Blog

NYC Chef Making Breast Milk Cheese

2010-03-09T15:49:27Z

A bizaare story in today's NY Post. I have been to Klee and love Daniel's cooking. But I think I will pass on this one:

By LACHLAN CARTWRIGHT and JEREMY OLSHAN

This Chelsea restaurant has gone from brasserie to brassiere.

Chef Daniel Angerer is letting diners at Klee Brasserie munch on cheese made from his wife's breast milk.

"It tastes like cow's-milk cheese, kind of sweet," he told The Post.

The flavor depends on what the cheese is served with -- Angerer recommends a Riesling -- and "what the mother eats," said Angerer, who once bested Bobby Flay on TV's "Iron Chef."

Breast milk doesn't curdle well due to its low protein content, so a little moo juice has to be added to round out the texture, Angerer said.

BREAST-AURANT: Chef Daniel Angerer, with daughter Arabella, 10 weeks, has concocted a cheese dish (inset, below) made from wife Lori's (right) breast milk.

After blogging about his efforts with the human cheese, customers started demanding a sample, he said.

"The phone was ringing off the hook," the chef said. "So I prepared a little canapé of breast-milk cheese with figs and Hungarian pepper."

The response has been generally positive from those who've tried the cheese, although many customers are too squeamish to attempt it.

"I think a lot of the criticism has to do with the combination of sex and cheese, but . . . the breast is there to make food," said Lori Mason, the chef's wife.

Since the restaurant began offering customers a taste, Mason has been inundated with creepy queries, she said.

"Some people who clearly have issues have . . . e-mailed me saying, 'I wasn't breast-fed as a child, so can I taste your breast milk?' " she said.

Mason politely declines the offer.

"I'm not here to walk people through their psychological problems," she said.

That said, Mason is now prodding her husband to make gelato.

After inquiries from The Post, health bigs said yesterday that even though department codes do not explicitly forbid the practice, they have advised Angerer to refrain from sharing his wife's milk with the world.

"The restaurant knows that cheese made from breast milk is not for public consumption, whether sold or given away," a spokeswoman for the city Department of Health said.

March Restaurants Openings

2010-03-05T15:42:05Z

new york | march restos.

spring's awakening and the flames are dancing at some of the newest places in town. go zen, chill out and have a pizza party with this list of march eats:

chillin'.

previously reserved for the fashion set, the polar lounge is now open to the public. the subterranean lounge at the marcel hotel is decked out with silver brick walls, gold and silver ottomans, lush white leather loungers, and private caves private parties can indulge in small bites and pitchers of the place's signature drinks. try the "polar champagne" made with veuve clicquot, rhubarb bitters and a sugar cube, or the "shot of polar" made with citrus vodka, blood orange puree and st. germain liquor. now open. 201 east 24th street. at third. reservations@nycpolar.com

pizza party.

keith mcnally (minetta tavern) has a bowery address courtesy of pulino's bar & pizzeria. chef nate appleman (formerly of san francisco's A16, SPQR (pictured)) is doing the dirty work in the kitchen, sourcing local ingreds for his menu and butchering all the meat in-house. expect NY strips, house made sausage and roasted dishes including lamb, scallops, and chicken. as for the pizza, nate is working with beth ann simpkins (she launched A16 in tokyo) and ruth kaplan (formerly balthazar bakery and BK's amorina) to design a wide array of pies including breakfast pizza for the early morning set, and gems like meatball pies, porchetta pizza, and even tuna pizzas – all made in the wood-fired ovens. opening mid-march. 282 bowery. at east houston. 212.226.1966.

bon vivant.

jubliee alum pascal petiteau is serving his famous moules frites and escargots at bistro vendôme, his new upper east side resto set inside a charming old townhouse. accented with beige and cherry wood and a sky light-filled curved ceiling, seasonal specialties include cassoulet and beef cheek shepherd's pie. there are also five varieties of those mussels and entrees include dover sole and steak frites. a rooftop terrace will ring in spring in a few weeks. now open. 405 east 58th street. at first. 212.935.9100. www.bistrovendomenyc.com

go zen.

