I gave the eggs as an engagement present. Brides to be LOVED them. Not as crazy as some of his other flavors.

I have had the mountain range bar, the candied olives, the mix and macs box and a few bites of things at his store.

I would say shipping is expensive, yes, but the price point on the chocolate is so low for the quality that it is worth it. The chocolates themselves are works of art and taste pretty amazing to me. I would recommend any of the bars, the mix and macs and the chicharron. Oh! And the donut bar if it's in stock. I had a small slice and it was heaven.

Just moved to Poughkeepsie a few months ago from Bklyn and was pleasantly shocked and super pleased about finding Hudson Chocolates (1/2 mile from my house!!!). They are like works of art and taste phenomenal. Even though his chocolates are out of this world, Chef Migoya is down to earth and very approachable.

Like them on Facebook (http://Facebook.com/hudsonchocolates) and be sure to check out their site and buy lots of chocolate! I got stuff for Easter and will be on it for Mother's Day. www.hudsonchocolates.com

Hi folks,

I've gone through the boards a bit and have fun a number of fine looking restaurants, but none with a vegetarian focus. Is there one (or more) restaurants that serve exceptional vegetable dishes? Or any great ethnic places that are vegetarian friendly? I actually eat fish, so am pretty happy anywhere, but my husband is a veggie...NOT a vegan. We love cheese, eggs and dairy in addition to great vegetables and grain dishes. We're from Brooklyn and would love to find some restaurants with a great vibe - not touristy. A variety of price points are welcome. It's our anniversary, so we'll splurge on one meal as well.

Cheers!
C

Hey chowhounds,

I am looking for a place to have brunch after my wedding for about 20-30 people. Everyone will be paying on their own and I'm looking for something not too pricey and a place that can accommodate everyone without having to shut down. I think this is impossible. Any thoughts welcome!

Take a look at Bittman's 101 salads and meals for summer. A lot of them you might have made before, but there is a ton of variety.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/18/dining/18mini.html - summer meals
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage... - summer salads

We've been doing a lot of sandwiches and veggie salads - green beans washed, slightly microwaved and then tossed with a creamy vinegarette has been a keeper.

I have about 15 pounds of wrapped salted caramels that I made last Friday to sell at the Flea. However, it didn't work out - too hot and the table share didn't work. Any ideas on what I should do with them? Ugh. After wrapping them all, I have no desire to ever make another one again. I even made vegan coconut ones! Any ideas would be appreciated.

I just made some homemade red bean paste and would love to make the rice balls to put them in. Any ideas on where I can find sweet rice flour? Yes, I know "Chinatown", but it would be really helpful to know of a specific place as I only have a limited window to go down there and get stuff. Thanks for any help!

Apple butter made after apple picking, peppermint bark, <a href=http://thirtyaweek.wordpress.com/2008... caramels, infused vodka, biscotti and gingerbread</a>.

Thanks todao! Not vegan, but a strong contender. I'm going to give a bunch of suggestions a shot this weekend.

Hey brownie - I found this recipe (http://glutenfreebay.blogspot.com/200...) and think it could be similar... I just don't know how they got the awesome sesame crust on the original!

I found this recipe (http://glutenfreebay.blogspot.com/200...) and think it could be similar... I just don't know how they got the awesome sesame crust on the original!

HELP! Trying to recreate vegan treat from Birdbath Bakery, NYC

Anyone have any ideas on how to recreate Birdbath's vegan banana-sesame-agave cake? I had it the other day and it was so good. Crunchy texture on the outside from a coating of sesame seeds and nice and moist on the inside with the banana. A nice sesame/banana flavor throughout. I was thinking this would make a great breakfast food.

Here is a link to a picture of the original: http://nymag.com/bestofny/food/2008/v...

Any ideas would be appreciated! I got some bananas at home.

Anyone have any ideas on how to recreate Birdbath's vegan banana-sesame-agave cake? I had it the other day and it was so good. Crunchy texture on the outside from a coating of sesame seeds and nice and moist on the inside with the banana. A nice sesame/banana flavor throughout. I was thinking this would make a great breakfast food.

Here is a link to a picture of the original: http://nymag.com/bestofny/food/2008/v...

Any ideas would be appreciated! I got some bananas at home.

Cool! Thanks a lot. That might be perfect. I think everyone just wants to NOT have it in the office (like it's been done every year in the past).

