Institute of Culinary Education
50 West 23rd St, NY NY 10010
212-847-0700
So I would think most people who are interested in food and flavors in NYC have heard of or know someone who has taken a class at the Institute of Culinary Education (ICE). So I thought it might be worth an entry here, though it is certainly not a restaurant, it is a unique flavor of NYC. Friends of ours (thanks Susanne!) recommended we all take a class together sometime, and I quickly realized that these classes sell out faster than rock concerts, despite the fact that this is apparently the largest offering of recreational cooking classes in the country! We debated which class to take, with it must be hundreds of offerings (check out https://web.iceculinary.com/icereg/index.asp, the recent listing just came out--perhaps there are still some seats left!!), everything from "Basic Knife Skills" to "Essentials of Tuscan Cooking" to "Chocolate Galore." Yum! How to choose...and the classes are not cheap, so unfortunately we couldn't sign up for everything!
Eventually we decided upon a Caribbean cooking class that sounded like it had a lot of great flavors. It was a Saturday night event, 6-10pm, and we got to work hard for our meal, and then sit down and enjoy a fabulous spread in our exhausted state. We worked in groups of 4-5, and together each team made all of the following: Jerked Pulled Pork (the highlight); Shrimp Creole; Cane Glazed Chicken; Spicy Pumpkin Puree; Yucca Frites; & Avocado & Watercress salad. At first it was a little stressful, as we wondered how we'd get it all done, and felt initially like we were on a timed "Iron Chef" or "Next Food Network Star" show. And this class in particular certainly assumed a basic level of cooking knowledge; which was fine for us, but I wouldn't recommend it for people who are entirely new to cooking. Eventually we realized we were actually fairly ahead of the other teams and we calmed down and enjoyed the rest of the evening.
EVERY dish that we made was delicious, it really was. I was in love with the jerk seasoning and can't wait to make more of it and use it on all sorts of things. The pumpkin was a lot of work but de-lish, and shrimp creole was great. They served wine to everyone with dinner, and even whipped out some haagen dazs ice cream for the group for dessert.
We have our ingredient-stained recipe pages to prove what we accomplished, and are looking forward to trying some of these at home. Can't wait to see what else we can learn, if there are any free seats left at ICE.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Sushi in the Slope
Oshima sushi
71 7th Ave, Park Slope, Brooklyn 11217
At Berkeley Pl
718-783-1888
We've relied on Oshima as our go-to sushi delivery in the Slope for over a year now, and we finally decided to get ourselves up there in person. Oshima is up north on 7th Ave, at Berkeley Place. Inside it has wooden panelling and appears to be a typical sushi place, cozy enough. There is a bar to sit and watch the sushi chefs which is always fun. We ended up outside as it was a nice day, in the back garden, with the ivy growing along all of the surrounding buildings. The service was great, and the sushi was tasty as always, so we'll have to remember to come back if/when we want real live sushi outside of our own apartment.
Our staples for ordering are the spicy roll special plus the sunset roll, which is basically a california roll with salmon & avocado on top. Always nice presentation too.
This time we decided we should mix it up a bit. We tried the shrimp gyoza special appetizer which was AMAZING, as was the sauce, wish those were on offer every day!
We tried a special that was different--salmon, coriander, & jalepeno....very unique; now coriander is my favorite herb for sure, but all in all I probably wouldn't order that one again, a bit too bizarre. Also tried the "Fire dragon" with eel and avocado, plus spicy tuna on top of it, which was ok but not as great as the sunset roll favorite.
Overall the quality of sushi at Oshima always makes my tummy happy, but will probably go less into the strange mix-it-up adventure rolls, and stick to my favs which are generally salmon/avocado, tuna, and california, with some eel avocado thrown in for good measure.
Click here for Menupages
71 7th Ave, Park Slope, Brooklyn 11217
At Berkeley Pl
718-783-1888
We've relied on Oshima as our go-to sushi delivery in the Slope for over a year now, and we finally decided to get ourselves up there in person. Oshima is up north on 7th Ave, at Berkeley Place. Inside it has wooden panelling and appears to be a typical sushi place, cozy enough. There is a bar to sit and watch the sushi chefs which is always fun. We ended up outside as it was a nice day, in the back garden, with the ivy growing along all of the surrounding buildings. The service was great, and the sushi was tasty as always, so we'll have to remember to come back if/when we want real live sushi outside of our own apartment.
