At 10 years old I announced to my fourth grade class that artichokes were my favorite food. My pizza and ice cream loving classmates were probably just confused/not really paying attention, but my teacher was amused. She pulled me aside afterwards and asked how I liked my artichokes prepared, "roasted, steamed, sautéed?"
Steamed with all the melted butter.
My love of this prickly thistle was realized shortly before this memorable exercise, and I am not so proud to deny that it was really the melted butter part that won over my young palate. Although I have since curbed the butter intake, the artichoke and I are still wild about each other. She demands to be savored - pulled apart leaf by leaf before revealing her true prize. These are the meals I love the most; let's get a little messy, let's anticipate, let's take a moment to linger and taste. I want colors, big flavors, vibrant combinations, simplicity, and health. Herbs and oils and piles of garlic. Lemon. And nothing, absolutely nothing, is as delicious as a sweet, ripe tomato.
I cook because I love creating. I cook because it soothes my stress and keeps my hands busy and my mind calm. I cook because I take care of people, and offering them a satisfying bite is how I show my love. Throughout my experience with catering, working the line, and digging in Ireland's most verdant vegetable gardens, I have kept a knife in my hand, a recipe in my head, and a hunger in my heart. Here I'll share some of my food musings, processes, failures, and tips - all to be taken with a few grains of (sea) salt.
Glass
A few years ago I took a job on a complete whim, not realizing that it would entirely change my life. At this Brooklyn neighborhood wine shop I discovered my passion for wine while falling hard in love with Daniel, my then colleague and fellow wine enthusiast. Here we tasted hundreds of wines and with each sip I learned more and more. And I wanted more and more, especially from the considerate, natural or biodynamic producers interested in the grapes speaking for themselves. From bright and funky (and sometimes downright weird) to soft and savory, I'm never bored.
Our adventures in wine led us to Northern California's wine country, where Daniel is leading the production team at Cinque Wines. Between the coastal oysters, gorgeous farmer's markets, and all that local wine, California provides plenty of inspiration for the perfect pairings. Because what good is a meal without something boozy to compliment it? Right?
Play
I'm named after my maternal grandmother. Her enthusiasm for the hooch was only surpassed by her gusto for playing cards. I am not a competitive person - can't we all just get along? - but when it comes to cards and the drink, I have Granmommy's blood. And why not? Life is about the adventure, the game, the win or lose, the laugh. Stay interested. Play. And for every good pastime, wouldn't it be better experienced with something delicious on your plate and something boozy in your glass?
A guide to the best pairings.
Cheers,
Glenny
Glass
A few years ago I took a job on a complete whim, not realizing that it would entirely change my life. At this Brooklyn neighborhood wine shop I discovered my passion for wine while falling hard in love with Daniel, my then colleague and fellow wine enthusiast. Here we tasted hundreds of wines and with each sip I learned more and more. And I wanted more and more, especially from the considerate, natural or biodynamic producers interested in the grapes speaking for themselves. From bright and funky (and sometimes downright weird) to soft and savory, I'm never bored.
Our adventures in wine led us to Northern California's wine country, where Daniel is leading the production team at Cinque Wines. Between the coastal oysters, gorgeous farmer's markets, and all that local wine, California provides plenty of inspiration for the perfect pairings. Because what good is a meal without something boozy to compliment it? Right?
Play
I'm named after my maternal grandmother. Her enthusiasm for the hooch was only surpassed by her gusto for playing cards. I am not a competitive person - can't we all just get along? - but when it comes to cards and the drink, I have Granmommy's blood. And why not? Life is about the adventure, the game, the win or lose, the laugh. Stay interested. Play. And for every good pastime, wouldn't it be better experienced with something delicious on your plate and something boozy in your glass?
A guide to the best pairings.
Cheers,
Glenny
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