Ok, sounds weird but u know who u are.
HAPPY B-DAY!!! =)
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
...Part III: Florida, or as the kids call it, Flo Rida
OK OK, i get it. It's a lot.... but trust me, I know. I lived it!
Ok, so after finally gettin home to the states it was "pack up your bags" once again, "we're off to Florida!"
Yessir, it was time for my cousin's wedding.... BUT, before we get to that, a great friend of mine moved down to Florida after culinary school and is living in a city on the West coast of the peninsula on essentially the same lattitude as Miami. SO, what a better excuse to go visit then a wedding only an hour and a half from his house right??? My thoughts exactly!!
Soooo, with a little help from my boy Dan, I got to Florida a little early (for the wedding) and made my way to his (new) hometown, Naples. There, Dan, his brother Aaron (who definately gets a shout out as well), and I tore up the town, had a GREAT time, and ate some fantastic food. As per the usual, when u visit a friend who's a chef there's pretty much two things you've gotta do:
1) Visit his / her restuarant & 2) Cook a meal with him / her
Fortunately we took care of both, having a excellent array of everything his restaurant (Chop City Grille, http://www.chopscitygrill.com/) had to offer, and whippin up a great meal of potatoes, green beans, and pork chops complimented with a spiced apple chutney (he didn't call it that and i know he's gunna kick my ass for saying "chutney" instead of his classification...haha) that really sang. Fortunately, a new hobby of mine (thank you blog!) has become food photography so feel free to paroose the pics below for a better spread of what the meal looked like.
As one could imagine, it was great chillin with Dan & Aaron, i really missed those guys while I was away.
For some reason, my new obsession has become taking macro shots of food with the person preparing it in the background out of focus... so here's dan with the super-macro Potato, and a shot of him plating the dish in it's final form.
Ok, so after finally gettin home to the states it was "pack up your bags" once again, "we're off to Florida!"
Yessir, it was time for my cousin's wedding.... BUT, before we get to that, a great friend of mine moved down to Florida after culinary school and is living in a city on the West coast of the peninsula on essentially the same lattitude as Miami. SO, what a better excuse to go visit then a wedding only an hour and a half from his house right??? My thoughts exactly!!
Soooo, with a little help from my boy Dan, I got to Florida a little early (for the wedding) and made my way to his (new) hometown, Naples. There, Dan, his brother Aaron (who definately gets a shout out as well), and I tore up the town, had a GREAT time, and ate some fantastic food. As per the usual, when u visit a friend who's a chef there's pretty much two things you've gotta do:
1) Visit his / her restuarant & 2) Cook a meal with him / her
Fortunately we took care of both, having a excellent array of everything his restaurant (Chop City Grille, http://www.chopscitygrill.com/) had to offer, and whippin up a great meal of potatoes, green beans, and pork chops complimented with a spiced apple chutney (he didn't call it that and i know he's gunna kick my ass for saying "chutney" instead of his classification...haha) that really sang. Fortunately, a new hobby of mine (thank you blog!) has become food photography so feel free to paroose the pics below for a better spread of what the meal looked like.
As one could imagine, it was great chillin with Dan & Aaron, i really missed those guys while I was away.
For some reason, my new obsession has become taking macro shots of food with the person preparing it in the background out of focus... so here's dan with the super-macro Potato, and a shot of him plating the dish in it's final form.
Finally, the finished plate, and an action shot of Dan sprinting down the line shot along the bar at his restaurant.
Nice work kiddo. =)
Anywho, at the end of that same week, Dan, Aaron, and I jumped in the car & drove to Miami to meet up with my family for the wedding. Much to our surprise, when we arrived in Miami (at 1:30 am) there was actually a pretty sick lineup of DJ's in town so we jet over to Park West and got a chance to see Boris spin there 'til about 4:30 in the morning. At that point, my sister (rightfully so) pulled the plug and suggested we get some rest before the "big day tomorrow." We all crashed in our hotel room, and the next morning my parents woke us nice and early for a pretty cool surprise. "Strap on your baithing suits, we're goin PARA-SAILING!"
hahahaha, I'm still waitin on some pics from my mom, but suffice it to say, Para-sailing was amazing. We each flew alone (with the exception of my sister and dad), and the experience was amazing. The boat must've pulled us at least 15 stories high when we were at full tilt. I sware, there was a point where my parachute caught enough of an updraft to take me slightly higher than all the South Beach hotels and the whole city of Miami just seemed to open up in my view. It was truly breathtaking.
