Find BetsaPasta’s Delectable Recipes, Hidden Gem Restaurants and Destinations on Chef Bert’s Blog
Phoodographs is all about my food photos...and Finds is all about cool places to visit off the beaten path and more effective ways to navigate them for optimum enjoyment. The food blog is peppered with many of my favorite recipes...including the Flank Steak Ragu entered into Gordon Ramsay's Master Chef Competition.
Mangia Baby!
Bert
Helping You Find Hidden Gem Restaurants
If you love food, Phoodographs and Finds will help you find hidden gem restaurants that we frequent. Through my food blog, I will bring to you many of what I feel are the "hidden gem" restaurants that are less well known and tout the dishes that I feel are praiseworthy enough to write about. From out of the way destinations to local pizzerias right in front of you, I want to introduce you to not only the food we eat but the restaurant experience itself that these eateries have to offer.
I will also regularly share recipes from my own collection so that you can try making delicious meals on your own. If you want or need tech tips on any recipe, all you have to do is go to the comment box or send an email to inquire. Anybody can write their recipe, however, how many opportunities does one have to inquire about the technical aspects surrounding the quality of the ingredients and their applications. So whether you are looking for the best dishes in my chosen restaurants or exquisite homemade recipes, my Phoodographs and Finds blog has just what you need to get you there successfully and leave satisfied.
Food Photography
While I could just tell you about all the delicious food I try, I find it much more helpful to show you. Through my food photography, you can not only see my recipes, you will also see the delicious meals and recipes that I’ve experienced and tasted for myself, as well as see the atmosphere of the restaurants and markets I visit. In this manner, I can help you much more effectively visualize the best places to eat and prepare you for the experience that these locations have to offer.
Reach out to me to learn more about my blog and start experiencing all that these restaurants have to offer. I proudly write about restaurants and recipes from across the United States.
It’s PEAK HOUR at Meyer’s Farm in Woodbury, L.I., New York, USA!
It wasn't until Sandy said take a few nice photos of fruits and veggies did It hit me that this entry was long overdue. We've been coming to Meyer's for flowers in spring, summer and fall for almost 30 years and NOW is the time to share with you a…
Never Heard of Goody’s “Soft-Baked” Granola Till Today. Check it Out @ Whole Foods. Have I Ever Led You Astray?
I have this belief that much in life as all about timing'. Seems simple enough...yes? Well as it turns out...my timing was pretty good today if it just happened to be that I was interested in seeking out some new granola....which I was. As I was exiting the fruit and…
North Fork Doughnut Co. = NOFODOCO on the NOFO. Where else?
Crab-cakes & More at Braun’s Seafood Grill in Cutchogue, L.I., N.Y, USA
Hi Folks! Well we're back on the NOFO at Braun Seafood Co., a full-service seafood distributor that delivers THE freshest selection of fish, clams, oysters, and lobsters to restaurants and markets throughout Long Island and beyond. They're in business since 1928 and when you are in business that long your…
BestaPasta Independence Day Lobster Rolls Served with Roasted Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella and NOFO Marion Gardens Organic Lettuce Leaf Basil
The Best of The Summer Fancy Food Show 2019 at The Jacob Javits Center in New York City
Hidden Ridge Plants…A Hidden Gem in Ridge, L.I., N.Y. Off The L.I.E. @ Exit 68
Just open www.phoodographsandfinds.com and take a look at the very first sentence... "Cool places to visit off the beaten path and more effective ways to navigate them for optimum enjoyment" Do you know where Ridge, Long Island is? I'm thinking that's part of the reason why this broad-spectrum garden center…
Ikibana Paralelo, Barcelona, Spain/Japanese & Brazilian Fusion
A friend of mine tells me he is traveling to Barcelona, Spain with his family. When it comes to me and food, all I want to know is what restaurant they enjoyed and would he take any pics of his favorite dishes. Short and Sweet: He comes back to tell…
The Best of The 26th International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York @ The Javits Center
Hi Folks...and welcome to The Best of The 26th International Restaurant Foodservice Show...according to me 🙂 Besides new and innovative food and beverage products, what I always look for when attending these huge shows with such a vast number of exhibitors is 'what is trending?'. What I discovered at this…
The Best Pizza in Miami is Pizza Rustica on Lincoln Road…Simple!
