How I feel about this World Cup final:

The Shake Shack Journey

Only a quarter of the line

Want some fries with that ketchup?

Just a snack

Cheese Fries

Beauty shot

Since I have started this blog I have discovered a new passion for food photography. Now, my friends might say that I have always loved taking pictures everywhere, of everything that anyone might find remotely interesting (or not). And yes, that is true. After all, I can't let my heritage down; I am Asian, you know. We love our cameras and gadgets. But really, what's so amazing to me is that something edible becomes a piece of art, something innately beautiful. I know that chefs take great pride in what they do in putting together their masterpieces, but I think photographing them gives it a whole new element. For instance, look at these burger shots that I took at the Shake Shack. Those burgers almost don't look real. And - I must add they were THAT delicious too.

I am almost afraid to admit that I had my first Shake Shack burger for the first time only the other day. Some people may say that it's a disgrace that I waited all these years to have the famous Shake Shack burger. Well, to those people I say: you are right, it is a disgrace indeed. The burger is so juicy, so perfectly cooked and seasoned with their secret, magical Shake Shack sauce. This burger is so beautiful, so desirable it will make any backyard-cookout-burger green with envy. Is it weird that in my head these burgers come to life and experience emotion such as envy? Hmmm yes, I suppose it is.

To all the Shake Shack loyalists: you would be proud of me knowing what I endured to get my fingers around that burger. SB and I had just gotten back from a long drive, I was going on about 1.5 hours of sleep, and to top it off it was a grueling, sweltering 99 degrees outside. I've got to say though, it very much felt like 5 million degrees, with the added humidity. I mean - "hot" doesn't even describe it. Nonetheless, something inside me screamed: you MUST have Shake Shack! (My suggestion is, never stand in between a hungry girl and her food) So we left the cool, safe, and AC running confines of the apartment and ventured to Madison Square Park. As we were in line and waited and waited and waited and waited, children cried, women screamed and even grown men were weeping from the agony of the suffocating heat. Ok - not quite.... But, I do think that SB was secretly and quietly cursing me (on the inside) for dragging him out in the oppressive heat. He vehemently denies it.

Regardless, the point, in the profound words of SB, is "we came, we saw, we conquered the Shake Shack."

FYI
The Shake Shack
SE corner of Madison Square Park
New York City
212.889.6600

Happy eating!!

J

What to do on a rainy day --> EAT

My breakfast this morning from Hampton Maid: two eggs over easy, with Canadian bacon and a side of hash browns. How could that be bad? It can't! Especially on a rainy, gloomy day like this! Hmmm so comforting...

I hope it won't be raining on Tuesday though. I am going to see the New York Philharmonic in Central Park with SB and a bunch of our friends... I'm so excited! I love picnics in the park - errrr... I mean... classical music in the park. It makes me feel so grown up :).

Happy eating!!

J

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

Food in Hampton Bays

Panera Bread:

I know, I know, it's a chain restaurant... You may look down on chain restaurants but I am a firm believer that you can find gems in some of the most unexpected places. I also think that food does not necessarily have to be complicated and fancy to taste good. Panera uses simple ingredients and good bread. When SB and I want something quick on the go, Panera is one of our go-to places. Since we don't have one in NYC I take advantage of having one in the Hamptons. When we go, I usually get the Greek salad for lunch. But really, what I am positively obsessed with (this will be #3 on my food obsession count) are the egg souffles. They have 4 different kinds - all equally delish and they only serve them in the mornings until 11am. They are uh-mazing!!! It's basically pastry with egg. But the pastry is flaky, soft, and buttery. The eggs on top of the pastry are brilliantly warm and fluffy and they are seasoned to perfection. I have now turned SB on to them as well. Typically, on our way back into NYC we will stop by Panera and get a whole bunch of souffles for "the road" (as SB likes to say), but also to have at the apartment for "the week." To tell you the truth - they never make it through the week. They are usually gone by the second day. They are THAT good!

The Hampton Maid:

Although, I am and now SB is obsessed with the egg souffles from Panera bread, we also venture to other places for breakfast. The Hampton Maid on Montauk Highway is great for a nice sit down breakfast. There is something incredibly comforting and relaxing to sit on their patio, surrounded by trees and a lot of green on a nice summer day. Because the restaurant is conveniently located on a hill you can even peek at the water. Their food tastes homemade, like mom or grandma made it, and completes the comforting ambiance of the place.