That night, we took my sister to an awesome dinner at a Latin restaurant called Cacao. It served some great food, but was hardly the notion on my mind as my mom, dad, sis, and I had finally got to have dinner as a family for the first time in what seemed like a LONG time. After dinner, it was layin low 'til about midnight where we heard that Hernan Catanea was spinnig at Mansion. SO, like any body else would've done, it was "get dressed, we're goin out!"
Long story short, Mansion was sick. Myself, Dan, Aaron, and a bunch of their friends (guys & girls) had a great time and ended the night like any good South Beach local would... with cuban sandwiches from Dave's Cafe. Oh man, i DEFINITELY forgot how much i love those damn things. =)
The next day was my cousin's wedding, and like any family function, it was a madhouse. All in all the ceremony was beautiful, my cousin and her new husband looked extatic, and the party went off without a hitch.
Before finally heading home to Baltimore, my family made a quick stop in Del Ray Beach to spend the night with my Grandpa, then it was back on the plane home.
In the last few weeks i've done a LOT of travelling, and i'm ready for a break....
Oh, and did I mention that my (Italian) boss asked me to come back to Italy in August for another few months.
TIME TO START PACKING!!!! =)
...Part II: The transition home...
After returning from Rome, It was only a mere three days of work before I bid farewell to my home in Tuscany and boarded my plane for home.
After reaching my layover city, London, I realized how incredibly stupid I was to think I'd score a hotel room as I had arrived in the MIDDLE of the Wimbleton tournament. Local hotels had SKYROCKETED in price to nearly $300 / night, and frankly, that's just too damn much money for this poor kid. So... like any travelling student, I found myself a semi-comfy looking chair, stacked my luggage around me like a four-year old's fort, and tried to get some rest. The next thing I know, i'm being harassed by a ticket agent at 4 in the morning yammering on about something to do with me not being where i'm supposed to. So, groggy as hell, I paced around the airport, wheeling my suitcases up and down the concourse. After a good 20 minutes of pacing, i settled down at the 24 hr Starbucks, had myself a latte, and found a chair suitable for at least a good hour's rest. By that time, I was a bit wound up so I threw on my iPod, watched the entirety of "No Country for Old Men", a few Family Guy's and slipped right into the unconscious unknown.
FINALLY, after getting up, spending a few hours wheeling around, getting magazines, and entertaining myself any way I possibly could, it was time to check my luggage in. Everything went without a hitch... despite my two bottles of grappa, truffle paste, and miriad of gifts i was bringing home to my family, i made it through security!
7 Hrs later I finally landed in Baltimore and was extremely glad to see my family. Again, security was reasonably cool with me, and provided no major hassles.
After a good two days of sleeping ( / resetting my internal clock) I got myself back on my feet and gave my family their gifts. Everyone seemed pretty appreciative, which definitely made me happy since I spent a LONG time and a lot of thought on each one.
A few days of story-telling, picture-showing, and lots and lots of cooking I had finally settled, and began packing my bags for my cousin's wedding in Florida....
Oy, on to part III =)
After reaching my layover city, London, I realized how incredibly stupid I was to think I'd score a hotel room as I had arrived in the MIDDLE of the Wimbleton tournament. Local hotels had SKYROCKETED in price to nearly $300 / night, and frankly, that's just too damn much money for this poor kid. So... like any travelling student, I found myself a semi-comfy looking chair, stacked my luggage around me like a four-year old's fort, and tried to get some rest. The next thing I know, i'm being harassed by a ticket agent at 4 in the morning yammering on about something to do with me not being where i'm supposed to. So, groggy as hell, I paced around the airport, wheeling my suitcases up and down the concourse. After a good 20 minutes of pacing, i settled down at the 24 hr Starbucks, had myself a latte, and found a chair suitable for at least a good hour's rest. By that time, I was a bit wound up so I threw on my iPod, watched the entirety of "No Country for Old Men", a few Family Guy's and slipped right into the unconscious unknown.
FINALLY, after getting up, spending a few hours wheeling around, getting magazines, and entertaining myself any way I possibly could, it was time to check my luggage in. Everything went without a hitch... despite my two bottles of grappa, truffle paste, and miriad of gifts i was bringing home to my family, i made it through security!
7 Hrs later I finally landed in Baltimore and was extremely glad to see my family. Again, security was reasonably cool with me, and provided no major hassles.
After a good two days of sleeping ( / resetting my internal clock) I got myself back on my feet and gave my family their gifts. Everyone seemed pretty appreciative, which definitely made me happy since I spent a LONG time and a lot of thought on each one.
A few days of story-telling, picture-showing, and lots and lots of cooking I had finally settled, and began packing my bags for my cousin's wedding in Florida....
