It was a Biggie Size, actually.
So my New York trip was pretty incredible. Off the charts. Thankfully, I took almost as many pictures as I did shots, so once I rouse myself from this still-dreamlike stupor I’ll try and post them. Well, most of them… But enough of my small-town-girl-in-the-big-city nonsense, how was the food?? I’m glad you asked. It was pretty incredible, too. For breakfast and lunch I ate on the cheap, which was surprisingly easy to do if you don’t mind using your fingers as utensils (yes, please). The evenings were a bit more indulgent, but having a fantastic partner in crime helped softened the blow.
Laptop’s Top 3
Freemans: Quite literally “tucked away” - Freemans is a nondescript little gem at the end of Freeman Alley on the Lower East Side. Aside from the craft service table at the stuido, this was my first official meal in New York. At the suggestion of Nick, the director, our team packed up and headed to the alley for a post-wrap dinner. The food, ordered family-style, was delicious and satisfying after a long day. The wine? 2x bottles of much, much needed tipple. Full bellies and glassy eyes. The assortment of desserts was a bit decadent, but they set the tone for a crazy enjoyable weekend. Solid meal, all around.
Aldea: By far the most memorable of my three dinners, the food at Aldea was both impressive and delicious - the kind of food that, once served, you’d expect to be openly impressed. There was a lot of ooo-ing and ahh-ing, but the wait staff seemed nonplussed, so it must happen often. On my menu: Shrimp Alhinho (heavenly spiced), Tomato-Cherry Gazpacho (yummmm), and Pork Loin with smoked yellow corn, manila clams, scallion-ramp glaze (naturally). Port for dessert was probably an unwise choice, but it definitely complimented the massive overload of chocolate that was delivered soon after. Two steps forward, several drinks down the hatch.
JoeDoe: The perfect spot for a sleepy, dreamy brunch on a gorgeous Fourth of July. Epic bloody mary, too. Made with a veritable garden of chopped herbs and a dollop of horseradish, it both hit the spot and eased my budding hangover. The old-fashioned biscuit with homemade honey-butter was downright sinful. Veggie omelette was yummy, but it was the Phish Tour Parking Lot Griddled Cheese that stole the show. Broccoli rabe, dank cheese, and some nice healthy herbs, man. Almost gives me the munchies just thinking about it.
The worst part (as if that’s even possible) was the return flight — and being greeted by the oppressive Dallas heat.
I had a pop-tart for dinner last night, so I think a trip to mecca is in order, if only to motivate me into cooking for myself again.
Now the only question remaining is, when (not if…) should I go back?
