Nutella is one of my family’s favorite foods. We purchase it in bulk and consume it at an embarrassingly rapid pace. Spread on toast and served with a large glass of milk, it is our favorite snack before bed, what we affectionately refer to as our ‘good night snack.’ Given… Read More →
If you loved Ashwani Chirimunj’s homestyle Indian cooking at his Norwood, New Jersey, restaurant called Mark’s Ooh La La Yum, you’ll adore his cooking at his new, expanded location in Tappan. If you never dined at Mark’s, no worries. We’ll tell you what to expect. It’s the same menu of entrees—no… Read More →
People ask me where I find the time to come up with all the dishes I create. At times I wonder that myself! In addition to writing Seasonal Chef I work as a private chef for three clients early in the week, and cater at the end of the week…. Read More →
Spark is something we talk a lot about on Valentine’s Day. Well, though that’s over, we realize, amigos, that we always want spark in our lives! And so, my friends, as an antidote to wintertime blues (and let’s face it: most of us are suffering from this malady!), I offer you the Roasted Jalapeño… Read More →
Sequencing the Indian meal – The entrée It is worth pointing out, that the main course which we often refer to loosely as the protein may or may not be a protein based entree on the Indian table. Sure, if it a meat based Indian meal, or even when looking… Read More →
Spring Not Quite Sprung, They’re Grateful for Grapefruit It’s that blessed sign of spring in the offing—pitchers and catchers have reported to spring training, and ballgames in the sun baked, so called Grapefruit League will soon commence. Perhaps that is why grapefruit flavors are on the brain, and the palate,... Read More →
I went back to my sequencing the Indian meal, and this week I was talking about entrees, of course with a caveat that the Indian meal is often served family style rather than in courses. This week, I thought I would feature a fish curry, something that is quite popular… Read More →
My last column on easy Miso Noodle Soup must have been a sign, because I’ve been sick since I wrote it! I’m usually more than a pretty good eater, but when I’m really sick, I tend not to have much of an appetite, not to mention not caring much about… Read More →
Domaine les Aphillanthes Clementia Blanc: This distinctive bottle has enticing floral and seashell aromas, stone fruit flavors on the palate, and a round, crisp finish. Region: Rhone Valley, France. Price: $18. Goes with: Bouillabaisse, moules frites, lobster rolls. Why I chose it: Cotes du Rhone Blanc is one of our… Read More →
Lent begins today, and many people abstain from eating meat during this period. Whether or not you are such a person, this quick recipe using spinach, quinoa and shrimp is perfect for a Lenten lunch. It can be easily made vegetarian/vegan by simply leaving out the fish. Print Spinach, Quinoa… Read More →
The Captain’s Log: ‘Brand’ New Approach The Captain is finally putting serious thought into its branding, including new names for some beloved beers, and a new logo as well. The tasting room favorite Imperial IPA is now the Palate Shifter, while the India Pale Ale—heretofore known simply as the IPA—is… Read More →
Banana bread worthy bananas are not always easy to find, particularly in the throes of winter. A good banana bread banana is one that is dark, soft and has reach the full promise of over ripeness, to add richness and nutrition to shakes and banana bread. While we all love… Read More →
Soufflé is one of those special treats that, for a long time, I reserved for trips to select French restaurants. I obediently ordered my soufflé in advance of my meal and patiently waited as the chef created this magical dessert just for me. And when it was served, so puffy… Read More →
Lobster Bisque. It’s a soup that seems unattainable in a home kitchen. Generally served at upscale restaurants, it’s not your average cream soup at home. I do like a challenge, and making an easy lobster bisque at home can be just that, easy! Right up front I will tell you… Read More →
Spann Vineyards ‘The Classic Four’ 2011: Deep red fruit accented by hints of wildflowers and cinnamon with firm tannins. Region: Sonoma, California. Price: $23. Goes with: Grillin’ and chillin’. Why I chose it: Peter and Betsy Spann make minuscule amounts of wine, and all of it is worth seeking out…. Read More →