BetsaPasta’s Arthur Avenue Inspired Veggie Hero, Sub, Hoagie Creation…Yum City!
As much as I love my Arthur Avenue Teitel Brothers 'deli' in "The Beautiful Bronx" for most of my Italian delicacies, I have to confess that my go to source for fresh mozzarella cheese happens to be just down the street at Casa Della Mozzarella. They specialize in serving New York…
The Taco Beach Shack Mexican Restaurant in Hollywood, Florida. “A Local Gem”
The Best Pastrami On Rye Resides At Hershel’s East Side Deli…And It’s Not In New York!
Let me preface this 'Declaration' since we're in Philadelphia! First...a little "deli' background. It started for me in New York City with Max Asnas and the Stage Deli's traditional "Lox, Stock and Bagel" and then the Carnegie Deli back in the 1950's. Iconic deli's for sure....the Stage closed in 2012…
South Seas Resort, Sanibel & Captiva Farmer’s Markets, The Inspired Art of Matlacha & Shellfies, YES Shellfies!
The Jamesport Manor Inn on the NOFO of Long Island, New York…Quite Special!
I'm a firm believer that successful restaurants need to offer delicious and simple fare. Waitstaff with some personality are key, not to mention extra napkins. Wendy takes care of that and what you wind up with while dining here is a comfortable and classy "Peaceful, Easy Feeling". Of course there…
“Positively” Rebellious, Rogue & Untraditional Defines The Renegade Crafts Fair in Brooklyn, N.Y., USA!
BetsaPasta Updated & Healthier Meatball Recipe for 2019
Let me start by saying after some research "sustainable meat" is safer meat. Consumer Reports tested 458 pounds of ground beef from all sorts of stores for bacteria. They defined "sustainable" on a scale starting with meat raised without hormones and leading up to the safest (grass-fed organic beef), which,…
‘Late July’! My Favorite Corn Chip for Dipping & Snacking…Phab & Healthy Too!
Simple(y) Exceptional Key Lime Pie featuring Nellie & Joe’s Key Lime Juice
Enzo’s Restaurant on Arthur Avenue & A Very Special Treat at The New MangiPasta Restaurant!
Hi Folks... I'm thinking to fully appreciate this entry, check out the Best of Arthur Avenue postings from April, 2017 and May 2017, as they are connected to what I am about to write. So here we are up on Arthur Avenue after a day at the Botanical Gardens and…
Parfaitement douce Bonne Maman French Preserves…My Favorite!
Short and sweet...perfectly sweet...or no matter how you say it...Bonne Maman preserves are, in my opinion, the best! Produced in France, their products are Non-GMO Project Verified, have no high fructose corn syrup, no artificial coloring and no preservatives, such as sulfur dioxide, added. Talking strawberries…
LUCHARITOS Mexican Restaurants on The North Fork of Long Island Are Fabulous. The Food & The Staff: Exceptional!
BetsaPasta Organic Spring Mix Lettuces w/ Citrus Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette Topped With Teriyaki Grilled Chicken, Raspberries, Mandarin Oranges and Young’s Plantation Pecans.
The interesting thing about any recipe is that there is technique involved that can really never be taught or duplicated unless done in person. Sure you can get close, but in the end it’s gonna taste the way you want it to base on your own taste and depending on…
The TWA Flight 800 International Memorial
From the Memorial site: On July 17, 1996, TWA Flight 800, heading for Europe, crashed into the Atlantic Ocean along the south shore of Long Island claiming all 230 lives on board. That night began a journey of grief for the family members and friends of the lost. Along with…
Lazzara’s Pizza In New York City…Excellent & One of a Kind!