chef akhtar nawab (formerly of elettaria, EU and craftbar) has a new home at zengo. the richard sandoval (pampano) and placido domingo-owned, AvroKO-designed resto is adorned with delicate wrought iron screens and suspended rows of reclaimed wooden beams. (DC location, pictured.) to eat? plenty of veg and gluten-free options focused on latin-asian influences. think charred tuna wonton tacos, achiote citrus chicken and chile barbecued salmon. the tequila library is soon to open with a separate menu and over 500 varieties of the spirit on offer. opening late march. 622 third avenue. between 40th and 41st. www.modernmexican.com

tangled up.

the UWS is now home to the tangled vine wine bar & kitchen. the space, designed to mimic a wine cellar, is accented with stone and wood with many of the 160 biodynamic, organic and sustainable wines from the list on display. author and importer evan spingarn designed the list with selects from germany, france, austria, italy and spain to pair with the medi-inspired menu from chef david seigal (bouley, jean georges). ”trios,” two-oz., pours of three thematically linked wines, encourage exploration for novices and indulgence for experts. now open. 434 amsterdam avenue. at 81st. 646.863.3896.

Celebrity Diet Tips

2010-03-04T13:29:36Z

I am always fascinated by what celebs and models do to stay in shape. Mainly because I eat so much that diet and fitness is something I have to think about. Here are some tips from the stars that I came across on Model Diet Plan:

Jessica Alba

From the early age of 12 Jessica Alba decided to modify her diet so she wouldn't follow in the foot steps of her heavily overweight family. She eats a balanced diet and shies away from eating carbs to keep her body in svelte shape for many of her more revealing roles.

Jessica sticks to a regime of lean meats, vegetables, egg whites and cottage cheese, and snacks on dried fruit and frozen yogurt to satisfy her sweet tooth.

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer stays fit by exercising and eating a balanced diet. Everything in moderation is her motto! She doesn't drink alcohol at all and When she does need to lose weight she cuts back on her carbs.

Jennifer incorporates regular cardio and weight resistance training into her life. I suppose with no hangover to deal with, she's always in top form for an exercise routine..

Oprah

The queen of celebrity weight loss. She avoids carbs like the plague, including bread, rice, pasta and potatoes. She also works out everyday - she's testament to the fact that dieting isn't easy, but if you work hard you can do it.

Oprah said recently, "My one regret in life is wasting years trying to control my weight." Well it looks like she has it all figured out now.

Heidi Klum

Heidi put in a huge effort to lose 30lbs in the first 6 months after her pregnancy, and now she looks better than ever. So how did she stay motivated?

She took photographs of herself in the buff every week, to keep track of the way her body was changing, and kept them together so she could see her progress. Its a great idea, just remember to keep them locked away somewhere safe!

Angelina Jolie

A strict protein-rich diet of lean meats and fish, plus lots and lots of water. Eating more high quality protein is one celebrity weight loss tip that we should all take note of.

Angelina has also dined on cockroaches, crickets and bee larvae for various TV shows and movies - all excellent sources of protein. Don't worry though, we don't all need to go that far to stay slim!

Carrie Underwood

Country singer Carrie Underwood has really made some changes to her diet. She's managed to drop 20 pounds since first appearing on American Idol, and she's keep it off. She moniters her healthy low calorie healthy diet by keeping a food diary.

Carrie, as many of us do, tends to diet by day and binge by night. With a food diary she can check her notes and see how many calories consumed during the day to see how much leeway she has to munch on at night. Remember to log your drinks!

Her workout routine consists of 30 minutes cadio followed by reps of free weights. To pass the time on the cardio machine she talks on the phone and listens to her favorite tunes.

Janet Jackson

Janet's dramatic weight loss in 2006 captured the attention of the world. Besides a full exercise routine, she has a personal nutritionist who determines her diet.

She drinks 2-3 custom-tailored liquid meals each day, containing all the nutrients she needs. As her diet progressed, she introduced vegetables, berries and frozen fruit.

Christie Brinkley

One of the world's first supermodels should know how to keep in shape! Christie stays trim with a strict policy of keeping all junk food out of the house.

When she wants to snack, she doesn't go to the snack drawer to gorge on sweets and chocolate - she chops up sweet potatoes, bakes them with a drop of olive oil, and dips them into some light mayonnaise.

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon controls her calories and portions by eating jars of baby food. It's a great idea as top quality baby food is tasty and nutritionally dense. It's also very convenient as a snack - take it with you when you're on the go.

