Kitten Lounge

Mingling Mondays: Keeping it La Cucina

KittenCouture — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 05:00:00 -0700

As you know, Mondays are always dedicated to food and today, I thought we would present food in another way! During my interview with A.W. Gryphon, the novelist of Blood Moon, I found out that she is a screenwriter and while she has this new book release, yesterday, her movie, La Cucina, showed at the LA Femme Film Festival. This festival looks to support women filmmakers and is also a great way to have a Q&A with those in the know in the industry! You can still check out the days events although it has concluded. But I definitely wanted to share some info about the movie as I would love to see this when it comes out on DVD or if it appears in a festival in my area!

La Cucina has an amazing cast including: Christina Hendricks (Mad Men), Joaquim de Almeida (Clear and Present Danger), Leisha Hailey (The L Word), Rachel Hunter (Rodeo Girl), Oz Perkins (Legally Blonde), Clare Carey (Jericho), Kala Savage (That 70's Show) and Michael Cornacchia (The Bernie Mac Show)and is a story about how lives can connect and the complications that exist when there is so much being done, but not said. At the same time, no matter the complications, there are commonalities and there is a central place - the kitchen is such a place. It's a place where people can come together and share in a way that other places may prove difficult. The movie centers around four meals and although there may not be an ending that ties everything together, there is something to be said about having the possibility of a happy conclusion or at least the hope to make things right.

Paul's Honest Meal: Sidewalk Heaven

KittenCouture — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 05:00:00 -0700

It’s Monday morning and the last thing you want to do is to get out of your cozy blanketed sanctuary just to answer questions from people, who are apparently smarter than you as so stated on their business cards. Your phone/alarm clock goes for the fifth time and you realize that hitting the snooze button is no longer an option. You must make a decision and you must make it now. Unlike any other Monday leading up to this magical day, you decide go for it on fourth down and call in sick. This isn’t exactly the: “Good morning, I quit in order to pursue my artistic aspirations” type of call, but at the same time you do feel a sense of encouragement that may be, just may be, today is the day that you can free yourself from the restraints of corporate America. Or may be you just want to go for a walk in downtown Manhattan and buy yourself something nice; most like it’s the later.

Its ten o’clock, you get out of bed, put on Sports Center, take a shower and begin prepare your favorite, yet uncomplicated breakfast; two eggs over-easy, a side of bacon and whole grain toast. Although, you’ve made this dish hundreds of times before, surprisingly bacon will be the reoccurring theme for this prefect day. As its time to leave your spacious Manhattan abode, you throw on your favorite pair of jeans and your favorite pair of sneakers, which by the way you would never attempt to wear to work. You grab your cell, your ipod and you’re out.

As you are strolling down Broadway checking out the latest Adidas Originals releases, with Gnarles Barkley blasting into your headphones, you begin to smell something overwhelmingly delicious and inviting. You can’t put your finger on it, but you decide to follow in the footsteps of the great Inspector Gadget, investigate the situation and follow the aroma to its source. You turn onto Bond Street and as you chuckle on the inside at all the poor souls eating chicken wraps on their uncomfortably short lunch breaks, you realize that the scent is getting stronger at a furious pace, so you must be getting closer to your destination. You’re there and you’re in shock. Luck is on your side, you went for it on fourth down and not only did you make it but you scored a touchdown. Your mind celebrates and your mouth is watering. In front of you is Il Buco’s (www.ilbuco.net) 200lb Ossabaw Pig roasted whole to perfection, being expertly dissected by Executive Chef Ignacio Mattos. This is your sidewalk heaven. This is the reason you called in sick. This is the place where you can be free. And if just for an afternoon your memories of the plastic world to which you have become so uncomfortably addicted are replaced with the primal and the authentic. Its love and it lives on a narrow cobblestone street in the city.

On Monday, September 22, 2008, Il Buco restaurant celebrated its 14^th anniversary while hosting its fifth annual “Sagra Del Maiale”, an outdoor Pig and Apple Festival commemorating the Autumn Equinox. Executive chef, Ignacio Mattos began roasting the 200lb Ossabaw beast at 4:30am and he wasn’t finished until 11:30 am. The hogs of Ossabaw Island, off the coast of Georgia, are descendants of “Pata Negra” Spanish pigs brought to the New World over 400 years ago. They are generally smaller in size and have a higher fat to meat ratio, which make them perfect for the “infernillo style” roasting. This particular hog was brought to the city from Cane Creek Farm, Mebane, NC, which specializes in peanut fed Ossabaw pigs. Accompanying the start of the afternoon was a number of delicious complimentary items: Flying Pigs Farm Porchetta Panini on Ciabatta with Blueberry Balsamic Mostarda, House-made Flying Pigs Farm Pig, Apple and Peperoncino Sausage, Farmer's Market Panzanella, Julie's Wild Arugula with Lemon, Red Onion and Pecorino and Apple Ricotta Fritters with Saba.

