August 2025

Eulalie Awning
We are beginning to truly understand the French escaping to their secret places in August! That “almost” month. And now, here it is, the beginning. Though it is true that you have a couple of weeks to stretch it out. Especially since tomatoes, corn, squash, just dug potatoes, fall berries are just really becoming what we long for.
I never have a tomato sandwich that makes my mouth happy until September…and looking forward to it I am. Then will I eat at least one each week until mid October, with joy. Our friends at Spruce Ridge Farms continue to have an explosion of garden bounty and we are in awe of how delicious each and every thing they bring us is the best version of itself. Gifted keepers of Mother Earth. And then there is North Wind Farms, Tivoli. They are becoming our go to farmers for our menu…Rabbit, Poussin, Guinea Hen, Pork, Lamb, Duck, Beef. A young dedicated couple living their dream and allowing us to be a part of it. The first Friday in August had us day trippin’ up to Chip’s alma mater, The Culinary Institute of America. Our perfect extern, Sun, graduated and we had the pleasure of that beautiful drive up Route 9 to lend our support. His parents are in Korea and we’re unable to to come. On our lazy ramble back to the city we found a perfect roadside burger joint, and perfect it was. But, of course, any day sitting at a picnic table with my sweetheart Chef is indeed a perfect day.
yellow and green Tomatoes
bbq

Chip is turning his thoughts to a menu that reflects the season to come. The Duck we received from Russel at North Wind had such a intense flavor it took our memory senses right over to Southwest France. The duckiest of duck flavor, best we have had the pleasure of serving. Rye berries with toasted buttery hazelnuts and a local plum concoction much like membrillo. Amazing. My taste buds are not quite into that season change just yet, but we managed a pairing from Spain, Garnacha just outside of Madrid, and it was AOK!

Late summer tomato forward vegetable veloute gazpacho with cucumber sorbet. Malagouzia from Greece, incredible!

Last month I mentioned the ever longing for Maryland, Virginia or North Carolina Blue Crab? After much begging and cajoling now happily on the menu for a few weeks as our old school trio. Deviled Crab Cake, Crab and Corn Flan, Jumbo Lump Crab Salad. Moll from Mallorca.

We enjoyed a wonderful Monday evening at the hot, hot Zimmi’s in the West Village. Great menu, beautiful wine list and welcoming staff was just right. A nice escape!

We are heading into my favorite season, not just New York, but anywhere we have lived. Cool breezes, the sky catches that incredible ethereal glow, sweater weather. And anticipation for the return of all of our weary and missed travelers. Come on home, now. We are looking out the picture window, looking for your smiles.

Blue crabs

 

Until next month. Take extra good care of yourselves and those around you. It is love, good food, a glass of wine raised and laughter that saves us all.

–Chip and Tina

at our cozy escape from the world, Eulalie!

Eulalie

Gougéres

Gougéres recipe