Brunch in the Kitschen: Your 12 step guide to the perfect brunch

1. Mushrooms are ALWAYS a good idea. Fresh only, otherwise don't bother! Those canned ones are a poor excuse for "mushrooms"

2. Eggs Rothko. First tried it in NYC, next time was in my own kitchen. We couldn't find brioche so we used turkish bread instead.

3. While cooking, keep your friends entertained with alcoholic beverages, like a seemingly innocent smoothie with peanut butter, chocolate...and Bailey's. Lots of it. (Plus have them bring bubbly for mimosas...then later on to drink alone, when the juice is gone)

4. Or...let them play with their food.

5. When you're done, plate your food as best you can---> we're no pros, but make an effort. Also, if your guests don't mind, use a plastic plate that you can chuck in the bin right after. In Manila, where there are helpers to do your dishes, use your fine china if you wish.

6. Be a gracious host and serve your guests :) Don't forget to smile!

7. While they are taking a break after the savory part of the meal, go back to the kitchen and stew some fresh peaches ( or apples, or pears...or any fruit you want) Steal some of the juice from your mimosas to add to your peaches.

8. Act silly with your friends while waiting for peaches to cook.

9. When finished cooking, create a "healthy" greek yogurt sundae with your peaches, and top with toasted almonds!

10. Surprise your friend who just turned 30. Buy plastic skulls for her bday cake because you know she will love them.

11. When you are too full to move, stay in your seat and dress up used bottles of wine and champagne.

12. Ask them if they want to have brunch again someday...and hope their answer is the same as Ben's.

:)

WORLD BITES: No place does pizza like New York

What is it about New York slices? People say it’s the dough, and even if you copy your favorite NY pizza dough recipe, it still won’t taste the same. Why? Because still others say it’s the water. I don’t care how many pizza places here are named after New York boroughs or icons, they will never compare to even the $1 slices you can get random places around the city.

But Manhattan is not even where you will find my favorite pizza in the whole of New York (although Artichoke pizza in the East Village comes a close second) In order to get to my favorite pizza, you need to get on the Staten Island Ferry and take that 25 minute ride out of the city. There you will find a small pizzeria called Village Maria where they sell the best chicken and broccoli pizza ever.

Imagine this: Nice chewy crust, a garlic cream sauce, fresh broccoli and tender chunks of chicken. The first time I tried this was when my friend picked me up from the airport after an 8 hour flight. I was tired and cranky and not hungry. Until I took a bite.



It may not look like much (I already warned you about my sucky photography skills) and must warn you now that my camera is waterproof, freeze proof and shock proof but is otherwise useless.

Again, it may not look like much but I assure you, it is worth the trip. So worth it that my friend Sarah bought a whole pie before she left New York last week, and brought it home for her brother, husband and me to share. We fiend for this so much once in awhile, it actually physically hurts.


My precious Village Maria slice delivered to me protected in plastic wrap, foil and a ziplock bag, kept frozen until ready to be devoured. It took almost a whole day and a plane ride for it to get here, and dried out a bit when I toasted it, but still absolutely heavenly when I took my first bite.

Village Maria Pizzeria II, 768 Manor Rd, STATEN ISLAND, NY 10314