NY Foodie Family

June Reads {2022}

Posted on July 12, 2022 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

*This post contains affiliate links. Please read our Disclosure Policy for additional info.*

I can’t believe we are almost halfway through July! I’m a bit behind and am sharing my June reads today. Last month I read several good books. However, I’m currently nowhere near my July goal of reading four books. What are you currently reading? Any favorite books that you’ve read recently?

3 Stars

I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuinston – (YA/Romance/LGBT, May 2022) Chloe Green is so close to becoming valedictorian. But weeks before graduation her biggest rival, Shara Wheeler, who happens to be the principal’s daughter, kisses Chloe and then disappears. Chloe ends up partnering with Shara’s boyfriend, Smith, and her neighbor, Rory to figure out the clues that Shara has left them, in hopes of finding her. I listened to this as a book on CD after hearing lots of great reviews. I wasn’t super impressed though and enjoyed One Last Stop much more.

The Saturday Night Supper Club by Carla Laureano – (Romance/Christian Fiction, February 2018) James Beard award winning Chef Rachel Bishop is pushed out of her restaurant by her partners. An article written about her goes viral and when the media asks for a statement, her reply gets misconstrued and her career takes a dive. Alex Kanin, the writer of the article feels bad and wants to help Rachel rebuild her reputation. The two end up hosting the Saturday Night Supper Club in his apartment. I really enjoy reading fictional books about food and restaurants. This was an enjoyable read. However, I didn’t think the religious references were necessary.

4 Stars

Dessert Can Save the World by Christina Tosi – (memoir/food and drink, March 2022) I’m a big fan of Christina Tosi. If you’re not familiar with her, she is the owner of Milk Bar, a bakery with locations in Boston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York City and Washington D.C. She has won the James Beard Award twice, hosts the Netlfix cooking show Bake Squad, and has authored five previous books. She’s such a down-to-earth chef. This book is part motivational and part memoir.

Dot Journaling by Rachel Wilkerson Miller – (Nonfiction/Journaling, April 2017) If you’ve ever wanted to get into bullet journaling (aka dot journaling) this book is for you. I’ve tried bullet journaling in the past and enjoyed it, but ended up going back to a planner. After reading this book I was inspired to start back again. Since July is halfway through the year, I thought it was a good time to begin. This book gives layout ideas, pen recommendations and more.

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood – (Contemporary romance, September 2021) Olive Smith is a Ph.D. candidate who ends up kissing a random guy to prove to a friend that she’s over her ex. The guy though isn’t random. He’s Adam Carlsen, the most hated professor of the department. Somehow, the two end up in a fake relationship which benefits them both. This was a fun read. Olive and Smith have great chemistry and are such a likable couple.

The Overnight Guest by Heather Gudenkauf – (Mystery/Thriller, January 2022) Wylie Lark is a true crime writer who is staying in an isolated farmhouse to work on her book. During a snow storm she finds a young child outside in the snow. The book had two different time lines and a separate narration from a child’s POV, which all end up connecting at the end. The book was filled with lots of twists and had me interested in finding out how it all ends. I’ve read several of Gudenkauf’s books and have enjoyed almost all of them.

Five on Friday {July 8, 2022}

Posted on July 8, 2022 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

Happy Friday! This was a short work week with the 4th of July on Monday but it felt long. This weekend we are celebrating my son’s upcoming birthday with the family. Here are five from this week:

1. Fishing – It is tradition for us to go fishing when in Rhode Island. This year instead of getting up super early we did an afternoon trip from 1-5 PM with my sister and brother-in-law. Although my husband had caught fish before, this was his first trip catching a “keeper.” He was the only one too! We all caught at least one fish, but ours were all too small.

2. 75th birthday– Saturday while we were in Rhode Island my mom threw a surprise party for my dad’s 75th birthday. Although his actual birthday was in June she wanted me and my sister to be there to celebrate. It was nice getting to meet some of their Rhode Island friends and my dad was very surprised.

