MitchW

This could not have slipped past anyone here... But - would there have been a Dean & DeLuca, Citarella, Agata & Valetina, Grace's, et al. without Saul Zabar? The first time I ever walked in Zabar's, and went up to that 2nd floor, I was like a kid in a candy store. At 97 - all that salt did him good! RIP... Saul Zabar, Smoked Fish Czar of Upper West Side, Dies at 97 (And probably too soon, but I imagine all the platters at the shiva are spectacular).

Inspired by the Venetian dish known as Schie con Polenta: Since it's almost impossible to get schie here (and I'm wondering how easy it is to get it in Venice nowadays), instead I made Shrimp with Polenta. Shrimp cooked in butter, olive oil, garlic, red pepper, white wine, lemon juice. Served over creamy polenta.

23...I certainly remember the duck, but had no idea it was HOT DUCK! It ain't easy to remember anything the KNicks have done.

A return trip this past weekend, and once again everything was quite good. Our party of four (one of whom has a specific food allergy) was well accommodated by the kitchen. Chef actually came by the table with a menu that she had marked up with dishes that could be made to specifically leave out the allergen(s). And sure - no problem making 3 fish wraps for our table...it's a place with excellent service all around. A slightly different version of the pimiento cheese, currently on offer. Served with wheat crackers and crudités. Naan sneaks in at upper left of photo. Happy to have this place.

When I was driving my cab, that’s exactly where we would go when looking for really late-night (or early morning) fares!

Maybe I'm the only one who remembers what the meatpacking district was like back in the good old days. But on my walk over to the Whitney the other day, I passed by this... https://maps.app.goo.gl/kvLQQ3wvQtWtXbUa7 Now I knew Hector's had closed, but I didn't realize it's gonna all be gone... https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2024/11/29/hell-be-the-last-meatpacker-in-the-meatpacking-district-heres-how-nycs-gritty-hood-got-chic/ https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2025/06/16/the-meatpacking-district-packs-it-in Oh well...

The carbo load breakfast: Bread "flapjacks," via Jacques Pépin...leftover bread soaked in a little milk, an egg, scallions, herbs, s&p. These are so good. Leftover Amatrician Estiva frittata, with half a baked potato thrown in for good measure. And more herbs and scallions too.

OMG - I didn’t even see that!

I imagine if Ori has some newer recommendations, those will be great, as were his previous ones, which probably still are. If you want to go to a great cocktail bar, Del Diego.

The Sixties Surreal exhibition will involve at least one more visit, as one of the people I was with insisted on talking the whole time...https://whitney.org/exhibitions/sixties-surreal But I'd go back anyway. There's also a great gallery filled with Claes Oldenburg drawings...https://whitney.org/exhibitions/claes-oldenburg I didn't know that the Whitney holds an extensive collection of Oldenburg drawings. And their holdings never fail to make me happy... Second Story Sunlight (1960) Hollywood Africans (1983)

Really nice guy. I've been to a few events/parties/whatever with Dave present - never fails to have a good story. Or a flask.

I had the distinct pleasure of attending a discussion about a new cocktail book by David Wondrich. Called The Comic Book History of the Cocktail, it's the history of the cocktail, illustrated in comic book form (I think the title gives that away) by the wonderful Dean Kotz. To make it even more interesting, the discussion was moderated by Michael Ruhlman. Also introduced me to the fine book store/cafe/a bunch of other stuff, called P&T Knitwear, right here on Orchard Street. I got me some merch...

With apéritifs the other night (followed by pasta of some sort): Pa amb tomàquet, with Lomo Iberico and Chorizo Iberico.

I’m pretty sure scallops are everywhere. Whether they’re served with pork belly, blood sausage or gribenes, they’re still everywhere.

Couldn't make the show, but was able to off my tickets.

I'm surprised Richard Hell and Richard Lloyd aren't on the bill. Both still around and live here.

The Damned, Iggy?

Yeah, I've only watched Part 1 so far, but it had me squirming on my couch. Classic degenerate drug addict...especially after that first hit on the crack pipe (you never get that high again; at least that's what I've heard).

https://youtu.be/gYnneOm1YfE?si=N6Avv_6hfQ9MqYAG

Resupply... The Jasmin was bought at a market on East Broadway.

Setaro Maccheroncini Rigati with broccoli cooked into a sauce-like consistency, garlic, feta, Kalamata olives, parmesan, black pepper and parsley.

I have never seen Summerstage so packed. Weather was ok, however.

Wet Leg last night at Summerstage, in Central Park. All I can say is I’m glad I saw them their first time through, with 199 people in attendance, at Baby’s All Right.

Fresh wild Alaskan king salmon, slow roasted in the steam oven, with some La Boîte Lula sprinkled atop. Salmon had also bee pre-salted and rested the day before. Basmati rice pilaf. Sauté of fresh corn, zucchini, onions, and tomatoes.

Semi-classic tuna nicoise salad. Tuna, anchovies, potatoes, tomatoes, olives, lettuce, avocado (the no-no), green beans. There was a hard-boiled egg as well, just failed to plate it for the pic. Classic vinaigrette.