What is your background? Have you always been interested in food?
I am a former journalist and PR executive that turned full-time Mommy a little over 4 years ago with the birth of my son, Ryan.
I have always been a “foodie” (I am half Italian so grew up with amazing cooks in the family) and have always loved cooking for friends and family (regardless of the size of my NYC kitchen!) Of course, my DREAM apartment/house will have a top of the line kitchen with a great space for noshing, drinking and of course chatting!
What made you launch Mini Munchers?
I love to eat out and even though I have two kids I still want to take them to restaurants that are appropriate for children. But the problem is I realized that some restaurants SAY they are kid-friendly but you get the “evil eye” when you show up with a stroller or ask for a kids menu. I saw the need for a comprehensive restaurant database for families in NYC and those visiting the City – so dining out could be a simple and enjoyable experience. PLUS – the research has been a lot of fun!
Where do your best ideas/recipes come from? When you are feeling a little “stuck” what helps you get back to being creative?
I usually use my friends and family as a resource – family gatherings and parties with friends are a good resource for new ideas and inspiration!
What are your top 5 tools or ingredients?
Nuts of all kinds (thank GOD my kids aren’t allergic!)
Fresh Herbs (and of course the herb saver for the refrigerator!)
A wooden spoon
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (butter is RARELY used in my house!)
Food Dye (to make my kids food more exciting!)
What is your favorite thing to cook or bake?
PASTA, PASTA, PASTA!
I could never go low-carb! My family probably eats pasta two-three times a week. There are so many ways to eat pasta and variations using seasonal vegetables to create an entirely different taste and meal. From hot to cold, simple oven-roasted tomatoes to a deconstructed pesto, pasta by FAR is my favorite thing on my Menu!
I also love making jello with my son, Ryan. He loves being in the kitchen with mommy “cooking” and of course when it is something that he can do it is all the more fun (for us both!)
Your favorite shops/online destinations for supplies or food?
I would have to say for ease Whole Foods (there is one right across the street) but when I can get there Trader Joe’s has great unique products and ingredients that are a fun change!
Being a cheese-a-holic Murray’s Cheese (but if I can’t get there Fresh Direct has great Artisinal cheeses), the Greenmarket in TriBeCa (weekends are much better then weekdays!) and Mrs. Fields Cookies (I am not a baker and why mess with a GOOD thing??)
What is your most favorite recipe and why?
I haven’t made it as it is just TOO good, and again I am not a baker, but my sister in law makes the most amazing apple pie – with sour cream and nuts on top…She brings it to Thanksgiving every year and it is so worth waiting the YEAR for!
Other than yours, whose recipes or food tips do you love?
I am a cookbook gal although I really like to prepare foods and dishes that I have tried so I know that they are good so I will only make something that has a tempting photo. I also love the Barefoot Contessa , Ina Garten – she has such simple and wholesome recipes – I love watching her on Food Network and trying out her recipes.