Oy, on to part III =)
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
One LOOONG Month.... part 1
Firstly, I'd like to apologize for not updating the blog until now. I can assure you it's been a hell of a month. (Since we last spoke, I've been in Tuscany, Rome, Pisa, London, Baltimore, Miami, Naples (Florida), Del Ray Beach, and finally, back to Baltimore) Secondly, I'd like to thank everyone who's kept up with me during my time abroad. I've really been amazed at the spread of people that read this page. It's been an enormous pleasure keeping you all updated with my life, and more than anything else I do it to maintain the connections that matter to me most. I find that there are more people that I'd like to stay in contact with than i could possibly write to on a daily basis, and so I hope you'll take this outlet as my way of telling my side of the story. As more time passes however, I'd really like to know what YOU all are doing. How YOU all have been, and with any luck, when we can finally get together again.
Anywho, without further adue, here's the short version of what my last month has encompased:
Since we've last spoken, my friend Ali and I were joined by my best friend Frank in Tuscany. Frank LOVES to cook so it wasn't long before he was up to speed and helping us whip up prep for lessons, lunch, and dinner for the now FULL classes. We ran through the normal schedule for a few days, and that thursday (June 19th) Frank, Ali, and I rented a car and took off for an old college friend (and frathernity brother) Simone's wedding in Rome. I must say, it was very generous of Simone and his new bride Maite to invite the three of us since it was indeed a "destination wedding" and (as i've learned) they can be QUITE expensive to organize and orchestrate. Anywho, it was great seein so many old faces and it was really amazing to get to connect with them again so far from home.
Simone & Maite
Al & I Cutting the cake
Anywho, without further adue, here's the short version of what my last month has encompased:
Since we've last spoken, my friend Ali and I were joined by my best friend Frank in Tuscany. Frank LOVES to cook so it wasn't long before he was up to speed and helping us whip up prep for lessons, lunch, and dinner for the now FULL classes. We ran through the normal schedule for a few days, and that thursday (June 19th) Frank, Ali, and I rented a car and took off for an old college friend (and frathernity brother) Simone's wedding in Rome. I must say, it was very generous of Simone and his new bride Maite to invite the three of us since it was indeed a "destination wedding" and (as i've learned) they can be QUITE expensive to organize and orchestrate. Anywho, it was great seein so many old faces and it was really amazing to get to connect with them again so far from home.
Simone & Maite
Al & I Cutting the cake
Phi Kaps... Italian-style
Sunday, June 15, 2008
No sleep 'til Roma!!
CIAO regazzi!!
As some of you may know, i've been joined by an old friend here in Tuscany. His name's Ali and he and I went to college together a few years ago. Since college, he's bounced all around the US but currently lives in San Francisco. He (and soon many other college friends) made the trip out here for a mutual friend's wedding. Fortunately however, he decided to give himself a good 10 days of relaxing in Italy straddling the wedding. SOOOOO, of course (to make the most of his trip) we met here in my little town, rented a car, and hit the road....
On his first day, we explored the area immediately surrounding my small town. Shortly after, we hit the weekend and decided to make the most of it by driving a bit farther. After some intense decision making (we practically flipped a coin) we opted to drive to San Gimignano (in the heart of the Chianti Region) for the day.
After getting there, we had a fantastic time, saw some beautiful scenery, and decided that we should take a few hour detour in Volterra before we finally made our way back home. NOW, I should say that it's been great having him here, but to be perfectly honest i've barely slept, ate like a pig, and drank enough to kill a small elephant!! Of course i wouldn't change it for the world and I'll defiantely attest to the wonders of Wild Boar and Fennel Sausage (Salsissca di Cingale e Finoccio) , Farrow Soup (Zuppa di Farro), and all the other fantastic Tuscan delicacies. =) [Case in point: It's currently 2 am here. We've just polished off our 2nd bottle of wine for the evening, and after staying up until 4:30 am last night, i'm ready to do a faceplant into the keyboard!]
Here are some pics from our last adventure:
Josh & Al - San Gimignano
Farrow Soup & a fantastic view from the drive down
Oy I need sleep....
BUONA NOTTE! =P
As some of you may know, i've been joined by an old friend here in Tuscany. His name's Ali and he and I went to college together a few years ago. Since college, he's bounced all around the US but currently lives in San Francisco. He (and soon many other college friends) made the trip out here for a mutual friend's wedding. Fortunately however, he decided to give himself a good 10 days of relaxing in Italy straddling the wedding. SOOOOO, of course (to make the most of his trip) we met here in my little town, rented a car, and hit the road....
On his first day, we explored the area immediately surrounding my small town. Shortly after, we hit the weekend and decided to make the most of it by driving a bit farther. After some intense decision making (we practically flipped a coin) we opted to drive to San Gimignano (in the heart of the Chianti Region) for the day.
