Strip T's In Watertown-Watch Out NYC!

Remember when you used to have go to to NYC to get really original food that didn't break the bank?  I am talking about dishes that reflect a chef's unwillingness to stick with one genre, but to mix up the best of Japanese-Thai-Korean-Chinese flavors with New England seasonality.

When you imagine Strip T's in Watertown, think Momofuku meets Craigie on Main...in a former diner of sorts.  Yup-just sitting in Watertown is a gem that you may want to catch now before the lines make it too hard to get in.  Strip T's, a restaurant since 1986, was taken over by son Tim Maslow last April.  The fact that Chef Maslow trained at the French Culinary Institute and worked at Momofuku may be the keys to getting best of NYC in MA.

Chef Maslow is thinking fresh. As we drove up he was getting a shipment of bass and tautog caught two hours prior by Ann, harpooning off of a kayak.  In fact, it was too fresh to be served moments later as the restaurant opened.  The restaurant takes some reservations, but for those walking in, 5:00 may be it. In fact by the time we left, at 6:30, the wait was 1 1/2 hours.

I began with one of my hand's down, favorite, all time bites. It was an oyster from Wallace Bay, Nova Scotia. But wait.  The oyster was topped with two seemingly contradictory tastes: pickled rhubarb and knotweed, a Japanese herb (and considered by some as a weed!)  Just go there. Try it. Tell me what you think.

Our first salad of the night consisted of grilled romaine, piled with tender oxtail (similar to short rib), a poached egg hand-delivered from Cepage Farm by Jonathan the general manager.  The grilled romaine was just smoky and crispy enough to scoop up the creaminess of the egg.

We would have returned to Strip T's for the cauliflower alone. It was dipped in hot oil making it  crispy and brown and sat on a golden puree of spicy chorizo. It was topped with cotija cheese and sweet pickled onions.

The japanese eggplant banh mi could easily have been a main dish. It consisted of a chunk of french bread, filled with pillowy fried tofu, pickled daikon and carrots, fresh cilantro and tender eggplant.  It was good, but it didn't knock us to the ground like the cauliflower.

The native squid salad was the unexpected star of the night.  The tender grilled squid were topped with heavenly house cured, thick chunky bacon.  Fresh mint, pine nuts and sweet gently pickled cherry peppers somehow created a dish that brought out the glory of each component. I would return for this dish and for that bacon alone!

I loved the idea of the grilled sweet peas. And in fact, they are the one dish that I may try (and be able) to replicate at home. They grilled the little guys until they were black and then topped with sea salt and the warm aleppo pepper.  I suspect this would work just as well with edamame.

We struggled to choose between main dish. I had read about the buttermilk fried chicken that is served with waffle.  A glimpse at the hamburgers that came with glorious skin-on the edges French fries were clearly the choice of the kids at adjoining tables.  But our lovely server, Kerry, suggested we go for the seasonal speciality: fried soft-shell crab. She sold us on the curry broth that was poured at the table.  The dish was good. It was.  I loved the combination of the chunks of celery root and Japanese yam that nestled in the bottom.  But the rest of the dishes had spoiled us, persuading us that EVERY. SINGLE. DISH would be awe-inspiring.  We still scooped up the broth and nibbled at the crab.  Next time I may actually stick with the appetizers or try another of the main dishes.

We were so full we had to pass on the desserts as well. That begin said both Jonathan and Kerry sung the praises of the pots o' cream. Typically my eyes glaze as I see chocolate pots o' cream (panna cotta, pudding, etc.)  but they pointed out that this one was made with, get this: shitake mushrooms! Perhaps that isn't everyone's idea of dessert, but it is definitely tapped my curiosity factor. Just one more example of the playfulness at Strip T's.

Strip T's, 93 School Street, Watertown, MA

Our Garden Returns: In Pots. And More Pots. And More...

We are moving. We are buying a HOUSE!  We are going to have a GARDEN! No, wait: a farm! An orchard!  Okay, I am exaggerating (or being wildly optimistic). But the key point is that because we are moving mid-summer, I knew it would be a disaster to start a garden at our current apartment and then pull it out for the move.  So, with little research, we decided to a) start from seeds and b) plant in pots.  We relied heavily on advice from on our fabulous friends now living in Brooklyn, advice from Amy Pennington on the Food 52 blog and the educational (and patient!) staff at Russell's Garden Center in Wayland.  We planted the seeds and to our greatest delight, those little things grew!  In those early cool days of spring (remember those?) my sons checked the weather reports to see if the night temperature was going to drop below 50.  Then I dragged the pots in. And out! Next year: I am definitely building cold frames to skip this step.  That being said, I still can't believe how much more rewarding (and cheaper) it is to start from seeds.  Then, we slowly transferred our arugula, carrots, peas, mesclun, lacinto kale, green beans and pole beans to pots.  (The folks at Russells though the beginning of May was too late to start from seed for the tomatoes, cucumbers and strawberries so we used seedlings.)  They joined last year's blueberry bush and our containers of herbs.  Between the days of rain and the days of heat, I am still in a wide learning curve. For example, I just read about putting gravel at the bottom of pots to help with drainage (which may explain why they are soaked!).  Refusing to spend any more money on my plants, I am trying to use our tomato cages and poles from previous years on the pots.  I am continuing to insist on a no-maintenance and organic garden our plant babies are just hanging out in Coast Of Maine Organic Potting Soil.  My main problem so far (besides the endless rain) is that I continue to underestimate the amount of soil, number of pots and size of the pots I will need for my burgeoning cucumbers and tomatoes.  And because this is a one year experiment, I am hesitant to spend too much money on the pots.  Plastic is cheaper, but those glorious cobalt glazed pots would be far more beautiful on the new deck.  So the good news: I will have about 30 plastic pots to keep my movers busy and to use in DIY-creative ways by next summer or to donate to one reader.  Until then, let the sun shine in.

