A Visit to Murray's Cheese Caves

We were invited by Google to have a tour of Murray's Cheese Caves on Bleeker Street. Did you know that Murray's makes their own cheeses?

Murray's Cheese Shop

 It's a very interesting process. From start to finish there are a few steps.

• Collect milk from cows and goats. 
• Heat the milk. An agent called rennet must be added to the milk which will cause the curds to separate from the whey. 
• Cut and cook the curds. Drain and salt. 
• This state is then molded and pressed into the shape of cheese needed. 
• Dry the cheese and take to the cheese caves!

Compliance with sanitation and food safety first! Hairnets and lab coats.

Safety socks for shoes.

Cheese comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Burrata!

Cheese can get very stinky. Stinky cheese is kept in a separate part of the cave.

Like fine wine, cheese needs to age. It can take a few weeks, even months, to get the desired taste. This aging process can get very smelly and moldy. A cavemaster will have strict watch over the cheeses and do additional steps to preserve the cheese and get it to perfection.

The finished product.

There are many different styles of cheese to choose from. Sharp, mild, soft, crumbly, blue, stinky, the choice is yours to what tickles your fancy!

Pair cheese with nuts and dried fruit to enhance flavor.

Murray's Cheese
254 Bleecker Street
New York, NY 10014

2013 Winter Jam - Central Park

Have you ever experienced Central Park laden with snow? It is one of the most beautiful sights to be seen and enjoyed. Children bring their sleds, saucer discs, and cardboard pieces to help them coast down tiny hills. It is surprisingly safe and well organized. The kids are accompanied by their parents and they all take turns gliding down one by one. I have never seen so many children so patient waiting for their turn. Central Park transforms into a mini Winter wonderland.

Sledding

In January, the New York City Parks Department, along with the Olympic Regional Development Authority and Gore Mountain, hosted the 2013 Winter Jam. Winter Jam is an annual event which glorifies snow and Winter sports. I went to check it out and made sure to wear my snow boots.

Gore Mountain provided tons of synthetic snow. You would have never known the snow was fake since it actually snowed the day before and the snowy landscape blended all together. Winter Jam gave New Yorkers a chance to try out a few Winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and snowshoeing without having to travel upstate or to any other of the nearby mountains in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. There were snowboarding tricks demonstrated and sponsored by Red Bull, ice sculptures you could sit on and pose with, and a doggie snow zone. The festival had entertainment in every corner. In addition to the sports and recreational areas, there was also a live band, food vendors, free samples, and an animal adoption agency on site. Needless to say, there was a lot going on!

Red Bull Metrorail

The happiest dog ever!

The festival was geared largely to children. There was a Learn to Play Quidditch area through a local Meetup group, Radio Disney on site, and various games to play. I took interest in an educational Winter camping and survival demo. Learning how to shield oneself from the snow and wind while collecting water to boil are important skills to master.

Survival Skills 101

Learn to Play Quidditch

Everyone was required to sign a waiver if they wanted to participate in the activities. The festival was divided into sections. The snowshoeing area had no line. I walked right in and was seated to be fitted into snowshoes. Much to my surprise, snowshoes did not look like tennis rackets! I had watched one, too many cartoons. The snowshoes I tried on snapped onto my boots and when I walked, they moved with me. They looked and felt like they were made out of plastic. They were very durable despite their lightness. The snowshoes gave my boots a larger support surface and I was even able to run in them. Snowshoes prevent you from sinking into the snow. I had a great time stomping around and am now ready for a Winter hike! After snowshoeing, I wanted to try cross-country skiing but the line was a good hour long wait. I took it as a sign to move on. There was much to explore!

Getting strapped in.

Our Snowshoes

I spent a good two hours at the festival overall. I walked through Central Park the rest of the afternoon. I came across Betheseda Fountain. Behind the fountain, the same lake I rowed a boat in had now become iced over. I could not believe this was the same park that was usually green and filled with people in shorts and t-shirts. Now the park looked like a page out of a L.L. Bean catalog, Winter edition.

The Lake

Photography Credits: Roxwriting, Desmond Chow

Winter Jam

A Trip Back in Time- Historic Richmond Town

Old school printing press

In a city where everything is so fast paced and in a constant state of evolution, it is a rarity to find something so old and unchanged. Far from skyscrapers and a Gap, lives Historic Richmond Town in Staten Island.

What makes Richmond Town historic? The town is in its original state from as early as the late 1600s. Believe it or not, the building structures of Historic Richmond Town have never been rebuilt or restructured. A walk around Richmond Town feels like a trip back in time during the colonial days when the Dutch, French, and English first took up residence in Staten Island. 

I visited Historic Richmond Town for their second Chili and BBQ Cook Off. During this two day affair, various groups and local restaurants set their best recipes and cooking techniques forward in hopes of winning a poker chip vote from the public. An admission ticket granted unlimited tastings throughout the day.

