a long break | a new year | good food news
This break was *much* longer than expected.
With case counts getting higher in December, and the mounting pressure of the holidays, it felt inauthentic to talk about food in the same way I had before.
Especially with our restaurant community suffering.
Especially with all of us trying to navigate holidays in a new way.
It was a lot, and I appreciate those of you for opening this email as I get back into the swing of things. The support means a lot to me. Let's talk about last Wednesday: gosh, it felt like a new day. It doesn't solve everything, but perhaps it's the beginning we need.
It's one that many of us hoped for and potentially a turning point in the pandemic. President Biden is coming out the gate with initiatives to help restaurant workers building off the work those in the industry have been working towards for years. Let's keep them accountable and continue to support those behind our farmers, restaurants, food brands, and creators.
I'm excited to get back to my weekly digest of food news, exciting pockets of culinary creativity in the places I call home, and share what I've been working on in all aspects of my food world.
What I'm reading:
President Biden Orders Better COVID-19 Safety Guidelines in Workplaces from Eater
Biden Signs Orders to Expand Food Stamps and Raise Wages But Says Economy Needs More Help from The New York Times
On how failure is fluid with Hannah Black and Carla Perez-Gallardo, owners of Little Deb's Oasis in Hudson, NY for The Creative Independent.
Restaurant News:
The Berkshires
Over in Lenox, Nudel has re-opened under their new seasonal pop-up Logan's Lodge, described as" ski bums takeout cuisine ⛷. " Check out some of their comfort food favorites here.
Local independent baker Simply Sweet Berkshires is offering Valentine's Day cookie boxes that look delicious! Each box includes 6 Chocolate Chip Cookies, 6 French Macarons, 6 Brownies, 6 Cupcakes, and 6 heart cookies.
I'm excited to share more independent bakers and food producers, private chefs, and renegade pasta makers in the area. If folks are doing good food things in the Berkshires, send me a link!
The Capital Region
Troy & Tacos: Three new-ish taco spots in downtown Troy, NY
La Capital Tacos On Fourth Street, inside the former taxi cab stand owned by Sunhee's Farmhouse Kitchen.
Street Taco VII was created by Juice Factory VII's daughter and her love for tacos. Street Taco VII menu features a variety of Street Style Tacos, Tortillas, Rice Bowls
This one opened last fall, but it is worth mentioning: located in The River Street Market, Taco Libre offers fresh, authentic Mexican street food.
I also encourage you to share what you'd like to see again on the Newsletter Feedback Form. If you have a spot you think should be featured, food news to share, or great food in the Berkshires or Capital Region, please email me at thestephanita@gmail.com or message me on Instagram at StephanitaEats.