Brewsters Seafood Market:

We recently discovered Brewsters Seafood Market which is also on Montauk Highway and it's a great place for seafood lovers. SB and I love our seafood! You can pick up fresh seafood there for your cookout but I like to go there for lunch. There is nothing fancy about this place, and that's probably what I love about it. It's all about the fresh seafood. The food really is the star of the show. SB usually gets the lobster roll, which he says is fantastic and I get the crab legs (which you order by weight) and dip them in melted butter - how could that be bad?? It can't!!! A bucket of steamers will somehow also find its way to our table. The thing about steamers is that they can sometimes be a bit gritty from the sand. Well, we found out that Brewsters has a de-sanding machine. So when you bite into them steamers there will be no unexpected crunch!

Oakland's Restaurant & Marina:

A local friend of mine suggested Oakland's to me. This past weekend SB and I went there for the first time and we loved it! It is nestled in between the bay and the beach. There isn't a bad view in the house. I'd suggest going during the day so you can take advantage of the beautiful view. SB had the tuna wrap, which was very flavorful and had a bit of an Asian flair to it. It was savory and sweet at the same time. Love that!! I could taste soy sauce, ginger, some nutty sesame oil and also a hint of honey. Had a little of everything: Salty, sweet, soft, crunchy. I had the crab cakes. I have found that crab cakes at times have too much of everything BUT crab in them. That wasn't the case with these. These were truly lump crab cakes. When I put my fork into it, it kind of fell apart. Heavenly! It came with a spicy aioli and a fruity corn salsa! YUM!! Makes me salivate just thinking about it!!!

Happy eating!!

J

Triple digits in NYC

It's 101 degrees today in NYC but feels like 107. With the heat wave all over the States make sure you keep yourselves, your kids, your pets HYDRATED!!! You guys probably already know what I'm going to say but..... Vita Coco really IS the best and healthiest way to do so!!

Stay cool and happy!

J

Beach, SPF and Tully's

The many purposes of Vita Coco - keeps you hydrated AND keeps your towel down on the beach

SB's Lobster Roll Plate

Can you see the butter on the lobster??? YUM!!!

Saturday was such a beautiful day! Perfect beach weather. There was not a cloud in the sky and the breeze from the Atlantic was pretty darn incredible. I brought some Australian Gold for myself and SB slathered some SPF on, I guzzled my Vita Coco and SB sipped on some chilled white wine while we both enjoyed the gorgeous view.

After such a "tough" day, we worked up a serious appetite and decided to stop for some food. On our way back to the house we drove to Tully's Lobster Company (right past the Ponquogue bridge). I love love LOVE lobster - but unfortunately I cannot eat it anymore. Recently, I have developed an allergy toward lobster, which I am truly and deeply saddened by. I know - tragic. But I get to watch SB enjoy it and live vicariously through him.

The lobster roll at Tully's isn't made the way it is traditionally. Lobster purists would prefer it though because it is simply steamed and very chunky. It was stuffed in what looked like a skinny brioche roll and served with a side of melted butter, chipotle mayo and fries. It looked delish! Even though SB is a fan of the classic (with the mayo already mixed together) he gives the Tully's lobster roll "1 1/2" thumbs up!!

If you find yourself in the area, definitely give it a try!

Tully's Lobster Company
78 Foster Avenue
Hampton Bays, NY 11946-3226
631.728.9043

Happy eating!!

J

Our July 4th Weekend

Happy belated July 4th guys and happy 234th birthday America!!!

I hope all of you had an amazing weekend! SB and I spent ours in the Hamptons. Our very first July 4th weekend together :) (everybody, say "aawwww"). We both missed our families but with his being in South Carolina and mine in California, it was just him and me. Our weekend was filled with sun, beach, lots and lots of food. Oh my goodness, so much food to report on, such little time....

Talk to you guys soon!

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

Refreshing Cucumber Lime Drink with Vodka or VeeV

With the summer heating up, and the big July 4th weekend quickly approaching, this is the perfect drink to cool you down! It's refreshing and delicious!! It's making me thirsty just looking at it!

