Hi y’all.  I am so so sorry for not blogging lately!  It has been such a whirlwind since our new prez. came on board and I just now have settled down. 

I want to talk to y’all about decorating small spaces and solutions to downsizing.  We all know that we are trying to re-create our lives everyday now, just to survive. 

If you finally got that million-dollar baby- that postage stamp-size apartment in the city, and now you don’t know what to do with it, let’s talk. I have had several emails asking me for design advice on how to decorate their studios so I wanted to pass on a few general tips so that you can have a functional but stylish pad with the best digs available.  Most of my clients complain about the fact that they do not have enough space but later they realize it is not the lack of space but what they did with the available space they have that matters.  Here are a few design tips to fully utilize your space. 

First, determine and create your walkways in your space so you don’t obstruct your path with furniture or that exotic fertility statue you bought from a street vendor in the east village.  No need to walk over and around your fabulous digs to get to the kitchen.  The more “footprint” you have that is clear, the larger your space will seem.

• Simplify and reduce the amount of star trek memorabilia, salt-n-pepper shakers (aka: stuff) you have laying around the place.  When space is precious, the last thing you want to do is have to find space to display all those treasures.  First you need a place to sit, eat, and store.  You can’t compete with your BFF who has a 4 bed/3 bath in Westchester, sorry!  Remember: ‘Less is more’.  Decide what to sell on Craig’s List or Ebay.  Pitch what is garbage.  Pick out what goes ‘bye-bye’ to “Acme Storage” and whatever is left, will need to be strategically placed around that 300sq ft. living room so you don’t hit your girl/guy Friday between the eyes with “Yes, I’m a Trekki!”

 

• De-clutter with furniture items that are multi-functional.  Hip trendy plastic furniture is cute but perfect for Barbie’s Playhouse.  First, you have to make sure these furniture ‘finds’ are compact to fit your space.  It needs to have some storage or multi-functional feature and the design has to have a long life, unless you are interested in changing your décor every year.   I suggest ME2 Design items, not only because they are friends of mine but that their designs were created with downsizing and hard-to-furnish spaces in mind, so most of their items do at least 2-3 things.  They have storage, wheels, are coordinated, multi-functional and modular…these items work in any space and they are stylish basics to suit any lifestyle.  Since you are living in a small space, the main living floor space must be maximized.   See if you are able to cut out dry-wall ‘shadowbox’ windows into the wall to place or mount your TV and accessories right into the wall to relieve the need for an entertainment center.  Use wall mounted shelving. Use two matching small tables like ME2’s wire tables, Brooklyn Nights Smoking Tables, in front of a small sofa as cocktail tables instead of one large table.  This allows for more walking space and gives the illusion of a larger room.

 

• Kitchen space in a big city apartment is usually a joke and it creates the most stress because we love to hang out in the kitchen.  If you do not have enough space for a large kitchen table, try ME2 Design’s “The Talker”.  This 3-pc ensemble is sleek and long so it is great along a wall in a small kitchen.  The stools nest under the table and are on wheels so easy to arrange, as needed.  The stools also have hidden storage inside to put pots, pans, toys etc.  If your kitchen does not have enough space for a table but has an open wall, get a piece of wood 1” thick x 10” wide (or as wide as you can come out from the wall) x ( ¾ of the length of the wall).  Have the wooden “counter bar top” bull-nose beveled on the outside edges and flat along the backside where it will be mounted onto the wall.  Have the wood top stained and finished on all sides, to match your cabinets.  Mount the “wood counter top” to the wall, 32” from floor and add supporting brackets underneath.  Purchase 2-3 counter stools that are 28” tall to slide them underneath the counter when not in use.  Add a large piece of artwork centered on the wall to balance the counter top bar and add color and design to the space.  The counter will be great for storing, entertaining and eating and will take up minimal space!

 

• Color is very important to a small space so watch out for those bright colors.  Unless you want to live in a disco or beach party patio atmosphere everyday after a long day at the office, select a warm, light and monochromatic palette to create a soothing atmosphere and the illusion of space, where you have none.   For example, shades of green are good for a bedroom because they are calming colors.  If you need those trend colors, add them as spots of color with your accessories, pillows or area rug.  Area Rugs are also a key addition because it adds color, separates a “room” in one space and is also comfortable. Create drama in your space by adding a decorative accent wall behind your main piece of furniture in a (2x) darker tone than the rest of the walls.  The trim must be painted all the same color in your place if it is small.  Some people prefer white; some prefer off-white and some people like a tone of the wall color.  It is all personal preference, but whatever you decide, the trim needs to be in the same color throughout the space so the flow stays consistent.

 

• Don’t over furnish your space.  You can use a large oversized sectional, sofa or Queen Ann loveseat, whatever, as long as you choose a simple sleek design and don’t crowd the left over space with too many other pieces.  A small room or single-room living space should only have up to 5 well-fitting furniture pieces. Check out ME2 Design side tables, The Observer, for fabulous tables with magazine shelf, storage and hidden wheels.  They are a perfect scale for large sofas and hides stuff too.

 

• Lighting is key and will impact your space more than anything else.  Add recessed lighting along the perimeter of the room and other key areas throughout your place to give an illusion that the space is larger than it is.  If you can’t add recessed lighting, add side tables next to the sofa for a comfy/cozy feeling and add a chandelier if you want to separate a “dining room/eating area” from the rest of the space.  Adding a chandelier differentiates the spaces, visually.

 

• Wall Décor is key to any space, large or small. Add large artwork on the wall of your small room, especially behind your largest furniture pieces.  Art or wall décor serves to anchor your furniture and creates a ‘room within a room’. The larger the art, the bigger your space will seem.  Add mirrors strategically placed throughout the space.  Place a large mirror across from a large window to bring the outdoors in, even if it is just the backside of another building.