Marcia Cross is another fan - instead of eating fruit candy, follow her lead and replace it with a healthy pot of strawberry-banana puree. Just remember to leave some for the kids!

Cheryl Cole

This talented Brit needs to stay skinny for her dual career as songstress and TV presenter. She does it by steering clear of carbs such as past and bread.

"I'll try not to eat carbohydrates, but I believe you should pig out once a week. I usually pig out on a Sunday because that's my hangover day." reveals the singer.

Ashley Judd

The star of A Time To Kill and De-Lovely eats no dairy products at all. Some people can't imagine a breakfast without real milk, but Ashley puts Soya milk in her cereal instead.

Her weight loss regime starts each day with hot water and lemon to get her metabolism going. Some dieters add a little cayenne pepper to really kickstart their day.

Leona Lewis

This stunning English songstress had a beautiful figure even before she found stardom as winner of British TV show, The X Factor.

To keep the weight from piling on, Leona likes to find exercise that she enjoys. She avoids the gym, instead focusing on classes like belly dancing to stay trim.

Claudia Schiffer

This blonde bombshell from Germany eats nothing but fruit before noon. Although fruit can contain a lot of sugar, its a great way to hydrate yourself in the mornings.

After a light lunch, she then has a healthy dinner of salad and steamed vegetables. Claudia deals with hunger pangs by snacking on tomato juice, black grapes and herbal tea. She sticks to 3 meals a day to keep a healthy metabolism.

Demi Moore

Demi needs to stay in shape more than most of us - she has a much younger husband to please!

This talented actress drinks herbal tea to curb her appetite between meal times. She also stays healthy by taking vitamins with her tea between meals.

Jennifer Aniston

Jennifer was one of the first celebrities to use The Zone to stay in shape. The way she is looking better with every new year proves that its working for her.

She lost 30lbs by adopting this popular diet and cutting out mayonnaise, sandwiches and fried food. Jennifer is also a yoga fanatic and never looks less than healthy and fit when seen in public.

Drew Barrymore

Drew battled with weight problems earlier in her career, but her starring roles in the Charlies Angels movies showed what great shape she'd in now.

She sticks to a sensible 3 meals a day, and deals with hunger pangs by snacking on Diet Coke or low fat Jell-O.

For exercise she makes sure that she enjoys herself - by going jogging, dancing and playing crazy golf!

Salma Hayek

As a mother and one of the world's most beautiful women, Salma Hayek has quite a balancing act to pull off.

Salma doesn't religiously follow any particular diet. However, if she overindulges, she restricts her calories for a few days by skipping dinner and getting a early night's sleep.

Fergie

With such a busy schedule Fergie orders her meals delivered by Diet Designs. She also forces down 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar each day.

This home remedy tonic has been used for 10,000 years for a variety of health problems. It is also thought to speed metabolism, break down fat and even block fat formation.

Tori Spelling

Tori Spelling gained 40 pounds from her recent pregnancy. She has already dramatically dropped it all and then some, thanks to the new advanced Nutrasystem plan.

She loves the taste, diversity, and convenience of this diet plan and is now the celebrity spokesmodel for The Nutrasystem Diet.

Pamela Anderson

This Baywatch star and animal rights activist brushes her teeth whenever she gets junk food cravings.

Why? Because there's nothing like a clean set of teeth to curb your appetite.

Paris Hilton

Paris makes sure to drink a bottle of mineral water before eating a meal.

Not only does this reduce her appetite and stop her from over-ordering, it also prevents overeating and reduces her calorie intake during the meal.

Secrets of a Skinny Chef

2010-02-25T16:39:22Z

Just in time for my post fashion week feeling of unhealthiness, I received an advanced copy of Secrets of a Skinny Chef by Jennifer Iserloh. The book, due out mid March by Rodale, contains 100 guilt free recipes for the most beloved comfort food dishes there are. Think Mac and cheese, brownies, fried chicken - all the good stuff. The goal of the book, according to Jennifer Iserloh, is to celebrate food and to keep eating the foods you love, but in a healthier way.

I absolutely love cookbooks and am not ashamed to admit that I own so many that I had to open a storage unit. Right now seems like the perfect time to invest a few evenings learning some new, healthful recipes. Reason one being the above result of fashion week and reason two being the fact that I, much like many new Yorkers out there, am a bit thin in the wallet these days. Hey, at least something is thin, right? Gotta stay positive!

