Foodbuzz 24, 24, 24: Save the Gulf Dinner - Lessons on Impact, Oyster Shucking and More

I was thrilled when Foodbuzz announced July's 24x24 Gulf Ambassador Event, bringing 24 bloggers around the world to host a food event over a 24 hour period and to blog about it. This month, Foodbuzz had a special request, asking bloggers to host a "Gulf inspired" event, one that would highlight the impact of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. In lieu of the $250 stipend typically given to participants, Foodbuzz will donate that amount - a total of $6,000 to benefit the struggling Gulf Coast fishery community via Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF).

It has been more than three months since the Deep Horizon oil rig explosion, and some of you may be wondering the toll of this enduring oil spill. There are no exact numbers, but here are a few figures to assemble a picture of the ramifications.

Here are a few statistics:

• 35,000 -  60,000 barrels (about 1.5 - 2.5 million gallons) of oil gush into the ocean daily (source)
• Approximately 630 miles of Gulf Coast shoreline has been contaminated by the BP oil spill (source): 
• 89 miles in Florida
• 364 miles in Louisiana
• 107 miles in Mississippi 
• and 70 miles in Alabama
• Roughly 1.84 million gallons (7 million liters) of dispersant have been applied (source): 
• 1.07 million on the surface and 
• 771,000 subsea
• 17,000 jobs estimated to be lost by year-end because of the oil spill (source)
• At risk is the livelihood of family businesses that took generations to build.
• $1,200,000,000 projected to be lost by year-end due to the oil spill (source)
• 400 species estimated to be at risk, from the base of the chain with oil-eating bacteria, shrimp, crab to endangered sea turtles, brown pelicans and whales. (source)

No one can predict the long-term impact of such high levels of oil and toxins released into the ocean, however it is becoming more and more evident that the damage from the oil spill will span beyond the food chain and through the entire lifecycle of the Gulf's eco-system.

One Thing I Know for Sure

I'm back home following a two and a half week work-vacation in San Francisco. I've had a few good moments of solitude to reflect upon life on my way back to New York City.  One of the things I determined a long time ago is that the life that I am living is one that is better than I ever imagined for myself and that I am a pretty lucky person. And that luck doesn't stem from the family I was born into, or any extraordinary personal characteristics; if you've met me you'd know I'm a pretty average Jane.  Rather, my luck has been fulfilled by the incredible friends I've made along the way, people who have enriched to my life so deeply.

Fresh from San Francisco - Ferry Building Farmers' Market

It seems impossible, but each year the San Francisco Ferry Building Farmers' Market gets better and better. Newer heirloom varieties, more organic choices and as always married with the same passion and commitment to quality that spawned this amazing location.

Hog Island Oyster Bar San Francisco Ferry Building

"It hit 103 degrees in Central Park in today!" my husband exclaimed.  My skin started to curl as I let out a deep groan, just thinking about the sweltering heat was giving me hot flashes.  I am so grateful to be shrouded in San Francisco's gray fog, where it has been a cool and breezy 65 F. It's the type of weather when you can stay comfortably snuggled in bed and sip on hot chocolate all day long. 

Mario Batali's Del Posto NYC

If there is only one restaurant that I am to recommend for lunch in New York, Del Posto would be it. Del Posto is Mario Batali's most superb expression of his love and passion for good Italian cuisine and fine dining. Located on the western edge of the meat packing district, Del Posto is a bit out of the way, but well worth the effort to pursue as it offers an upscale, elegant and memorable dining experience. If you're free during the weekdays, you can enjoy Del Posto a fraction of the price when a generous $29 pre-fixe lunch is offered. It is a deal not to be missed by both visitors and Mahattanites alike.

San Francisco to New York and Back with Nature's Pride

I'm heading back to San Francisco this evening for a friend's wedding, and to spend time with friends and family. It has been a bit more than a year since I've moved to New York, and I still can't quite call it home. It probably doesn't help that I return to San Francisco so frequently.

Chez Bruno The Ultimate Truffle Dining Experience Provence, France

Chez Bruno is one of the most unique restaurants in the world, specializing in dishes that include one of the rarest and most prized ingredients: black truffles.

Simple Oven Roasted Corn Recipe

This is an easy peasy recipe that I am keeping in my files for corn season as it hits its stride in the Northeast. Since I live in an apartment in New York without access to a a grill, boiling corn in salted water used to be my favorite method. Also, I try to avoid using the microwave whenever possible. Oven roasting ears in the husk is so easy with less clean-up that I've decided this will be how I will cook corn on the cob going forward.  

Simple Oven Roasted Corn Recipe

Ingredients
(from Tyler Florence)

• 4 ears fresh corn

Method

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place corn husks directly on the oven rack and roast for 30-45 minutes or until corn kernels are soft. Peel down the husks and use as a handle when eating.

You may also consider brushing the corn with melted butter, sprinkling with chili powder or lime juice.  This recipe also lends well to apartment dwellers without access to a grill, but desire that charred flavor. Simply pull off the husk from the roasted corn, brush olive oil, and place directly under the broiler for a few minutes on each side, watching to make sure the corn browns but doesn't blacken. 

The Dirty Dozen: A List of Fruits and Vegetables to Aim for Organic

You may want to think twice about noshing on that celery stick, and perhaps that carrot stick too. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), conventional (non-organic) celery could contain 67 different pesticides. The study released by the EWG, which was based on the analysis of the Dept. of Agriculture and FDA, found astonishing levels of pesticide across at least 12 common fruits and vegetables. Consider the findings by EWG*:

GIVEAWAY: All-Clad 12-Inch Stainless Steel Fry Pan

Vietnamese Shrimp Spring Rolls Recipe

Versatile, refreshing and satisfying, Vietnamese Spring rolls are one of my favorite summer recipes.  The combination of fresh crisp vegetables, comforting rice noodles, and fresh brightly flavored herbs all bundled into a cold roll makes this an ideal healthy recipe to keep in the refrigerator for an appetizer.  This recipe is meant to be a guide as to the amount of a certain ingredient you add in the roll.  Also, the ingredients substitute well in this recipe, the key is simply to bundle together a good combination.

Gramercy Tavern One of New York's Best

Old classic American cuisine served in a rustic yet sophisticated and elegant New England style setting. When you walk into Gramercy Tavern you can expect a few things: simple yet stunning floral arrangements to lift and awaken your senses, a gracious staff that is attentive and accommodating, and food that consistently delivers on the solid reputation of this fine establishment.