Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Wild Raspberries

My grandfather, who is now retired, worked for a large oil company.  Because of this, their family moved around alot: California, New York, Louisiana, Saudi Arabia, and Texas.  Obviously, my dad (and eventually my grandparents and uncle) stuck in Texas- thank God!  But while he was in elementary school, my dad lived in the exact same little town where Mr. Snoop and I live, from which my grandfather commuted to the city.  Crazy coincidence!  My dad's family talked about picking wild raspberries on the side of the road up here, but I figured that such picturesque forays were no longer reality in this area.  Well, I was wrong!

Last week, my precious cousin Katie visited me from Oklahoma.  In the midst of our wanderings through suburbia, what did we spot?  Wild raspberries growing on the side of the road!  I quickly pulled the car over and we assessed the situation.  After sampling the goods, we decided that due to the taste and the fact that we did not fall over dead, the berries in question were, in fact, wild raspberries. 



As a child, I was completely obsessed with the Little House on the Prairie series.  We do not have wild raspberries in Texas, so picking these was a dream come true for my childhood self.  All I needed was a sunbonnet and an apron with which to gather the little beauties.  Just call me Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Katie was reminded of the Oregon Trail computer game-- what happens when you find wild berries?

Either way, they were delish!  We made raspberry ice cream and also ate them with french toast.  Yum.

Styled by Katie.  Wouldn't Martha be proud?

Have you ever picked wild fruit of any kind?  Is this normal / Am I just a deprived Texan for never having gotten to do this before?

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Things I think you should do in NYC: Part I

Having lived in the Great White North for 2 years now, I feel vaguely qualified to tell you what to do when you visit NYC.  You probably shouldn't listen, though.  I'll do ongoing posts on this topic, but for now we'll chat some about food and walking around.  In no particular order, here goes...


- You should take the subway.  It took me two years to do this (don't judge), but I highly recommend it.  If you have a smartphone, get an app with the map of the subway.  Taking the subway is super cheap and makes you feel like a Real Live New Yorker.

- Walk the Brooklyn Bridge.  Really.  And then, on the other side, go to...


- Grimaldi's Pizza.  Yes, there will be a big ol line.  Yes, you should still go.  And wait in the line.  Don't worry, in addition to pizza they have wine!



- Grand Central Terminal.  It is absolutely stunning.  Just take a seat and watch.  Since I have a food theme going here, there is a great Food Court with local eats below the main floor.  Great if you need a quick bite.  And Hale and Hearty Soups is beyond divine on a cold day.


- On a nice day, get a drink on the terrace at St. Bart's.  I mean, just look at that.  Since it is on Park Ave, you will feel super fancy.
  

- Walk around the Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis Resevoir in Central Park.  You could be extra adorable and bring a picnic to eat in the park.


(my cousin's pic)

- Eat at Serendipity.  Cheesy?  Definitely.  Do it anyway?  Totally.  Get the frozen hot chocolate?  Yes!  Go about an hour before you want to eat to put your name on the list.  Then go to Bloomingdale's or Dylan's Candy down the street while you wait.

- Walk around!  There is so much to take in and see in the city.  I particularly like to wander the upper East side and the West Village.


What are your favorite places to eat/wander in NYC?

Introduction

Hi, I'm Snoop.  Welcome to my blog!  Mr. Snoop and I moved to the suburbs of New York City two years ago, and after tons of crazy experiences, I finally decided that I needed a way to document our time here so we can look back on it (fondly?).  A little bit about us:

Snoop:  Is a proud native Texan.  Hates cold weather.  Loves sunshine, bargain-hunting, monogramming, crafts, Tex-Mex, and shoes.

Mr. Snoop:  Is also originally from the south.  Currently a 3rd year medical student.  This takes up most of his time.

We both:  Love college football, friends, family, and our two cats.

About the title of this blog:  I am a dork and I think it sounds funny.  Yes, I read the book in high school (en español, por supuesto).   It is good and you should read it.