tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8845669759517327042026-02-14T17:59:55.216-05:00The Food, Photography, Travel and Wanderings of a NYC ChefThe Culinary Lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16256709204159950504noreply@blogger.comBlogger484125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884566975951732704.post-45200401991967853532026-02-14T17:59:00.002-05:002026-02-14T17:59:55.114-05:00

 If you’ve ever strolled through the Northside of Dublin, you’ve likely noticed the towering, serene figure watching over Cabra. The statue of Christ the King, perched high on the facade of the church that shares its name, isn't just a religious landmark—it's a survivor of a world at war and a masterpiece with a surprisingly international backstory. Here is the fascinating history of Cabra’s

The Culinary Lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16256709204159950504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884566975951732704.post-20993373135679219042026-01-01T14:40:00.006-05:002026-01-01T14:40:47.734-05:00

 annual Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) is a beloved winter tradition that transforms the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory into a magical miniature world. This enchanting display features model trains zipping through a landscape of New York City landmarks, all crafted from natural materials. A Miniature Metropolis Step into the conservatory and you're immediately

The Culinary Lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16256709204159950504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884566975951732704.post-75186667485809195752025-11-29T10:49:00.001-05:002025-11-29T11:48:21.809-05:00

 Atlantic City is a canvas of contrasts—the glitz of the casinos set against the raw power of the ocean. Yet, tucked away on one of its brick walls is a piece of public art that captures one of the city's most unusual and controversial historical spectacles: the diving horse.The mural you see, a dynamic and somewhat surreal depiction of a horse and rider in mid-plunge, is a striking reminder

The Culinary Lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16256709204159950504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884566975951732704.post-8766592370652323392024-11-09T07:00:00.006-05:002025-01-05T11:33:59.349-05:00

Here are some compelling reasons to visit Kilkenny Castle:1. Immerse Yourself in History:Medieval Marvel: Step back in time and explore a castle with roots dating back to the 12th century.Butler Family Legacy: Learn about the powerful Butler family, who resided in the castle for centuries.Royal Connections: Discover the castle's ties to the English royal family, including Anne

The Culinary Lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16256709204159950504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884566975951732704.post-59243537974107710502024-10-26T06:45:00.000-04:002024-10-26T06:45:29.813-04:00

On my latest trip to Ireland I paid a visit to one of my favorite places. The feeling of tranquility in Glendalough is amazing. Just a short drive from Dublin’s hustle and bustle. Nestled in the heart of County Wicklow, Glendalough is a breathtaking glacial valley that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and rich history. Known for its stunning landscapes, ancient monastic ruins, and serene

The Culinary Lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16256709204159950504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884566975951732704.post-47617072795028078492023-12-15T17:19:00.004-05:002025-01-05T11:33:29.902-05:00

One of my favorite things on my last trip to Ireland was a black taxi tour of Belfast A black taxi tour of Belfast promises a fascinating and insightful journey through the city's rich history, particularly its complex and often turbulent past. Here's what you can expect:Unveiling the Troubles: These tours are often led by former taxi drivers who lived through the Troubles, a period of conflict

The Culinary Lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16256709204159950504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884566975951732704.post-55957077923490555222023-05-17T02:00:00.001-04:002023-05-17T02:00:00.144-04:00

Greenacre Park is a privately owned, publicly accessible vest-pocket park located on East 51st Street between Second and Third Avenues in the Turtle Bay neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. It was designed by Hideo Sasaki, former chairman of Harvard's Department of Landscape Architecture, in consultation with architect Harmon Goldstone. The park, which is owned by Greenacre Foundation, was a

The Culinary Lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16256709204159950504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884566975951732704.post-76450677591158147092023-05-15T04:00:00.001-04:002023-05-15T04:00:00.150-04:00

 The Atlas statue at Rockefeller Center is a 45-foot-tall (14 m) bronze sculpture by Lee Lawrie. It depicts the Greek Titan Atlas holding the celestial sphere on his shoulders. The statue was commissioned by John D. Rockefeller Jr. for the Rockefeller Center complex, and was installed in 1937.Atlas is a figure from Greek mythology who was the leader of the Titans, a race of giants who

