Umbrian Olive Oil: Casa Margherita

As I was writing the last piece on olive oil, Adrian, a friend from my London days, contacted me about his new cookbook. He now lives in Umbria in an organic olive orchard, and has chronicled his experiences into his book, Casa Margherita Cookbook—CUOCO—Recipes Inspired by Umbria’s Larder. The book features recipes from local towns with an emphasis on their signature foods: Perugia’s chocolate, Cascia’s saffron, Trevi’s olive oil. Photos below show layouts from the book, which includes personal photos and insights into the Italian lifestyle. The book can be purchased directly from the website, for about $15. Or, while you are at the website you might want to adopt an olive tree (around $105) which gets you: a gift box with tin of extra virgin olive oil, certificate and olive oil handbook; a copy of Cuoco; and at harvest time, 2 litres of extra virgin olive oil from your very own tree. See the recipe for salt cod fritters below from the book. It could be the perfect antipasto to serve to your next guests.

SALT COD FRITTERS
Serves 4
8 oz salt cod (baccalà) soaked overnight in lots of unsalted water with the bones removed and then shredded in a food processor
2 oz flour
salt
oil for frying
In a mixing bowl add the flour and salt and mix well. Take a tablespoon of salt cod and form a pattie with your hands and dust well in the flour. Deep fry these in batches in hot oil until they are golden brown.

Louis Royer Cognac: Show Me the Proof!

Louis Royer, makers of cognac supreme, featured their 53º Force spirit in a recent cocktail competition hosted by Hanna Lee Communications. Fortuitously, I was hired to design the graphics for the “Show Me the Proof” contest and got to sample the goods. Alone, it is already special, but I experimented adding Vitamin Water Essential (the orange flavor) and passion fruit juice and topping with prosecco for my personal test. On September the official competition was held with mixologists from around the US at Rayuela on the lower east side. Creativity sparkled, and here are the delicious results below.

 

First Prize, a 2-week trip to France went to Tim Cooper of Gold Bar, for his cocktail Bouquet, designed for late summer to fall sipping.
BOUQUET
1 1/2 oz. Louis Royer “Force 53” VSOP Cognac
1 oz. Lustau Oloroso Sherry
1/2 oz. Velvet Falernum (a rum-based liqueur)
1/2 oz. lemon juice
Barspoon of Grade “B” maple syrup
Place all ingredients in a mixing glass and shake with ice. Strain into a double rocks glass over a large piece of ice. Garnish with pear “fan” (3 thin slices of pear)

 Second Prize of $1000 went to Franky Marshall of The Tippler and Monkey Bar for 53 Souvenirs, a wintery mix.
53 SOUVENIRS
1 1/2 oz. Louis Royer “Force 53” VSOP Cognac
1/2 oz. Lustau Pedro Ximénez Sherry
4 drops “A l’Olivier” Walnut Oil
2 dashes Miracle Mile Chocolate Chili Bitters
1 dash of Angostura Bitters
Add all ingredients to mixing glass. Stir to integrate. Add ice, and stir again until proper dilution is reached. Strain into an Old Fashioned glass over 1 large cube of ice. Optional garnish:  lemon twist.

Third Prize of $1000 went to Lynnette Marrero of Astor Room for Ma Cherie Amour, who was inspired by autunn flavors.
MA CHERIE AMOUR
1 3/4 oz. Louis Royer “Force 53” VSOP Cognac
1/2 oz. “Marques de Rodil” Especial Palo Cortado Sherry
3/4 oz. Lemon Juice
1/2 oz. Cherry Jam
2 dashes of Pimento Bitters
Place all ingredients in a shaker with 3 Kold-Draft ice cubes. Shake and strain over crushed ice. Garnish with orange twist and cherry.

Photo Credit: Jennifer Mitchell Photography, and event photos by Belathee Photography courtesy of Hanna Lee Communications

 postcard graphics, step and repeat, and giant check graphics by Ellen Swandiak

Design Walk 2012: Lillian August

ASID presented Design Walk 2012, a selection of tours, talks, and showroom debuts in three neighborhoods over three days. On day 1, I headed to the Lillian August store on 21st street to hear creative director Skye Kirby Westcott talk about their new designer services. While in the store, I had to snap a few photos of some of my favorite vignettes. I love the mix of neutral glamorous pieces with accessories in vibrant, intense tones. Even if you are not looking for furniture, the store is loaded with great gifts (for yourself or loved ones!) 12 West 20th Street.

Haven’s Kitchen: Classy Cooking School

On a break from Design Walk, we headed over to Haven’s Kitchen (as suggested by Skye Kirby Westcott). What a treat! The space houses a coffee shop/specialty food shop in front, with spaces for events, and cooking classes in back and upstairs. Adorably staged, and consciously founded, the classes feature locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients. Guest chefs also show off their talents at the Supper Club. Stop in for cup of joe, some pretty preserves, or kitchen gadgets and see if any of the classes appeal to you. I bought some coffee beans while there, and have been enjoying them every day since. 109 West 17th Street.

