Home Salad with Radishes

A salad seemed in order one night a few weeks back. Arugula, two types of radishes, spring onions, tomatoes, avocado and a poached egg all went into it with a olive oil/basil/feta/lemon/pepper dressing.

I ate it while reading Ender's Game or one of its later related books.

Grilled Soft Shell Crabs with Asparagus and Kimchi

So the Modomio and Unibroue night was quite nice on the whole and ended a bit later than I had planned, but I was still able to gather myself together for a good solid drive of errands around Philly. I went to Target and bought a new dress and a few other necessities. I also purchased a single Dahlia plant and an "heirloom" tomato plant at Lowes. Then I drove down Washington Avenue and went to a fish market in the Italian Market area to buy soft shell crabs. After that I made an efficient trip to the Headhouse farmer's market to pick up a few things. Oh and I started the trip by stopping at the Asian Food Super Market on Spring Garden Street to pick up another king sized jar of kim chi. And what did I do with all these various purchases? What kind of consumer am I? Well. The crabs were first of six to be eaten in a four day period of time. I usually try different variations of breading and lightly frying my soft shells, but since I've been enjoying the whole grilling experience so much this summer, I thought I'd investigate whether grilling softs shell crabs was a "thing" that you "do." Turns out it is. I watched a little video of Martha Stewart and Emeril Lagasse being quite pleased with one another and demonstrating how to grill soft shells.

The grill is gas, so nothing can get a true charcoaly/woody taste, but I did use a cast iron grill pan to give the crabs some extra support. The crabs themselves were liberally coated in olive oil and then slightly less liberally seasoned with salt and pepper and a tad of old bay. Along side were hot house not local at all Campari tomatoes, the kim chi from my first errand stop, and grilled spring onions and asparagus. All with lemon slices and Whole Foods Tartar Sauce. And let me just say. I love a number of things about Whole Foods...but I keep accidentally buying their tartar sauce and h-a-t-i-n-g it. Or at the very least not finding it worth the effort of buying and trying, not liking, and then forgetting it.

Modo Mio Makes the Meal and Unibroue Brings the Brew

It came to my attention at some point in May that it had been far too long since my last meal at Modo Mio (I think I've been writing the restaurant's wrong since forever....Modomio?), which had been in December for my birthday. I don't know what happened exactly. Funds were tight. I wasn't really going to many restaurants on the whole? LW also felt that it had been too long since her last visit, so we combined forces, made a reservation and began anticipating what magic things might be in store for us. The meal began as it usually does with a little amuse bouche. This time I believe it was a fig, gorgonzola, balsamic little treat. I can't remember if I'm making up a pancetta element or not, but it might have existed.

Modo Mio, in case you didn't already know, is a restaurant where one goes for a four course meal (appetizer, pasta, entree, dessert) at a set price. You can order a la carte, but the portions and plates of each course are usually just the right size. This means that mapping out your meal necessitates tough choices. You might be drawn to three different appetizers, but you can only have one...so for me I think I was debating the crab cake, the scallop and the pork carpaccio-ish dish. LW also was weighing her pros and cons. In the end we made our choices, but our server - one terrific lady named Marie - ended up gifting us an extra plate of magic to try....and that was sauteed escargots with capers on a crusty melty cheesy piece of bread. This was LW's first snail experience, and I think it went quite well. The snails themselves were so tender and the combination of herbs with the saltiness of the capers and the ooooooozy loveliness of the crusty cheesy (provolone?) bread all worked together in a very pleasing fashion.

The appetizer I chose was the thinly sliced pork on a small bed of arugula with dried cherries, fennel, and I think gorgonzola cheese...I meant to take a photo of the menu so I wouldn't be approximating quite so much, but alas between opening our bottle of vinho verde and agonizing over my menu choices, actually documenting what those choices were slipped my mind. What I can tell you is that this was a very nice and relatively light way to start the meal, especially given my next two courses. The vinaigrette really perked things up and the pork itself was almost dainty in its texture.

