Max's Harvest | Delray Beach, Florida

You know a meal is thatgood when you're a little sad you're taking your last bite. Even when you're stuffed to the gills, as I was when I dined at Max's Harvest in Delray Beach.

Photo credit: The Buzz Agency

I was delighted to receive an invitation to come check out the restaurant, especially because I'd already heard such good things. So, I came hungry and let their dishes lead the way to an evening of "Farm to Fork" satisfaction.

Max's Harvest has been around for 3 years and has become a popular spot for locals, which was evident from the bustling bar scene when we were seated at 7pm on a Friday evening. I loved the feel of the restaurant - modern yet rustic, with black and white images on the walls depicting its emphasis on local farm fare.

Photo credit: The Buzz Agency

Our server was beyond knowledgeable about each menu item, down to knowing where each of the farm-fresh ingredients came from -- each locally sourced from nearby farms and throughout the state. With a focus on sustainable, seasonal and simply prepared meals, it's no wonder the ingredients seem to shine in a special way.

The first bite on this flavor journey started with the complimentary zucchini bread they placed on the table. I probably could have eaten an entire basket. I wanted to wander into the kitchen and see if I could catch a peek at how they made it, but I figured I'd sit tight as more food was sure to be on its way.

And sure enough, our server appeared with a dish sent out by the chef: A crispy, Breaded Pork Torchon over compressed watermelon and topped with fresh greens. As you know, I'm not usually a big meat eater, but I did like the combo of the light ingredients and the hearty pork. Steve polished off his half and most of mine, so I'm pretty sure he liked it, too!

The bread had gotten us a little excited and we ordered two appetizers right out of the gate: the Peach & Blueberry Salad with Baby Kale & Arugula, Caramelized Peaches, Blueberries, Pickled Shallots, Ricotta Cheese, Walnut Vinaigrette {holy mouthful!} and Vito's Burrata with Croutons, Red Wine Vinaigrette, Florida Watermelon, Pickled Shallot, Heirloom Tomato and Cucumber. After my first few forkfuls, I knew these were things I could easily order as an entree {mostly because I was tempted to steal Steve's dish and not share} -- they were both so, so good.

The salad was such a perfect combination of flavors: sweet, caramelized peaches and blueberries, savory and creamy ricotta, tart vinaigrette and pickled shallots, fresh and crisp kale and arugula. When the chef popped out of the kitchen to see how we were liking things I'm pretty sure I sputtered nonsensically with stars in my eyes over the salad alone.

The burrata was also a perfect pairing of flavorful elements. Burrata, as it is, is probably among the things I would choose to be part of my last meal on earth. It is so decadent and delicious, and combined with sweet watermelon, fresh tomatoes and cucumbers, it seemed creamier and more delightful. My favorite part of this dish were the croutons that soaked up all the vinaigrette and juices from everything else on the plate. Oh, my.

Next up: Entrees. Our server saw me pat my {round, already stuffed} belly and reprimanded me for not pacing myself, but I ensured him that I'd find the room for at least a few bites. I ordered the Crispy Parmesan Risotto Cake with Mushroom, Favas, Baby Carrot, Zucchini, Pearl Onion, and Tomato-Pepper Coulis and Steve chose Grilled Local Swordfish with Greek Farmer’s Salad, Feta, Chick Pea Fries, and Lemon-Yogurt Sauce. 

They were both so pretty it seemed a shame to deconstruct them, but we dug in anyway to get a taste. I really enjoyed the Risotto Cake with its crisp {but not overfried} exterior and contrasting creamy interior. The veggies gave a nice sweetness to the dish, specifically the little caramelized pearl onions, and though I definitely wasn't able to finish the whole thing right then and there, I still managed to have a few more bites.

I didn't even get to taste the swordfish, but Steve assured me that it was good, as was evident by the fact that he was very excited to box up what was left to polish off as leftovers.

Ok, so I know I said we were both beyond full... but our server tempted us with their desserts du jour and we {well, I} couldn't refuse. They had so many amazing-sounding offerings -- from Blueberry Bread Pudding to Made-to-order Cinnamon Sugar Donuts {for real} -- but we went with a twist on a Florida classic: Key Lime Brulee.

It was a good choice. Tangy, rich key lime filling atop a buttery crust with a crackly layer of bruleed sugar and a beautiful little cloud of whipped cream perched on top. Mmm.

Overall, I couldn't have asked for tastier dishes or better service. If forced to find a downside, the only fault I could find would be noise level of the packed house keeping potential patrons from having a romantic or intimate dining experience. But, to be honest, you'll probably be doing more savoring than chatting, so this may not be a problem after all -- come with a lively crowd and a hungry belly!

A big thank you to Max's Harvest for a fantastic evening of fabulous dining!