What exactly is a bisque? According to my Larousse dictionary it’s a shellfish soup thickened with pureed shells. Julia Child also makes mention of pureeing the lobster shells to thicken the bisque. I daresay you need a very high speed blender to accomplish that task. So back to the drawing… Read More →
Maybe it’s the winter snow that inspires some of us, including me, dream about the tropics and tropical drinks even more! And maybe it’s nostalgia that makes us sometimes yearn for drinks from times past. In fact, I think it was at Pancho Villa in Larchmont, where I had one of my… Read More →
The Westchester County Center. It is home to the Westchester Knicks, a far more palatable version of the team than their varsity siblings down in the city. It is home to reptile shows, the circus, Disney Live! and, for one blessed night each February, the Big Brew NY Beer Festival…. Read More →
There’s at least a dozen new beers to try in Nanuet now that weren’t ever available locally. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse opened its first location in New York at The Shops at Nanuet Feb. 2. One of 154 locations nationwide, this new 8,215-square-foot outpost is on the corner near P.F…. Read More →
It’s cold out. I know, call me Captain Obvious. There’s something to be said about the cold weather, and that’s the tendency to make us want to curl up indoors with a nice hot bowl of soup. I mean, everyone is eating lots of soup right now, right? I’ve been… Read More →
Seven Hills Pinot Gris 2013: Vibrant, bright, and juicy with notes of citrus, pear, melon, and a hint of mint. Region: Umpqua Valley, Oregon. Price: $18. Goes with: Seafood, or a grapefruit and avocado salad. Also great as an aperitif! Why I chose it: Single vineyard Pinot Gris from Oregon… Read More →
Every now and then I go back and revisit a recipe, to see what I can do to tweak it. This past weekend I decided to make my Spicy Vegetarian Chili. Since I was going to be sharing it with our gluten-free friends I needed to make a few adjustments. In… Read More →
This is one of my favorite simple curries, that I like to dish out often when closing out a week, or just family dinner. An Indian dumpling or meatball is called a kofta, and came into the Indian culinary repertoire sometime in the 17th or 18th century through the… Read More →
New York To Super Bowl: You’re Gonna Hear Me Snore When we last saw Simon Ellis, it was considerably nicer out. He was on the patio. The sun was shining. He was contemplating exactly which beer should be chosen to deflower the finest growler in the land. It was a… Read More →
In preparation for the Super Bowl we test a lot of recipes during the season. My kids have a strong opinion about what we will be cooking on Super Bowl Sunday. Although our favorite team didn’t make it to the big game we’re still excited to watch and eat! The winner this year, hands down, at… Read More →
Super Bowl XLIX is upon us! Whether you enjoy the big game for its commercials, scandals, halftime show or just plain football-game-watching, chances are that you will tune in on Sunday. This terrific American tradition tends to be a great excuse for a pot luck party, and there are many… Read More →
Last week Megan McCaffrey had a great story about Ramen in Westchester. Chef David Chang, catalyst of the ramen movement in America, says “ramen is dead.” I’m with Megan on this one and say NO! Ramen soup comes in many varieties, and believe it or not, can be easily made at home…. Read More →
Fiancetto Cabernet Sauvignon ‘Gravelly Loam’ 2012: A knockout Napa Cab loaded with layers of fresh cassis and blackberry fruit with hints of cedar and cocoa. Region: Napa Valley, California. Price: $30. Goes with: Porterhouse steak. Why I chose it: The poor gravelly loam soil makes the roots for these vines… Read More →
As you know, my friends, stews come in all different varieties. Add chili to that mix, and you’ve opened a whole new dimension. Chili is perfect on chilly (!) days…add some snow, and some stout, even the Super Bowl, and wow, you’ve got yourself a winner! So this one, my Chorizo,... Read More →
Small Batches, Big Flavors, Fond Memories Bock the vote! The Super Bowl is a week away, which means it is time for the Captain Lawrence Hop Bowl, pitting a dozen memorable small-batch brews from the past year—staffer-created concoctions such as the chamomile-infused Sleepy Time Saison, the session IPA Hop Chug,... Read More →
