Here's some news

I apologize for the lack of substance in some of my more recent posts.  Lately I have been forcing some posts because my mind is on something else.  Something we have been trying to keep secret.  Then I wondered why I couldn't, or shouldn't write about it.   I started this blog not only for a little fun but as a therapy of sorts.  A way to get a few things off my mind and possibly a way to sort through my thoughts.  Besides, there are a number of people who know already so why shouldn't I be talking about it on my "journal"? 

Here you go...we are in the process of opening a new restaurant.  I don't want to divulge to much information right now, just in case it doesn't happen.  All I will say for now is that are in the very early stages of the process, we are working out our finances and just sbegan negotiating a lease.  There are still numerous variables that may sway our decision to proceed, but for now things are looking good. 

If we decide to go ahead, I will take you through what it takes to open a restaurant in Northampton...candidly.  I will keep you posted on the progress leading up to our decision and "leak" any information I can until everything is official.  Needless to say we are super excited, very anxious and sleeplessly nervous.  All over again.  One thing we are NOT is in a hurry.  We have a source of income this time, so unlike opening the BLG, we can afford patience.  We are also much more confident than we were with BLG.  You will not believe how much weight is off your shoulders when you can move forward confidently in a process like this.

Well, it feels good to put it out there.  Wish us luck...

Lemon Cukes

Not really sure why, but I am craving a lemon cucumber right now.  Maybe it's because it's 199 degrees outside and after working in a slightly warm kitchen all day, then biking a few miles home, I am craving something refreshing.  Next time you're at the farmer's market on a hot day, get yourself a few lemon cukes and snack as you shop.  Delicious...

Salt

Americans love to worry and obsess about health related things.  Most of these issues are unfortunately blown out of proportion and we end up making dietary changes for no warranted reason.  The issues that do require attention end up going through the media like a game of telephone and end up in our ear a far cry form the distorted truth.  What the hell am I rambling on about?   This time it's salt.  We are all aware that salt is bad...but is it?  I don't think it is and I have been pretty vocal about it over the years.   I strongly believe most of us are misinformed about the role that salt plays in our diet.  The fact of the matter is that salt effects different people in different ways.  Here is an interesting article someone sent me today, that way you don't have to take an over-seasoning chef's word for it...

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=its-time-to-end-the-war-on-salt

Lobster Rolls!

Today at the farmer's market we served lobster rolls again.  Last time I made 30 and we sold out around 5:00 pm, this time I made 70 and we sold out by 4:00pm.  Granted, I sent out a notice to our mailing list but that is a lot of rolls.  Ten minutes after I sent out the notice, the phone wouldn't stop ringing and email requests started pouring in.

Then I received an email from a regular asking me to put it on our menu.  What a great idea.  Starting on Friday we are adding lobster rolls to our bar menu.   Hopefully we will be able to keep up with the demand...

If Your Ever In New York

First off, I owe you an apology. I missed yesterday's post and so I promise next Sunday's post will be an extra good 'recap'.

The only excuse I have for missing my post is that we were in New York. Yes, we went to the city again and we had a great time, as always. We have a few spots (for food of course) that we always like to hit when we make it down, and I thought I'd share a few with you.

-Pizza is a must. Lombardi's is great but a bit touristy. Joe's is perfect if you are just looking for a slice to munch on in the small park right next door.

-Lunch always at Piccola Cucina on Prince, a newer spot for us. Delicious homemade pastas, great wine list, a few small tables out front and the best part is everything on the menu is just 10 bucks at lunch. Can't go wrong with that.

-Tapas at Boqueria on Spring. A glass of rose sangria, maybe a Reuda. Always the Shisito peppers, yesterday had fried fresh baby eels that were fantastic.

-I can't say enough about Peasant on Elizabeth St.  A perfect name for delightful and satisfying food.

-The best bagels in NYC may just be from the Cupping Room on West Broadway.  Freshly made...enough said.

That should do you for your next trip...

Back again...

I just finished a good shift at work and packed a light suitcase because I am headed back to New York.  My wife has a wedding shower to go to and I unselfishly offered a ride.  If I am driving her to the train station I might as well drive her in to the city, and if I drive her into the city I might as well get some lunch...then a nap...then some cocktails and dinner...see some friends...any excuse is a good excuse in my book!

Interesting Food TV

There are two and a half food channels on tv but I feel like there is only a handful of shows on them worth watching.  In fact, I think about 90% of them are the exact same show with a different host.  Bravo, how many people intentionally eating odd or disgustingly large things can you fit into a day?  Food Network and The Cooking Channel (basically the same channel) show a white noise of "housewife how-to's" during the day and at night show a lot of their own "celebrity chefs" telling you how good something the ate was.  Don't get me wrong, there are very interesting and fun shows but they are too few and far between.  I cam e across this on Chris Cosentino's Blog and I wish that someone would have picked it up.  I think it is a very interesting concept, could be very educational and would have the appropriate "shock value" that Bravo seems to be looking for.  I should give warning this may be a little hard to watch...

http://www.offalgood.com/videos/my-rejected-tv-pilot-chef-unleashed

By the way, Chris Cosentino is one of the good guys and I highly recommend his restaurant.