NY congestion

Friday, October 6 and the weekend..

NYC and congestion... in the nose that is. Well, with Dave's visit came a coldfront from the north and a virus that resulted in him catching a bad cold during our weekend. However, he went around the city with me, complete with kleenex and cough drops in hand and rest stops to recuperate. I am in the last stages of a cold so I had all the necessary remedies and of course the all important TLC.

On Friday afternoon, Dave experienced first hand how confusing and frustrating the subway system can be, with hidden subway entrances, subways that suddenly change to express and go past your desired station (at least twice we passed a station that we wanted), crowded cars during rushour with limited breathing space, and a "police investigation" at a station, which seems to happen frequently.

On Friday night, we attended the school dinner which was created under the direction of one of the head chefs and was supported by student chefs, with several from our class. The menu was great and included:

The Soup - garlic and greens both with roasted cherry tomatoes, tapenade crostini and Reggiano parmesan

The Salad - Frisee, baby arugula, toasted hazelnuts, pomegrante seeds, with seared peers and radicchio in sherry vinaigrette.

The Entree - Spelt, rye and wheat berries with currants, mint and scallions. Gingered butternut squash with cranberry coulis. Garlic and sage infused tempeh in lemon sauce. Haricot verts sauteed in garlic and rosemary oil.

The Dessert - Mocha pudding with candied pecans and chocolate crumbles.

Next Thursday and Friday I head into the kitchen to help the head chef prepare dinner for around 100 so stay tuned.

On Friday, one of my classmates from NYC got married in Central Park to a woman from Toronto (good taste!) and is turning Canadian. On Saturday afternoon there was an informal wedding picnic for friends in a beautiful location in Central Park, with the park and the architecturally amazing NY skyline in the distance.

In the evening, Dave and I went to the best organic vegan restaurants in NY called Candle 79 on the Upper East Side (154 East 79th Street), frequently named one of the best vegetarian/vegan restaurants in the city and one the best overall in NY. The food was amazing in quality, taste and presentation, the service impeccable and warm, and the ambiance upscale and warm. Most of the food is organically grown, seasonal and local... from small local farmers, and the wine is organic as well. Bliss ! The restaurant's goal was to create an ecologically sustainable establishment from farm to beyond the plate and they say they acknowledge the interconnectedness of environmental, physical and spiritual well-being and strive to nourish the body, mind and spirit. Just like my teachings at school. My favourite spot in NY now next to Hangwawi. www.candlecafe.com

Sunday was spent at the gym, exploring street fairs that seem to pop everywhere and anywhere in NY, and visiting the East Village, complete with a visit to Mooshoes, the vegan shoe place, and lots of good sushi at Kura Restaurant. A nice schedule and good recuperation techniques for two people still with colds and congestion.