Archive for the ‘Food’ Category
This is awesome. I wish I could include one of the images of her Jonestown Kool-Aid cake, BP oil gusher cake or global jihad date cake. You’ll just have to see them in all their magnificence for yourself.
The restaurant business is not for the weak-hearted. It requires long hours, decent shoes, a tough skin and a love for people. Bill Cox, owner of Wildfire restaurant in Georgetown, Texas, maintains those qualities, plus a few more, that have kept his downtown establishment on a successful path for over six years.
The last time I visited McKinney, Texas, the downtown square resembled most Texas small towns centered around a court house: antiques galore stocked with quilts, bluebonnet paintings and Grandma’s ironing set, a few sleepy cafes serving pie and coffee and oh yeah….more antiques. But a recent visit proved that McKinney has received the memo that its sophisticated residents and tourists want upscale lodging and shopping choices and dinner served past 5pm.
Texas theme restaurants often teeter dangerously along the line that divides country from kitsch. One too many lace curtains, peanut shell covered floors and cheating hearts songs on the jukebox can send an eatery into the theme park purgatory. During a recent outing to Love & War in Texas Plano (L&W), I discovered that Texas fare includes much more than deep-fried meat covered in cream gravy. The restaurant offers a culinary tour of the Lone Star state with a traditional flair that almost alleviates the cowboy cliché.
On a recent Thursday night, I discovered a little piece of Austin, Texas, at the Cadillac Pizza Pub, (affectionately nicknamed The Caddy) located in the heart of historical downtown McKinney. While conversing with the pub’s owners, Bobby and Johnnie Collins, I learned that Collin County residents who miss watching live music can get their fix at this Southern flavored establishment, which exudes all things music, family and community.
A Typical Friday Gets Interesting with Pastrami Sandwiches and Naked Walkways
The third day of my trip left me flying solo, as Candace tended to work demands. She coached me through the subway plan, and I was off to explore the city, bagel in hand.
Different languages mingle in New York’s streets, colliding and flowing. French, Japanese, German, Spanish and others flew back and forth, amongst the honking horns (That’s why I posted this photo. Apparently this ‘law’ is difficult to enforce.) and screaming drivers. (Speaking of the open conflict, I was amazed at how easily an argument would erupt, last five minutes, then quickly dissolve. Maybe there’s something to tossing out the politeness, speaking the truth, then returning to life. Grudges and ulcers be gone!)
I arrived at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) to soak in some major creativity. I started with Picasso:Themes and Variations which featured 100 exhibits of Picasso’s artistic process. It was amazing to see how he could create an exact depiction of a bull, then later a totally abstract version of the same animals. Françoise with a Bow in Her Hair depicts Françoise Gilot in 1946. 
Jacqueline as a Bride was another nice expressive lithograph.
A highlight of the tour was seeing Marina Abramović and “The Artist is Present.” For lack of a better description, she’s a performance artist. I read a profile about her in the “New Yorker” a few months ago, so it was fortunate timing that I happened upon her exhibit. On the first floor, I walked into what seemed like a never-ending staring contest. Abramović invited an audience member to sit across from her at a wooden table and basically ‘share energy’ for the entire day.
I don’t know how the volunteer did it. I would have laughed and ruined the artistic ‘moment.’ I heard that on another day a volunteer wore Abramović’s exact outfit, and performed the staring duties that day. 
It got much more intriguing. In order to enter the full exhibit, we had to walk between a naked man and woman. It wasn’t really a big deal; it was much more entertaining to watch the patrons’ reactions.
On one of the walls hung a naked woman with a shaved head, sitting on a bicycle seat, draped on a cross. Throughout the exhibit were various examples of Abramović’s work. A video played where she and a man screamed into each other’s mouths. (Apparently she is all about sharing energy, through whatever means necessary.) It was definitely worth the experience. One typical art gallery snob said, “I’ve been to galleries all over the world, and when I attend a gallery, I expect art. This is definitely not art.” Funny how people still strive so hard to define the meaning of art. And the debate continues…
William Kentridge’s paintings and Henri Cartier Bresson’s photography were mesmerizing. Bresson is called a 20th century portraitist and said, “Photography changes what it describes.” He has a talent for capturing mundane human moments, and giving them significance. There’s something about black and white photos that leaves me quiet, realizing that that piece of paper is all that remains of that spirit. Haunting.
The third floor held architectural ad design exhibits, and the current exhibit asked: What Was Good Design? There was a plethora of 40s and 50s furniture styles, as well as funky chandeliers in bright colors.
