Recent Adventures

I just came back from my first Nascar race in Darlington, SC. I must admit, I was hesitant. I had no idea what to expect but was comforted by the fact that I was surrounded by my co-workers. Much to my surprise, I really liked it! The people watching was FANTASTIC. The cars and drivers were impressive, and the Southern BBQ hit the spot. All in all, happy I did it once in my life!

I haven't had a bad dinner in NYC in a long time. Make that a really long time. Recently, I went to Fig & Olive on 63rd and Lexington with a friend. We started with an assortment of crostini. Upon first bite, I realized the bread was 1/2 stale, 1/2 yuck. Totally gross with a capital G. The toppings were flavorless and ice cold. Imagine eating freezing cold pesto! If that wasn't bad enough, we both ordered pasta dishes. I had the penne with shrimp, tomatoes, cilantro and garlic. My friend had the mushroom pasta. Both dishes had ZERO taste. It was basically a bowl of pasta with a few cherry tomatoes and some cilantro. The shrimp weren't even deveined. I didn't eat but one bite. My friend tried to eat her pasta but also felt that it was tasteless. We gave up on our dinners and ordered another glass of pinot!

Question to my readers....should I have complained? Sent it back? Asked for it to be taken off my bill?

Stuck

Dear readers,

I have been M.I.A. I know, don't get too upset. Life has been busy! I have surfaced though and want to begin anew. Lots of things have happened since my last post! I am considering changing my subject matter to focus on things besides food...yes, I love to write about food but it isn't exactly good for the hips if you know what I mean:)

I want to thank all my dear friends who have given me guidance on this project and have given me tons of positive support. You all made the negative people go away!

I'll be back real soon,

The Chick, formerly known at The Food Chick.

Goodbye 2009...Hello 2010!

2009 proved to be a great year for the foodie chick. I met a few awesome chefs like Cat Cora, Marcus Samuelsson, Sara Moulton, and Wolfgang Puck. I went to several foodie events like the Big Apple BBQ, NY Mag's Taste, and the Village Voice Taste. I dined at a number of wonderful places and also some places I wish I could ask for a food refund!

The creation of my blog was something I always wanted to do. About 99% of my readers like what I have to say and read me when I post. There are a few who have not embraced the foodie chick but as my mom says, you can't please everyone. So here is my toast goodbye to 2009!

Best meal in 2009: The River Cafe in London. Not only was the company top rate, the food and ambiance was awesome. Every bite of my meal was amazing and I am hot to trot to return.

Most over-priced meal of 2009: Per se in NYC. The good thing is that I wasn't paying and was someone's guest. The service was a 10 for sure. I could have fallen out of my chair and someone would have been there to help me immediately. The food was good, don't get me wrong, but $245 per person is outrageous. Sorry Thomas Keller.

Best cheap eat of 2009: Super Duper Weenie in CT. I am really not a hot dog kind of gal but the whole presentation of the dogs and the delicious fries that accompany them was perfect. Runner up cheap eat would be The Red Onion cafe in Vero Beach that serves the best, most unique sandwiches ever.

Best Pizza of 2009: House Pizzeria in Austin. Their potato, goat cheese pizza is to die for. A recent review in Bon Appetit magazine confirms what I already know. Total YUM!

Honorable mentions in 2009:

The Grey Horse Tavern, Bayport, NY: farm fresh deliciousness here!

Akasha, Culver City, CA: really good new American food and I can say this after my boss and I both fell ill after our meal. Try it!

Corsino, NYC: small Italian plate heaven.

The Tides, Vero Beach: one of my favorites. The fresh fish is delicious.

Grand Harbor Beach Club, Vero Beach: new menu, new chef has made this a great lunch spot.

As for home cookin' in 2009, a shout out to Sarah Bloodsworth for her meatloaf. AMAZING. I have the recipe if anyone wants it:) Also, a shout out to Erica Schmidt for her basil shrimp pasta. What an easy yet delicious dish.

I am not a dessert person but if I had to call out something I would say the Crumbs cupcakes Peter and I feasted on this past summer. We had red velvet with a cream cheese frosting and then a pumpkin/chocolate that was amazing.

Well foodie friends, off to 2010! Here is what you can look forward to:

-Recipes that are healthy yet tasty

-Cooking gadgets

-Video chats with chefs

-New travels!

Cheers and as Julia Child would say, Bon Appetit!!