Consider having your last brunch of 2006 at Shopsins General Store. This kitschy West Village institution made headlines early this year when rumors circulated that quirky owner Kenny was going to relocate to Brooklyn due to inflated rents. Simultaneously, the release of a documentary about the oddities of the restaurant, I Like Killing Flies, was [...]

At the end of the holidays, we may find ourselves contemplating the New Year and the one that is to pass; more so, many of us just wonder what we should do with the mass of Harry and David Baskets we’ve acquired from every relative, co-worker, boss, and board. The H&D offerings are lovely and [...]

The first time that I tasted Col Vetoraz Valdobbiadene Brut, I was at the bar at Falai, on the Lower East Side. The bubbles hit my lips and moments later all I could think of was candy buttons. The prosecco tasted exactly like the little colored sugar dots that come off rolls of paper from [...]

If you happen to make it to SoHo before the crowds, then swing by Olive’s on Prince Street. It’s a lovely little café that’s been around since ’92. With a perpetually packed, red storefront bench, it’s hard to pass Olive’s without wondering what the neighborhood set is queuing up for. In the morning, Olive’s offers [...]

I had never heard of avgolemono until one of my Culinistas™ mentioned making it for a new client. The name was impossible—pronounced ave-go-lem-on-oh. So I reasoned that, even if the prep was complicated, it must be easier than the name: enough basis to test the recipe for me!! To my delight, I was right. The [...]

At Jacques Torres’ chocolate factory on King Street and Hudson Street, there stands Christmas Trees, Santas, and Snowmen made of divine dark, milk, and white chocolate. These aren’t the usual chocolate objects; JT’s festive chocolate molds are more like artwork. On Christmas trees, hints of colored chocolate create lights and ornaments. Snowmen and santas are [...]

Why didn’t we think of this? I recently tried the British gummy candy made by Maynard’s called Wine Gums. They look a little like JuJubes; however, imprinted on each gummy are wine messages: port, sherry, champagne, burgundy and claret. The kidney, crown, circle, and diamond shaped candies don’t taste like wine but do have a [...]

I walked into my apartment a few weeks ago and was immediately seduced by the smell coming from the kitchen. My roommate happens to be a wonderful cook. When he made Fesenjan, a special Iranian dish, I had to have the recipe. Sweet and sour, crunchy and velvety, the combination of pomegranate, walnuts, and tender [...]

In extreme crunch time like this, it’s always good to head to the Broadway Panhandler, newly relocated to 8th Street. The store is filled with so many culinary knick-knacks that it’s impossible to leave without finding something that is perfect for your gift recipient. Check out the Shun’s Classic 3-piece Knife Set, which is on [...]

Seasoned Ginger Bread House afficionada, Mallory Edens, cued me in on a few tricks as we head into the holidays. A fan of candy, Edens stresses the usage of large, sugar-covered gummy candies because they keep for the longest. A subtle yet lovely effect is to sprinkle a few flecks of sugar sprills on the [...]