I think this photograph illustrated how we felt about our first courses. We most certainly became members of the clean plate club for this round of tasty treats.

I had another internal debate when it came to the pasta. I love what they do with the rather simple amatriciana-like preparation...thick/hollow spaghetti with a vibrant tomato sauce and pancetta and sometimes a little kick. Oh man. It's just so good. But I also eyed the ravioli they had on that particular day, which was a rich ravioli with artichokes and ricotta all sauteed in an almond butter. I shared my teetering decision with our server and she suggested branching out, and so that is what I did. The ravioli was rich and happy making. See proof below.

And then there were the main course options. I had arrived thinking that I would choose a beef option, but when we were informed that one of the specials of the night was their take on a 'surf and turf' only with soft shell crab as surf, and sweetbreads as turf, that original idea went out the window. You'll see in later posts that I was already primed for soft shells, and so this became the first fresh crab I had for the season but certainly not the last. Sauteed instead of deep fried and only very lightly (if at all) breaded, it still had a crisp note to it while better displaying the overall crabby goodness. The sweetbreads were hearty and yet creamy.

LW used her camera to take this photograph...thus the completely different color cast. This is what I look like when I'm so happy I'm almost miserable about it.

We also had the opportunity to try the asparagus with over easy egg. A nice addition for sure!

And then there was dessert and esperesso. Oh man. Dessert. This I think was a walnut/strawberry panna cotta with maybe a savory element to it. I really have to write things down. I'm the worst.

And this was sort of like a trifle with blueberries, cake, and basil. There was also tirimisu in the mix, which LW declared the best.

The meal, the service and the overall ambiance was, as it always is, just fantastic. We made temporary friends with the couple sitting next to us and discussed how much we collectively loved the place. There was a birthday, but the birthday boy or girl had requested no singing...so that was sad for me since I love singing happy birthday to strangers. But not if they don't want me to:)

I had every intention of ending my night after the meal. When something is so good, it's best to call it a day instead of trying to do more. LW, however, had plans on meeting up with Jerry the Unibroue brewer. You see, it was also Philly Beer Week and LW and Jerry usually meet up to say hey at one Unibroue event or another. Since the location for the event was pretty near my place/in my neighborhood I did make a different decision once we got out of the cab, and joined LW and Jerry to try a variety of specialty brews he'd brought with him from Canada.

It was a good night full of fanciness, new tastes and good times.

Grilled Artichoke

Grilling never really gets old. Another evening found me grilling an artichoke. I had never done such a thing before, but it turned out pretty well once I figured out how to get the non edible parts of the 'choke out of the way. Served with just a little melted butter with a dash of truffle oil and salt. Simple, but effective.

Drinks, Mistakes and Snacks c/o Morgan's Pier

On Memorial Day I met up with CPM and R. on a bus. Our destination was Morgan's Pier. The outdoor bar/restaurant/club has a little of everything. Two bars, picnic tables and additional seating options, a view of the river, a view of the Benjamin Franklin bridge, games and playground equipment for the young and old, dance parties. You know it's like one of those clubs Stefon on SNL would talk about, except without midgets or terrible things you wouldn't actually want to have anything to do with. When we arrived at some point in the afternoon, it was already full of people. Most tables were already called for and spots at either bar were a bit limited. We mosied over to the smaller of the two bars to get our first round of drinks. On our approach I noticed B., a Bardian whom I don't really know, but with whom I am Facebook friends. He's a food/wine guy and was behind the bar doing something related to such expertise. We've only run into each other once in my time in Philly, but it was a pretty good run in. In any case CPM wanted to try their watermelon beer cocktail while R. and I were immediately drawn to the michelada option on the menu. We placed our orders and when it was time to lay down the cash, the bartender told us that B. had bought our drinks. Thanks B.! Of course we were accidental assholes so excited about getting free drinks that we totally forgot to still tip our bartender. And that is why you don't get nice things CC, because you just don't know how to reciprocate. Dear Bartender, we didn't mean to be assholes.

