Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Reminders of summer...

Reminders of summer..., originally uploaded by gealouxy.

This past summer, the girl collected rocks from all over the yard, and maybe some from the neighbors as well. They are scattered about the house, and here are the ones resting by the kitchen window over the sink, overlooking our frozen backyard. I'm sure, like us, these rocks are longing to be outside in the warm sun. Soon enough... soon enough.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

J E A N - G E O R G E S


Jean-Georges, originally uploaded by gealouxy.

It's not fair that I wrote about Daniel before I wrote about Jean-Georges. I mean, it is only my most favorite place to go to for lunch when I'm in New York City. I think, it's mostly because I'm being selfish. I don't want Jean-George to turn into one of those restaurants that everyone goes to. When a place becomes like that, quality suffers in while the restaurant tries to accommodate the masses. Not that Jean-Georges Vongerichten will ever let that happen. At least, I hope he won't.

Jean-Georges offers an option of two dishes from his lunch menu at a pre-fixe price. Most of the dishes are the smaller versions of what they offer for dinner. This in itself makes it an awesome deal, but what makes Jean-Georges' lunch really good is the fact that you're still getting a three Michelin star experience at the price of what those belt-pouch wearing tourists get for lunch at TGI Friday's.


Jean-Georges, originally uploaded by gealouxy.

I almost always get the Coach Farms Goat Cheese Gnocchi with caramelized baby artichokes in a lemon and olive oil emulsion. It's rich and I feel like I'm going to have a heart attack two hours after I eat it, but, trust me, it's delicious.


The Foie Gras Brulee is addictive, but you can never have more than what they serve you. Especially if you're having the goat cheese gnocchi in the same meal. You'll really be in trouble then.


If you must have some real carbs, then the parmesan risotto is definitely a must. The citrus flavor will help cut through all the fat in the other dishes. It's not heavy at all, and tastes refreshing.


There are two things I never order when I eat out: salmon and chicken. I think I've only ordered chicken from Pio Pio - a friend served it for lunch and it was delicious. So, whenever I go to the restaurant, it's what I order and I douse it with that spicy Peruvian sauce. Anyway, we ordered the parmesan-crusted leg of chicken. I thought it was going to be boring, but the cheese crust and the lemony butter sauce put it to another level. The first time I ordered it wasn't the last time I had it.


The snapper with nuts and seeds crust is another favorite. It's perfect - from the crust, to the fish, to the pearl onion and cherry tomatoes, to the light-in-texture-yet-rich-in-taste broth they pour around it. It's so delicious my mouth is watering right now just thinking about it.

They usually have four dessert combinations on the lunch menu. They are all good, but not as impressive as the main items on the menu. Most of the time, I usually just get my coffee and enjoy the house marshmallow, the macarons and the petit fours they serve in the end.



Jean-Georges - Petit fours, originally uploaded by gealouxy.

Friday, January 14, 2011

It is the peculiar nature of the world to go on spinning no matter what sort of heartbreak is happening.

This morning, I attended a beautiful funeral service for my friend's father. He grew up in Germany, moved here when he was very young, but maintained proud of his German roots. They sang hymns in his native tongue, gave him his final blessing in the same language, too.

Instead of the traditional eulogy, the family requested for people in the congregation to share a memory they had with Mr. H. For a minute there, I thought no one would step up. But when, finally, the silence was broken, person after person got up and shared fond memories they had with him. Some were teary, some were laughing. All of them missing him.

The cynical part of me wondered if they only had nice things to say, now, because he's gone.

The romantic part of me wondered if I'd be as loved when it's my time to go.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

The Outtakes


The Outtakes, originally uploaded by gealouxy.

Most days, I look - and feel - like an outtake.
But, I'm trying to be positive about a lot of things this year.

Cross fingers mind wins over matter.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

D A N I E L

D A N I E L, originally uploaded by gealouxy.

I've been called a food snob many times. If by this they mean I only eat really good, quality food, then I'll embrace the title willingly. I'm a big fan of fine dining, but I also enjoy street food. I've spent a ridiculous amount of time trying to get through and make a reservation at some of the best restaurants in New York. Equally, I have lined up in heavy rain/scorching sun/freezing weather for street food. So, I don't discriminate when it comes to venue, or price, or crowd, so long as the food is worth all the effort. Before the end of the year, I joined my friend for dinner at Daniel to bid 2010 goodbye, and welcome 2011 with a toast. We enjoyed a bottle of vintage rosé and settled with the six-course tasting menu. (I wasn't able to take pictures of all the dishes because, well, I just forgot.)




We both started with the Lola Duck served with Juniper Gelée, Fig-Red Cabbage Chutney Mustard Salad. The Hudson Valley Duck Farm defines Lola duck as "a cross between a Pekin and a male heirloom mallard. The result is a larger bird with tender, juicy meat and a rich flavor profile". The way Daniel presented this was interesting. It not only enhanced the flavor of the duck, but it reminded you of how revolutionary the breed is. I'd go back and have this dish again.



For our second course, my friend had the Trio of Spanish Mackerel (not pictured), while I enjoyed the Peekytoe crab salad served with Hawaiian hearts of palm, tarragon oil and young fennel.



For our third course, she went with the Fennel-Basil Raviolini in Littleneck clam emulsion served with broccoli rabe and chorizo. I chose the sea scallops served with tellicherry pepper-lemon gremolata, coco beans, bok choy salad. We wished they served us more of both dishes.


Grilled Yellowfin Tuna, originally uploaded by gealouxy.

