Sunday, October 31, 2010

Pulino’s – Bowery & Houston Sts

Pulino’s
$$
***
212.226.1966
282 Bowery
http://www.pulinosny.com/

There’s a Domino’s franchise in Ohio that is trying to break into a part of the fast-food world previously dominated by Egg McMuffins and Dunkin’ Donuts. That’s right, Domino’s is introducing a new breakfast item – breakfast pizza.

I think most people hear breakfast pizza and have a knee-jerk reaction of “ew”, and maybe that’s fair if you’re trusting Domino’s to deliver it to you – and especially if you expect it to show up looking like this:

But here in New York, we have Pulino’s!


Their breakfast pizzas are a thin, chewy crust that bubbles up around sweet or savory toppings, getting just the right amount of char on the pillowy outer crust. Try the Funghi, with mushrooms, pancetta, mascarpone, and grana, or the Salsiccia, with sausage, bacon, mozzarella, and white cheddar – both have whole eggs baked on top of the pizza, those just-slightly runny yolks making these cheese-laden pies taste even richer.

The Funghi
Or if you’re in the mood for something a little bit sweeter, try the Frutta with roasted pears, apples, cinnamon, and pecorino. Or there’s the Nutella, covered in (what else!) sweet, hazelnutty Nutella. But you really can’t miss with any of the choices here, so gather up some friends and order lots of different ones! All pies come as a small or a large, although a small is plenty for one.

If that Domino’s in Ohio helps get people to like breakfast pizzas, then I say job well done – and thanks, but no thanks. We’ve got plenty of great breakfast pizza right here in New York.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Poll of the Week - 10.25.2010

Happy Halloween!!


I’ll give you all a break from hearing about Oregon for the time being (although it was amazing - look out later this week for coverage!), and move on to one of my favorite things about fall: Halloween! Here’s a little something to help get you all in the mood…


Now that you’re all excited for this Sunday’s spookiness, it’s time for the “Poll of the Week”!

Halloween is this Sunday, so now is the time to carve those pumpkins and stock up on candy for trick-or-treaters. But in case you’ve overdone it on candy leading up to Halloween (hey, it happens to the best of us), there are a lot of ways to celebrate Halloween that don’t come dipped in chocolate. Here are some ideas from Little Scarlet for ways to celebrate Halloween without in addition to candy – which is your favorite?

Monday, October 18, 2010

Poll of the Week - 10.18.2010

Still in Oregon and having a wonderful time! We arrived in Portland last week, drove down the coast, and are now in the wine country on our way to the Columbia River Gorge.

Leading up to this trip, all I kept hearing about was how amazing the food is in Oregon, and you know what? They’re absolutely right! Here are some of the food experiences Little Scarlet’s had so far – which one sounds best to you?


That’s it for posts this week, check back again next Monday for another poll and a quick culinary recap of our tour through Oregon!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Poll of the Week - 10.11.2010

It’s that time of year again! I haven’t been on vacation in almost a year, but the stars have finally aligned and it’s time for a much needed break. But where am I going? Here’s a hint for you…


Still can’t guess? How about now?


Well, in case you didn’t recognize that beautiful coastline or Mount Hood, Little Scarlet’s off to Oregon!

Oregon’s a food lover’s dream destination with so many wonderful foods, cheeses, and wines grown right in the state. For the next week, I’ll be cruising along the coast, touring the wineries of Willamette Valley, and spending some time relaxing in the mountains. If you have any recommendations, send them my way!

Check back for Little Scarlet’s favorite places when I come back, and until then, here’s the Poll of the Week! Oregon is well known for a wide variety of local foods – which of the following is your favorite?

Monday, October 11, 2010

Mystic, CT - Chowderfest!

Happy Columbus Day!!


Mystic Seaport in Mystic, CT is kind of like the Colonial Williamsburg of New England.

Re-enactment of using a snazzy boatswain’s chair to come down from the top of a ship’s mast. Hey-o!
Costumed interpreters wander around 1876 discussing town gossip, threats of a yellow fever outbreak, and that year’s oyster harvest. If you’re a history junkie, this place is like mother’s milk! But if really old buildings outfitted with historically accurate furniture and people in funny outfits and even weirder accents don’t really do it for you, there’s always the chowder.

Lobster chowder
Every Columbus Day Weekend, Mystic Seaport hosts its annual Chowderfest. With 7 different kinds of chowder, brisket sandwiches, bratwurst, stuffed Quahogs, apple fritters… it’s the perfect way to spend a relaxing day on the water. 2010’s Chowderfest ends today, but if you’re in the Mystic area, head over to the Seaport and get a bowl of the Clam & Corn Chowder, a pumpkin ale, and some apple fritters!

Three of the seven chowders, clockwise from center: blue crab apple chowder, lobster chowder, clam & corn chowder
Apple fritters!!
With the dark porter and the pumpkin ale, this is like the perfect snapshot of autumn and Halloween all in one!

Monday, October 4, 2010

Poll of the Week - 10.04.2010

Oktoberfest came to a close this past weekend, and if you’re unwilling to let go of that celebratory brand of German rowdiness, there’s nothing wrong with that. Just gather up a group of friends, grill up some wurst (Little Scarlet’s partial to knackwurst, bratwurst, & weisswurst), and toss it all back with a few pints of beer!

How did you celebrate Oktoberfest this year? This week’s “Poll of the Week” asks what’s your favorite part of this annual Bavarian blowout?