Happy Monday. This week I am going to dedicate all of my posts to the value
of "real"- as in- things that are authentic and make me smile...they are not
mass produced, they do not require a fast connection, and most of all, they
speak to our senses and our experiences- why not go "real" this week and
enjoy those things that recall a first love, a summer at the beach, or a
languid Manhattan afternoon in the summertime. Today let's cover food-
eating "real" is the mack of sensory experiences...maybe you'll be inspired
enough to make one of the below or order up a little something in the name
of veritas. Here's today's list of REAL. Just three little things to enjoy that are good
for the soul: Homemade chocolate chip cookies. From scratch. I dig the original Tollhouse
variety. I also love the City Bakery NYC variety. Yum. A good cookie will
never go out of style. I am suspicious of anyone who does not love a good cc
cookie. Do not trust such a creature. They are most likely a weirdo or a
meanie or a liar. (Also don't trust people who don't curse. That's just
bullshit.) Lobster rolls from a stand in the Hamptons. Or Mary's Fish Camp. Or make
your own. This little sandwich is ingenious and delicious and reminds me of
drives to Montauk in the summer. I also remember sidling up to the Mary's
counter one balmy August afternoon, as the sun was starting its descent and
the light on the west side was divine and alas- all was right in the world.
Goes perfect with a fresh tan and is surely the perfect summer fare. (Make
sure you have the proper roll though. And don't even think of forgetting the
butter. Very important). The perfect bloody mary. Preferably before noon. Made with celery salt for a
little extra somethin'. Nothing better... Or improvise with pickled okra as a garnish a la New Orleans style. You
could always do the original purist version, though- created at Harry's Bar
in Paris- recipe below- "real" is all about a reverence for the classics: 2 oz. vodka
3 oz. tomato juice
1/2 oz. lemon juice
3 dashes Worcestershire sauce
2 drops Tabasco sauce
salt
black pepper
Shake all the ingredients in a shaker with ice and strain into a highball
glass over crushed ice. Garnish with a lemon wedge and a celery stalk.
I could go on and on but those three come to mind. It's the real stuff that
makes life worth living. I'll be posting about authenticity all week as I
spread the gospel of real. I know this all seems terribly obvious, but
that's kind of the point. You don't have to look very far for happiness or
meaning- it's the tried and true that matters and connects us to our lives
and each other. I am sure you all have your list of favorite homemade meals
and drinks that define who you are and where you come from. XO
of "real"- as in- things that are authentic and make me smile...they are not
mass produced, they do not require a fast connection, and most of all, they
speak to our senses and our experiences- why not go "real" this week and
enjoy those things that recall a first love, a summer at the beach, or a
languid Manhattan afternoon in the summertime. Today let's cover food-
eating "real" is the mack of sensory experiences...maybe you'll be inspired
enough to make one of the below or order up a little something in the name
of veritas. Here's today's list of REAL. Just three little things to enjoy that are good
for the soul: Homemade chocolate chip cookies. From scratch. I dig the original Tollhouse
variety. I also love the City Bakery NYC variety. Yum. A good cookie will
never go out of style. I am suspicious of anyone who does not love a good cc
cookie. Do not trust such a creature. They are most likely a weirdo or a
meanie or a liar. (Also don't trust people who don't curse. That's just
bullshit.) Lobster rolls from a stand in the Hamptons. Or Mary's Fish Camp. Or make
your own. This little sandwich is ingenious and delicious and reminds me of
drives to Montauk in the summer. I also remember sidling up to the Mary's
counter one balmy August afternoon, as the sun was starting its descent and
the light on the west side was divine and alas- all was right in the world.
Goes perfect with a fresh tan and is surely the perfect summer fare. (Make
sure you have the proper roll though. And don't even think of forgetting the
butter. Very important). The perfect bloody mary. Preferably before noon. Made with celery salt for a
little extra somethin'. Nothing better... Or improvise with pickled okra as a garnish a la New Orleans style. You
could always do the original purist version, though- created at Harry's Bar
in Paris- recipe below- "real" is all about a reverence for the classics: 2 oz. vodka
3 oz. tomato juice
1/2 oz. lemon juice
3 dashes Worcestershire sauce
2 drops Tabasco sauce
salt
black pepper
Shake all the ingredients in a shaker with ice and strain into a highball
glass over crushed ice. Garnish with a lemon wedge and a celery stalk.
I could go on and on but those three come to mind. It's the real stuff that
makes life worth living. I'll be posting about authenticity all week as I
spread the gospel of real. I know this all seems terribly obvious, but
that's kind of the point. You don't have to look very far for happiness or
meaning- it's the tried and true that matters and connects us to our lives
and each other. I am sure you all have your list of favorite homemade meals
and drinks that define who you are and where you come from. XO
