Saturday, July 23, 2022
The Upper West Side’s Power Couple took its show on the road today, relocating to a large rented house in Shokan, New York. It is large, of necessity, to accommodate the East Coast and the West Coast wings of the family, amounting to a group of four other adults and four children. This renews a tradition that Covid interrupted in the past two years. Fortunately, all of the children are too young to drive, so we are able to enjoy their company although, in fact, their attention is often on one electronic device or other.
The Upper West Side’s Power Couple took its show on the road today, relocating to a large rented house in Shokan, New York. It is large, of necessity, to accommodate the East Coast and the West Coast wings of the family, amounting to a group of four other adults and four children. This renews a tradition that Covid interrupted in the past two years. Fortunately, all of the children are too young to drive, so we are able to enjoy their company although, in fact, their attention is often on one electronic device or other.
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Madam and I arrived at the premises early and, having found things as promised, went to lunch at the Phoenicia Diner, 5681 Rte. 28, Phoenicia, New York. Even though it was past the normal lunch hour, the joint was jammed and that included a large, tented, outdoor area. We found that the interesting menu, the quality of the food and the attentive service warranted the popularity.
I had the Catskills Po’Boy, cornmeal crusted trout, remoulade, tomato and shredded lettuce on a baguette, a large sandwich, with a huge portion of well-done, skin-on shoestring potatoes ($18). It fell short of the Sandwich Hall of Fame only because of a paucity of the remoulade.
My young bride enjoyed The Mitchell Banh Mi (sic), yellowfin tuna salad, carrots, jalapeños, cilantro, mint and lime on baguette ($16). She virtuously chose a salad instead of potatoes. Each of us also benefited from having our beverage refilled, at no charge, without asking.
Monday, July 25, 2022
I don't want to be accused of being lazy by having others do my job for me, but I can't resist this observation by Andy Borowitz: "Senator Josh Hawley is 'deeply concerned' that his newfound national reputation for cowardice is overshadowing his commitment to end democracy."
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I am not noted for spirituality, but this headline renewed my interest in the power of prayer: “Brooklyn pastor says he and his wife were robbed of more than $1 million in jewelry while preaching”
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For dinner, our mob went to Yum Yum Noodle Bar, 4 Rock City Road, Woodstock, the first of three locations in this exurban, pan-Asian chain. We sat outside on this lovely evening, a welcome change from the torrid days.
We seemed to order some of everything. I had chicken satay, plump pieces of dark meat grilled on skewers with a thick peanut- buttery sauce ($9 for 2 skewers). Then, I dug into a big bowl of Kung Pao Noodles, spicy ramen stir-fried with broccoli, green pepper, red pepper and beef topped by a fried egg ($21). These were big city prices with quality to match.
We seemed to order some of everything. I had chicken satay, plump pieces of dark meat grilled on skewers with a thick peanut- buttery sauce ($9 for 2 skewers). Then, I dug into a big bowl of Kung Pao Noodles, spicy ramen stir-fried with broccoli, green pepper, red pepper and beef topped by a fried egg ($21). These were big city prices with quality to match.
Wednesday, July 26, 2022
Along with resuming the tradition of gathering the family for a week in the country, I hired a chef for a festive dinner tonight. Scott Baber is centered in Kingston, New York and works up and down the Hudson Valley.
The adult meal started with carmelized onion goat cheese tart, turmeric honey and frisée pluche (curly endive). The main course was nori (seaweed wrapped) roast tournedos of Atlantic halibut with cauliflower croquettes okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake-style), bok choy with black garlic demi glacé.
The vegetarian option was eggplant quinoa croquettes, smoked tomato and shaved fennel salad and tahini sauce.
Dessert was chocolate, but of course. Individual chocolate salted caramel cakes with white chocolate ganache and chili pecans. To sum up, Scott Baber did an excellent job.
Thursday, July 27, 2022
Want to win a bet in bar? What American city has the highest average rent right now?
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As if you doubted it: "States With Abortion Bans Are Among Least Supportive for Mothers and Children"
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Here's at least a little bit of good news. "NYC has three of the cheapest Michelin-starred restaurants in the U.S."
Friday, July 28, 2022
Believe it or not, I didn’t have any ice cream all week. Everyone else’s afternoon treat time coincided with Grandpa Alan’s afternoon nap time. However, this evening, our last together, I was wide awake when we went to Nancy’s of Woodstock- Artisanal Creamery, 297 Tinker Street, Woodstock. It offers 15 regular flavors, including goat cheese with graham crackers and berry sauce and peanut butter with blackberry swirl, as well daily vegan offerings.
Prices are reasonable; a single scoop is $7, but the single really is a double and allows for two flavors. I had a single cup with Nancy’s Mishmash, sweet cream with pretzel toffee, chocolate chip cookie dough and brownie pieces, and sour cream cherry with Amarena cherries. Nancy missed with the mishmash, the ingredients taking more room in print then they did in the cup. However, the sour cream cherry was perfectly on target.
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You have to judge the week a success. Only one of us got Covid (so far).
