Ellen's TV Show on Oprah.com

I am participating in a contest on Oprah's new channel to get a TV show. SAUCE! is the name of the show. Please click on the link to access the 3 minute video. The show will feature the talents of the Hip Hostess NYC, a top chef and mixologist to create the ultimate party. We demonstrate a cocktail and recipes for sauces and how to display your dishes in the most creative way. Cocktail brands, special food products, tableware, glassware, appliances, and anything that contributes to creating a party will all be showcased. Plus the most creative recipes of chefs and mixologists will form the body of the show.
PLEASE VOTE and VOTE OFTEN!
You can vote more than once...the more votes the better!
Spread the word...TV land needs a show like this to celebrate all the creative minds out there!
Thanks for your consideration.

Blue Owl, Los Feliz, Tanuki Tavern: Best Sips NYC

Cocktails of note: Blue Owl has an interesting Rye offering called the Tammany Fizz: Rittenhouse Rye 101, muddled blackberries and apricot liqueur. Los Feliz has a muy delicioso margarita, which I sampled way below ground in the lounge, featuring Milagro Silver Tequila, Lime Juice, Agave Nectar, Strawberries, Kiwi, and Basil. Great combination created by Jaime Salas. Tanuki Tavern in the Gansevoort Hotel offered up a stimulating Lemongrass Mojito, which was the perfect refresher after a stroll along the Highline.

End of SPRING roundup: Best Bites NYC

There are times when you try something in a restaurant, and its flavor is so unique—something you have never encountered—that it stays on your mind. The following picks are still lingering in my subconscious!
I rarely dine out for breakfast, but brunch on Saturday is often required. For something a little different, I tried the trio of bruschetta at Ponty (scrambled eggs on french baguette with goat cheese, tomato confit and basil pesto). The bread is light, the eggs flavorful, the potatoes just right. San Rocco is a nice place to stop for a bite or two, the Northern Italian specialties are a step above. Baccala Mantecato Alla Veneziana (cod fish prepared Venetian style) is the perfect salty snack. Mercat offered not only a delicious tasting cauliflower, but had a dipping sauce that was to die for—creamy with crushed walnuts. Sigh. Lastly, on a late warm Friday night, my friends and I sat in the backyard at Palma. I was in the mood for steak, and was rewarded with a hefty portion of sliced steak with salsa verde. What added to the experience was the romance of sitting outside, surrounded by rose bushes, ivy, and candlelight.

That’s a Lotta Bull

Get a taste of the San Fermín Festival of Pamplona right here in Manhattan at 200 Park Avenue in the Met Life Building from July 6th to the 14th. Chef Josh Dechellis of La Fonda del Sol is celebrating the Running of the Bulls with some interesting fare. Where else can you try a Bull’s Tail Slider (made with braised oxtail), a Bull’s Head Salad (made with shaved terrine of bull’s head) and other traditional tapas such as Shaved Asparagus with Young Manchego, Marmalade with Tempranillo and Dates, Spicy Potatoes, and a selection of Spanish meats (Cured Pork Loin, Chorizo, Salchichón, Fuet Catalán). All this with a great selection of Spanish summer wines and the actual bull-running broadcast on the televisions in the tapas lounge and bar. See more details about the Festival itself at this link, where this dramatic photo from photographer Mikel Urmeneta came from.

WORLD CUP at Macao

New York City is getting ready for World Cup frenzy starting June 11th and continuing to July 12th. Scream for your team at Macao Trading Co. in Tribeca, who will be broadcasting every game live on their 10 x 10 screen, the largest in Manhattan. They will be open for 3 showings a day, starting with the early bird 7:30am games, then the 10:00am and 2:00pm matches. Click here to see the full schedule. FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) 2010 World Cup is being hosted by South Africa this year, with 32 countries participating: Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Honduras, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, North Korea, Paraguay, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia (my heritage!), Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, United States, Uruguay. Macao Trading Co. offers the FIFA SPECIAL—a sandwich with beer, coffee or juice, all for just $10. Other specials include $5 beers and $6 sandwiches.