But really, in thumbing through this book today, what I like a lot, aside from the promise of healthy and tasty Cajun catfish in cornmeal breading, is that I already have most of these ingredients in my pantry. Which means no after work visits to the gourmet market or Korea town for new ingreds. These are recipes easily achieved by thawing out what’s in the freezer and attacking the spice rack.

I plan on attacking the Just Like Takeout Sweet-and-Sour Chicken the next time the take out fairy plants a seed in my head.

Stay tuned for the results!

Wonder Wall: Wall & Water Opens

2010-02-06T17:51:13Z

new york | wonder wall.

contributed by fabiana santana

if you're one to say you have no reason to go down to wall street, bite your tongue. wall & water, located in the andaz hotel, is now open.

the fidi's most precious boutique hotel the andaz (where guests check in via a handheld PC in the lounge), is bringing some good eats to hungry suits. wall & water offers a farm to table, hudson valley-inspired menu by chef maximo lopez may created in plain view of diners. guests enter the resto through the kitchen (goodfellas style) and wind up in another area where chefs prepare a variety of charcuterie, cheeses and starters like spiced lamb sausage and endive and beet leaf salad. the rockwell group-designed dining room is quiet and cozy, with dark green banquettes pushed against wooden tables, and a ceiling dotted with light bulbs strategically placed to match the room's wall design. (additional light is shed on the room from the pearl shaped sconces, created to honor nearby pearl street.) feeling hungry yet? hunker down with comfort eats like braised veal cheek with black cabbage and sautéed celeriac, duck breast with rainbow chard and turnips, and organic baby veggie pie stuffed with winter herbs and chickpeas.

a spot like this? you never really had a doubt. wall & water. andaz wall street hotel. 75 wall street. at water. 212.590.1234. now open. www.andaz.com

NFL’s Finest Dish on Their Favorite Super Bowl Recipes

2010-02-05T12:57:48Z

The Super Bowl is the most-watched sporting event of the year. Aside from the final score and the supersized commercials, the most anticipated part of the day is without a doubt the food. There are, of course, the staples of any Super Bowl spread. The wings, the beer, the chips. But what do the guys of the gridiron nosh on during the big game? We asked some of the NFL’s finest what their chow of choice is when they are not scoring touchdowns. It turns out a few players are pretty savvy cooks. And a few even give the props to Mom. After all, she has as much to say in the kitchen as the coaches do on the field.

Pittsburg Steelers’ LaMarr Woodley and Jerome Bettis

Pittsburg Steelers’ linebacker LaMarr Woodley was elected by the Steelers in the second round (46th overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft and played as a both a reserve linebacker and a contributor on special teams as a rookie. Off the field, you can the 2009 Super Bowl winner in the kitchen, at least in the morning. So what’s on the menu?

“Good pancakes, scrambled eggs with cheese and toast on the side. I think I can make a good breakfast.” It’s his mom Janice Staples though, that makes the ultimate Super Bowl mac ‘n cheese. “It’s real cheesy, extra cheese like on a cheese pizza. I love cheese; it makes everything better, so the more in my mac ‘n cheese, the better.”

The former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jerome Bettis isn’t called “The Bus” for no reason. He is considered one of the best backs to ever play the game and is fifth on the NFL’s all time rushing league, all stats that helped the Steelers get to and win Superbowl XL in his hometown of Detroit. Hines Ward, the MVP of the game, stressed Bettis’ greatness during his Super Bowl commercial by saying: “I’m going to Disney World and I’m taking The Bus!”

Mom Gladys couldn’t have been happier to have her hometown host the big game. She’d traveled with her husband to nearly every game Jerome has played in 13 seasons as a professional. And on holidays, “he’d call me up and say ‘Mom, I’m coming home for Thanksgiving and bringing the guys with me.’ We’d have the whole team over for dinner on many holidays.” A classic dessert of sweet potato pie can always be found on the Bettis table come holiday season, and that includes the Super Bowl. Good thing, too cause it’s The Bus’ favorite.

