jslmjl's Profile
CSA in Westchester
I also belong to the Stoneledge Farm CSA in White Plains and am going on to my fourth season. I am a cooking teacher and nutritionist and have generally found the quality and selection that they send to be great. We also take the fruit share, which is also usually very good. Last year was disappointing as they had to end the deliveries after Hurricane Irene due to flooding, but the farmers were great about continuing fruit deliveries and maintaining good will even when they could no longer deliver vegetables.
Beginner Cooking Classes in Westchester?
I am a cooking teacher and nutrition educator. I teach cooking classes in the White Plains area to students of all levels, individuals and small groups. My website (still in development) is www.cooklearnlive.com and I will have my winter/spring 2011 classes posted very soon.
I NEED TO PURCHASE A LARGER TURKEY THAN I CAN FIND... OVER 25LBS.
I agree with previous suggestions that you purchase two smaller birds as they will probably taste better and be easier to manage than a larger bird. However, unless you really need to present a whole bird, I recommend that you cook the turkeys cut up into sections. Doing this will allow you to roast the breast and leg/thigh meats for the different lengths of time necessary to get them to the right temperatures while keeping them juicy. It will also reduce the amount of work and time needed to carve and serve the turkey before dinner. See the following article http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/10/dining/10chef.html from this week's NY Times dining section where a number of chefs recommend this technique. In your case, breaking down the turkeys may allow you to cook both birds at the same time (if you can fit multiple roasting pans in your oven at once) or you can cook in succession - doing just one type of meat at a time, carving each type as it finishes cooking and resting, and then simply reheating all the sliced meat (and your yummy gravy) before you serve it.
Good luck!
Saratoga Deli Question
Not sure if this is the place you are thinking of, but we were just there last weekend and got great sandwiches at the Putnam Market. They have a nice selection of creative and basic sandwich combinations. The store also has a great bakery counter with a lot of terriffic cupcakes and bar cookies. We ordered in advance to take to SPAC for a concert and everyone in the group liked their choices.
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Putnam Market
433 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Squash Blossoms/Zucchini Flowers in NY?
It is too early to buy fresh, local blossoms now in the markets, but in June and July if you go to any of the local farmers markets and ask for them you can get them. However, they are usually hidden in a cooler behind the table and sell out very fast, so get there early or ask a week ahead of time for the vendor to bring them for you. I have gotten mine for the past few years from Grieg Orchard's stand at the White Plains International Market.
If you are really desperate to get them now, you may be able to order from a specialty produce seller like Melissa's or see if any of the really upscale places like Balduccis or Dean and Deluca have them imported or greenhouse grown from early crops.
Mom's Night Out / Birthday Dinner for Saturday 3/6
I am planning a casual birthday dinner/night out for this Saturday night for 5 women. Looking for a place with really good food but not too expensive, a reasonable but good wine list, and a fun vibe but not too much of a "scene." Here's the catch - one woman will have a 4 month old baby with her in his bucket car seat (she has to bring him - long story) so we want a place where this won't be a problem. Really wanted to go to The Cookery in Dobbs Ferry but they are fully booked. Peniche is an option, as is Nessa in Port Chester, but I am open to other suggestions. Pretty much all of Westchester is ok, might even be able to swing Nyack or Manhattan.
Where can I find smoked pork chops near Hartsdale, NY?
You might try John Boy's Farm from Pound Ridge. They raise, butcher and smoke Berkshire pigs, and sell their products at local farmers markets. They were at the Westchester County Center monthly market this past weekend and I see them there regularly. They also do the indoor weekly Saturday market at the Mt Kisco Boys and Girls Club.
big cans of grape leaves
Try Yaranush, the mediterranean grocery store on Central Avenue in White Plains, just before the Hartsdale border. Coming from Rt 119 it is on the right side, just after the Harley Davidson Dealer and near the carwash. I have not been there in a long time, but they have everything middle eastern. I am sure they will have it or will be able to point you in the right direction.
Saturday Night dinner in Sleepy Hollow or Tarrytown
If you don't mind driving a little furher south, try the Cookery in Dobbs Ferry. The food is outstanding - very locally and seasonally driven with a good and reasonable wine list. The setting is casual and there are a lot of small plates to share and interesting pastas, along with great meat and fish dishes. It is definitely not quiet, but had an energy and good vibe when we were there (with a group of 9 including 3 kids, two of whom eat only pizza and one who ate squash ravioli).
