Monthly Archives: February 2014

laduree macaroons new york
News About Food, Restaurants in NYC

Macaron Mania!

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I have just had this vision. A vision of my perfect world. Here is how it unfolds…. each morning my doorbell rings. I open the door and I find a box of fresh Laduree macarons. Delivered. JUST FOR ME!!! Aaahhh …

If only!

The moment I walked into the Laduree shop on Madison Ave in New York, I knew I had stepped into heaven. Everything looked good enough to eat. The gorgeous colors of the macarons and their flavors descriptions made it really hard for me to make up my mind on which to try. I somehow managed to pick eight flavors out a choice of about sixteen. There was a line at the store - but thankfully it moved really fast.

laduree macaroons new york

I got my box of macarons and debated how best to savor them. It was messy and slushy outside. And there was no place inside to sit and savor my goodies. So I opted to patiently drive back home. Sit myself on the couch and open my first ever Laduree macaron box. All good things come to those who wait…. albeit impatiently. ;-)

The french are known for their pastries and desserts. Macarons are no exception. They are one of the most difficult treats to get right. It takes years of practice to perfect this cookie. If it gets too hard, its a failure. If it gets too soft, it wont hold its elegant shape. Trust me, I have tried making these at home many times, and am always amazed at how the tiniest bit of discrepancy in oven temperature, room temperature, quantity and incorrect fluffiness of egg whites etc can just ruin this confection in seconds.

The Laduree macarons were perfection. Such a light and airy cookie, it just melted in my mouth as I bit into it ever so gently. To my amazement, the exterior had the slightest and the most delicate bit of crunch. How did they do that?!!! Just that textural contrast between the inside and outside of this cookie is enough to understand the genius of Laduree!

laduree macaroons new york

You will be interested to know that Laduree flies in their macarons straight from their bakery in Paris each week.

I loved that the fillings were not too sweet or overpowering. It was like all the textures and flavors were playing a sexy dance to slow romantic music. And I was in love!

I have tried eight flavors so far and I have to say that Citron takes the second place while Rose flavor is on my pedestal. I can’t describe the sensations running through me as I tasted the rose flavor macaron. Surprise, followed by pure pleasure. If desserts can have Umami, then this is it for me. All I know now, is that no matter what other flavors I may try, rose will always be part of my order at Laduree.

Laduree has recently opened a Tea Room in SOHO where they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. I, for one, can’t wait to get there!

Laduree, New York | http://www.laduree.com/en_int/

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Restaurants in New Canaan

Perfect End To A Great Weekend

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Last weekend we had LOTS of family over from AZ, NJ and MA. The house buzzed with activity all weekend long, the conversation un-paused, and our kitchen the center of all the action.

When the last of the guests left on Sunday, all I could get myself to do was cuddle up on the couch with a good book and vegetate. The last thing I felt like doing was to get back in the kitchen and cook dinner. I had spent my weekend pampering others - and now I felt like being pampered. So, the obvious choice was Elm in New Canaan, for dinner!

elm restaurant, new canaan

For a Sunday night, Elm was buzzing! That to me is a clear sign that chef Brian Lewis and his team are doing something right. The food is super creative and elegant - always. The wonderfully delicate flavor nuances in each bite will keep you guessing how and what? That’s the genius of this chef.

The magic started with the amuse-bouche of Salsify Crema. That itty-bitty jar of goodness was able to stir a multitude of warm and cozy feelings inside me. The stage was set. The Razor Clam Chowder carried my excitement and satisfaction to the next level. I LOVE how each dish at Elm is never overpowering, each ingredient plays a harmonious role in juxtaposing flavor, texture, temperature and mouthfeel.

elm restaurant, new canaan

Imagine chicken topped with a glaze of red wine reduction and foie gras! It was so luxuriously smooth and creamy that it glistened like gold. Or the ever-so-delicately composed Chatham Bay Cod with white beans, chorizo and espelette peppers. Simply divine!

elm restaurant, new canaan

I was so full but I simply could not refuse the dessert course. The poached seckel pear with orange cream, cocoa nib and vanilla sherbert was the perfect ending to this meal. The citrus was refreshing while the soft and sweet poached pear was addictive. I ate the dessert with a fork but then I had to switch to a spoon at the end - so that not even a single drop shall be left behind. That kind of good!

elm restaurant, new canaan

The entire time I was at Elm, I kept thinking to myself how much I had missed food with this level of expertise. Chef Lewis has such a deep understanding of ingredients. Here is a chef who has developed a close relationship with his surroundings and its bounty … the local farmers and food purveyors. If you ever get a chance to watch Chef Lewis in his kitchen, you will be struck by a man who is one with his craft. Completely. His focus and skill will come through in every bite you eat. This man makes magic!

Elm Restaurant, New Canaan | http://www.elmrestaurant.com

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News About Food, Restaurants in Norwalk

Lahore, Delhi & London - Under One Roof!

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I am super excited about this new addition to Fairfield County food scene. It brings back many childhood memories. Memories that I have tried to re-live ever since I set foot in the US. Often coming close … yet not close enough to that taste, that sensation, that feeling of pure pleasure and contentment. The flavors and aromas of food sold at every street corner. Ah! the curries, the kebabs, the aromatic biryani …

Indian food (specifically food in northern India, mainly Delhi) is almost identical to food cooked in Pakistan. The two countries have shared centuries of history together and so having commonality in food was inevitable. The other country that made a huge impact on India and Pakistan, was United Kingdom! How cool that all three of those cultures and countries come together in a delicious way at one teeny-tiny establishment in Norwalk!

Royal Guard Fish & Chips Norwalk CT

Royal Guard Fish & Chips opened its doors recently in the same location were Tim’s Philly Steaks lived for a brief time. Here, you will get the authentic British style fish and chips along with tons of absolutely, palate-stunning, super-delicious offerings from the Lahore (Pakistan) and Punjab (India). This is the real deal folks, I grew up eating this stuff and I can attest to that fact.

There is quite and extensive menu for taking-out or eating in. It is my new go-to place for food, every time company comes over!

Royal Guard Fish & Chips Norwalk CT

So far I have tried the fish and chips which have amazing crunch with super soft and moist cod fish inside. It is not seasoned before frying, so you get to control how much salt, pepper, chilli sauce or tartar sauce you like to add.

I LOVED the Chicken Biryani as well as the Seekh Kebobs. The tandoori chicken is right on point and super-authentic in flavor. It is a must-try! The curries are excellent, albeit a bit oily - but then again, that is exactly how food will be on any street corner of Delhi or Lahore! Royal Guard is cooking with 0% trans fat and non-hydrogenated Canola oil.

Punjab, a state in India, borders Pakistan. Rich in farmland and home to hearty, happy, food-lovin’ people- it has its own array of dishes. Kari Pakoda and Punjabi Chana are some of my favorites from that region and on this menu.

Royal Guard Fish & Chips Norwalk CT

The chefs and owners, Waheed and Shahida, of this little gem are so warm and welcoming. After years of great success and cult-like following in Danbury area, their goal is to make Fairfield County a delicious place to be - one sensational bite at time! :-)

Royal Guard Fish & Chips | http://royalguardfish.com/RoyalGuardMenu.pdf

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