New York City

Cultural Eating in NYC

One of the best things about NYC is the food.  Everywhere you go, you can see the mix of cultures and the many different foods we eat. The city is a feast of flavors, ingredients and traditions.

Immigrants from all parts of the world brought their recipes to New York.  Visiting the city’s neighborhoods can feel like an around-the-world adventure in dining.  From Chinatown and Little Italy to Harlem, a great meal is just a few steps away.

Many foods are recognized as being “New York’s Finest”.  The list has to include the obvious:  bagels, hot dogs, cheesecake, pizza, pickles, knish.

Many people don’t realize how many dishes were created in the grand hotels or restaurants over the years.  New York chefs created the Waldorf  Salad, Red Velvet Cake, Lobster Newberg, Steak Diane and even Thousand Island Dressing.

Another cultural fact about New York is that in 1837, the first, fine dining establishment in the United States opened – Delmonico’s.   The restaurant also started the “Celebrity Chef” phenomeon when Chef Alessandro Fellippini began to develop the now famous Delmonico Steak.  He is also credited with inventing Eggs Benedict and Banked Alaska.

One of my favorite books is Arthur Schwartz’s New York City Food.  The book traces over 400 years of eating history and is loaded with pictures and recipes.  I love thinking about how our cultures and foods develop.

If all this talk has made you hungry, why don’t you look in your favorite cookbook and make something new?   Or go visit that new restaurant and see what’s on the menu.

Happy Living Global with Fine Dining!   Joy

International Artist in the Park

The Gates - For 16 days in February 2005, Central Park in NYC was transformed into a saffron river by the artists, Christo and Jeanne Claude.

In technical terms, it was 7,503 vinyl gates, with free-flowing nylon fabric panels, placed over 23 miles of walkways.

The two artists worked on the project for almost 25 years before it’s installation in the park.   To learn more about the project, visit http://www.christojeanneclaude.net

While I could talk about the determination of Christo negotiating with city officials, or the millions of people who witnessed the event – I want to talk about the concept of “Art” .

By definition “Art” is a creative expression which evokes an emotional reaction.

Many people questioned whether the “Gates” were actually artwork.   How could orange nylon flags be considered artistic?

It was almost comical because their very reaction of doubt or curiosity, confirmed that the project was artistic.

Seeing the project come to life was something I will never forget.  I stood at Sheep’s Meadow and compared the artists’ conceptual drawings with the reality in front of me.  I walked with thousands under the Gates and through the walkways of the park.  Tears came to my eyes at the immensity of the project and that Christo made his vision come to life.

Christo once said:  “It appears to be monumental only because it’s art.”

Will you look around your neighborhood to find, and see the art that is there?   It could be a sculpture in someone’s yard, or graffiti, or even the sky colors at sunset.  Appreciating these small things can make our lives so much richer.  We can all enjoy art, we just have to look for it.

P.S.  Christo and Jeanne-Claude are working on a project in Arkansas for 2011-2012.  I hope to see you there!  Joy

NY Yankee Baseball

The House that Ruth Built

Baseball is so popular in the United States that it’s called our “National Pastime”.    Since it’s beginning in the early 1800’s it has grown in popularity around the globe.

The professional National League was formed in 1876 and American League in 1900.  Radio stations began broadcasting games during the 1920s because of the growing popularity.

The legendary Babe Ruth joined the NY Yankees in 1920 and began hitting balls farther and got more home runs than any player before.   He made over 50 home runs in 4 different seasons.  Wherever the Yankee’s played, the fans came to see the great Babe.

Throughout the years, the Yankee’s always have star players and win championships.  As the love of baseball spreads around the world, the Yankee’s are leading the way.  The Yankees hire players from Japan and Panama.  Children in Africa proudly wear Yankee baseball caps.

Our culture is enriched by the game of baseball.  Children learn to play in little leagues, teens play in high school.  College scholarships often lead to professional careers.  As a fan, we love to watch the game and follow our local teams.  We have parties and invite our friends over to watch a game.  Baseball is a rich part of our lives.

This year, my local team isn’t doing so well.  It’s frustrating because they were so good last year, but I can always dream about next spring.  I guess that’s what make the sport so great.  Every time you’re up at bat, you get another chance to hit a home run.

Good luck on the next pitch!  Joy