Disclosure:  I was invited for a complimentary dinner for two at Max's Harvest to check out their menu. As always, all opinions seen here are my own!

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Of course, I had to recreate that crazy-good baby kale salad to share with you here since you couldn't join me at Max's Harvest. {And, let's be honest, I might not have hogged all of it at dinner.}

This salad has a few elements that take some prep, so it isn't exactly a "throw together at the last minute" kind of dish. However, after a bite I think you'll agree that it's worth the trouble to get the flavor combos found here.

Pickled Shallots. Tangy vinaigrette. Caramelized peaches that you could easily eat as dessert. It's sort of magical.

Make it.

Baby Kale Salad with Caramelized Peaches & Blueberries
Inspired by Max's Harvest in Delray Beach, Florida
*Measurements will vary according to taste. Make it your own! :)

A bunch baby kale mixed greens, I like the Organic Girl blend
Whole milk ricotta cheese {I just used a few tablespoons, but again, suit your own tastes}
About 1/4 cup fresh blueberries
About 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped
Lemon-Honey Vinaigrette {see below}
Pickled Shallots {see below}
Caramelized Peaches {see below}

1. Divide ingredients between two plates. Drizzle with vinaigrette to taste.

Lemon-Honey Vinaigrette 

Juice of half a lemon
1 teaspoon honey
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Sprinkle of salt
Sprinkle of pepper
About 1/4 cup olive oil

1. In a small bowl, whisk together first six ingredients. Continue whisking while you stream in olive oil to emulsify. Drizzle over salad.

Quick Pickled Shallots
Barely adapted from Bon Appetit

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
Water
3 large shallots, finely sliced

1. In a small saucepan, bring cider vinegar, sugar and salt to a boil. Simmer until the sugar and salt have dissolved.

2. Pour hot liquid over sliced shallots in a small canning jar. Top with lid but leave loose. Let cool on counter top. {They will soften and absorb the pickling flavor in about an hour, but the longer they sit the better, so if you think to do this a few days ahead, you'll get the best results!}

3. Refrigerate for future use.

Caramelized Peaches

1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 large ripe peach, sliced into 8 pieces

1. In a small skillet, melt butter over medium high heat. Add brown sugar and stir, allowing the sugar to dissolve and the mixture to become bubbly.

2. Add the peaches to the sugar mixture and cook until some of the juices begin to leak out and the caramel mixture begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Flip the peaches to cook and caramelize other sides, turning carefully as not to break them up. Swirl them around a bit in the pan to coat them in the sugar mixture and cook for another 2-3 minutes or until the liquid has become syrupy and the peaches are softened and caramelized.

Note: These would be SO GOOD over vanilla ice cream. Or with a crumble topping. Or alone. They're good. Did I say that already?

Taste History Culinary Tours | Boynton Beach & Delray Beach, Florida

I'm a proud Florida girl, born and raised. But the last time I really knew my Florida history was back in 4th grade when it was a mandatory class {and then again when I had to teach it during my elementary school teacher years}.

As embarrassing as that is, I'm sure I'm not alone. I mean, how much do you really know about the area where you live? And when would you really take the time to research the facts surrounding your city's history?

I was pleased to find that there is actually an exciting way to do this around here: Taste History Culinary Tours, sponsored by Macy's & an official partner for the State of Florida's "Viva Florida" campaign. When I received an email from Lori, Taste History's Executive Tour Director, asking if I wanted to come check it out, I thought it might be a good way to brush up on my Florida history. Did I mention that this lesson is centered around food? I was in.

Taste History currently offers two different tasting tours: One that covers the Boyton Beach/Delray Beach area, and one around Lake Worth/Lantana. For $40, visitors can experience a taste of the area complete with an air conditioned bus ride to each location, ample tour narration including historical facts and tidbits, and -- most importantly -- generous tastings at a handful of the area's best locally owned spots.

I wasn't sure what to expect exactly, but I was game for a day of nibbling and learning with Steve as my assistant and official camera holder. ;) We boarded the bus and headed down to Delray where we stopped in an area that was first established by black business owners looking to lay a foundation for life and commerce.

After driving through and seeing some of the original homes and businesses, we pulled in for our first food stop: Dee Dee's Conch, Rib & Crab Shack.



A tiny spot with big success, Dee Dee's has become a well-loved place for locals and visitors alike. We got to sample some of Dee Dee's flavorful conch fritters and ribs -- original recipes that have been perfected over time -- as we listened to her incredibly inspiring story of perseverance in transitioning from simple food tent to well-respected local business owner. She said she feels like a celebrity in her own town, and I can certainly see how her food has her propelled her to such fame! I'm not sure what I loved more: The tasty zing of the spicy sauce or her spunk.

The kick of Dee Dee's offerings was only the beginning of the spice yet to come. Our next stop was Sweet's Sensational Jamaican Cuisine & Catering.