3. Reading – This week I finished reading Pride and Persuasion by Sonali Dev. This was an okay contemporary romance.

4. Cooking – This week I’ve made shrimp scampi pasta, salmon with mashed potatoes and roasted broccoli, Buffalo tofu wraps and Instant Pot Cauliflower Curry. But I took pictures of none of it!

5. Watching – we’ve only watched the first of the last two Stranger Things episodes that dropped Friday. We will hopefully have time this weekend to watch the last one.

I’ve been watching The Bear on Hulu and have really been enjoying it. Although I personally don’t have experience, I’ve heard it’s a very realistic look at working in a kitchen.

6. Eating – Caprese is a family fave and a summer staple. Nothing like fresh mozzarella and fresh tomatoes and basil. Plus birthday cake, veggie burgers and lots of summer side salads.

7. Drinking – When we were in RI at the Stop & Shop we saw so many different cases of Mountain Dew. We had to stock up on a few that we haven’t found near us. We’ve had Code Red before, but but I’ve never seen it in cans at our local grocery store in NY. We also picked up Spark and Baja Mango Gem which are new to us and I’m looking forward to trying! Any other Mtn Dew fans?!

8. The Beach – No trip to Rhode Island is complete without a visit to the beach. Even if it’s super crowded at 8:30 AM. And even if it’s chilly enough that I have to wear a sweatshirt. Sitting on a chair in the sand, reading a book and listening to the ocean waves is pure happiness!

ICYMI this week on the blog:

Thursday I posted about The Edge VR.

Sharing with Friday Favorites! Have a great weekend!

Travel to the “Edge of Space” With The Edge VR

Posted on July 7, 2022 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

*Thank you to The Edge VR for hosting NY Foodie Family. As always, all opinions are our own. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our Disclosure Policy for additional info.*

Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to travel to space and solve the mystery of the missing mining colony and maybe even save the day. This is “The Edge of Space”, a virtual reality adventure that you can embark on at The Edge VR. If you’re like me, you are not very familiar with virtual reality (VR). Virtual Reality is a simulated and sensory experience. Most people are probably somewhat familiar with the Oculus, an at-home VR system. The Edge VR takes this concept and brings it to the next level as a unique, fully-immersive, interactive experience.

BACKGROUND

Adam Anfiteatro is the Founder and CEO of The Edge VR. He worked extensively with a developer for three years to create The Edge of Space’s story line and experience. Debbie Johnson is the Director of Marketing & Communications. They, along with a small team run the venue.

THE LOCATION

The Edge VR is located at 33 North Riverside Avenue in Croton-on-Hudson. It has been open for eight months, serving as the only fully-immersive VR experience in the Hudson Valley. The space accommodates groups of 2-12. There are two platforms (rooms) that can accommodate up to three players at a time. Reservations for one hour time slots are required and a waiver for each player must be signed prior to participating.

THE EXPERIENCE

My family of four visited recently for the first time. Since each of the platforms can accommodate up to three players at a time, the girls (my daughter and I) teamed up to play together in one room and the guys (my husband and son) played together in the other.

The main room platform has a one-of-a-kind magnetized floor. This is the key element to creating a full-body immersive VR experience. Each player is suited up with ankle and leg sensors in addition to hand sleeves that connect to a spine sensor. The final piece is the headset that has a microphone and headphones, so you can talk to and hear your partner and your guide. According to The Edge VR’s website, this is the world’s first full-body magnetically-tracked VR system.

Once you are suited up and ready to go, a guide will help lead you through the suit calibration and instructions of the in-game mechanics. Before the actual experience begins though, you are directed to a virtual “mirror” to choose your avatar. Pick your favorite from eight different options.

Your guide gives you a short tutorial on how to access the player dashboard, using special hand movements, and you are given time to practice. My daughter picked it up super quickly, while it took me a few more tries to get the hang of it.

The actual virtual reality experience is approximately 25 minutes of playtime. You are led on a series of missions through several different environments. This interactive experience has you pulling levers, tapping buttons and sitting on benches in the real world for the tactile immersion. Virtually, you cross bridges, you ride in an elevator, and shoot your laser weapon to protect the generators from surprise enemies. It’s a social experience as well when you work together with your partner(s) to complete the missions. The graphics are amazing and this is truly a unique experience.