NY Jets Damien Woody, Kerry Rhodes, and Vernon Gholston

New York Jets right tackle Damien Woody, who has started in 125 NFL games (including playoffs) not only works hard on the field, he does off the field, too. His has a charity foundation called Woody’s Kids which helps families of ill children and in 2001 he presented more than 4,500 cans of Campbell’s Chunky Soup to Greater Boston Food Bank as part of Chunky’s 2001 NFL Tackling Hunger. His most memorable Super Bowl meal: alligator.

“In my first Super Bowl in New Orleans I had alligator, which was pretty good. It just exceeded expectations. Somebody talked me into eating it. I didn’t even know you could eat alligator and it was actually really good. It caught me completely off guard. I haven’t had it since. Next time I go out to New Orleans I am going to have it.”

As for the home cooking? “My mom makes the best lasagna. No question about that.”

Teammate Kerry Rhodes is no slacker on the field. The safety led Jets in 2007 with five interceptions. He became first Jet since Otis Smith in 1995 to have an interception in four consecutive game and has started all 48 regular-season games and one postseason game Jets have played since being drafted in 2005. So how does the big guy fuel big time? “My mom makes the best chili in the world”.

Jets linebacker Vernon Gholston was drafted by the team sixth overall in the 2008 NFL draft. The former buckeye (he played for Ohio State) was named All-America first-team by AP and NFL Draft Report and second-team by Walter Camp. Pizza makes an appearance on his big game day menu, too. But instead of wings on game day, Gholston goes for the ribs. “My mom would always get us ribs and that is my favorite.” It’s been a while since he’s been home to Detroit for some of mom Cheryl’s home cooking. So what does he miss the most? “I like breakfast and she makes some good pancakes”.

Altanta Falcons’ Chevis Jackson

Atlanta Falcons corner back Chevis Jackson, who helped LSU capture the National Championship and SEC crown last year, may be a rookie on the field (this is his first NFL Season), but he is not one in the kitchen. When he hosts a Super Bowl party, he says he’s got the goods. “I make the best tacos. They are so good…I make them for my family, my teammates, anyone I want to impress!”

Kansas City Chiefs’ Branden Albert

Kansas City Chiefs left tackle Branden Albert, a first round draft pick for his team, says that the a Super Bowl isn’t complete unless both pepperoni pizza and buffalo wings are on the menu. “Without question, it is the perfect Super Bowl meal.”

Arizona Cardinals’ Reggie Wells

Arizona Cardinals left guard Reggie Wells Jr. has been fed well. He is used to big Sunday dinners prepared by mom, Diane Wells. Diane, who runs Dwells Development, a corporate development company, explains that Super Bowl Sunday is no different. “We call it ‘Super Bowl Fun-Day’”, she says, “because it’s not only about football, but also about family and friends.” Reggie still makes his way back to the very house where Super Bowl Fun-Day all began to full-fill what he says “is a very special, memorable times with the Fam”. Want to know what his favorite Fun-Day Food? “Mom’s Home-Made Pepperoni Rolls with Marinara Dipping Sauce.”

Chicago Bears’ Anthony Adams

When the Super Bowl was in Detroit, Chicago Bears Defensive Tackle Anthony Adams promised his mom Connie, a Detroit native, tickets. “I was so excited. Right before he came home he said ‘Ma I have good and bad news’. I asked for the bad news first. He said ‘I’m not giving you the tickets.’ I was upset – I had planned on watching the game with my friend, Gladys Bettis. Her son Jerome was playing in the Super Bowl that year. But then he told me the good news. He was giving the tickets to a student at Youth Ville.”

Youth Ville is a Detroit after school program set up for the inner city youth get help with homework and also participate in extra curricular activities. Anthony rewarded a Youth Ville youth who improved his grades. “He hoped it would inspire him to continue on the right path. It worked the young man to this day is still an honor student. Every time Anthony comes home, he gives him tickets to the game. They still keep in touch. And of course, so do me and Gladys.” So what did they eat that year they stayed home to watch the game on TV? Super Bowl Lasagna Extravaganza!

click here for recipes

HK Resto Five Napkin Burger Opens Second Local

2010-02-02T17:26:04Z

2315 Broadway (at 84^th)

212-333-4488

www.fivenapkinburger.com

Hell's Kitchen burger/sushi resto 5 Napkin Burger opened a second location in the Upper West Side yesterday. Full release below:

The 5 Napkin Burger’s legacy started at Simon Oren and Andy D'Amico's breakout Upper West Side hit, Nice Matin. Chef D’Amico’s “5 Napkin Burger” was so popular that they felt the clamored-after sandwich deserved a turn in the spotlight. Together with partner Robert Guarino, they set out to fill a gaping void left by the city’s lack of an upscale restaurant that focused solely on the hamburger. With 5 Napkin Burger, Oren, D’Amico and Guarino made yet another formidable mark on the stretch of 9^th avenue between 44^th and 45^th streets (having already opened Marseille and Nizza on the same block).

