Boriqua Blog

DAISY SPEAKS CULTURALLY THROUGH FOOD

By: Luis Vazquez
Elboricua.com
October 23, 2006

http://www.elboricua.com/MusicScene.html

No Comments »

Recently, I had the good fortune to be steered in the direction of a gem of a restaurant/lounge in New York City. The name of the restaurant is KION, in Alphabet City, Manhattan.

The place itself is slightly fun and funky without seeming like a watering hole for the terminally hip—people actually go there to eat, and eat well they do!

Kion Bar: jasonperlow

Although very unassuming from the outside, ( I actually walked past the entrance the first time I was there), Kion is very appealing once you step in. The bar is very downtown cool, with great lighting, and full food menu served until late, the drinks are generous and run from the classic to the trendy with pride of place being held for the Pisco Sour a delicious cocktail made of Peruvian Pisco , simple syrup, lime, and egg white whipped to a froth, served with a dust of cinnamon, and the national cocktail of Peru (although there is a friendly rivalry with Chile over the drinks true origin’s) . Continue pass the bar and your reach the dinning room , which is very inviting , with its banquettes, subtle lighting and stone and wrought iron appointments.

Click on “Continue Reading” below to read more. 

Continue Reading »

No Comments »

I stopped by CBS studios this morning to do a Chef on a Shoestring segment for The Saturday Early Show, where I was challenged to make a three course meal for 4 people, for under $40.00. Was I up to the challenge? You bet I was!

First stop was the amazing prep kitchen in the studio to meet up with Food Stylist extraordinaire John Bjostad and his incredibly detail oriented assistant, to discuss presentation and set up.

I’ve actually worked with John and his team before, so I felt very comfortable and safe in his hands. They have a very good feel for my “sazon” in the kitchen, so that everything tastes exactly as if I made it. I didn’t really have to spend much time in there at all, so after hair and makeup, I was bought out to the set, to get my bearings. doesn’t it look gorgeous? Mm-hmm…John and company!

Click on “Continue Reading” below to read more.

Continue Reading »

7 Comments »

Yesterday, October 18th, I was fortunate enough to have been invited to visit the culinary program at Elizabeth High School, in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Now, I really enjoy visiting schools, and doing demos for kids interested in the kitchen, but I was completely blown away when I walked into the campus and into the kitchen!

Chef Instructor Paul, Chef Instructor Ben, and Chef Instructor Bruce run a cracker jack kitchen, and the students find themselves up to the task! I was quickly assigned two “sous chefs” who were there to make sure the demo ran smoothly. Marlon and Hollywood were courteous, attentive and very professional. I would definately give them a great job recommendation, or reference letter!

Click on “Continue Reading” below to read more.  Continue Reading »

2 Comments »

Thankfully, I can count on my pals at offthebroiler.com and foodcandy.com, to keep me on my toes, but schedules being what they are, I haven’t had a chance to post about the incredible event at Guastavino’s in NYC this past Saturday, called Spain: The Summit. I am still trying to digest all of the information that was “plated up” by these ten Iberian culinary giants.

Click on “Continue Reading” below to read more.  Continue Reading »

4 Comments »

This past Tuesday I was involved in an event at the Astoria Manor that featured a cooking demo, a book signing, and local Astoria restaurants showcasing their cuisine (one of the restaurants made two of my recipes!). The demo was set up on a platform, with the restaurants on either side of the room.

Chef Armand of Stew Leonard’s and Dish du Jour Magazine, was on hand to make sure that everything ran smoothly, as was Frances Grace, organizer of the event.

The crowd at the event got to taste delicious treats from all of the restaurants there, and of course, I was available to take pictures and sign books.

I managed to make Cuban Black Bean Soup, Pollo Guisado, and Coconut Panna Cotta, while entertaining my “guests”. No wonder I love doing these demos “live”…makes me wonder why I don’t tape my show with a live audience! I really love the interaction.

The evening ended on a sweet note. They really know how to make a girl feel welcome in Astoria!

1 Comment »

Recently, I was contacted by an organization based in Rochester, N.Y. called Latinas Unidas, which is a not-for-profit organization of Latinas who have committed themselves to raise money for scholarships, offer internships, and serve as positive role models for young Latinas. They were interested in having me as guest Hostess for their Gala Scholarship Dinner, and since their message is one that I am deeply committed to, namely, inspiring young Latinas (and Latinos) to better themselves through education, I happily accepted.