Unique Party Space NYC: 632 on Hudson

Day 3 of Design Walk 2012 focused on the west village, which included a tour of 632 on Hudson, a unique property available for photo shoots and all sorts of parties. This space is absolutely amazing, with a variety of opportunities to throw a memorable event. There are 5 levels to choose from, starting from a speakeasy below ground, a street-level gallery with doors that open onto Hudson Street, and an astonishing three floors above, boasting a 40-foot atrium leading to a wraparound roof deck. What’s exceptional about the space is that the facade is totally unassuming. The surprise hits on level 3, and the excitement builds as you tour each room, taking in the fanciful design—bohemian, cluttered—in themes of Indian, Asian, French, Deco—full of antiques acquired from a lifetime of travels. Bathrooms feature old-style tubs with authentic vintage hardware and accessories. See more details on the history (it was a sausage factory) on the website. I took tons of photos, which do not totally tell the story, it must be seen in person to fully appreciate. See the photos at this link.

Mihoko’s 21 Grams

A gorgeous blend of highly stylized Japanese and French elements work to deliver an evening of ultimate sensations. Mihoko’s 21 Grams, newly opened on 22nd street, is truly a unique and inspired restaurant, conceived by Japanese ballerina Mihoko. The visual feast begins as soon as you enter the restaurant, with a red carpet leading up to the front desk, aligned with beautiful objects for purchase. Designer Bruno Borrione decorated the large dining room with layers of overscaled French paintings, beautifully carved objects, decorative table surrounds, and Mihoko’s collections. Franco-Japanese cuisine dominates the menu, as well as an extensive sushi offering. Downstairs is a lounge, where cocktails by Raphael Reyes will be served with a bar menu. I was completely blown away by the design, service, and cuisine. Top photo shows the bar, which is in the center of the dining room, mirrors were once in Cartier’s mansion. See even more photos of our evening on my FB page.

 View from the bar.

 One of the amuses that arrived.

 Service comes in teams.

 A light dessert of passion fruit and coconut foam.

Petit fours with mini origami bird.

Summer Cocktails Launch at 2E Bar/Lounge at The Pierre

2E Bar/Lounge is offering infused, barrel-aged spirits in its summer cocktail offerings. Mixologist Sachin Hasan has come up with some unusual combinations for his repertoire including Ron Zacapa Rum infused with Vanilla Beans aged in the barrel for one week, Leblon Cachaça infused with date and figs aged in the barrel for 5 days and Old Overholt Rye Whiskey infused with orange zest and dried cherries aged in the barrel for one week. If you love super sweet indulging, try the Aged Beauty cocktail which starts with the rum, and adds rhubarb syrup and bitters. I would love to have this poured over vanilla ice cream. For those who like a bitter sip, Epitome of Elegance marries the cachaça with Aperol, Maraschino Liqueur, and Campari Bitters. My favorite of the night was Timeless Grace. The rye was mixed with Glayva liqueur and Lillet Blanc. A great spot for escaping the city noise (and now heat!), 2E also offers some tasty bites while you sip away. See more photos of our night at this link. And, if the cocktails inspire you to do some barrel aging of your own, you can order the barrels online at this link.

Bedford Cheese Shop in Manhattan

Only 2.5 hours after its opening, I happened upon Bedford Cheese Shop and am delighted to see such a spectacular store in the neighborhood. It is a one-stop party shop, which features an astonishing amount of cheeses, charcuterie, condiments, fresh bread, drink mixers, olives and more. Photos show only a partial peek at all the goodies, you must visit for yourself! Located at 67 Irving Place between 18th and 19th streets.

Spring Dining Highlights: The Toucan and The Lion; The National; Serafina MP opening; Acme; Fedora

As usual, NYC’s dining offerings do not fail to thrill and impress me. Plus there is a place to suit every mood and budget. The Toucan and The Lion is a bare bones east village spot, offering great bites at a great cost. Good spot to share a bunch of small plates. I find the bar offerings at The National totally cost-effective when eaten as dinners, especially the over-sized potion of delectable ribs. Serafina, now in meatpacking, even bottles their own wines to go along with their affordable, and wonderful Italian specialities. Discover 3 floors of cool, raw space with quirky art. If you are feeling adventurous, head to Acme, where the Scandinavian menu will surprise you as each plated item appears. I totally recommend the foie gras dish from the Raw menu (photo above), you will never forget the taste. Relax in the vast space with plenty of spots at the bar for dining (photo below). Fedora offers a slice of old New York atmosphere, with super friendly service, and really great fare. Go there to meet and mingle with other food afficianados, and you will also get a super cocktail. More photos on my FB page, click on the links for each place to see them.