The Chicken-Q from a few weeks ago was so incredible we just had to do it again. While there’s lots to love about all cuts of the bird, we’re big fans of the legs and thighs when it comes to Chicken-Q. International Meats is our go-to for free-range chicken, and John scored the skin perfectly…
Diamond Dave’s Tri-Tip
I fell in love with a tri-tip sometime around 2008. My friend Dave grilled it in his backyard, way out in Tulsa Oklahoma. Mind = blown. Every time I make a delicious tri-tip, I dedicate the first bite to Dave. This lovely cut courtesy of International Meats, hands-down my favorite butcher in Astoria. Also, hey…
First Root Veg of the Fall
One of the best moments of early fall is the day it’s finally cool enough to turn the oven on to enjoy roasted root vegetables. Here in NYC, this was the week! We started with something simple, just locally grown beets, carrots, onions, and garlic. We added herbs from our own balcony garden and a…
Beef Barbacoa
When a chuck roast dreams, it dreams of becoming barbacoa. We started this dish early on Sunday morning and just finished this amazing dinner Monday night. Was it worth the wait? Absolutely. International Meats provided yet another beautiful cut, a 3.5 lb. chuck roast to write home about. After cubing the meat, it was into…
Pork Chop Perfection
Sawkill Farm provides the most beautiful and consistently delicious pork chops we’ve ever had the pleasure to grill. All you need is a smoking hot grill and a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, garlic, and smoked paprika. Sauteed zucchini and baked sweet potatoes rounded out the plate, but the chops stole the show.
Fresh Figs in Balsamic Vinegar
There’s neither smoke nor peppers in this dish, but every meat-stravaganza needs a sweet ending. Enter this simple and amazing dessert. Fresh figs from our favorite neighborhood spot, United Brothers Fruit Markets–lovingly called the “Parthenon of Produce.” The balsamic vinegar was a gift from a colleague and the richest and most delightful balsamic I’ve ever…
Western Carolina BBQ Sauce
Some things are sacred. This is one of those things. Western Carolina bbq sauce is the perfect companion to our NYC take on Wilkes County Fire Department Chicken-Q. Think cider vinegar, plenty of peppers, brown sugar, and butter (with all the good bbq spices thrown in).
