Sassy Drinks

The New York Times Dining section yesterday ran their annual spirits issue. This was and is the perfect guide to holiday cocktails and gift giving. One article featured different cocktails and another featured some very sassy wine labels. All in all it made for some fun reading.


I liked the article about the nontraditional and unorthodox wine labels.William Grimes wrote this fun piece that featured brands such as Bitch and Fat Bastard - perfect for friends - however not for your boss.The taste is the same for any wine. There are shirazes and Cabernets which are lovely additions to any holiday table.These also make good presents between office mates too. Just don't get Big Ass Wine (which sounds like a Letterman joke) for anyone who's weight sensitive.it is a robust red but stick with the reds with the more genteel names.


Another fun article was the one about home cocktails. This is Jeff Godinier's take on creating the perfect cocktail no matter what the cost. His comic zeal in making a heavenly drink takes him to all sorts of liquor stores , wracking up $135 dollars to create the Mount Vernon, This is a drink that features a mix of cherry liqueurs such as Cherry Heering and Kirschwasser. The ingredients are expensive and the recipe made for more advanced mixologists. However it seems worth it. Mr. Gordinier did create his ambrosia.


The holidays are meant for merry drinks and The New York Times knows this. It's a time to have fun with holiday spirits. Make your own or buy some with sassy labels.

Down Home Cooking Sylvia's and South Carolina Cooking

if you want down home Southern comfort food then head to Manhattan. Yup, you've read right. new York City houses one of the most famous country cooking restaurants. the famed Sylvia's This Harlem and city landmark produces some of the best food that's reminiscent of Low Country cuisine. It's here where diners can become nostalgic for the tastes of their childhood.


it was started by Sylvia Woods who was originally from the South Carolina. The restaurant opened in the mid Sixties and has expanded to over the years. Celebrities from Bill Clinton to Nelson Mandela have enjoyed meals here and what meals!!!!I was lucky enough to have her chicken and ribs along with some collard greens and potato salad , These were cooked in traditional Southern style . The sassy rice a mix of rice and black beans was my favorite. I also love corn bread and there was plenty of fresh made slices . There was also platters of fried fish to. The meal was finished off with a scoop of banana pudding


Sylvia's has its' roots in South Carolina cooking. Outside of Louisiana, the Low Country was probably the most cuisine rich areas of the South. There are all sort s of recipes of different kinds of fish and seafood. Oysters abound here along with shrimp. Ham and ribs are also popular as is chicken. Sylvia's honors some of the recipes and creates down home goodness with them.

It's possible to eat in New York City and get a taste of Low Country cooking . Just head to Sylvia's in Harlem. You'll feel right at home and welcomed.


Sylvia's is at 328 Lenox Ave ,New York City.