Cooking, Running, Tebowing, and Lin-Sanity!!!

There was a time in my life when people used to tell me I couldn’t cook. More often than not, the ‘couldn’t’ was peppered with a big dose of shouldn’t. “Why would you do that”? This is one occasion where I am thoroughly happy that I paid little heed to what others told me. I never cooked as a child, but my parents brought me up in an atmosphere where food was cherished and celebrated in a working-class, un-foodie manner. This environment allowed for enjoyment, but never really included me in the practicing of the actual production. One day in my early twenties I decided to start cooking. I don’t exactly know how what happened, or what spurned it along. My guess is that it seemed practical, enjoyable, and creative at a time when these were the things I sorely needed. As a guy playing college athletics, and living the life that went along with it, cooking wasn’t exactly high on the list of activities that my friends were aching to get into. The first things I made weren’t great, but always edible. Believe me when I tell you that it was a process. I wasn’t gifted with some secret talent for the stove that allowed me to ascend to culinary greatness at break neck pace. I read books, and most of all, I practiced. I do remember the first time I made something that thoroughly surprised a detractor. It felt good, to have achieved something through repetition and resolve. Cooking remains something that I practice; never something I know or fully understand. When I moved to New York a few years ago, I found myself in a position where cooking took on a whole new light. Living in one of the most expensive cities in the world—where eating out three times a day is de rigueur for so many—with a limited budget thrust me into a position where cooking became essential. It also became fun. I cook all the time, and because of this my abilities have improved. I have answered the criticism of those who questioned why I ever wanted to learn to cook, or whether I could pull it off.

Valentine's Day Part 2: Recap, Raspberry Souffle, and Chris Matthews

Valentine's Day was both successful, and incredibly enjoyable. Heeding my own advice, I went for a menu that was easy enough to pull off, and delicious enough to make the occasion feel special. The meal was a beautiful strip steak with carmelized onions and sherry pan sauce that we split, with sides of roasted brussel sprouts and crispy roasted potatoes. Classic, not too heavy--due to the reasonable sized portions--and thoroughly satisfying. There was candles, a hand penned note, and a good deal of comfort. I think Ash enjoyed it thoroughly, and I know unequivocally that I did too.

Valentine's Day Part 1

Valentine’s Day is tomorrow, and it is to be spent at home with the girl I love. Staying in means that I am cooking—that’s just the way it goes down in my house. I cook, and Ash eats. She doesn’t eat nearly as much as I do—being that I am twice her size—but she does enjoy a good meal, so it is my job to produce them on a regular basis. I never complain about this arrangement because I honestly enjoy cooking. The question is, what do I cook for dinner? This is an even bigger question when you add the pressure of a ‘holiday’ that is meant to signify love between couples. Let me briefly address said holiday. I play along with Valentine’s Day, and definitely enjoy it. I like holidays in all their forms, primarily because they usually involve the gathering of loved ones and food in some form. In my mind, these are good things. With that said, I think it is important to note that if the actions of February 14th—namely the purchase of chocolate, a card, roses, or jewelry—are required to solidify the idea that the person you are with loves you, an honest assessment of your relationship might be in order. 

Andrew Carmellini, The Dutch, and How My Best Meal Of 2011 Came To Be

I ate some wonderful meals in 2011, from simple creations at home, to elaborate feasts at restaurants with friends, but one meal stands out as a very special experience. It is a story of so much more than the food on the plate, though that alone would have been memorable. For me, it was a seminal moment in both my appreciation of food, and my appreciation of the kindness of someone I admired. The story goes like this….

My love of cookbooks has been well documented and the morning of October 18^th was a big day in my world. American Flavor by Andrew Carmellini was hitting the shelves and I was incredibly excited. Growing up, I loved heading to my local record shop to buy an album that had just hit the shelves. I would eagerly head home to listen to the tape—later CD—in its entirety. I would sit, holding my guitar, eagerly listening for chord changes, yet never playing a note. It was solitude in its finest fashion. Tuesdays have remained special for me, because that is the day that music and books—two of my favorite things—are released. In many ways I treat books with the same reverence that I once held only for music. I will bring a book home and settle in to absorb every nuanced word. I do this with cookbooks, reading each recipe in much the same way I listen to a new song. American Flavor was part of a short list of cookbooks that I needed to own last year. I am not afraid to admit that I am a disciple of the joys that the New York Public Library has to offer, but some books are meant to be purchased, hopefully one day to pass on. So that Tuesday had two things on the agenda, work, and picking up a copy of American Flavor.

Last Year's Best Music.....And What To Eat With It

This is a simple list of my favorite music from last year.

These are albums that I listen to all the time.

You may disagree with many of these choices, and that is okay. It's nothing to fret over, I simply have better taste than you. (I'm just kidding........try not to take yourself and your tastes too seriously)

You may deride me for choosing bands that are popular and not underground enough. Sellouts you may say. First off, stop shopping exclusively at Urban Outfitters, American Apparel, and thrift shops in order to solidify your hipster image. Next, stop listening to music you really don't like in order to establish an identity and something to talk about. Stop disliking bands because they are able to earn a really good living. And finally remember that Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Marvin Gaye, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and The Notorious B.I.G. were all popular. Incredibly popular. If you tell me there was someone out there in the 'underground' doing it better than any one of them, please let me know.

I love underground music, and am constantly seeking new artists to enjoy, but the fact that no one else knows about a band doesn't make their art more special.

If you only like one 'genre' of music, you are probably a boring person.