 

• Closets are usually the first structure that is removed from a space when these small urban apartments were created, so you have to create your own “storage”.  After you take my advice and purchase furniture with storage, you need main storage space.  I suggest that you add wall storage.  I read a great idea where you get a carpenter to cut out storage “cabinets” inside the wall (assuming they are dry wall) and then create a column of cabinets set into the wall and add on hinged door fronts. Utilize storage under your bed by getting shallow large bins on wheels so you can access them easily for shoes, sweaters etc.  Create a “closet” by purchasing a great Japanese screen or connect 3 vintage doors together to   create a “room divider/closet”.  Place a clothing rack behind screen and you  have a closet.  Low on cash?  Run a drapery track or curtain rod with hooks along ceiling, place 2 ft. away from the wall and extend along the     length of the wall.  Purchase canvas or drapery fabric to make panels that   go to the floor.  Sew together as many panels as you need to close off  “closet” area. 

• The bathroom is also a place where you have to improvise to survive. Utilize the back of the door, under the sink and any space that you can access without cramping yourself, with hooks, shelving, bins. Walls are to have mounted cabinets and shelves. If you have the funds, update the old sink-with-cabinet from the 60’s with a pedestal/vessel sink or wall mounted sink and cabinet.  It opens up  your room and is an updated solution for a small bathroom. The mirror  should be large and if possible, a medicine cabinet …or you can put a medicine cabinet set into the wall behind the door.  If you are lucky enough to have a closet in the bathroom, an easy “fix” for  the door-hitting-another-door issue is to take off the closet door and its hinges.  Repair or replace trim around door, if necessary.  Then add a track and beaded curtain, sheers or drapes and hang them to the floor.

Well, to my housewives and fashionistas out there who I love and adore, just because your place is small doesn’t mean it has to look like a dorm room or a storage unit.  Follow a few of these tips and you will create a cozy, chic nest for yourselves!

 

That’s All,

David

It is Rioja week from April 26-May 2^nd and participating restaurants in NYC (Listed Below) are offering wine tastings with their fabulous small plate pairings, prix fixe menus and discounts on Rioja.

Rioja is a wonderfully versatile wine that comes from Northern Spain and the Ebro River regions.  The Rioja region produces an extraordinary range of wines from deep reds to crisp whites.

We often say our wines are “made in the vineyards,” and insist on using the highest quality grapes matured to perfection. Rioja is home to several grape varieties, but the prize of the region is certainly the Tempranillo grape, which has been cultivated in Spain for centuries and is recognized as one of the world’s noble varieties. As the chief ingredient in Rioja wines, Tempranillo grapes form the vibrant base for the rich flavors of Rioja reds.

REDS:

Tempranillo

This is Spain’s classic varietal, known for its vibrancy and how well it complements so many foods and social occasions. Expressive when young and velvety rich when aged, it makes for wines that are medium to full-bodied with hints of vanilla and flavors of cherries, currants and coconut. Tempranillo also is known for its gorgeous raspberry freshness. Nearly 80 percent of all grapes grown in Rioja are Tempranillo. The true origin of the Tempranillo grape has been lost in the mists of time, but it has been suggested that pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago may have brought vines with them on their long journey from monasteries in Northern Europe.

Garnacha Tinta

Among red wines, Garnacha is the most extensively grown grape variety in the world. It produces full-bodied wine that often has hints of raspberries. It is low in tannins and provides a softness to wine. In cool areas it produces a subtle, interesting and balanced wine. It is used to add strength and warmth to red Riojas Nearly 20 percent of all varietals grown in La Rioja are Garnacha.

Rioja Tinto Gran Reserve- A complex blend of berry fruit and spice, like cinnamon, but with an overcast of wood, leather and truffle.   Great fall/winter wine with beef stews, venison and duck.

Rioja Tinto Reserve- A modern red reserve with hints of chocolate, sweet spices like licorice, anise.  More complex and developed than a fresh fruit taste with an earthy full bodied palette.  Perfect complement to a dinner party with lamb, risotto and meats.

** Aging Reserve: Requires 36 months aging between barrel and bottle, with at least 12 months in barrel.

Mazuelo

Wine made from the mazuelo grape is high in color and acidity, rich in tannins with a rougher edge. It’s used in small amounts in Rioja reds to add structure and longevity. The Mazuelo grape originated in France, where it is known as Carignan Noir. About four percent of all varietals grown in La Rioja are Mazuelo.

Graciano

Wines made from this grape are bright red, with considerable acidity and a pleasant, characteristic bouquet. It is the most aromatic of all our varieties, giving Rioja Gran Reservas their textured feel and fine aging properties Like the Tempranillo variety, Graciano is indigenous to Spain and is experiencing a growing popularity due to pleasing taste and aromatic qualities.

** Aging Graciano: Aged in oak barrels at least 12 months with at least another year in the bottle.

Rioja Tinto Crianza- A clean fruity everyday red wine that has a degrees of strawberry cherry aroma with a hint of vanilla taste.  Great with fish, pasta, and beef.

WHITES:

Viura is the main white grape variety grown in Rioja. It makes wines that are pleasant, floral with a light and delicate flavor. Slightly over 10 percent of all varietals grown in Rioja are Viura.

Malvasia

This grape creates a light crispness to wines with its floral aromas and a core flavor of grapefruit. It is used to give structure to white Riojas.

Garnacha Blanca

This grape is added to white Riojas for its pleasant taste and aromas of sweet honeysuckle and apricot.

White Rioja- A rich white wine with a tropical fruity taste and a coconut, honey and vanilla aroma.  Makes a great Chardonnay substitute for fish, seafood, fruit sauces and desserts.

 

Come join us in checking out the participating top-notch restaurants in NYC who are offering complete tastings, discounts and prix fixe menus!

 1. Lower East Side:

  - Cru- 24 5th Ave./ 9th St.

     $50 prix fixe menu

      20% off bottles

-  Bond St.- 6 Bond St.

  - Strip House- 13 E. 12^th St

  - The Mermaid Inn-96 2^nd Ave.