Visiting Sweet's proved to me something that I've already known for a long time having grown up in a Cuban family: Island folks not only love food, but love to feed a crowd! While they had some traditional Jamaican Beef Patties ready for us to sample when our group arrived, their enthusiasm for feeding us seemed to grow with each second. Soon, the counter was filled with Jamaican specialties such as Rice & Peas, Curried Goat, Jerk Chicken and Sweet Potato Pudding. All homemade, all delicious! I really loved the welcoming vibe and their passion for sharing their nation's cuisine.

Though we could have stayed and chatted for spell, we soon boarded the bus again and headed to the next location: Shaffer's Tea Room.

I was immediately smitten with the renovated rectory-turned-tea haven. From the vibrant colors to the peaceful {yet energizing} vibe as you walk in the door, entering Shaffer's is like discovering a special secret. Offering more than 75 different tea selections, the staff at Shaffer's can direct you to whatever flavor, experience or healing blend you seek. They also have delightful little bites to eat that are all locally sourced from the best of the best surrounding purveyors -- we got to try some cheesy turnovers, spinach puff pastries and blueberry pound cake. As I sipped on "Heaven" and smelled "Nirvana", I realized it would take some real prompting for me to leave this space!

When I was finally pried away from the tea counter, I was hoping that the next place on the tour would keep spirits high. Cabana el Rey didn't disappoint.

What they provided for us was far beyond just a sample of their Latin American cuisine. It was more like a smorgasbord of color, flavor and style served in chic surroundings with a creative and festive flair. I had heard of Cabana before, having strolled by their location on Clematis Street in West Palm Beach, but had never stopped in as I'm pretty picky when it comes to Latin cuisine -- no one can outcook my Abuelita as far as I'm concerned. Learning about the restaurant's success both in New York and South Florida opened my eyes to what I've been missing, especially once I tried their innovative takes on Ropa Vieja in a Tostone cup, Cuban Sandwich Empanadas and Coconut Shrimp over Plantain Mash. They were even kind enough to muddle me up an alcohol-free version of their famous Mojito, which was refreshing and enjoyable even without the booze! Sold!

A stroll down the way led us to our next stop: Scuola Vecchia Pizza e Vino. 

The folks here know the real deal when it comes to authentic Neapolitan pizza -- the freshest ingredients, traditional techniques and an old-school {which is actually what "Scuola Vecchia" means!} wood-burning oven directly from Italy. House-made cheese and a seasoned chef only add to the experience of biting into a slice of one of their mouthwatering pies made in just 90 seconds in their blazing volcanic stone oven. We tried two different versions of the Margherita, both delightful.

Starting to get pretty stuffed at this point, we were glad when the next location we visited was not only a stone's throw away, but also a place to get a dainty morsels of dessert: Le Macaron French Pastries.

Oddly enough, I had actually stumbled into this cute little shop the night before not knowing it would be part of the tasting tour, so I had a little sneak preview of the Gianduja and Madagascar Black Vanilla macarons. Boasting over 18 flavors of sweet, gorgeous macarons, Le Macaron has a little something for everyone {including gelato and fine chocolates which they also sell}. Everyone "oohed" and "aahhed" over the pretty bites all lined up in the cases; they're certainly hard to resist.

Believe it or not, there was MORE! Stopping at DIG {Doing it Green} was a nice respite for the sizzling temps.

The restaurant specializes in dishes made with fresh, seasonal organic fruits and veggies as well as locally sourced and ethically produced products. Their tagline, "Big flavor, small footprint." communicates their desire to serve up delicious dishes with as little negative impact to the planet as possible. They gave us their hummus trio to sample, which is one of the most attractive hummus platters I've ever seen! Sadly, I was way too full to have more than just a tiny taste, but I'd love to return and see what else they have to offer.

Most of us were ready to tap out and wave the white napkin flag, but I'm so glad that the next stop was included. We departed from Delray and headed back down to Boynton. The Little House was definitely one of my favorite stops on the tour!

A charming cottage built in 1934 was renovated and relocated to its current location in Boynton Beach, where Chef Chrissy Benoit brings all kinds of dining delights to locals. The place is dripping with adorableness -- from the rustic elements to the vintage decor, to the fact that the house's original owner still frequents the place... I nearly had a tearful moment hearing her story. Speaking of tears, I was sad I didn't get to try the Mango Strawberry Cilantro Sangria, but the sampling of the Parmesan-crusted Fried Green Tomatillos with house made Buttermilk Ranch Dressing made up for it! Very tasty. I'm totally going back for their Pajama Brunch {held on Saturdays and Sundays} to give some more menu items a try.

