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Hangawi (Spice and Serenity)

Erika Strum — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:06:53 +0000

Though on the edge of K-town, you won’t find communal BBQs at Hangawi, a Zen temple of vegetarian Korean fare. When E suggested we try a Korean vegetarian place he had been to for lunch, I did not expect this level of elegance. After some jerky driver behind me honked incessantly at my cab, I [...]

8 October Restaurant Openings (The Breslin, Abe and Arthur’s, Bill’s Bar and Burger and More)

Erika Strum — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:25:47 +0000

October was a meat-themed month, not just the food category but also the district of meatpacking, which exploded with openings. Dainty eaters steer clear! These newcomers are boasting huge flavors in everything from burgers to fried chicken livers. As always, leave thoughts in the comment section if you’ve visited any of these exciting spots. Abe and Arthur’s Franklin [...]

Slow-Cooked Rack of Lamb

Erika Strum — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:45:53 +0000

This rack of lamb is both basic and beautiful. I made it for dinner last Friday and its easy preparation allowed me time for more complex side dishes. I served it with an orecchiete with chickpea-tomato sauce (recipe to come) and a golden beet salad. The fragrant sauce this dish renders would be lovely on [...]

Adobo-Marinated TLT (You MUST Try This Sandwich, Trust Me)

Erika Strum — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:34:01 +0000

This vegetarian sandwich from 101 Cookbooks (with minor adjustments) is so packed with flavor that even without meat I’m still saying “holy cow, that was good!” I made it for Shabbat lunch last week and it held well overnight in the refrigerator, so it’s perfect for making in advance. A few simple ingredients (grainy bread, tempeh, [...]

Kosherfest New Product Award Winners

Erika Strum — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:06:14 +0000

Kosherfest, the largest International Kosher food trade show is taking place next week, with over 300 exhibitors convening at the Meadowlands. The most exciting aspect of the show are the awards for the new products competition, which have just been announced. The judges included a panel of restaurateurs, grocers, and cookbook authors. Demand for kosher food [...]

Quick Bites: Oceana (Revamped)

Erika Strum — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:53:27 +0000

The Basics: After staying afloat on East 54th street for nearly two decades, Oceana has swum South to a bigger space with the same fresh seafood and star service plus a modernized menu. Some of the new territory appears unfamiliar though. With ceviche, carpaccio and tartare on nearly every menu in Manhattan, there is no [...]

Apiary (Serious Food Where You Don’t Expect It)

Erika Strum — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:30:13 +0000

On an unlikely block of 3rd avenue, unfortunately close to underaged watering hole Bar None , sits Apiary. I’ve had Apiary on my wish list for months without a clue of how it got there. Few people were familiar with it when I suggested it on other occasions. Despite its name (means bee yard), I hadn’t [...]

Whole Wheat Margherita Pizza with Heirloom Tomatoes

Erika Strum — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:20:38 +0000

I was always intimidated by the idea of homemade pizza, until I found a very basic recipe from Giada de Laurentis and realized how simple it can be. It’s part of my repertoire now, and I’ve used her dough here, with some improvisations of my own. Heirloom tomato season is almost over and Whole Foods [...]

Il Buco (Almost There!)

Erika Strum — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:00:05 +0000

Walking into Il Bulco, you fall in love instantly. There is something about the warm, artisanal, feel of copper pots hung from the ceiling, ingredients-as-decoration, and the wooden communal table and you’re wooed. Maybe it’s the kooky chandeliers which have a story all their own. Maybe it’s just the handsome waiters. Il Buco was once [...]

9 September Restaurant Openings (Gansevoort 69, Ed’s Chowder House, Los Feliz)

Erika Strum — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:32:08 +0000

Wow! Fall is here and the city is exploding with new restaurants. As the weather turns brisk, comfort food seems to be the theme whether it be heaping bowls of noodles, mac ‘n’ cheese or chicken and waffles. If you’ve visited any of these newcomers, leave a comment and fill me in! Onya When it comes to [...]