Posts

Kitchen Hammer…

Kitchen Hammer   If I had a kitchen hammer, I would eat my Veggies More Often! In answer to the very frequent question: "how did you get the idea to use a hammer in the kitchen?" You may find the use of a hammer in the kitchen…

Learning to Cook with a Sephardi Mother

My Sephardi Mother is the original master. I am always asked whether I have received formal cooking training, and the answer – Machane Imma: I learned mostly from my mother - at first seems somewhat ambiguous, until I introduce her in earnest:…

New York Beggar, Three Ways

Growing up in Morocco, each family had their own "beggar" they looked after. Our beggar, a courteous middle-aged man dressed poorly but with elaborate dignity, would sit silently on our steps every Thursday night, waiting for my mother to …
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My Favorite Pizza: Basil Pizza and Wine Bar!

Every time I go to Basil, I -not so- discreetly eye what everyone seated next to me  - and even a little further: Foodies, what do you expect?- is having. Yesterday it was those luscious poached eggs on toast with saute spinach and home fries,…
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The Kosher Food and Wine Experience: A Remarkable Journey

Still enjoying the glow of last night's Kosher Food and Wine Experience. Recently I had been trying to firm up a kosher supervision for retail use of Dashi powder. In my catering days I used to order it from Daniel Berlin at Sushi Metsuyan,…
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Party Planning Tips: Have Fun Entertaining!

Party Planning done right is always half the battle. The following chapter is included in my first book, Levana's Table: Kosher Cooking for Everyone, and is all about perfect party planning My readers have always found it very useful,  and…
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Shirataki: The Miracle Noodle that lives up to its name

Shirataki Noodles with Sesame Sauce Shirataki is the latest low carb pasta marvel, better known as Miracle Noodles. Every time I come across any food or drink item that boasts zero calories, I remember my mother's admonition, delivered in…

Fear of Flying: Ruminations of a Former World Traveler

Fear of Flying, I have often observed, lingers long after some of us have made their peace with flying. On the eve of our departure to Israel, I am reminded of an email my friend Eve sent a few friends after her flight from Miami to Australia,…

Say No to MSG Forever!

The stats about MSG listed in the picture below are nothing short of alarming. It hadn't occurred to me to include this information about MSG before, thinking by now it was clear to everyone they should stay away from MSG (no, not Madison Square…
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Noidue Restaurant: Panini, Coffee and Nostalgia a la carte

There are several reasons Noidue Restaurant tugs at my heartstrings. Some questions come up about it quite often:  I thought sharing my thoughts would make me feel somewhat more at peace with seeing a whole chunk of our lives behind us.... Here's…
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Exciting New Kosher Restaurant in Brooklyn: Pardes

Image via Crown Heights My friend Chaim Szmidt, of the Kosher Scene and I just love to talk about food, and of course consume it and then excitedly discuss it, as other people discuss their recent cruises or their recent shopping sprees (I…

Plan your Elopement: There will Always be a Chabad House!

Never mind the popular belief: Elopements are almost always carefully thought out. The only people who deny this simple fact are those who were vexed about not having been consulted, or those who were left behind. This summer has been particularly…