The menu at the new location stays the same, with the star--of course--being the 5 Napkin Burger. From the purist-approved fresh ground chuck and herbaceous rosemary aioli to the caramelized onions and melted slices of piquant gruyere, this is one serious burger. 5 Napkin’s rich shakes, like the creamy black and white malted or s’mores topped with a toasted marshmallow, makes the perfect accompaniment to any of their burgers.

For something a little different, try their seared tuna burger marinated in ginger, scallions and soy and topped with wasabi mayo, lobster roll sliders, or the Italian turkey burger with spicy tomato sauce and melted mozzarella. Rounding out the menu are freshly and expertly prepared maki rolls made by an in-house sushi chef, along with ample sides and salads.

The décor is “butcher shop chic”, with white tile walls and meat hooks snaking across the ceiling, which is also dotted with hanging filament bulbs. Whimsical chalk murals are sprawled out over giant chalkboards, and the dark wood banquets and bar is sure to attract the trendiest patrons. Oren, D’Amico and the rest of the team want you to know that this is not just any old burger joint.

10-Minute Recipe: Power Yogurt Breakfast

2010-02-02T13:18:51Z

This easy-to-prepare, fruity, creamy treat will get your day started off right with a good blend of protein, carbs, and fiber. If you want to really amp up your breakfast, add a scoop of your favorite Shakeology^® flavor. Frappuccinos don't have anything on this breakfast!

1 cup plain low-fat yogurt
3 Tbsp. wheat germ
3 strawberries, sliced
1/2 banana, sliced
1 tsp. shredded coconut, toasted
1/2 tsp. honey (if desired)

Add wheat germ to yogurt and stir to combine well. Top with strawberry and banana slices, then sprinkle with shredded coconut for a delicious garnish and added texture. If you crave extra sweetness, add honey. Serves 1.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, including honey):

Calories	Protein	Fiber	Carbs	Fat Total	Saturated Fat
363	20 g	7 g	58.5 g	7.5 g	2 g

NY Restaurants Do Their Part for Haiti

2010-01-20T13:11:15Z

Restaurants all over town are doing their part to help raise money for Haiti's relief funds. Here are some of the events you can participate in:

On Sunday, January 24th, L'ecole, at The French Culinary Institute, will be donating 100% of brunch proceeds (11:30am-2pm) including waiters tips to The Red Cross Haitian Relief

In wake of the Haiti earthquake tragedy, Kampuchea Restaurant, The Norry at Kampuchea and Num Pang Sandwich Shop will be donating to UNICEF to support their relief work in Haiti. 100% of all UNICEF's donations will be used to save children's lives. On Saturday, January 23rd and Sunday, January 24th, Kampuchea and The Norry at Kampuchea (78 Rivington St., New York, NY 10002; 212-529-3901) will donate 20% sales. Num Pang Sandwich Shop (21 East 12th St., New York, NY 10003; 212-255-3271) will donate 25% of their sales from these two days as well.

The Astor Center is hosting a wine tasting event with proceeds going to the Earthquate Relief fund.

“Dine Out For Haiti” (www.dineout4haiti.org; www.dineoutforhaiti.org): The following restaurants will be participating in this project and will be donating 10 percent of their sales on Sunday, Jan. 24, to aid organizations:

Anella (222 Franklin St., Greenpoint, Brooklyn 11222; 718-389-8100)
Cookshop (156 10th Ave., New York, NY 10011; 212-924-4440)
Delicatessen (54 Prince St., New York, NY 10012; 212-226-0211)
Five Points (31 Great Jones St., New York, NY 10012; 212-253-5700)
Hundred Acres (38 MacDougal St., New York, NY 10012; 212-475-7500)Kefi (505 Columbus Ave., New York, NY 10024; 212-873-0200)
The Mermaid Inn (96 2nd Ave., New York, NY 10003; 212-674-5870; 568 Amsterdam Ave., New York, NY 10024; 212-799-7400)
The Mermaid Oyster Bar (79 MacDougal St., New York, NY 10012; 212-260-0100)
Motorino (349 East 12th Street, New York, NY 10003; 319 Graham Ave, Williamsburg, Brooklyn 11211)

