Chef Monsta: I cook, therefore I blog » Partay

Food Wars: NYC Pastrami!

admin — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 04:21:49 +0000

Fans of The Travel Channel’s Man vs. Food rejoice! A new show is coming out on Travel Channel, debuting March 9 at 10pm EST, called Food Wars. The premise of this competition is as follows: local eateries and their iconic dishes battle it out and end their rivalries! Think Philly cheese steak or hot dog war, captured on tv with loyal fans defending their faves. I received an invitation from friends of New York’s iconic 2nd Avenue Deli to witness a live taping of Food Wars: Battle New York City Pastrami against famous Katz’s Deli! Exciting Stuff.

The taping of the showdown took place last night at the LES bar The Delancey and both deli’s brought crowds and energy to cheer for their teams. I of course, was on Team 2nd Ave Deli, proudly wearing my t-shirt. There were six tasters (including the Village Voice food critic, a linebacker from the Jets, and long time customers of each prospective deli) and an appearance by Times Square’s Naked Cowboy! I can’t tell you who won this showdown of course, but stay tuned for the episode which will air this Spring!

Here are some pics of the activities:

The Naked Cowboy sang a little opening ceremony deli tune.

The 2nd Ave Deli t-shirt, complete with a listing of its delicacies.

Camera crew.

The cheering crowd!

Team 2nd Ave representing.

Katz’s fans, with a sign of the famous line from When Harry Met Sally (filmed at Katz’s of course).

To the left, 2nd Ave Deli owner Jack Lebwohl, and to the right is Katz’s owner Alan Dell.

Pastrami A (2nd Ave)

Pastrami B (Katz’s)

And there I am, with Food Wars host Camille Ford

The episode will air sometime in April, stay tuned for details and the WINNER!

Baked Pita Chips with Za’atar

admin — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 02:46:21 +0000

I have been addicted to Stacy’s pita chips lately. Unfortunately for my thighs and wallet, they are quite fattening and expensive at $3.50 a bag. It turns out, making pita chips are a cinch, and you can buy a package of pita for a dollar!

I love za’atar and truffles, so decided that would be my flavor. You can dip these pita chips in hummus, eggplant salad, or tabbouleh (endless possibilities).

You will need:

Pita bread
Za’atar
White Truffle Oil
Salt

Preheat oven to 425 F. Open the pita bread and slice in half.

Cut up the pita into wedges/chip sized pieces.

Drizzle truffle oil over pita, sprinkle za’atar and a pinch of salt.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, until desired crispiness.

I have made a few batches of these and cannot stop eating them, but next time I will try cinnamon/sugar or Parmesan flavor. Watch out, Stacy.

Pigs in Blankets

admin — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 03:12:03 +0000

Since I was buying pyllo dough for my burekas, I thought it would be fun to use it in another way. Yes, pigs in blankets are not “original” but they are delish and a bonafide crowd pleaser. I simply spread jalapeno mustard on the phyllo before rolling the hotdogs in them. I baked em for 30 minutes on 400 degrees, and sliced them up cutely. Yum.

Thanksgiving Menu 2009

admin — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:52:34 +0000

Recipes and pics to follow, but check out our family’s Thanksgiving menu 2009 (and menu 2008) Cannot wait to cook and eat our hearts out on Thursday…

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Starters:

Potato Soup
Grandma’s Stuffed Cabbage
Hummus, Matbucha, Chazilim (Israeli Dips)

Main Course:

Mom’s Turkey & Potatoes
Grandma’s French Roast
Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
Moroccan Couscous + Vegetables

Dessert:

Mom’s Jello Mold (sounds weird but is amazing)
Plum Cake
Chocolate Mousse Cake

A Weekend of Food Fun, in Pictures

admin — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 01:26:42 +0000

From a crappppppy rain filled Saturday on the Lower East Side’s first International Dumpling Festival, to a gorgeous wedding upstate with perfect weather in 24 hours….below is the proof!!

Wedding choice of two entrees; Chicken Breast with Root Vegetables

or Herb Crusted Salmon with Wild Rice and Root Vegetables

Both seasonal and delectable. Win-win.