The Culinary Lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16256709204159950504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884566975951732704.post-91657356969205944382023-05-13T06:34:00.001-04:002023-05-13T06:34:19.912-04:00

 I was walking by Rock Center recently and in place of the ice rink was a roller rink  The new layout allowed for a completely different angle for a photograph of Prometheus  PROMETHEUS The Prometheus sculpture at Rockefeller Center is a 1934 gilded, cast bronze sculpture by Paul Manship. It is located above the lower plaza at Rockefeller Center in Manhattan, New York City.

The Culinary Lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16256709204159950504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884566975951732704.post-5514626816110586782023-04-09T14:42:00.002-04:002023-04-09T16:39:39.540-04:00

 The weather was beautiful and I decided to have a brief visit to the Easter Parade. It was very crowded and getting good photos was very difficult. The Easter Parade in New York City is a yearly event that takes place on Easter Sunday. It is a tradition that dates back to the 1870s, when wealthy Christians would travel from church to church visiting different sanctuaries. By the 1880s,

The Culinary Lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16256709204159950504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884566975951732704.post-74977148029304940692023-04-04T15:44:00.002-04:002023-04-05T15:58:31.010-04:00

I have not made it to this year’s Orchid show but it is definitely worth a visit. One of my favorite Bronx things. The Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden is an annual exhibition that features thousands of orchids from around the world. The show has been held since 1995, and it has become one of the most popular attractions at the garden.The first Orchid Show was held in 1995, and

The Culinary Lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16256709204159950504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884566975951732704.post-43702282850823177592023-04-02T06:30:00.001-04:002023-04-06T06:12:13.961-04:00

The New Amsterdam Theatre is one of the most iconic theaters in New York City. It has a long and storied history, dating back to its opening in 1903. Over the years, it has hosted some of the biggest names in show business, from Ziegfeld Follies girls to Broadway stars.But the New Amsterdam is also said to be haunted by the ghost of Olive Thomas, a Ziegfeld Follies girl who died tragically in

The Culinary Lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16256709204159950504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884566975951732704.post-79168648397472683532023-03-31T11:13:00.001-04:002023-03-31T11:13:10.397-04:00

I was raised Catholic and am no longer practicing but I can still appreciate the beauty and grandeur of St. Patrick's Cathedral. The cathedral is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture, and its interior is filled with stunning stained glass windows and intricate carvings. The cathedral is also home to a number of famous works of art, including the Pietà by Michelangelo. Even though I

The Culinary Lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16256709204159950504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884566975951732704.post-66832324887799904642023-01-29T12:15:00.000-05:002023-01-29T12:15:16.316-05:00

The Irish pub in Atlantic City goes all out decorating. I wonder if they have it all packed away yet lol. 

The Culinary Lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16256709204159950504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884566975951732704.post-90588086028079463322020-04-22T15:08:00.001-04:002020-04-22T16:29:02.960-04:00

Pandemic City April 2020Anyone who knows me has seen how much  I love wandering around the city taking photos. I’d wait patiently in front of some landmark until a yellow cab came into the frame before pressing the shutter. It absolutely breaks to see my adopted city like this. Obviously the loss of human life is far worse but for me the city has its own heartbeat.We will rise again. 

The Culinary Lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16256709204159950504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884566975951732704.post-79122283503959447472020-04-21T14:19:00.000-04:002020-04-21T14:19:19.548-04:00

I have been amusing myself playing around with the Pixaloop app. This is just a sample with the free version if I purchase the paid version I will update. It is pretty cool. The clouds and the flock of birds are the added elements. View this post on Instagram A little playing with #pixaloop @enlightpixaloop cool app A post shared by mrichardsonnyc@gmail.com (@theculinarylens

The Culinary Lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16256709204159950504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884566975951732704.post-60750721002891997632019-11-24T12:01:00.000-05:002019-11-24T12:01:47.845-05:00