     $25 prix fixe menu

  -  Indochine- 430 Lafayette St

      20% off bottle

      $50 prix fixe menu

2.  Lower West Side:

- Tailor- 525 Broome St

 $50 prix fixe menu

 - City Winery- 155 Varick St.

 - Barocco Winebar- 110 9^th Ave.

 $25 prix fixe menu

- Lure Fish Bar- 525 Broome St

- Las Ramblas- 170 W. 4^th St.

- Bottino- 246 10^th Ave.

$25 prix fixe menu

3.  Upper East Side:

- David Burke Townhouse-133 E 61rst St.

$25 prix fixe menu and wine discount

- Flex Mussels- 174 E. 82^nd. St.

$50 prix fixe menu

 

4.  Upper West Side:

- Nonna- 520 Columbus Ave.

$25 prix fixe menu and 20% discount

- Center Cut- 44 W. 63^rd St.

$50 prix fixe menu

-Campo- 2888 Broadway

$25 prix fixe menu

- South Gate- 154 Central Park South

- Atria- 13-15 W. 54^th St

$50 prix fixe menu

 

Also, here are just a few basic Rioja facts for your own wine tasting:

Rioja wines are released only when ready to drink. Consequently, there is less need to take up cellar space for aging requirements.

Riojas are made to go with food. The major wine grapes of Rioja — tempranillo, garnacha and graciano — while pleasantly fruity, are not overpowering. Diners will still taste their food and not be overwhelmed by the strength of the wine. That makes them a perfect complement to most meats, poultry and even seafood.

Vintages are less important for many wines from Rioja. While many Riojan wineries have added a single vineyard wine to their portfolio, where vintage can be an issue, grapes have traditionally been sourced from around the region. This means that only high quality grapes are purchased by wineries. This is why most winemakers in Rioja will tell you great wines are made in the vineyard, not in the winery.

Riojas tend to have a somewhat lower alcohol content than most other wines. They can be found as low as 12% in alcohol content. Not only does this help them complement food but it enables bars and restaurants to be more ethically conscious in how much wine they serve.

Use several ME2 Design cheese trays and Sandwich with Pops serving platters to display your variety of complementary tapas to finish off your taste of Spain!

 

(Excerpts from Tasting Table and vibrantrioja.com)

Hey everyone!  In May, Daniel Boulud is opening a chic culinary version of a beer hall in the Bowery. It seems like the Bowery is turning into the Park Ave. of lower east side. He is calling it the “Good Beer Kitchen and Bar ” and it is planned to be a brasserie-style beer hall that will offer an extensive selection of beers, including more than 20 from the tap and will be pairing the brews with a beer-friendly menu of sausages, sauerkrauts and charcuterie.
Boulud’s favorite all-time beer is Stella Atrois because of its versatility. It’s light, but still delivers loads of flavor.  He is also adding his fave craft beer, ”St. Rieul Grand Cru, the formidable Belgian-style triple made by Brasserie Saint-Rieul.  Its golden-orange color have a flavor of toasty grains, orange peel and honey and a surprisingly pleasant, slightly sour finish.

One of Boulud’s food/beer pairing will be Käse Kreiner [a cheese-filled smoked bratwurst] with a light, delicately hoppy Fohrenburger Tradition 1881, an Austrian beer I first tried in Vienna: Dogfish Head’s Raisin D’Etre. He claims its rich, malty sweetness catches the sausage from the other direction, bringing its salty, fatty deliciousness into focus.
The beer hall will be located at 299 Bowery (between Houston and 1rst St.)

A must try on our way to Rivington.

Having a party celebrating the holiday and the Spring Equinox?

We wanted to share with you a few recipes thatis some of our favorites in our collection of new and old recipes that would be perfect for your Spring holiday brunch or party.

1. Spring Tartlets

We combined the following hors o dourves all on a long ME2 “Sandwich with Pops” serving platter.  It made such an awesome conversation piece complete with an array of tasty bits that everyone enjoyed…all in just one platter. The Spring Tartlets and Crostinis combined with the Pinwheels (below) were displayed separately on the tiered trays for an explosion of texture and color!

9 ozs. puff pastry

butter (for greasing)

2 tblsp olive oil

1/2 c. chopped onion

1/2 c. chopped carrot

7 ozs. frozen peas

9 ozs. ricotta cheese

2 beaten eggs

5 tblsp. of grated parmesan reggiano

salt/pepper to taste

dusting of flour

12 - tart pan

2 1/2 ” cookie cutter

Heat olive oil in skillet and add carrots, onions and peas.

Saute’ for 3 minutes, remove and slightly cool. Add the ricotta, eggs, parmesan, salt and pepper.  Mix and set aside.

Heat oven to 375 degrees.  Lightly dust a smooth surface with flour and lay our puff pastry. Take cookie cutter and cut out 12 -3″ circles. Place each disc in tart pan.  Fill each with the vegetable mixture.  Bake for 15 minutes. 

Serves 10

(Adapted from La Cucina Italiana- 2006)

2. Spring Crostinis:

Place these Crostinis at the center of a ME2 “Sandwich with Pops” serving platter.

6 slices of brioche bread

butter (for greasing)

12 slices of prosciutto

2 c. balsamic vinegar

4 tblsp. sugar

3/4 c. heavy cream

3 tblsp. grated cheese

1 bay leaf

salt/pepper

1″ round cookie cutter

Heat oven to 325 degrees.  Cut 2 -1″ circles out of bread slices with a cookie cutter.

Place bread on a greased cookie sheet.   Heat toasts in oven for 3 min.

In saucepan, mix balsamic vinegar, sugar.   Cook until reduced and thicker.

Place heavy cream, bay leaf, salt and pepper in another.  Heat to boil.

Whisk the cream mixture into balsamic mixture.

Place a dollop of mixture on each toast and then place a rolled slice of proscuitto on top.  Sprinkle with parmesan.