Museum trip fulfilled, I met Candace for dinner. We first walked to a roof top bar to get a great view of the city. Unfortunately, almost everyone in New York wanted to share that same view, so it proved to be a crowded experience.
After a brief stay, we headed to the famed Katz’s Deli. The process was tricky, where we received a ticket to order a meat lover’s dream sandwich. Our meat cutter quickly deduced that we were Texans, unsure of the whole pastrami experience. 
He carefully placed the cured meat on a plate along with a heap of pickles. (This is the real deal, not connected to Austin’s Katz’s, either.) I’m not a huge meat eater, but I’ll admit this was a delicious sandwich.
The deli’s walls are covered with framed photos of celebrities shaking hands with the owner, and there’s a sign directing attention to the very seat where Meg Ryan performed that famed scene from “When Harry Met Sally.”
We rounded out the evening listening to live music at the Living Room sipping martinis and snapping photo booth memories. (Coming soon.)
Another successful day in the life of NYC. Up next? Tenement Museum, a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge and a night to remember watching the Young @ Heart Chorus.
And now, a funny little photo of a pretend dog on a New York street.
“A work of art is above all an adventure of the mind.”
Eugène Lonesco
The East Coast adventure continued as I managed to sleep until 11am the next morning. That does not happen in my world anymore, so it was a special treat. After slurping coffees from the nearby market, we began what would be a 10-hours trek around the city. (Not that anyone was counting.)
While my lack of navigational skills proceeds me, NYC is easy to decipher. Luckily, my map reading prowess wasn’t challenged this particular day – I left that job to the Big City Girl, Candace. Our first discovery was Central Park. We chose the “Alice in Wonderland” sculpture first, which has been part of the park’s scenery since 1959. In Alice style, I clamored onto the bronze piece for a few tourist photos. 
It was fun to read the various excerpts from Lewis Carroll’s classic placed carefully around the sculpture.
We continued our walk to Strawberry Fields which is a living memorial to John Lennon. We discovered a circular black and white mosaic with the words ‘imagine’ placed in the center. Various people encircled the quiet space, and a colorful ‘tour guide’ explained the history of Strawberry Fields. Apparently its his job to decorate the mosaic 365 days a year with various types of flowers (once he used pot leaves) and he takes it very seriously. He explained that while the area is within viewing distance The Dakota, Yoko Ono didn’t want a statue of Lennon placed in Strawberry Fields. She not only didn’t want the daily reminder that her husband had died, she didn’t want birds to do their business there either. It was a peaceful section of the park where its visitors seemed to contemplate Lennon’s mission for imagining world peace. Or maybe they were considering the tour guide’s tragic tie-dyed ensemble.
Our outing continued with lunch at an outdoor bistro. I ordered a portobello sandwich, and eavesdropped on the conversation held two-inches from our table. (They are all about using every inch of space in this city.) While we awaiting our order, two 30-something women discussed the New York dating scene. One of the women dominated the conversation with her theories, which must be shared here. “I’m not dating anymore. I’m done,” she said. I have much more important issues to resolve, like finishing my place. Once that happens, I’ll revisit the issue. I’d much rather replace my dining room table legs than date. Besides, summer is the season for dating. It works like this: People come out and are looking for fun in the summer. Then fall hits and it time to dump or be the dumpee. The fall is a horrible dating season. Spring is okay, but same thing for winter. Trust me on this theory.”
After eating our delectable lunch, we were craving dessert and had had enough of our “Sex in the City” dating lesson. It was time to sample a much awaited Magnolia Bakery cupcake. We weathered the long line to order two magnificent specimens of cupcakery goodness. Now, I realize that this dessert is a popular trend nowadays, but I noticed a cupcake bakery on just about every corner in NYC. These people know what they’re doing. Mine was a chocolate cupcake, covered in yellow to-die-for icing. Yum.
We walked off our sugar highs by cruising to SoHo, the Hudson River and the Chelsea Market. We walked on a rooftop that was artfully landscaped with wooden lawn chair and gardens. Who knew a cement industrial rooftop could be so cozy? The Chelsea Market felt like an underground wonderland, full of bakeries (Fat Witch Bakery made me laugh), seafood markets (The Lobster Place) and more.
