By Ari, on January 1st, 2012%
You know the saying, “Don’t wish your life away?” I try not to. I try to live in the present. To soak up whatever joys and sorrows are currently thrusting themselves into my life. But every new year I find myself anticipating what’s next. Last year it was all things wedding-related, my first real job and paycheck, which lead to my first shopping spree (you can see where my priorities lie), and generally enjoying life in NYC. It was a good year – nay, a great one. The highlight was marrying my best friend. (Can you really blame me for thinking that?)
Now we’re jumping head first into 2012. I’m already wishing the months would pass by sooner so I can get to the “good stuff.” (I can’t help it!) Of the many wonderful events taking shape this year, we’ve got even more weddings to attend (my brother’s, our cousins’, and many close friends — so far we’re looking at FL, NJ, RI, MA, and England!), hopefully a pleasure trip or two (all I want to do is eat and travel), which leads to my absolute favorite thing: trying new food, which I intend to do a lot of.
And I’m about to start a new job!
As with anything in life, this year has brought its own fair share of ups and downs. Having a place to divulge those details has been immensely rewarding. I always knew that food could bring people together, but until I began Tasty Retreat, I never knew how therapeutic writing about food could be.
This blog is so much more than a collection of recipes. Every plate of food has a story, and for the last year and a half you’ve let my share my stories with you. Thank you all for every kind word you’ve shared with me. Thank you for trying these recipes and letting me know how they turn out (it means more to me than you know). And thank you for supporting me on this (seemingly unending) journey as I figure out the dos and don’ts of surviving in the food industry. Continue reading Best of 2011
By Ari, on December 25th, 2011%
Twas the morning of Christmas, and all through the town,
Not a creature was stirring, except Jews in nightgowns,
They left in a hurry, from their warm cozy beds,
With coffee in hand, as they ran for their sleds,
To Russ & Daughters, or Katz’s, they flew with delight,
In search of pastrami, and nova, so right!
They pushed Moishe and Miriam out of the way,
To be first in line on this merry Christmas day,
After an hour long wait, they successfully left,
And returned to their kitchen, to fry up the best,
Little latkes in town, (except for her Mother-in-law’s,
Whose recipe is a secret, and guarded with claws),
One latke, two latkes, three latkes, four,
All topped with salmon, and creme fraiche galore,
Then scattered with scallions, and piled up high,
As they both sat down, with a twinkle in their eyes,
Belly lox on the left, Scottish salmon on the right,
And within moments, they disappeared out of sight,
Their stomachs were full, and their kitchen a mess,
The smell of hot oil covered her dress,
They changed into sweatpants, and opened some wine,
And bummed around the house, just killing some time,
With the tv turned on, and marathons playing
Law & Order! NCIS! Their favorites (just sayin’),
They caught up on blogs, and cleaned up their place,
Until dinner that evening, (Chinese food, around 8),
After a long day of eating, they settled down for the night,
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good bite!
 Continue reading On Christmas
By Ari, on September 7th, 2011%
A typical conversation between John and I:
John: What are you making for dinner tonight?
Ari: What am I making? What are you making?
John: Nothing. You’re a better cook.
Ari: Well… yes. What do you feel like?
John: I don’t know. Something tasty.
Ari: Could you be more descriptive?
John: No.
Ari: Um.
John: Fine. Make something with seafood.
Ari: What kind of seafood?
John: I don’t know! You’re the creative one!
Ari: Ugh, fine. Go away.
And then I’ll head off to the store and buy groceries. This past weekend, however, John came with me and voiced his (very loud) opinion about dinner. We were going to get swordfish (on sale for $10.99/lb), but the beautiful clams on display caught my eye. Seeing as I’m the head chef ’round these parts, I get the final say.
There was some disagreement about how to best prepare the clams, which resulted in me saying, “Fine. You’re making dinner.”
This was good and bad for a number of reasons.
Pro #1: Food is the quickest way to a woman’s heart. Even though he’s already won me over, I will never turn down a made-from-scratch meal prepared especially for me.