United Nations World Food Program. The following restaurants will be donating 10 percent of their sales on Monday, Jan. 25, to this aid organization:

Alto (520 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022; 212-308-1099)
Convivio (45 Tudor City Place, New York, NY 10017; 212-599-5045)
Marea (240 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019; 212-582-5100)

one sixtyblue (1400 W. Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60607; 312-850-0303). Starting Monday, Jan. 18, and running through Sunday, Jan. 24, the restaurant is offering diners the option to add $1 to their checks to benefit Heartland Alliance’s Haitian relief efforts.

Sprinkles Cupcakes (various locations; http://www.sprinkles.com). The company raised $20,000 for the Red Cross’ Haiti Relief and Development Fund on Saturday, Jan. 16, by allocating 100 percent of proceeds from all red velvet cupcakes sold at its five stores to charity.

STARR Restaurants (various locations; http://www.starr-restaurant.com). 10 percent of gross sales from all meals purchased on Monday, Jan. 25, at the company’s restaurants in Atlantic City, New York City and Philadelphia will be donated to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund.

BLT Steak LA (8720 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069; 310 360-1950): $10 from every bottle of wine purchased at the restaurant from now until the end of January will be donated to Haiti relief funds.

In the Kitchen with Paula Deen

2010-01-18T20:13:35Z

By Fabiana Santana for singlemindedwomen.com

Howdy y’all!

It’s a greeting as welcoming as “dinner’s ready” and pretty much means the same thing. And when you hear it, you know what’s coming – good home cooking by Paula Deen. Her hearty laugh is as infectious as her recipes are addicting and when she’s on the screen hosting her Food Network show Paula’s Home Cooking, you know a good time, and good food, are all on the menu.

But the southern loving Paula Deen, whose drawl drips with as much as sweetness as sticky buns in the morning, wasn’t always the happy go lucky hostess you see on TV.

“Everyone has a beginning, and mine really starts in my Grandmother Paul’s kitchen. I promise you, she knew everything you ever needed to know about making the perfect Southern meal. Every day I was amazed at all the things she knew and shared with me – cooking techniques, tips, secret recipes, and, most importantly laughter, life lessons, and love! Of course I didn’t know it at the time, but those would be the things that would always pull me through,” Paula says.

She explains a time of trouble and confusion, when the death of her parents followed by separation from her husband led Paula to feelings of anxiousness that literally locked her in her own house.

“I was 40 years old and was having such severe panic attacks that I literally could not leave my house, becoming a prisoner in my own home.”

But then one day, things changed for Paula, and taking a lesson from her Grandmother Paul, she took control of her life and with a mere $200, she started the business that would change her life. The Bag Lady was a lunch delivery and catering service that she eventually turned into a full-service restaurant called The Lady & Sons.

“During that time I’ve had my first cookbook ‘discovered’ and more published, had the honor of receiving the ‘International Meal of the Year’ designation by USA Today, of having not one, not two, but three of my own shows on the Food Network, and opened up another restaurant – Uncle Bubba’s Oyster House – with my little brother Bubba.”

Paula believes that none of the good she has experienced could have existed without the bad. She says she has “embraced both the heartache and joy” and the key is knowing that you can take control of your life, even when things seem like they can’t get any worse.

Paula’s business continues to flourish with a series of successful cookbooks: Paula Deen and Friends: Living It Up, Southern Style; The Lady and Sons Savannah Country Cookbook; The Lady and Sons Too; and The Lady and Sons Just Desserts, and she serves as editor in chief of her magazine “Cooking With Paula Deen.”

On June 15, 2007, Deen was nominated for and won not one, but two, Daytime Emmy Awards—”Outstanding Lifestyle Host” and “Outstanding Lifestyle Program.” And while she is grateful for it all, her twitter quote probably sums up Paula the best.

“Cooking and family are the greatest gifts. Love and Best Dishes, ya’ll!”