sushi goes around on a conveyor belt so you can help yourself from the cooked and raw dishes. A nice, if expensive twist is the water pump at each table.

Rootmaster

Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, E1 6QL

If you are looking around the City of London and want something different then this is the place for you, especially if you are a vegetarian and if you are not, then this would be a great introduction to the cuisine. The bonus is that you get to eat on one of what used to be, London landmarks, a big red Routemaster Bus, hence the name pun. Fantastic noodles and falafel made in the shape of burgers make this a truly unique eating experience.

Sticky Fingers' Cafe

1a Phillimore Gardens, Kensington, W8 7EG

When Bill Wyman wasn't Rolling with the Stones he started this restaurant which serves burgers, ribs and tex-mex. The food must be good as it still going strong after many years. Situated in a side street off the High Street Kensington makes it a perfect mid shopping break.

Hard Rock Cafe

150 Old Park La, W1K 1QR, (020 76290382)

The daddy of them all, they set the standard for burgers in London long before any of the chains opened up London. I would tell you when I first went there but I am afraid I might show my age. They have gone global but the ethics are still the same, good food in great surroundings and reasonable prices and you can get the t-shirt.

Pizza Express

Although the Pizza Express is a chain, you will not be disappointed by the quality of the pizzas unless you only like yours made in the deep pan style because they only make the traditional thin crust style. They do have a selection of other dishes available as well. Some of the restaurants have live jazz so you can make an evening of it.

You are now ready to venture out and sample the culinary delights of London, whether it is a fine British menu or something from further afield and you won't necessarily need a bank balance the size of Fort Knox to enjoy them.

The top restaurants, especially those with Michelin stars, may need to be pre-booked so it may be advisable to check before you travel, it would be so disappointing to miss them.

Slovenia Is A Hidden European Gem

This small country is a big attraction. Extending over 20,273 square kilometres and situated in Central Europe between Austria, Italy, Hungary and Croatia, Slovenia has become a tourism magnet that can easily be reached using all forms of transport. Within only few hours drive the holiday-makers in Slovenia can enjoy the majestic peaks of the Alps, relax in modern thermal spas, admire the lively towns of Ljubljana and Maribor, swim in the Adriatic Sea and spend a wonderful time on the sun-soaked beaches. Beside that there are other highlights, such as the cave systems of Postojna and Skocjan, unique across the world, and a cuisine that unites many influences from different European countries in best possible way.

Extensive information can be found on http://www.slovenia.info but here are a few of current highlights:

The Julian Alps - On the Sunny Side of the Mountains

With the Julian Alps in the North, Slovenia can call one of the most beautiful parts of the European mountains its own. Between Kranjska Gora, Bled, Bohinj and Bovec nature enthusiasts and active athletes will find a unique paradise for walking, biking, mountain biking, kayaking and fishing. The 84,000 hectares of the Triglav national park is outstanding with its untouched plant and animal world, with its majestic peaks and thundering waterfalls. It is one of the oldest protected areas in Europe and is ideally suited for hikers because of its excellent labelled paths. The crystal-clear lakes of Bled and Bohinj and the wild emerald water of the Soca River also lure the water enthusiasts. The history of tourism in Bled, one of the most renowned holiday destinations in Slovenia, dates back to the 19th century.

Splendid hotels, marvellous villas and the all dominating castle shape the picture of the lake and its surroundings, with its typical church island in the middle. Besides a very large choice of sporting facilities, such as walking, mountain biking, tennis or golf, the place also offers to its guests top cultural events all year round.

Ski Centres for Everyone

The winter sports facilities have become the focus of attention more and more. The Slovenian ski centres in the Alps and in the Pohorje mountains stand out due to their high snow safety, fair prices and family suitability. Kranjska Gora is Slovenia´s most famous ski centre - currently ready for the annual world cup racing on March 3rd and 4th, 2007. It has 30 kilometres of light ski-runs of medium difficulty - mostly family friendly - and 18 ski lifts. Besides the modern hotels and studio apartments there is also a large number of private rooms and farms where winter guests can experience the Slovenian hospitality first-hand. Ski-runs of light to medium difficulty are also waiting for skiers in Bohinj at the Vogel ski centre, at 1,800 meters above sea-level.