Iron Chef America: Watch it in Brooklyn

Chef Pierre Thiam plans to watch his bout on Food Network's Iron Chef America in style—and hopes you will join him! On Thursday, June 24th Le Grand Dakar will be swaying to the sounds of Jojo Kuo and the Afrobeat Collective, and Mandekalu while serving up signature Senegalese dishes—like Oven Roasted Dates Stuffed with Spiced Lamb and Black Eye Pea Fritters to name a few. All this for only $25 in advance, or $30 at the door. Unlimited sangria is included, and there is cash bar available. You will feel like you’ve gone on a trip faraway, but you’ll only be on 285 Grand Avenue, between Clinton Place and Lafayette Avenue in Brooklyn. Buy tickets at this link. If you want to learn to cook like Pierre, be sure to get a copy of his book, Yolele! Recipes from the Heart of Senegal published by Lake Isle Press.

Telling Time

QlockTwo tells the time, not by using numbers, but by using words. I love the understated, minimalist design by Biegert & Funk, who have attached the piece together with magnets, so it appears to float off the wall. It’s available in stainless steel and 5 fun colors: black ice tea, vanilla sugar, cherry cake, frozen blackberry, and lime juice. Check out the website, and see how it looks in each color in English, then for fun, switch to the 9 other languages: German, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, French, Danish, Russian, and Arabic. The clock spells out the time in five minute increments, and has a dot in each corner for every minute in between.

Gourmet LATINO this weekend!

It was a difficult decision, choosing between all of the incredible offerings of the The Gourmet Latino Festival, but if you haven’t made plans for the weekend yet, there are still some tickets left to attend. Visit the website to see the full schedule of events, which pair top chefs, mixologists and tastemasters in a fantastic array of events. I can’t wait to see what Chef Natalia Machado (Industria Argentina and Azul Bistro) and Sommelier Ivan Ruiz, will pair up in regional flavors of empanadas. The photo shows her Mollejas al Verdeo: crispy veal sweetbreads, potato confit, spring onion and torrontes sauce attached to a chunk of pineapple. Plus on Sunday, “Iron Chef” Jose Garces, will be preparing dishes from Ecuador, paired with cocktails by Andy Seymour, Julie Reiner, Jim Meehan and Joaquin Simo. Hope to see you there! 

Hotel Griffou: Gourmet Underground

There was a palpable happiness in the air. It was Friday of Memorial Day weekend, the city was half deserted, and everyone was in a good mood. From the second we got out of the cab and were greeted by a handsome elderly gent at top of the stairs to our last bite and sip, the service at Hotel Griffou was absolutely splendid and welcoming. The space was dreamy, and, as in almost all cases nowadays, a throwback to the earlier days of New York, of speakeasies and secret hideaways. We ate in the Library Room, one of 4 rooms, which had a fireplace accessorized with a fox stole, and bookcases with lots of leather books and gadgets from days past and present. Brad Fisher’s paintings adorned the walls and were a sexy compliment to the space—powerful portraits loosely drawn  on gold backgrounds, screaming with personality. I did not enter with overly-high expectations on the food, but turns out I was dead wrong. All the dishes we ordered were exemplary, starting with green and white asparagus, crab cakes, and on to our fish entrees. Chef Jason Giordano has a way with a sauce, I loved the ginger broth that accompanied my red snapper, seen in the photo. Fantastic cocktails abounded as well, as sampled in the Ginger Reposado Margarita made with Milagro tequila. I highly recommend a dinner here. Click here to see more photos of the space and what we ate.

Hanna Tonek Bonnet CERAMICS

In keeping with the theme of creating new by taking from the past, I came across Hanna’s ceramics at the recent ICFF show. I loved how she took traditional patterns, but used them in inventive ways, by placing them on the inside of vases and cups, and adding drips and hot pink velvet flock to the outsides. She has also done a series of brooches, which are meant to hang on a wall. Everything in the collection has a fresh, feminine, fun appeal. There is a store in Soho carrying some of the pieces called Clio.

Employees Only: Bottled

Complex cocktail making just got easier. Dushan Zaric and Jason Kosmas of Employees Only have packaged two accompaniments to spirits—the very combinations which have been in use at the bar. Both the Grenadine and Lime Cordial EO Brands add a richness and depth to a variety of cocktails with one easy pour. Dushan told me that they are made with mostly organic ingredients. EO Grenadine is a combination of pomegranate juice sweetened with sugar and highlighted with a secret blend of natural spices. The Lime Cordial is a blend of pure lime juice and agave nectar, accented with kafir lime leaf. Now available at the bar on 510 Hudson Street in the Village, or can be ordered through Fresh Direct. Photo shows the Irish Rose, composed of Jameson Irish Whiskey, lemon juice and EO Grenadine (left) garnished with baby roses, and the Tequila Daisy, made with Cherbay Blanco, EO Lime Cordial, and a dash of EO Grenadine over ice. So simple—stock up for summer!