The highlight of the day happened at an accidental stop at Zena’s. Her storefront is well-known, located in the West Village. We were walking past the medium’s ‘store’ when something made me stop. “We have to get our palms read,” I said. After a short discussion, Candace agreed. We met Zena (who could forget that name?) and I agreed to be first. She ran through payment options. “For $20 you get a palm reading and small look into he future. For $40, you can ask me questions regarding your future, as well as the reading. For $60 you get the reading ask questions and I will look three years into your future with my crystal ball.” (All I want to know is how does the ball know to stop at three years? Come on, now.) We opted for the $20 reading. She confidently took my hand and began speaking in a strange tone. It sounded like she was in a trance. It took everything in me to not giggle and take a sidelong glance at Candace. “You will live a long tife, well into your 80s,” she said. (I wonder who gets the bad news that tomorrow there time is up?) But yay! I’m liking this palm reading thing. “You are currently struggling with fitting into your current station in life, and connecting with people that you can relate to.” Hmm..Okay, Zena. This is accurate. Suburbia has been a challenge for me. “Don’t make any life changing plans until the end of the year That’s when it will all come together.” (Ah! I can relax until December. Awesome. “You have a very independent streak that has been present since childhood. This character trait has affected your career and you should keep it in check.” (Fine, I get it. You’re the real deal, Zena. You nailed it. Here’s my $20.)
A little shocked, I traded seats with Candace, and listened to her reading. Zena’s monotone voice began to accurately describe my friend. “You are in transition, and are working on all levels of your life, spiritual, physical and emotional. You are not as trusting as before. You are a helper and work in a relatable industry. You will meet your love partner in 2011.”
I’m still unsure where Zena picked up all of those details, but she was good. And it made our casual West Village pilgrimage that much better.
We took a break at the White Horse Tavern where poet Dylan Thomas swilled his life away in the bar’s middle room. It was fun to watch the nannies scurry along the streets, kids in tow, while sampling nachos.
Canal Street was next on the agenda, where we witnessed the famed designer knockoffs on every corner. We meandered along Little Italy here every few feet we were offered a table and the ‘world’s best’ Italian food. Chinatown, full of strange edibles and twinkling music. At the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory I tasted delightful mango ice cream and Candace chose coconut. I’m aware that our nutrition choices were questionable. Vacation food!
Finally, I bought the trip’s mascot, a rubber coi fish purse at Pylones. We named said fish, Zena, and she will make appearances throughout the NYC adventure.
On our walk home, Candace noticed a lad talking on his cell phone. She did a double take, while I kept walking. She stopped and looked once more. He winked at her, and nodded. It was the actor Jason Segall from “How I Met Your Mother.” (He plays nice guy Marshall.) We appreciated that he was cordial and didn’t give us he stink eye for interrupting his conversation.
Tune in tomorrow to read about naked museum exhibitions (pun intended) and how Katz’s never closes.
Check out a recent article I wrote about McKinney’s butterfly transformation from country to chic.
Sometimes twinkly lights, sangria and Mediterranean tapas (translated to mean ‘cover’ or ‘lid’) can transport you straight into vacation mode. My family recently celebrated my Mom’s birthday at Café Málaga in McKinney and ventured into two hours of luxurious food sampling filled with flamenco music by Tania Cordobes and Michael Stacy.
Our outdoor seating lulled us quickly into a calm state, admiring the cool breeze and sipping flavorful sangria. The music was a mix of American folk and Cuban, with additional influences like bossa nova, flamenco and samba. (Picture Joni Mitchell with a twist.) We even noticed a potter creating a few pieces amongst the landscape while listening to the music. Its outdoor sprawling patio is filled with lush landscaping, fountains and intricate rock designs. Our table reminisced about trips to Spain, and how the Spanish appreciate family meals, especially siestas. Each couple ordered three tapas (today’s tapa can be any food that is served on small plates and is usually accompanied by wine or beer) and prepared to share.
The cafe is named for the birthplace of the owner, Annie Stokes’, grandmother, Maria Carmen Bierma Cordero, born in the Province of Málaga, Spain (a port city in southern Spain) in the late 1800s. According to Stokes, The area where Carmen grew up in is in Andalucia is known for its olives, oranges, almonds, saffron and fish. We ordered a colorful mix of flavors, including the Taste of Mediterranean (artichoke tapenade, hummus and baba ghanoush with pita bread) roasted potatoes, shrimp, chicken and beef kabobs, wood-grilled hanger steak, gambas (sautéed shrimp with lemon juice, garlic and parsley) and potato croquettes. (Deep fried potato, bacon and cheese cakes served with chipotle aioli.)
Our sever continued to present different plates throughout the meal, extending the enjoyment and allowing us to celebrate Mom’s birthday without interruption. The sauces delivered the magic in each bite, and everyone at the table commented on feeling full and satisfied. The celebration ended with expressos and chocolate/cinnamon sticks, and toasts to another happy year. Café Málaga is a magical place that captures the essence of Spain in several savory bites.
Salud.
Photo credit: Café Málaga Web site