Bread glorious bread available from Dean and DeLuca. 

Classic French tarte tartin from Balthazar restaurant in Soho. 

Go the Rangers!

When in Rome do as the Romans do, or in my case when in New York…eat like the locals! Well, I certainly slipped right into place this evening as I sat 16 rows up from the centre of the rink watching the ice hockey match between favourites NY Rangers and visiting Washington Wizards. Dinner choice was limited to burgers (the grease) and fries or hot dogs and surprise, surprise, with fries.  

With burger in hand I still managed to cheer on like a local, whooping along, jumping to my feet and not missing a mouthful. Just like a New Yorker.  

Sure the meal was as different as could be from last night’s gorgeous French dining experience at Soho’s Balthazar, but very much in keeping with  the exuberant atmosphere at Madison Square Garden. It’s surprising how much better a basic burger can taste wen eaten at a major sporting match, in an iconic setting surrounded by devoted fans. What a night!

My husband and I enjoyed last night’s dinner at Balthazar so much that we have managed to squeeze in another booking before we leave. The Coq au Vin (classic French slow cooked chicken casserole) was rich with wine, herbs, tiny onions and tender chicken pieces and perfect for the chilly NY winter night. 

I even managed to find room for a sweet little round of Apple Tarte Tatin, just as authentically delicious as my foodie friend Stephanie bakes although hers has the advantage of a silky salted caramel sauce. My husband finished off his meal with a selection of cheeses and I spotted a sensational looking wedge of blue on his platter. It had enough mould marbling to have made Louis Pasteur leap with enthusiasm and Howard Florey fast footing it to his lab! Smooth, fragrant and sublime cheese that my daughter Eva – a cheese connoisseur at the age of 10 – would have eaten with appreciation. 


I must must mention the quick and cheery deli-style eatery called Dean and DeLuca, dotted around NY. They serve as a satisfying foodie fuel stop when in the midst of shopping, soaking up the galleries and museums or whilst strolling around this vibrant city. Steaming soups, fresh cut sandwiches, sushi, fried chicken, colourful salads, aromatic coffee, gigantic cookies and even fruit salads and yoghurts are on offer. Their displays of bread alone made my mouth water! Affordable, appealing and efficient, a little like the best of Gladesville’s Mercato e Cucina, Leichhardt’s Norton Street Grocer and the Fratelli Fresh group all rolled into one tasty package.