Pier 76 and their chili pot

There are many events that take place in Historic Richmond Town. Currently, there is a county fair going on. Events are meant to foster community and awareness of Historic Richmond Town. Proceeds go towards preservation. The Staten Island Historical Society, the City of New York, and an unnamed independent nonprofit cultural organization oversee Historic Richmond Town.

Traditional Cornbread

All handmade!

Cooper's White Work

Historic Richmond Town is open to the public and visitors are encouraged to tour the museum and walk freely on the premises. I got to wander into the old homes and working businesses. A typical visit to Historic Richmond Town may include a variety of activities from learning about basket making, tasting food cooked by an antique stove, and a demonstration from a tinsmith to having a drink at the local watering hole as well as a taking a walk around the lake and the old mills. Historic Richmond Town may be a small quaint space but it’s big enough to convey the feel of a living, working village 350 years ago.

Historic Richmond Town

441 Clarke Avenue

Staten Island, NY 10306

Meatopia 2012- Randall's Island, NYC

Meatopia and the Best Butcher Competition Stage

The plan was to conquer 40 food stands in four hours, eat something every six minutes, take pictures of everything, and meat our destiny. In reality, there were about 50 food stands, way too much (always a good thing), a visit from mother nature, and a cast of characters from all over the nation. I tried about 20 stalls before feeling full, took pictures while shielding my camera from the rain, and was overjoyed to see my beloved hometown of the Bay Area, California represented not once but a few times.

I was impressed with last year's Meatopia and ecstatic over this year's. Meatopia gets better every year. Bigger, more organized, more impressive, and more expensive. Worth every penny. It's a chockfull of fun. Here are the highlights.

Shane McBride: Smoked Duck Neck Gumbo w/ Wild Rice

Harold Moore: DUO OF SQUAB- Rillette of Dark Meat and Roasted Breast Ancienne

US Navy SEALs: Grilled Venison Steaks and Marinated Tenderloin

Gabriele Corcos & Debi Mazar: Pizza al Carpaccio w/ Certified Piedmontese Eye Round Beef

Paul Denamiel: Beef Shank Bourguignon

Chef Alex Guarnashchelli

Alex Guarnashelli: Canard a la Presse w/ Sauce Chasseur

Michael White for Osteria Morini: Grilled Hampshire Pork Cheeks w/ Late Summer Mostarda

Eduard Frauneder: Grilled Veal Breast w/ Arugula, Peach, and Rye Bread Mustard Vinaigrette

Justin Smillie: Spit-Roasted Short Ribs w/ Castelvetrano Olives, Celery, Walnuts and Horseradish

Joey Campanaro: Sangria Marinated Butcher Steak w/ Hearts of Romaine alla Caesar

Noah Bernamoff of Mile End: Sizzling Smoked Veal Brisket w/ Charred Garlic Scrapes

Rae Cohen of Mile End

The 1,000 pound steer of Pat LaFrieda

Pat LaFrieda: Marinated Creekstone Steer

April Bloomfield of The Breslin: Kansas City Style BBQ'd Whole Hog

April Bloomfield of The Breslin: KC Style BBQ Pork Slider w/ Slaw

Zak Pelaccio: Spit-roasted Duck w/ Lady Jayne's Cured Citrus

I did not eat one bad thing at Meatopia. At the point of my fullness, I walked around for the last two hours salivating over Ilili, BZ Grill, Dinosaur BBQ, and a few others. I took a break to watch a bit of the Whole Foods Best Butcher Competition. After that, I stopped by Whole Foods' tent to just be in awe of their giant sausages and "World's Largest" Toppings Bar. Randall's Island served as a great stage for Meatopia. There was plenty of space and lots of trees that helped shield a little from the ghastly rain storm which turned the nice lawn into a muddy mess. Ah, true meat lovers did not flinch one bit. The meatfest (err, eating) continued.

Meatopia 2012

For more Meatopia 2012 coverage: Stella Dacuma Schour Photography

Meatopia 2012 Survivor Tips

New York Minute

It’s a funny thing living in an apartment in the city. The buildings are compact, the walls are thin, and there is always a crazy neighbor. My current building is a six story pre-war with 66 units between two wings. It’s a far cry from my previous high rise but I find it just as modern and spacious.

One of the first things I look at when moving into a place is the view. Whether it is a view of the river, the park, a brick wall or a garage, I think it is all part of the charm. I remember the day I was viewed my apartment. I looked out of the living room window and saw the Empire State Building. There was a fabulous view of Midtown and I felt like I had just found the diamond in the rough. I moved in two weeks later and quickly settled. I had a galley kitchen with a little window. Sometimes the pigeons stood on the sill. Sometimes the rain would leak through. Sometimes I’d leave the window open while I cooked for ventilation but most of the time I’d just be staring out onto an ugly brick wall and a bunch of windows with shades and curtains.

Privacy is something worth guarding in New York City. We are constantly surrounded by noise and people that your personal space becomes something so luxurious. For the first time in two years, I had a place that I could call my own. I loved not having roommates and I loved cooking for myself in my little kitchen. There was something so much more satisfying about it than just picking up the phone and dialing for delivery.

