Prune

Yesterday I had an amazing lunch date at Prune in order to catch up with a good friend. The quaint, homey feel of what turned out to be a stellar LES restaurant made me comfortable enough to even begin with a noon cocktail! Just check out this menu that we couldn't resist: 

Beefeater and Bitter Lemon, a light and refreshing, Tom Collins-like drink for a hot NYC day and Ghost of Mary--a whimsical hint of a Bloody Mary. 

 As any perfect lunch date goes, we decided to split the 2 items we both had our hearts set on. Their daily salad special, with sharp, delicious blue cheese and pork lardons that were DIVINE as well as a Greek Salad Sandwich--a deconstructed and refreshing version of a diner favorite. 

It could not have been a more perfect "ladies who lunch" event...especially since we finished by walking across the street for gelato. 

Building Bones: Effects of Slow-Release Calcium

A new mineral supplement is on the market: slow-release calcium citrate, in the brand form of Slow-Release Citracal 1200, manufactured by Bayer. Thought I'd answer some questions about it:

• Why a calcium supplement? Many Americans, especially women, do not get enough calcium + vitamin D3 to build strong bones and prevent osteoporosis. While 3-4 servings of low-fat milk and yogurt daily can provide needed calcium, many of us fail to consume that. 
• Why slow-release? Your body can really only absorb about 500mg of calcium at a time (and you need about twice that amount daily). Most calcium supplements are in 250mg pills, meaning you need to take about 2 LARGE pills in the morning and 2 LARGE pills again later in the day. With slow-release, you would need only 1 pill per day. 

But are the slow-release supplements better? Here's what I gathered:

• An independent (not Bayer-sponsored) study showed that slow-release calcium supplements may preserve vitamin D levels over standard calcium supplements, helping to build strong bones.
• According to package instructions, slow-release Citracal (unlike their other calcium supplements) contain calcium carbonate (vs. calcium citrate), which MUST BE TAKEN WITH FOOD.
• REASON TO BE SKEPTICAL: The only "study" Bayer cites for the effectiveness of its new product in meeting the Recommended Daily Intake level of calcium with just one dose is "Data on file."

My recommendation, as always, get your calcium through food instead of pills. If you aren't getting enough, consider a supplement whose effectiveness is well-documented. As far as Slow-Release Citrate, in my opinion, we have yet to see enough real studies to know whether it is actually effective. 

Momofuku Noodle Bar

Yesterday I had a delightful lunch at Momofuku Noodle Bar. I know it's nothing new, but still thought I'd take the chance to rave about it. We started with the pork buns, which are now on my unofficial "Best of New York" list. After delicious pork belly, I decided a lighter main dish was necessary. The Charred Octopus with fennel, yogurt, and grapefruit was just right. On my way out I saw some people with the fried chicken, so I will definitely be returning!

Refrigerator Clean-Out Idea: Rice Salad

Grain salads are easy to prepare and a fast, one-dish lunch if you add the right stuff. Check out below how I cleaned out my fridge and pantry to make a healthy lunch for the next couple days. 

The simple recipe (and what I used) 

Cooked whole grain (brown rice and leftover corn) 

Protein (leftover canned chickpeas and chopped, cooked uncured bacon) 

Vegetables (red and green bell peppers, finely chopped)

Dressing of sorts (Dijon mustard + Red wine vinegar + tabasco + salt/pepper + carraway seeds--poured on while rice was still hot)

Summer (strawberry) Lovin'

It might be approaching 90degrees in NYC, but at least one GREAT thing is coming from this summer heat--BERRY SEASON! Check out my friends from Bradley Farms at today's 97th Street Green Market tasting the goods. They may have also "twisted my arm" to eat about half a pint while I purchased.

In case you need more reason that sweet deliciousness to buy them, strawberries are low in calories and an excellent source of vitamin C, an important antioxidant to help you fight disease and reduce signs of aging. So grab a pint (or 3 like I did!) and enjoy.

Danji

Last weekend I got to try Danji, a modern-meets-traditional, tapas-style Korean restaurant. The company, wine, and food were all wonderful in this small, 36-seater Hell's Kitchen Restaurant. Go before it gets too packed. We were talked into the "Tofu with Ginger Scallion Dressing"; after a 30-day vegan experiment last summer, I'm not one to talk up tofu, but if you're not a fermented soy fan, this dish WILL change your mind. The Gruner Veltliner was also a wonderful addition to the meal, and made a nice addition to my newly purchased wine journal! 