Serves 12

(Adapted from La Cucina Italiana- 2006)

 

3.  Spring Pinwheels

2 large flour tortillas

4 slices of mozzarella

2 tblsp. olive or roasted red pepper tampenade

1 bunch of arugula- chopped/cleaned

Heat oven to 325 degrees.  Lay 2 tortillas on dry surface.  Brush each tortilla with olive tampenade. Lay 2 slices of mozzarella on each tortilla then 3 slices of proscuitto- each to cover entire tortilla.  Sprinkle with thin layer of arugula.

Roll each tortilla tightly.  Transfer to a cookie sheet and warm in oven for 5 minutes. Take out and cool slightly.  Cut each roll into 1/2″ thick slices and place them overlapping each other at an angle on one tray of a ME2 “Sandwich with Pops” tiered serving platter. each shelf can display different hors o dourves.  

Serves 10

(Adapted from La Cucina Italiana- 2006)

 

4.  Rhubarb and Goat Cheese Brushetta

Arrange the bruschetta on a ME “Ode to Jon” for a brilliant array of color on the white enamel glass center.

1 large loaf of Italian bread

3 tblsp. olive oil

7 ozs. goat cheese

1/2 c. finely chopped walnuts

7 ozs. rhubarb- trimmed and chopped

1 onion sliced1/2 teas. sugar

1/2 teas. chili pepper

salt and fresh ground pepper

5 basil leaves- chopped

1 head Boston lettuce 

Heat oven to 300 degrees.

In a skillet heat oil. Add onion, rhubarb, sugar, chili pepper and salt.

Cook for 20 minutes until you form a relish.  Slice bread in 1/2″  slices and arrange on a cookie sheet.  Brush 2 x with olive oil.  Season with salt and pepper.

Toast in oven until golden brown.

In a bowl, combine goat cheese, basil, nuts, salt and pepper.  Mix well. 

Lay out toasts in a concentric circle on the Ode to Jon platter.  Lay a leaf of lettuce on each toast.  Mold a teaspoon of goat cheese on top of leaf.  Spoon a row of rhubarb relish on top of the cheese.

Serves 12

(Adapted from La Cucina Italiana- 2006)

 

5.  Baked Brie with Apricot

1 medium round wheel of Brie or Camembert

1/4 c. sugar

3 tblsp. honey

1/4 c. chopped pecans

1 teas. cinnamon

1 1/2 c. apricot preserves

1 loaf of french bread

Heat oven to 325 degrees.  Slice the wheel of brie thru the middle so there are 2 slices of cheese- top and bottom.  Set aside.  In a bowl, mix the sugar, honey, cinnamon, nuts and apricot preserves together.  Mix thoroughly.  Spread generously over the top of the bottom slice of brie.   Place the top part of brie on top of apricot mixture, creating a sandwich.

Heat for 20 minutes or until you cut into outer rind of cheese to make sure the cheese and mixture inside is soft and melted.

Wrap loaf of french bread in aluminum foil and heat.

Cut in 1/2″ diagonal slices and place the baked brie in center ME2 “Ode to Jon” serving platter with bread slices placed in a circle around cheese.

Serves 12

 

6.  Mini Crab Cakes

Place these on a ME2 “Snacks with Brian” serving tower with other crostinis and chicken kebobs (below) to serve an entire party in one compact space.

 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, divided

 1 large egg

 1/4 cup sour cream

  1 teaspoon finely grated orange peel

  1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon peel

   4 teaspoons plus 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, divided

   1/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt

   Large pinch of cayenne pepper

   6 ounces fresh lump crabmeat, picked over, patted dry, coarsely shredded

   1 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)*

   1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted, plus more for pans

   Fresh chives, cut into pieces

   Special equipment: 2 mini muffin pans

Heat oven at 350 degrees.

Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese in medium bowl until smooth.  Add 1/4 c. Parmesan and egg. Beat until blended. Beat in sour cream, citrus peels, chopped chives, salt, and cayenne pepper. Fold in crabmeat.  

Generously butter 2 mini muffin pans. Toss panko, 1/2 cup Parmesan, and 2 tablespoons chopped chives in small bowl. Drizzle 1/4 cup melted butter over, tossing with fork until evenly moistened. Press 1 rounded tablespoon panko mixture into bottom of each muffin cup, forming crust. Spoon 1 generous tablespoon crab mixture into each cup. Sprinkle rounded teaspoon of panko mixture over each (some may be left over).

Bake crab cakes until golden on top and set, about 30 minutes. Cool in pans 5 minutes. Run knife around each cake and gently lift out of pan. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 hours ahead. Arrange on baking sheet; let stand at room temperature. Re-warm in 350°F oven 6 to 8 minutes.

Arrange crab cakes on serving platter; sprinkle with chives. 

Serves 10

(epicurious 2007)

7.  Chicken Kebobs

Kebabs:

   2 cups extra-virgin olive oil

   Juice of 3 lemons

   2 tablespoons chopped garlic

   3/4 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves (about 4 sprigs)

   3/4 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (about 5 sprigs)

   6 single boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cleaned of fat and cut into large cubes

   Salt and black pepper to taste

   Bamboo skewers

Sauce:

  2 (7-ounce) containers plain yogurt

 4 tablespoons sour cream

 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

 Zest of 2 lemons (fine)

 Juice of 1 lemon

 2 tablespoons minced garlic

 1 tablespoon black pepper

 2 teaspoons salt

 1/2 cup fresh mint, chopped (optional)

Preparation:

In a plastic bag or airtight container, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Add chicken, toss well to coat evenly, and refrigerate overnight.  Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and refrigerate at least 2 hours.  Remove chicken pieces from marinade and season well with salt and pepper. Grill chicken for 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and juices of chicken run clear when pricked with the end of the skewer.

Place 2-3  pieces on a ME2 “Party Fork”  and display with a coordinating “Key West Mike Sauce Dish”.  Place 3 pieces of chicken onto each fork. Serve with Lemon-Pepper Yogurt Sauce.

Serves 10.