AFTER THE EXPERIENCE

Once you have finished the simulation, you will be emailed a short montage of the highlights of your experience. You are also given an avatar token. This token allows you to upload an interact your avatar image anywhere. Have fun taking pictures and videos with your avatar!

“The Edge of Space” is currently the only experience offered at The Edge VR. After experiencing it once, however, I find myself wanting to go back. Seeing as everything was new, I was more focused on listening to my guide helping me complete the individual tasks than on the actual story as whole. Plus, I want to try to beat my score!

We had a great time at The Edge VR. This is not only a fun family experience, but it makes for a unique date night as well!

The Details:
The Edge VR
33 North Riverside Avenue
Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520
(914) 271-3343
website

Price: $29.95/player includes the virtual reality experience and the avatar token

Ages: Recommended for ages 10+

Parking: Free street parking

*Wear comfy clothes and sneakers.
*The VR headset fits over glasses!
*There are lockers to store your purse, phone, valuables, etc.

Five on Friday {July 1, 2022}

Posted on July 1, 2022 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

Hello Friday! This was the first official week of summer. I have shortened work hours, woo-hoo and although we don’t have any major vacations planned since we recently went on the cruise and traveled to Miami, I am planning on making the most of the time that we do have! The kids are done with school and currently have the next few weeks of nothing. We are heading up to Rhode Island this weekend for our annual 4th of July celebration with my family. Here are five from this week:

1. The Academy – The Academy, a new food and drink establishment will be opening soon in Poughkeepise. Last weekend I attended a grand opening event and this place is going to be amazing when it officially opens in a few weeks!

2. Black Creek Preserve – Saturday we also took a short hike at Black Creek Preserve. I love the suspension bridge! And the trail takes you to the Hudson River. The last time we were here was back in November when it was cold and dreary.

3. Reading – This week I finished reading The Saturday Night Supper Club by Carla Laureano. I enjoy reading fictional books about cooking and food. I just didn’t think this one needed all the religious references.

4. Cooking – This week we enjoyed these Mexican Street Corn Bowls. My husband loved the street corn! Tonight we are having this Corn Peach Pizza. These are both great recipes for corn season!

5. Watching – Saturday night we started watching Loot on Apple TV. It’s a fun 30 minute comedy and I can see us finishing this series soon.

6. The Edge VR – Wednesday night we visited The Edge VR. They invited us to try out their virtual reality venue. It was such a fun and unique experience! Full post coming soon.

7. Patio Set – We bought a patio set from Home Depot that was delivered last week. My husband had to assemble it, which he completed last weekend. I’ve been out on the deck during my spare time reading and even eating. I even typed this blog post out on the deck!

8. Lasdon Park – with summer work hours I’m trying to make the most of my afternoons. I visited Lasdon Park earlier this week on my way home. I love the gardens!

9. Eating – Wednesday while we were in Croton-on-Hudson we visited The Blue Pig for ice cream after our VR session. I didn’t think I wanted anything but when my husband’s strawberry rhubarb sundae arrived we all dug in! It was so good topped with their homemade vanilla bean ice cream.

When we were at The Academy grand opening they had a cotton candy artist. I think I was the only adult on line but I had to get this unicorn! Cotton candy isn’t just for kids!

ICYMI this week on the blog:

Tuesday I posted about the opening of The Academy.

Sharing with Friday Favorites! Have a great weekend!

The Academy Opening Soon in Poughkeepsie

Posted on June 28, 2022 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

The Academy is the newest culinary addition to the city of Poughkeepsie. Is it a food hall, a restaurant, or a market? It will feature all of these things and more when it opens to the public in a couple of weeks. It starts off as a food and beverage establishment including event space and, later this year, there will be 28 adjacent apartments and coworking space, completing the developers intentions of creating a mixed-use destination.