Tofu with Ginger Scallion Dressing(This picture does NOT do the dish justice!)

Salsa 3 Ways!

Salsa is a great party pairing to delicious cocktails. Skip the jarred stuff and impress guests with a fresh batch of your own--it's quick, easy, and better tasting especially with summer produce! Try any of the three variations below, or use the STARTER and get creative with your own add-ins!

START WITH:
3/4 cup finely chopped onion
1-2 minced jalepeno peppers (depends on how spicy you like it!)
1 clove garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lime
Salt & Pepper

ADD-IN #1: Mango-Avocado

1 mango, diced
2 avocados, diced1 Tbs red wine vinegar1/4 cup chopped cilantro






ADD-IN #2: Peach and Heirloom Tomato
3 Peaches, diced
1 large heirloom tomato
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
2 Tbs chopped fresh mint
Juice of 1/2 lemon

ADD-IN #3: Blueberry!
1 cups fresh blueberries, chopped
1/2 cup whole fresh blueberries
1  bell pepper (red, yellow or orange)
1 Tbs fresh ginger, grated
2 Tbs fresh cilantro

Cleanse yourself of the juice cleanse trend

Juice cleanses are a trendy way to "lose weight" and "rid your body of toxins." In general, I am not a fan of going on a plan that you are going to go off. Healthy lifestyle is the key to success. And if you want to drop a few pounds or just feel energized, juice cleanses are not the magic bullet--do it with real food.

3 reasons why NOT to go on a juice cleanse:

1. COST--You are paying a high premium for nothing more than a bottle of juice that tells you to stop eating. 
2. ENERGY--at ~1000-1200 calories per day, these cleanses are too low in energy to keep your body running properly and won't allow for enough vitamins and minerals to keep you functioning your best. In fact, you may not have enough energy for your metabolism to go its strongest, which can be detrimental to the weight loss process. 
3. SANITY--Whole fruits and vegetables contain fiber that will make you feel fuller, and give you any health benefits (and more!) than the juices themselves. There is NO benefit of limiting yourself to liquids alone.

The solution:

• Calorie-limited diet of fresh, whole foods, especially fruits and vegetables. 
• Plenty of (but not exclusively!) water. 
• Sweat it out! Get some exercise to help burn calories and sweat out toxins. 

Maximizing Your Vegetarian Proteins

A plant-rich diet is a key component of good nutrition and health. When it comes to proteins though, a single plant rarely offers all the essential amino acids your body needs to build its muscles and maintain maximum functionality. The way this works is that if you consume a protein source with 100% of 19 out of 20 essential amino acids, and contains one at only 50%, you only get 50% benefit of those other 19 too.

The solution? Mix and match vegetarian protein sources (more than just beans!) in order to get maximum benefits. Choose two of any sources below:

• Beans/Legumes--personal favorite is black beans! 
• Whole grains--barley, oats, brown rice, quinoa (richest in protein!)
• Vegetables--low calorie and tons of variety. 

Or check out some of these recipes for complementary protein boost:

• Black bean burgers
• Easy PB lunch sandwich
• Boost a salad! 
• Breakfast: Oatmeal with walnuts and raisins
• Snack/Appetizer: favorite veggies with hummus

Black Bean Burgers

For the sworn uncompromised meat-lover, this simple solution is sure to satisfy! Try it paired with some sweet potato oven “fries” and corn on the cob on the side for a hearty meal.

Serves 4 (8 burgers total)

Prep time: 15 minutes

Total time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

¼ cup oats

8.5 oz can black beans (no salt added)

1 jalapeno pepper, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1 egg

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

½ tsp chili powder

2 Tbs olive oil

Optional serving suggestions:

Salsa

Caramelized onions

Avocado slices

Whole wheat English muffins or hamburger rolls

1. In food processor, pulse oats until finely ground. Remove from food processor and set aside.
2. Pulse beans in food processor with jalapeño and garlic until well mixed. Mix spices in bowl with oats. Add in along with egg and pulse until well mixed.
3. Refrigerate mixture for 30 minutes.  (This is a great time to start making some sweet potato fries and/or corn  to accompany)
4. Remove mixture from refrigerator and form patties using about ½ cup mixture per patty.
5. Heat 1 Tbs olive oil in large skillet and cook patties until 1 side is browned, then flip. Once both sides are browned and mixture is warmed through, transfer patties to a plate. Repeat this step using remaining tablespoon of olive oil and rest of patties.
6. Serve with optional toppings.