Have a great weekend

To all of my friends celebrating alumni weekend, say hi to Lex for me!

Almost October

Happy almost October! Days of Halloween candy are just around the corner (though CVS has been selling Halloween candy since July). Anyway, enjoy the beautiful season and everything that comes with it at the New York Botanical Garden. The Fall Flowers from Japan exhibit runs from September 17-October 30. Purchase tickets here.

The New York Botanical Garden

Fall Flowers of Japan

Pumpkin scorpion 

Pumpkin Archway

While there, don't forget the Haunted Pumpkin Garden full of spooky sculptures made from pumpkins. If you like a little more with your pumpkin viewing, on October 28th from 7pm-9pm, the Botanical Garden will host Bugs and Brews: Halloween Fun for Grown-ups. Sip artisanal beers and sample insect delicacies while exploring this haunted garden. For those little people not legal to drink, check out the Spooky Nighttime Adventure which includes pumpkin decorating and tirck-or-treating along the paths.

The Kentucky Hot Brown

The Hot Brown was originally created in Louisville, Kentucky in 1926 at the Brown Hotel. An open-faced sandwich with turkey and bacon covered in Morany sauce and broiled until the bread is crisp and the sauce begins to brown, it is delicious.

Image from andrea-thekitchenwitch.blogspot.com

There are a few spots serving hots browns in New York including Low Country and Bar Americain. To make your own, try the following recipe directly from the Brown Hotel.

The Legendary Hot Brown Recipe

Ingredients (Makes Two Hot Browns):
2 oz. Whole Butter
2 oz. All Purpose Flour
1 Qt. Heavy Cream
1/2 Cup Pecorino Romano Cheese, Plus 1 Tablespoon for Garnish
Salt & Pepper to Taste
14 oz. Sliced Roasted Turkey Breast
2 Slices of Texas Toast (Crust Trimmed)
4 slices of Crispy Bacon
2 Roma Tomatoes, Sliced in Half
Paprika, Parsley

In a two-quart saucepan, melt butter and slowly whisk in flour until combined and forms a thick paste (roux). Continue to cook roux for two minutes over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Whisk whipping cream into the roux and cook over medium heat until the cream begins to simmer, about 2-3 minutes. Remove sauce from heat and slowly whisk in Pecorino Romano cheese until the Mornay sauce is smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.

For each Hot Brown, place one slice of toast in an oven safe dish and cover with 7 ounces of turkey. Take the two halves of Roma tomato and set them alongside the base of turkey and toast. Next, pour one half of the Mornay sauce to completely cover the dish. Sprinkle with additional Pecorino Romano cheese. Place entire dish under a broiler until cheese begins to brown and bubble. Remove from broiler, cross two pieces of crispy bacon on top, sprinkle with paprika and parsley, and serve immediately.

The List is Out

Garden and Gun's latest issue ranks the top 50 Southern foods. I will be heading to Barnes and Noble tonight to pick up my copy. Can't wait to see our winners!

Happy Fall!

Today is the first day of fall. Time to pull out those cold weather recipes. Below are a few of my favorite (and a few I would like to try).

Mushroom risotto

Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup all in one

Baked spaghetti

Stuffed pumpkin with cranberry and rasin bread pudding

Homemade apple chips

Tastes like Lasagna Soup

Hot ham and cheese rolls

Spinach-black bean lasagna

Mushroom Soup

Southern Designers in New York City

Billy Ried's shop on Bond Street

Billy Ried's shop on Bond Street

There are many talented artists and craftsmen throughout the South (see this post) and more than a few fashion designers standing out in NYC. Billy Reid has been creating beautiful clothing for years. Though he left New York after 9/11, Billy returned in 2008 opening his flagship store in NoHo. I was a part of the opening production, working for Billy for a brief stent between jobs. Though a short time, we had the best time wearing beautiful things, meeting great people, sipping bourbon and apple cider while cleaning up, and dancing to fabulous music in the shop. Texas native Lela Rose is also turning heads with her signature and wedding collections. She also has a line for PayLess. And, of course, Wes Gordon, originally from Atlanta, has been creating gorgeous things since 2009. More beautiful things 'made by Southern hands!'

My Morning Jacket

My Morning Jacket (from Louisville, Kentucky) is headed to NYC's Madison Square Garden on December 14, 2011. If this wasn't great enough, Band of Horses is the opening act!

imagefrom albumoftheyear.org

Lowcountry

Maq and I had a great weekend filled with many adventures. Walking the Brooklyn Bridge allowed for many beautiful views, Dumbo is an adorable little neighborhood, great for young families, and Lowcountry with friends did not disappoint! Maq planned for several friends to meet us at Lowcountry (I thought it was just the two of us) and we had a truly wonderful time. A long table in the back accommodated our large group quite comfortably and gave us enough quiet to visit without screaming over one another. We ordered for the table: fried pickles, crab dip, fried green tomatoes, and deviled eggs. Most of the table order shrimp and girts for his/her entree but there were a few other orders (catfish, the burger, and pulled pork sliders) in the mix. The really fun thing about Lowcountry is the super fun drink menu. Though I sipped Cava (what's a birthday without bubbly?), the John Daley with firefly vodka and lemonade was a big hit with the table. Above are a few pictures from the weekend. Thanks to Maq and my wonderful friends for a truly great birthday! Here's to twenty-eight and a great new year!

