Food, West and East

I took took weeks off to head out west and then back east to the Jersey Shore. It was nice to escape and go offline for a bit. Of course, we had a few good eats along the way, so thought I'd share.

First stop in Los Angeles was In-n-Out on our first full day. This is hands down the tastiest and cheapest burger I have ever had (my top 3 are In-n-Out, Shake Shack in NYC, and BLT Burger in NYC). Of course, nothing really beats a burger on your own grill (or my Dad's grill, specifically). I read "In-n-Out Burger" by Stacy Perman this spring. It was a great history of the the chain, all the tragedy that has followed, and the focus on a producing a premium product. I have to say, what I love most is that you can taste the cheese on the burger. I stopped getting cheeseburgers at most places because I found you couldn't actually taste the cheese. So why waste more calories? I had to order Animal Style, of course (translation: with grilled onions). I even had my fries Well Done (translation: fried longer to be extra crispy)

This is actually the In-n-Out in Westwood, talked about in the book. It's a very modern design, and apparently the founders didn't want to take away from the focus on food, so this was the last of this type.

On Sunday we were a little healthier. We started the day at one of MB's Peet's, which is in Beverly Hills (next to the Starbucks, and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf).

I saw signs for the Beverly Hills Farmer's Market driving there. As you know, I'm a fan (see my previous posts). And this one was a huge winner. What we are missing in our own Greenmarket are the fresh fruits - figs, dates, peaches, yellow watermelon (at least that's what I thought it was). The figs were fabulous and I ate the entire basket over the course of a few days.

I love purple, so here are some of the eggplants:

We made one of our Crunchy Salads that night, accompanied by Lambrusco. Joe K, a friend currently living in Florence who we recently saw in NYC, told us Lambrusco is all the rage in Italy. So we chilled the sparkling red wine and had some with dinner. It was light, refreshing and perfect for summer. Trader Joe's wine came through for us.

Walking on the Third Street Promenade, we ran into ANOTHER farmers market. This time, we grabbed a bag of white peaches from the one guy who hadn't packed up. These peaches are actually from the Walnut Creek farmer's market, but thought they would express the idea:

And then we took our juicy fruit over to the grassy area with the ocean view (I asked, there is not official name for it, but you know what I'm talking about). This is a shot from our grassy spot:

During this trip, I was introduced to the It's It. MB mentioned this delightful treat, like it was a gift from the heavens. We tried to find it at Safeway in southern CA, but had no luck. I need to mention, that during this search, I thought I was looking for Itzit and didn't realize it was in the freezer section.

On our trip north, we drove through King City and made a pit stop. There is nothing to see here, I just needed a beverage! But I had the brilliant idea to check again (it could be the fact it was 102 degrees and that prompts thoughts of ice cream).

And here it is:

Apparently, it's a treat known to the Bay Area. The original version is vanilla ice cream sandwiched between 2 oatmeal cookies and covered in chocolate. DEEElightful!! They were first made in 1928 and haven't changed (as you can see by the box). They disappeared at some point in the 70s when Playland-at-the-Beach, a beach spot, was demolished. But the frozen treat was missed and came back.

There were lots of good eats in San Francisco during our time there (herring salad, yummy cake, grilled steak, watermelon salad, salsa verde...).

My trip didn't end on the west coast. I flew back late Monday, arrived at 12:30 am and caught a bus to Ocean City, New Jersey. This is a spot that holds quite a few memories, since we used to gather there with family. You know how you can walk by something and it smells like a memory? That is how Brown's Donuts is for me. It had been a few years since I've been back, but I've smelled a yummy/grease smell occasionally (I know, this may not be appealing to some of you!). And it reminded me of Brown's.

And here they are:

Three little pieces of hot, greasy goodness. You can watch them come out of the fryer (and it looks like the same one I remember as a girl). Note the grease stains on the paper plate. I ate all three.

