Category Archives: On the Job

Let me start by saying that this dessert is easy as pie, but so much better.

As you know, I’m not really a pie kinda gal. But I would travel far and wide (preferably to Cape Cod) to get my hands on a s’mores sandwich.

When I was in Nashville a few weeks ago, I was reminded of this latent childhood love. Tavern restaurant had tabletop s’mores makers – a potentially dangerous offering if it’s your friend’s bachelorette weekend and you’ve had 4+ cocktails by dessert time. Since I’m gluten-free and can’t eat the graham cracker anymore, I just sandwiched my marshmallow between two chocolate bars.… Continue Reading→

When you cook as often as I do, you sometimes feel yourself falling back on the same formulas. This chicken dish has been a favorite since my early small kitchen days. The version in our book is a bastardized Marbella with olives, dates, tomatoes and fresh oregano. The beauty of the dish, and the reason why there was a culinary movement among busy hostesses around The Silver Palette Cookbook, is that it can be assembled in its marinate the night before and baked-off when you’re ready to eat. The genius as a hostess’ family style feast is a no-brainer. But these rules apply equally to catering – if not more so.… Continue Reading→

Back in January, my friend Blake decided to have his birthday dinner at Bamonte’s in Williamsburg. I quickly learned, that Bamonte’s isn’t your every day NY Mag critic’s pick – rather, probably a place they chose to prove that they don’t only give love to new venues serving Korean fried chicken and pastrami sundaes. Having dated a guy who lived in Carroll Gardens, I’m very familiar with the idea of mob eateries, and have always wanted to try one. But the same glutenous obstacles always stand in my way. And it this health and happiness perspective that makes this type of group birthday dinner my nightmare.… Continue Reading→

Last night I had a special treat: I got to see Gloria Steinem speak at the 92nd Street Y.

My dear friend Debbie Phillips of the fabulous women’s network Women on Fire invited me and a few other fabulous ladies to a delicious dinner followed by a heaping helping of empowerment for dessert. (Forgive me my cheesiness, I’m owning it today).

I’m embarrassed to say that because I didn’t purchase the ticket myself, I didn’t look into the actual subject of the talk. As it turned out, the event was a panel showcasing some other amazing women who were part of the Makers project.… Continue Reading→

Over the weekend, in the midst of the blizzard, I catered a 95th birthday party on the Upper East Side. The birthday boy was just the cutest. I felt like my little heart would burst every time he shuffled over for another canape.

On the menu were these curry chicken salad bites in endive leaves. Being golden in hue, I thought they’d be the perfect Oscar party snack.

Oscar night happens to be my favorite holiday of the year. So rest assured that I will be back next week with more themed ideas, if you want to go all out. And by all out, I mean not just your regular old crabby snacks and homemades (though I’ll certainly be making those too).… Continue Reading→