Yoga at Home: Yoga On-Line, Podcasts and Video Casts

I get that nothing can replace the joy of a fabulous yoga class at a studio.  And, in fact, the more I take classes at Down Under, the more hesitant I become to practice at home. I love being among a community of learners. And, most of all, I love having the individual support and guidance of a stellar teacher.

But between the travel time, the cost and the challenge of being a single mom trying to go to a studio, it is often far easier to make space for my practice at home. I am still trying to find the best sites, podcasts, DVDs to do yoga at home, so feel free to comment and add yours.

Kripalu: Could I sing their praises any more? Why, yes, I can!  You can stream videos directly from their website. While Kripalu only offers 7 videos, each one is a full yoga class with a talented teacher.  They also cover a range of challenges, from restorative to vigorous. These are also a great way to learn more about the Kripalu yoga style.

Yoga Journal has a strong set of videos. Granted some are dated, and I have yet to see the list updated. However, the yoga classes range from 5 minutes to 60 minutes, making it easy to fit a home practice into any schedule.  I am a big fan of Jason Crandall's classes. In fact, I have these videos on my I-Phone so I can practice anywhere.

I just discovered Do Yoga With Me which has a range of free videos to stream.  Obviously free videos from a range of studios means not knowing about quality. But the price makes it easy to try!  I have been impressed with the pilates offerings.

Often great yoga teachers have a video or two that you can stream. I have used John McConnell,

In theory, My Yoga On-Line is pretty compelling. For a set price, you get unlimited streaming of yoga classes.  But I have yet to sign up, as I am already paying for a monthly Netflix streaming option, as well as for all my yoga classes at local studios...If anyone has tried it, please share.

Netflix streaming offers a few classes, but none of compelled me to do some Downward dog poses...

I have yet to find an App that impresses me enough that I do it regularly. Most apps only have enough space to be a series of static poses, rather than a flowing workout.  Nor do I find podcasts useful without visuals to check my footing. But feel free to share any great ones, too.

Laughing Dog, Kripalu and Baptiste-A Few Other Places to Yoga it Out

Each time I enter the Down Under Yoga studio in Newton, I begin to breathe more slowly. I leave inspired, stronger and calmer.  But because I can't always swing a 20 minute drive to class nor fit the class times into my schedule, there are a few other studios that I enjoy.  One of the best parts of yoga is that  most studios encourage drop ins.  Yup-yoga is both commitment free (and even requires few accessories!)

Laughing Dog Yoga in Wellesley-I have yet to figure out why there is such a gap in the types of yoga offered in the Wayland/Weston/Wellesley/ Natick/Framingham area. There are many, many studios offering hot yoga, as well as extremely mellow hatha yoga. But Laughing Dog is the only studio I have found that offers a range of vinyasa and anasura without having to trek into Newton or Cambridge. The Saturday morning class with Marissa is excellent for her attention to detail in the poses. Jennifer, the owner of the studio offers teaches a number of classes that challenge the mind and body.  Laughing Dog also has a classes for teens.

Baron Baptiste Studio in Cambridge and Brookline-There are times I just need to SWEAT. And Baptiste does it. The studios are hot. And the whole concept is based on the same intensive, power yoga style set of core poses.  I am not a fan of the commercial feeling that comes along with this well publicized studio. However, the best part is that the studios are so popular that they literally have classes throughout the day.  I began my yoga journey at a Baptiste studio and still go every few months or so.

Kripalu Yoga Center in the Berkshires-You can read about the peaceful and beautiful setting, as well as the delicious food and inspiring yoga classes here and here.   If I could afford it, I would commit to the month long teacher training programs here. Someday...perhaps.

Totto Ramen: Another Reason to Head to NYC

Is a four hour train ride really too long a trip to get an incredible bowl of ramen?  Not yet, or at least not until we have ramen in Boston that is as fabulous as what can be found in New York.   I have fond memories of my meal at Ippudo Ramen.  But after a visit to the MOMA and before getting on a train at Penn Station, I was thrilled to realize that another of New York's best was nearby: Totto Ramen. And, luckier still, it was the first day the restaurant opened at 4:00 on Sundays.