Our staples for ordering are the spicy roll special plus the sunset roll, which is basically a california roll with salmon & avocado on top. Always nice presentation too.
This time we decided we should mix it up a bit. We tried the shrimp gyoza special appetizer which was AMAZING, as was the sauce, wish those were on offer every day!
We tried a special that was different--salmon, coriander, & jalepeno....very unique; now coriander is my favorite herb for sure, but all in all I probably wouldn't order that one again, a bit too bizarre. Also tried the "Fire dragon" with eel and avocado, plus spicy tuna on top of it, which was ok but not as great as the sunset roll favorite.
Overall the quality of sushi at Oshima always makes my tummy happy, but will probably go less into the strange mix-it-up adventure rolls, and stick to my favs which are generally salmon/avocado, tuna, and california, with some eel avocado thrown in for good measure.
Click here for Menupages
Sunday, August 12, 2007
F Train to Totonno's
Totonno's
1524 Neptune Ave.
Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY
718.372.8606
This place was very reminiscent of Grimaldi's I must say, with a small, simple interior, the coal pizza oven in the back working away, the two glass windows out front and reviews and pizza/food ratings stickers all over (even the "no slices" standard sign). Also like Grimaldi's, you wait outside in a long line for the opportunity to wait some more inside for the famous pies.
Totonno's is in the opposite direction as the beach from Coney Island/Stillwell Ave subway stop, so at first it feels like you are walking to who-knows-where, but then you see the line outside. We waited 30-40 minutes or so, and then happily sat down, ordered our one pie & 2 cok
es and waited another 15 min or so, reading all of the old reviews and news articles posted on the walls. Relatively run-down interior, but was expected. Eventually our pizza came out steaming hot on a big silver tray, and needless to say we were quite starved, so could hardly wait for it to cool down.It was a decent size, for $16 or so, and like Grimaldi's and the big pie we had at Pi
no's, it had slices of fresh mozzarella and a fresh crust and tasty tomato sauce, all charred in the coal oven. It was warm and comforting and delicious, for sure. I would have liked some basil on top, like Pino's, and a few bites seemed a bit too charred, but it hit the spot.It was the first visit to Coney Island, and we took a ride on the Wonder Wheel to check the place out from above. Was a beautiful day so nice to relax a bit on the beach as well. Otherwise about what we expected, nothing to draw us out there very frequently but amusing to see. And no, no Nathan's hot dogs on this visit, despite my love for flavors, hot dogs isn't really one of my faves! Plus the lines were a bit extreme.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Pizza flavors!
Pino's la Forchetta
181 7th Ave, Btwn 1st & 2nd
Park Slope, Brooklyn
718-965-40
Recent discussions with visiting family about good local pizza have inspired me to expand my pizza horizons a bit and continue to sample those renowned pizza places! Looking for a new place to get delivery from in Park Slope, we read about Pinos online and decided to try it out. We got delivery a few weeks ago, and this week stopped in for a slice in person.
We've stuck with traditional pizza pies for the most part, ordering fresh mozzarella for delivery and plain cheese slices in person. The fresh mozzarella is more similar to the Grimaldi's style with the slices of mozz spread out and less overall gooey cheese. The plain cheese slices were very comparable to our staple slices from Smiling Pizza on 9th/7th that I really love, and much cheaper than fresh mozzarella. The large mozzarella pizza was $18, much more of an investment for a pizza than a plain large cheese. BUT it is quite tasty. I am definitely a fan.
The crust tastes fresh, no floppy mushy crusts like Anthony's here, and the ends are a bit thicker/breadier than some (yes I made up the word breadier); the sauce was tasty and I loved the fresh basil scattered on the top. It is pretty big so I guess that's part of the $18 price-tag.
The atmosphere isn't memorable in terms of going in-person, so I think I'll stick with take out or delivery (very neon-lights, felt like the type of place only worth stopping in on later drunken nights or something). But I'll keep Pinos on my speed-dial list for delivery for sure!