Berry Season

You’ve probably seen Driscoll’s berries at your local supermarket. But did you know that they are also used behind bars in your favorite cocktails? These photos were taken at Bookmarks at the Library Hotel. I got to sip away at them while meeting one of Driscoll's farmers, Rogelio Ponce of Sun Valley Berries, in Watsonville, California. Rogelio and his family have happily grown for Driscoll’s for three generations. And partnering with them has lots of benefits. Driscoll’s has the money to research and provide improvements in growing techniques and shares this information with all its independent growers. Driscoll’s also teams up with some of America’s leading chefs. Go Driscoll’s! In celebration of National Berry Month this July, Loews Hotels will be hosting a Driscoll’s Berry Concierge on July 4th weekend. Guests will be greeted with complimentary red, white and blue berry mocktails or cocktails. Concierges will engage kids and adults alike with smoothie making demonstrations, while talking about the nutritional benefits. That’s right, start ‘em early, I say!

ICFF: inspiring, cool, fabulous + fun

The International Contemporary Furniture Fair, held this past weekend at the Javits is something I look forward to every year. I don’t know what I like more, seeing all the fantastic new design or attending the myriad of events centered around the show. The combination is a definitely a delightful Design O.D. There were so many amazing things, I could not possibly include then all in one post, so stay tuned for the ongoing series of my picks from the show. Seen here: The oversized serving dish from Fornasetti, spotted in the Barney’s showroom during the elegant exhibiton and event. This is on my wish list. A blue cocktail, generously served at the Artemide showroom party, and Gandia Blasco’s blue light display on the rooftop at the Gansevoort Hotel. Click on this link to see more event photos.

abc Kitchen: seasonal and sensational

Every New Yorker’s curiosity is always picqued when they see an established restaurant close in thier neighborhood—rumors fly as to what is coming. When I heard Jean Georges Vongerichten was opening a place where the old Lucy’s was, naturally I was anticipating great things. Now that abc Kitchen is open, I am delighted to have such a find, so close by. I was totally impressed at the freshness and quality of the ingredients in all the dishes I sampled. There were so many items on the menu that sounded good I couldn’t decide and had to ask the bartender for some suggestions. He recommended the ramp toasts, which would only be in season for a short time. Out came two pieces of bread, with ramp butter and goat cheese with small pink onions on top. Not what I expected—better—light, healthy, full of flavor. I also had the pea shoot salad, which, again, was extraordinary, and ended my meal with the burger (photo), which was presented beautifully with circles of jalapeño on top of the bun. About the design, well, I like the approach, but I think it could use a little more warmth. I kept getting the feeling that I was in a place that was unfinished, and the tarnished mirrors seemed a bit sad. Loved the dainty place settings, though. See more pictures of the restaurant and food from my visit here.

Exhibit: Drawing on Drawing PART TWO

If you missed Part One of this exhibit, don’t fret—you can still see more artists’ drawings this Friday night, May 21st. Deep Space New York will be hosting another fantastic show at 220 East 17th Street, 1G, from 7 to 9pm. Luckily, the weather will be perfect again, so art collectors and afficianados will be able to enjoy the garden and refreshing white sangria, while deciding on which piece they have to have. Featured artists: Eric Brown, Vincent Como, Matt Mullican, Jim Nolan, Deirdre O'Connell, Lucy Pullen, Sean Ryan, Kelly Wilson. Curated by Rory Donaldson and Erica Mercado.

Exhibit: Drawing on Drawing

I always find that drawings tell a lot about how an artist thinks. So, whenever there is an exhibit that includes drawings, I feel like I am getting the inside view. You can do just that, this Friday, at Deep Space New York, which is hosting a 2-part exhibit featuring only drawings. Come and view the works of  Eric Brown, Shane Caffrey, Vincent Como, Bruce Conner, Rory Donaldson, Jay Ivcevich, Jason Bailer Losh, Gary Petersen, Heidi Pollard, Sean Ryan, and Andy Warhol—while enjoying the adjoining garden and refreshments at 220 East 17th Street, 1G, from 7 to 9pm. Part 2 takes place on May 21st, from 7 to 9pm and features artists Eric Brown, Vincent Como, Matt Mullican, Jim Nolan, Deirdre O'Connell, Lucy Pullen, Sean Ryan, Kelly Wilson. Curated by Rory Donaldson and Erica Mercado. See you there!