(Epicurious 2007)

 

8. Suffed Mushrooms

8 ozs. spicy pork sausage

1/2 c. vidalia onion- finely chopped

25 baby portabella mushrooms

8 ozs. cream cheese

Brown sausage in skillet and stir until sausage is in crumbles.  Remove stems keeping the caps in tact.  Finely chop the stems and onions.  Set aside.  In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until creamy.  Add in sausage, onions and stems.

Spoon 1 teas. of mixture inside each mushroom cap.  Line up  caps 1″ apart on a cookie sheet and broil for 5 minutes, or until bubbly.

9. Lemon Chess Pie

4 eggs

2 cups sugar

1/4 c. butter

1/4 teas. salt

1 tblsp. flour

1 tblsp. cornmeal

1/4 c. milk

3/4 c.  lemon juice

grated peel of 2 lemons

1 unbaked pie shell

Heat oven at 425 degrees.

Beat the eggs in a bowl.  Add the sugar, butter, salt, flour, cornmeal, milk, lemon juice, and lemon peel in that order.  Beat together between each item.

Spoon into pie shell and bake 10 minutes.  Reduce heat and bake for another 40 minutes.

Serves 6

(From Made in the Shade)

10.  Easter Egg with Cream Brittle

9 ozs. ricotta

1/4 c. strawberry preserves

1/2 c. sugar

1 c. heavy cream

Brittle:

butter ( for greasing)

1/3 c. sugar

1/2 c. almond slivers

1/2 c. chopped pecans

8 slices of pan di Spagna

3 tblsp. maraschino liqueur

1/2  x-large dark chocolate hollow Easter egg

parchment paper

In a large saucepan, mix ricotta, preserves, sugar and heavy cream.  Stir and set aside in refrigerator.

Prepare brittle.  Lightly grease parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. Set aside.

In a saucepan, over low heat, warm the sugar until melted and slightly browned.  Add nuts. Stir.  Remove from heat and spread evenly over cookie sheet.  Cool until firm.  Break up 3/4 of brittle and add to ricotta mixture.  

Place a layer of the pan di spagna cake slices at the bottom inside of the dark chocolate Easter egg.  Brush with the maraschino liqueur.  Layer on the ricotta/brittle mixture to cover cake. Layer on another layer of the cake slices, maraschino liqueur, and cover again with the ricotta mixture.  Top  with the remaining ricotta/brittle mixture.

Sprinkle the top with the remaining brittle pieces.

Serves 6.

(Adapted from la Cucina Italiana)

1. . Champagne Sipper

1 qt. pineapple sherbet- softened

4 c. orange juice- chilled

4 c. white grape juice- chilled

1 bottle champagne- chilled

2 oranges- sliced

mint sprigs

Spread the sherbert in ice cube trays or form with melon baller.  Freeze for 10 hours.  Combine orange juice, grape juice in container.  Add the champagne to juice mixture just before serving.  

Place sherbert cubes in tall glass.  Add champagne and top each serving with orange slices and mint sprig.

Serves: 12

(Made in the Shade cookbook)

2.  Citrus Surprise

1 64 oz. cranberry juice

1 12 oz. frozen orange juice

1 6 oz. frozen lemonade

1 fifth vodka

1 liter Sprite

orange and lemon slices

Combine cranberry juice, orange juice, lemonade and vodka in a large freezer container and mix well.  Serve the slushy mixture into each glass and add an equal part of Sprite. Top each serving with an orange and lemon slice.

Serves: 20

(from Made in the Shade Cookbook)

3. White Sangria

2- 1.5 liters of  Rhine wine

1/2 c. brandy

1 c. curacao

1 - 10 oz. frozen strawberries- thawed

1- 16 oz. frozen mixed fruit- sliced

2  oranges- cut in quaters

1 lemon- cut in quarters

1 lime- cut on quarters

sugar- to taste

1 qt. club soda 

Combine wine, brandy, curacao in a large container. Add the fruit. Stir in sugar to taste. Chill for 24 hours.  Add club soda just before serving.

4.  Roof Deck Margaritas

2 c. tequilla

6 c. margarita mix

6 limes- cleaned, rolled and quartered

1 shot Cointreau liqueur

1 teas. sugar

crushed ice

In pitcher,  add ice, tequilla, cointreau, margarita mix and shake well.  Squeeze all 6 limes into pitcher, add limes.  Add sugar to taste.  Fill glasses with crushed ice.  Shake well before serving and pour over ice.  Garnish with lime.

5.  Pomegranate Splash

1 ¼ ounces Finlandia Wild Berry Fusion

1 ounce pomegranate juice

2 fresh orange slices (rind removed)

¾ ounce simple syrup

Splash fresh sour mix

In glass to be used for serving, muddle orange slices, pomegranate juice and simple syrup. Add Finlandia Wild Berry Fusion and a splash of sour. Add ice and shake. Garnish with an orange, raspberry and blackberry garnish.

 

 

 

We attempted to create a list of what we think are the best destination spots for beer lovers. Our pilgrimage took us thru bridge-and-tunnel to bring you ME2 Design’s Top Ten beer bars.

For our friends not living in NYC, offer up your own Pub Crawl results from your city and help your fellow beer-flies who may travel there and are in need of a cold one!

1. Brooklyn Brewery- 79 N. 11th St.  Brooklyn, Ny

-We went to the source. Partly because it was a walk down memory lane for some of us and partly because we felt like we needed a beer education before we got started.  It was a good feeling to know that we expanded our minds and we did something else other than elbow bends over the bar.  And a field trip for our over-stressed and over-extended non-beer lovers in the group.

The brewery opens up their tap room only on Friday nights.

- We got the freshest, most  delicious ales, stouts, and lagers flowing in NYC.  Mostly seasonal and speciality beers and reasonably priced.

- It is a large open warehouse space with picnic tables so it is fun to be in the middle of the action of ‘hops land’ USA.

2. Mugs Ale- 125 Bedford.  Williamsburg Brooklyn, NY

Gotta love Mugs if you like beer.  It is a bar that every corner should have.