This past weekend, I attended the grand opening celebration and got an early first-hand glimpse of all The Academy has to offer.

The building at 33 Academy Street was, most recently, a nightclub. Baxter, a Hudson Valley real estate development and property management firm, has spearheaded the transformation of the space into what is now The Academy.

The first thing to note about The Academy is that it’s highly Instagrammable! Everything from the indoor and outdoor murals and the neon signs in the bathrooms (yes, you need to check them out!) scream, “take my picture!”.

The bottom floor of the building houses the food hall, The Academy Market, and The Academy Kitchen. These operations are led by Rachel Potts, the Culinary Director and Executive Chef, and David Lombardo, the Food & Beverage Director. Food hall vendors include: Smoke 33 (BBQ), Valley Greens (salads)and East-West (Asian).

Hudson Hopworks serves a rotating collection of mostly locally-brewed beer on tap, in cans and bottles. There’s even a signature The Academy craft brew coming soon.

Cafe + Grill serves hot and cold prepared foods and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They sell a variety of mains and sides by the pound, which is a great option for busy nights when you don’t feel like cooking but don’t want to go out to eat.

The Newburgh Flour Shop will round out the food vendors and will be selling their homemade breads and baked goods. You can also order one of their custom cakes for any celebration.

Although it wasn’t open the day of the grand opening celebration, The Academy Market will sell locally-sourced produce, meat, and seafood. The Market will have a café serving coffee, kombucha on tap, nitro cold brew and more. The Grill + Deli will have made-to-order sandwiches and prepared foods.

Every food vendor has vegetarian food options, with many offering vegan options as well. While we expect Valley Greens to have plenty of vegetarian options, it was nice to see vegetarian-friendly items on the other menus. East-West makes edamame dumplings, Impossible Buns and mushroom broth ramen. Smoke 33 has a Smoked Cauliflower Steak and Loaded Chili Smoked Sweet Potato as vegetarian main options, as well as many sides. I can’t wait until The Academy officially opens to be able to sample all these offerings!

A centrally-located bar on the bottom floor separates the food hall from The Academy Kitchen. The bar will be overseen by head mixologist Ben Friedman and will serve signature, as well as classic, cocktails.

The Academy Kitchen seats 75 and serves dinner daily and brunch on the weekends. The modern American menu includes a variety of appetizers, salads and entrees. You’ll find steaks, seafood, burgers and more, with plenty of vegetarian options.

Keepsake occupies the upstairs space of the building. It’s an 8700 square foot event space designed to host weddings and special celebrations.

It is inspiring to see the revitalization of Poughkeepsie and The Academy is a great addition to the city’s food and restaurant space. It is open from morning until night and offers all kinds of food options. Make a stop in Poughkeepsie soon and check out The Academy!

The Academy
33 Academy Street
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
website

Parking: Plenty of paid parking is available in the municipal lot across the street. Street parking is also available.

Five on Friday {June 24, 2022}

Posted on June 24, 2022 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

Hello Friday! I didn’t have a post last week since it was such a busy one. So lots to catch up on today! This week the kids had their last finals and regents’ and are officially finished with school! Here are five from this week:

1. Cirque du Soleil – Last Thursday I had media tickets to see Cirque du Soleil Crystal. This is their only show that takes place on ice. If you’ve never seen a Cirque du Soleil show, I highly recommend. They are filled with amazing talent!

2. Menopause the Musical – Friday I had media tickets for Menopause the Musical, which is playing at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center through tomorrow. Fortunately, I’m not experiencing menopause yet, but it was a fun show.

3. Reading – This week I haven’t finished reading anything. But last week I finished listening to I Kissed Shara Wheeler on book on CD. I feel like this has gotten rave reviews, but I thought it was just an okay listen.

4. Cooking – This week I made these Portobello French Dips with Horseradish Aioli. As mushroom lovers, my husband and I thought these were sooo good!

5. Watching – Last weekend we watched the original Top Gun as a family. My daughter saw the new Top Gun sequel and loved it, so we thought she should see the first one. Now she is adamant that my husband and I go see Top Gun: Maverick.