We needed a short respite from chewing, so stopping at the Boynton Beach City Library was actually quite welcome, though unexpected! What exactly was a food tour doing at the library, you might ask? Stopping in for some culture, of course. This month the library is showcasing pieces from stained glass artist Conrad Pickel, which we were happy to browse in the cool air conditioning. But before we could get too drowsy from the quiet surroundings & full bellies, we were off for our final food stop of the tour.

And what a way to wrap things up! Palermo's Italian Bakery in Boynton was just the sugar rush we needed to liven up.

Wanna see a bunch of grown ups light up like kids in a candy shop? Give them free run of a bakery like Palermo's. Not only does the family-owned bakery serve classic Italian pastries, cookies, cakes and breads, but they also have entertainment weekly on their outdoor patio as well as special monthly dinners. They were so incredibly generous at this spot, loading us up with all kinds of goodies. I was happy to hear that they're planning on opening up a new location up by me in Jupiter!

We simply couldn't eat another crumb, so we headed back to our starting point to end the incredible day of delicacies and dishes. I couldn't believe how much we had covered {and eaten!} in the 4 hours we were gone.

This tour is definitely worth taking whether you are a tourist or a native who wants to brush up on your Florida history and take in some great local fare! A big thank you to my friends at Taste History Culinary Tours for the invitation to participate in this fun food adventure!

Disclosure: I provided with 2 complimentary passes to experience the Taste History Culinary Tour. As always, all the opinions here are my own!

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Inspired by our stop at Cabana del Rey, I recreated their tasty little Cuban Sandwich Empanadas at home! The recipe is so simple and the outcome a perfect appetizer.

What a fun way to get the flavors of a classic Cubano in a handy dandy portable bite.

Mini "Cubano" Empanadas

6 empanada discs {I use these but if you can't find them you can use pie crust}, cut into 12 small rounds
Yellow Mustard
Mayonnaise
2 slices of your favorite ham, chopped
2 slices of deli pork {roast pork is best, if you have it, but deli pork will do in a pinch}, chopped
2 slices Swiss cheese, cut into very small dice
10 dill pickle chips, chopped

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking pan with foil and spray lightly with olive oil. Set aside.

2. Place empanada rounds onto pan and spread a tiny bit of mustard and a tiny bit of mayo on each circle. You may want to dab a little bit around the edges of the circle with your finger to use as "glue".

3. In a medium bowl mix together ham, pork, Swiss and pickles. Take about a tablespoon of mixture and place in the center of each empanada round.

4. Carefully fold over one half of the empanada to the other to form a half circle, pressing lightly around the edges. Using the tines of a fork, press down on edges to crimp closed.

5. Spray or brush tops with olive oil and bake for about 12-15 minutes until they start to get golden and the dough is puffed up and cooked.

Serve while hot & melty, but be careful not to burn your tongue. :)

#MyHomeTownGuide: Top 5 Places to Eat & Drink in Jupiter, Florida

Partner Post - #myhometownguide by Fiji Water

I am guilty of a crime against food... snubbing local fare for the enticing siren song of the big city. I know. I'm embarrassed and ashamed.

It all began when I first started traveling to larger cities --  Atlanta, Chicago, New York... It's hard not to lust after the allure of the bustling food scene that is a part of city living. A new restaurant to try every day of the week. Neverending options of authentic ethnic cuisines in every neighborhood. Weekly foodie events and festivals.

But to be fair, I never looked at our precious little gem of a town through the eyes of a tourist.

As a part of Fiji Water's #myhometownguide campaign, whose focus is to prompt people nationwide to share tips about visiting their hometowns, I was asked to choose 5 of my favorite food spots where I live: Jupiter, Florida.

Terrible Instagram pic of the Jupiter Lighthouse before I got an iPhone. 

While we don't have as many famous chefs clammoring to open restaurants in our area as they are in the bustling metropolises around the U.S., our little city has plenty of fun dining experiences and even more seaside charm.

More Instagram goodness. 

{Do you have pride in your hometown? You can submit pictures via Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #myhometownguide to show of the best spots in your city! When you do, you'll be entered to win a getaway to any of the U.S. cities featured in Fiji Water's "Earth's Finest Guide." So get to snapping away!}

Whether your style is fine dining or you prefer to enjoy your meal while you're still in board shorts, Jupiter delivers... and even throws in a little quirkiness.

Breakfast Haven: Center Street Nook

Center Street Nook, lovingly known as "The Nook" to locals, is where you go to get feel-good, old fashioned love on a plate. From the moment you walk in, it's hard not to feel like you're visiting a neighbor or sitting down at your Nana's kitchen table. The warm smiles and genuine interaction from servers {I overheard lots of "How's so-and-so doing?" and "I can't believe the baby is so big already!"} goes beyond the common exchange.