Autumn

It is currently 58 degrees in New York City and I could not be more pleased! Thank you, thank you, fall is here! Below are a few autumn pictures from Virginia and elsewhere. I do miss watching the leaves change. See this article for five fabulous fall foliage train rides.


image from forestfoliage.com



image from loudonlandscapes.com

image from ecoki.com



image from mooseyscountrygarden.com



Birthday!

My birthday is on Saturday. To celebrate, we are walking the Brooklyn Bridge, enjoying dinner at Lowcountry, and taking advantage of Broadway Week. Have a fabulous weekend! Below are a few images from last year's 27th. 

San Gennaro Festival in Little Italy

First celebrated in New York City on September 19, 1926,  the Annual Feast of San Gennaro is a celebration of the Patron Saint of Naples. The festival this year will be held from September 15th-September 25th. Enjoy live music, a cannoli eating contest, and delicious food in the heart of Little Italy. The Feast runs along Mulberry Street, between Canal Street and Houston Street and takes place east to west on Grand Street and Hester Street, between Mott and Baxter Street.


Image from connect.in.com



Cake!

With my birthday approaching, all I can think about is CAKE. How about this delicious treat listed below?

MISSISSIPPI DELTA JELLY CAKE

INGREDIENTS:
1 tsp. SALT
3 1/3 c. FLOUR, sifted
Dash of BAKING SODA
1 1/2 tsp. BAKING POWDER
1 c. (2 sticks) BUTTER, softened
2 2/3 c. SUGAR
1/2 c. VEGETABLE OIL
4 EGGS, beaten
1 c. MILK
3/4 c. CONFECTIONERS’ SUGAR
1 1/2 c. (one 12-ounce jar) JAM/JELLY- Strawberry, Raspberry, or Blackberry

DIRECTIONS:
Combine the SALT with 2 2/3 c. of FLOUR in a medium bowl. Stir with a fork to mix well. In another bowl, combine the BAKING SODA, BAKING POWDER, and the remaining 2/3 c. of FLOUR.
In yet another bowl, cream the BUTTER, SUGAR, and OIL with a mixer at Medium speed until creamy. You want zero gritty signs of sugar. Add in the EGGS and continue beating for 1-2 minutes. Stir in the FLOUR-SALT mixture in three batches, alternating with the MILK. Gently fold in the FLOUR-BAKING SODA-BAKING POWDER mixture. Stir just until the flour disappears.
Pour the batter into three 9-inch, well-greased pans. Bake at 325-degrees for 25-30 minutes. Bake until cakes are golden brown and spring back when touched lightly in the center. Let cool for 10 minutes.

For the frosting, combine the CONFECTIONERS’ SUGAR and the JAM in a medium bowl and stir with a fork until all the lumps disappear. Place one layer, top side down, on a serving plate or a cake stand, and spread a third of the jelly-icing over it thickly. DO NOT spread over the sides. Repeat with the second layer of cake. Place the third and final layer, top side up, on the cake and ice it with the remaining jam. Allow the icing to drip down the sides.

The Cajun Grocer

Image from Bon Appetit

Looking for authentic cajun products outside of Louisiana? Look no futher. Cajun Grocer ships everything from Jambalaya to King Cake and anything in between. Try this, this, and this with all of your new cajun supplies.  

The Mint Julep

From everything that I have heard, Death & Co at 433 East 6th has a great Mint Julep. If you would like to enjoy one at home, here is the classic recipe from Esquire magazine and one with a twist from the New York Times. To have a good Mint Julep, one needs to start with good bourbon. I am not a bourbon drinker myself but from everything that I have ever heard and ever known, the Van Winkle Family is the only way to go. The Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery has a four generation history. The  production takes place at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, KY and has a different recipe--corn, wheat and barley rather than corn, rye, and barley. Looking for Old Rip Van Winkle in New York City? Try Astor Wine & Spirits, Park Ave Liquor Shop or Columbus Circle Liquors. Click here for other retailers.

Image from Bon Appetit 

Peaceful

Have a wonderful weekend. Maq and I have friends coming from DC and I'll be heading to Connecticut for a lovely wedding shower on Saturday afternoon. All the while, we'll be thinking of and praying for those who suffered terrible loss ten years ago Sunday. 

