For Lack Of Apples: Kumquat Relish On Your Pork Chops!

Angie was coming over for dinner.. and I wanted to do something special. I went to Marlo & Daughters for inspiration. The pork chops looked beautiful thick fat on the edges and lean pink meat inside. I searched for apples but the season left none. The thought of making pork chops without apple sauce confused me... Next to the meat counter were crates of oranges lemons and... kumquats!?! Why not a kumquat relish!? I coated the pork chops with salt pepper and browned them in a hot pan for 6 mins or so on each side until the thermometer read 140. I pulled them out covered them and set them to rest. While the pan was still hot and sizzling with pork fat I tossed in sliced kumquats a clove of pressed garlic and some salt. On the heat for a few minutes. After the pork chops had rested for 5 mins or so and the juice collected on the plate.. I poured the meat juice into the kumquat mixture and reduced a couple more mins. Plate chops with a generous scoop of kumquat relish and a nice scoop of buttery celery root puree (celery root butter and veggie stock) Angie had been at the farmers market earlier in the day and brought over an herb salad with sunflower sprouts. She dressed it with walnut oil sherry vinegar and another clove of pressed garlic. Surprisingly awesome. Kumquats on Pork Chops!

Post Office: Pickles Pulled Pork Potatoes in that order

When you open the menu at Post Office you learn quickly that the focus here is on American whiskey, bourbon, and rye all from small distilleries you have never heard of. I started it off right with a glass of St.George single malt whiskey. Some fresh oysters served with a nostalgic cocktail sauce and topped with fresh shavings of horse radish.. The pickles were generous - fruit and vegetables mixed - blackberries, sliced peaches, pears, jullienne carrots, chunks of broccoli, root vegetables, green tomatoes - salty and vinegary but earthy enough to compete with my favorite oshinko. The pulled pork was sweet savory delicious served on a brioche bun and totally amazing for 7$. The mashed potatoes smooth salty full of butter cream and bacon. Nice vibe tasty plates amazing whiskey and affordably priced. They really crank out an amazing amount of food from a kitchen the size of a closet. Loving the custom decanter pedant lights over the bar. Check it out. A nice new hang on a block that used to be dominated by 99cent stores and boarded up store fronts.

Must See Movie: Bill Cunningham New York

I had no idea who Bill Cunningham really was until my Sunday Times was repeatedly stolen and I finally gave in to reading the paper online. Every week the nytimes.com posts a slideshow of his photographs and Bill narrates it himself. For years I have enjoyed his juxtaposed pictures in the paper -but it was not until I heard his voice that I realized how truly amazing he is. So full of enthusiasm, excitement, joy, and optimism. So pure. He sees the beauty and the humor in fashion and in people. Every time I hear Bills voice I am reminded of the real goal - to be so inspired and so excited about what you do every day that exerting energy invigorates rather than depletes you. Richard Press delicately explores this amazing person who has touched everyone in this city and reminds us all what it means to live for your work. Thank you Richard Press. Thank you Bill Cunningham for inspiring us all. A MUST SEE FILM.

Interview with Richard Press here.

Romanticism 2, Hangzhou Boutique.

Romanticism 2, Hangzhou Boutique
Designer: Keiichiro Sako, Takeshi Ishizaka/ SKSK architects
Photographs : Koji Fujii / Nac·sa & Partners Inc.