LADURÉE: My NYC Macaron Mission

World-renowned Parisian macaron house, Ladurée, recently opened its first store state-side, and I had the good fortune of taking it all in during my latest jaunt to NYC.

The traipse across town from an afternoon of shopping in Soho to the Upper East Side where Ladurée resides, plus the approximate two-hour investment of standing in line, coupled with waiting for my order to be taken, was well....worth it!  And given the line I encountered upon arrival--and the one that remained upon departure--I wasn't the only one excited to welcome Ladurée (or its perfectly scrumptious macarons, to be exact) to the NYC foodscape.

Beautifully decorated, the small storefront boasts exquisite window and interior displays of macarons and accompanying accessories.

When my time to order finally came around, I selected an assortment of pistachio, raspberry, coconut, salted caramel and lemon macarons for the ultimate sweet indulgence.

Word has it that plans for another location in NYC could be in the works--one that would include a tea salon and other special touches.  I'll be keeping my ears and eyes peeled, but for now I'm content to get my macarons counter-side when they're this good.

In closing, check out a short video with a look inside Ladurée on that busy, bustling afternoon.

Happy Eating!

About That Recipe Contest....I Won!

Perfect 3 Host, Kelsey Nixon, and Me on Set

You might remember some rumblings from me a couple of months back about a recipe contest I had entered--and more than a couple of solicitations for votes.  Well the day, the hour, has finally come when I can share what has felt like the biggest secret for the last while:  I won the Cooking Channel's Perfect 3 Recipe Contest!  The contest was divided into thirteen categories, each of which produced a winning recipe.  My category of choice was tacos--and my recipe for Grilled Steak Tacos with Chipotle Cream and Chimichurri was the ultimate winner. 

The winning dish

You can likely imagine the sheer thrill I experienced upon receiving the news.  I was so honored and excited and couldn't wait to spread the news far and wide, but it would be a while yet (now to be exact) until I was able to scream my delight into the blog and social media sphere.  My competition had included the likes of professional, seasoned chefs and food authorities, so this was no small feat in my eyes.  And I know that the support of the many who took the time to vote for me/my recipe in the final days of the competition surely played a part in my win.  So to you--each and every one of you--I say THANK YOU!!  Your support has meant so much to me, truly.

If you'll indulge me, I'll give a bit of background on the contest, before I came knocking for votes.  It all started with me entering my recipe into the contest.  A few weeks or so later, I received a notice that my recipe had been selected as a finalist.  There were three of us, however, so more work remained.  I then had to create and submit a short video of me demonstrating my recipe.  Once my video was done and submitted, I then realized I needed to solicit some votes!  So I hit my loyal networks and asked for support--which I obviously got.  In the end, everything came together to make mine the winning recipe.  Glory to God!

Now onto the prize...(my favorite part!)

The grand prize for each winner was to be flown to NYC to film a webisode of our recipe at the Food Network/Cooking Channel studios with Kelsey Nixon, the host of the soon-to-premier The Perfect 3 Cooking Channel television series.  Can you say, Awe-mazing?!  If you asked me what my dream prize would be, I couldn't have planned it any better.  NYC, Food Network/Cooking Channel and me.  It doesn't get any better!  And the Cooking Channel team made it the dream experience I was expecting.  From the time I arrived in NYC--car awaiting at the airport of course :)--until I returned home three days later, it was one of the grandest, most special experiences I have ever had the privilege of enjoying.

My three day, expense-paid trip included a stay in the fabulous Meat Packing District--home to Chelsea Market--which is home to the Food Network/Cooking Channel.  Sweet, huh?

My shoot was perfectly arranged for late afternoon of Day 2 of my visit.  I arrived to the studios and took that step I had always wanted to take--into the doors of the Food Network studios.  After being greeted by my guide and right-hand woman so-to-speak, I was given the privilege of touring the studio, including a stop by the Food Network kitchens, themselves, where chefs were making my recipe in preparation for my shoot!  Check out some photo highlights from that grand day below.