Happy 2018 everyone! A quick aside and for the record. The temperatures in New York City are setting records. Tonight it's supposed to be 5 degrees. We haven't seen a two week stretch of cold like this since I lived in Forest Hills in 1961. Wind chill factors are 10-15…
Sooo Many Food & Wine Finds in Italy and England…For Sure Do Not Miss The Restaurant At Agriturismo Dimora del Bugiardo In The Heart Of Valpolicella!
The Best of The New York City Summer Fancy Food Show 2017
How does one determine the best of the products offered at one of the largest food shows in the world? The answer: It's simply a matter of your own taste and what you enjoy. This year I attended with Chef Sharyn. Of all the products that are being written about…
Outstanding Burger & Shallot-Dusted Fries at The North Fork Shack in Southold, L.I. N,Y., USA
Fresh Out of Brooklyn is Pietro’s Brick Oven Pizza in Oyster Bay! Yaaaaay!
I stopped eating pizza a couple of years ago. The reason: Let's just say the less bread the better. That, however, doesn't stop me from going to pizza restaurants when Sandy or family members and friends want a slice. While everyone is dining on their slices of choice, I simply…
The Best of Arthur Avenue Continues in Restaurant Form…ie… Zero Otto Nove…Wow!
In general...how does one pick a restaurant? It's a process for sure. All critics are not equal since they have their own tastes and expectations which may not be the same as yours or mine. Over time you can pick a restaurant critic who tastes are similar to yours and…
The Best of Arthur Avenue, Bronx’s Little Italy, According to Me…Sans The Candlestick Maker
There is something very special...No! Let me re-phrase that. There are so many things very special about the tradition that surrounds Arthur Avenue in The Beautiful Bronx and to me it all starts...and ends... at Teitel's Brothers Grocery on the corner of Arthur Avenue and E. 186th St. There…
A Bravo Encore at Luigi’s in Manhattan. Sincerely…My Favorite Chicken Salad Anywhere!
South Seas Plantation Harbourside Restaurant on Captiva Island, Florida…Yes!
Vino 2017 Grand Tasting of Extraordinary Italian Wines…ie…Vino 2017 Grand Tasting di Straordinari Vini Italiani
I attended the Vino 2017 Grand Tasting wine event with 95 exhibitors in NYC a few weeks ago and would like to feature some of the wines I found truly 'extraordinary'. One of those is a wine called "Friulano". Friulano, formerly known as Tocai Fiulano, is a white grape variety…
The Best Chinese Spareribs Reside at The Happy Garden in Oyster Bay,N.Y.
When I was a little guy growing up in Los Angeles, I used to sneak over to the local Chinese restaurant after school and before I went home for dinner. The reason: An order of Chinese spareribs for $1.15. Yup...memorable to this day was Hoi Ping's spareribs on Olympic Boulevard…
A Great White…Clam Sauce Story…From Braun’s Seafood…in Cutchogue (NOFO) To Bob The Clammer In Oyster Bay, New York
Truly Soft, Chubby & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies With Chopped Walnuts = Yum Again!
The Brooklyn Flea + ‘Smorgasburg’ Winter Market is Phab…Especially The Smoragburg Part
Sandy, Sharyn, Joel and I went to The Brooklyn Flea + 'Smorgasburg' Winter Market last weekend and we happened to have found what the food world touts as one of the 50 sandwiches to eat before you die. Truly what impressed me the most as the incentive to try these…
Truly Fabulous Food & Art Finds in Wynwood, Miami, Hollywood & Liberty Park, Florida
Successful restaurants need to offer delicious and simple fare. Waiters and waitresses with some personality are key...and don't forget extra napkins. Of course there also needs to be a certain level of creativity in the kitchen to stimulate and surprise patrons with recipes that manipulate and finesse ingredients to reach…
Master Chef Contestant Is Top Shelf Foodie / Long Island Weekly November 2-8, 2016
As I commented on my Facebook page... "Sincere thanks to Anton Media Group writer and editor Dave Gilbert de Rubio for his polished writing skills. Credit must also be given to Charlotte Murphy for discovering my blog...and...to Newsday's newspaper Alejandra Villa, an Emmy award winning photographer extraordinaire for taking a…
New "Anniversary Shrimp & Clams Scampi" & Touring on The NOFO Election Day November 8, 2016
Traditional EZ to Make…EZ to bake… Florida Style Key Lime Pie with Organic Graham Cracker Crust. YUM!