The event was scheduled for September 22, 2006, and a few days before, I was notified by Miguelina (my trusty right hand!) that since it was Hispanic Heritage month, City Hall wanted to give me the keys to Rochester while I was there. Needless to say, I was speechless, not to mention flattered. I mentioned to my son Erik that I was being presented with the keys to Rochester, and he looked up at me and said, “Wow! Does the city of Rochester realize that they’re giving the keys to the city to a Puerto Rican from Brooklyn?” After a good laugh, I assured him they did.

I was met at the airport by the President of Latinas Unidas, Daisy Algarin (who also has a daughter named Daisy…i can tell you it was fun being in a room with the three of us present!), who is a whirlwind of energy! I was introduced to the charming, dashing mayor of Rochester, Mayor Bob Duffy, who presented me with the Keys to the City.

It was all very exciting! As luck would have it, there was a company of firefighters there lending support to one of their own, who was receiving a medal for bravery in the line of duty. I went over to offer my congratulations, and of course, bragged that my Dad had been a firefighter for 32 years. They immediately invited me over to the firehouse, so that I could cook for them. I told them I would definately have to make arrangements to do that in the not too distant future!

After the ceremony, we were whisked away by another Latina, Linda-Strauss-Jones, who was our escort for the duration of our stay. Linda provided Miggy and I with a tour of the downtown area, and a running commentary on history and points of interest, as we drove to Canandaigua. It really was a lovely drive, and we reached our destination, The Inn by the Lake, in no time flat. I was scheduled to do a demo at the New York Wine and Culinary Center, later that afternoon, and I was eager to see the facilities so that I could become familiar with the work space.

The space is incredible! They have a beautiful edible garden, which the restaurant on site puts to delicious use, a gorgeous Wine Tasting Room, an amphitheatre for the cooking demonstartions, a gift shop, private dining room…like I said, incredible!
The tasting Room

The private Dining Room

When I got to the theatre I found a group of fans who hadn’t been able to purchase tickets, as the event had sold out very quickly, but they had come in with hopes of saying Hi and getting an autograph. It was very cool to spend a couple of minutes chatting with them.

Then it was time for the demo. Everytime I do one of these, I always say how much fun it would be to do a show with a live audience, because its like having company at your house, except, I don’t have to clean up afterwards! It’s always so great to be able to chat and laugh with the audience, and feed them too!

I made a Valenciana Salad, and a seafood fideua , and a bread pudding that everyone loved! The kitchen staff did a great job of working the event and the wait staff was amazing as well!

After thanking them all for a job well done, I went back to my room, to freshen up for the evening’s gala event. More on that next time!

3 Comments »

cuz I luffs ya so much! Ladies and gentleman, I give you Chef Rodney Muirhead! Friendly rival in culinary school…brother for life!

4 Comments »

take a peek! (click)

No Comments »

The morning of Saturday September 30, was a typical Napa morning…cool and foggy, but with the promise of a beautiful day ahead. We head out to the Martini Mansion which was well occupied by the good folks of Sutter Home Family Vineyards, and the anticipation was palpable, and not just by the finalists! Everyone is scurrying in some different direction, with a great sense of purpose. The Hearty Boys were early and milling about in the assigned “sky blue” Judge shirts that were provided for the event. I met up with James McNair who was hosting the event (and head judge!), and his partner, Andrew Moore.

We finally managed to get all of the jugdes together, and were escorted over to the judging platform.

I could not get over how tiny Cat Cora was! I mean she is about as big as a minute!! There was great chemistry between everyone and I had the feeling we were going to have a pretty good event.

Cora weighs in!

We each were served half of 10 burgers, and those burgers were separated into 2 claases: Alternative and Beef. The winner of the Alternative category would win $10,000 and the winner of the Beef category would win $50,000. As luck would have it, I was so busy tasting burgers that I didn’t photograph them, but the winner of the alternative burger was Elizabeth Bennett and her Opa! Burger, which featured flavors of the Mediterranean (lamb, feta, oregano, and the secret ingredient:2 slices of soppresata!), and the winner of the beef burger was Camilla Saulsbury and her Born in Berkeley Burgers (showcasing lemon grilled fennel and arugula-fig topping, teleme cheese and crispy bacon). Not too shabby!

Afterwards, dessert was served,( you guessed it!) in the shape of a burger!

Just as I suspected….a really terrific event!

4 Comments »