the friday feed: food pics {december 8, 2023}

For me, part of the traveling adventure is the food. Food is an expression of the community's culture, history, and creativity. 

New York City has a large Jewish community and one of the most well known businesses is Russ & Daughters which has been in business since 1914. Joel Russ, a Jewish immigrant from Poland came to Manhattan around 1905. He started his business by carrying Polish mushrooms on his shoulders and soon was able to buy a pushcart. In 1914 Russ bought a storefront and  opened J Russ International Appetizers. In 1920, Russ opened his store at the current location of 179 East Houston Street. In 1933, he renamed the business "Russ & Daughters" after making his three daughters, Hattie, Anne, and Ida, partners in the store. Historically, businesses typically took on the name "and sons", but since Russ and his wife Bella had only daughters, his business became Russ & Daughters. 

Of course I can buy a bagel with cream cheese in Dayton, Ohio, but there are no Jewish delis that sell hand-sliced smoked fish, caviar, bagels, bialys, babka, and other Jewish delicacies in the area. My daughter and I shared an everything bagel with veggie cream cheese, tomato, capers, and Scottish salmon. We watched the girl thinly slice the salmon right in front of us. The best bagel ever.

 

T loves the NYC steakhouses and a trip to NYC would be incomplete without a meal at one of the many  chophouses. We went to Keen's (a first time visit for me). Keens Steakhouse is a classic New York chophouse, famous for its steaks and chops at the turn of the century. Founded in 1885, Keens has 90,000 clay pipes that line the ceilings – pipes once smoked by customers after dinner.

No need to take pictures of steak but definitely needed one of the New York Sour. When in New York...This drink has bourbon, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and red wine floated on the top. Yum.

Of course, a food post has to end with dessert. My daughter made a reservation at Morandi, an Italian restaurant in West Village. Again, no need to take pasta pics but this dessert, Budino al ciccolato (chocolate pudding with espresso almond crumble & whipped cream), was the perfect end to our meals.