Compliments of Kitty goes to Charlotte:

• a pitcher
• some limes - i'd say 2-3 sliced and put in the bottom of the pitcher
• a few mint leaves
• thick cucumber slices - or a handful of thinly sliced ones - i use about 6 or 7 slices
• a little sugar - maybe a tablespoon or so, enough to get some juices from the above ingredients flowing
• Vodka or VeeV - boy prefers ketel one, i prefer anything clear and in the freezer
• soda water -optional

what you're gonna do, is put all of the ingredients except for the vodka and soda water in the pitcher, then take a wooden spoon and think of that pesky co-worker that annoys you, and start smashing.

really go for it! this is therapy people..get it all out!

once you have a good amount of juice in the bottom of the pitcher, add your vodka, stir, pour over ice with a splash of soda for a little fizz, and serve with a fresh cucumber or mint leaf and enjoy!

I encourage you to try VeeV, if you haven’t already. It is made from the Acai berry, which is stuffed with all kinds of antioxidants and yumminess. I think it adds a nice tropical touch to the drink and makes it extra refreshing.

Happy drinking!!

J

The Pat's vs. Geno's Cheese Steak Debate

Geno's

My sandwich from Pat's

SB's sandwich from Pat's

So when SB and I were on our way from Philly back to the city, we decided to stop by Pat's for a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich. Since we were already in the general area and I have never had an authentic Philly Cheesesteak sandwich, we thought the 40 minute detour was absolutely worth it. After discussing with our friends, who are Philly natives, it was decided that Pat's was "The Place" for me to have my first authentic sandwich. I couldn't wait! I had heard so much about this famous sandwich, and we were both starving!

When we got there, there was a huge line that wrapped around the place. So the expectations were definitely set high. I couldn't help but notice that right across the street was another Cheesesteak place: Geno's. (It may have to do with the fact that Geno's is bedazzled with about a million flashing neon lights, with all the colors of the rainbow. You couldn't miss it if you were blind! )The line however, at Geno's didn't seem as long as Pat's so I definitely thought that we were at the right place. You know what people say about restaurants, go where the lines are. SB has been going to Pat's for years and his excitement was palpable. He told me that there has been a rivalry between Pat's and Geno's for years. Over a sandwich - who would have thought! Each place has their loyal patrons and it is clear that the loyalties run deep.

As we were waiting in line I noticed a sign that explained the exact science of ordering your sandwich. (1) What kind of steak (2) "wit or wit-out" means with or with out onions (3) what kind of cheese (4) if you mess up - go back to the end of the line! When it is your turn you MUST be ready to order. I have to be honest - when I read the sign I started sweating a little from the pressure. The nervousness got to me as I looked behind me to see the line growing by the minute. I almost delegated the task to SB.

SB ordered his sandwich "wit" and Whiz and added some ketchup. I had mine "wit," American cheese and peppers. I thought it was pretty good but it wasn't AMAZING for me. I don't know what I was expecting, but I suppose after all the hype I was expecting to be knocked of my seat and that just didn't happen. I frankly thought the steak needed a little more salt. Maybe next time around I need to go with Cheese Whiz. SB loved his though. He finished his and half of mine! Hahaha! I don't know how he stays so in shape! LOL

As we were leaving Pat's, SB says to me "I think we need to get a sandwich from Geno's, too. I have never had it and we need a comparison. We can take it for the road." I literally burst out laughing! He is too funny! Well, we ended up getting another sandwich for "the road." Hahaha!

We ordered this one with the Whiz and onions as well. I think the main difference between the 2 places are that the steak that Geno's uses is cut slightly thicker and is piled neatly on top of each other like cold cuts vs. Pat's that's just thrown together and probably looks more like a traditional Philly Cheesesteak sandwich. I have to say, I liked Geno's a little better! It's salty, juicy, meaty and simply delicious! I just thought the meat was better seasoned. Although, in all fairness I have to add that it's not an exact comparison because the toppings were slightly different. Maybe Cheese Whiz is just the way to go! Maybe it has nothing to do with the meat! I mean if you're going to be bad - might as well be bad all the way! :) So if you guys ever go, go with the Whiz whether you get it at Geno's or Pat's!!! I'm no Cheesesteak virgin anymore!

It has definitely inspired me to come up with my version of the cheesesteak sandwich!

Happy eating!!

J

The Circle of Life

SB and I just came back from a wake in Philly.

A very dear friend of mine lost her Dad on Father's Day. My heart is breaking for her.

