Wild Squash in Zion Nat'l Park

It's a foragers dream come true! (except that you shouldn't really forage on national park land)

This squash was growing all around the park. I'm not exactly sure what species this is -- something in the zucchini family, I suppose. Maybe one of those Wwoofing Pattaps can help us identify it...

I Grew a Cherry Bomb!

That cherry pepper was born on a farm, adopted at the Union Sq farmer's market and raised on my window sill. It was my most exciting plant of the summer and now it's chopped up and infused in some T-Jo olive oil.

I tried a nibble and it honestly wasn't so hot... but I chopped it up, threw it in a jar with some fresh Cayenne's from Spot's Pop's garden and some extra virg. Stay tuned for a tasting report...

Katz's - Biggest... Order... Ever

Take-out from Katz's today for lunch today. Clients visiting from Michigan - gotta provide the real New York experience. What does that experience taste like...?

7 Pastrami sandwiches on rye with mustard
4 Corned beef on rye w/ mustard
1 Reuben (for the Michigan client... surprised?)
3 Knishes
5 Dr. Browns Soda (cream, black cherry, cel-ray)
1 Large tub of Pickles

Grand Total - $218

One of the guys here literally choked when he found out he was eating a $15 sandwich.

Ever Try Shakshuka?

Double Date at Hummus Kitchen last night. It's a delightful little neighborhood spot with casual vibe, tasty food, and a no-rush attitude. The prices are fair, the dishes are good proportions with lots of flavor, and the staff is genuinely Israeli. I had the shaksuka.

Shakshuka is a pan-fried casserole of poached eggs and spicy tomato sauce with peppers and add-ons like spinach, beans, sausages, etc. My first exposure to the dish was at Dr. Shakshuka in Jaffa, Israel. Dr. Shak is a very highly-rated Shakshuka joint that been around for generations. Nothing delights me more than international foodie-ism - seeking out the foodie spots that the foodie natives visit in their own countries.

On that same trip, I also seized the opportunity to taste "The Best Shawarma in Israel".

Standby Pizza Pie

Lunch trip to Lombardi's today -- Overall rating among 5 diners was 4.5 stars. How nice to have such a pie within 10 minute walk. Secret seating upstairs on the covered roof.

Ceasar Salad - the classic executed well - shake some crushed red on it
Spinach/Pancetta Pie - tasty garlicy spinach - pancetta's actually rather bland
Mushrooms/Smoke Roasted Peppers - the clear stand-out toppings-wise

Delicious smokey charcoal dough and plenty of sweet sauce, that's how they've survived since 1905!

Must Try Thai - Bodhi Tree

I have a new favorite Thai spot. Check it out - Bodhi Tree. Food, Decor, Service, all excellent. I had the lunch take-out once, the price is great and it comes with two tasty side dishes. I recommend the Taro dumplings!

For dinner we had Roti Massaman which came with a rich, spicy Massaman curry for dipping the doughy roti. They have a special Thai-Tastes menu which comes with the disclaimer "These dishes are served spicy. Do not order if you cannot eat very spicy. Do not ask us to make it less spicy, it is our aim to keep these dishes true to the original recipes." Much Respect! Of course I ordered a dish off of this menu - 3 out of 4 spicy stars. It was a delicious plate of glass noodles with shrimp, squid, and minced pork with tomatoes, onions, and fresh red chilis in a lime-lemongrass dressing. Very tasty, although I would have liked it if peppers were diced into the dish instead of being served whole.

Go ahead and give it a Thai-Try next time your in the East Vill. Any thoughts...? Does Bodhi Tree beat my old favorite Thai-Standby, Boyd?

(Props to Farmer Benny on the find!)

Must Try - Las Ramblas

Took Cassie-Girl to this little West Vill Tapas joint this weekend. Man-0h-Man that was tasty stuff! The wild mushroom dish is a must and the seared shrimp-and-pineapple skewers were also incredible. Plus the paprika potatoes which our friend described as "the best homefries I've ever eaten!" Quite the review!

All washed down with yummy pear sangria and topped off with fresh berries and chocolate... with a delightful birthday candle for Miss Cassie herself.

Check it out folks: http://lasramblasnyc.com/