Scott's Pizza Tour

Last Sunday, Joe, Heidi and I jumped on a yellow school bus for Scott’s Pizza Tour




(http://www.scottspizzatours.com). We started at 11am at Lombardi’s, the first established pizza restaurant in America and ended with a couple that I had never heard of out in Brooklyn, including Sam’s Steaks and Chops (who knew that they had incredible pizza). We learned a lot about the history, science and our own love for a perfect pizza.

Murderer

Its time to buy a new fish for Oliver to kill.

Well-Rounded Weekend

My Saturday started with an Indian buffet in Queens, with Jamie then MoMA’s PS1 and ended with Korean BBQ in K-Town then Professional Bull Riding in MSG with Joe.


My Sunday started with church and French brunch then Kandinsky at the very crowded Guggenheim with Doug and Morgan and ended with Joe, football, wii, and much-needed couch time.

Go Rangers!

Last night Joe and I went to a Rangers game with Scott and Kathryn. I didn’t get to see any full-blown fights, but the view from our seats couldn’t have been better!


(I am now aware that my sweater and flash photography is a PG-13 combination)

Cathy Night

Once a month or so, I like to have what my Bookclub and I refer to as a “Cathy Night”, because we shamelessly take on the character of the Cathy comics. I put on my most comfortable and unflattering loungewear, eat foods that one wouldn’t normally in front of other people (for me it’s a box of mac n cheese with hotdogs cut up in it or a can of refried black beans with a few rolled-up tortillas dipped in it), usually watch back-to-back episodes of the Golden Girls while snuggling with my cat and attempt to not drink the entire bottle of wine.
Last night was my “Cathy night”. I had cheese toast, a bottle of zin, read through several cookbooks, and entertained my cat as I made piles of unworn clothes to donate. As ugly and boring as a Cathy night seems, it makes me feel really refreshed and in control of the next day.
(pictured is my cat taking advantage of the rare time I spend at home)

Haaaaaappy New Year!

For the 3rd year in a row now, I have spent my New Years Eve at Cube 63, a BYOB sushi place in the LES. Lots of friends, lots of alcohol and lots of kissing.



Our New Years Day was spent on the couch with truffles, foie gras and even more champagne... and then a stomach ache to compliment the hangover.

Proctologist

This guy randomly greeted us on our walk to brunch yesterday.

Beers of the World

One of my favorite holiday traditions is the beers of the world poker tournament. Its exactly as it sounds; we all have a share of several beers from around the world that we have yet to taste, then comment aloud as I note everyone’s opinions, all the while play poker for honor.

Here are the notes from the Torry Pines IPA, San Clemente, CA:
Noah (bro-in-law): Good grief it smells good. It’s like butterscotch
Audrey (sister): Wow. I haven’t had anything like that. It’s sweet
Noah: That is good. Wow. This is a fantastic beer
Me: I don’t like the aftertaste
Audrey: Yeah, it is pretty bitter
Pop: It’s got a butterscotch flavor
Audrey: It’s pretty good but I don’t thing that I would buy it
Noah: You’re kidding me? You can pour this on my grave
Pop: I’ll take this on the 19th hole

Al the Wop (“I’m not racist; its in the phone book”)

I spent the last few days in Sacramento visiting the wineries in El Dorado and Lodi (some which are just as good as Napa, btw).
Not only are the wines great, but the nearby strange town of Locke is home to the steak sandwich at Al the Wops. Steak, garlic bread and peanut butter. Its weird, but it works.
(this is my mom partaking)

Improving my Kitchen

The kitchen has always been the heart of my families’ home. Even from high school, I have more memories of sitting up on a bar stool in the kitchen than I do of anywhere else in their homes. So its no surprise that most of the gifts that I received this year are for my own kitchen; a cutting board, mandolin slicer, bread knife, S&P shakers, and cookbooks (one of which my parents made for us, complied of all of our favorite family recipes). On my last night with my family, my dad hosted a cooking class for me so that I can learn my favorite recipe in the book; his Vietnamese Bouillabaisse.

Frying a Holiday Bird

Sometime when I was in high school my family began frying our holiday turkeys. This Christmas turned out the best fried bird to date. (thanks pop!!)


And just as impressive, Joe and his family of Yankees turned out a mighty fine bird for our Thanksgiving.