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Al Di La Trattoria

I wrote about Al Di La Trattoria previously because of my favorite dish there, their Tagliatelle al Ragu. But there is lot more that Al Di La has to offer, making it a favorite joint in the Slope as far as authentic Italian food. This place doesn’t take reservations so we prefer waiting in line as early as 5:45 for the first dinner seating. If that is too early for you, they have a wine bar around the corner where you can wait for your seat. We’ve never tried it, we’re too impatient for the wait.

Dining at Al Di La is as much a pleasure as learning that the restaurant was the love child of two chefs who fell in love in Italy and brought the cuisine to Brooklyn.

A special: Crudo with red radish.

Steamed Bouchot Mussels Continue reading →

We’re On Vacation!

Paella at Blue Ribbon, Brooklyn

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Paella is among my favorite dishes. A good paella always brings me back to Barcelona, to a moment in a an old-fashioned restaurant, savoring the saffron flavors of the moist and tasty paella that was cooked leisurely to order.

My favorite paella outside Spain

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Stamps: Industrial Design Pioneers & Eames

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I was running an errand at a nearby post office when I chanced upon the Pioneers of Industrial Design Set on sale among the stamps. The love of stamps is such a lost art owing to the rarity of snail mail these days, and the functional design of stamps to celebrate occasions and holidays. It’s always great to see stamps designed to commemorate artists and designers.

Pioneers of Industrial Design set – landmark designs by Peter Müller-Munk, Frederick Hurten Rhead, Raymond Loewy, Donald Deskey, Walter Dorwin Teague, Henry Dreyfuss, Norman Bel Geddes, Dave Chapman, Greta von Nessen, Eliot Noyes, Russel Wright, Gilbert Rohde

L-R from top left:

Normandie Pitcher by Peter Müller-Munk – a chromium-plated brass pitcher that was easier to care for than traditional silver. Note the simple curves and teardrop shape and a plain, streamlined design devoid of detail.

Fiesta Pitcher by Frederick Hurten Rhead – a symbol of the moderately priced ceramic tableware that introduced ideas of mixing and matching bold colors with the emphasis on clean lines and modern design. Continue reading →

Tertulia Spanish Taverna, West Village, New York

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Tertulia. n. A social gathering of like-minded individuals with literary or artistic undertones, usually to showcase poetry, short stories, and other artistic expression.

There are perfect meals. Some are in New York, and even in the West Village. But not often in a casual tapas joint. Our evening at Tertulia was one of those pleasant and perfect evenings, an early dinner and a glass of wine, warm company and smiles that centered on the great food before us.

Tosta Matrimonio – black and white anchovies, slow-roasted tomato, sheep’s milk cheese, aged balsamic

I love tapas. I’ve loved them since a trip to Barcelona made me fall for a hidden smoky place called Bar Rodrigo, to which I’ve lead a number of travelers, all of whom come back with glowing reviews about that bar that’s stuck in time.

Cojonudo – Two bites of smoked pig cheek, quail egg and pepper