181 7th Ave, Btwn 1st & 2nd
Park Slope, Brooklyn
718-965-40
We've stuck with traditional pizza pies for the most part, ordering fresh mozzarella for delivery and plain cheese slices in person. The fresh mozzarella is more similar to the Grimaldi's style with the slices of mozz spread out and less overall gooey cheese. The plain cheese slices were very comparable to our staple slices from Smiling Pizza on 9th/7th that I really love, and much cheaper than fresh mozzarella. The large mozzarella pizza was $18, much more of an investment for a pizza than a plain large cheese. BUT it is quite tasty. I am definitely a fan.
The crust tastes fresh, no floppy mushy crusts like Anthony's here, and the ends are a bit thicker/breadier than some (yes I made up the word breadier); the sauce was tasty and I loved the fresh basil scattered on the top. It is pretty big so I guess that's part of the $18 price-tag.
The atmosphere isn't memorable in terms of going in-person, so I think I'll stick with take out or delivery (very neon-lights, felt like the type of place only worth stopping in on later drunken nights or something). But I'll keep Pinos on my speed-dial list for delivery for sure!
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Sweets in the Slope
Sweet Melissa's Patisserie
175 7th Ave (between 1st/2nd)
Park Slope, Brooklyn
718-502-9153
Is there anyone who does NOT love Patisseries?? To me the Patisserie is the ultimate in decadent sweet shop, many steps up from the average cafe/coffee shop or bakery in the intricacy, colors, sheer beauty of the treats they have in the gorgeous glass cases. One of my favorite parts of visiting Paris is always the joy of Patisseries around nearly every corner. Just "browsing" in these sweet shops is an awesome activity, with the fruit tarts and éclairs and colorful treats never before seen. There are a fair number of places around NYC that call themselves patisseries, but Melissa's hits the nail on the head. It feels like you are in a cafe in Paris, very cozy and European. They have table service or takeaway, and the gorgeous glass display of European-looking treats and tarts, souffles & florentines & truffles, plus a great pie and cake selection. They do have an outdoor courtyard/garden that we haven't tried yet as well. They also have a lunch menu and an afternoon tea that I'm dying to try.
It's hard not to walk by and not stop in for a treat. (Especially with the beautiful cakes in the window!) We've become particularly fond of the delicious fruit pies! We had a slice of sour cherry & rhubarb that was to die for (by the way is rhubarb a northern thing?? I'd never even heard of it growing up in Florida; not til I lived in England. But hubby loves it and used to grow it in his back yard in Wisconsin!). Oh and it had--get this-- Pistachio crumbles on top! Yum. This week I tried the "Jumbleberry Crumble pie" or something to that effect, with a great berry mix and yummy crumbles on top, it was heaven. You can tell I must have a thing for crumbles. Their cafe au laits are quite nice too. When you are craving a sweet and a coffee in Paris, stop by Sweet Melissa's and forget about the rest of NYC outside.
Nov, 2007 update-- just a quick post-blog note: had lunch at Sweet Melissa's and it was so tasty! So even beyond sweets, check them out. A lentil soup with roasted garlic & tomato was fabulous, and the salad with roasted pears and stilton cheese was so tasty too... :)
175 7th Ave (between 1st/2nd)
Park Slope, Brooklyn
718-502-9153
Is there anyone who does NOT love Patisseries?? To me the Patisserie is the ultimate in decadent sweet shop, many steps up from the average cafe/coffee shop or bakery in the intricacy, colors, sheer beauty of the treats they have in the gorgeous glass cases. One of my favorite parts of visiting Paris is always the joy of Patisseries around nearly every corner. Just "browsing" in these sweet shops is an awesome activity, with the fruit tarts and éclairs and colorful treats never before seen. There are a fair number of places around NYC that call themselves patisseries, but Melissa's hits the nail on the head. It feels like you are in a cafe in Paris, very cozy and European. They have table service or takeaway, and the gorgeous glass display of European-looking treats and tarts, souffles & florentines & truffles, plus a great pie and cake selection. They do have an outdoor courtyard/garden that we haven't tried yet as well. They also have a lunch menu and an afternoon tea that I'm dying to try.