-Good selection of micro brews, hearty varieties on tap (about 30).

-20 oz. Imperial pints for $6.00.  Great selection of Dark Horse, Captain Lawrence Liquid Gold, Chelsea Hop Angel, Southern tier Cherry Saison and o5 Bigfoot.

-Laid back old-pub-americana vibe that made us happy we were still in the city.  Check out the variety of old beer steins hanging along the ceiling.

- Hipster waitresses know beer more than you do so no need to impress.  Just ask politely what a lambic is.  They’ll serve you up right.

- Food was average but at least it was a tasty-something so we weren’t 1/2 in the bag by the time we left.

3. Barcade- 388 Union St.  Brooklyn, Ny

Beer and a video game- life can’t get better than that.

-24 taps or so- no bottles. $5.00 Pints and $6.00 Imperials.  A lot of local NY brews…didn’t see any euro beers. They had cask from Troegs.  They had brew from Ithica, South Hampton,Brooklyn, Sly Fox…all L.I. breweries

- We LOVED LOVED LOVED the old Pac Man and Asteroids games that line the walls!  A quarter a game and you play all night. I forgot how addicting Asteroids was!  The bar is cool, in a Brooklyn-kinda-way. Had no idea that Brooklyn has it all going on for our beer-flies.  It is a secret society we did not know existed from the UWS.

- Open with high ceilings and had a laugh over the wall of bottle caps. Watch out HGTV- new idea that you guys missed on Design on a Dime!

- No food.

4. David Copperfield’s - 1394 York Ave  Ny, Ny

- Relaxed neighborhood vibe. Well lighted with vaulted brick ceilings. Lots of beer-mania memorabilia.  We had no idea that there was so much to talk about beer.

-20 or so taps.  Tons of bottles. Pennichucks Imperial Espresso Stout and Legacy’s Hoptimus Prime were our faves.  Interesting cask of Victory hop wallop.  Tasty but too hearty for us. Had Ommegang brews.

- Their pub grub was great, surprisingly!  We ended the night there so we ended on a good note with our wig still straight!

5. dba- 41 First Ave. Ny, Ny

Not a true beer bar with their old man Whiskey and Bourbon selection but their assortment of beer seems solid to us who ‘know’ beer.  Sierra Nevada Porter, Goose Island IPA, jever Pils…

-12-15 taps and a wide selection of key American and Belgian beers. Stout on cask.

- They have a cool Yankee shrine with clippings and bobble heads for our yuppie fans- watch out Met fans from Queens.  Our friend, Eddie, would have stayed all nite reading the clippings!

- Taps change a lot because of frequent turn around which is good but the service is hit and miss. Too many come and go so the staff is over-extended like we are.  Be nice to the help and they’ll be nice to you!

- Outdoor patio is the best seat in the place since the bar is packed 4 deep on a weekend or when the patio is closed.

- They have food but we had pizza before hand…sorry- no comment.

6.  Spuyten Duyvil- 359 Metropolitan Ave.  Brooklyn, Ny

A true blue euro pub with a vintage vibe.  Love the low wood block bar.

- 6 taps with a wide selection of bottles and deep selection of Belgian and German beers.

-Bartenders can tell you all you care to know about  beer.  Perfect for our friendly beer geeks from Ireland.

- Very Euro. A local hang out spot for hipsters on the weekends.  Lighting is no good if you wanna look your best. Hard to find from street so watch where you came from.

- Love the assorted ala cart cheese and meat bites you can order to go with your beer or wine.  No liquer.

7. Blind Tiger Ale- 281 Bleeker St.  Ny, Ny

Crowded bar- best to go shed the stress after work during the week.  A much cleaner and fresher option to their old condemned-building-Bukowski era-watering hole on Hudson that they moved from. 

-28 drafts beers 50 bottles, including our own local brews from Brooklyn and other ales in cask.  They had  some rare finds from South Hampton, Brooklyn and Goose island and dog fish.

- Beers are a bit pricey.  Get their ‘bloody beer’ if you go on Sunday!

8. Burp Castle- 41 E. 7th. Ny, Ny

Great selection of craft beer… Belgians, micro brews and a nice quite ambiance. Small place to gather but not linger too long if you are in the mood to party.

-We later realized that the reason we were able to hear each other was because they have a ‘no loud talking’ ordinance that they enforce from old monastery days! 

- Love the conversational murals on the walls of monks on a raft with barrels… Go figure.  A perfect east side watering hole.

9. Waterfront Ale House- 155 Atlantic Ave.  Brooklyn, Ny

-Beer selection is great- 50 taps, local micro brews, cask ales and lambics.  I had a unique brew that was tasty, Bar Habour Blueberry Ale…but I like ‘fruity’ drinks too!

- Food is said to be very tasty…BBQ, burgers and comfort food.  They also have buffalo calamari???

- Great laid back atmosphere.  No frills spot.  Can be with your gang or on a date.

10. Six Point Craft Ales- 40 Van Dyke St. Red Hook, Brooklyn

Another brewery tour that we had to do since they are close to Brooklyn Brewery. A micro brewery with a wide selection of creative, tasty ales…even for a novice, non-beer drinker.  Try the Liberty Pale Ale and Cream Pale Ale.

- The owners and brew-master was very very nice and hospitable.  

- A full service bar and tours that show you how the brewing process is done. Interesting, educational and fun.

Has anyone noticed a bit of tension in the air lately? We are all under a lot of pressure with life changes and stress, but recently I have had several encounters with people that make me think the world is on tilt. It seems like people are more impulsive, irrational, and threatening than ever before, and my hope is that this article will inform, enlighten, and soften the edge we all carry with us so we can help each other instead of fight each other.

