Spring Time in New York
I’ve had a very busy last couple of days. I went to New York for the IACP – International Association of Culinary Professionals. So many stars of the culinary world were there taking classes right along side of me. I got to listen to Ruth Reichl, Sara Moulton and Marcus Samuelsson speak about where the industry is going. We talked about everything from Is Farm to Table Just the Latest Fashion to what is the newest trends and how to find them in food. My brain is on overload with all the information learned and new people met.
Friday night kicked off the weekend with local chef’s showing off their latest creations. I have to say that my favorites of the night were not too far off from food that we can get right here in the Valley; ‘Dinosaur BBQ’ by John Stage and Brisket with Jalapenos and Chocolate Braised Pork with Chipotle Cabbage Slaw from Julian Medina. Lots of meeting new people and eating great food. There was no need for dinner or really anything else to eat but since we were so close, 2 blocks, from Balthazar‘s a few of us stopped. I know this will not be the last time I visit this place.
Saturday morning I went to the Union Square Greenmarket. There was a lovely mist happening by the time I walked down to the market and most of the wonderful fruit and flowers were in season; Pear blossoms, purple hyaccinths and apples, so many apples.
There were so many vendors that we don’t get to see here in Arizona, and of course there was fish. I got a lesson in how to tell the difference between male and female crabs. Hint, the females wear red nail polish, see the pictures at the end of the post. There were also sellers of wool, and of course wine and lots of cheese. Rain prevented us from lingering at this beautiful market, but I’m looking forward to visiting again during another season.
Sunday was spent mostly in Soho, and I walked almost 80 blocks – I think that’s equivalent to 800 miles – from my hotel in Mid-Town. I’m complaining, but I do think its the only way to see a city. I walked by Grace Church, the Empire State Building and The Flatiron Building. I stopped into Dean & Deluca for my morning coffee and to drool over kitchen items that I want but don’t really need. They had wonderful samples at every station and wonderful Easter items like hot cross buns and ham. Then it was off to brunch with a little sampling from sponsors and the 5 boroughs and the wonderful food items they have to offer. Next we were off to the blog and book fair, with every possible cookbook author there to talk with and of course books to sell.
It was a short but very satisfying trip to New York. I wish I had had more time to do some of the touristy things and see more of the landmarks that New York is famous for. I made it to Times Square, I got cheesecake at Juniors, but sadly I didn’t get a real New York bagel or pizza! That will be saved for another trip. IACP will wait until next year in San Francisco. Now that is a town I know and love!
