When work allows me to travel, I can’t help but get excited for what a new city (and new cuisines) might bring to my trip. A big fan of Southern food, we couldn’t wait to try some of the best that Louisiana has to offer in New Orleans. Staying near the French Quarter, every street … Continue reading
Living 400 miles away from my partner in crime at Rookie Chef is not ideal. But when my sister Kristin and I are in the same city — most recently New York City — we make it count. A quick two day visit called for a big night out in Manhattan, checking out one of … Continue reading
Could there be such a thing? Yes. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m all about tacos. I love the shells. I prefer soft over crunchy. White, wheat, corn flour…each just as tasty as the next. I enjoy burritos, enchiladas, open faced, and melted shut with cheese. I would even consider wraps as part of the … Continue reading
We celebrated our 1 year anniversary at Rookie Chef after launching on Dec. 30th in 2013 and we couldn’t have been happier. Our cooking, traveling, and exploring has been incredible to share with you and can’t wait to see what 2015 brings. Thank you for coming along on this delicious adventure. To close out 2014 … Continue reading
Not by accident, I’ve made it a goal of mine (and Rookie Chef) to do extensive research on weekend brunch spots in the NYC area. No matter the neighborhood, the borough, the block, I am always blown away by how many amazing spots are here. This week’s hidden gem, Esme in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. The modern … Continue reading
When I first heard about a “Mozzarella Bar” in NYC, I couldn’t ask for directions fast enough. I wouldn’t saw my family is made up of artisanal cheese experts, but more like really big artisanal cheese fans, willing to learn (and taste) anything to grow our appreciation for the craft. Spending a few hours browsing and getting lost … Continue reading
Brunch time is Brooklyn is where it’s at on the weekends. Wandering through Williamsburg after hitting up the Brooklyn Brewery for an early afternoon tour, my family and I stumbled upon Sweet Chick. A fantastic find, we were as much looking to get out of the pouring rain as we were pumped about finding a … Continue reading
…More specifically pork chops… or I guess lamb chops too. I’ve realized lately that pork chops are a meat very often forgotten about but have a delicious distinct taste that a lot of people might not realize or remember. Growing up, my mother’s go-to weeknight dinner was baked pork chops with steamed broccoli and mashed … Continue reading
It’s not often that I hit the streets of NYC for a night out consuming alcoholic beverages with good friends. But Halloween was a special occasion this year and getting all dressed up (with no work commitments the following day), I was well prepared to party. Modestly. Waking up the next morning, feeling a little … Continue reading
Finally all settled into my new apartment, I couldn’t wait to get in the kitchen and back to my normal routine of cooking up a storm. With the weather finally taking a turn for the chilly, it’s time to start baking. Although I love a fresh batch of cookies in the summer, it’s almost impossible … Continue reading
While most correlate Spring with new beginnings and changes, for me it’s taking place in the Fall. With the start of October comes a new apartment and new neighborhood to explore and I go on my second year living here in the city that never sleeps. Greenpoint, located in northern Brooklyn will be where I … Continue reading
B is for Buffalo Wings… well Chicken Wings if you’re actually from Buffalo, NY, hometown of the first created chicken wings. Last week I had the pleasure of trying some wings that were a little different from the familiar Buffalo-style. Elmo’s, while a dark dingy dive bar, has some delicious Cajun wings. While the reviews … Continue reading
A slice, a pie, deep dish and thin crust — whatever your pizza fancy, everyone can agree that pizza possesses some wonderful culinary powers. From fancy brick over creations to late night takeout cravings, it’s a timeless dish that does not disappoint. I’m easy to please with pepperoni and cheese. Continue reading
Kicking off a new recipe series is always exciting. Inspired by a fashion series I wrote in the past, we are happy to launch “Alphabet Soup” here at Rookie Chef! Following an alphabetical format (no surprise), we’ll be sharing some of our favorite recipes with a different common ingredient every week. To kick things off, … Continue reading
I love a hearty plate of pasta as much as the next foodie. But sometimes you need to shake things up from the go-to meaty red sauce that tends to make it’s way into the kitchen. This recipe is all about flavor and simplicity. The basics for this fresh take on chicken and pasta include … Continue reading
In terms of culinary variety, Buffalo is really a gold mine for good food. Every year, new and exciting establishments are popping up with an incredible display of food while household names are innovating and improving menus like never before. Growing up in the Queen City, we were lucky to be exposed to a great … Continue reading
Summer calls for the freshest food you can eat and taking advantage of the beautiful weather outdoors (before winter arrives) is a must. Outdoor patios, dinners on the lawn and feasting with a view are the way to go. For us at Rookie Chef, we can’t go long without a stop at a local Clam … Continue reading
Being a native from Buffalo (and not NYC), it’s fun to be a tourist every so often in my adopted city. When my family or friends come to visit from out of town, I really enjoy taking a walking tour of a new neighborhood or area that I’ve never been. Not only does it provide … Continue reading
In almost every city, there is a go-to stop when it comes to taco places. In Buffalo, we were fond of Mighty Taco (in terms of a brick and mortar establishment) and Lloyd Taco (for food truck fiends). But in Brooklyn, that place for me has become OMG Taco, a small spot in Cobble Hill … Continue reading
One of the great things about being based in the NYC-area are the ridiculous foodie promotions and happenings that seem to occur weekly. We’re spoiled with variety and places to explore, trying dishes from all over the world on a small little island. Global food at our fingertips, or at least the tips of our … Continue reading
Rookie Chef 