Cheerwine and Ale-8-One

Image from blogs.furman.edu

Beyond Coca-Cola, two delicious soft drinks came out of the South. Cheerwine, from Salisbury, NC and Ale-8-One ('A Late One') from Kentucky. Both are delicious though Ale-8-One is almost impossible to find outside of Kentucky. My college roommate grew up in Lexington and I first tried this secrect soda over fall break at the Keenland races. A friend from law school would bring cases back to Charleston after visiting his family. The amazing prodcut was launched in 1926 and still going strong in its own secret and exclusive way. While at one time Cheerwine was only distributed in North Carolina, over the years their coverage area has grown (all the way to New York City!). One can find this refreashing soda (in the form of a Cheerwine float) at Brother Jimmy's BBQ (3rd Ave and 8th Ave locations). If you are hoping to find no float with your Cheerwine or Ale-8-One outside of Kentucky, not to fret, they both ship! Click here for Ale-8-One and here for Cheerwine.

The Sound of New Orleans Jazz

Wynton Marsalis, born in New Orleans with a magical talent for music, started his career at age eight with the Fairview Baptist Church band. With years of music in New Orleans under his belt, Wynton moved to New York City to attend Julliard in 1979 and after playing with other bands and starting his own, Wynton co-founded Jazz at Lincon Center in 1987. Despite his many years in New York, Wynton is deelpy rooted in New Orleans raising over $3 million for musicians and cultural organizations affected by Katrina. Wynton gives his time and money to many groups and impacts thousands of lives in a tremendous way. His music is outstanding and his character even better. With all of the celebrity drama these days, Wynton is a true role model and his music is not to be missed. Lucky for us New Yorkers, he's coming back to town. I have seen him once and that is NOT enough! Catch his show October 13-15 or December 15-17 in Rose Theater at Lincoln Center. A little New Orleans jazz will always cure the Notheastern cold and the desire for home around the holidays! Click here to buy tickets.

Broadway Week

One of the many fabulous parts of New York City is Broadway. People travel to the City just to see these shows and often New Yorkers take the performances for granted. Of course, tickets can be a bit expensive which also may explain a lack of attendance. Well, problem solved. September 18th-30th is Broadway Week and tickets are offered 2 for 1. See The Adams Family, Billy Elliott, Jersey Boys, Wicked and many others for half the price! I know The Adams Family is next on my list. While I was hoping to see it a bit closer to Halloween, this deal is too good to pass up.

Image from thefunkyapple.com

Made by Southern Hands

Southern Living does a great feature 'Made by Southern Hands' which shares information on Southern artists and craftsman. One of my favorite features is this hand blown water carafe by Belnko. Belnko Glass Company, based in West Virginia, has been a family owned and operated company since 1893.  I actually have the carafe from my Grandmother's kitchen and receive more compliments on the piece than anything else. Looking in New York City, one can the item at William-Wayne (Lexington Ave location). William-Wayne also has beautiful housewares and gifts beyond Belnko and is where we found our great collection of mismatched blue and white cereal bowls. You can also find the carafe at Fishs Eddy near Union Square. Fishs Eddy also carries an assortment of china formely used by New York hotels and private clubs. It takes a little digging but there really are some great finds!  Every summer my parents and I visited NYC and each time we stayed at the Cornell Club in midtown. For Christmas a few years back, I was able to find two bread plates formerly used by Cornell Club which made for a Christmas gift of great memories (one can only give so many framed pictures).   Back to the carafe, it comes in a wide variety of colors and makes a fabulous hostess gift. With the holidays coming up, I also have it in mind for my sister-in-law.

Image from Southernliving.com

Another great gift idea found through 'Made by Southern Hands' is this Bloody Mary Mix by Charleston's Fat and Juicy. So far the mix is only carried by retailers in the South but you can order online here or through Southern Connoisseur. I also love Mother Daughter Jewelry based out of Richman, Virginia. You can find the fabulous pieces in New York at Darling. It's always nice to have an item made with love by someone close to home.

Southern Tide

Southern Tide is a great clothing line founded in 2005 by Allen Stephenson and based in Greenville, SC. The line has been exceptionally popular and made its way to Michigan and NYC. On our trip this weekend, we couldn't believe a Detroit based men's shop in Ann Arbor had this familiar logo in the window. To find Southern Tide in New York click here for retail partners in the area. 

Back from Ann Arbor

Maq and I had a wonderful visit to Ann Arbor. Great food, trips down memory lane, a washed out football game and Mario Batalli sighting! Below are a few pictures from out trip.

A Collider is frozen yogurt blended with cereal and other toppings. It is everything I hoped it would be.

Pre-Monsoon

There are A LOT of people in this stadium

As a dual biology and economics major, Maq spent plenty of time in this building

Off to Ann Arbor



Image from collectionhall.com



Maq and I are off to Ann Arbor for the long weekend. Have a great one!

Bluegrass Beyond Bruch

Looking for a little live music? Check out this website to find live bluegrass throughout the City. On September 17th (my birthday), Madison Square Park Conservancy will host Bluegrass in the Park from 12:30 to 6:30pm. The event is free and will feature five great acts. The lineup is as follows:

12:30pm Della Mae

1:30pm Donna Hughes Band

2:30pm Cherry Holmes Brothers

3:30 Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike

4:45 Nashville Bluegrass Band

If you can't make the show, keep checking bluegrassnyc.com as they know everything that is happening.