clam chowder with a twistPrior to moving to Albany, I worked in a fantastic little restaurant in Washingtonville, N.Y. called the Sea Shanty. The chef-owner, Len Holl, was truly the man who inspired me to view food in a completely different light; no longer was it something on a plate that I was serving merely … Continue reading Soup Swap – Sea Shanty Spicy Clam Chowder
Category: friends
Trix are for kids, cocktails are for grownups
beautiful speakeasy decorAround the dinner table last night we were discussing the respective advantages of being an adult vs. being a child. The usual examples were thrown around; paying bills vs. nonstop playing, having a job vs. having nothing but free time, freedom to make choices vs. being told what to do... You know the … Continue reading Trix are for kids, cocktails are for grownups
Otto
My most recent trip to the city involved revisiting favorite spots and exploring some new ones. Otto (8th Street just east of 5th Avenue) is a place to which I frequently find myself returning. Seriously, I've probably been to this restaurant more than 8 times in the last couple of years - it's just really good. … Continue reading Otto
Cross country skiing at Capital Hills
I'm hesitating a little about writing this piece...you see, I am concerned about my little piece of heaven being overrun by enthusiastic but challenged skiers, thus making my own forays less idyllic. I'm basically a sharer, though, so here is a little secret for you: the best free, winter outdoor activity in the city of … Continue reading Cross country skiing at Capital Hills
(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
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)
DelSo 