It was a beautiful, sunny evening in Florida. The news had come out that Madoff’s ponzi scheme stole billions of dollars from investors. I was driving my pup to the beach where she has her daily run. I was making a right-hand turn in the far right lane. A 40-something, Mercedes-driving crackpot pulled up to my bumper, waited ten seconds, proceeded to go around me, and cut me off as I was trying to make the turn. Impulsively, I hit the horn to warn him that he was four inches from my car. Suddenly, he pulled off to the right shoulder, got out of his car, and started to charge toward my car with his veins popping out of his neck.

Shaking, I immediately started to lock the car doors. He jerked the door handle as he tried to open the passenger door. My pup jumped into my lap. Frustrated that he could not get in the car, he decided to kick in the back door, leaving a large dent in the door. He walked away, got in his car, and drove off.

When I finally found an officer, he was very helpful after he noticed how visibly shaken up I was. After he processed the license plate, he informed me that the driver had no priors. The officer seemed to be strangely supportive of the man’s actions and said, “Well, I realize that you are upset but he probably just had a bad day.” “Bad Day?” I asked. “How ‘bad’ does life have to be to attack a car?”

I was surprised at the officer’s apathy. All I could think was if a cop considers this a casual occurrence, then is this exaggerated, irrational, and abusive behavior becoming the new normal? The officer passed me a card with his name, badge number, and telephone number of the local precinct. He advised me to contact the precinct in several days to follow up to see if an officer had contacted this man to reprimand him of his criminal misconduct.

I was unable to reach a person in the Records Department at the local precinct to follow up. I was left with $400 in body repairs, and the other guy probably still isn’t playing nice.

A study by Bachelor of Psychology (honors) student, Ben Hoggan, reveals that people experiencing significant stress at work often develop shorter fuses that can influence their level of road rage:

“For people under constant stress who feel like they’re undervalued, underpaid, and under-appreciated at work, even minor situations can trigger anger that builds to a point where high and uncontrolled levels of aggression are unleashed on the motoring public. These people release their frustrations on the road because it is a convenient location for them, they feel invincible within their protective steel barrier, it’s their space on the road and if people invade that space, the drivers believe they are well within their rights to attack other road users.”

For those of us who live in major US cities, we definitely see an increase in road rage, so I wanted to share with you some of our ways of dealing with aggressive drivers:

• Err on the side of being courteous. It promotes good energy thru your life.
• Ignore any yelling or rude behavior toward you. Don’t fight back; you don’t know if they are armed and dangerous.
• If you are at fault, always wave apologetically.
• Stay away from drivers who are speeding, constantly changing lanes, and noticeably angry.
• Take a deep breath and forget it happened.

A week later another incident happened with my neighbor outside my condo. Regrettably, I forgot to put my puppy on a leash. I walked past my neighbor. He had two old dogs, a dachshund and a terrier. Before my pup and I could even say hello, he got in my face and started screaming as if he was suddenly struck with Tourette’s. “What the F$#@% are you doing! Are you a f$%#@&^* idiot! Don’t you put your dog on a f%$#@!&^ leash!”

 I was flabbergasted. I shook my head and replied, “What! Did you just call me an idiot? Are you insane?” I interrupted his rant by walking off and saying, “Have a good day.” Before I knew it, he walked back out towards me and said, “I am so so so sorry! Can you please forgive me? I am so sorry. You are not an idiot. Please forgive me!” My heart broke for him because I witnessed just how close to the edge he must have been feeling. I apologized for not following the leash law and wished him a great day.

I decided to do a little research to understand what is happening on a global level so I can possibly help shed light on this potentially destructive trend and give some helpful tips that help my friends and I deal.

• 54% of Americans suffer from elevated stress in every day life today.
• 75% of all illnesses are stress-related.
• 12.5 million people are out of work.
• Six million American men suffer from depression and twice that amount of women are affected by depression.
• 19 million Americans have an anxiety disorder.

We are saddled with pressure, fear, and emotional stress from recent developments that have pummeled our economy and us. Though we are trying to logically deal with our finances and future plans in order to survive, some of us have guilt and shame for making poor financial decisions and feeling responsible for things we didn’t do. We might not think we can make an impact to help others change. Some of us are angry that we lost our retirement funds, 401Ks, or are out of a job because of changes we could not control.

There is reluctance to trust anything or anyone. I sense a feeling of helplessness in the air when I talk to people because the issues are so overwhelming. It leaves us feeling almost numb and helpless when we could empower each other to change. It is not the problems that haunt us; it is the way we react to our problems that has a lasting effect on our lives. We have a choice on how we react to issues and others.

Your neighbor who still has a good job and a home did not cause your problem. It is an exercise in futility to be envious and jealous of those who have more than you. You do not know their story of what they’ve been thru or what they had to do to get there. Life is not fair, so why envy them? Focus on what you can do for yourself, your family and friends.

Denial is just a delayed solution, so wake up and start looking for solutions and opportunities. If you are laid off, try and get a job doing anything whether it is related to your line of work or not. Several headhunters told me that employers would rather see that you spent six months working than doing nothing. It shows a commitment and strong work ethic.

There are several things we can all do to control ourselves in the face of uncertainty, stress, anger, loss and fear:

• Reach out to friends and neighbors. Get involved in your neighborhood and community. Volunteer. You will get the support you need and will feel good that you are helping others.

• We all experience stress, but pessimists, perfectionists, and those with ‘type A’ personalities greatly increase the level of stress they experience and bring more stress into their lives with negative thoughts and behavior patterns. Replace a bad attitude with an understanding that all of us are in the same boat.

Try to focus on the positive things or “wins” in your daily life, no matter how small. Appreciate life and not your material wealth. Remember that generations before ours lived on much less and survived and were actually happy. There is hope for all of us.

• Exercise regularly to release hormones that help your body and mind become healthy. Ride your bike instead of drive. Endorphins, testosterone, and estrogen are typically released after exercise. These hormones help with self-confidence, create a positive and “euphoric” mood, increase metabolic rate, and also enhances sex drive, which is also a great stress reliever.

• Take time to be still. Be with nature. Plant a garden or take a walk. Spend time outside. Meditate. Do yoga or other stress-relieving disciplines. Practice deep breathing exercises. Always Remember: Do not make permanent decisions in a temporary place.