With drinks in hand we made a more concerted effort to find a spot to sit in the sun. Our timing was impeccable, as one large party was leaving just as we were sidling up to their particular table. We had a nice view of the bridge but less of a view of the river as much as the marina that skirts the entire Morgan's Pier area. I guess it's the pier itself? In any case, after taking a look at the menu I knew I wanted to try the shishito peppers and CPM knew that she wanted to try the really good fries. And that's just what we did. The peppers were nice and crispy tender and the dill dipping sauce was pretty great too...though I kind of wish it had been just an iota thicker or creamier, it would drip off the peppers making the entire process a little messier than it could have been. Fries were also decent and came with a special aioli.

After snacking and having another round of drinks (I tried the shandy), R. and CPM were itching to play some ping pong. It's not a game I'm particularly good at, so I basically just sat on a stool and watched for a while. We didn't get loaded and made our way back to our neighborhood while the sun was still very much in the sky. It was entirely a nice little day trip. The vibe during the day is pretty family friendly, while I know that come night fall things get far more bumpin'. I have every intention of going back again, overtipping whatever bartender I might have as penance, trying a burger and doing a little dancing.

Chicken, Spatchcock style

Summer is by far my favorite of the seasons. The warm weather. The flowers. The warm weather. Summer dresses. Even when it's super duper hot, I'm generally a happier camper than on any given day in the other seasons, winter especially. I'm sure I'm not alone in this. Additionally, summer means that I can spend huge swathes of my day sitting on the deck reading a book. And that I can also be cooking on the grill while sitting on the deck reading a book. On this particular day I decided it was time to spatchcock another chicken. I've found that the cooking goes more quickly and there's less guesswork somehow than when I roast a chicken in the oven. Or perhaps I can be more patient and just let the chicken be due to the fact that I'm happily reading outside on the deck. In any case, this particular chicken turned out pretty good. I should have shifted it a little more than I did at certain points in the process, as it got a little too charred on the underside, but the majority of the bird was perfect. The skin was crispy, the meat tender and moist. I didn't bother brining. Just rubbed some olive oil on the bird and then liberally salt and peppered it.

It was a wonderful evening meal and the leftovers became a few different lunches and dinners.

Breakfast at Red Hook Diner and Departure From the Hudson Valley

I awoke Sunday morning with very few things on my agenda. The main one being breakfast at the Red Hook diner. Just as I was packing up, the entire building suddenly went berserk. And by that I mean a fire alarm sounded and kept sounding. I took a look around the hall and heard no screams nor smelled no smoke, so I just went back to packing up and texting K. and C. about their availability for an early morning breakfast. Eventually all my gear was packed and I proceeded towards the exit closest to the parking lot where my car was located. I guess most folks took the fire alarm far more seriously, including the fireman who held the door open for me and a gaggle of my former classmates, some of whom were in pajamas and draped with blankets. C. and K. were also there and it was decided that we would just get on with it and go to breakfast. This was a very good move on our part. The Red Hook Diner is basically the place to be on any given morning, but especially a weekend morning, and on a reunion/graduation weekend? Come 11 AM that place is packed and you're lucky if you don't have to wait 20 to 30 minutes. We, however, waited about two minutes before getting a spot. When something works you just keep going with it, and the diner's 2 eggs/meat/potatoes/bottomless coffee meal definitely works. And my preferred combo always was (and probably always will be) two poached eggs with the deep fried version of potatoes and sausage links. It was everything I wanted it to be. EVERYTHING.

The diner is right next to the building where K. and I both spent about two years post-graduation. In the two bottom apartments. Those were some transitional years for sure, going from student to semi-kind-of-almost adults. And we both left at the same time too, with K. moving to NYC to attend grad school while I moved on to Chicago, also to attend grad school. And here we were about eight years later.

