Tavern on the Green

My friend was getting married and to celebrate we had brunch at the infamous Tavern on the Green.

Eataly

After asking for NYC recommendations our friend suggested Eataly NYC. It is difficult to explain what it is. I guess a simple description of Eataly would be a collection of restuarants, food markets, and food related products.

When you sit down to eat at Eataly, you must choose a specialized restaurant to eat at. The menu will be limited to dishes of a certain food type. If you want to try variation, you must move on to another restaurant.

We choose Il Pesce NYC, a fish restaurant, to start with. We ordered a salad and fish to share.

My husband loves whole fish and this orata did not disappoint. It was cooked perfectly.

While we enjoyed our salad and fish, Eataly was quite busy.

When we were ready to move on to the next food stuffs the restaurant portion was getting ready to close. We were unable to try more of the restaurants.

I was able to spend some time looking at all the food for purchase at the market.

I love squid ink pasta.

There are so many desserts. Too bad I was not in the mood for dessert. They look so good.

Last but not least is the cheeses. I could tell if I lived in NY this would be where I would hang out. I will take a cheese plate over a dessert any day!

Todd English Food Hall

Caviar Bar at the Food Hall

Last fall I met my good friend in the city for her bachelorette party. Some of us arrived early and decided to start with champagne at The Plaza to celebrate early.

We worked up an appetite so one of the other girls suggested we visit the food hall that was “downstairs”. They led me to the Todd English Food Hall. I am surprised I have never heard of it before because I love food, and there is a ton of it there.
While we were deciding what to eat I got to see many interesting treats.

We decided on the Tartinery for a drink and something to hold us over.

I got a lovely open faced salmon sandwich and a glass of white wine.

I am looking forward to returning on my next trip to NYC.

Spring Cocktail

I am at it again. I was looking for something light and refreshing to drink.
My new creation is similar to something I have made in the past.
It is super easy to make. Just need some fresh mint and lemon (or lime). Luckily we had plenty of mint and one lemon left.
I muddled half a lemon with a bunch of mint. Added a bit of crushed ice and muddled some more.
I then add 1 ounce each of vodka, st. germaine, apperol and mix with the crushed ice. I fill another glass with crushed ice and poured drink over ice. I then top off with sparkling water (as much as you want).

Nice and refreshing! Enjoy!!!

Downtown Orlando Food and Wine Fest

My husband and I were fortunate enough to score free tickets to the Downtown Food and Wine Fest at Lake Eola in Orlando. The festival consists of over 30 food vendors that festival visitors can sample.
We rode our bikes there since it is only a 4 mile ride from our house. We were famished so after buying our first ticket pack we headed to the Primo food booth. At the booth was Melissa Kelly herself (the chef). I don’t get star struck much but being next to a national known chef did make me slightly happy.

I am assuming that is some form of lard.

Build your own Meatball sandwich

Next up was the Porch in Winter Park. I have been wanting to check out the porch but never seem to find the time. Their food while not photogenic was very tasty.

Lemon Pepper Chicken

Flower Sprouts were awesome!

I took some time to stop and enjoy the steel drum.

I had a craving for both the pork belly and Lobster Mac that was available at Old Hickory Steakhouse. They weren’t mind blowing but they did hit the spot (although I could have used more pork belly!).