Last year I spent Thanksgiving in Atlantic City, New Jersey. One of my favorite things in watching the sunrise on a beach. This year I’m spending a few days in Philadelphia. I spent last Thanksgiving in #atlanticcity last year. Loved my #sunrise beach walks. Different plans this year. @ Atlantic City, New JerseyPosted by Michael Richardson on Sunday, November 24, 2019

The Culinary Lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16256709204159950504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884566975951732704.post-29012234237155217532019-10-12T15:44:00.001-04:002019-10-12T15:55:55.927-04:00

One of the first memories I have of Moore Street was the slap on the back of my head I received from my father. I thought imitating one of the women selling fruit was hilarious, my father wasn’t of the same opinion. Moore Street was such a part of Dublin life. “Ye want bangers youngfella ?” when selling illegal fireworks. I read recently that the last of the dealers are moving out. It’s a

The Culinary Lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16256709204159950504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884566975951732704.post-46979406845058634522019-10-10T17:35:00.001-04:002019-10-10T17:35:21.107-04:00

Every year on the run up to Halloween the Everett Children’s Garden get a makeover. Not too spooky for little ones but a fun thing nonetheless. There is also a nice collection of giant pumpkins and gourds. https://www.nybg.org/event/scarecrows-pumpkins/

The Culinary Lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16256709204159950504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884566975951732704.post-39080417104779803752019-10-07T15:59:00.000-04:002019-10-07T15:59:50.405-04:00

The Botanical Gardens in The Bronx has several very enjoyable events during the year. My favorite is The Holiday Train Show but a very close second is Brews, Blues and Botany. With tastings of some great beers and some really good music in the beautiful surroundings of NYBG in The Bronx. 

The Culinary Lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16256709204159950504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884566975951732704.post-66819853724773570282019-10-01T05:02:00.000-04:002019-10-01T05:02:07.434-04:00

The Bronx Zoo is pretty close to my apartment, I’m a member and I’m a frequent visitor. All of this makes it surprising that this past weekend was my first time riding their monorail. I nice little ride around Asia with some nice views and animal sightings. 

The Culinary Lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16256709204159950504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884566975951732704.post-18566646704654516422019-09-29T07:45:00.001-04:002019-09-29T07:45:02.197-04:00

The Netherlands Carillon located in Arlington, VA is an easy Metro ride from Washington DC. It’s is beside the  Iwo Jima Marine Memorial. The Carillon itself is not really that impressive but the vista of  the city is. 

The Culinary Lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16256709204159950504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884566975951732704.post-57462826702878029942019-09-26T05:30:00.000-04:002019-09-26T05:30:01.784-04:00

The Great Hunger or An Ocras Mor had a devastating impact on Ireland.  Famine caused about 1 million deaths between 1845 and 1851  from starvation or hunger-related disease. A further 1 million Irish people emigrated. I have posted memorials from both Philadelphia and NYC. I realized a I’d never posted pictures from the memorial in Dublin. Located on Custom House Quay it is truly

The Culinary Lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16256709204159950504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884566975951732704.post-86000665806361377542019-09-23T09:51:00.000-04:002019-09-23T09:51:06.160-04:00

If you’ve followed me on any kind of social media you would know that I have a bit of a fixation with yellow cabs. Long before coming to NYC yellow cabs were a favorite icon of the city. I am always on the hunt for new images.  FREEDOM TOWER YELLOW YELLOW CAB SHOPS AT COLUMBUS CIRCLE I

The Culinary Lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16256709204159950504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884566975951732704.post-58886577292097579402019-09-21T06:42:00.001-04:002019-09-21T06:42:49.572-04:00

There is a tree that sits in the grounds of The Kings Inn in Dublin, Ireland. It has partially engulfed a park bench. It’s known as The Hungry Tree. I’ve always wondered how this came about. In my imagination it was some kind of industrial dispute, where nether the greens keeper or the arborist felt it was their job to  move the bench. I am open to suggestions anyone may have.

The Culinary Lenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16256709204159950504noreply@blogger.com