Writing about food since 2004.

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  • Salad Inspirations

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    There’s something thrilling about food shopping without a recipe. Last night I hungered for a salad, and I made my way to Whole Foods (I’ve been making my way to Whole Foods way too often lately) and stood in the produce section waiting for inspiration to alight. “Excuse me,” said a woman, “You’re blocking the…

  • I’m The Food Guy

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    Many of you know that I’m a grad student in dramatic writing at NYU. What most of the dramatic writing department at NYU didn’t know, at least last year, was that I had a food blog. This year the cat came out of the bag when one of my professors, I won’t say his name,…

  • Hallelujah! Chicken Soup From Scratch

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    Hallelujah! Chicken Soup From Scratch

    Sisters and brothers! Brothers and sisters! Who among you is coughing? Who among you is sneezing? Whose throat is so sore it’s like you gargled sand paper? I’m Reverend Pastor Amateur Gourmet and I’m here to heal you with the yellow waters of homemade chicken soup. You may think to yourself: “Heck no! I ain’t…

  • The Smoke Shack Is A Little Old Place Where We Can Get Together (PLUS: Blintzes at Veselka)

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    The Smoke Shack Is A Little Old Place Where We Can Get Together (PLUS: Blintzes at Veselka)

    Alas, on Friday night, I was without plans. How does a strapping young lad such as myself find himself alone and without plans on a Friday night; especially with his thousands of admirers hurling gushy e-mails at him on a daily basis, stalking him on the streets, throwing themselves at his feet? Well, the answer’s…

  • Hearting New York at The Lexington Candy Shop

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    Hearting New York at The Lexington Candy Shop

    I once heard a terrific quote about New York that goes something like this, though I don’t remember who said it or where I heard it or if it’s a quote at all and not something I’m just making up. Here it is: “If you live in New York and you don’t love it it’s…

  • Marthavision

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    I am a veteran Martha Stewart watcher. Back in the pre-prison days, I would obsessively watch Martha’s cooking show on The Food Network. I loved it for two reasons: (1) the information was great–in her matronly way she taught me about Silpat, how to arrange a cheese platter, the way to make a perfect omelet;…

  • We’re one of PC Magazine’s Top 101 Websites, Fall 2005!

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    Check it out!. Says PC Magazine: “Fancy yourself a foodie? You’ll love The Amateur Gourmet, a surprisingly humorous commentary on the New York food scene and all things culinary.” This is very exciting. Can’t wait to see it in print! Thanks PC Magazine!

  • Something Exciting Is About To Happen…

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    Keep checking the PC Magazine website and it should become apparent. When it is up, I will link to it… Are you excited?

  • Fall into Fall with an inFALLible Recipe: Pumpkin Apple Bread

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    Fall into Fall with an inFALLible Recipe: Pumpkin Apple Bread

    The very first thing I can remember making on a regular basis–when I was right on the precipice of becoming an amateur gourmet—was pumpkin bread. It’s a great recipe to start with if you’re scared of the kitchen, if you don’t have fancy equipment, if you want all the pleasures of baking without the hassle.…

  • An East Village Evening: Koi and Veniero Pasticceria

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    An East Village Evening: Koi and Veniero Pasticceria

    When Diana and I made plans to see “A History of Violence” on 2nd. Avenue Friday night, we came across the obstacle of “where will we eat for dinner?” My brain entered Terminator mode and brought up a map of 2nd avenue and tried to determine, with various graphs and charts, what was near the…