by Chrysa Smith Who is she, you ask? Well, I will tell you. She's a fondly-remembered Italian grandmother, who apparently was, a grand cook. Her name is on the menu of a very lovely Italian eatery in New Brunswick, New Jersey. An eatery that happens to sit a few steps from a lovely, little theater. First Things FirstIf you're looking for a special evening with an urban vibe, but don't relish the idea [...]
by Chrysa Smith Earlier this fall, I went to market in NYC--Chelsea Market. A bit disappointed with the unusually small number of offerings for NY, I headed south last week---south to Philly. MaryFran came along for a day of urban therapy---leaving behind the homogeneous solitude of the burbs for the tastes, sounds and textures of Old World, Italian, South Philly. (Hey, what's it to you?)Imagine Philadelphia--the colonial city, almost a century ago. The [...]
by Chrysa SmithHey, get back in the kitchen and watch the turkey!!! But if you've got a couple minutes, check this out. Hope your dinner goes a bit smoother.Happy Thanksgiving.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9L3bGKlxzGE&feature=related
ADDENDUM: TRY THE WEGMAN'S YAM/APPLE/ALMOND CAKES----I SAMPLED THEM AFTER COOKING ON FRIDAY, AND THEY ARE ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!!!!!by Chrysa Smith My mom and I have been reminiscing about the matriarchs of our family (God bless their souls).There was my shy grandmother Mary, in heels and an apron--always remembered for a rotisserie chicken in the oven and baked potatoes on top of the stove. Clare, with her perfume, jade jewelry, Lily of the Valley, cheesecake [...]
by Chrysa SmithI remember it very clearly.It was Christmas, 1982. And I had landed a very nice job right out of college. It was in the Film Industry in NYC and the CEO of our company invited several of us to lunch at 21. Now, back in the day, it was one of the most prestigious, high-brow eateries in the city. A distinguished brownstone, lined with those painted, concrete jockeys carrying lanterns, it [...]
by Chrysa Smith In the mood for a little Puccini, Rossini, Bellini?Then head to Victor's Cafe in South Philly, where 'Authentic Italian' is served up-- both in food and song.That's right---singing waiters. But not just any singing waiters---- opera singers. Beginning at 5pm, this South Philly daily tradition begins. As I remember it, a bell will ring (like in church) to call your attention and quiet you down. Then the entertainment begins--and it's [...]
by Chrysa SmithIf you're like me, around this time of year, you brace yourself for that end-of-year, holiday weight gain. It always begins at Halloween, with those innocent-looking, miniature, snack-size chocolate bars. You know the ones you buy, thinking you'll lose 10 lbs by New Year, because they're only 50 calories each and pre-wrapped (a weight watchers secret psych tip) ----then proceed to eat six because they're just so darn tiny? Before you [...]