With classic menu offerings like pancakes, French toast and omelets {I'm still kicking myself for not getting the Greek}, it's the perfect place to go if you're aiming to please all palates. But they also keep things interesting with playful items like Funky Monkey Panky-Doos {pancakes with chocolate & peanut butter chips and bananas}, The Billdozer {3 pancakes stacked & layered with sausage, cheddar, fried eggs & bacon} and "The Big Heap" {Home fries, cheddar, bacon, 2 fried eggs, more cheddar, topped with homemade sausage gravy}. While it's a popular spot for breakfast, they also have an extensive lunch menu featuring homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers and some fun hot dog options.

Tip: The wait gets LONG. Get there as early as possible for breakfast... otherwise, expect to hurry up and wait.

Down-to-Earth Seafood: Dune Dog Cafe

If you think of fine china and linen napkins {and prices to match} when you think of seafood in South Florida -- think again. Dune Dog is the polar opposite of that in the best possible way. Here, seafood is not about putting on airs... it's about dining open air, picnic-style with a beer in hand and a fresh catch on your plate.

Far left: A tree... growing in the restaurant. Top right: Blackened Mahi Sandwich. Bottom Left: Lobster Wrap. 

Touting the honor of being voted "Best Ribs" and "Best Hot Dog" in Palm Beach, Dune Dog does more than crab cakes & shrimp. Choose from 10 different styles of hot dogs from "The Dog House", or share a full slab of their "fall-off-the-bone tender" baby back ribs. My personal favorite is the Blackened Dolphin Sandwich with a side of waffle fries -- it's a craving that I just can't shake.

Get comfy at the bar.

It's good food and a great, family-friendly atmosphere done beach-bum style, just how we like it here in Jupiter.

Main "dining room."

Tip: Expect a line, especially during season. Grab a beer while you wait.

A Sip of Paradise: Guanabana's

Summer, year round.

We've all gone through it... playing host to out-of-towners & having to tote them around to lame tourist traps so they can get the true "feel" of the destination. Around here, we're lucky that we don't have to don mouse ears {just beachwear and sunscreen} if we're going to do a decent job of playing tour guide.

Is this paradise, or what?

Guanabana's is exactly what visitors to South Florida envision -- tropical drinks, waterfront views and a laid-back, casual style that screams "vacation." Their beautifully landscaped location gives the feel of a hidden island oasis, complete with water features and lush exotic greenery. Sit close to the dock to watch boats and kayakers disembark for lunch or drinks, or by the stage to watch live music several nights a week.

From wines to craft beers to signature cocktails like the "Cat 5" {an intoxicating blend of dark rum, passion fruit rum, 151 and tropical fruit juices}. Just be careful; your guests may decide they never want to leave!

Sensing a theme here with restaurants built around trees...

Tip: Guanabana's also has a full menu as well as bar bites. I rarely go for the food, but I applaud their passion for supporting Florida farms & fishermen!

Bonus: Looking to sip somewhere a little more rustic? Head just across the road and take a walk down Love Street where you'll find another spot to get your toes in the sand and a drink in your hand at The Square Grouper.

Don't Expect a Doggy Bag: Leftovers Cafe

Ask a local what restaurant they recommend for a delicious meal and expect to hear the name Leftovers over and over again. Though it may not sound like the epitome of delectable dining, I urge you not to be dissuaded to give it a try.

Offering a variety of innovate dishes, Leftovers has captured the heart of locals. From their Indoroni {Sriracha Mac & Cheese} to their creative fish dishes {choose from Sweet Potato Crusted, Yuca-Garlic Crusted, Red Beet & Almond Crusted or Butternut & Jack Cheese Crusted}, your head will be spinning with mouth-watering options.

Top Left: Bar area. Bottom Left: Avocado Crab Tostada. Right: Beet & Almond Crusted Fish.

The restaurant is one of a trio of well-known spots in the area {Food Shack & Maxi's Lineup make up the other two}, all featuring that signature Jupiter vibe -- relaxed, colorful and, most importantly, scrumptious. Leftovers is always a great choice... just don't expect to have actual leftovers to take home.

Tip: Leftovers is located in Abacoa, a subsection of Jupiter and the home of Roger Dean Stadium. Abacoa has monthly Food Truck Invasion in the Town Center every second Friday of the month, stop by if you're around at that time.

Buy Your Dinner AND Your Decor: Too Bizaare 

Yes, there is mannequin hanging from the ceiling.

The name says it all. Part bizarre {as in odd... in a good way} and part bazaare {as in marketplace}, this quirky and unique restaurant is exactly where you want to go if you're looking for something out of the ordinary.

Left: Portobello Napoleon. Top Right: Some of the wares for sale. Bottom Right: A cozy dining space.