Kentucky Derby-a-thon!

I can’t think of a better way to spend the afternoon, than nibbling on Daniel Humm and Co.’s’ tasty southern treats, drinking vast amounts of bourbon and champagne, and getting to wear a big, bright orange hat with flowers on it. All this in honor of the Kentucky Derby, which occurred on May 1st at Eleven Madison Park. Danny Meyer (seen in the background at the left tip of my hat) was on hand, as were about 300 other revelers, foodies, chefs and actual Kentuckians. I could not help but take photo after photo of the fantastic food and costumes about. See this link for more of what happened that day. Photo above shows me displaying my favorite bite served: a pea puree lollipop, with flash fried peas on the outside—perfectly beautiful, surprising, and tasty. No wonder ChefDaniel Humm just won Best NYC Chef 2010 from James Beard. Not to mention Sous Chef James Kent will be representing the U.S. at the upcoming Bocuse d'Or. Great year for 11Mad, they deserve it!

SPRING bounty

Spring is definitely in the air! April was full of pretty views and the new tastes of the season. Even in Vermont, where I was visiting my friend Vera, there were signs of the season. Photo above shows the freshly picked ramps and sorrel from Vera's garden, which she turned into a tasty sauce for our fish dinner. There was fresh asparagus in my salad, and fiddlehead ferns on gnocchi. See more photos here of places visited and sights seen...

earth day

Central Park, 105th st and Fifth Ave...a garden worth visiting... which my friend Maya and I did today...a couple shots to honor the earth...which creates the most amazing things in a way we can't fully understand...

Raise a glass to EARTH DAY!

Unbelievably, the 40th anniversary of Earth Day arrives on April 22. It is your civic and earthly duty to do something—why not involve the only USDA certified organic tequila? Casa Noble and La Sierra Agave Nectar makes the perfect couple, both extracted from the hearts of same agave piñas. You’d be wise to stock up the ingredients now, pull together some buddies, and have each make a commitment to the environment to adhere to for the year. Mother Earth will thank you!
Casa Noble Organic Margarita
2 oz Casa Noble Crystal
1 oz fresh lime juice (or the juice of 1 whole lime)
¾ oz La Sierra agave nectar
Kosher salt for rim (optional)
If using salt, moisten rim of glass with lime and gently roll in a plate of kosher salt. Combine first three ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake, strain and serve up or on the rocks. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Giddy-UP for the Kentucky Derby @ Eleven Madison Park

Esquire Magazine is teaming up with 11 Madison Park to host the 2nd Annual Kentucky Derby Celebration on Saturday, May 1st, from 3 to 7pm. Tickets are going fast for this four-hour event featuring Chef Daniel Humm’s southern-styled goodies, raw bar, classic cocktails, Nat Sherman cigar lounge and a live blue-grass band. Last year’s 350 guests included hosts Danny Meyer and Esquire Editor-in-Chief David Granger, Daniel Boulud, NY Jets Darelle Revis, and many of whom dolled themselves up in fancy hats and attire, which is, naturally, encouraged. I have already purchased some gaily-colored flowers to attach to my orange hat—if only there were a hat contest!  Tickets are $175 per person. To purchase, send an email to derby@elevenmadisonpark.com. A silent auction, which always brings out the competitive spirit in me, will benefit New York Horse Rescue, whose mission is to prevent the inhumane treatment of injured, abused, and unwanted horses. Awwww....