Home of the Food Network/Cooking Channel

The Next Food Network/Cooking Channel Star...

Those kitchens!

Meeting the chefs who were preparing my recipe; we're holding the marinated steak!

One Happy Girl!

After my tour, I was escorted to the green room where I had finishing touches done by the resident make-up artist and waited for a bit while the pie category winner wrapped her shoot.  Then...it was showtime!  I was mic-ed up (and down, frankly) and entered the set where I met Kelsey and the team on-hand who were directing our shoot.  Kelsey was the best.  She was so warm and friendly, so I was able to relax and feel at home during the shoot.  And I even had my own "kitchen genies" who would come and replace food or clean-up items, etc., on cue.  (Now if I can just find a way to duplicate that at home.)  It was a fun shoot, that I'll never forget, and I'm so excited to see--and to have you see--the final version once it's published online.  I also can't wait to see all the other winning recipe webisodes.

After the shoot, I grabbed an ice cream cone and took a stroll at the beautiful High Line Park to watch the sunset and take it all in.

So I'll keep you posted on when it's finally available to watch.  Late summer is my likely guess.  But, I'll let you know, don't worry.  In the interim, you can check out The Perfect 3 television series for yummy inspiration.

Finally, you have to make the recipe and let me know what you think.  P.S. If you love steak and bold, delicious flavors, you'll LOVE these tacos!

I think success is sweetest when shared, so thank you for allowing me to share this very special honor with you.

Happy Eating!

Summer in the City (NYC, That Is)

I recently returned from my latest jaunt to NYC and, as always, the Big Apple drew me in with its insatiable energy, food, people, art, fashion and more of the things I truly enjoy.  From lunch at Rockefeller Center (street food fare done right) to a phenomenal Broadway show to an exhibit at The New York Public Library to late night jazz at Lincoln Center to brunch in Soho to Fifth Avenue shopping to Futbol (Soccer) at Chelsea Piers to a stroll along The High Line to a Gospel Brunch and Museum visit Uptown in Harlem (along with a few moments of sleep interspersed here and there) there was never a dull moment.  I happily rejoined the ranks of The City That Never Sleeps once more.

It was a superb time in every way imaginable--with big doses of reconnecting with special people, noshing on delectable eats from vegan falafels to homemade linguine to fried chicken and Swedish meatballs, enjoying the finest displays of art and entertainment and scoring a few good finds on the shopping front.  Even the weather was kind.  I adore the city's ability to become as massive or as intimate as you desire, along with the rich diversity of people, cultures, cuisines and outlets for creative expression. 

NYC never disappoints--and whenever I have to depart, I'm always anticipating my next visit.  There's so much to devour in this great city that it's impossible to fit it all in no matter how often you visit.  New horizons always await and favorite 'repeats' always beckon; I can't wait to get back!

So here's to Happy Living--filled with Happy Eating, Travels and much more!

LADURÉE 2.0

If you've been with me for a while, then you may recall a post (and related video clip) I shared a few years ago where I spilled the beans on Ladurée's grand entrance to the United States food scene by way of NYC.  Not to toot my own horn (well, maybe slightly), but in that post, I shared how there was "talk" about another location to come--one that would be larger--grander--and include a tea salon and other special touches.  

Almost three years, and an abundance of scrumptious macarons, later, Ladurée 2.0 (as I like to refer to it) is here indeed.  Opening its doors earlier this year in February, the newest NYC outpost resides in the uber chic SoHo district, commanding its base as if it's always been. 

I couldn't wait to finally get in on the excitement served up in this latest NYC haute spot.  Prior to these arrivals, I had only tasted of Ladurée during my visits to Paris (I must get back there soon!)  Now, however, there was only a short flight, rather than an ocean, dividing us.  And the new salon, modeled after the flagship store in Champs-Elysees, was a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.