What I've learned from the food shows over the last couple of years is that the demand for healthier ingredients in the foods we eat is fast becoming a way of life. Food manufacturers are responding to this call and making it easier for us to eat healthier. If we…
The 60th Annual Cutchogue Fire Department B-B-Q On The North Fork of Long Island, N.Y. USA! See You Again in…2017…
Ever since my days as Fire Commissioner for The East Norwich Fire Department in Muttontown, L.I. ended, I've tried to do my part to continue to support the volunteer fire departments on Long Island. A T-shirt here or a hat there went to a good cause. Spending $25.00 per person…
A Supreme Burrito at Long Island’s Sabrosa Mexican Grill
Chris…The Succulent Master From The Cactus Farm
"From terrariums to the landscape, succulents are in fashion" says the Los Angeles Daily News! By Sandra Barrera, Los Angeles Daily News While walking around the garment center today visiting some of my B Free Hanger customers, I took a turn that led me right into the "Broadway French Market" in…
BetsaPasta White Clam Sauce & Cherry Tomatoes as Featured in The Long Island Newsday’s "Who’s Cooking" June 5th, 2016
Hi Folks... I'd like to thank my wife Sandy for making it possible to be a part of Long Island Newsday's "Who's Cooking" column. I wasn't sure what food editors Lauren Chattman and Marjorie Robins used as a criteria for being accepted, however I was quite happy for their decision to include…
Just Lovin’ the Traditional Burger, Ice Cream & Personality at Sip ‘n Soda in Southampton, L.I. New York
Whether it's food places or places of fun and good times while growing up, one has a tendency to yearn for the nostalgic and what was familiar to you as you as a kid while growing up. I grew up in Great Neck, NY and remember the venerable eating…
Memorial Day Potato Salad With Fresh East Norwichian Dill
I'm not the biggest fan of dill...but I love dill pickles and matzoh ball soup with dill. With that thought in mind and because Sandy loves dill (not to mention there are many potato salad recipes with dill), I figured why not put a spin on my version of potato…
Savour Australia New York Wine Tasting / 2 May 2016 With A Big YUM!
I distinctly remember my first Shiraz experience. It was a bottle of Rosemount Estate back in the late 1990's.What in the world is this wonderful mouth full of big fruity red wine with a (as the Brits say) brilliant finish? Loved it! So much has happened to Shiraz…
Single Layer Baked Cheese Ravioli Bolognese sans Mozzarella!
This dish involves just 3 main ingredients. Most people I talk to have never heard of this dish and that's what prompted me to first write about it in this blog back in November, 2012 (click 2012 "Blog Archive" on right side of homepage) Here is my updated version for…
Time To Make A Change: Potassium Bromate…A known Carcinogen in 95% of our Pizza and Baked Goods
IT'S TIME TO WAKE UP AND MAKE A CHANGE!!! Since 2010, when I started writing my blog, my intent was to write nothing negative. If I didn't like something I ate, I'd simply not write about it. Most everything has been written with a positive tone based on my food…
Philly Phood Phind & Phlowers
Sandy doesn't have to convince me to go to the yearly Philadelphia Flower Show. I really like the displays and it smells nice...especially in Spring. Kinda primes you for the warmth coming. The last time we went together, the theme was Britain. Ahhh, glorious England! The Beatles were even represented.…
It’s Happening! Many Un-Enriched Italian Pastas Are Finally Here!
