Lobster Ravioli Love Letter

No entry yesterday, as I was stricken with a serious case of the blues. The dream of another World Cup victory was shattered into a million pieces in front of my eyes. You may say obsession, I say passion. I admit, I watched the final minutes of their last game in tears, as my 3rd team (Germany) of this tournament lost to Spain. I felt the loss as though I were on the field myself. I really, truly believed that this time around they could win the much desired trophy. I really thought, this was the year. The talent was there. I thought that the obstacle of Thomas Mueller's absence could be bridged with their insatiable hunger for victory. But - it was not meant to be. I have been so distraught, that I haven't even been able to talk about it until now. Nonetheless, I am proud of all of my teams. In a World Cup that was filled with controversy and bad officiating, they all played their hearts out and never gave up - and that is true sportsmanship.

So what does SB, my amazingly wonderful boyfriend do, while I am on the couch crying, pouting, moping and staring into thin air? He does the (almost) impossible and cheers me up like no other can. He goes grocery shopping and cooks me dinner! Now, SB is good at a lot of things, but he'll be the first one to admit that cooking is not one of them. Finding his way around in the kitchen is a bit of a challenge. He's definitely a fish out of water when it comes to cooking, but it is VERY adorable to watch. It's so funny seeing a usually very confident and self-assured man so confused when it comes to pots, pans and stoves :). That does make it even more so endearing. How could that not cheer me up? He made us lobster ravioli (which for some reason don't make me sick - probably bc it's not chunky) with vodka sauce (Mario Batali's - has a bit of a kick to it. It's great!). He served it with a side of green salad and a stack of fresh mozzarella and tomatoes. Simple and DELISH, comforting and just what the doctor ordered! I'm such a lucky girl.

To SB: Thank you for your love and support (in everything I do - not just when it comes to soccer lol). Thanks for putting up with my mood-swings and loving me. I don't know how I got to be with you - but I'm the luckiest girl alive. I love you.

J

Ordering in on a lazy night

Il Pollo Capriccioso

Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina

As much as I love to cook, every once in a while it feels like a ordering-in kind of a night. In those moments I truly appreciate living in NYC. In most cities you are, most commonly, limited to Pizza or Chinese food. I am so fortunate in that there really is no limit here in NYC.

One of our favorite go-to places is Max restaurant. I have heard that the restaurant itself is quite cute and quaint on the inside, but we haven't physically been there. Somehow we always end up ordering in. Last night we ordered the Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina and the Il Pollo Capriccioso. The homemade gnocchi is soft and fluffy and simply melts in your mouth. The tomato sauce is sweet and salty at the same time. The cheese that is melted all throughout the sauce makes it creamy and simply fantastic. You'll want to lick your plate!! The Il Pollo Capriccioso is a thinly pounded, breaded chicken cutlet. It is served with arugula and diced plum tomatoes and a lemon wedge. I just love this dish. The fresh, peppery arugula and the sweet tomatoes with the chicken are the perfect combination. I love combining fresh ingredients with cooked food. I feel that it gives the food a different dimension.

I can highly recommend these 2 dishes! If you want to visit the restaurant (or order in!) here is their information:

Max's

181 Duane St. (between Greenwich & Hudson St.)

New York, NY 10013

212.966.5939

Happy eating!!

J