6. Moving Up – Yesterday my son “graduated” from 8th grade and had his moving up ceremony. I can’t believe this September I will have two kids in high school!

7. Summer Leagues – My kids are both participating in summer sports leagues in preparation for the fall. Field hockey for my daughter and soccer for my son. The leagues started last week so they are playing games a couple nights a week.

8. NY Boulders Game – For Father’s Day my husband wanted to go to a local baseball game. The Renegades weren’t playing at home so we went to a NY Boulders game. We ended up going Saturday night since my son had a soccer game on Sunday. We didn’t realize it was going to be so cold! We were freezing but stayed until the end, when the Boulders had a winning run in the bottom of the 9th.

9. Miami – How did I almost forget about our trip to Miami for my brother-in-law’s wedding?!! It was a whirlwind couple of days and my son ended up getting sick and was not able to attend the wedding. But it was a beautiful ceremony and super fun reception. I wish we were able to stay a couple of extra days to explore Miami, but it was the weekend right before the kids started finals and regents’ so we had to get home.

Sharing with Friday Favorites! Have a great weekend!

The Westchester Theatre Presents: Menopause The Musical

Posted on June 18, 2022 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

*NY Foodie Family was provided media tickets to Menopause the Musical. All opinions are our own.*

Women are all familiar with “The Change.” If we haven’t experienced menopause yet, we know it’s arriving eventually: the hot flashes, the mood swings, and the memory loss. Menopause the Musical is here to give everyone a laugh (women and men alike) as we commiserate together over this inevitable biological experience.

Menopause the Musical was written by Jeanie Linders and debuted in 2001 in Orlando, Florida. Since then, it became an off-Broadway show that ran for four years in Manhattan. Then the show became a Las Vegas production that has been performed at Harrah’s continuously since 2006 and also began traveling as a national touring production. From June 15 through June 25, guests can see Menopause the Musical presented by The Westchester Theatre performed at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center.

The show opens with four women shopping at a Bloomingdale’s lingerie sale. The women are unnamed but are cast as Professional Woman, Soap Star, Earth Mother and Iowa Housewife. They start as strangers, fighting over a black bra, but bond through their menopausal symptoms and end as friends.

This production stars Adrianne Hick (Soap Star), Terry Palasz (Iowa Housewife), Amy Jo Phillips (Earth Mother) and a rotating cast performing Professional Woman: Enga Davis, Tauren Hagans and Joy Lynn Jacobs. It is a musical parody featuring over 25 songs from artists including Cher, The Beach Boys, Aretha Franklin and The Bee Gees, whose lyrics have been altered to fit the theme of the musical. You’ll hear the women belt out songs like “Staying Awake/Night Sweatin'”, “Puff, My God, I’m Draggin'” and “My Husband Sleeps Tonight”.

The entire musical takes place in Bloomingdale’s over the course of a day. There is only one set piece for the duration of the show but an array of props and elevator announcements indicate different floors of Bloomingdale’s. The show runs continuously for 90 minutes with no intermission.

Although the target audience is women going through or who have experienced “The Change”, this show is not exclusively for this demographic! I saw the show with a girlfriend, both of us having many years before we experience menopause, and there were several men in the audience as well. A good time was had by all.

Menopause the Musical is a fun production that has the audience laughing out loud throughout the show. There is one more week left to see this musical at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center before it moves on to Milwaukee!

Cirque du Soleil Presents: Crystal

Posted on June 17, 2022 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

Photo c/o Cirque du Soleil

*NY Foodie Family was provided with media tickets to Cirque du Soleil Crystal. All opinions are our own.*

Performers speed by on ice skates doing jumps and flips. Others twist in the air, tethered to the sky. This is just a hint of the sights you will see at Cirque du Soleil’s currently-touring show: Crystal.

Cirque du Soleil has been wowing audiences with their circus art performances since the company’s debut in 1984. The group started with just 20 performers and has grown to over 1,400 artists. Cirque du Soleil’s O at the Bellagio in Las Vegas is an aquatic masterpiece. Love is a musical love note to The Beatles. Volta is based on extreme sports. Crystal is the company’s first show that brings the circus arts to the ice.