Another possibility in Irvington is Il Sorriso on Main St at the bottom of the hill. We have not been there in a while, but it used to be our family's standard go to Sunday restaurant for very good Italian food in a friendly, familial setting.
Pick your own Apples?
We have been going to Applewood in Warwick, NY for almost 10 years. Their apples are consistently good, and they have puppet shows, animals, and live music to entertain the kids while you picnic in the yard.
my whole wheat matzo balls always turn out hard--how do I get them fluffier?
I separate the eggs and beat the egg whites separately until stiff but not dry. Mix the yolks with the rest of the ingredients and then fold that mixture into the egg whites. Chill for at least 30 minutes, shape carefully so as not to deflate too much, and then chill formed balls on waxed paper for another few minutes while water boils, then par cook as usual.
Where do we eat tonight? Lower Westchester, 2 adults, one toddler
Like you, we'd eat at Stone Barns nightly if possible, and have a now 8 year old who never reads a childrens menu. Here are a few selections you might enjoy.
The Tap House in Tuckahoe is a "gastropub" type of place with varried food selections, including some local emphasis. Although you enter through the bar area, it is huge and they usually seat families in the big back room.
The Cookery in Dobbs Ferry has great food, very farm to table, with pastas, cheeses, and fresh vegetables. My daughter loved the wild mushroom ravioli she had there. It is a little noisy, but then you don't worry about a kid bothering others.
Ebb Tide in Port Chester is a fish shack on the water where you can eat indoors or on the deck. My daughter loves the lobster rolls.
Peniche in White Plains - - the three of us choose a variety of the tapas here and can actually have a pretty affordable, varied meal. Just go earlier or ask for a table in the back as it can get pretty loud and the front tables have high stools that may be hard for your child to sit on.
Oh, and we often go to the cafe at Stone Barns for weekend lunch.
Those are our top four central/lower westchester suggestions.
Sushi Nanase, White Plains - Review
DITTO! Went there three times in the past two years and loved it every time, but unfortunately the price keeps it from being a weekly habit. We had been to a similar place in San Francisco with a Japanese relative and knew what to expect from Omakase, and found this to be comparable. Looks like I'll have to find a reason to go back there soon!
Fennel Advice Needed!!!!
Fennel is very finicky in the garden. last year I planted from seed in the garden and had the same problem as you. Fennel tends to bolt if the roots get disturbed at all in the ground, which is why you got stems and flowers but no bulbs - the plant put all of its energy upward instead of into the bulb. This year I started my fennel in bidegradeable pots that we transplanted directly into the garden in, and 75% of the plants formed the bulbs. they won't be white like in the store unless you bury them in dirt as they grow, but they are still bulbs.
As for using what you do have, I agree that you can use the stalks. The lower, tender parts, if thinly sliced, would be good sauteed with other vegetables. I find that they can still be slightly tough raw - that's why you need to stay thin and stick to the lower parts. Also don't neglect the fronds - they make a great addition to salads, are really good chopped on fish, and I also use them in poaching liquid for fish. Although a different flavor profile, you can use them the same way you use chopped dill or parsley in a dish to add an herbal, fresh flavor to a salad, sauce, or on meat. Try in a potato salad instead of dill, or with chopped tomatoes, peaches or watermellon. Just use small amounts first to make sure that the flavor doesn't overwhelm, then add more as needed.
Girls' night out--Dinner in White Plains, preferably around City Center
Absolutely agree with Peniche. Get a selection of Tapas to share and some wine and you will have a fun evening. You also might want to consider Antipasti - sit in the bar area in the front at a long table and order a selection of antipasti to share. Those are your two best best for walking distance from the movie theater.
One other thought, if you wanted to treat yourselves either before or after the movie, would be to go up to the top of the Ritz Carlton to the lounge at 42 for either drinks and small plates (before) or dessert (after). The view is really great and it is something a little unusual and different to do together.
New Sandwich joint in White Plains, MELT, anyone try?
Had the a short (small?) top round beef italian style the other day and thought it was delicious. Fresh broccoli raab, oven roasted tomatoes, and provalone, with a nice vinaigrette dressing. I thought that the flavors blended nicely, the roll handled the juice and vinagrette well with little dripping, and a good value for food of this quality. I went at 3pm so it was quiet and I did not have to wait very long, but I could see how at lunch time it could be hectic with people waiting to order and pick up, as well as the limited seating. I wish them well - we need more good places like this in the area!!
