Because America is the land of the melting pot, we have a way of taking food from other cultures, and slightly reconfiguring it to make it our own. Sometimes this can be a great thing (case in point-who doesn't love Chipotle?), but other times, when you change tradition in order to make something quicker (as we Americans tend to be known for) you lose the essence of what you're creating. When it comes to classic Italian panini, Americans just don't have it right, according to Michele Colombo. When Michele came to New York, he realized that the city that had everything was missing a real Italian Panini destination.
The story of panini in Italy is a simple tale, and somewhat recent. Before Italians stopped taking their long lunches and enjoying a large meal at home in the middle of the day, a panino was a simple bite that the working class would quickly eat from a salumeria (cured meat in between crusty bread). By the late 1970's, most Italians (especially in the North) stopped going home mid day and had to find something to eat while at work. This is when the modern panini was born.
The difference in real Italian panini is that it is never pressed. The ingredients are simply put inside toasted, crusty bread, so that each flavor can be savored and enjoyed. At Salume, Michele Colombo's Salumeria in Soho, all ingredients are fresh, delicious, and of course never pressed. Michele searched to find the appropriate sized crispy bread that wouldn't steal the show away from the other ingredients. He then focused all his attention on finding as many panini combinations he could make with his traditional ingredients. Along with a glass of Prosecco (beverage of choice to accompany any panini), I enjoyed the Langhirano, a panino with Parma ham, Buffalo Mozzarella, tomato, and extra virgin olive oil. With all the other choices, it was hard to decide, but I made a great decision because I haven't had prosciutto crudo that fresh since I was in Italy. I highly recommend trying Salume to reap the benefits that Michele's knowledge and passion for panini has created.
Tip: On Salume's website, you can find their paninipedia (which can also be downloaded as an ap) that will let you in on anything you need to know about every single ingredient that can be identified in Salume's panini. It will also tell you what exact panini each ingredient can be found in.
New York City is filled with more ethnic eateries than you can count, but simple rule of thumb when wondering if the food is authentic and tasty is to take notice of your fellow diners. If most patrons in the restaurant are of the same ethnicity as the food you're about to eat, then you can probably guess that you won't be disappointed. Of course this isn't always the case, but last night when I tried The Kati Roll Company for the first time, I was not disappointed. The Kati Roll Company sells only one thing: Kati Rolls, which are Paratha rolled around meat, chicken, veggies, cheese, and a variety of Indian spices that will remain secret from the public. Just like if you were to approach a kati roll street vendor in Calcutta, owner Payal Saha wants to make sure you'd only find kati rolls, made with authentic Indian spices that won't change to cater to Western palates. Because they only sell variations of one item, you'd suspect The Kati Roll Company would have trouble remaining open, but since 2002 they've been pleasing tons of customers with their in-house freshly made take-out sold at very inexpensive prices.
After waiting only few minutes and being stunned at the low cost(we're still in New York after all), I was so surprised at how much I liked the kati rolls. I am not a giant connoisseur of Southern Indian cuisine, but Kati Rolls are a great way to be eased into eating Indian food because I think it's almost impossible not to like them. I tried the chicken, chickpea, and even a coconut milk soaked shrimp version. All had sweet sauted red onions that worked great with how deliciously spicy the rolls were.
Tip: The vegetarian Paneer rolls are the most popular, but if you like shrimp, definitely don't be afraid to give it a try because it's fresh and cooked just right.
Whether you're on the go with no time to sit, staring blankly at your computer during that 4 o'clock lull, or just watching tv, trail mix is the perfect snack to have on hand. When made with wholesome, natural ingredients, trail mix is sweet, salty, and satisfying. Of course you can sometimes have too much of a good thing (trail mix is high in both fat and calories), but with Skinny Mix created by Danielle Schupp (author of Urban Skinny and prominent New York based dietician) you don't have to worry about going off the deep end because each package is premeasured to be only 200 calories. In just 200 calories, you're consuming "functional foods" that are high in fiber, protein, and heart healthy fats.
Recently I tried Danielle's Cherry Bomb, a delicious combo of coco covered almonds, dried cherries, and pieces of dark chocolate. As far as trail mix goes, this particular Skinny Mix is more on the sweet side, but it was the perfect afternoon snack that curbed my desire to indulge in something that would have made me guilty later.
Tip: Another great variety of Danielle Schupp's Skinny Mix is Peanut Butter and Jelly.
For those of you who find yourselves experiencing the final stages of S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder), do not despair because I have one last thing that might make the chillier weather slightly more tolerable. One dessert that may help you face the gray sky with a smile is Spiked Cheesecake Lollipops by Canard, Inc. Of course can make these luscious lollipops during the summer, but they are not built to stand heat. Spiked Cheesecake Lollipops tend to melt quickly, but if you can enjoy them before they do, you are in for a delicious treat. Who doesn't like Cointreau infused balls of cheesecake dipped into chocolate?
They are most definitely a rich dessert, and probably shouldn't be consumed in mass by those trying to fight heart disease or weight (I mean we are talking chocolate, cheesecake, and liquor), but because they are scooped into balls and made into small servings, having one little lollipop really can't hurt. Plus they combine your cocktail and dessert needs into one. In my book that's a job well done!
Tip: Following the recipe is easy! Make your own Spiked Cheesecake Lollipops at home before it gets too hot.
We can't get enough new drinks and products leading up to the exciting royal marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton. And it doesn't matter how far away from the UK you live because even on this side of the ocean we are getting ready to see Kate walk down the aisle in an extravagant ceremony to be remembered. In order to commemorate the ceremony officially (at least in your own home) brew some Royal Wedding Tea created by Harney & Sons, in collaboration with the Historic Royal Palaces.
Royal Wedding tea is an English tea blend of Chinese mutan white tea buds and almond, coconut, vanilla, with a variety of pink rosebuds and petals. This distinguished tea has a delicate aroma and a slightly calming effect. Enjoying a nice cup of tea Sunday morning will be a great way to see the next generation of Wales begin their lives together.
Tip: Remember that in order to brew quality tea, you need to use quality water. If there are flaws in the taste of your water, your tea will not have the correct taste.
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