If you are a New Yorker there are two things you need in order to have a successful morning: a proper cup of coffee and a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich (BEC). The pair go together better than peanut butter and jelly. Especially since I am not a fan of the latter.  When I think about some of the best BEC sandwiches I have ever had they all have one thing in common - the way they were prepared. They were either on a roll or bagel but the way they were presented and tasted where essentially the same.  But last year, right in time for my annual to do list ( https://bit.ly/2JSFq4u ), I read an article in Conde Nast Traveler that peaked my interest. It was featured in their March 2018 issue and the article I read was entitled “32 Best Restaurants in New York City”.  On the list was a classic Brooklyn spot where I have spend a meal or two; “Roberta’s” ( https://bit.ly/2RUOGYZ ). There was also a spot that will likely appear on the my next annual to do list w...

As I sit here typing I can’t seem to stop thinking about my nails. Mainly that they REALLY need to get done. They are starting to chip and become unruly. As soon I as think about making an appointment my mind immediately returns to this question: “which of my feet will be ticklish this time?” Because I am a girl that needs her fingernails and toenails to match, I always get a pedicure whenever I get my nails done. And while this should be an activity I enjoy, it often feels like a chore, despite my going only once every three to four weeks. I know; #firstworldproblems.  Anyway, each and every time I get my toes done, as soon as they are done soaking in the bubbly water I wonder, which of my feet will be ticklish today?  Without fail one of them always seems to get the brunt of it and suddenly what was supposed to be a relaxing activity has made me all tense. So, is there a scientific reason for this?  According to most research, yes. While the ...

This is my dog Tiger, or as I called him, Jesus. He answered to both depending on who was calling for him. Sadly he passed away several years ago, but he is still a beloved part of our family.  Tiger was cherished and lived a great life. He ate breakfast with my mother, went on long walks with my father, and laid by my side while I read The New York Times. He lived a life better than most of his human counterparts.  So if a typical dog’s life can be so grand, why then am I I working like one? In the last few days, I have done more cooking, writing, and chores, on only a few hours sleep, then I can actually believe. I am exhausted. So much so that I have caught myself thinking, on several occasions, “I am working like a dog”. Yet any dog I have ever known or loved has never done any work in my presence.  Why then are these delightfully lovable beings synonymous with hard work? Historically, canines were working animals, not suited for domestic b...

With Super Bowl Sunday approaching this weekend, is there a better time to talk about dip and chips?  I think not.  When I am not watching a true crime show (which is most of the time) the odds are  high that I am catching up on “Food: Fact or Fiction?”. Host Michael McKean tells us the true stories behind the foods we love (episode is first link below).  Last week he shared a tidbit about one of the most beloved products in American history: ranch dressing.  I was stunned by what I learned and knew I had to explore this story further on my own.  Turns out ranch dressing was created on a ranch. Mind blowing, I know. And the brand that is the most popular and captivated the market is of course Hidden Valley Ranch.  So if ranch dressing was created on a ranch, can you guess the name of the ranch? Yes, it is Hidden Valley.  Hidden Valley Ranch was purchased in the 1950s by Steve and Gayle Henson and is located ...

Bushwick, Brooklyn is not what it use to be.  It is even better.  Within the last ten years or so Brooklyn has undergone a major period of gentrification. With all that change came a wave of new restaurants with an array of flavors previously unfamiliar to this neighborhood. One of these restaurants is Roberta’s ( https://bit.ly/2RUOGYZ ), a very popular pizza place. Many of those who have worked here have gone on to create pizza legacies of their own. One such person is Frank Pinello of “Best Pizza” ( https://bit.ly/2HDHqMc ).   But this lunch wouldn’t be pizza adjacent as most of my meals are.  No on this day I was going for more of a Japanese flair. I was here for dumplings! I love a good dumpling, both traditional and modern. My favorite are most definitely the French onion soup dumplings from “The Stanton Social” which I have had on two occasions. The first time was in April 2012 ( https://bit.ly/2MGBEcy ) and the second occasio...