After getting there, we had a fantastic time, saw some beautiful scenery, and decided that we should take a few hour detour in Volterra before we finally made our way back home. NOW, I should say that it's been great having him here, but to be perfectly honest i've barely slept, ate like a pig, and drank enough to kill a small elephant!! Of course i wouldn't change it for the world and I'll defiantely attest to the wonders of Wild Boar and Fennel Sausage (Salsissca di Cingale e Finoccio) , Farrow Soup (Zuppa di Farro), and all the other fantastic Tuscan delicacies. =) [Case in point: It's currently 2 am here. We've just polished off our 2nd bottle of wine for the evening, and after staying up until 4:30 am last night, i'm ready to do a faceplant into the keyboard!]
Here are some pics from our last adventure:
Josh & Al - San Gimignano
Farrow Soup & a fantastic view from the drive down
Oy I need sleep....
BUONA NOTTE! =P
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
HOLY CRAP, A ZOMBIE!
Ok, not literally... but lets just say LITERARILY i've risen from the dead. Yes yes, i know, i've been gone for a bit now and many of you feared i'd never return. Well, much like Jesus springing from his well-adorned egg during Easter (I think that's how the story goes), I too have reappeared despite popular belief.
Firstly I would like to say that these past few weeks have been as the Italians say "Casino Casino." Suffice it to say, we (at the school) were joined by an old chef named Jacob who stayed with us for a little more than a week and definatley livened things up a bit. He and I hit up the local nightlife, took a roadtrip to Venice, and definatley had a blast. Happily, I can also say that he's quite talented in the kitchen so we actually got to put out some good food while he was here. Below you'll find a small trio that he added to our usual fish appetizer plate for our Tuesday night menu.
"Jacobe Beef" and the trio of fishy delights
Firstly I would like to say that these past few weeks have been as the Italians say "Casino Casino." Suffice it to say, we (at the school) were joined by an old chef named Jacob who stayed with us for a little more than a week and definatley livened things up a bit. He and I hit up the local nightlife, took a roadtrip to Venice, and definatley had a blast. Happily, I can also say that he's quite talented in the kitchen so we actually got to put out some good food while he was here. Below you'll find a small trio that he added to our usual fish appetizer plate for our Tuesday night menu.
"Jacobe Beef" and the trio of fishy delights
CIAO VENEZIA!
Also, our property has a number of cows that have since appeared outside our humble home. SO, of course i couldn't wait to take pics and get them up on the blog.....
The Cows of Tuscany!!!
hahaha, anywho... i'm happy to be back, and will definatley be posting more soon. OH, and as a random side note, I should also say that my US phone number works here. SO, for those of you who were curious about that, Verizon's world phone service works pretty damn well.
CIAO!!!
Monday, May 12, 2008
Summertime Snacks
Hello friends, for today's installment of "True Life: I'm a Tuscan Pastry Nerd" I'll be featuring a recent inspiration of mine;
Italian Summertime Snacks
For my first experiment, i decided to give the ol' Chocolate Sausage a go. No no, i'm not talking about trying any weird Tuscan sexual exploits... I'm talking about a confection, made of ganache, nuts, and sometimes dried fruit, enjoyed by Italian children everywhere. For my first iteration of a Chocolate Sausage recipe, I tried Gina DePalma (pastry chef of Babbo)'s recipe. She seemed to have a pretty obvious grasp of Italian food (combined with an American palate) that logically leads me to believe her recipe'd be pretty good. Well, take it from me, the recipe IS good, however it really needs one small alteration: Make a Sabayone with the Egg Yolks & Sugar. Don't leave 'em raw!! Unfortunately if you do, the sugar is quite percieveable and provides (for me) an unusual texture. Obviously this is a personal beef, but hey, you're here readin about me, so tough!
(Choc. Sausage....mmmm)
Ok, now that we've crossed that bridge, lets get onto the next experiement:
In Italy, especially Tuscany, it's quite common for kids to grow up snacking on Orange Segments, drizzled in Olive Oil and served with a tiny PINCH of salt. Now, to an American, this is an odd combination, but (of course) once you put it together it's pretty damn good!
Well, once I heard about this, the wheels starting turning and soon enough, I had a plated dessert. So, without further adue, i present to you, a Blood Orange Cake (iced with an Orange Zest Glaze), Orange Paste Frolla (brushed with Olive Oil), a White Chocolate Olive Oil Ganache, and Mascarpone Cream. Garnished with Blood Orange Segments and (fancy) Olive Oil.
deeeeeeeelicious.
The plate came out great, and of course, I love the way they all look together.
Buon Appetito!
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