Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

I want to go everywhere I haven't been, and back to everywhere I have been.

Thursday, August 10, 2017

TODAY IN NEW YORK CITY: BACK TO OUR FOOD ROOTS





Ms. Toody goes to Katz's Deli in NYC | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

The Goo Shoes family (Ms., Mr., Jr., and Aunt)
drove into Manhattan today to have lunch at a famous landmark, 
which has been serving the food of our ancestors since 1888.

Okay, maybe not the ones who lived in Russia - -
their diet consisted mostly of potatoes and borscht.
But our grandparents (Junior GS's great-grandparents)
who immigrated to the United States and ended up on the Lower East Side, 
could possibly have tasted their first pastrami sandwiches in this iconic eatery.

Ms. Toody goes to Katz's Deli in NYC | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

 Katz's Delicatessen has been an institution for New York Jews for generations,
and we wanted Junior Goo Shoes to experience it.
Jewish people aren't the only ones who dine at Katz's.
It has become a major tourist attraction, filled with visitors from all over the world
who want to enjoy a quintessential New York City food experience. 

Undoubtedly, many people became aware of Katz's in 1989
when the now well-known scene in When Harry Met Sally was filmed.
See that sign?

Ms. Toody goes to Katz's Deli in NYC | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

You know the one........
"I'll have what she's having."

Ms. Toody goes to Katz's Deli in NYC | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

The restaurant is huge.
You can either order at the counter........

Ms. Toody goes to Katz's Deli in NYC | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

or opt for table service.

Ms. Toody goes to Katz's Deli in NYC | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

Katz's is known for their pastrami and corned beef, 
which are cured for up to 30 days, 
as opposed to 36 hours for commercial versions.
Even Junior GS immediately noticed the difference.

Ms. Toody goes to Katz's Deli in NYC | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes


 Is this corned beef beautiful, or what?

Ms. Toody goes to Katz's Deli in NYC | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

 The latkes (aka potato pancakes) aren't pretty, but they are dee-LISH! 
Do you like yours with apple sauce or sour cream?

Ms. Toody goes to Katz's Deli in NYC | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

Half-sour and sour pickles, and pickled tomatoes - yum!



I couldn't resist a New York egg cream, 
invented in this very neighborhood back in the late1800's.
Why it's called an egg cream is a bit of a mystery, 
but rest assured, there's no egg in it. 
It's a delicious mixture of milk, chocolate syrup and seltzer.
It's not "official" unless it has a frothy top.
Soooooooo good.

Ms. Toody goes to Katz's Deli in NYC | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

I'd love one of these old signs for my kitchen!


Ms. Toody goes to Katz's Deli in NYC | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes


 The lower East Side is a mecca for Jewish cuisine.
The neighborhood is home to Yonah Schimmel's Knish Bakery,
operating for 100+ years (sorry, no photo),
and, just a few doors down from Katz's is Russ and Daughters,
another iconic food destination that's been around for over a century.

Ms. Toody goes to Katz's Deli in NYC | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

Look at all that dried fruit in the window!


Ms. Toody goes to Katz's Deli in NYC | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes


As much as I wanted to sample delicacies from all three places,
a girl can only eat so much
(yes, even this girl).  
The only way to do that is to go on one of those walking food tours in lower Manhattan.
I'm going to look into that.
This picture has nothing to do with anything,
other than the fact that it's in the neighborhood,
and is a really cool sign. 


Ms. Toody goes to Katz's Deli in NYC | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes


 It was a quick in-and-out of New York City,
and we did come home with doggie bags. 
There's no way Sadie's gonna get her paws on these leftovers, however. 

Now, if you'll pardon me, I'm going to research those walking food tours. 
 Who wants to come with me?




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Tuesday, March 15, 2016

10 Must-Eat Foods In Italy

(EVEN THOUGH YOU EAT THEM ALL THE TIME AT HOME)

10 Must-Eat Foods In Italy | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

Does food play an important role in your vacation plans?

I'd put food right up there with sightseeing and shopping. 
I want it ALL...amazing scenery and iconic landmarks,
some memorable souvenirs, 
and in between, a luscious lunch and a delectable dinner.

10 Must-Eat Foods In Italy | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

Putting together a short list of "must-eat foods" almost borders on the ridiculous, 
as Italy boasts some of the most amazing food the world has to offer.
Pretty much everything qualifies as a "must eat."

 So why would I put together a list of seemingly unexceptional
foods that you eat all the time at home,
and tell you not to miss them in Italy
Because, in Italy, basic foods go from ordinary to extraordinary. 

 Wherever you are in Italy
it's good to order foods that different regions are noted for, such as...
 
Bolognese sauce in Bologna  
Pizza in Naples
Lemons on the Amalfi coast 
Black truffles in Umbria
Parmesan cheese in Parma

The list goes on an on

And then, there are the foods that you shouldn't miss,  
no matter where you are in Italy.  

Grab a fork, and let's mangia! 
    
