Top 10 Things I ate in 2010

As the first two days of 2011 pass by, I thought I would take a shot at delivering what I call my Top 2010 list.  A little different than what you would read by Sam Sifton or Frank Bruni.  There won't be any bonito or black truffle reduction, no five star restaurants or those that take up to 2 months to find a reservation. In all, my "top" will be dummied down for the simple man.  A man that truly enjoys food, whether medium rare or well done, whether it costs .99 cents or 20 dollars, or even if it's fresh or already prepared.  You may be a reader of this blog and feel in disagreement with my food choices..but then again I don't really care.

So with that enjoy...Feel free to add your own. 

In no particular order

1) The Lobster Roll @ Luke's Lobster - Rumor has it they only use knuckles & claws. Either way a masterpiece.  If I have one knock it was the size (although I split it with my wife!).  But for the price it's simply remarkable. 

2) Momofuku Ramen @Momofuku Noodle Bar.   Pork..Pork..and some more pork. I swear someone in my family was drinking the pork broth for dessert.  This might of been the best meal of the year in all.  Great company...great food..great fun.  Hats off to David Chang!

3) Pulled Duroc Pork sandwich @Num Pang.  I heard of this place on the Top 100 Sandwich List @grub street. Although this one didn't actually make the list, it definitely should have. The spicy honey sauce on top of the sweet pork makes a true "melt in your mouth" moment.  

4) Keste* @ Keste Pizza - Tomatoes, Fresh Buffalo Mozzarella, Prosciutto di parma, Arugula, gran cru, EVOO.   Fantistco!  Rumor has it the wood burning oven flown in directly from Naples does the trick!

5) The Speckan Wolf @ Roberta's.  I actually never been to Roberta's but got to enjoy their food 3 times over at the Madison Square Park food fair.   Another oven specialty, this place does pizza right!  

6) BBQ @ Fette Sau in Brooklyn.  Probably one of the coolest places I've ever been to.  Metal Trays, Kitchen knife beer taps & picnic tables for chow.  Brooklyn's finest. 

7) Green Falafel @ Taim.  I first heard about Taim while watching an episode of "Chopped" on the Food Network. I've always been a fan of falafel but resorted for the popular Mamoun's or Rainbow Falafel.  Needless to say the Green Falafel at Taim was the best yet.  For a mere 5 dollars you get a gigantic pita stuffed to the top with homemade falafel, hummus, Israeli salad & hot sauce!  

8) Lox, Baked Salmon Bagel @ Barney Greengrass.  One of the oldest standing joints in Manhattan, "The Sturgeon King" experience is always just right.    Fresh Lox, Hot Bagels, and an exceptional potato latke make this meal a memory.     Special thanks to Pete J. for allowing us to join the mayor's table.

9) Pescado Taco's @ La Esquina - I'm always on the hunt for great Fish Taco's.  If you haven't had the opportunity to try..put it on the list.  

And my #10 top food in 2010

10) Steak for 2 @ Wolfgangs - I'll say it again...better than Lugers.

Tilapia Fish Tacos

Lahaina Beach House.  One of the last true great places on earth.  I've only been here once..actually happened to be twice in one day for that matter a couple years back while I was in San Diego for a HR recruiting show (SHRM as many of you know it).  Lahaina is known for two things; ultimate sunsets as you can see from the video below, and the most fantastic fish tacos ever!  



Here's my version.

Ingredients:


2 large pieces of Fresh Tilapia
S&P
Little Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1/2 head of Red Cabbage Sliced Thin
Diced red onion
Halved Grape Tomatos
Favorite Salsa
Fresh Lime Juice
Fresh Tortillas

Over medium heat in a cast iron pan cook Tilapia on both sides until Flakey. Heat tortillas in a non stick pan and make tacos.  Top with fresh lime juice.

Pan Seared Citrus Salmon with Sauteed Haricot Vert & Basmati Rice

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

The dust has finally settled after a long weekend of family and food! Despite the fact I think I actually handled my eating habits fairly well this holiday weekend, Sunday morning kicked off with a walk around the city, a trip to the supermarket, and the typical 3-4 hours of NFL football. So tonight I tried something a little bit different...FISH. Something that is rarely cooked in my NYC apartment due to the everlasting stench that tends to fill the poor circulation of air in which we dwell.

So if you happen to be alergic, this recipe is not for you..but otherwise enjoy!

Pan Seared Wild Salmon w/sauteed Haricot Vert & Basmati Rice

Preperation (2-3 hours before dinnertime in order to marinate properly)

• 1 lb of your choice of Salmon (enough for 2 people)
• 1/4 cup of Orange Juice
• 1/4 cup of Balsamic Vinegar
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup of Olive Oil
• Salt & Pepper

Combine orange Juice, Balsamic Vinegar, Lemon Juice in bowl, S&P in a bowl. Slowly whisk in Olive oil until well combined. Pour entire mixture over salmon filets and cover tightly. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours.

Once marinated pour remaining liquid into a pot and boil over high heat until reduced by half. In a non stick pan over medium heat sear both sides of salmon for approximately 4 minutes per side or until doneness of your liking (I prefer medium rare).

While the fish is cooking in a seperate pan heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over low to medium heat. Slice two cloves of garlic and combine with heated oil. Make sure garlic doesn't burn! Take 2-3 handfuls of Haricot Vert and saute over with the garlic oil. Add a pinch of salt and pepper or flavor to your liking.

Finally prepare your rice. I keep it simple..

• 1 cup of Basmati Rice (or couscous, etc.) to 1 3/4 cup of water.
• Let rice soak in water for appx. 20 minute and then boil.
• Once water is boiling turn off heat and cover with lid.
• Wait 10 minutes and then uncover.
• Fluff rice with a fork and add pine nuts and craisens.

To Serve (See Below)