New York Restaurants: The Modern
Happy 2014 everyone! I can’t believe that I am about to post a meal that I ate over six months ago, but my year was B-U-S-Y! Between traveling throughout Southeast Asia, moving back to Colorado and starting the holiday season at Restaurant Kelly Liken, I have hardly had a moment to think clearly. 2013 was probably the best year of my life and I cannot wait to see what 2014 has to offer! My new years resolution is to spend at least a small amount of time each day centering myself and being thankful for my life despite how busy or stressed I am. What are your resolutions?
New York Restaurants: Le Bernardin
From America to Japan to Italy… and on to France (and my first Michelin 3-star restaurant!). I had wanted to go to Le Bernardin for a long time, but it was always a little out of my price-range. After some research, I realized that the lunch menu is very similar to the dinner menu, but WAY cheaper! So I bit the bullet and invited my seafood-loving friend for his birthday. It was quite the experience, but not exactly as I thought it would be.
New York Restaurants: Armani Ristorante
So at this point in my New York restaurant review journey we have had American and Japanese; now let’s take a trip to Italy. This experience was unlike any restaurant experience I have ever had. The executive chef of the Armani Ristorante is the former chef de cuisine of The Modern. He was very good friends with one of my coworkers, so when he heard that we were coming in to eat he went all out. After he came out to say hello our waitress informed us that he had a menu in mind for us and asked if he had permission to serve us as he pleased. Of course we said YES! Each course was paired with a different wine and any dish involving mushrooms was garnished with more white truffles than you could ever dream of. I was in heaven.
New York Restaurants: Sakagura
I am officially on vacation! Well, I am actually sitting at the Las Vegas airport waiting for my 6 hour layover to be over. Luckily, I have saved up a handful of United Red Carpet Club passes; this means free coffee, free food and free Wi-Fi! I do have to admit that I feel a bit out of place, but it is still pretty cool. My next long layover is going to be in Japan, so I decided to share with you my meal from a Japanese sake bar called Sakagura in New York City.
New York Restaurants: North End Grill
With only a week until I begin my Asian adventure, I am realizing how many restaurants I have photos from. I want to share these great New York restaurants and my experiences with you before I forget about them! This post is the first of almost ten restaurant reviews I have for you. While in New York, I made it a point to try as many of Danny Meyer’s restaurants as possible. Being a part of the USHG family has some great benefits when you go out to eat!
Heirloom Tomato Salad w/ Nectarine & Proscuitto
After being back in Colorado for a couple of weeks, I finally was able to go to the farmers’ market! I went to the Vail Farmers’ Market last week and stumbled upon some really great produce and meat. The Vail market is nice because you are so much closer to the farmers from the Western Slope. I was able to fill over half of a grocery bag with all kinds of veggies for only $10! I also got some great wine-poached goat cheddar and sage goat cheddar from Jumpin’ Good Goat Dairy, as well as a delicious grass-fed leg of lamb from Crystal River Meats. While all of this was fantastic, I have to admit that the perfectly-ripe assortment of heirloom tomatoes were the highlight of the market for me.
Beet & Apple Salad w/ Honey Cider Vinaigrette
In Colorado, “April showers brings May flowers” means next to nothing. They have been getting feet of snow then 80 degree weather this month! In NYC the saying is pretty accurate. Springtime in the city really does feel like spring. The trees here are so pretty with beautiful blooming flowers!
New York Restaurants: Ma Peche
Wow, they weren’t kidding when they said time flies when you’re having fun! I can’t believe that I am already finished with culinary school. It seems like we only started last week! Not only am I done with school, I am done with Colorado… for now. I am officially a New Yorker, except with hippie dresses and no accent… =)
Lobster Mac & Cheese: The Tasting Colorado Cookbook {Giveaway Closed}
With finals for culinary school right around the corner, my classmates and I have been scrambling to lock down our externships. When meeting with my advisor, I was told that I had the potential to pursue something big, even bigger than anything in Colorado. It really got me thinking and motivated me to settle for nothing but the best. I booked my flight to NYC and set up stages at a couple Michelin Starred restaurants, Eleven Madison Park and The Modern. Both stages went great; I was stoked! EMP seemed a little too military-like for me. Only Sous Chefs were allowed to plate the food and you weren’t allowed to talk in the kitchen. The Modern, on the other hand, let their cooks do much more and everyone seemed to be having a great time during service. I was offered a paid externship with The Modern and will be starting in April! I am excited to experience something new and take the next step in my career.
Tasting Colorado by Michele Morris
Sushi Rice & Spicy Tuna for Sushi
While making unbelievable amounts of sushi at school the other night, it dawned on me that I have never shared any sushi recipes with you all. I was actually pretty surprised in myself, especially after working at Morimoto and telling you all about it! I promise I am here to make up for it with my spicy tuna and sushi rice recipes, as well as some cool tricks I learned in school.