A family-friendly skiing area with 21 ski lifts also awaits its guests on the other side of the Alps, in Pohorje, near Maribor. This is a densely wooded ski area at 1,350 meters above sea-level that also has a good international reputation and every year the world cup women's racing takes place here. 50 kilometres of ski-runs in an area of 220 hectares are prepared for skiers each day. A skiing school, a skiing school for nursery children, a rental company for ski equipment and a five kilometres long ski-run with floodlights for night time skiing are at the guests´ disposal. The hotels in the town and in the skiing area offer first-class comfort, some of them having thermal spas for wellness after the ski-runs. And finally, at the southern slope of Pohorje Mountain, there is Rogla, an insider's tip for families and skiing enthusiasts.

The Slovenian Riviera on the Adriatic Coast

The Slovenian share of the Adriatic coast is 46 kilometres long, between the Italian and Croatian borders. As the nearest sea to Central Europe it can be reached easily, particularly thanks to the new motorway system. The standard of the hotels, the gastronomy, entertainment, the variety of events and the tourism infrastructure are among the best in the Adriatic area and can stand any comparison with other European top holiday destinations. If you are looking for chic ambiance, entertainment and typical beach flair on your holiday, you should come to Portoroz. This bathing and spa resort, which has everything that demanding guests looking for entertainment could whish for, was already popular in the time of the Austrian-Hungarian Monarchy. There is a typical beach life on the fine sandy beaches of the neat bathing resorts during the day. One strolls along the promenade, enjoys a cappuccino in a beach café and watches the colourful hustle and bustle. Numerous boutiques and sale stands invite you for shopping.

In the evening, however, Portoroz shows its special charm. Everything is possible. The thrills in the casino, a romantic dinner in a restaurant or dancing at a disco. Numerous leading 4 and 5 star hotels with pleasant ambiance and all imaginable possibilities of leisure are situated in prime locations along the coast. The place can also boast a thermal spring with a Thallasso centre and numerous other facilities for wellness. It is quieter in the smaller places and bays of the Slovenian coast. Romantics and those interested in culture will prefer the small medieval fishing towns of Piran, Izola and Koper. Silence is the great advantage of the bay of Strunjan. In the midst of rich Mediterranean vegetation, with pleasant smelling pines and cedars, it has a particularly mild and salubrious climate because of the ancient salt pans. With its modern therapy centre by the sea, Strunjan is not just a good choice for bathing holidays but also for health cures and wellness.

A particularly interesting place to visit is the salt pans of Socovlje, situated at the coast south of Portoroz. Designated a national park since 2003, the fields for salt production that have existed since the 14th century, present themselves as a unique nature reserve, containing over 200 different sea and migratory birds and rare plants.
At traditional public festivals between April and August the importance of this treasure is substantially celebrated by the population.

Magic Worlds Under the Earth - Postojna and Skocjan

World-class attractions are hidden under the earth in the area stretching up from the coast. Postojna has enjoyed an international reputation for more than 800 years. More than 30 million tourists from all parts of the world have visited this approximately 20 kilometres long cave system, 5.2 kilometres of which are now developed for tourists with 3.5 kilometres of it even comfortably passable on an electric train. The concert hall, with a capacity for 10,000 guests, where concerts and other events regularly take place between the stalagmites and stalactites is extraordinarily impressive, even for visitors who come again and again. The Skocjan caves are another highlight of the karst landscape. The uniqueness of this cave system prompted UNESCO to include it in the list of world natural inheritance sites.

The paths for visitors are built into the steep walls which are about 100 metre high in some places. Underground rivers spanned by bridges roar through mysterious canyons. Outside the caves in the Skocjanske Caves Park a variety of historical museums and unusual flora await the interested visitors. Near Lipica there is another attraction of world renown. The horse stud farm, founded in 1580 by the Habsburgs, has loose nothing of its elegance and grace in these modern times. In a typical karst landscape of pleasant smelling woods filled with oaks, limes and grove beeches, horse enthusiasts can take courses for either beginners or advanced riders. Those who are less active can enjoy the riding demonstrations and familiarise themselves with the long tradition of the stud farm.

Modern Spas for a Wellness Holiday

Slovenia can boast 87 thermal springs on its territory and 15 very well equipped thermal springs for health cures and spas are spread over the whole country, offering health-oriented tourists both classical health cures and modern wellness spas. Luxurious hotels, therapy centres and more than 38,000 square metres of water offer a variety of possibilities for guests all the year round. From a classical health cure to a relaxing holiday, everything is possible. Different forms of alternative medicine from traditional Chinese medicine to Ayurveda are currently very popular. Depending on the tourist´s personal preference and taste, Slovenia can offer both spas with an international reputation and rich tradition or relatively unknown new thermal centres. There are special spas for families and also just to relax for a quiet holiday. The spas in Rogaska, Radenci or Dolenjske toplice have a long tradition and they offer innovative health programmes in relaxing and natural surroundings. With about 12,000 square metres of water the spa Catez belongs among the biggest spas in Europe and offers entertainment and fun especially for families with children.

