Tag: Seth Fera-Schanes

That’s a Wrap: Closing Down the Garden

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If I had to rate my garden this season it would be a solid 10 out of 10.  What can I say, I have a green thumb….  Or more likely the case, my neighbors helped guide me on what to plant, how to plant it, watering when I failed and generally making sure I had a great season.

And I think that’s the point.  My little garden in central Harlem is a real community affair.  Neighbors talk with each other.  They ask how each other’s days were.  Wait, wait.  Talking? Asking?  Genuine interest in your neighbor?  In New York?  No Way!

3 Days in Porto

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Three hours, 30 euros and a direct train ride from Lisbon to Porto makes me a happy traveler.  Sipping Port wine along the Rio Duoro as I watch the sunset over the Atlantic and the lights of this tiered city come up means I will be going to Porto again (and again.)

Overnight Stay in Coimbra

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Do you like Harry Potter and Jesus?  If so, put Coimbra on your travel itinerary.

Very much a college town, the city has the University of Coimbra (with early ties to the Jesuits.)  Founded in 1290, it’s a UNESCO world heritage site and has the Joanina Library with a collection of books dating back to the 1500s.

When you visit the campus, you’ll notice many of the students wearing their uniforms; including capes.  It really does feel like you’re in a Harry Potter movie.

Travels in Lisbon

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Lisbon is made up of distinct neighborhoods.  I stayed in Alfama which is the oldest and located by a number of historic places such as the Sao Jorge Castle.  The area is hilly and requires a special mention.

Imagine a place where you walk up a hill to get to your destination.  You would think the reverse direction on the way back down would be easy, right?  Wrong.  Lisbon is seemingly uphill both ways.  Not sure how this is possible but get ready for some strong calf muscles when you leave.

Escape from New York: Portugal

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I tend to be a semi planner.  I thought Lisbon in the south, Coimbra in the middle of the country and Porto in the north would provide a nice cross section of the country.  There are also multiple trains running each day between all these cities so I wouldn’t have to worry about when to leave or travel wait times.

An Exercise in Making Apartment Sourdough Pretzels

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So what if you wanted to move your pretzel experience to the comfort of your own home?  It’s actually quite easy with one annoying exception.  The recipe called for 1/4 cup of powdered milk.  Did you know you can only buy powdered milk in increments of 5 pounds?  I do now.  So $13 later and with the newest addition to the back of my cupboard, I was ready to bake.

Pandan Cake: Singapore Recipe Tasting in Uptown Manhattan

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I am always looking for new recipes to try (and ultimately set off the fire alarm in my apartment….)  It just so happened the incredibly talented Janness Koh who writes for our Full Access Singapore site had just what I was looking for with her Pandan Cake.

Old New York and Homemade Sourdough Bread

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Disregard the fact there are 3 grocery stores within half a mile of my apartment.

Throw out the knowledge there are 2 bakeries, countless bodegas and Seamless ready to handle all my restaurant delivery needs.

Let’s take it back to ’79 (1879) when people were making their own food at home.

Challenge accepted.

Pork and Spinach Salad with Fresh Blueberries and Grilled Pineapple

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The pineapple is one of those perfect ingredients (alongside avocados and mangos.)  So why mess with perfection?  I would say it is more about taking a different approach to something you are familiar with than a detraction.  The heat concentrates and enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit and the caramelization on the outside is just delicious.

I originally put this together for my paleo friends.  Aside from that, I wanted to play around with temperature and texture.  The raw and cooked ingredients play well off each other.  This is also a really simple salad and you can put it together in about 20 minutes.

Ponzu and Hot Italian Pepper Marinated New York Strip

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It’s Summer so there are only two things you need to concern yourself with; some type of fire powered grilling device and ingredients to sear over aforementioned fire.  If you live in New York, there are actually designated areas you can bbq in the city.  You can also make due with a broiler in your oven or grill pan.

The Ponzu in this marinade has a salty-citrus flavor that pairs well with the heat from the Italian peppers.