Pro #2: Despite what he may think, John is a good cook.
Con #1, 2, and 3: John uses every single pot and pan we own when he cooks. I’m not joking. It’s absolutely horrifying.
Which leads me to Con #4: He or she who doesn’t cook must clean the dishes. Uuuuugh.
Dinner was scrumptious. Clams and chorizo with tomatoes, onions, and shallots in a white wine sauce served over fresh herbed pasta. Continue reading Herbed Pasta with Clams, Chorizo, and White Wine
By Ari, on August 24th, 2011%
Things have been really busy over here. I know, I know — that’s not a valid excuse for going a whole week without an update, but it’s the only one I’ve got.
Oh, and there was an earthquake yesterday.
Obviously, the foresight of the quake prohibited me from cooking, writing, or blogging this past . . . → Read More: Food We Eat
By Ari, on July 19th, 2011%
First, and perhaps most importantly, this is Tasty Retreat’s 100th post! I started this blog right before my birthday last year, and I’m so thankful that I did. Not only has TR given me a place to chronicle my kitchen triumphs and disasters, but it has proven to be a cathartic release for everyday stress. I love writing here, and I hope to continue as long as possible.
Additionally, yesterday marked my one year anniversary living in New York City. Things are going well, thanks for asking, and we don’t plan on ending the relationship any time soon. Fear not, John is very supportive.
And last, but by no means least, I recently accepted an internship that I’m hoping (fingers crossed) will lead to some amazing networking opportunities. I’m still searching endlessly for a full-time paid position, but for now, I’ll network my tuchas off and hope someone likes what they see. First stop? Food Network’s Atlantic City Wine and Food Festival. It’s only a week and a half away, and I’m so thrilled to be a part of it! Continue reading Zucchini Fries (and some good news)
By Ari, on July 7th, 2011%
Toscana
I think you should know that we’ve decided to move to Toscana (Tuscany). There is something alluring about it that draws you in and makes you want to stay forever. After leaving Firenze, John and I took a detour and drove up, down, and through the gorgeous hills of Toscana. I’ll show you some pictures, but they simply don’t do it justice.
Continue reading The Food and Wine Segment of Italia
By Ari, on July 5th, 2011%
Traveling to Venezia, or Venice, is like being in some alternate universe. First of all, cars don’t exist — they’re not allowed. You arrive at the floating city by vaporetto (the city’s waterbus that functions in a similar manner to a subway) or by water taxi (a much more expensive option for individuals looking to avoid the crowds on the vaporetto).
 Continue reading Venezia
By Ari, on June 27th, 2011%
…or the “worst” and “best” of our trip.
Leaving Firenze was a catastrophe of epic proportions. It all began when we picked up our cute little Fiat on the other side of town. Ladies and gents, meet Fiona:
 Continue reading Cinque Terre and Parma
By Ari, on June 23rd, 2011%
After leaving Roma, we hopped a train and headed to Firenze, or Florence. The walk from the stazione ferroviaria (train station) to our B&B was made more confusing due to a lack of working phones. Way to go, Verizon.
After settling in, we ate a late lunch (even by European standards) around 3:30 or 4 pm. There’s a little sandwich place just around the corner from where we were staying. At Noe, a decription of roughly 25 paninis are displayed on a hand-written menu right outside the shop. I went for a classic “Ari” sandwich of turkey, brie, caramelized red onions, and some “spicy sauce,” which actually just tasted like sun dried tomato oil (fine by me!). John’s sandwich had roasted pork, spinach, cheese, and caramelized onions. Continue reading Firenze
By Ari, on June 21st, 2011%
As I sit 30,000 feet in the air, I have to admit that I’m secretly hoping the pilot will turn our plane around and drop me back off in Italia. Unfortunately, life is waiting for us back in the States. My hubby (get used to hearing that name!) has a new job which he starts this week (!!), I need to find a job, and most importantly, we get to see our puppy again. He’s been living with a close friend of ours for the last two weeks in MA, and we have been dying to bring him home. Continue reading Roma
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