Supplements to Avoid

Here are three supplements that you should NOT ever take. 

I watched an episode of Dr. Oz where a number of supplements were reviewed by labs and here are three to AVOID:

1. Bitter Orange

2. Lobelia

3. Yohimbe

These three can cause heart and breathing problems and should not be taken. 

Butchery Class

What a way to start the morning. At beef butchering class we were greeted with a spread of cured meats and cheeses. And Corona. They sure know how to make us happy at 9am.

Go Nuts

NY times article supports eating nuts to help lower cholesterol.
On top of that, they are extremely high in protein and good fats. Some of my favorite ways of adding them into my daily diet:
crushed walnuts in salad
peanuts or walnuts sprinkled on a peanut butter covered banana
almonds, straight up
trail mix

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/18/health/research/18nutr.html?ref=nutrition

More Meat

Sea salt, garlic powder and cracked pepper for dipping the sliced steak. Perfection.

Eataly

Mario Batali's new restaurant, Eataly, is a dream come true. The enormous store has imported treats like these drinks. Spuma is a sparkling drink with rhubarb extract and Gazzosa is made with lemon oils, making both taste extra unique and fresh. The only downside to this wonderland is the fact that all of Manhattan knows about its recent opening and it takes an hour to walk through the crowds.
Located: 23rd and 5th

Grilled Asparagus

Sea salt, cracked pepper, EVOO, bake for 12min at 400.

Boston Dessert Expo

Steak

Beautifully marbled piece of beef that I went home with after class at Jeffrey's Meat Market.

Lamb

Baby rack of lamb cooked in EVOO, salt and pepper. Perfection

Jeffrey's Meat Market

Jeffrey explaining the cut of beef

Anti Cancer Foods

The Anti-Cancer Shopping List

• Blueberries

• Yogurt

• Green Tea

• Rainbow chard

• Tomatoes

• Tempeh

• Flaxseed

• Quinoa

• Garlic

• Onions

• Carrots

• Sweet Potatoes

• Squash

• Broccoli

• Beans

• Curry

Re Posted from an episode of Dr. Oz.

Poor Man's Butcher

Today I took the beef butchering class at Jeffrey's Meat Market in the Lower East Side. It was a truly unique experience. The class was scheduled for three hours beginning at 10am. I was pleasantly surprised that class began with a tasting of three different delicious cheeses, an array of cured meats, smoked salmon and fresh baguettes. We then sliced, cooked, and devoured baby racks of lamb. We were offered beer to wash it all down- this was an extra perk and made my lingering hangover extra happy. All of this was fantastic but still no sign of beef. Jeffrey told us stories about the market and how it is the last tenament building left on the block. He is a 4th generation butcher with a heart of gold. Back in the day, families would order meats and write down what they owed Jeffrey. At the end of the month, the families would pay, or not. If they could not afford to pay, Jeffrey would throw away the amount written down and start fresh each month. No family ever had debt. Every time a mother comes in with a new baby he gives them a steak as a gift for the child. He explains that he is a poor man's butcher. The value in feeding a family means the world to him. He has a side job where he prepares dinners for women raising children that need extra help. "Eating is not a privilege, eating is a f*cking right," Jeffrey exclaimed. We talked and talked ate more food. It is September 11th and we remembered lives lost, one being Jeffrey's brother. We toasted to life and living and celebrating and enjoying the moment. Eventually at 1pm, when the class was scheduled to end, we were ready to dive into the actual butchering of the beef. Whoops. No more time. Jeffrey told us that we could all come back to another class of our choice free of charge. He doesn't care about money. He cares about people and making sure that they are happy and most importantly, well fed.

Homemade Cookie Truffles

Rare Bar and Grill

I will start by saying that it will be tough living only two blocks from this joint. I should just accept it that I will be eating many more burgers now that I have discovered Rare. Located on 37th and Lex, it has the perfect combination of a beautiful rooftop for drinks and dimly lit indoors for fantastic burgers. I ordered the classic rare burger with an added fried egg and cheddar on top. My friend ordered the same and we smiled through every bite. We also ordered garlic parmesan french fries that were so yummy- shoestring style with so much flavor. Our waiter was fantastic and helped make the night that much better.
The quality of beef is clearly grade A+ and just the way you want a burger to be- juicy, juicy.

Eat This Not That

When you think of great sushi in the city I doubt your mind wonders all the way to Queens. Well it should. Watawa is by far the best kept secret in Queens. In fact, it's the best kept secret in NY. I feel safe saying that nothing compares. Every appetizer (yes, I've tried them all) is worth ordering two of and the specialty rolls make my mouth water just thinking about them. Back in April I posted a photo of three of the best rolls.
The prices are so reasonable and would be easily twice as much in Manhattan. Don't mess with anything but the specialty rolls because they are by far the best for quality, taste and value. Rolls not to miss: Irine, Sweetheart and Nemo. I have been there so many times that the waiter, Hendrick and I are good friends. I don't understand most of what he says but I like that in a friend. More mystery. Plus he brings me free dessert so really he's the best friend I've ever had.

Pita with Salmon and Basil

Toasted pita with baked salmon with sour cream and pesto