Tag Archives: Chelsea Market

FOOD

Fried Green Tomatoes – A dish of disputed origin that leaves you licking your fingers

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By Lakshmi:

Fried Green Tomatoes – What images do those words conjure up? The namesake 1991 film set in Alabama?  The southern dish by the same name that leaves you drooling?  To me, it brings up memories of an amazing lunch at Friedmans in Chelsea Market in New York City.  Aaah – the perfect firm tomatoes, covered with seasoned panko, deep-fried and served with the perfect buttermilk sauce.  Each of us at that meal sat transfixed, a tad bit disappointed that we inhaled the plate so quickly!

And today after many months, I recreated this dish in my kitchen.  Take a look at the picture and let me know what you think. From a taste standpoint, the multiple testers in my household gave it a giant thumbs up!

While I had many recipes clipped out since that meal in New York City, I decided to wing this creation.  Here’s my easy how-to!

  • Sliced up some beautiful green tomatoes from the farmer’s market into thick slices and sprinkled them liberally with salt and pepper
  • Dredged the tomatoes in some flour seasoned with chilli pepper,
  • Dipped the flour covered tomatoes in two eggs whisked with a tablespoon of milk
  • Tossed the egg coated tomatoes into panko crumbs seasoned with salt and pepper
  • Deep fried the tomatoes for 2-3 minutes and drained them on paper towels.

Now, this beautiful creation needed an accompanying sauce.  And here’s what I did.

  • Mixed two tbsps non fat sour cream with a half a cup of buttermilk
  • Squirted in some Sriracha sauce into this mix along with some salt and pepper
  • Blended the mix well and served it!

And finally for a piece of trivia.  Most people believe that Fried Green Tomatoes are the quintessential southern dish.  But according to the Smithsonian magazine, the origins of this yummy dish can be traced back to Jewish and Midwestern cookbooks!!

If you have a love affair or a story with Fried Green Tomatoes, please do share!

FOOD

Amy’s Bread- Redefining Simple Eating

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Amy’s Bread, New York City
(newyork.seriouseats.com)

By Siddhi: 

How good can vegetarian chili get? In my eighteen years of existence, nothing ever beat the gratifying wholesomeness of homemade soup with the freshest ingredients from the local farmer’s market and prepared with mom’s love.

Sorry mom…but I think someone has finally come pretty darn close. Don’t yell at me! Go to Amy’s Bread and see for yourself. It’s divine to say the least.

Located in three culturally vibrant areas in New York City- Hell’s Kitchen, Chelsea Market, and the one I frequent on a cozy street in the West Village- Amy’s Bread boasts the most incredible selection of hand-made breads, desserts, sandwiches, and delicious coffees, juices, and breakfast foods.

Eating at the Bleecker Street location in the Village which is just a couple blocks away from the Hudson feels like you’re living the greatest of downtown city dreams. A small and homey European café feel married to slick modern lighting and diverse wall art simulates one of the most comfortable eating experiences I’ve had to date in the city.

The first time I went to Amy’s, I was coming down with a terrible cold and wanted nothing more than a simple bowl of hot soup. When I ordered the vegetarian chili (which came in several different combinations…I’ve never seen so many options for a simple chili on any menu!), I thought I would get either the typical plain roll breadstick or “rustic roll” included with the order. Instead, I was presented with a mouth-watering array of at least ten different types of hand-made breads and was able to choose between the heartiest of flavors including black olive twist, tangy sourdough, and semolina with golden raisins and fennel. If my taste buds were functioning and I wasn’t so sick, I would’ve broke the bank right there and taken full loaves home. I felt like I was back at the Piazza Navona in Rome. I haven’t ever felt that café intrigue replicated in the States till I walked into Amy’s.

And the orange juice, oh the orange juice…the freshly squeezed citrus goodness transported me back to the beaches of Oahu. Chili, bread, and juice- what should be the most straightforward of meals was among the most heavenly I’ve ever had. To find that kind of pleasure in something so simple speaks volumes about the quality and devotion of Amy’s Bread to the greatest of dining experiences.

So, if you find yourself at any of the three aforementioned NYC locations, treat yourself to Amy’s Bread. It’s beyond worth it.

To check out their menu, click here:

http://www.amysbread.com/menu/cafe_menu