Any good restaurants on the water or sound?
Had drinks on the roof at Red Hat last week and the sunset was fabulous. Food is good, but can be pricey depending on what you order. Whenever we feel that we want nice, upscale ambience and great water views, it is the go to place.
We used to go to Harvest on the Hudson for this but have heard that the food quality has gone down in the past few years.
For very casual waterfront dining (picnic tables and fish shack vibe), Ebb Tide in Port Chester on the Byram River is terriffic.
In a slump...need a spot...
Q is a fun place for a double date, and easy to split the check since you order and pay at the counter and then they bring you the food. The bbq is good, and the selection of beers is as well. You can start the night at the bar if you like, before getting a table. Chavin, one of the many Peruvian places, has great roast chicken (Pollo la Brisa) and is in the old bank building at Westchester Ave and King St.
If you'd be interested in a very casual but fun evening, we love to go to the Ebb Tide - a seafood shack right on the Byram River, just down the block from the Willet House steak restaurant. Traditional "clam shack" fare, seafood dishes, and steamed lobsters are available. You order inside and then take a table out on the deck (or inside if its raining) and they deliver to you. Very good quality seafood, and its nice to eat out on the deck overlooking the river. Then, for dessert, walk around the corner on to King Street to Peleteria Fernandez for home made Mexican ice cream and popsicles in a myriad of flavors, all made from fresh fruits and natural ingredients.
Blue Hill @Stone Barns- how early?
Ask if you can share a wine pairing between two people. My husband and I first did this at the server's suggestion at Eleven Madison Park and have asked for it at numerous top restaurants in NY and California. It is not an uncommon request in a place that really prides itself on its wine and food pairings as well as its service. Just tell your server that you would like to experience the tastings but that you are concerned about drinking too much and ask if they can split a wine tasting. They should give you each a half glass of whatever they are pairing with each course. Some places are more generous than others on the "half" pours.
Also, although the farm is great I agree with domestikate that you have to be prepared for a hike. Luckily in this season you should be able to see the chickens and lambs from the road without going into the pasture. However, unless you bring shoes to change, I would not recommend a hike into the woods to see the pigs. With an hour before your reservation you can easily walk down to the greenhouse to take a look around, then back up to the kitchen garden for a stroll before heading to the restaurant.
Home Milk Delivery in Westchester
Has anyone ordered from Hudson Milk Company or any other local milk delivery companies? I have been buying local milk at Whole Foods but am thinking about ordering for bi-weekly delivery and would appreciate any comments on quality, taste, customer service, and cost.
West Village with Kids?
We are going to a kids show on Sunday in the Wst Village/Tribeca area and are looking for a place for two families (3 kids 4 adults) to have a fun, casual lunch with variety for the adults. Pizza/italian is ok, but no chix fingers!!!
finger lakes wineries [Moved from Wine board]
Lamoreaux Landing is my vote, I think not far from Dr. Frank. Their wines have gotten better and better over the past 13 years. In fact their Chardonnay just got a great rating from either Wine Spectator or Wine Enthusiast (I can't remember which.)
5 year anniv. in Westchester this Friday, help?
Lia's in Hartsdale is great! I would not automatically think of it as a 'special occasion' place since we practically live there, but it really can be one. Their appetizers are always superb. We usually share two or three and then split an entree. The entrees are also good, but usually huge portions. I have always been impressed with the wait staff, and Emre, the owner is always warm and welcoming. Make sure to leave room for dessert - especially the zeppole (either alone or mini as part of a dessert trio.)
Another thought is Cafe Mezze, also in Hartsdale. The outside is completely unimpressive, but once inside you are miles away from Central Avenue in some woodsy feeling cocoon. We have not been there in a while but were always happy with the food and found the prices reasonable.
Our Westchester special occasion place is Blue Hill. Now that their menu is more flexible and not solely prix fixe, it may be more in the price range you mentioned. It can sometimes feel a bit hushed and serious, but like any other "serious" restaurant, if you really love food and interract with the staff about the preparation and ingredients, you will have a great time. If you have not yet been there, go early enough to stroll through the garden before dinner.
