Ackee and Saltfish- Jamaica's National Dish

This is my absolute favorite meal! When this is cooking, you can't find me cuz I'm too busy hanging over the pot.

So here's a little history for my non-West Indians that have no clue what I'm talking about.
Ackee is a fruit.  Here's how it looks before it is picked.

If it's not cooked properly, it can be poisonous! They must NOT be picked until they are open like in the picure.

We (my family) only get this if someone goes to Jamaica and brings it back or we use the canned ackee (no worries about poison if it's in the can). 

Ackee is pretty much always eaten with saltfish also known as codfish.



Here's how mom prepares it:

If you're using canned ackee, drain it before you cook
Soak the saltfish (boneless) preferrably overnight
Boil the saltfish.  If the fish is not soaked overnight, you may have to boil it twice to get rid of some of the salt
Break up fish into small pieces

Seasoning you will need:
Chopped onion
Chopped tomatoes
Sweet peppers
Chopped garlic
Hot pepper

Sautee the seasoning in the pot first with a little oil. 
Add fish that has already been boiled and let cook for a little while. 
Add the drained ackee with some black pepper, you may add some more seasoning for taste. 
Let simmer for about 10 min.
Serve with yam, dumpling, boiled banana, breadfruit ect
Do you!

Ackee & Saltfish w/ Yam & Dumpling

Mommy's Tings

Most of the more authentic dishes I post are from mom...I haven't gotten there yet!  She LOVES to cook, the kitchen is like her 2nd home.



Saltfish (cod fish) w/ Yam & Dumpling



Baked Tilapia w/ Callaloo, Yam & Dumpling

How Do You Make Gravy?

This was requested by my friend.  She always asks me about gravy lol.  Super easy.  I made baked chicken, rice and peas and vegetables the other day and made gravy with the most basic ingredients you can think of.

Ketchup
Soy Sauce
Teriyaki Sauce (BBQ sauce works too)
Water
Seasoning (onions, garlic, black pepper, adobo)
I add all of the above into a bowl adding the water last so I don't put too much.  Keep tasting it to see if you need more of something or more water so that it isn't too potent.

That is all!

Max Brenner

Max Brenner = CHOCOLATE!  The aroma hits you the moment you walk through the door.  They have fondues, crepes, chocolate drinks with a splash of alcohol, really good hot chocolate and of course dessert!  You can also find food here if dessert isn't really what you're looking for.  But why else would you go?? ;) 



Unfortunately, I don't remember the name of this drink and it's not on their website or on menu pages :( sorry guys.  That's crushed ice underneath the drink. It was really yummy! Peep the chicken wings in the back lol

Spicy Chicken and 3 Cheese Pizza - Black beans, jalapeno, cilantro, mozzarella, cheddar & goat cheese

Wings

Dead wings lol

The only thing bad I can say about this place is that their presentation of the dishes are just a tad extra.  The tables aren't big enough for all that artsy stuff.  Just my opinion!

Check em out:
841 Broadway bet 13th & 14th St
http://www.maxbrenner.com/

Burger Joint- The Counter

I went to The Counter located in Times Square for the first time.  I loved it! The best part is that you can customize your own burger.  You'll never have the same burger twice!  You can have your burger on a bun or in bowl. You can also have beer, wine or a coctail to go with it. :).  Great hang out spot with a bar and big screen TV's perfect for the playoffs!
Here's the menu:

Unfortunatley I wasn't that hungry when I went :(( so I just sampled their Parmesan French Fries.

My friend built a Veggie burger and had Sweet Potatoe Fries.

Check em out:
NY location 7 Times Square (41st and Broadway)
http://www.thecounterburger.com/

To Tip Or Not To Tip?

Well according to Larry Fox, tip and make sure you tip well where it's due!  His blog, talks about what is considered a reasonable tip and what delivery men/women and waitors/waitresses have to go through to get your goodies to you. The funniest part is him putting companies on blast on his blog! 
His reason for starting the blog: "just got tired of all these big companies, these TV shows and movie sets giving us two or three dollar tips on a $90 order". 
Here's an example of bad tip that he posted on his blog:

Caption read: "Have a nice day asshole."

http://www.15percent.tumblr.com/

Tell em why you mad! Ughhh that's just disgusting! I instantly took a look at his blog and had a good laugh because I personally know some companies that will order large amounts, be picky on top of it and not want to tip.  Or better yet, place an order for ONE small soup at a company that is literally around the corner and get mad when there is a minimum delivery order of say $10.  Get your lazy butt up and get your own soup!  Lol.
On his blog he also makes a point to name all the reasons why they deserve good tips ie they are putting their lives on the line biking it through traffic on a crazy rainy day.  You don't want to leave your office/house on a day like that but you definitely expect them to do it because that's their job.
Anywho check his blog out, I think it's very interesting.

Sources:
http://gothamist.com/2011/04/29/are_you_named_on_this_website_outin.php
http://www.slashfood.com/category/food-news

Sources:
http://www.epicureanmom.com/
http://www.mostlysavory.com/
http://www.alwayshungryyy.com/
http://www.thecurvycarrot.com/