This show tells the story of Crystal, a misunderstood artist. When she falls through a frozen pond she is transported into another world. Her reflection helps guide her on a path of self discovery. According to a press release, “The show Crystal is about looking at things from fresh angles, peeking through the veneer of everyday life, reframing one’s daily reality to see what one might have missed. Sometimes the only way to appreciate things is to look at them sideways. Discovering one’s individuality and uniqueness requires venturing out on thin ice.”

Guests will see artists juggling, swinging on pendular poles and tap dancing on the ice. More traditional activities like ice hockey and ice dancing will also be performed but with the signature jaw-dropping moves of Cirque du Soleil.

The performance is set to an eclectic mix of music that includes covers of pop hits including U2’s “Beautiful Day,” Beyonce’s “Halo” and Sia’s “Chandelier” as well as orchestral sounds and even klezmer-style chamber music. Throughout the show, musicians play instruments including the violin, saxophone and accordion. Colorful projections on the stage and ice help immerse you in the story.

Crystal, the company’s 42nd production has been touring arenas since December 2017. The show debuted last night at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. There are four additional performances through June 19th. The show will then move on to Philadelphia (PA), Ontario, Providence (RI), Cleveland (OH), Elmont (NY), Bridgeport (CT) and Albany (NY) before continuing to Europe in September.

Ever since seeing my first Cirque du Soleil show more than 20 years ago, I’ve been a fan. The acrobatic feats of the performers have me in awe and every performance I’ve seen has been an entertaining and mesmerizing experience. Similarly, Crystal did not disappoint. From the opening narration to the closing bows, it was a phenomenal ice show. The performers had the audience laughing, clapping, oohing and ahhing.

This show is family-friendly and appropriate for guests of all ages. While younger children may not understand the storyline, they will still be awed by the acrobatic feats. Seeing Crystal is a perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day.

The Details:
Cirque du Soleil’s Crystal
Prudential Center
25 Lafayette Street
Newark, NJ 07102
website

*The show is two and a half hours, which includes a 20 minute intermission.
*Parking in the lots in and around the Prudential Center cost $30
*If you are picking up tickets at will-call, the box office is at Emerson street.
*Purses and backpacks are not allowed in the Prudential Center. Bring a small clutch (4” x 7”).
*I highly recommend eating before the show. There are limited food options and they are pricey. Expect to pay $5.29 for a bottle of water and $16.49 for a burger and fries.
*Tickets start at $39 each during Cirque Week. There is also a special family offer. You can buy tickets here.

May Reads {2022}

Posted on June 14, 2022 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

It’s almost officially summer and I am looking forward to more light, beach type reads. I read several new releases in May that fit the bill and overall I had a pretty good reading month. I’m hoping to continue the trend through the summer! I’m sharing my May Reads with Steph and Jana’s Show Us Your Books linkup.

3 stars

The Guilt Trip by Sandie Jones (Mystery/Suspense, August 2021) Three couples take a trip to Portugal for a wedding. Will and Ali are getting married and have invited Will’s brother Jack and his wife Rachel and Rachel’s friend’s Noah and Page to stay at their villa with them. As the weekend unfolds, there are lots of secrets that are revealed. This book was just an okay read for me. I didn’t like any of the characters and wasn’t very invested in the story.

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (YA/Mystery, September 2020) Teen Avery Grambs sometimes sleeps in her car, lives with her half sister Libby and her boyfriend, and is trying to survive high school. Her life is changed when she inherits the fortune of billionaire Tobias Hawthorne. The one stipulation is that she must live in his residence for a year….which is currently inhabited by his four grandsons and their mother. They discover that the puzzle loving man left them a series of clues that will possibly explain why he left his fortune to Avery. I listened to this on book on CD. It was an okay read but I’m not sure that I enjoyed it enough to continue the series.