Occasionally, I’d look out my kitchen window and peep at my neighbors curious how their city dwellings were and how they spent their time. I noticed they had the same layout and kitchen appliances as I did. Their homes weren’t anything to be envious or intrigued about. They were one and the same made differently by the owner’s personal taste. As far as anything racy went, the most action I came across was the couple one floor down. They’d kiss and cuddle in the kitchen but nothing more than that. They quickly lost my interest and blended in as part of the backdrop.

The other night as I was washing dishes I glanced over and caught a glimpse of my neighbor as she stood over the stove tending to a frying pan. I did a double take and saw that she clearly had a bun in the oven. Her stomach protruded and it looked like she could be six months pregnant. I finished washing my dishes but the image of my neighbor stayed with me. Clearly the harmless canoodling had evolved into something else!

I could not help but think that in a few months I may look over into their window and see them balancing a baby in their arms with a burping towel on their shoulder all while cooking something on the stove. I could look over and it might be entirely new neighbors or a new color scheme with different furniture. I had been in my apartment for two years and it took the changes in my neighbor for me to realize how quickly time passes by in the city. Come Fall, I’ll be moving to a new place ready for new experiences, new adventures, and new neighbors. I’ve tackled a rodent problem, dealt with an eccentric neighbor, threw my very first hurricane party, survived a hurricane, installed a portable air conditioning unit, and encountered so many issues I would not have normally come across in the suburbs.

I’m centering in on my five year anniversary of moving to the East Coast. When I first moved here, I said I’d be good for just five years and then ready to move back to suburban life. Now that that five is coming about, I could not picture my life any other way. I don’t think I’ll be running back to the suburbs any time soon. The traffic, the noise, the variety of daily life, and constant motion has become a part of my life. I’ve adapted and I’ve adapted willingly.

Say It With Legos- I Love New York

NYC Tourism Ads

My New York is the kind I see in the movies. It's clean, romanticized, busy, full of lights and filled with lots and lots of cheer. Magical things happen throughout the day and treats abound. I love the adventure and rewards that happen if you give the city a chance.

If I take a walk after work, I stroll down Fifth Avenue and pass by Rockefeller Center. Rock Center is a madhouse, especially during the holidays. A lot flock to see the tree but others could care less and want to avoid it at all costs year round. There's really only one thing I care about in Rock Center and that's The Lego Store.

The Lego Store is filled with dioramas depicting famous NY icons, landmarks, and scenes. Here are my favorite which I feel represents my NY.

Ice Skating at Rock Center

The Statue of Prometheus by sculptor Paul Manship is quintessential Rock Center, as is the skating rink. I have taken so many photos in front of this statue from when I was a toddler all the way to last year. I've never skated at Rock Center. It never interested me, is so expensive, and most spectators laugh at and ridicule the people skating. I do, however, love ice skating. I highly recommend Wollman Rink in Central Park for a classic New York City ice skating experience.

Central Park Horse and Carriage Ride

I have been brainwashed by the movies to believe that being pulled by a horse through Central Park is exciting and romantic. In reality, it's expensive and smells like horse poop. Look at the Lego horse. It looks sad, much like the horses in real life. Okay, I'm not going to lie. I still want to experience this just to say I've done it.

concert

NY is a wonderful city that supports live music. The shows at parks and such attract big crowds. The energy is great and for sure I'd be part of that scene.

Subway

Awww, this is my daily commute on the subway (of course with about 200 more Lego folk). I love how the guy is leaning forward to see if the train is coming.

NY Street Smarts

So here we are, fresh off the subway and on the streets of New York. People move fast and if you don't keep up, you will be pushed aside. Look at the mean guys in the front and back. What I like is that there are four smiling Legos in this scene. Happy people win.

The Lego Store
620 5th Ave.
New York, NY 10020

Halloween- Happy NYC Anniversary

When I decided to move back to New York, my goal was to be in NYC by Halloween. I wanted to feel alive in the streets with all the energy of the people. I always thought Halloween was festive and believed it was the perfect time to celebrate the big change in my life. I booked a one way red-eye ticket on October 30th and landed in NYC on October 31st, Halloween.

Instead of going out and wreaking havoc with ghouls and goblins, I decided to stay in. I was tired from my plane ride and the realist in me began to take over. I couldn't party when I had a job to look for!

Four years later, I finally celebrated properly by going to Coney Island's Nights of Horror to get spooked out and walking the streets of Greenwich Village to check out all the costumes. If you are ever in New York for Halloween, I highly recommend checking out the Village. It's free entertainment all the way.

-BOO!-

Thor and Captain America

Dr. Who

Avatar

Jambi

Shake it Peep Show!

Robot

Day of the Dead 

Futurama

Pan Am 

Lion? 

Chucky

Happy 4 Years New York! Thanks for the memories.