phoodographsandfinds July 7th, 2014 segment from The Fancy Food Show...NYC A quick word about pasta that I feel must be emphasized and was discussed with the many pasta experts we met. There is a flavor and texture that comes from Italian pasta produced for consumption in Italy…
Our Phabulous Phood Phinds at The 2016 NYC International Restaurant Show
Chef David and I cruised The 2016 International Restaurant Show at The Jacob Javits Convention Center in NYC today and discovered some wonderful new products! There are so many new innovations in the world of food today because people are tired of all the crap ingredients food manufacturers…
Carciofi Ravioli con Fresh Dragoncello Burro ie Artichoke Ravioli with Fresh Tarragon Butter
My favorite restaurant while in college was a restaurant by the name of The Ambry in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. More than any other dish off of their 9 only main course menu choices, they were famous for their Teriyaki Sirloin. Their recipe was a blend of red burgundy wine, fresh…
Il Villagio Trattoria Italiana…A Hidden Gem in Malverne, N.Y., USA!
Two More Hits on The North Fork of Long Island, N.Y. The Baiting Hollow Hummingbird Sanctuary & The Lobster Roll Restaurant
Phoodographs and Finds: BetsaPasta Flank Steak Ragu Recipe (As seen in Parmesan.com**)
Sexy Pop from Long Island, New York, USA!
Yama Sushi in Las Vegas Trumps Them All…Anywhere!
The Tipsy Boar Gastropub 1,090 Miles South of Home is Home…
...for one of the best burgers we've tasted in years! Life IS timing...and the timing was such that on a recent trip to Florida while watching the local Channel 7 News, the reporter was raving about a burger with what I perceived as an incredibly unique recipe...a blend of brisket…
In NYC, Roast Chicken at the Roast Kitchen
Sauce is King…and much more…at The Original Vincent's Clam Bar, Carle Place, L.I. N.Y., USA
"As a bustling metropolis…
Mr. Chow Downtown NYC with Sandy and WD
The last time we sat down at a table to dine for 4 hours was at Osteria Francescana in Modena, Italy...and that was because it was a 14 course tasting dinner. I'm not sure if it took that long because Chef Massimo Bottura invited us to come to his ristorante…
Arrosto Cavolfiore Pasta con Capperi al Sale Marino, Limone, Pangrattato e Parmigiano Reggiano…ie…Roasted Cauliflower Pasta with Capers in Sea Salt, Lemon, Bread Crumbs & Parmigiano Reggiano
I'm not quite sure what took me so long to figure out the magic of roasted cauliflower. Even with all the veggies roasted in the past, they just didn't include cauliflower. Pretty unbelievable, huh? Over the last month or so, I've never seen bigger heads of this simple white veggie…
Billy's NYC…The King of Carrot Cake…Trust Me!
A Phabulous Inspirational FIND…"I Am Jewish" by Andrew Lustig
I'm going to do something I haven't done since creating phoodographsandfinds in 2010. For this special entry, I'm veering off the food road and onto a road less traveled. Inspiration comes in many forms...and one of the things I have found by writing a blog, besides wanting to share my…
Fried Zucchini with Panko…Yum!
This has to be one of the simplest recipes and quite easy to make with just 5 ingredients for the zucchini and two ingredients for the dip.They are:1...Zucchini2...Eggs3...Flour4...Parmigiano Reggiano5...Panko Bread CrumbsNaturally, there is salt, fresh pepper and EVOO...however these are standards for me in almost any fried dish recipe.There…
The International Fancy Food Show New York City 2014
Thanks for the memories Herb Oscar Anderson
Short Cake & Sweet Strawberry Fields in NOFO
"Hello again... here's my best to you... are your skies all grey... I hope they're blue"... Herb Oscar Anderson, 1960's DJ Theme Song Couldn't help my selfie. While we're on the subject of selfies, a word my wife Sandy created (really) several years ago when she nick-named the one wine…
Fresh Mistacanza di Lattugne & Mesclun Salad Mix Home Grown
It's not too late for you to plant your own seeds in order to create your own fresh salad in your own back yard! Simply get to your favorite garden center (ours is "Terrain" in Westport, Connecticut) and pick out your favorite seeds. We planted them in boxes using Miracle…
Honest Food, Efficient Friendly Service Abound at Jeni's Main Street Grill in Southold, L.I., N.Y.
