BACON! Enough Said.

All one really needs in life is bacon, bourbon, and beer. Okay so that may not be all we need, but it's a pretty damn good start. 

For my birthday back in February (this post is a little overdue) my BFF treated me to dinner at BarBacon in Hell's Kitchen, NYC. Knowing I love bacon-anything, she chose pretty much the best way to celebrate another year in my life. 

It was clear from the start this was not going to be a healthy meal, so we went all out and could have cared less. We each started with a bacon and beer pairing flight. Known for their artisanal bacons from around the country, BarBacon paired up four select bacons and four artisanal craft beers. When the deliciousness was presented to us, we literally started drooling. Ladylike behavior went out the window when we walked in the door. 

Our yummy slices were Applewood-smoked, jalapeño, black pepper, and Vermont maple. I was surprised how spicy the jalapeño was and since I'm a little wimpy, I only took a few bites. The Vermont maple was by far my favorite. 

Next I had Shain's BLT, since they were heartbreaking sold out of Bacon Loves Lobster Roll. My BLT was still delish with Applewood-smoked bacon, Bibb lettuce, organic tomato, organic sunny egg, avocado, and mayo on ciabatta. A little messy to eat but good anyway. My pal had the BarBacon Grilled Cheese with fontina, gruyere, and a baby soup on the side. Cute and yummy.

Let's not forget the bourbon cocktails! We both had the Bourbon Ginger Smash with Bulleit Bourbon, fresh muddled ginger, lemon and mint, agave nectar, and a splash of ginger beer. 

One word: Awesome.

A birthday celebration wouldn't be complete without dessert... or a sneaky whisper to the waiter for a candle. Stuffed to the max, we shared the bourbon and bacon bread pudding. I loved it so much I force-fed myself. The weight gain was worth it.

If you love bacon nearly as much as I do, then you have to check out BarBacon. The atmosphere, beverage program, and of course bacon selection, make the this place worth it. 

Go! Or you really can't claim to love life's essentials - bacon, bourbon, and beer.

RVA Dine: Richmond Cuisine Meets New York

Richmond as a city is unknown to me. The only time I had even been in Virginia was passing through on my way moving to New Orleans. It's nothing personal, I am open to any place that has delicious food, wine, and beer. Lucky for me, I got to experience the rich and vast culinary scene of Richmond right in New York.

On November 15 I attended a dinner in NYC for Richmond Region Tourism, featuring three talented chefs and a brewer visiting from Richmond to showcase the best of what their city has to offer. My fellow diners and I sat in the kitchen with the guys while they prepped each dish and introduced us to what for me was a new culinary adventure and rich history of one of our founding states.

We were first presented with a colorful charcuterie board of house-cured meats, pickled vegetables, homemade mustards, jams, and crostini. The board was almost too beautiful to eat, but I got over that right away. Prepared by Chef Joe Sparatta of Heritage, this was the perfect start to an evening of indulgence and imbibing.

Our second dish was a roasted sea scallop with cranberry and Brussels sprouts. I must say I don't think I have ever enjoyed Brussels sprout this much. For that, I thank you Chef Lee Gregory. His restaurant, The Roosevelt, is located in Richmond's oldest neighborhood, Church Hill. Chef Gregory also prepared the third dish called Duck Brunswick Stew. The first ingredient listed is foie gras and my mouth watered at just that. What a treat to savor!

Pasture's Chef Jason Alley whipped up rice grits with pickled and fresh Virginia mushrooms, house-cured ham and "city garden" herb salad. Paired with Hardywood Farmhouse Pumpkin beer, this dish made me feel like I was back in the South enjoying a hearty home cooked meal with friends. It had that unmistakable warm, cozy feeling you can't get anywhere else.

Bacon and eggs were served for dessert by Chef Sparatta. Not your typical "breakfast," a delicate egg shell filled with layered custard and a side of maple bacon served as a sweet and savory finish to an evening of eating and imbibing. All of the chefs were passionate and personable, making each bite that much more enjoyable. A special thanks must be paid to Hardywood Park Craft Brewery for providing the array of craft beers paired with each course.

Well Richmond, you came to New York and conquered. I now have the overwhelming desire to visit your city full of not only history, but culinary genius which needs to be explored.

Friday Food Find: The Coffee Shop

Colombian Arepa with poached egg, chorizo, spinach and truffle hollandaise. Why we live for brunch.

The Coffee Shop

29 Union Square West, New York, NY 10003

212-243-7969

New 2013 Guide To The Hamptons

Ah, Memorial Day weekend, the start of the Hamptons summer season. Below is an article I did for Resident magazine in NYC to alert the city folk as to what's new on the East End this summer. Check it out!

Article includes Fresh in Bridgehampton, 360 East at Montauk Downs in Montauk, Nick & Toni's in East Hampton, Art of Eating at the Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill and Dock to Dish in Montauk.