#8 sometimes it's just about the food
With the news of the past two weeks, it's hard to know what the right words are and what spaces and places that could bring us comfort. At this moment, I choose to think about the those restaurant industry, who are having to deal with de-escalation training, adjust to year-round outdoor dining (in NYC), and customers getting used to the etiquette of eating outdoors. Here are a few more places to visit in the Berkshires, Capital Region and more.
If 2020 was a dish, what would it be? Reply to this email and let me know what you think! I'll share some of your answers in next week's newsletter.
In the Berkshires:
Never mind pumpkin spice lattes, if you're in the Berkshires and a new spot to grab some tea, check out the lovely crew at Extra Special Teas in Great Barrington. The cafe operates as a nonprofit that empowers, and employs young adults with special needs as servers, cashiers and craft makers.
The Mount, the former summer home of author Edith Wharton, is partnering with local food trucks and offering "Bistro evenings" on Fridays/Saturday and Sunday brunch now through the end of the month. Click here to learn more and to reserve your spot.
Creature Bread makes naturally leavened bread based in New Marlborough, Mass. From caramelized onion & turmeric to currant + walnut, I’m excited to see what flavors owner Travis Brecher will offer next. Brecher, who was formerly a producer for Reuters in Cairo, relocated to the area last winter. Check out his Instagram for flavors and where they are available for purchase.
The Capital Region:
If you are looking to try the pop-up at 3Fish Cafe, (Food by JoJo) you have until this Saturday. Order in person or online.
Panaderia Albany calls itself Albany's first Mexican panaderia (Spanish for bakery). The home base business will be featuring conchas, churro cheesecake bars, and other traditional pan dulce (Mexican Sweet Bread). Follow them on Instagram and pre-order via their website!
What I'm cooking/eating/reading:
This piece in Zagat Stories about the community kitchen named for David McAtee, a Louisville barbecue chef who was killed during protests over the police killing of Breonna Taylor.
This piece on adaptive cooking tools in All Recipes is an important read.
Boston University will be offering their Fall 2020 Pépin Lecture Series in Food Studies & Gastronomy online. Free to attend virtually, you can sign up for each lecture here. I’m excited for Halal Food: A History.
Published Work:
I've been a fan of Julia Bainbridge for some time, especially as someone who spent a lot of her life not drinking. I had a chance to speak with her about her book Good Drinks: Alcohol-Free Recipes for When You're Not Drinking for Whatever Reason. for The Guardian.
I have quite a few stories in process but if you’re interested in what I’m cooking day to day, let’s connect on Instagram, where I’m leaning into cooking at home, my love for #instapasta and more.
If you have a spot you think should be featured, food news to share, or a great food day trip from the Berkshires or Capital Region, please email me at thestephanita@gmail.com or message me on Instagram at StephanitaEats.