She’s gotta have it – the soft shell crab sandwich at New World Bistro Bar

Image: NWBB Facebook page A couple of days ago an image came across my Facebook feed* that I couldn’t stop thinking about. It was a photo. Of a sandwich, of all things. What would make a sandwich so compelling? Well, it was a fried soft shell crab BLT served with chipotle mayo and poblano slaw. … Continue reading She’s gotta have it – the soft shell crab sandwich at New World Bistro Bar

Best bites – Ireland, 2019

People say all kinds of negative things about Irish food - it’s bland or all fried or what in God’s name is black pudding?, but I’m here to tell you there is some excellent food to be had on the Emerald Isle. While my first day of eating was a disaster with two subpar meals, … Continue reading Best bites – Ireland, 2019

Baking with Kate – an Airbnb experience

Airbnb has been my got-to for accommodations abroad for the last 4 or 5 years, I’d say. Basically, if I’m going to spend more than two nights somewhere, I want to have the amenities that make a stay feel more like a home - kitchen facilities, perhaps or lounging space when I’m traveling with friends … Continue reading Baking with Kate – an Airbnb experience

First impressions – Galway town

I’ve only visited Galway once before and it was very brief, maybe an afternoon at best. For all intents and purposes, this is my first time here and everything is new. Except, of course, for the friends who are also here on holiday from Albany, that I got share a meal with last night. Small … Continue reading First impressions – Galway town

First impressions – Dublin, 2019

Yesterday was the first time I’ve visited Dublin since 2013. Here’s what struck me... I heard an amazing array of languages and saw numerous ethnic markets as I walked the streets for hours. The 3-day visitor’s trip transit pass is a great deal at 19.50 It’s dirtier than I remember it being. There seems to … Continue reading First impressions – Dublin, 2019

Becoming Purnomo

When I first moved to Albany in 1988, I got a job working split doubles at PD. Ladd’s, currently Dove and Deer. My apartment was just around the corner on Washington Avenue and, since I was carless, I needed to work within walking distance. The Ladopolous brother were very kind to me and, while I … Continue reading Becoming Purnomo

The first time – challah bread

The first time I made challah bread was a snowy day at the beginning of a staycation week. I found a recipe that seemed manageable, gathered together my ingredients and tuned to a jazz station on my Apple Music. I was ready, with a reasonable degree of seriousness, to take on the challenge. Baking intimidates … Continue reading The first time – challah bread