The sauna park is also one of the biggest of its type in Europe, with a variety of saunas from salt or crystal saunas with negative ions through to the Aquaviva sauna with colour and sound effects. The Olimia thermal spa, with two new water slides and a varied animation programme, also offers fun and relaxation for children and adults. Top luxury in the hotel business is available at the Moravske Toplice spa since the opening of the new hotel Livada. The hotel has 122 luxurious rooms with 221 beds and 95 additional couches, 28 of those being junior and 4 senior suites, equipped with period furniture. LcD television sets and Internet connection. Besides a classical bath, all the rooms also have a thermal bath with black water - the healing water of the Moravske Toplice spa. With the opening of the new beauty and relaxation centre - the Thermalium - two years ago, the Moravske Toplice spa offers its guests a total area of 3500 square metres of various programmes according to most modern European standards. The unique "black" thermal mineral water is really extraordinary, supporting classical and alternative therapies for the treatment of rheumatism, diseases of the respiratory tract and skin diseases as well as rehabilitation after injuries and operations on the mobility apparatus. Finally, Portoroz and Strunjan achieve the combination of wellness and health holiday with the holiday by the sea.

Ljubljana, Slovenia´s Charming Capital

Ljubljana is Slovenia´s metropolis, but at the same time it is an easily comprehensible town worth living in, with numerous cultural attractions, shopping and the flair of a lively restaurant and entertainment scene. The interest of foreign tourists in Ljubljana is increasing constantly, as growth rates of more than 10 percent compared with the previous year illustrate. The perfectly preserved Art Nouveau ensembles and baroque buildings give a special flair to the centre of the city. Slovenia´s famous architect Joze Plecnik has left his stamp on numerous buildings for the future generations. With a more than 50-year long tradition the "Ljubljana summer festival" is the greatest cultural event of its kind in Slovenia. For seven weeks in July and August, the Slovenian capital is filled with opera, dance, symphony concerts, chamber music, jazz and folk. There are also numerous stage performances and exhibitions by artists from Slovenia and abroad. As a shopping paradise, Ljubljana has many new boutiques and shops in the lovely shopping streets of the old town as well as modern shopping centres to cater for all tastes. Those who need refreshment after shopping will be happy with the great variety of trendy cafes and restaurants and their pleasant ambience. Then, for those who want to be seen in the new, stylish clothes they just have bought, the nightlife is extremely diverse and exciting, making a trip to Ljubljana truly rewarding.

Culinary Discoveries for Connoisseurs

Slovenia has a lot to offer the gourmets. Slovenian cuisine has taken over the best of the Slavonic, Austrian, Hungarian and Italian cooking pots, producing many interesting delicacies. Excellent wines can be enjoyed in many first class restaurants, the number of which is growing every day. The quality of accommodation and gastronomic facilities is also growing constantly, in order to satisfy the high expectations of the gourmet tourists, who become more and more critical. Slovenia has been regarded as an insider's tip among the trend setters and culinary connoisseurs. The real highlight for them might be to enjoy the sour cream of Styrian soup or the ricet, the barley soup. Gnocchi, goulash variations or numerous types of strudel remind us of the common history with the neighbours in the West and the North. When enjoying the air-dried karst ham, prsut, olives and the noble red Teran wine, even the most experienced gourmets will begin to clamour. The wine routes that spread over the whole country are especially rewarding for culinary discoveries. The Brda, Vipava or the Karst wine routes will make you feel the Mediterranean atmosphere and the Jeruzalem and the Ormoz wine routes are also well known outside the Slovenian borders. And those who are very curious should investigate the cooking pots and cellars of the still little known wine routes in Bela Krajina or between Novo Mesto and Krsko.