The afternoon was a spectacular event, which showcased the undoubtedly talented Executive Chef, Ignacios Mattos and his deep knowledge of authentic preparation of Ossabaw hogs. The restaurant, owned by Independent film maker Donna Lennard, boasts a rustic décor which reminds its patrons of its inception as an antique shop. It provides a warm and romantic setting that is perfect for any occasion, from anniversaries to birthday celebrations to simply an enjoyment of a wonderful meal with your loved-one. Il Buco specializes in Mediterranean cuisine and differentiates itself from other neighborhood restaurant by utilizing only sustainable and local agriculture. The pastas are freshly made daily on the premises, the olive oil is imported from Umbria and all meat and produce is fully organic and raised without the use of any hormones or antibiotics. And obviously, we cannot forget about the wine. The extensive boutique wine collection is designed by sommelier Roberto Paris and features a far-reaching selection of Umbrian wines; the list strongly represents Spain, France, Germany and the U.S. as well as other countries. Il Buco’s philosophy is “to seek out wines from smaller, lesser known producers, introducing our customers to a variety of wines they might not otherwise have the opportunity to sample.” Il Buco is also a location that is of legends. Legend has it that Edgar Allen Poe, once a regular visitor to 47 Bond St, took the wine cellar as inspiration for his haunting short story "The Cask of Amontillado". The wine cellar is available privately as well as for regular seating. An ipod dock to the cellars surround sound system is a desired feature that is available for private parties.

The wine cellar reminds me of an underground play-land available only to the knowing, the well-versed and the interesting as if transformed from the “From Hell” movie set. The raw iron, the aged wood and the feeling of escape to the culinary underground will give any patron a pleasant shiver, as well as, mental stimulation in addition to orgasmic palate sensations. The place is raw, organic and unpolluted with ones daily problems. So do your self and your friends a favor – reserve the entire cellar, bring your ipod and take pleasure in the art of the conversation while enjoying the heaviest beats of your favorite artists and the flavorful combinations of Executive Chef Ignacio Mattos.

Sippin Saturdays: LAGOON ~ Coffee & Tea Festival This Weekend

KittenCouture — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 05:00:00 -0700

It's here! For the past few Saturdays, I have shared with you various vendors that will be participating in this week's Coffee & Tea Festival at the Metropolitan Pavilion. This is a nice weekend to get out of the rain (if we do in fact get this) and to sample some of the beverages that will be available. It's so nice when you have an event when the tea and coffee people can be together and have a great time. I will be there today so if you see me, stop by and say hello! I am so excited to actually attend the event and I will give a recap on what I saw, who was there and what we should be out on the lookout for as well. I even have a few friends that will be stopping by as I am on a quest to spread my love for tea!

Sippin Saturdays: LAGOON ~ Ceylon Treasures

KittenCouture — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 12:44:22 -0700

Next weekend is going to be a great weekend - we're closer to May and of course there is the Coffee and Tea Festival that is finally going to open its doors to the public. Over the past few Saturdays we have showcased various exhibitors who will be participating and of course this Saturday is no exception! I love these small tea canisters with little elephants on top. Each one of these contains specifically chosen teas! The teas and associated gifts that are available at Ceylon Treasures are definitely mind boggling! For those of you that enjoy spirits and want to do so in a healthy way will enjoy their version of a Black Russian, Pina Colada, etc - all without alcohol of course! For great treats and more you can purchase them online and of course if you're in the city and would like to go to this event, you can attend this weekend and we even have a few free tickets if you feel like asking for some!

Sippin Saturdays: THINK CITRUS ~ Tay Tea

KittenCouture — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 14:59:22 -0700

As many of you know, the Coffee & Tea Festival is coming up! Of course we are showcasing a variety of exhibitors that will be at this show. Today, I'm featuring Tay Tea. I love that this Berber tea is known as a blend that invokes friendship and hositality. The blend has an amazing aroma due to its Moroccan spearmint and blended with a Chinese Gunpowder Green Tea as well. This tea is full of properties that maintain your energy and of course is very refreshing as well. Tay Tea is not only attending the show, but you can enjoy their blends by purchasing online as well. I love that you can buy various blends online and learn about new flavors that are perfect to have with meals or just as a means to relax.

If you're interested in attending, we are not only giving away two tickets for free but if you don't get these tickets - you can also enjoy a special offer by getting $5 off of admission to visit the Coffee and Tea Festival which will take place next month for two days - providing the best in coffee, tea, treats and much more. To find out more visit the Coffee and Tea Festival.

Sippin Saturdays: THINK CITRUS ~ Blooming Teas

KittenCouture — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 15:29:52 -0700

From now until April 12th, The Kitten Lounge will be presenting a sampling of exhibitors that will be attending The 3rd Annual Coffee & Tea Festival NYC at the Metropolitan Pavilion from April 12th - 13th. Many of you know that I am a huge fan of Tea and for those that are Coffee lovers or enjoy the treats that come along with this, this is definitely going to be a fun event. What a great way to see the various tea shops that are throughout this area. One of the exhibitors will be Tavalon Tea Bar (which is a personal favorite).

Tavalon Tea Bar has these amazing Bloom Teas that you place the pods into a container and not only can you enjoy the aromatic smell but you can also see them expand and "bloom" in front of your very eyes. This blend is the Vesuvius Sunrise which includes green tea, hibiscus and lavendar. Available at Tavalon within their super cute shop on 14th street or on their website, this is a great way to enjoy tea in a different way. Take some time to visit them virtually, at their shop and of course - make sure that you go to the festival as well. If you would like to go, you can check out the website to reserve your tickets OR you can also win one of 2 tickets right here on Kitten Lounge which will allow you and a friend to attend to see exhibitors, sample beverages, attend classes, shop and to enjoy the Java/Tea Lounge which will have music and entertainment! To win one of these passes this week, add a comment onto this post letting us know your favorite tea spot or blend. One person will be randomly chosen next Saturday.

Tavalon Tea Bar
22 E 14th St
NY, NY 10003

3rd Annual Tea & Coffee Festival NYC
Metropolitan Pavilion
125 West 18th St
NY, NY 10011
April 12 - 13th
11:00AM - 6:00PM (Sat)
11:00AM - 5:00PM (Sun)