Too Bizaare boasts an extensive menu {and wine bar} with options from sushi to steak in an eclectic atmosphere where your surroundings are all for sale! You'll find coffee tables and wing back chairs tucked into cozy little nooks and art as far as the eye can see. There's a surprise around every corner. {And sometimes hanging from the ceiling.}

The menu, which is composed of an elaborate list of tapas, specialties and a full sushi list, is just as curious. Though "Asian Fusion" is considered their main style, you'll find an interesting mix of delightful items like the Bizaare Burrito and the Portobello Napoleon, lending some flair from other cuisines to the mix.

Top lef: The Bizaare Burrito. Bottom Left: Complete with a fish tank. Right: Let's eat in the living room.

It's an experience you won't want to miss!

Tip: Want to look the part while visiting South Florida? Gretchen Scott Designs, located in the same plaza as Too Bizaare, has what you need like tunics, dresses and cover-ups to give you that signature Palm Beach style.

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I feel confident that you're now well-equipped with a beginner's guide to eating & drinking in Jupiter, so now it's time to visit! It was hard to choose just 5 spots with so many great options. {See? I've changed my ways!} Enjoy our little slice of paradise!

Show us your favorite spots to eat, stay and play in your hometown and win a getaway to any of the US cities featured in Earth’s Finest City Guide! To participate, just upload an image of your favorite spot in your hometown to Twitter or Instagram with hashtag #myhometownguide and tell us where you live and what makes the image special and you will be entered to win automatically.

Disclosure: I was selected for Fiji Water's #MyHomeTownGuide campaign through Honest Cooking. I have been compensated to write this post, however, I made the selections shown here without guidance. I have not been compensated by these restaurants. As always, all the opinions here are my own.

Tasty Travels: NYC {Part 6} + Chinese Dumplings

The remainder of my NYC travel posts have been sitting my drafts for OVER A YEAR. I think it's time to finish these up so I can move on to sharing my last few trips & events, don't you? If you've missed my other NYC posts, make sure to click the links below to get caught up! And don't forget to scroll allllllll the way to the bottom of the post for a Chinatown-inspired recipe for my new obsession... Dumplings!

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Missed Parts 1-5 of my NYC travel recaps? Catch up here:

Part 1 

Part 2 

Part 3 

Part 4
Part 5

Ok, friends. Having these NYC posts pending is giving me anxiety. It's just another thing swimming around in my already preoccupied brain and, seriously, all the thinking has given me an eye twitch that has lasted for over a week.

I didn't mean to make them go on for so long, but I also didn't realize that I had so much to share! So let's get back to where I left off -- a day of food touring with one of my best friends -- and hopefully we'll be done before my NEXT trip happens! ;)

There is nothing like having a friend or a local show you around when you're visiting a new city. {Especially if the friend is as detailed & organized as the girl who took me on my Chicago bakery hop.} So, I was so grateful that Lourdes volunteered her efforts to take me & Steve around to some of the fun foodie spots she thought we'd enjoy.

First stop: Pizza.

It's an unwritten requirement that you must have a slice of pizza when you visit NYC. And if you ask around, you will get about as many recommendations for "THE" place to go as there are pizza joints. But, in Lourdes' opinion, Bleecker Street Pizza is the spot. {And according to the signs proudly displayed in the window, Food Network agreed that year, naming it the "Best Pizza in New York".}

We happily followed her to the pizzeria, which was already filled with patrons waiting for a hot slice though it was still pretty early in the day. We ordered and managed to squeeze ourselves into a small high top that magically opened up just as we received our food. To tell you the truth, I wasn't really that hungry {I think I was still full from all the eating we had done up to this point}, but I still managed to make room for a cheesy slice which means it must have been pretty good. {Steve agreed.}

Onward!

Stop #2: CHEESE!

Next stop on the "tour" was a place Lourdes wanted to show me for no other reason than the fact that cheese makes me happy. Murray's Cheese is not just a cheese store... it is a cheese mecca. It's where cheese dreams of being sold at the end of it's journey. And if you think you know a thing or two about cheese, think again. Stepping into the shop will make you feel pretty clueless when you find yourself surrounded by every type of cheese under the sun.

The good thing is that Murray's is all about giving you a cheese education, so you need not feel overwhelmed. They can help you pick out the right cheese, will let you sample, can give you a history, or suggest pairings. They can put together a gift basket, show you which type of cheese knife slices which type of cheese, give you a perfect cheesy recipe, or sign you up for a class so you can stop asking so many darn questions. Cheese lovers... just go.

{I am sad to say I took NOT ONE picture at Murray's Cheese!!!} :(

Stop #3: Hot Dogs

Between the cheesy pizza and our visit to cheese central, I was pretty much maxed out on calories {and cholesterol} for a little while, but Steve was still raring to go, so Lourdes suggested a stop at another NYC institution that could cause quite a debate: the hot dog stand. Lourdes' choice? Papaya King.