It reiterated to me, lessons that we all probably have heard at one point or another. They never lose their significance and often we forget them: Life can be short. You never know what tomorrow may bring. All you have is today and this moment right now. Never go to bed mad at each other. Tell your loved ones that you love them - today.

J

World Cup Wings

I have to admit, I'm not a chicken wing lover. SB on the other hand is a HUGE lover of the chicken wing. It's probably fair to say that it is in his top 5 all time favorite things to eat. So needless to say I've made a wing or two.

I have a few different recipes up my sleeve, but the World Cup Wings are some of his favorite. I make them ALL the time for all kinds of sporting events that we host and they are always a big hit! What's great is that they are SO EASY to make!

All you need is:

• Salt
• Pepper
• Paprika
• 2 cups Flour
• Vegetable or Canola oil
• May Ploy sweet chili sauce

Heat the vegetable/canola oil to about 375 degrees in a deep wide pot (If you have a deep fryer that's great but if you don't that's just fine. I actually don't have one - so it works just as well). While the oil is heating up you can prepare the wings. Blot the wings with papertowels - you don't want them to be too wet. Season with salt, pepper and paprika. Put the flour in a large bowl and toss the seasoned wings in the flour. Shake the excess flour off before dropping the wings into the hot oil. Make sure you don't crowd the pot too much. You don't want to bring the oil temperature down too much. Fry for about 13-15 minutes (cooking time depends on the size of the wings. In my experience 15 minutes has pretty much work for me every time). Take the wings out and set them on papertowels to let some of the excess oil drain. Then toss the hot wings in the May Ploy sauce (right out of the bottle! May Ploy is a Thai sweet chili sauce and it is absolutely delicious.). And they are ready to be eaten! You can of course serve them with a side of Blue Cheese dressing or Ranch or eat them plain. From what I hear, equally tasty :).

Happy eating!!

J

Chermoula Recipe

This Chermoula recipe was shared with me by my friend Sam. Since I had it last night with my chicken and loved it, I thought I'd also share it with you. I haven't actually tried this recipe myself yet but it looks quite promising! If anyone of you try it before I do - let me know how it goes!

• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups lightly packed parsley leaves
• 1/2 cup lightly packed mint leaves
• 1/2 cup lightly packed cilantro leaves
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 7 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon

If I were to make this recipe I would pulse everything together with a food processor. I imagine a blender would work as well.

Happy eating!!

J

Cafe Mogador

Mixed Platter

Chicken Tagine

So last night I went out for dinner at Cafe Mogador with my friends Kenzie, Jackie, and Blake. Blake had his sister Brenda and brother-in-law Carrie in town from Wisconsin. It's always nice to meet family of friends. Although, I think I creeped out Brenda just a little. I kept starting at her and analyzing her face to find similarities between her and Blake. She must have thought me to be such a weirdo! LOL! I can't help it! Families are so fascinating to me.

Moving on to the restaurant experience. I think we all really enjoyed the food but we left with a bit of a sour taste in our mouth because the service was just beyond terrible. From losing our reservation, to waiting 50 minutes for our entrees and the waiter just checking on us once the entire time we were there, it was just a terrible experience from a service standpoint. To make women go hungry and make them wait so long for food is just a BAD idea! All you husbands and boyfriends know exactly what I'm talking about!

It really was such a pity that the service was so bad because the food was great. It was simple, well spiced and flavorful. As an appetizer we all shared the Mixed Platter: hummus, baba ghanoush, tabouleh, and Middle Eastern salad. It came with this fluffy, warm flatbread which was so comforting. I mean there hasn't been a carbohydrate I haven't liked!

As my entree I ordered the Chicken Tagine with chermoula and couscous. It was so delicious! I couldn't eat it fast enough. The chicken was so tender and soft and almost fell off the bone. It had that very slow cooked flavor to it. I opted to get it with the chermoula which is a wonderful mixture of herbs and spices. Scrumptious! I also ordered a Moroccan Iced Tea along with my meal. It sounded more exotic than it was. I found out that it was simply iced peppermint tea. Nothing extraordinary. I'd recommend getting the sparkling lemonade, which Kenzie got, and was so refreshing.

So in summary, if you don't care about service (or maybe we just got unlucky - always willing to give the benefit of doubt the first time around) then I can definitely recommend this place. It is also very reasonable priced.

Cafe Mogador

101 St. Marks Place

(between 1st Ave & Ave A)

New York, NY 10009

212-677-2226

Happy eating!!

J