• Step back from relationships and activities that are negative or counterproductive. Edit the waste in your life and in your home so you have more time and space to grow with the changes coming into your life.  Consolidate.  Me2 Design items were made for those of us who need to downsize because most of their items are compact for smaller spaces; have storage and are multi-functional.

Decide how much time you are willing to spend with others. Prioritize.

• Focus on what you can control. Get organized and empower yourself to make changes in your life and community. A job will get you out of the house and in the stream of possible new opportunities, give you self-confidence and get you back into a positive mindset. 

• Hold on to your house as long as you can. Bankruptcy will plague you for years to come and should only be your very last resort after you have called your bank, lending institutions, and city government for assistance. Change your spending patterns and ask your bank for a lower rate in order to get through this time. Pay cash for everything. Cut up your credit cards and look to buy used items instead of new. Buy food in bulk at discounters.

• Remember that the only constants in life are change and karma. This too shall pass, but it is how you react today that determines your tomorrow.

Have faith. Remember, God is watching. Love thy neighbor.

 

For all our wine aficionados, we came across a deal from Crust Pad out of San Fran. Their discounted “Bailout” reminds us that their “Red, red wine” solution to our current life pressure is now practically half price!  It is a rich full bodied red for those of us who know it.  Their Nappa Valley Cabernet typically is $75.00 (I know, we only buy on special occasions) but they have slashed their price t0:

$39.00  (2.00 discounts on shipping)

 

A 2005 Chateau Peybonhomme-Les-Tous de Blay Cru Bourgeouis is a fully bodied merlot/bordeaux blen of plum, chocolate and tannins for meat dishes.  A sister label of the famous and much- loved, Caymus, Liberty School is an easy 2nd to our favorite cabernet! Filled with aromas of blackberry chocolate and cassis.Rich tannins and berry make it a complex full glass of wine. Great with Mediterranean food and aged cheeses.

A-must-get-a-case-full add to your TO DO list.

$10.00

 

Double T Red- a 2006 bordeax-style blend from the estate Trefethen estate.  A beautiful bistro style wine that is hint of flowery fruit and chocolate with the spice of the red fruit.

$25.00

 

Caravan Cabernet Sauvignon- A  2005 Darioush sister label that is rich with blackberry, plum and dark currant with hints of cocoa and coffee bean.  A firm tannins and fully balanced fruit.

$38.00

A loving family of 4 who is fighting for a cure.  Mike and Carmen with their youngest boy, Nicholas, who is a highly functioning child and their oldest son, Luke, who suffers not only from Autism but also Apraxia.  Luke Penker is a beautiful 5 year old boy, touched with a warm and loving heart and a brilliant mind, who struggles with two disorders.  Apraxia is a neurological disorder that effects the motor skills of a facial movement, his being the tongue.  He cannot move his tongue to form and annunciate words though he knows what to say and what is going on around him.  He started out by using grunting noises and pointing to express himself.  

Now he has developed, thru numerous and daily intensive therapies and treatments as well as a gluten-free holistic diet, into a young man who took his mothers by the hand the other day and said to her, ” Mommy, go outside. Com’n we go outside.” Carmen responded, “Luke, why do you want to go outside?” “To sit on step. We wait for Daddy”.  It breaks your heart to know that all the pain and struggle this brilliant , beautiful boy has gone thru to say that.  

Another struggle of Luke’s is with Autism.  Autism is a brain development disorder effecting his ability to interact and socialize.  Autism has many spectrums but all devastatingly difficult for the child to overcome. If a child is not detected by 9 mos. and there is no therapy or treatment started on that child, the chances of “saving” the child is greatly reduced each year.  If the child has not progressed until they reach 6yrs.,  you lose them for good.  They fade away into themselves, their own private silence.  Unless we do something to support this cause we will have thousands of children completely incompacitated because the parents just could not afford the doctor bills so they either delayed the treatment or did nothing at all.

Many families with one or more children with Autism struggle with the extremme hi-cost of these new procedures from doctors who know that they can charge premium costs for services because parents are desperate.   We frankly do not have any respect for those doctors out there is these cities and towns who gauge the parents with charges and fees.  Some doctor visits are $200.00- $250.00.  Imagine?  For maybe a  1/2 hour , at most, with the child.  Do you smell a thief. HMMM?   There are doctors who grossly over-charge for sessions in the hyperbaric chamber, a key procedure to the recovery of the neurological aspect of the child’s recovery.  A simple 1/2 our rest in an oxygen chamber costs families 100.00 and up.   Cut them a break!  It’s only “air” and the machine has been paid for itself 5 times over!!  Better yet, most of the treatments and therapies that an Autistic child needs is un-insurable!!  As far as our helpful insurance companies see it- it is not a physical/medical disorder,therefore, it is not accepted!!!  These policies are killing these children and families with special needs.

THE POLITICAL GREED OF OUR INSURANCE COMPANIES AND SELECT DOCTORS ARE ROBBING THESE FAMILIES OF THEIR CHANCE TO SAVE THEIR CHILD.

Imagine the struggle parents go thru when they face the reality that both parents must work to afford the hi cost in therapies but they also know the necessity that one be home with their children 24/7.  We need to fight to get healthcare insurance for these families.

6 children of 1,000 are afflicted with this disorder and it is 4 x as many boys to girls. The rate has increased substantially since 1986 but actually it could simply be because we are better at detecting it.  

Get educated. Get involved. It’s a children’s epidemic.

Thanks,

ME2 staff

 

You guys really summed up all the concerns I have to date.  I am a illustrator/desgner in Pheonix who worked for a regional ad agency.  My family is here so don’t want to move.

Are we all supposed to re-create ourselves? 

Yea, I loved the comment that Jindal made about Obama not being transparent with his economic stimulus package.  Obama told us that we can go to:

recovery.org for any questions and info.!  Unbelievable.  Politics is eating the GOP alive!

DGP