I almost never order tuna except when it's served raw, and that night was no exception. So, for our fourth course, my friend ordered the Grilled Yellowfin Tuna and, I was told, that it was very good. They served it with the red wine peppered shallots, parsnip, roasted salsify marchand de vin butter. I went for the Slow Baked Dover Sole with Satur Farms spinach, pommes "Saint Florentin" parsley tempura, and vadouvan jus. I'm sure it was better than the tuna.


Elysian Fields Farm Lamb Loin, originally uploaded by gealouxy.

For our fifth course, I went for the Duo of Beef (not pictured) - black angus short ribs with stewed lentils, and salsify Wagyu tenderloin with red wine glazed pearl onions, carrot confit, and bordelaise sauce. My friend had the Elysian Fields Farm lamb loin served with shoulder Barbajuan, turnip confit, chickpea hummus, Meyer lemon crust, harissa piquillo coulis. Both dishes were excellent with the exception of the size: we both wanted more.


Spice Poached Bosc Pear, originally uploaded by gealouxy.

And, finally, when it came to dessert, Daniel definitely did not disappoint. The Spice Poached Bosc Pear with gingerbread biscuit, red wine gelée and ginger ice cream was so good, I considered asking them if I can get five to go. My friend, who has a serious aversion to cinnamon, went for cinnamon-free Warm Guanaja Chocolate Coulant served with liquid caramel, fleur de sel, and milk sorbet.
Mignardises and Bûche de Noël, originally uploaded by gealouxy.


My friend is French, so when we were presented with the Bûche de Noël along with the mignardises (they made us two separate plates, one for me with every selection they had available that night, and one for her for all the selections they had that didn't have cinnamon in it), she got a bit nostalgic about home. Apparently, the bûche is a holiday tradition and, I'm sure, with the delicious French food, fine wine, and French-speaking staff, Daniel felt a bit like home to her that night.

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Missing summer


Nothing but love, originally uploaded by gealouxy.

There's snow on the ground again. It fell yesterday and I was stuck in the midst of it. Almost six hours to get the kid and take her home. I'm fed up.

I want summer back.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Just when I think I'm falling apart, I fall in love

Today, my world felt like it was crumbling in. The whole day all I wanted to do was crawl in to a corner. And cry. I didn't crawl in to a corner, but I definitely had a good cry.

But then, I picked her up, and everything is right again with the world.

My sweet girl, she's so little, yet she's already saving my ass.


01-06-11 / 006.365, originally uploaded by gealouxy.


Wednesday, January 5, 2011

So what if it's loud so long as it brings a smile to her face

For The Kid's birthday, we got her a drum set, among other things. Everyone said, "bad Idea - you'll regret it". But, if you've been there when she first held her drum sticks, the first time she hit those drums, you would have seen the biggest, most beautiful smile. Then you'd know it's worth it.

It's bonus that The Guy plays with it, too. And, when he does, The Kid goes crazy, dancing all over the place.

It's the best scene ever.


01-05-11 / 005.365, originally uploaded by gealouxy.


Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Ponder this

If we know of the consequence of lying, would we still do it?

If telling the truth means hurting the one/s we love, should we stay true to the lie and move on, as if all is well with the world?

Or, do we confess and risk crumbling someone else's world?

004.365, originally uploaded by gealouxy.


Monday, January 3, 2011

Me

It was almost 9PM. I was tired, and Top Gear on BBC America was about to come on which meant drop everything - and I mean EVERYTHING - so I can watch the only show I'd drop everything for. BUT! I didn't want to fail, already, on this photo project. So, I took the camera, stood in front of the mirror, and snapped away.

And, this is the best of the lot.

It's not so bad, really. I mean, holy eyebags, batman! I look so tired! I'm wearing some old, raggedy shirt, and pants that are even more worn than grandma's. But, you know what? I'm comfortable. I feel good.

This is me.

And, at my age, I'm pretty happy in this skin.


003.365, originally uploaded by gealouxy.


Sunday, January 2, 2011

New, in that old, classic, vintage style


002.365, originally uploaded by gealouxy.

There are a lot of cool toys out there, but I still think that the classics are the best. I mean, look at this bike. I'm an adult yet I still find myself wanting to ride it.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

001.365


001.365, originally uploaded by gealouxy.

We went to two parties today: one with family and another with friends. Both had some level or fun and stress, but both were worth the time and the drive. I took this photo at the family event. I just thought it's so cool that they have binoculars for adults and kids. I think I'll do the same when my kid is a bit older. So she and I can experience the outside, even on a snowy day.

2011

Hello, 2011. Welcome!

Since you're pretty new around here, let me tell you the first thing you have to do: show 2010 to the door and bid her farewell. Don't get me wrong - 2010 wasn't a bad year. At least, not for me. But, it wasn't a good one either. I don't mind a do over. And, that's what you are, 2011 - a do over.

I have not subscribed to the whole "New Year's Resolution" fad in awhile because, well, when I did (back in the days), I never lasted more than a month without breaking every single resolution I set out to do. But, since we're talking about do-overs here, I thought I'd give it another shot. So, here's a list of what I'm hoping to do this your year:
  • Eat sensibly
  • Travel more, even if its just driving somewhere
  • Save money, and I don't mean just with the piggy bank
  • Avoid stupid purchases
  • Do some sort of physical activity at least once a week (I'm trying to be realistic)
  • Take more photographs; once a day would be ideal
  • See friends more often
  • Cook more
  • Write, even if it's a single line
  • Read more books
  • Take The Kid outside more often
  • Spend more time with The Guy
  • Take time for myself
  • Stay positive - keep on the sunny side of life =)
There you go. Not an impossible list to follow, but considering who we're talking about here, it'll still be difficult to stick to it.

All I can do is try, right?