Weekend Bites: Extended Restaurant Week + Brooklyn Flea
Starting this Saturday, the Brooklyn Flea, now held indoors in DUMBO is expanding to include “non-vintage vendors of clothes, jewelry, art, handmade/crafts, and best of all, food!”
According to the website, “Flea food-vendor staples Kumquat Cupcakery, McClure’s Pickles, Hot Blondies Bakery, and Choice Market will all be at 81 Front St. Fine + Raw Chocolate will debut their insane raw hot cocoa… Chris and his Kings County BBQ truck will be parked out front… Red Hook and Brooklyn Flea Food Vendor Rafael Soler will have his renowned pupusas available.”
Thrifty Gourmet Tip: If you must choose one day to visit the market, do it on Sunday. Why? Because Mitzy Budiono, of Itzy Bitzy Patisserie will be serving up her delectable Parisian Macarons at the corner storefront (corner of Washington St.).
When: Saturdays and Sundays – 11:00am – 6:00pm
Where: 81 Front St, Brooklyn
Still Hungry? Grab a bite at 5 Ninth, Bar Boulud, Megu or any of the restaurants that have extended their winter restaurant week prix-fixe deals. Now, that’s what I call recessionary SWEET!
By Thrifty Gourmet on January 30, 2009 | 0
Gboflotos: A Sweet TrEAT Cote D’Ivoire and Holland Have In Common
Hailing from Cote D’Ivoire, I spent many of my teenage days snacking on yummy street foods ranging from alloco (fried plantains) to pain-brochette (beef kebab sandwiches), choukouya (chopped grilled meat) and poulet braise (barbecued chicken) among many others.
Today’s story began last night when I was taken by an intense feeling of nostalgia as I reminisced about the warm Ivorian weather and all the delicious food I used to eat back in Abidjan. Sigh… In this cold and depressing New York winter exacerbated by homesickness, what’s a better way to get over the nostalgic blue than to indulge some of my guilty pleasures from the homeland? By that, I mean devouring a generous plate of Gboflotos, one of my favorite Ivorian sweet treats. Continue reading Gboflotos: A Sweet TrEAT Cote D’Ivoire and Holland Have In Common
By Thrifty Gourmet on January 26, 2009 | 3
Mionetto Prosecco Brut NV, A Great Bubbly Under $15
Times are getting harder, but don’t let the weak economy and the gloomy weather bring you down. Toast to life, family and great friends with a bubbly that will make your wallet love you.
Priced at $11.49 (Trader Joe’s), Mionetto Prosecco Brut is a great value bubbly guaranteed to make you and your guests warm and fuzzy during these somber winter days. This sparkling wine is crisp, fresh and nicely balanced with a strong fruity bouquet and hints of pears and apples. Though delicious by itself, Mionetto pairs fabulously with light antipasti and mild cheeses.
Having a brunch party? Use Mionetto to add an extra touch of elegance to your Mimosas, Bellinis and other bubbly-based cocktails.
Tasting Notes (the stuff wine snobs like)
Eye: Delicate yellow, straw color with a thick foam
Nose: White peach and nectarine
Palate: Golden apple and pear
Finish: Long and clean bubbly finish
By Thrifty Gourmet on January 26, 2009 | 0
Whisk Your Way Into a Greener Kitchen
There are countless ways to save energy at home and your kitchen is one of the easiest places to start. Get a good hand whisk and start whisking your way into a greener kitchen. Electric mixers may be effortless and fun, but mastering a whisk will undoubtedly make you a better cook. Hand whisking will require a little (okay maybe a lot) more muscle work in the beginning; though, once you get the hang of it, you will be glad you switched over.
Remember Top Chef Season 4, episode 9, quick fire challenge – where Stephanie and Nikki had to make mayonnaise from scratch using a hand whisk? Yes! It’s totally doable. How do you think cakes were made in the old days? Honing strong whisk skills give you more control over texture and consistency when whipping creams and mixing cake batters. So get down with the program and start whisking away! Whisks come in various sizes and prices, but a decent multipurpose whisk should cost you no more $10.
Below are a few whisk options for:
The snob: Le Creuset® Balloon Whisk – $19.99
Bold color and smooth lines coupled with ultimate durability are brought to you in the latest line of Le Creuset® kitchen tools. These balloon whisks are made of 100% premium quality silicone, which is heat resistant up to 800 degrees Farenheit. The whisk silicone wires will not scratch any pan surface, nor will it entrap any food, making it extremely hygienic. Balloon whisk also features an ergonomic silicone handle for a comfortable, smooth grip while whisking. Available at Bed Bath & Beyond
The whimsical: Head Chef™ Whisk – $10.00
Entertaining as well as functional, this playful whisk will spark your little chef’s imagination. Made of food-safe silicone, the whisk sports bendable arms and legs, and it stands upright on suction-cup feet. The brightly colored utensil is shaped to fit smaller hands. Each kitchen tool in the Head Chefs collection is designed to be both comfortable and durable, ensuring hours of culinary exploration. Available at Sur La Table
The eco-conscious: Bamboo Handled Whisk – $6.50 reg. $12.95
Ergonomic and earth-friendly, the contoured bamboo handle provides a firm grip as the graduating stainless steel wire head mixes and aerates foods. Available at Crate & Barrel
The starving artist: KONCIS Whisk – $4.99
A multipurpose stainless steel whisk with non-stick coating. Perfect for the home cook on a budget. Available at Ikea.
By Thrifty Gourmet on January 18, 2009 | 0
East Village Cheese – Doesn’t Get Cheaper Than This!
The first time I shopped at the East Village Cheese Shop, I hustled out of there with my purchase thinking there might have been a glitch in the pricing system. You would too if you were faced with a 1lb wheel of Brie priced at $1.99. Insane! I went back a second time thinking the prices would be back to normal, but much to my surprise, those were the “normal” prices.
Don’t get me wrong. I love a good deal, but what is a French girl to think when French cheese costs less in New York than in the country of origin? I mean, how is this logically possible? I looked into the reasons why cheese could be so cheap and apparently, quality is not an issue to worry about. So, I got with the fact that from then on, East Village Cheese would be my go-to place for cheese in Manhattan.
Forget Whole Foods and other hipster cheese shops! East Village Cheese carries an extensive cheese selection at prices you won’t find anywhere. In addition to cheeses, you can treat yourself to other yummy food items such as artisan breads, deli meats, olives, French patés and imported olive oils.
The Catch: CASH ONLY and minimum purchase of ½ lb for most items
Open: Everyday – 8:30am to 6:30pm
Address: 40 3rd Ave (bet. 9th and 10th) New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 477-2601
By Thrifty Gourmet on January 15, 2009 | 0