The Summer Place by Jennifer Weiner (Contemporary Fiction, May 2022) Sarah and her husband Eli have not been close for awhile. At the age of 22, Sarah’s step-daughter Ruby announces that she is getting married at her safta’s (grandmother’s) house on Cape Cod. Sarah’s mom is excited to have the family out for one last hurrah before she sells the house. There was a lot going on in this book with so many secrets and what I found to be unbelievable situations. Not my fave of Weiner’s.

4 stars

The Golden Couple by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen (suspense, March 2022) Counselor Avery Chambers has new clients, Marissa and Matthew Bishop. They seem like, “the golden couple” but Marissa discloses that she’s had an affair. This isn’t the only secret that one of them has been keeping. I listened to this on book on CD and I found it fast-paced and engaging.

Sadie on a Plate by Amanda Elliott (Contemporary romance, March 2022) Sadie meets Luke on the plane as she’s flying to compete on her favorite cooking show Chef Supreme. But she gets a surprise when Luke makes an unexpected appearance. Foodies and fans of Top Chef will likely enjoy this book as much as I did!

5 stars

Book Lovers by Emily Henry (Contemporary romance, May 2022) Literary agent Nora Stephens takes a month long vacation with her sister Libby. It took a lot of convincing by Libby, but the two end up in the small town of Sunshine Falls, North Carolina. She ends up running into Charlie Lastra, a book editor whom she had a not such a great encounter with back in the city. Somehow, they keep bumping into each other. I loved the chemistry and witty dialogue between Nora and Charlie. It was one of those books that I didn’t want to end. I’ve read and enjoyed Beach Read and People We Meet on Vacation, but I think this is my favorite!

Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez (Contemporary romance, May 2022) Alexis Montgomery is an ER doctor, She is extremely wealthy and is expected to carry on her family’s legacy. She meets Daniel Grant, when he comes to her rescue and pulls her car out of a ditch, when she’s driving through the small town of Wakanda. He runs the local Bed & Breakfast, is a carpenter and is also the mayor of Wakanda. The two end up having great chemistry but Alexis knows that nothing can come of them starting a relationship, since their worlds are too different. Abby Jimenez is one of my new favorite authors. I’ve read all her books and they just keep getting better and better. Highly recommend her and this book if you enjoy contemporary romance.

Five on Friday {June 10, 2022}

Posted on June 10, 2022 by nyfoodiefamily@gmail.com

Happy Friday! Today I am in Miami because my brother-in-law is getting married tomorrow! This wedding has been postponed for two years because of COVID. They ended up getting married over Zoom last January and they are finally getting to celebrate in person with family and friends. It will be a busy but fun couple of days! Here are five from this week:

1. Newburgh: Illuminated– Saturday we drove to my in-laws house to drop off our luggage. They drove down to Miami so we had them bring all of our dress clothes and suitcases. It helped us save on luggage fees and not have to stuff our clothes in a garment bag. While we were up in the Orange County area we stopped at the Newburgh Illuminated Festival. We enjoyed taking a historical bus tour of the city, listened to some live music and walked around a bit. It was very crowded!

2. Eating – When we were up in Newburgh we stopped at Pizza Mia on the way home. We picked up a variety of slices and garlic knots to take home for dinner. This was the first time I had a Detroit style slice and it won’t be my last time! I like the thicker dough and square slices!

Sunday my son had a Boy Scout event at The Castle Fun Center in Chester. So the we took the whole family. After we dropped him off my daughter, husband and I had lunch at Allan’s Falafel. We ordered the falafel deluxe platter and eggplant salad. It was so good!

3. Reading – This week I read Dessert Can Save the World by Christina Tosi. This is a short, memoir/motivational read.

4. Cooking – This week we made Big Flavors From a Tiny Kitchen’s Falafel-Spice Chickpea Flatbreads again. These are quick and easy to make and very tasty!

5. Watching – Friday night we watched the movie Licorice Pizza. It was an Oscar nominated movie. We also finished watching Stranger Things and have started watching the new episodes of Somebody Feed Phil.