Grilled Marinated Chicken Breasts with Pasta, Fresh Roasted Vegetables, EVOO & Lemon
This is a recipe I recently created for the 15-20 sophisticated palettes of the ladies Syosset Garden Club located here in New York in the port Town of Oyster Bay. Over the years I've built a reputation among the local populace for preparing dishes that satisfy...and I didn't want to…
Sara-Beth’s Spaghetti with Butter and Ketchup Recipe
I've never published a response to any of my phoodographandfinds entries, however today is the exception. I think most non-believers, after reading Sarah Beth's comment, may be inspired enough to try this age-old recipe. Maybe...just maybe I would get my nephew Jeremy to try my spaghetti with butter and ketchup recipe. Although…
‘Unstuffed’ Stuffed Cabbage Soup
The timing is perfect! This entire first week of the new year 2014 is supposed to be sub freezing in the NYC metro area. This Friday, January 2nd, the weathermen & women predict a low of 4 degrees fahrenheit and below zero a little bit further up north. Besides, or…
Hey Hey Ralphie…How ‘Bout A Slice O Full Moon And Some Cannoli?
Sandy & Chuck @ The Town of Oyster Bay Oyster Festival
Short & Sweet…The Best Cannoli In The Land
We're in New York. Everything is supposed to be better in New York...right? The great equalizer, however, is relativity...and what does one think is the best? What this means is that there is no real best of anything. It's what you like...and in this case what I feel extremely confident…
Phabulous Phood, Phriends and Personality @ Tony’s Di Napoli in New York City
Ultimate Nova Scotia Salmon, Bagel and Cream Cheese at Oscar’s Delicatessen in Westport, Connecticut, USA!
The Stage Deli on 7th Avenue in New York City closed it's doors in November, 2012 after 75 years in business. I have soooo many memories visiting this venerable "deli" with my grandparents, Henry & Birdie Spitz, when I was a little kid back in the mid 1950's. Thinking back,…
Masquerade with a Spritz From Venice, Italy to New York and with an "Eyes Wide Shut" Stop on a Bright Moonlit Night in Miami, Florida
I wasn't to sure how to bring together all the stories you are about to read and at the same time introduce you to a fabulous and relatively new cocktail we discovered recently in Venice, Italy. In the end, however, I linked them successfully and think you will enjoy…
Phood Phind at Ivana’s Pizzeria…ie Pizza Heaven on Arthur Avenue in "The Beautiful Bronx"
It's strictly timing that brought me to try a slice of pizza at Ivana's. As Sandy & I usually do, we spend half of our day at the any time of year beautiful Botanical Gardens, and then find our way over to Arthur Avenue. The route includes a stop…
It’s Tomato Time…Featuring Long Season Organic Farms & KK’s Biodynamic Farm
If you want to take a day trip and you love tomatoes, wait no longer! Get in your car and head out to north fork of Long Island. Taking nothing away from the wonderful tomatoes New Jersey produces, the north fork is where restaurants, including many Manhattan restaurants, buy…
A World of Gastronomy at the 2013 Fancy Food Show New York City
The 2013 Fancy Food Show at New York City's Jacob Javitz center was HUGE! The 2011 and 2012 east coast versions of this show were not in NYC, and my feeling is that because it is back in New York, more exhibitors responded. Unfortunately for me, I only allowed one…
Another Wonderful ‘Agritainment’ Day of Phoodographs, Finds & Sincerely Nice People From Houston Street to Bleeker Street, New York City
Hellooooo Everybody.... My personal food continuum continues... From 'agritainment' on the North Fork seeking food and wine at their sources ...to cooking ...to going to great food stores and restaurants...I love it all every step of the way from seeds to stomach. Today I phound some wonderful shops, eateries…
Fresche Verdure Arrostite con Olio Extra Vergine D'oliva, Aglio Fresco e Limone
Pre-Roasted Fresh Veggies Roasted VeggiesFresh Roasted Veggies with Fresh Garlic, Extra Virgin Olive Oil & LemonBuon Appetito!I'm finally posting a recipe that I've wanted to share for quite a long time.What I learned after many attempts at trying to perfect this dish is that you can't overcook the…
BetsaPasta Caesar Salad circa 1956
One of my first major food experiences was when I was taught how to make a Caesar Salad by Captain Bosso at the at the Piccadilly Restaurant on the famed Restaurant Row on La Cienaga Boulevard in Los Angeles, California in 1956. I can still picture the giant wood bowls that…
Bert's Brooklyn & "A Slice of Brooklyn Pizza Tour"…Abbondanza!