So, here is the thing, apparently the lines at Tutto can get long. As in one and a half hours long. But on that day, I was third in line for their little 12 seat restaurant.  I was helped along by a regular who told me I had to try the house speciality: chicken paitan ramen. The broth was so rich, so delicious, so wonderful that, yes, I could have lapped it up.  The smokey slices of char sui pork belly were so good that I had to get extra slices to drape on top. The chewy egg noodles wrapped their way through the broth and made for a perfect meal.

Totto Ramen, 366 West 52 Street, New York, NY; 212-258-0052

Down Under Yoga in Newton: Inspiration, Talent and Joy

Each week I try to convince myself that I can just practice yoga at home. I have a computer, mat, block-what else would I need?  Then I attend my weekly class at the Down Under Yoga studio in Newtonville. And between the teacher and the class energy I realize that nothing surpasses the joy of a wonderful class. In fact, there isn't much I don't love about Down Under (and no, I only wish I was getting free classes to say that!)  There are no items for sale. There is no clutter. Instead the entire studio was designed with yoga as a core belief. So the main studio has towers of bamboo at both ends, soft lighting, safe green flooring...and that is all.  Each teacher is clearly a master, who practices yoga frequently. In fact, I often see one of my teachers attending a class at the studio.  I have taken classes with about 8 teachers and have yet to not be impressed by their knowledge and talent.  The teachers also include many nationally renowned teachers that offer periodic workshops.  The studio offers many Vinyasa (flow) and Iyengar style classes, as well as heated flow, restorative and even yoga for children. The studio is so popular that I can almost always find a time to get a class in.  Ironically, I had walked by the small sign hundreds of times. But I simply didn't realize that below ground lay a place like this.

As for my favorite teachers, to attend one of Jo's classes means to get the joy of her calm affect, her beautiful voice (she sings!) and her ability to make even the  more challenging poses doable.

Chanal teaches the Yin Yang yoga class. For 45 minutes or so, you work your body hard in a heated flow style.  Then, in the second 45 there is the chance to cool down, to slow down, to be present. I'll confess: I spend a good part of the second half designing my post-yoga meal!  But the Chantal's meditations during the second half often help to bring me back to the mat and the purpose in being present.

Amy's classes encompass all I love: challenge, endurance, therapy, relaxation.  She is a dedicated yoga teacher who brings a completely new routine each week.  Her words guide us through each asana, while she interweaves meditations to ponder.

Angelina's classes are the most challenging I have done at the studio. They have also helped me to finally understand pilates and the incredible post-strength- training endorphin rush that can accompany a great class.

Down Under also offers classes for kids and teens.

Look, I know that everyone isn't a believer in yoga. But try it. And try it here. Then let me know what you think.

Down Under Yoga, 304 Walnut Street, Newtonville, MA

Palettes in Natick: Paint, Drink, Connect, RELAX

Blogging has taken a back seat to life. And life has been full of yoga, painting classes at the Danforth Museum, time with my sons, designing and decorating the nonexistent house that I would love to own.  An invitation from Charlene to meet other bloggers at Palettes in Natick offered a great chance to have a drink, to paint and check out a local new business. And the evening was so lovely that I will return soon to Palettes with friends to paint some more (or at least attempt to do so!)

At Palettes, a group of non-artists went from blank canvases, to flowers in fields.  Ben, the in-house artist/teacher of the night helped us to laugh, to learn the filbert from the flat brush and to flip our paintings upside down to illustrate grass.  And, as you can see from the images at the top of the post we had a wonderful time putting our own spin on the "sunflowers in the field."  In fact, all 3 owners of Palettes are local artists.  Steve and Liza spent the night with us and shared how they transformed their passion for art into the store.

Ben was also the creator behind my favorite drink: The Dexter: a refreshing blend of fresh basil, blueberries, agave, Citron and club soda.  And, I have to say that combining a bar with a chance to paint is genius (and very, very fun!)

Palettes was generous enough to let us try samples of the treats that are made daily.  We ate grapes covered in goat cheese and pistachios, spinach salad with strawberries and a noodle salad topped with sesame seeds.

I dropped blue paint smack in my drink and was treated to a perfect replacement: Frangelico, Baileys and Kahlua.  I also loved the chance to catch up with Sharon, Sharon and Cindy.  And Liza made a great point-often when we go out with friends and family, we end up staring side by side at a movie screen. Meeting at Palettes means the chance to really enjoy another, while creating something that can then be hung on the wall.

Since my sons and I love to paint and sketch together, I am very excited to take them to family time on Sundays from 1:30 to 4.  But I also hope to return on my own to either open art or Palettes evening events where, for $35 I can spend 3 more hours learning to paint another painting. With my busy life right now, the chance to fit an art class in as I can is very appealing.

Palettes is located at 29 Main Street, right in Natick Center. Their website is a fabulous resource for learning more about this great place.