After that it was pretty much the usual getting out of a place. I tried to track down S. who still had my jacket, but wasn't able to get in touch with him and didn't feel like rambling around aimlessly until I heard from him. So we all dropped off our respective dorm keys, got into our respective wheels and drove off from Bard's campus. I crossed the Kingston bridge and the sun was finally coming out and the way it played on the water and mountains was something to see. Unfortunately you can't really see because I was driving while randomly clicking my camera's shutter. Never a very effective method for really good photos.

But you can't say I didn't try.

And that about wraps up the 10th year reunion of the Bard Class of 2003. The majority of my fears were unfounded and it was quite nice to see some of the faces that I wouldn't otherwise see in the course of my everyday life. Good work all around. Though I hope the next reunion I attend will feature warmer weather.

Bard College Commencement 2013, Dinner c/o Osaka

The next day was just as gloomy, overcast and not terribly warm as the preceding day. I woke up at a far more leisurely hour than I normally do...but then I don't usually go to sleep at five in the morning. L. and I knew that we wanted some delicious Dunkin Donuts coffee (the sheer amount of money, gas and time we expended on Dunkin Donuts coffee during our college years would be astonishing if quantified). I also felt a very strong need to go to the Bagel Shoppe. Of course there is no photographic proof of our doing either thing. But we did. I swear. Then there was a fair amount of lollygagging. C. and L. went to the library to find their senior projects while I tried to take a nap but really just took a lot of photographs of cicadas. Eventually it was getting close to the actual start of the graduation, whose commencement speaker was Gabby Giffords and her husband. That story and how far she has come and how much it reflects the ills of our current gun policies makes her an incredibly effective symbol. In any case, I stopped by the tent but it seemed like kids were still filing in and there would be much pomp and circumstance before the commencement speech. So I wandered on to the campus center to meet up with C., K. and L.

I could have told some stories about all the times I drove to Dunkin Donuts.

When I attended Bard the cafeteria had two sections: the smoking section and the non-smoking section. I can say with some regret and some weird pride that I ate in the non-smoking section a total of perhaps five times. It was a bigger room and the acoustics were weird and so I, like so many others, took up permanent cafeteria residency in "the paranoids" smoking section. Times change and for the better, so that enclosed smoky space has now become just another seating area...it is also where we gathered to listen to the commencement speeches while staying out of the icky weather. Gabby Giffords' husband did the majority of the speaking, and I found his point that he and his wife both are gun owners an interesting and valid one. My opinion on guns isn't going to change anybody else's, but I really just feel like there is a pretty easy balance to be made if crazy people on both sides just kind of shut their mouths. The Libertarian fringe compound guy in Montana needs to understand that while he certainly has the right to bear arms, he doesn't have the right to become his own personal army. The extremely leftist vegetarian activist needs to understand that not all gun owners are the Libertarian fringe compound guy (and that one could argue that hunting for one's meat is a far more noble method of being a carnivore than relying on factory farms). Easier said than done of course. My point is mainly the point he made: everyone needs to make compromises and see the greater harm that could come about if they are not made (like the attempted assassination of HIS WIFE). Moving on.

Then it was time for a more official reunion event at Blithewood. The weather continued to be windy, cold and altogether not to my liking. I also became overwhelmed by the additional new faces that were added to the mix from the night before. I like people and talking to them. But man alive there is a limit to just how many conversations I can enjoy with people I haven't really kept in touch with...especially if it's cold. I also just wasn't feeling like getting totally tanked again, so while many were enjoying the free spirits and beer at the reunion tent, I mainly stuck to one beer and cheese. None of which is photographed because I was getting edgy.

After our reunion photograph I was feeling a little spent. C. was feeling very cold. K. was making friends with everybody, but also wanted sushi. And so our three different states combined and it was decided that C. and I would walk back to north campus to get my car, which we would then drive back down to Blithewood in order to pick up K., and then we would all zoom our way to Tivoli for a meal at Osaka. This plan went well. C. and I ended up getting a bit of a lift from yet another golf cart. K. was about done making friends by the time we picked her up, and Osaka had no line for tables. We all got variations of a maki combination, which came with soup and salad.

I think I ordered the spicy combination, or maybe the special one? I should really track that down, but I am not going to.