Gourmet Surprises on Third Avenue, Part One: PONTY

The swath of Third Avenue between 23rd and 14th is a haven of Irish bars, fast food joints, and nail salons. I’m not complaining, yet do welcome a respite from this. Thankfully, there are a few gems nestled in you could easily overlook. Allow me to point them out, one at a time.
There is a little joint named Ponty, which happens to have a pair of first-class chefs. Cisse Elhadji and cousin Chekh Cisse have worked at top restaurants around the city, incuding Daniel, Café Boulud, Vong and Mercer Kitchen. You might recognize “Cisse” from his dramatic bout on Chopped! (and the ensuing commmercials for the show) “When Chefs Collide,” Season 3. The cousins saved up their pennies to create this cozy little neighborhood nook—and are as nice as can be. Whether you go for breakfast and savor one of the omellettes (like I had today, with the freshest goat cheese and spinach, paired with tiny cubes of potatoes and sweet crunchy bits of red and green peppers) or the Lobster Eggs Benedict (part of the unbeatable $15 Brunch special, which includes cocktail, and super-tasty lobster) you cannot go wrong. Evenings take on a different vibe, with the flavors of Senegal fused with modern takes on sophisticated French and Mediterranean cuisine. On Friday and Saturday nights the kitchen is open til 2 am. Did I mention the 2 for 1 martinis? Stop in and try one of their 9 potent offerings: French, Apple, Bissap, Lychee, Cosmopolitan, Chocolate, Passion Fruit, Raspberry, and the Ponty Fresh Ginger. At two for $12 it’s a deal that’s hard to beat. See you there! (third between 18/19)
Stay tuned for more neighborhood reports...

San Rocco’s 3-hour happy hour

When Italy does happy hour, you can be sure that there is food involved. The tradition of Apertivo is how Italians wind down after work—with a glass of wine and buffet of snacks. San Rocco NY is bringing Italy’s way of doing things to its place on 24th street. Pair your glass of wine, beer or cocktail with a fab selection of delicious Italian snacks. On my visit, I felt like I was actually in Italy, as the owners and staff all spoke Italian—and were handsome and stylish to boot! There’s a great outdoor seating area, plus three rooms with distinct atmospheres and wild artwork to admire while you sip away. The complimentary Apertivo Bar happens every night from 6 to 9. Milanese owner Rocco Arena invited Richard Boccato of Dutch Kills, to create the signature cocktails—which you can see photos of, plus the snacks I sampled here. Check out the website to find out about the first-Wednesday-of-the month parties, which are astrologically themed.

cat lovers go MOD!

Modkat has taken the mess and inconvenience of out dealing with the of realities of having cats as housemates. Designers, Brett Teper and Rich Williams, cat owners themselves, have tested and worked out every aspect of the litter box, from the scooper to the litter bag material. Not only does this design prevent litter from being scattered about, it also prevents other pets (dogs) from (ahem) interfering! Most importantly, it is not an embarrassment to have about. Seeing is believing, cats love it—check out the user-submitted videos of their cat’s reactions on the website.

CHOCOLATE, circulate this!

Could you believe in chocolate that’s good for your circulation? The makers of Cirku have developed a method of processing chocolate that keeps most of the flavanols intact—the active component in cocoa, tea, and wine that helps maintain healthy circulation. Their cocoa comes in individually wrapped packets, sweetened or unsweetened, that you can add to water, a smoothie, or to a cup of coffee, my prefered method. After you have tasted it you will not believe it has only 30 calories! (think Ovaltine, but more intense) Mars Botanical, the company behind this product, works sustainably and consciously with Indonesian farmers bringing environmental, economic and social benefits to their communities. Once you are hooked, they make being healthy an easy process. When you sign up for the Auto-ship Program, you will receive a monthly delivery of 28 packets, with free shipping for life.

kitchen + cocktails: Orson Salicetti's Art of Mixology

To experience cocktails enriched with fresh spices, tasty little bites—and a few surprises—head over to Covet, a newly opened club in midtown. Orson Salicetti’s new gig, the Art of Mixology, created the unique flavor combinations for this sexy, dark, underground space. My Laurel (photo above) was mixed with an aged rum and accented with bay leaf and allspice. I would put this into the manly category. Ladies can raise an elegant toast with the  Rose Champagne cocktail, which is a bit more potent than it sounds, having Champagne, Vodka, Lime, Agave, Aloe Vera, baby rose reduction and a red rose garnish as its ingredients. See more photos from the launch party and other cocktails (like the intriguingly-titled Tickle My Pickle) here.

Packed at Pulino’s

A wall of liquor and a beehive of activity greeted me a few weeks back upon entering Pulino’s in its opening week. It was amazing to think that the place was new, with the pre-patina’d decor and restaurant already at full capacity, the place seemed to have the absorbed energy of a 100-year old, neighborhood establishment. Vera and I happily sampled the cauliflower floret special, a fennel salad and mushroom wood-oven pizza, while Keith McNally, stationed in a corner booth, was working away (photo below). The servers made a great effort to make sure that you enjoyed your stay. See more photos of the space and food here.

