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Saturday, May 22, 2010

Weekend Cooking: Exploring in New York


Lakeside posts have been few and far between the last couple of weeks. Around the Kitchen, Margaret has finally finished her AP exams, but is gearing up for finals in a couple of weeks. Over at Lakeside Musing, my reading has taken a hit from recent trips to New York City (one more coming up tomorrow) and preparing for the arrival of our new greyhound, Zelda.

Last weekend we were in New York City for Daughter #1's summer internship orientation at ESPN. She will be living in the New York University dorms, but cannot move in until tomorrow (we'll leave early and drive down for the day). In our spare time, we explored the area around the dorm looking for the basics (ATM, grocery, pharmacy), but found so much more...

First, the Strand Bookstore is literally two blocks away. I'm so envious...

A few blocks beyond that we found both Trader Joe's and Whole Foods! I may have mentioned how much I love Wegman's (my husband says Danny sends out a search party if three days elapse without a visit!), but it sure would be nice to have either of those in our area.

In another direction, there were restaurants galore. Whatever cuisine you are craving can be found along this block! We chose Saigon Grill the first evening (there aren't many good Vietnamese restaurants in my area).
From the shared spring roll appetizers, to our entrees of chicken (prepared various ways - mine was lemongrass), seafood, and Margaret's bamboo steamed vegetables - we were in heaven! Even the rice (brown, white, or sticky) was a treat.

The following evening, we were attracted by the outdoor seating at Jack restaurant. Al fresco dining in New York City is a whole different experience from eating a meal overlooking our little lake! Jack offers American cuisine and comfort food. I had a wonderful salad topped with chicken, apples, brie, and walnuts. According to Daughter #1, the mashed potatoes the accompanied her chicken topped with a pineapple salsa were to die for.

We also made a stop or two at a nearby Starbucks and had breakfast at a neighborhood diner. I'm already thinking about the luncheon possibilities for after we unload the car tomorrow...


Weekend Cooking, hosted at Beth Fish Reads, is open to anyone with a food-related post to share: Book (novel, nonfiction) reviews, cookbook reviews, movie reviews, recipes, random thoughts, gadgets, fabulous quotations, photographs. If your post is even vaguely foodie, feel free to grab the button, head over to Beth Fish Reads, and link up anytime over the weekend.

6 comments:

Margot said...

I'm so glad you shared this NY trip with us. It's great to get a peek at a place I've never been. Thanks for the pictures, too. Saigon Grill reminds me of the Saigon Kitchen in Portland. Best spring rolls I've ever eaten.

caite said...

the Strand and a Trader's Joe!...can I move in with her for the summer? ;-)

Heather said...

Good to be visiting with you again. YOu make my mouth water with your New York descriptions.

I like the look of your mini muffin tins. I have some very simple pressed ones that I have been using for years. The same size was perfect for the kids, even now in their lunch they are great.

For the chickpeas recioe, I put in two 19 oz cans, and that was too much as I was expecting more sauce. but it sure tasted good, even as left overs.

JoAnn said...

Margot - Isn't it great visiting new places vicariously... I get to do that all the time on your blog! Eating at the Vietnamese restaurant was a real treat for me.

Caite - I'd love to move in with her, too!!

Heather - I can't wait to go back to New York to visit her! Maybe I'll use just one can in the chickpeas recipe... thanks for letting me know.

Beth F said...

Perfect location!! I can't believe I was at the Strand just a couple of nights ago. Looks like a great neighborhood.

Sorry I was so late stopping by -- I was out of town last week.

JoAnn said...

Beth F - It's such a nice area and I can't wait to get back for a visit. It sounds like you had a great trip despite spending the "extra" time in Central Park!