So much sushi. So much fun.

After dinner we rushed back in order to see the always spectacular fireworks...but we really arrived just in time to see the end. K. and C. went to see who else was still hanging around, but my decision not to drink and overall tiredness from not getting a proper nap (oh my god I sound like I'm 95, next thing you know I'm going to be talking about the merits of prune juice for digestions) led to a desire to just go somewhere warm and dry. To that end I returned to north campus and the class of 2003 dorm, where I ran into J. and D. and S. and B. and a few other folks. S. insisted that J. and I take a photograph together but he was, shall we say, a wee bit tipsy and couldn't quite take the photo himself. So he asked D. to do it...but D. is like nine million feet tall and didn't really know exactly what S. wanted from a photo. So below are three of many more photographs of J. and I trying to please S.'s directions. 

J. and I were both in the photo program at Bard. We ended up sharing a dark room our senior year...except he printed almost entirely digitally, which meant that really I got a dark room to myself. His senior project was especially clever. I had a total artistic crush on him. No big deal. Now he and B. are embarking on a new venture that is just as much deserving of a crush.

It got kind of ridiculous.

B. jumped in on this one.

My night pretty much ended at this point. I went down to my basement room to regroup but never quite made it back up, though I did hear the ragings of a party for many hours afterwards. I kind of regret not rallying, but really I was pleased with the overall experience and didn't want to mar it by any new shenanigans.

Bard Tent Party and Later Times 2013

While the official reunion events would take place on Saturday, I may have been most excited about the Tent Party, which may be relatively self-explanatory...but I'll explain it anyways. Bard's graduation ceremony takes place under a pretty big tent. The night before graduation that tent is used as a huge dance area for a big ol' party for current students and returning alumni. There is also a beer truck set up where one can get free beer  as long as they have a wrist band. To get a wrist band we just had to say our names, class years, where we lived our freshmen year (trailer 2) and the title of our senior projects (Touch Me Like They Do In the Movies). Here you can see the combined power of the bracelets.

There was also an event up in the cafeteria building. This was for a slightly more mature set, and I guess we fit in well enough.

Two other members of the Class of 2013 have started a solar powered popcorn company. If you ever see this brand, buy it.

Yup.

Times.

We ran into A.F. as well as a random current student whom we befriended for about five minutes. Good luck in the real world random Bard student!

In the tent.

Hugging K.

Photos.

B. from Texas and S. wearing my rain jacket (I brought two because you never know).

This is a pretty awful photo of me and C. but note the creepster in the background. Very typical Bard.

So in addition to free booze, the college also puts out pizza and donuts as the night comes to a close. Basically they get us liquored up and then try to sober us up. It sometimes works.

The beer and festivities came to a close around 2 AM. C., K., B. from Texas and S. had all departed while L. and I tried to enjoy a little dancing. But the music was a little too, uh, youthful? Too many stutters and stops, no consistent rhythm...and just way too many young people making out. If I'm not doing the making out in public, I don't want to see it. Rule to live by. So L. and I then began our own walk back when one of the myriad golf carts driven by student volunteers (or perhaps they were being paid) appeared and asked where we were going and if we wanted a ride. We gave them our location and answered with an enthusiastic yes to the ride. They called out to others in the still crowded donut area, but no takers...so off we went and soon enough we ran into those who started out before us and they joined. There is something pretty fun about riding a golf cart at 2 AM driven by college students while on your own former college campus.

And then the party continued. I don't know who brought the additional booze (I contributed a half bottle of Evan Williams to the festivities) but it allowed the party to rage on for many hours.

H., my first Bard contact of the weekend.

I am not exactly sure who is taking the majority of these photos, though I have a pretty good suspicion that it was L.

C. was about done with the papparazzi and my lack of chin was in full display. I have a chin. I swear.

K. and M. and a girl whose name I don't know. Flying or surfing?

It was an especially late night. I don't think my head hit a pillow til after 5. But if you're going to go to a college reunion, you best go hard...I guess?