If bbq were a religion, this would be the holiest day of the year (BBQ Fest 2011)

I have recently learned that my sister isn't the only person who reads this blog, so hello all you readers. I promise to now write every week since I have lots and lots to share with you... that and megashare won't stream more than 72minutes of video. Not cool.

This past weekend was one of my most favorite weekends of the year, and no I'm not talking talking about Flag Day (which has now apparently been extended to a week). I'm talking about the one time of year when it is socially acceptable to wander down Madison Ave chomping on a short rib bigger than your face while wearing paper pig ear hat. That's right kids it's the The Big Apple Barbeque Block Party.

The 9th consecutive year (and my third), the Big Apple BBQ isn't so much a "block party" as a "let's shut down Madison Sq Park and the surrounding streets so we can all be fat asses" party. It's glorious. This year SIXTEEN pitmasters from 11 different states barbecued some delish food .. all for me! Well, and the 100,000 other people the BABBQ attracts. Since I'm already accustom to waiting on long lines in MSPark (see Shake Shack post), the lines for some brisket and slaw seemed like nothing. My favorite: Baby back ribs by Mike Mills from 17th Street Bar & Grill in Murphysboro, IL. The type of rib that's soo good you don't split evenly with your boyfriend. The type you take another bite when he's not looking and curse the damn "let's share plates" suggestion that suddenly feels like a harsh decree formed in the Middle Ages -- THAT GOOD!


Additionally, for those of you who also have an obese man living inside of them like me, the Shack is open during the entire event! Nothing goes better with some short ribs than a root beer float and a Shackmeister ale.


Here is the info... just um, don't buy a fast past next year. I want it. Thanks.



*****went to fix a spelling error and now blog is out of order BUT this does NOT mean I am not going to post about BBQ 2012*** thanks

It's not easy being green... with envy towards those eating at Red Farm right now

I've mentioned before that I like to exploit my boyfriend's celebrations into dinners for myself. Now, I don't want to sound callous -- I convince him that the restaurant of choice was entirely his idea. For his 25th birthday, we (me) decided to combine our love for Asian cuisine and small, trendy atmospheres. But where to? Hadn't our favorite restaurant closed years ago? There's a saying that "time heals all wounds", but there will forever be a lacking in my palate and heart.

Until Now. Until Red Farm. I'm not saying Red Farm will replace Kampuchea, but I know our love affair will last. Though Kampuchea was short lived and passionate, my now heart-broken palate is more wise and aware of those it now falls for.

Anyway, despite the almost hour long wait, Red Farm was still a wonderful experience. We decided to share plates, as if Chris had a choice. We started with spicy crispy beef, duck and fuji apple wrap, shrimp and snow pea leaf dumplings, and pan fried pork buns. Yes, yes, four appetizers seems like a lot of food for two people. This is supposed to be a judgement free zone, reader.  Anyway, my favorite of the bunch was the spicy crispy beef - it sounds like it would be mundane, but I assure you it is a dish worth trying. Those crispy little suckers are amazing. Chris' favorite (and my second favorite) was the shrimp snow pea leaf dumlpings. While they were delicious, I thought their appearance was a little disturbing since the dumplings were made to look like they had eyes. Our main courses were purely delicious. I had the crispy skin chicken with garlic sauce, which tasted like pure gold. A little party in my mouth. I may or may not have found my new love. All I know is that I cannot wait to return.

It's not just me, right?

The dumplings KNOW I want to eat them.

Red Farm

29 Hudson Street

(btwn Charles and W 10th)

http://redfarmnyc.com/

Promises, Promises

Well hello there. I know I've been elusive and the entire internet was on the verge of collapse without my blog. I'm sorry, dear reader. BUT GREAT NEWS - I'm finished with graduate school! Well, almost... I still have unpaid fieldworks until December-ish, meaning any hopes of this blog becoming classy will have to wait until AT LEAST next calendar year.

Because right now this is the amount of class I have.

Class being inversely related to money borrowed from the government and parents.

But hooray me! I'm not worried at all.
Anyway, here is a run down of some posts I **promise** over the next few weeks:

• Extra Virgin
• Red Farm
• Sofrito
• Apiary
• Big Gay Ice Cream
• Nomville: A Tribute to Nashville
• Stone Park Cafe
• Smorgasburg
• Big Apple BBQ 2012
• much more .... well maybe

Speaking ze Smorgasburg, I ran into the most AMAZING greeting card maker yesterday at a flea market on N 7th in Williamsburg. I think everyone should take a peek at her website (her being Sam) : supergrEATgreetings.com. I'm obsessed with her cards (and a little bit with Sam) and hope you will be too.

So stay tuned and SUBSCRIBE!