Greetings from rainy New York, which has already pummeled us with bitter cold this past weekend (it was the first time that the temperature in New York dipped below freezing in over 22 years—how about some -8 wind chill, what?) and more snow (which I like). I know, don’t let me interrupt your Cali heat wave. Fortunately the cold gave me carte blanche to take full advantage of a hearty brunch at Estela on Saturday, followed by a complimentary whiskey and bourbon tasting at Astor Wines, yes!
It’s also good carb-consuming weather (hey, your body is trying to keep warm!), so Sunday brunch was all about finally making the pilgrimage to Barney Greengrass, aka the Sturgeon King (since 1908!), for a meal of eggs, Nova Scotia salmon, and their sturgeon, of course. You gotta love a brunch plate that automatically comes with a bagel and cream cheese, yessss! Am already plotting a return visit for their off-the-menu latkes…and gravlax. Or maybe pastrami salmon. Or sable. Basically I’m gonna work my way through that menu, trust. Meanwhile, you all enjoy that Dungeness crab that is finally safe to eat, I’ve got the smoked fish covered.
Some other highlights from an action-packed week: a loco Tex-Mex dinner at Mission Cantina, with SF representing (Tartine’s Chad Robertson and sourdough tortillas from Loqui!), trying brown sugar kouign amann from Dominique Ansel Kitchen, and a fantastic New Zealand wine tasting, education session, and lunch at Colicchio & Sons.
My February calendar is already getting full, but one item that is shining extra bright is this this upcoming inaugural Charcuterie Masters event from NY Epicurean Events on February 27th here in New York (will be my first outing to Flushing!). More than a dozen charcuterie makers will be there for the competition, as well as dishes from local chefs, like a hog served Caja China-style from chef Hugue Dufour of M. Wells Steakhouse. Can’t wait to explore some local charcuterie/salumi makers, and am so excited ‘Nduja Artisans will be there, love their product.
Today is my one-month anniversary of arriving in New York, where does the time go? It’s flying. Like me, gotta go. See you next week! Marcia Gagliardi
The New York brunch of your dreams at Barney Greengrass. Photo: © tablehopper.com.View tablehopper Newsletter from Tuesday, Feb 16 2016
