Winter Random Bites

We like to stay in NYC after the holidays are over and many of the tourists have gone home. :)

You get the best hotel rates and the city all to yourself in January & February.

Just bundle up, because it's cold out there!

We were tourists in an area that we don't often visit.

Downtown, by City Hall next to the Brooklyn Bridge in the Financial District.

It's not the prettiest part of the city, but there is much to do with the new Oculus at the World Trade Center and the Freedom Tower and 9/11 Memorial.

The new Beekman Hotel is beautiful, with 2 fantastic restaurants located right inside.

Augustine, a French brasserie (same owners as Balthazar).

Where you can get a very decent plate of steak frites in a fun atmosphere.

and Fowler & Wells, Tom Colicchio's new place, that is one of the prettiest restaurants in NYC.

Delicious food.......you can stop in just for a drink in the huge gorgeous English style bar room and take a break from a day of sightseeing.

We had the spicy fried rabbit, and a delicious savory ricotta tart w/ pickled figs and pistachios, topped w/ crispy prosciutto. You'd think they made it especially for me!

What have I been cooking lately?

If you follow me on instagram, then you know exactly what I cook for pretty much every meal.....sorry to bother you with the minutia of my day.

I made my usual winter project from the New York Times.

Cured Coho Salmon w/ beets and horseradish...it comes out perfect every time.

And my new favorite way to serve cauliflower is this:

Roast florets on a sheet pan at 400F for about 30 minutes, until caramelized and golden.

Just before you take the pan out of the oven make the topping.....

In a small skillet, heat 2 tbsp butter with some chopped hazelnuts, golden raisins and capers.

Pour this luscious sauce over the roasted vegetables just before serving.

You will want to lick the plate.

Maybe winter isn't so bad after all.