Yup. They designated me the party planner cause no one else wants to do it. I'm not sure of the budget yet, but if I could get some creative juices going on places to go, that would be great.

1. Party is for about 25-30 people for a non-profit, so I'm sure the budget will not be huge. Will find that out by next week. We're a diverse bunch, on the young side, so a bit divey is not a problem (but we love our food)
2. Looking for a bar to bring our own food at with a private area - open bar option in the price would be great.
3. Other option: we could also go for a 3 course dinner type thing or just cocktails and hors d'oeuvres too.
4. Our offices are at 7th ave and 28th street, so in the area/chelsea would be fine, but would be willing to travel a bit for something good.

Any thoughts or opinions would be great! I tried searching the boards, but people posting similar queries have far larger budgets than I do.

Cheers,
C

Thanks! We ended up going to Bemelmans the next night because his folks were in town, but will definitely check out the Lobby Bar - although grub street has a hilarious snarky bit about how they are charging $2 for ice.

PDT might be cool. Death & Co. is toooooooo much. Although I like skulls. Thanks.

Hi all,

I'm taking my boy for his birthday tonight and was thinking of getting a fancy cocktail or too. Employees Only is too far west from the restaurant. I've heard good things about Tailor, but I was wondering if there was anything good a bit under the radar.

Cheers,
Christina

Does anyone know of a good place for a nice, sit down breakfast meeting near MSG or 27th Street and 7th avenue? It needs to be a wee bit fancy/nice - not a typical coffee shop.

Thanks!

Pitu, if you're interested in making your own seitan (really easy, super delicious and it makes a ton), the coop sells the vital gluten flour you need. It's about $4 a bag and half a bag will make more than 4 tubs worth of the Ray's seitan. Here's a recipe from Epicurious. I have an easier one at home that I'll try to post up later: http://www.epicurious.com/members/mem...

Thanks. I've been there before and it is a gorgeous place. However, one person is footing the bill and for 12 people, the place is pricey. Will keep scratching my head!

That's a mouthful.

Anyways, I was asked by my beau's dad on a good place to take a group of 12 for dinner in Manhattan. Yeah, I know, yipes. Something that's not wickedly pricey, but you know, in the $$-$$$ menupages area. I can think of 10 places in Brooklyn that would fit the bill, but not Manhattan. Also, I hate touristy places which are the only places I can think of for a party this large. Help!

Much thanks in advance.

Thanks for the response Kathryn! I thought of Momofuku Ssam Bar and Varietal. Apparently, these people don't want weird animal intestines of the like, but more molecular gastronomy - they're from Chicago which apparently has a bigger pool to choose from along those lines. Thanks again.

Friends are coming into town who think WD-50 is not "weird" enough and want a more crazy culinary experience. I know about places with offal tasting menus and stuff, I'm just looking for more specific places and/or experienes. Thanks in advance.

Thanks a lot!

I'm not sure if this is okay to post, but does anyone know of a place that sells organic roses or, even better, candied roses? I need to do some chocolate work this weekend.

Here's the pomegranate jelly recipe (had some with french toast today - very good)

4 cups of pomegranate juice
2 tablespoons lemon juice
6 cups sugar
1 1/2 pouches liquid pectin

Put pomegranate juice, lemon juice and sugar into a large stockpot. Bring to a rolling boil. Add liquid pectin; return to a rolling boil and cook one minute.

Immediately transfer jelly to jars and use a boiling canning method to properly seal the jars. Alternatively, transfer jelly to a large bowl set over an ice water bath to cool and then refrigerate in an air tight container.

That's an interesting comment (just accepting and throwing away the gift), but I've found that everything I've made is accepted and eaten, usually within my presence! I suppose it wouldn't go over too well with people you don't know, but my co-workers, bosses, friends and family use up my stuff and ask for more.

I'll post the recipe for the jelly later. It is a really pretty red ruby color and tastes fantastic. Actually, really good as a tofu glaze!

This year, I'm making most of my gifts. Different types of truffles, pomegranite jelly, fig spread, peppermint bark, spiced nuts and maybe some maple walnut brittle. Oh, and ginger infused vodka and limoncello. I hate to say it, but Martha Stewart's guide to holiday gifts have some great foodie ideas to make and give. It's where I got the pomegranite jelly recipe (very awesome) and limoncello recipe from.