Papaya King {who has many a "Best Hot Dog in NYC" claim on their website}, combines an obvious pairing: franks and papaya drinks. Wait... what?

I have no idea how that combination came into existence, but again, the long lines snaking their way out of it's neon sign covered glass doors suggested that it works pretty well. I sort of wish I wouldn't have been so full {and that it wasn't so cold} because their tropical drinks sounded really refreshing and delicious. {Coconut Champagne? Banana Daiquiri? Strawberry Fields? Yes, please.} Steve grabbed a dog and ate while we walked to the next stop, sounds of approval coming from him every few steps. {How he wasn't sick by this point, I have no idea.}

Stop #4: {Tiny} Cupcakes!

Knowing how much I love dessert, Lourdes thought we should stop by a well-known spot that might just have small enough portions for a girl who couldn't possibly eat another bite: Baked by Melissa.

 

This cupcake shop is a genius concept -- teensy weensy little cupcake bites made in a variety of fun flavor combos so you can sample more than one without overdoing it. Even though I definitely wasn't hungry, I couldn't turn down one of their cupcakes because they were literally one bite {about the size of a quarter} . The cupcakes were so cute that I didn't know whether to eat them or coo at them. We tried a PB & J, Mint Chocolate Chip, and a seasonal flavor, Snow Covered Pretzel.

Have you ever seen happier people to be holding a cupcake that you could practically inhale?

Stop #5: Eataly
We wandered around some more after that, attempting to walk off everything we had consumed, and then ended up in the exact place you should NOT go if you're trying to avoid tempting yourself with more food: Eataly.

Eataly is a gourmet Italian market/cafe/restaurant/bar/playground on steroids. At over 50,000 square feet, Eataly is bursting at the seams with a plethora of food experiences. The bad part: It is so large {and was quite crowded when we went} that you won't know where to begin. The good part: It's sort of categorized into sections that will help you navigate the overwhelming culinary terrain - Meats, Cheeses, Pastries, Pastas, etc, etc. There are a variety {7, to be exact} of sit down restaurants {some casual, some a little more upscale} you can choose to dine at. They are conveniently situated next to each corresponding market area, making it easy for them to procure housemade ingredients for their dishes without having to go very far, taking "fresh" to a whole other level.


Up on the roooooof.

The top level of Eataly houses a rooftop Bierreria {that, of course, brews it's own beers} that makes a good spot to hang out... that is, if you can get a seat. That's where we ended up after a bit of zombie-like browsing {we were so tired & overwhelmed by this point}, and a few handcrafted lattes to take off the chill of the outdoors. The plan was to grab a beer and make our dinner plans for the evening {more food!} while resting our feet, but I don't think we even got around to ordering with the amount of time it took to get service at the very busy bar. Luckily, we were fine with forgoing any more food or drink at that moment!

Stop #6: Dumplings in Chinatown

Lourdes decided that we needed to experience dinner in Chinatown, so we made our way in that direction and hoped that by the time we got there, got settled and seated, we'd all be hungry once again. We strolled along streets and alleys lined with exotic fruits, veggies, and meats, and buckets of live frogs and other interesting things I didn't exactly want to figure out. And then we arrived at Joe's Shanghai.

By this time, it was dark, cold, and we were ready to sit and relax with a bowl of something hot. Lourdes was so excited about introducing us to their signature dish - Soup Dumplings. After a long wait in the tiny, crowded foyer to the restaurant, we were finally seated at a communal round table with a group of other hungry people. Joe's Shanghai is an experience... it's not the type of place you go for a long, leisurely dinner or private conversation. Oh, no. It's more like a well oiled machine, designed to turn over tables and feed large groups of people quickly and efficiently. The noise level is loud, and the service is hurried!

Thank goodness we went with people who knew what they were doing. Lourdes & her boyfriend knew what to order, and we just went along for the ride. What arrived at our table soon after was a family-style portion of noodles, and bamboo steamers full of the famous soup dumplings. Lourdes kindly demonstrated how to carefully eat them without scalding oneself, which, as we soon found out, takes some technique. {Seriously, y'all. There's even a [weird] video made about it. Do yourself a favor & skip right to the 2:39 mark.}



I did like the soup dumplings, although the rest of the food was pretty average, I thought, but the experience was one that was worth having for sure!

Stop #7: Cannoli in Little Italy!
Finally, to wrap up the day, we made our way over to Little Italy... territory I was very familiar with. I happily led the crowd in the direction of the bakeries, and I introduced Lourdes to cannoli for the first time! {She's never been the same since.} Nothing like finishing off a full day of eating with dessert in Little Italy.

To say our trip was jam-packed would be an understatement... we left the city feeling like we had gotten to know her so much better, and yet, we wanted to know so much more!