 

This time around, I arrived with my lovely pink box (a keepsake from my first visit on Madison Avenue), but never got around to filling it because I dined in and relished all my macarons, accompanied with tea, in the beautiful, sun-lit and infectious salon.  My mom joined me and took a different menu route, noshing on a gorgeous fruit salad.  

All in all, it was a special time of sweet indulgence, centered around one (or two, or three, perhaps four) sweet delicacies.  Ladurée 2.0 is undoubtedly here--to stay.  

Happy Eating!

{Be Inspired}: Work + Play

I recently spent a few consecutive weeks traveling to one of my favorite "homes away from home", New York City.  But rather than my usual leisure-only excursions, these trips were (mostly) business in nature.  I say mostly because when I'm in NYC, I can never do without some measure of play--and inspiration!  And NYC is always faithful to serve it up in quintessential Big Apple Style.  In this new installment of my BeInspired! series, I dish up the everyday inspirations that  captured my attention and affection.

From a lunch stroll around Central Park to an evening of theater on Broadway to a few good eats around the city to the all-around insatiable energy that is the signature of the concrete jungle, I love finding inspiration in the everyday--the life-as-usual routine that still manages to deliver new beauty, wonder, discoveries, reflection and excitement, as if it's anything but.  

So here's to work and play...via my most recent NYC inspirations.

Midtown Cityscape

Horse and Carriage sightings in front of Central Park

Serene Central Park View

From Day to Night: Ready for Broadway

An awesome production & my favorite keepsake

Wonderful array of spices at Chelsea Market

  Happy Eating & Inspired Living!

Seriously Seeking Good Eats: NYC Edition

Fresh off the heels of my latest Summer getaway to my favorite, favorite New York City, I am refreshed, recharged and grateful for all the experiences and memories that I continue to gain during my time spent in this city.  As a food, culture, fashion and art mecca, my visits are typically mapped out to experience a bit of it all--everything that makes NYC one of the most exciting and indulgent cities that I've had the pleasure to come across.

And my recent jaunt was no different, as I set out with a clear mission to discover and partake in some of the best eats NYC has to offer.  (And in case you're wondering, it was a mission accomplished!)  I share the delicious details in my newest post on Travelista TV, so enjoy and tell me what some of your favorite food and travel destinations are.

Happy Eating!

Pretty in Pink: NYC's Pietro Nolita

I discovered Pietro Nolita, the all pink, intimately chic, yet casual, Italian eatery in New York City, on Instagram, amidst all the rave.

So when my travels landed me back in my favorite of cities during the recent Christmas holidays, there was no question that I would be making its acquaintance.  Had I considered its cuisine or food worthiness?  Not really.  Just the fact that it was ALL PINK and a girly girl's dream.

Pietro NoLita's Jewel Box Exterior

And so my plan of action began: decide on the day and time, find something pink to wear...because photos, and paint the town...red pink.  On the last night of my stay, we arrived for an early dinner before heading off to see the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular.  And those who know me best, know that an obligatory photo shoot ensued.  Despite the nightfall and blustery weather, I had to get photos of (and with) the adorable pink exterior before heading inside to settle in.

Once inside, more photos were in order, in between placing our orders and chatting up the staff.  And then there was the food.  Oh yes, food.  The reason you ultimately go out to dinner, no?  Now I was remembering the 'why' behind the 'what' of it all.  And I'm happy to say that my dish (a pan-seared sea bass) was delicious and my return is imminent to take in some of the house pasta.  So see, you really can go for the design thrills and leave satiated and...tickled pink. :)

Make it a place to dine whenever you find yourself in NYC looking for a quaint spot to sip and nosh--and it's okay if you don't want to mimic my all-pink enthusiasm.  I'm certain that you'll be enamored all the same by the cozy space and good eats.

Located in Soho (one of my favorite Manhattan districts), the kitchen opens daily from 11am and goes into the wee hours, serving lunch, brunch, and dinner.  There are no reservations, just loads of atmosphere and...

Happy Eating!

Pietro NoLita
174 Elizabeth Street
New York, New York 10012