The Euro - The New Means of Payment since 1 January 2007 - And the EU Presidency in 2008
Holidaying in Slovenia has now become even easier since the euro became the legal currency after 1 January 2007. As the first of the newly joined countries, Slovenia could satisfy all the conditions regarding the economic and political stability for the introduction of the European single currency. It eliminated the annoying money change for tourists and with that and the prices are also easily to compare for consumers on holiday. Nobody should fear that the introduction of the single currency could lead to a solid price push. Comparisons with Slovenia´s direct neighbouring countries on the Adriatic Sea illustrate the great restraint in prices for hotels and other services.
On the 1 January 2008 Slovenia will take over the presidency of the European Union for the first time and therefore will be in the limelight of world politics. For six months numerous meetings of leading European politicians will take place across the country, which will lure many guests and representatives of the media to the country.

More on Slovenia on its official travel portal http://www.slovenia.info

A New Year and A New Year.

We've done it again. Another round of holidays, another year. Interestingly, I now live just one block from my dad's house, the house I grew up in, yet I hosted both of the Thanksgiving and Christmas festivities at my little place this year. I offered to buy the tree, decorate the tree, un-decorate the tree and even remove of the tree myself, Dad stillwould have none of it in his house. Let's see how Father's Day treats you this year, pal.

Today Fred and I grudgingly removed all remnants of holiday from our place (never fun) and put things back to normal. We did this in spite of Paz telling me it was bad as it was before Three Kings Day; a landmark day of which I have no knowledge. Lest we forget, I still don't fully understand all that is Easter, unless we're talking Cadbury Creme Eggs. Plus, with the radiator heat being used pretty consistently for the three weeks the tree had been in the living room, even with daily water refills, one spark and that bad boy could have gone up like a powder keg. So, sorry Paz, it was time.

Today also marks the sixth (6th) anniversary of F for Food (!!!). It's my blog-birthday. At the ripe age of six, this little blog that could has come a long way. It has given me foods, wines, cocktails, recipes, cookbooks, cuisines, restaurants, events, interviews, chefs, meals, friends, meals with friends, exploits, wanderings and jobs that I never even expected - and I am eternally grateful. I'm not stopping at six, though. No way.

So, here we are. 2014 is laid out in front of us like the Yellow Brick Road. And this will, no doubt, for myself at least, hold a similar promise of adventure, wonder and intrigue (sans opiates, of course) as that golden thoroughfare. With my recent move, a new home, new job, new (and old) friends, and a surprise or two - how could it not?

Since I've been back on the East Coast, though I have not shared much of it here (yet), I have been going a little hog wild in the kitchen. Maybe it's all the New, maybe it's the cold weather, or maybe it was the holidays, but as a bit of a culinary deviation, I've done a great deal of baking over the past couple of months. One of these such Betty Crocker kitchen brainflowers was based on a recent phase/new morning routine I've been going through: croissants with my coffee. I've always loved a croissant. Just the butter variety, no chocolate or almonds, please.

BUT, as seemingly simple as the butter croissant may be, I have had a scant few in memory that hit it home, Tartine being the all-time number one. This is probably why I don't think about, or, pine for them regularly. When I do, however, that desire, that need, is fully reignited and that is all I want with my coffee. Every. Single. Day.

So it made perfect sense to give it a go in my kitchen. It always seems so simple when there are not so many ingredients and they're the very ones one might normally have in their kitchen anyway. And, er, it's not in one of Suzanne Goin's cookbooks. So it must be pretty straightforward. Right?

Well. Sort of.

Milk, flour, sugar, salt, sugar, water and butter, butter, butter. See, I'll bet you have that in your kitchen right now. Easy as pie (dough). The thing is, my nemesis as a cook, baker, what-have-you, is that I either don't follow recipes OR I don't read them all the way through before diving in. So this seemingly easy breezy recipe...

Right.

Had I been that person I would have taken note of the almost twenty-four hour turnaround time interspersed with committed and earnest periods of rotating, rolling out, refolding the chilled dough. Oh, and all the work with the mountain range of butter. And that is why God invented Fred (thanks, Fred!).

They turned out pretty great, I must admit. They undoubtedly rivaled many I've purchased in many cafes, bakeries and coffee shops, but they were not Tartine good (maybe they just needed more butter?). Which, really, I wouldn't want them to be. Talk about a magic food bubble getting popped but quick.

Here's the thing, at least in my humble-non-bakerly opinion: now that I've gone and made croissants, and done a pretty alright job of it, I don't see myself doing it again. Certainly not regularly. And my respect for those that do, those that rise at three in the morning to painstakingly and lovingly go through the tedious and time consuming routine of croissant making, that must do it because they must, has risen like yeasty dough. They must respect and love the process and I've got nothing but respect and love for them for that.

