After work at Miss Martha's one afternoon, rather than go straight home, I met a dear friend of mine for dinner and a show in the lovely NYC. We walked considerably far, I suppose anything is far when it is smoldering, and stumbled upon one of my favorite places of all time: Chelsea Market. From a foodie's perspective, it is heaven on Earth, home to some of the most unique quality retailers. From a healthy eater's perspective, however, it poses a bit of a challenge. The first hallway we traversed, we passed three bakeries...among them the Fat Witch Bakery. They make specialty brownies of all delectable sorts, among other yum yums. Let's just say it took very much will power to keep walking.
For dinner we settled on Friedman's Lunch, and despite the enticing option of Macaroni and Cheese, I chose the Vegetable and Hummus sandwich on toasted sourdough; I had some turkey added. The sandwich included sprouts, tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, and for good measure a bit of avocado. It was filling, luckily, and lovely coupled with some brewed mint iced tea. Sadly, it was not much compared to my friend Catherine's pastrami on rye, but it was a good lesson in self-control.
After dinner we went to Buonitalia Italian market and my mouth fell to the floor, in salivation. The rows of imported Italian specialties reminded me fondly of the summer I spent in L'Aquila, Abruzzo, my freshman year of college. It happened to be the very place I met Catherine so it was a special moment of nostalgia for us. Let us pause and pledge allegiance to prosciutto and other cured meats... Yum. Again, I had to practice admirable self control in this place. I walked by each item, reading each label, and appreciating the quality of the foods. I did not purchase all I would have liked to but I did admire that culinary palace. I managed to buy my nana and mama their favorite Italian cookies, biscotti con panna. I enjoy watching other people eat the things I wish I could, oddly enough. I have one bite and share the experience without the overindulgence and crippling guilt of eating one too many biscotti.
One our way out, Catherine grabbed a chocolate chip cookie from Jacque Torres' fine chocolate shop... I elected to eat one the Chocolate Chip Spiced Cupcakes I made instead; they happen to be a yummy WW recipe. The cookie did have huge chocolate chunks folded into the batter but the residual grease left over at the end was not the most appealing. The aroma of a nearby Creperie was phenomenal and I do think that the entire experience was a good test for me. I must say, I passed with flying colors. I did not purchase any items from the Gift Basket store as I often do, snacking for days on unnecessary calories. No milkshake from Ronnibrook Dairy, no baguette from Amy's Bread, nor vat of Nutella from Buonitalia. I am quite proud. When I hit my next weight goal, I will return for one of those cookies though, but for now I can do without.
We walked to the subway and found the theatre just in time... We saw the New York Musical Theatre Festival's Best of Fest and it was PHENOMENAL. Really a spectacular display which showcased up and coming composers, shows, and talent. I was drooling, this time not over cookies, but over talented young men. Sadly most of them had significant others....other dreadfully talented young men. Sigh...
Regardless I forwent drinks and snacks at the theatre and simply enjoyed the performance, a new sentiment for me. Who does not love the Kit Kats at intermission, I ask you. But all in all it was yet another artistic/culinary experience, with many more to come.