Gourmet Latino: Featuring the Flavors of Latin America

Start preparing for a week-long celebration of the best in Latin gastronomy and culture as the weather starts to heat up. This June, from the 4th through the 12th, Gourmet Latino will feature events at Astor Center and at restaurants in NYC and surrounding areas. In addition to offering the best tastes of the Latin world, this festival is dedicated to being a socially conscious celebration. They are partnering with GrowNYC, the Rainforest Alliance and the Fair Trade Federation to ensure the festival will be a benefit to all involved. Street teams will be appearing around town, giving out exotic fruit samples, in lieu of paper handouts. How refreshing! For a schedule of events, information on participating chefs, mixologists, and restaurants visit www.gourmetlatinofestival.com. Tickets are already on sale—be sure to reserve a space now to experience the incredible flavors and exotic ingredients of the top talents in the city. I got a sample of what’s to come at the announcement party—see photos of the food and cocktails. Photo above shows Rayuela’s Chef Maximo Tejada’s Squid Ink Paella served in oyster shells, nice touch.

numerology on the table

Christopher Jagmin creates porcelain dishes with a modern feel. Add a playful context to your next gathering with these dishy digits. The big numbers are 10.5” in diameter and come in odd or even sets. Word dishes are dessert size at 7.5”,  and the pattern of digits comes in at 12.25” for serving up, say, a platter of cupcakes. I would use the YES and NO plates, to designate meat dishes from vegetarian. This company also has cleverly repurposed singular vintage dishes from the 70s (on patterns you will recognize from your grandmother’s house) and tied them together with the new graphics atop. Yeah!

a re-usable bag worth keeping

I have been holding out for the perfect, re-usable bag that’s not an embarrasment to carry around. Thank goodness I came across Baggu. They have created a parachute-type bag that is lightweight, and can be stashed in a purse for impromptu purchases. Unlike some other bags I’ve tried, this one is very easy to fold up and replace in its case, and sturdily holds up to 50 pounds. It might be difficult to choose which color to have as your signature, as they offer quite a delicious array. In that case, go for Baggu X3, which gives you 3 bags in a case. Recycling does not have to be dull.

handmade ceramics

There is something so luscious about Jars ceramics, a French company around since 1857. I must say, the photos online do not match what you witness in person. Whether you fancy the spa-like essence of light blues and whites or want to sink your teeth into a sassy bright yellow piece, your investment in these pieces will retain their classic style. Personally, I love the Plume series in Vert Atole, with its organic hand-made shapes, and serene effect.

Baba takes care of you

Brooklyn had been calling, and I decided to answer on a recent drizzly Sunday. I was lured in by Baba—a food shop slash restaurant with a cozy, sweet, and stylish atmosphere. They specialize in carefully chosen charcuterie and cheeses, like La Quercia’s Speck Americano from Iowa, a delicately smoked pork with an amazing soft texture, and my favorite, the Fra’ Mani Mortadella, a hand-made, preservative-free guilty pleasure. This set the stage for Chef Jose Edgardo Soto’s dishes. We started with a taste of his Spanish tortilla, which was served with a Moroccan Charmoula on the side (photo above). Upon tasting, I thought the sauce would make a fantastic accompaniment to a host of other dishes, say, atop a filet of fish, or with pasta. Happily, Jose was willing to share his recipe. I can’t wait to try it out on my guests. See more photos of our day here.
Charmoula
2 bunches cilantro
1 bunch parsley
1 small piece of fresh ginger, chopped
2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
2 TB coriander powder
1 TB cumin powder
1 TB paprika
The zest of one lemon
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Pulse in a food processor, or place in a blender on medium speed. Add salt and pepper to taste. Jose recommends serving with: mussels, pork, eggs, lamb, or as he does at Baba, with a Spanish tortilla.

etched glassware with a sense of humor

Rolf Glass makes etched glassware in classic and contemporary patterns. I thought the Text U collection featuring texting symbols for: Evil (shown), Drunk, Kiss on the Cheek, and My Lips are Sealed were a humorous take on the genre. Also check out the Pearls collection, which gives a nod to Art Deco, and School of Fish, whose pattern has one of the fish going in the other direction, something I can totally relate to.