And a nice close up:

Brown's was started by Mr. and Mrs. Brown back in 1976 (wow, whoever was born then must be ancient!). And they are still there. The little shop has seen some expansion over the years. But the donuts are the same.

It was a great 2 weeks. I saw friends, family, and new places.

A parting beach shot before we head into fall (and all things pumpkin and spice, yay!!):

My Local Fruit Cart

More fruit for you today!

Did I mention I love fruits and vegetables? When I can't make it to the Greenmarket, I can always rely on the fruit guy on the corner of 23rd and 9th Avenue for fruit. I will admit, I used to think it was odd to buy the random banana from a guy with a few pieces of fruit on a table.

But I've noticed the vendors these days have piles of fresh fruit at great prices. I have actually seen My Fruit Guy on a headset with clipboard in hand, calling in orders. This is when I realized this was not some one off operation. That is him in the yellow shirt below at 8:15 am this morning:

My Fruit Guy is out there well before 8 am, and he's selling fruit until well after 9 pm. Have I mentioned the amazing deals on fruit? Three containers of blueberries for $5. Five huge, non bruised bananas for $1. Pineapple, cherries, lychee (yes, I've seen these!), grapes, mangoes...he's got it all. He is also well skilled at the upsell ("1 more box for $5?"). Needless to say, I've eaten lots of blueberries this summer: in my greek yogurt, in cereal, plain, in muffins, and in cake. I did not get to the pie, but there is still time left.

My Fruit Guy Selling Fruit

Keeping the Fruit Shaded

I've noticed that there are more fruit carts all over the city these days. They are officially known as "Green Carts" and New York City has actually approved more food carts to sell fruits and vegetables, particularly in areas that don't have great access to fresh produce or supermarkets. Yes, because everything needs a permit in NYC (the hotdog guy in front of the Met? His license cost upwards of $500K a year).

According to the Times, one vendor at 165th Street found business to be so good, he stays open 24/7.

I snapped this one on my way from the ATM on 23rd and 8th Ave this morning.

Getting Shipments for the Day

I think it's great when we make produce easily accessible for all!

Eat Your Fruits and Veggies: Union Square Greenmarket

And here is what is fresh this week:

I love fruits and vegetables in the summer. Love them. I will say, that I do like a good sprayed apple (they are bigger, crunchier, last longer) from Fairway. But I can't help go local or organic at the Union Square Green Market. The market is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday (I think Saturday is the best day to go). We bring our handy Whole Foods reusable back and walk over there (I try to do my part).

On our typical shopping list is radishes, basil, carrots (never will I buy baby carrots in a bag again), and tomatoes (heirloom and Jersey). Who knew there were purple and white carrots, in addition to orange? The heirloom tomato is a particular favorite, and we lean towards the big, oddly shaped ones. But these little baskets looked too good to not take a picture.

I've been reading about tomato blight that's affected our tomatoes up north. Tim Stark, a Pennsylvania farmer with his own stand (and the author of "Heirloom Notes from an Accidental Tomato Farmer", see my Aug. 14th post), said he had to spray one of his organic fields to save the tomatoes. The late spring rain was a factor (and there is an interesting read in the NYTimes from a local chef about other potential causes. Interesting read).

Here is a nice pile of local corn. This reminds me of the Elote (Mexican Sweet Corn) at a friends BBQ this month. They sell it at the street fairs (I can't even imagine the margin, at $3 an ear?). But it's so yummy. The corn is roasted on the grill, then brushed with a creme fraiche mix and sprinkled with a mix of spices (chili powder, cumin) and Cotija cheese. I've found a recipe so can make it on my own when I get that grill, and deck. Or you can invite me over to your rooftop and I'll make it for you.

I don't have a picture, but my big find earlier in the season was fresh beets which I roasted in the oven and made a beet, goat cheese and candied pecan salad. If the local chefs shop for their produce here, I can shop and cook, too! I will admit, I passed on the ramps. In fact, I actually had to email my friend, Emmie, and ask if she had ever cooked with them.