Our next trip, which was about a year later, was the absolute BEST food-wise {complete with an experience that I never thought I'd have!}, and will be the last part of my NYC recap series {WHEW!}. I can't wait to tell you all about it!

........................................................

These may not be the famous Soup Dumplings from Joe's Shanghai, but they are most definitely worth discussing. Rediscovering these posts & coming across a dumpling recipe in an old magazine, I decided to attempt homemade Chinese dumplings last Sunday...

I have no idea why I didn't try it sooner!

Though these dumplings can be labor-intensive -- what with the dough and the filling and the rolling and the stuffing -- I found a way to streamline the process and have scrumptious dumplings from dough to dish in less than two hours. Bonus: These cuties can be frozen and saved for an easy meal on a lazy day.

A simple flour and water dough makes up the delicate pouch enveloping your filling of choice. Whether served pan fried or boiled, these dumplings don't disappoint!

{Shortcut} Chinese Dumplings

For dough:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

A healthy pinch of salt

1/2 cup water

For filling:

Approximately 1 cup diced or shredded zucchini

1/2 an onion, thinly sliced
1 cup cooked, shredded chicken {or pork or beef or whatever you'd like}

1 garlic clove

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil
A splash of rice vinegar to deglaze the pan

Other options include: Assorted veggies, seafood, etc. The sky's the limit! I have also made these using leftovers from a hibachi dinner, cutting the prep time down ever further. I'm fairly certain there are Chinese grandmas who are feeling light-headed at the though of this abomination, but hey, whatever works.

1. In a stand mixer, combine flour and salt. Pour a little water in slowly {you may not need all of it} while mixing on low speed until a ball forms. If the mixture is too wet, add a bit more flour; if it's too dry, a little more water. It shouldn't be too sticky.

2. Change paddle to a dough hook if you have one and knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. You can also do this by hand, of course, but if you're looking at a "shortcut" recipe, I imagine it's because you don't have time for this nonsense.

3. With floured hands, form the dough into a neat ball and place on a floured surface. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rest for at least 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, make your filling.

1. Add about a tablespoon of oil to a medium pan over medium-high heat. Add zucchini and onion and cook until the vegetables are softened and translucent. Mix in shredded chicken.

2. To the mixture, add garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil and rice vinegar, scraping up any bits on the bottom of the pan. Mix until well combined.

3. Place the mixture in a food processor. Pulse a few times until slightly broken down, but not too mushy. Set aside.

For assembly: 

1. Divide your ball of dough into 4 equal pieces. Make sure your surface is well-dusted with flour. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out as thin as possible. The shape won't matter, so don't stress if you have an amoeba-shaped piece of dough when you're done. Getting it nice and thin is the goal here.

2. Now we're getting real technical: Bust out a wine glass or drinking glass with an approximate diameter of 3 inches. Flip it over and use it as a cookie cutter to crank out perfectly shaped little circles. Set those aside and cover them as you go so they don't dry out. You may want to line them up on a baking sheet and get them ready for filling to make life easier.

3. Repeat the process with the rest of your dough, re-rolling scraps as necessary. I wound up getting about 30 circles out of it and still had some dough left over.

4. Put about a teaspoon of filling, or more if you can stuff it in there without ripping your dumplings {ouch, that sounds painful, doesn't it??}. Now, fold the filled circle in half and pinch to seal all the way. If you want to experiment with creating traditional "pleats", this is the time to do it. But I'm not the person to show you how because I'm just trying to get these in my belly as fast as possible. Ain't nobody got time for pleats when they're hungry.

5. Now: Make a decision. Are you going to pan fry these babies or are you going to boil them? They're good either way.

- To fry, simply put about a teaspoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and add your dumplings, making sure they each have enough room. Cook until lightly golden on both sides, about 2-3 minutes. Then, add about 3 tablespoons or so of water to the pan and cover it with a tight-fitting lid. {But be super careful because hot oil and water can be very dangerous.} Let them steam until the water is just about gone, then uncover and cook them until they're nice and crispy.

- To boil, place them in a pot of boiling water. Duh. Haha, just kidding. Let them simmer away until they float to the top and the dough becomes sort of translucent & kinda wrinkly. It doesn't sound or look gorgeous but they're so, so good.

Serve with soy sauce or an Asian dipping sauce and enjoy the fruits of your labor! {Even though you totally cheated.}

Note: You can also freeze these individually {make sure they're not touching} on a baking sheet and then pop them into a freezer bag for dumplings at the drop of a hat. So awesome.

BONUS RECIPE: I got sick of making little dough circles and was left with a small ball of dough. I rolled it out as thin as possible, placed it on a super hot pan, sprayed it with olive oil & a sprinkling of rosemary and baked it at 450 for a few minutes. The result: AMAZING homemade flatbread crackers! Genius!