On that note, happy New Year and here's to six (6) wonderful years of F for Food! Thank you for being here. It means everything to me. Now, before we have to get all resolution-y, let's make some croissants, shall we?

Butter Croissants

Makes about 24 croissants

To make the dough:

1 cup cold milk

1/2 cup boiling water

1 tablespoon active dry yeast

1/4 cup sugar

3 3/4 cup all purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup + 2 tablespoons butter, frozen, then left at room temp. for 20-30 minutes

Parchment paper
A lot of arm muscle

Pour the milk and boiling water into a large bowl. Stir in the yeast and sugar, leave for 5 minutes until frothy.

Add in the flour and salt, incorporate it with your hands into a shaggy ball.

Tip the contents out onto a clean work surface and knead until you’ve incorporated all the flour (this should only take about 2 minutes). Place the dough into an oiled bowl, and leave in the fridge to rest for 1 hour.

When your dough has been in refrigerating for 30 minutes, take your frozen butter (which has been left at room temperature for 20-30 minutes), and grate onto a piece of plastic wrap.

Disperse the butter, and flatten into a rectangle, roughly 8″ x 5″. Fold up in the plastic wrap and pat together well.  Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Once the butter has been chilling for 25 minutes, tip the chilled dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and roll into a 16″ x 10″ rectangle.

Unwrap the chilled butter block and place into the center of the dough. Fold the dough into thirds over the butter (like a business letter). Seal all the edges by pinching the dough together.

Rotate the dough 90 degrees, use the rolling pin to make regular indentations in the dough.

Roll into a 15″ x 10″ rectangle.

Fold into thirds again. Wrap the dough in cling film, and refrigerate for 1 hour.  (steps 8+9 = ‘one turn’ of the dough).

Remove the dough from the fridge, unwrap and complete 1 turn (i.e. repeat steps 8 + 9). Re-wrap in the cling film, refrigerate for 1 hour.

Repeat step 10, two more times, so you have done a total of 4 turns.

Cut the dough into quarters. Wrap the quarters tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8-12 hours, or freeze for up to 3 months (if you freeze it, let the dough defrost in the fridge overnight before shaping).

Shaping the dough:

Remove one piece of dough from the fridge, unwrap it, and roll out on a lightly floured surface into a 16″ x 6″ rectangle.

Cut into thirds, forming 3 smaller rectangles. Cut each of these rectangles in half diagonally forming 6 triangles.

Take one triangle of dough (I recommend putting the others in the fridge while you shape each one).
Pull on the corners of the shortest edge, to even up the base of the triangle. Then gently stretch the dough a little.

Cut a small slit in the base of the triangle, stretch it, then roll the dough up.

Place it, tip side down, onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the rest of the triangles, placing them 2″ apart (at this point you can also freeze the shaped croissants on the baking sheet, then once frozen, transfer them to a plastic bag and leave in the freezer for up to 3 months, then defrost in the fridge overnight and proceed with baking as below).

Cover loosely with plastic wrap and leave to rise in a cool place for around 2-3 hours ( if you’re making these the night before, you can actually shape them and leave them to rise in the fridge overnight instead).

Bake: 

Once ready to bake, adjust oven racks to upper and lower thirds of oven and preheat to 425ºF. Spritz inside oven generously with spray bottle and close door.

Brush the croissants with beaten egg using a pastry brush.

 Put croissants in oven, then spritz again before closing door. Reduce temperature to 400ºF and bake 10 minutes without opening door.

Switch position of sheets in oven and rotate sheets 180º, then reduce temperature to 375ºF and bake until croissants are deep golden, about 10-15 minutes more until lightly browned and puffy.

Let cool on a wire rack.

NOTE: Baked and cooled croissants keep 1 month: First freeze them, uncovered, on baking sheets until firm, then wrap them snugly in foil before returning to freezer. When ready to serve, remove foil and bake (not thawed) on a baking sheet in a 325ºF oven 5 to 10 minutes.

For some really helpful GIF tutorials with regard to all the process involved with this recipe, click here.

Printable recipe.

One year ago: Buttermilk Vichyssoise with Fennel

Two years ago: Cheebo

Three years ago: Vinegar-Braised Chicken with Garlic & Clery Leaves

Four years ago: Carrot Soup with Ginger & Cumin

Six year ago (!!!): Mozza & Dominick's