One last picture, the flowers for sale:

Here's to more finds at the market this Fall!

*I've become a big fan of the camera on my iPhone. As someone pointed out, it's always with you. And I can very discreetly take pictures. People think I'm texting. I only have the 3G version, but hear the camera on the 3GS is even better (and it does video, though I would spare you on my blog). All the pics easily transport over to my mac when I sync, it's great.

Madison Square Reads - Done for the Summer

I should have posted this sooner, before the series was done!

Madison Square Park in the summer is quite nice (and right near Shake Shack, yum!) and even better if you catch Mad. Sq. Reads on Thursdays.

MB first went back in June to hear Michael Gross and William Cohan discuss "Politics & Power". Each week features a different topic "New York Novels" to "Mystery Night".

I ventured out last week for "Dog Days of Summer" where Bruce Goldstein read from his book "Puppy Chow is Better Than Prozac". What I love about the readers and stories is that there is some element that connects to the city. Bruce was facing depression, pills, a failed relationship, and no hope when he got Ozzie (his black lab). But it all worked out in the end, because his wife and new little girl were in the audience supporting him. It was interesting just to hear him take Ozzie through Chelsea, and places I walk by all the time.

Last night was "Food as Fuel and Memory" with readings from a food critic and a farmer at the Greenmarket. After hearing Tim talk about his peppers...well, I'm going to have to go try them myself now. I had no idea you could grow Thai chilis in Pennsylvania. What I'm going to do with them, I don't know yet. Maybe I'll stick to his tomatoes.

Unfortunately, the series is done for the summer. But I'm a email list addict so added my name for future updates. I have to say that I might not have discovered this, or had the time to go were I fully employed. One of the little discoveries that has made this time fun in a way.

www.madisonsquarepark.org/programs/madsqreads.aspx

Madison Square Park Conservancy is a not-for-profit group dedicated to keeping MSP a "bright, beautiful and lovely public park." I can't argue with that!

The Joes in my Life: Joe #1

One of the Joes in my life is Joe, the Art of Coffee. Our local outpost is at 23rd & 9th Ave, though there are locations on Waverly, East 13th, Grand Central and the UWS.

After trying out various Starbucks in our search for a true local coffee spot, we were blessed when the 23rd Street Joe opened for business in about March 2008. It took about a year for the building scaffolding to go away, so we finally see the sun through the high windows.

I will admit, my favorite is the Breakfast Blend but there is another roast that is in rotation that I enjoy (I can't remember the name!). Mexican Chiapas, in rotation now, is good as well.

Coming here, I'm reminded that NYC is a small place and that you do see familiar faces at the neighborhood spots. We typically head over around 8 (with reading material or the iphone to read on) and watch the before work crowd come in. And New Yorkers are really good about leaving reading material for the next person, so I can usually get a NYTimes.

Joe has it's own running blog at: http://teamjoecoffee.blogspot.com. I will admit, that I haven't joined, but follow it.

A shot of the lights (not captured well) and the barista area:

They have the prettiest latte drinks. This is from their website:

And the outside (the messages on the board crack me up. But as someone pointed out to me, it's not necessarily 8 am somewhere, it could be AFTER 8 am):

Finished!

I can happily report that I finished in one piece, in 3 hours and 41 seconds! I was shooting for a sub-3 hour time, and at first was really hard on myself. Then I remembered my thoughts during the swim ("just let me get to the finish line, the wetsuit is tight around my neck and I can't breath"). This is a shot of the swim exit on the day before the race.

I had my best swim, run and transition times. I just came up a little short on the bike, which had been my focus. But looking back, I didn't get a flat, and that would have been disastrous. I can't change a flat tire, and it would have taken me out completely. I can't continue on like this and will be learning starting next month.

A few key moments, takeaways and memories from the race:

1. The Para Athletes are simply AMAZING. While we all waited for the swim (it was delayed 20 minutes for thunderstorms), they interviewed athletes over a PA system. One girl says could really use a knee. And I take that for granted! Above the knee, above the elbow, you see it all, and they all are going by me!