1. CHEESE (Formaggio)

10 Must-Eat Foods In Italy | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

Oh my, the cheese! 
Fresh, creamy burrata, buffalo mozzarella, velvety ricotta.
I could live on bread and cheese alone -- cholesterol be damned! 

10 Must-Eat Foods In Italy | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes


2. PASTA 

10 Must-Eat Foods In Italy | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

Pasta in Italy is perfetto --  al-dente; never over-cooked.
Sauces are matched to the appropriate shapes;
for example, a thicker sauce such as bolognese 
pairs up with a larger pasta shape, like rigatoni. 
No meat sauce on angel hair pasta in Italy, no señora. 

10 Must-Eat Foods In Italy | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

And, you will not find your pasta swimming in a bowl of sauce,
like so many restaurants here in the states serve it; 
 just a nice, light coating, so it doesn't drown out the pasta.

10 Must-Eat Foods In Italy | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes


3. TOMATOES (Pomodoro)

10 Must-Eat Foods In Italy | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

Deep red, sweet, juicy...they just taste a heckuva lot better there than here.
Maybe it's because fruits and veggies are served only when they are in season;
unlike here in the US, where everything is available year-round
(pale, tasteless, hot-house tomatoes, anyone?).
Perhaps it's the volcanic soil, which makes everything more flavorful.
Whatever the reason, tomatoes are one of Italy's simple pleasures,
especially when served with a drizzle of olive oil and some fresh herbs.

10 Must-Eat Foods In Italy | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

10 Must-Eat Foods In Italy | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes


4. PIZZA

10 Must-Eat Foods In Italy | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

Yes, I spent an entire afternoon researching the best pizza in Naples
(we went to Da Ettore, via S. Lucia 56).
That's as important to me as finding the perfect hotel. 
You can't go to Naples...or anywhere in Italy, for that matter,
 and not eat the pizza - it's where it was invented.
When you leave the country, proof of eating pizza is an exit requirement.
Not really, but it should be, if you ask me. 

10 Must-Eat Foods In Italy | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes


5. SALAMI AND OTHER CURED MEATS 

10 Must-Eat Foods In Italy | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

I really don't eat salami at home.
It's generally processed; surely not worth the calories, fat and sodium.
In Italy, I can eat it three times a day, and still not have enough.
Do you remember the salami story I told you?
It tastes so different, we shouldn't be allowed to call it salami here in the states.

So, try the salami, proscuitto, soppressata, mortadella...
it's delizioso! 

10 Must-Eat Foods In Italy | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes


6. STUFFED ZUCCHINI FLOWERS (Fiori di zucca ripieni)

10 Must-Eat Foods In Italy | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

Okay, granted, this is not a staple in my house, and probably not yours,
but,
I had to include it on this list because when you have good zucchini flowers --
batter-dipped and stuffed with creamy ricotta cheese --
they are extraordinary.
I promise it will be one of your most memorable food experiences

On our last trip to Italy, I actually had them twice in one day.
Mr. Goo Shoes was skeptical about eating a flower,
but I convinced him, and we both ordered them whenever they were on the menu
Trust me on this one. 

10 Must-Eat Foods In Italy | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes



7. WINE (Vino)

10 Must-Eat Foods In Italy | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

Italy is one place where you can confidently order the house wine, 
and it will be excellent
If you are lucky, you'll be able to take home the pitcher that it comes in.

10 Must-Eat Foods In Italy | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes


8. LEMONS (Limone)

10 Must-Eat Foods In Italy | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes


On the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento lemons reign supreme
showing up in anything and everything.
If there's a pasta sauce made with lemon, order it.
If there's a dessert baked with lemon, buy it.
My advice? Eat anything and everything made with lemon. 
Wash it down with lots of Limoncello.  
Salute!

10 Must-Eat Foods In Italy | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

10 Must-Eat Foods In Italy | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes


9. ICE CREAM (Gelato)

10 Must-Eat Foods In Italy | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

I double-dare you not to have gelato multiple times a day!
Yes, you will want it after lunch.
Yes, you will want it after dinner.
And it will take every ounce of willpower not to have it after breakfast
(okay, we did that only once).
 

How else will you be able to sample all of those delectable flavors?

10 Must-Eat Foods In Italy | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

10 Must-Eat Foods In Italy | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes


10. COFFEE (Caffé)

10 Must-Eat Foods In Italy | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

Italian coffee is stronger than what we get here,
which is why it is so delicious! 
Recently, someone told me that she looks for McDonald's when she is in Italy, 
so she can get American-style coffee.
Oy! I may have to un-friend her.

Forget everything you learned at Starbucks...

 These are the two coffee rules you should know:
 1). Cappuccino is ordered only for breakfast, not after dinner.
2. After dinner, Italians drink espresso, which, is known as caffé
Capisce? 

10 Must-Eat Foods In Italy | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

10 Must-Eat Foods In Italy | Ms. Toody Goo Shoes

Geez, now look what I've done
I've worked up an appetite, and there is nowhere around here  
that will come close to meeting my Italian taste-bud expectations.
I'll just have to be content with my memories...
until my next trip to Italy.

Hmmmm...I think I'll go check on the airfares.