(Post)Holiday Party at Cafe Capriccio

You remember how I said I was more than ready for the holidays to be over so I could have a little time to detox?  Well, it hasn't occurred yet.  Perhaps post-MLK weekend I will have an opportunity to dry out a bit, but the weekend after that is the Michael Franti show...I just don't see … Continue reading (Post)Holiday Party at Cafe Capriccio

Coquette croquettes

If I were a superhero (I'm not one, I just play one in real life) my name would be Coquette Woman and one of my super  powers would be my ability to make something from nothing, specifically something tasty from seemingly disparate leftover ingredients. Case in point: these breakfast potatoes. I was staring hard at a … Continue reading Coquette croquettes

Breakfast @Quintessence

looking a little skepticalYou know the phrase "there's no such thing as a free lunch?" Well, I couldn't buy breakfast in this town on New Year's Eve morning.  Our original plan was to walk around the corner and get some grub at the Wine n Diner, but, alas, they weren't open when we approached their door … Continue reading Breakfast @Quintessence

Tradition(less)

For too many years to count, Christmas Eve has meant an elaborate meal, conceived and prepared by yours truly, usually for a crowd of 12-16. However, like many other things this year, the celebration of Christmas Eve demanded something different, something a little more simple.  The obvious solution: Chinese Food and Champagne.  At 4:00 in the … Continue reading Tradition(less)

Mulligatawny Soup

a little mortar and pestle action - coriander seedsI've got a thing for Mulligatawny Soup.  With my first pregnancy, it was my number one craving, and just like the pregnancy stretch marks, it's never gone away.  A perfect meal is an order of garlic nan and a steaming bowl of soup - usually from Shalimar.  There's … Continue reading Mulligatawny Soup

Olive Greens

 so pretty - so delicious When faced with a freakishly large head of broccoli rabe, and the desire to limit carbohydrate consumption, what would you do?  If carbs were not an issue, I'd be all about making a pot of polenta, Union Square Cafe-style with milk, Gorgonzola and toasted walnuts.  I've been trying to wean … Continue reading Olive Greens