2. Not applying sunscreen and combing hair post swim definitely saves time.

3. A crash 5 minutes into the race climbing a steep hill would have been bad. It was narrowly avoided and I have to thank the police officer for keeping me upright!

4. That feeling of jumping in the water and knowing you can't really get out until you reach the end is terrifying and exhilarating.

5. When can you bike over the Henry Hudson Bridge? In the morning, with a great view?

6. I brought my bike up Saturday and they were blasting Madonna's "Holiday" in the transition area. Can't help but get pumped up.

7. Fellow competitors are super nice. I asked a girl if she thought my tire needed more air that morning.

8. Everyone is body-marked with their age on their calf. I love passing the 28 year olds (because they also had a 10 min head start in the swim). Honestly, the older women are hard core. The 40 year olds pass me.

9. There is no feeling like going downhill at 33 mph.

10. Even when I don't make my goal, I'm still astonished I actually do this, and finish. I love the challenge. I kind of like the unpredictability and lack of control. For a run, I can just go out there and run. Here I have to deal with a river and people kicking, a bike and all that comes with it, other bikers...

I'm hoping to complete triathlon #4 next year at the 10th annual NYC Tri (that is if I can get a spot, it fills up in 20 minutes). And if possible, add another.

A few more pics:

Everything is well marked:

Where the bikes sleep overnight:

The swim exit:

Tri-ing Not to Stress!

It's tomorrow! And yes, just like this picture, there are arms and legs and bodies everywhere in that swim. It's every woman for herself, and you just hope you don't kick someone in the head.

After all of the biking, running and swimming, I'll be pulling it all together tomorrow morning at 6:24 am when I get into the Hudson (this is when the 2nd wave of woman ages 30-34 kicks off). The elites get to jump off the platform, the rest of us climb into the water and hold a rope until we get the go ahead. And they start at 5:50 am. Early.

I realized that it's quite a bit of a logistical and organizational nightmare. There are about 3,600 athletes divided into 2 color groups (red or yellow), with all the numbers, stickers and tags color and number coded (everything gets marked - the helmet, the bike, the runner). There are 37 waves of about 100 swimmers each, each wave with it's own color coded swim cap. The picture below shows a wave walking to the platform in the Hudson (that's the George Washington Bridge in the background).

I went to my mandatory briefing yesterday and am sporting a really yellow cute wrist band at the moment. And later today I will ride my bike up to the transition area to drop it off. This is when I had my accident last year, so am hoping for better trip this year!

For everyone who asks about the Hudson River quality, here is what the official Tri site says:

Q: Is the Hudson Safe?
A: Yes, the Hudson is safe and clean. Water quality testing is done regularly. No vaccines, no shots, no panic attacks necessary. Calm down. The race has sports psychologists at the start for the faint of heart. The Hudson River is the fastest Olympic distance swim in the world. It is a tidal river so you swim with the current.

I'm going for a personal best time, am not going to mention it unless I hit it!

What I find incredibly amazing are the Para Triathletes. It's hard enough for me to swim with 2 arms and 2 legs. Anything less and I'm not sure I could do this. But they do, and I find it incredibly amazing.

My NY*: The Local Book Store

Have you watched You've Got Mail and also loved the little local bookstore? Is it a dream to open a stationary store, bookstore, or bakery?

I will admit that I'm an Amazon.com customer. I will note books, add them to my cart, and wait until I qualify for the free shipping. But there is something about browsing a bookstore for ideas, for the opportunity to discover something new.

Despite my efficient and practical book procuring side, I am in love with 192 Books in Chelsea (10th Ave @ 21st St). It is a small general-interest bookstore that opened in 1993. I walked by 192 Books for nearly 1 1/2 years before ever stepping inside (it is on the way to my gym). One afternoon, we made a trip specifically to the bookstore...and it was delightful!

