oysters

Le rêve (dream getaways)

February 17, 2015 by sk

fabulous travel attire from plumprettysugar.blogspot.com

A visit to any doctor right now would result in the following diagnosis: “you need to get out of town immediately for some Vitamin D and/ or mental break from this misery” (Misery meaning the horrible weather). And since the snowstorms have been occurring like clockwork on Thursday and Friday, why not escape from Wednesday and actually make it to your destination?

Doctor’s warning: while a quick getaway out west to LA can be enjoyable, the side affect is that it will only reinforce that tiny inner rage of jealousy that a city (or “city”) within the same country (same continent no less! the nerve!) would actually be spared of the misery here in New York. So in order to cure this illness, the only way out is via passport……

La plage

Yes the approach (by plane or sea) is near death, but when you arrive you are actually as close to heaven as heavenly possible on earth. St. Barth’s is magical and spectacular in every way – from the mix of unique beaches to unbelievable restaurants, sailing and other activities, fun (tax free!) shopping – there’s something for everyone here. Go with your most special people and come back floating on air.

Come for sunset cocktails and stay for dinner at Bonito St. Barths.

Le ski

The best part about skiing is the aprés ski! Plus there’s no-guilt factor because you’re encouraged to eat the extra calories. After all, going down the slopes requires serious energy. Megève is a beautiful ski resort in the French alps, originally a prime destination for the French aristocracy and luminaries alike. It’s also a foodie’s paradise with several Michelin-starred restaurants, amazing wine selections and not to mention killer views.

We recommend this spot, the newly opened La Face au Mont-Blanc.

City break: Paris

I mean, it’s Paris. Paris is fabulous even in the wintertime. Instead of staying in a hotel, rent an apartment and live like a local. Your days should consist of sitting in a café for at least 2 hours sipping hot chocolates or wine, strolls through the markets, and a naughty visit over to Chanel on Avenue Montaigne to do some damage to the credit card. After speaking to the bank that “yes you meant to buy that $$$”, enjoy some oysters and an aperitif with your beau at a small bistro such as Le bar à huitres.

Steeped rich in history, Lapérouse is the perfect spot to wear your new Chanel dress and sip vintage champagne followed by a fabulous meal. A true affair of your own to remember…..

Brasserie Georges

June 5, 2014 by mk

In Nice, people are warmer, and generally more relaxed compared to people in other parts of France. Maybe it’s due to its namesake (pun intended) and proximity to the beach. Despite this laid back attitude, the food culture here is serious business. After all, it’s still France. They invented the world of gastronomy, the celebrity chef, and the Michelin star. When traveling around Nice, you would never know that the European economy is suffering as you stroll past the amazingly artistic and architecturally pleasing interactive garden near Place Massena. Even the tram is sparkly clean and modern, a welcome change from our lovely rat infested, garbage lined streets of Manhattan.

Place Massena, Nice

Right off the main square is Brasserie Georges. An all encompassing bistro frequented by locals, Georges comes highly recommended in many guide books. (Including Michelin). Newly renovated, the over-the-top glass enclosed kitchen occupies the area that used to be the former theatre’s stage. We were in need of a nice spot for a pre-birthday celebratory dinner, so this was the perfect spot.

The original Brasserie Georges, Lyon. Lyon is the mecca for French culinary arts

They stick to tradition here which is fabulous. You are welcomed with the Niçoise specialty, mini pan banat, paired perfectly with champagne. We did a mix of huîtes (oysters for us New Yawkas) from the cold seas of Normandy which were briny and delicious.

Next act included steak frites and traditional duck. They also have a selection of amazing dishes prepared table side, which is old school and so great. At the next table, they were cooking up some choucroute garnie for the entire table, complete with silver spoons and copper pans. Everyone’s noses perk up like dogs on alert – “what’s going on over there??” sniff sniff. True showmanship.

For dessert, we opted for the traditional profiteroles (obviously perfect), and another chocolate doused cake. Divine. We didn’t tell them that it was our pre-birthday so weren’t treated to the sparklers and the singing, but another table over had the whole birthday hoopla, so we sang a little joyeux anniversaire and gave a toast (to ourselves) as well! Salut!

Butter makes everything better, especially French butter…

Brasserie Georges
4 Rue Sasha Guitry
Nice, France
Tel. 04 92 00 90 40

The Truth About Oysters

February 4, 2014 by sk

Oysters are one of the best known aphrodisiacs, and wonderful when enjoyed with a crisp bottle (not glass, yawwn) of bubbly. I think it’s all the slurping that makes them so sexy, because these puppies are not winning any beauty pageants based on looks, that’s for sure. They’re also great conversation starters. You can do the whole “biggie vs tupac” (east coast vs west coast) debate, and test your palette on the different regions. Depending on the company, saying things like “I prefer the sweeter Wellfleet to the briny Kumamoto” could score positive or negative Oyster IQ points. Whether they are a precursor to the rest of dinner, or the sole purpose of a drinks date, a dozen clean, fresh oysters on a bed of crushed ice is a fantastic way to spend a lazy hour.

For the scientific truth about oysters, read more here.

A French inspired February…

February 2, 2014 by sk

Public

November 17, 2013 by mk

Photograph by Bobby Friedel

By any measure, 10 years is a long time. In New York City, it’s an eternity. Our skyline is constantly changing, chain stores keep popping up everywhere, and new neighborhoods are sprouting up… all amidst what feels like a never ending battle. Not sure what we’re always fighting for, but we’re fighting. When a restaurant makes it to its 10th birthday, it’s the food equivalent of marking the Bicentennial. And worth a celebration.

Photograph by Bobby Friedel

Public is a Michellin star rated and James Beard Foundation awarded restaurant located in Nolita. Owned, operated and designed by the AvroKO group, they pioneered the style of turning cold industrial spaces into warm, sexy, inviting restaurants. The menu is unique, drawing inspiration from New Zealand and Australia, complete with kangaroo. This makes for fun date conversations when deciding what to try or if you just want to test your date’s adventurous spirit.

Photograph by Bobby Friedel

The recent 10th anniversary party was a thank you soiree for their loyal friends, and another introduction to some eclectic eats. They had a nice selection of little bites all beautifully presented. Mini bowls of smoked laksa (spicy noodle soup) with pumpkin and ramen was a highlight, along with mini panna cotta and little sliders with cranberry chutney.

Photograph by Bobby Friedel

On the other side of the room they laid out some press clippings and wedding reception invites, thank you notes collected over the years. Much like laying out old wartime memorabilia, it was a reflection of how far they’ve come and how much they’ve endured. I looked around and it wasn’t the usual vacant gaze of the entitled beautiful folk, there was a feel of true support. I don’t know what the crowd looked like after I ventured back into the cold, but for now I think Public is in the safe hands of its creators and loyal friends who will hopefully see it through to the next centennial.

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