It's hard not to walk by and not stop in for a treat. (Especially with the beautiful cakes in the window!) We've become particularly fond of the delicious fruit pies! We had a slice of sour cherry & rhubarb that was to die for (by the way is rhubarb a northern thing?? I'd never even heard of it growing up in Florida; not til I lived in England. But hubby loves it and used to grow it in his back yard in Wisconsin!). Oh and it had--get this-- Pistachio crumbles on top! Yum. This week I tried the "Jumbleberry Crumble pie" or something to that effect, with a great berry mix and yummy crumbles on top, it was heaven. You can tell I must have a thing for crumbles. Their cafe au laits are quite nice too. When you are craving a sweet and a coffee in Paris, stop by Sweet Melissa's and forget about the rest of NYC outside.
Nov, 2007 update-- just a quick post-blog note: had lunch at Sweet Melissa's and it was so tasty! So even beyond sweets, check them out. A lentil soup with roasted garlic & tomato was fabulous, and the salad with roasted pears and stilton cheese was so tasty too... :)
Monday, July 23, 2007
Red Horse Cafe
Red Horse Cafe
Corner of 12th St/6th Ave
Park Slope, Brooklyn
(718) 499-4973
When I started this blog, I mentioned how Magnolia is one of our favorite local restaurant options. During the course of the first year we lived here, we noticed a new coffee shop going up across the street from Magnolia, which ultimately opened up as "Red Horse Cafe." The entrance was done up very nicely and it looked very inviting. It took a while before we began to stop in, and usually we just got coffees to go. I really enjoyed their iced mochas, though they did vary tremendously depending on who made them. They always had a small selection of treats in the glass case and on the counter to choose from, and the dark cozy interior had various wooden tables & chairs and usually people on their laptops there. I like the bar by the windows, and the couches. There are also a few seats/tables outside often. I do remember a couple of delicious scones we had once-- blueberry and pumpkin spice, they were heavenly. We've also seen signs recently that they've started selling alcohol, and are staying open later on weekends.
This week we decided to stop by on a hot summer afternoon and get lunch here. It was hot and sunny but not too humid so we decided to see if we could bear it outside under a small touch of shade. (I always enjoy soaking up sun, being from the sunshine state and all!) We ordered a chicken and grape sandwich and gazpacho. The sandwich was decent, though probably overpriced, but the gazpacho was delicious, very tasty and refreshing, perfect for summer. It's definitely a nice local place for a coffee and a quiet hangout.
Corner of 12th St/6th Ave
Park Slope, Brooklyn
(718) 499-4973
When I started this blog, I mentioned how Magnolia is one of our favorite local restaurant options. During the course of the first year we lived here, we noticed a new coffee shop going up across the street from Magnolia, which ultimately opened up as "Red Horse Cafe." The entrance was done up very nicely and it looked very inviting. It took a while before we began to stop in, and usually we just got coffees to go. I really enjoyed their iced mochas, though they did vary tremendously depending on who made them. They always had a small selection of treats in the glass case and on the counter to choose from, and the dark cozy interior had various wooden tables & chairs and usually people on their laptops there. I like the bar by the windows, and the couches. There are also a few seats/tables outside often. I do remember a couple of delicious scones we had once-- blueberry and pumpkin spice, they were heavenly. We've also seen signs recently that they've started selling alcohol, and are staying open later on weekends.
This week we decided to stop by on a hot summer afternoon and get lunch here. It was hot and sunny but not too humid so we decided to see if we could bear it outside under a small touch of shade. (I always enjoy soaking up sun, being from the sunshine state and all!) We ordered a chicken and grape sandwich and gazpacho. The sandwich was decent, though probably overpriced, but the gazpacho was delicious, very tasty and refreshing, perfect for summer. It's definitely a nice local place for a coffee and a quiet hangout.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
NYC events
This week I was slow at posting my weekly entry, as a lot went on in a short amount of time. Scariest was being at the Hyatt Grand Central when the steam pipe explosion happened, and being evacuated out of the building not knowing what was going on. People were running, we could see what we thought was smoke rising up to the tops of tallest buildings, it was a run-for-your-life moment and pretty terrifying. We ran about 10 blocks north or so until we slowed down, and no one on the streets knew anything yet in terms of what was going on. We began walking east with an aim to get home to Brooklyn, and ended up walking over an hour before we could get a subway home. Along the way we eventually learned what had happened. Important advice for a run-for-your-life situation: do not wear heels!
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