What I love most is that they have a well-chosen selection of non-fiction and fiction. I love to discover books before they become bestsellers (which is why I still haven't read The Kite Runner). I love books where I learn something. I love stores that give me ideas for my reading pile.

They have a good selection of Steve Coll (a favorite for current events). But I was also reminded of Chasing the Flame: One Man's Fight to Save the World by Samantha Power. I noticed that many of the books features on The Colbert Report are here as well.

And there are author events! In June I attended an event with Alice Hoffman featuring her new book, The Story Sisters. It was a small, intimate event with fans, avid readers and neighborhood folks.

For the local tourist, the shop is just around the corner from the 20th St entrance of the High Line. A great little place to wander to post urban garden/park!

** "My NY" is my new series on events, places and items of interest as I explore NY during my post-employment. Triathlons, baking and technology was a little limiting and doesn't allow me to capture some of my favorite things!

Ode to my iPhone

I have a love affair with my iPhone. MB knows, he loves his just as much. Of all my physical items I have this is at the top. It's a life changer, and I know you think it's silly. But you will text more, check the internet more...I can "see" my voicemails. Ahh, it's all so wonderful.

I've tested my fair share of apps and am always looking for new useful, neat ones. And I do use them...

There was a night we just started out from our apartment with no particular dinner place in mind, just the sense that we needed to head south into Chelsea. Into the West Village, my tummy starts to rumble. We come upon Wallse. It looks good, there are people there, but is it any good? I've previously hit upon this one with Urban Spoon, but take a look at yelp (this is all on the iphone). Deciding to walk on, we give my little device a shake shake shake to get the wheels of Urban Spoon going and discover a little Italian trattoria a few streets down. Thanks Urban Spoon! It's delightful, with windows open to a quiet street in the West Village, and packed. But cash only. And being someone that has $2 in cash to her name, we were now in search of an ATM. Another win: BoA mobile banking with ATM locations! And Google maps to tell me which is closest!

Seriously, what would we have done before?

1. We never discovered this place (and honestly, I can't remember the name, it's on Washington, almost to W 10th).

2. We would have abandoned the find for lack of cash (I'm against sketchy ATM machines in bodegas).

3. Gone somewhere we've already been.

I have the 3G, but not the 3Gs and have been told by my tech savvy sources that the next version will be a new form factor (the size, thickness, etc will change). I'm ready. And if it would go to Verizon, too, I'd be even more ready.

I can't explain how great this device is. You will use aspects of it you never thought you needed? Did I ever need to email a pic instantly or post it to facebook? um, YES?!?!

Triathlon Clothes

I just finished 4 days of harder training on the triathlon front and have to admit, I'm a little tired right now! I'm trying to work on the nutrition part so am biking with my preferred G2 (Blueberry Pomegranate) and am testing out a few Gu flavors (one would think I would remember what ones I like).

Besides concern about overall training, I'm thinking about my race outfit. There is something mental about having the right shorts or the right shirt with support. I have my fair share of natural padding so like longer shirts and things that aren't too tight (why create more bulge?)

Last year, I found myself shopping for a new shirt the day before the triathlon. This was not a good idea, as I was frustrated with my choices, tired from walking and should have just relaxed the day before the race. Needless to say, I was late getting my bike to check in and wiped out on the way. This year I started a little earlier (a month). My lesson learned is that I should shop year round and get last season's styles on sale in the winter.

Team Estrogen has a great site. A great site in my opinion does not have an overwhelming number of items, but has a solid selection that has been tested out and comes recommended. I bought these De Soto shorts because they are low rise and don't have a really tight band at the bottom. These have been on the bike twice now and are working well. I don't think I'm going to wear these race day because they lack pockets, but have been good on the trainer.

I am still in search of a shirt that is quick dry when I come out of the water, has enough bra support, and is just a bit longer (for vanity reasons). I haven't found it yet, so stay tuned.