Let me start by saying that although I was born and raised on Long Island, I have many memories of old Brooklyn.My grandparents lived in Brooklyn at 385 Argyle Road, and although most of my food inspiration came from my grandparents on both sides, it was in Brooklyn where I experienced by…
2013 Int'l. Food Show of N.Y …Best Tomatoes…Bottled Sauces…BetsaPasta Filetto di Pomdoro con Prosciutto…BetsaPasta Peperoni Arrostiti…& Lorenzo's Raw Marinara Sauce
Where does one begin when it comes to choosing the best tomatoes? We know, for the most part, fresh tomatoes taste depends on climate, soil, and weather.Whether they are fresh or in cans...It's not like all tomatoes are equal. Even canned tomatoes can differ from batch to batch.Although producers strive…
Lindenhurst Linzer Tarts at Cieslaks Bakery & Joe's Meat Market Re-visited
Mario Di Rienzo…The Real Original Ray…Re-opens After Many Years in NYC as The Famous Roio's
"I'm coming back. New York needs me" said Mario Di Rienzo. So you're asking who is Mario Di Rienzo?To me...and many many others over the last 40 years, he was the Original Ray of Ray's Famous pizza fame.As history tells it, a fellow by the name of Ralph Cuomo ("no one ever…
On the North Fork, the "Finds" keep coming at Croteaux Vineyard, Rafael Vineyard & Grana Trattoria Antica
Caprese Vinaigrette In It's Simplest Form
For Mark in Beechhurst, N.Y...the latest recipient of Manodori Balsamic created by my friend Chef Massimo Bottura of Osteria Francescana fame....you'll have to wait until summertime for the tomatoes in this picture, however you can still create magic with the vinegar.Find the right tomatoes now along with the always available fresh…
Happy New Year's Eve Meat Balls!
Ham stars at Morscher's & Scones, Etc. at Rudy's Bakery & Cafe in Ridgewood, N.Y.
Saying YES in Sanibel & Captiva, Florida
One of our favorite destinations for a couple/few days in the month of December is Captiva Island off of the west coast of Florida. In order to get to Captiva, one must travel through Sanibel Island, "the shell capital of the world".There is also certain peace and quiet one finds…
Baked Ravioli Bolognese "Parmigiano" with Borgatti's Ravioli
There are so many companies that make pasta and ravioli... and they all have their fans.That said, I can only tell you which ones are my favorites. Piemonte in New York City's Little Italy makes a wonderful ravioli, although I have to say I've never had their home made egg noodle pasta.…
Simple & Successful 6 Ingredient Mashed Potatoes
In L.A., California…Du-par's…True Pancake Heaven!
Spaghetti with Sweet Butter and Heinz Ketchup Circa 1953… YUM!
Balsamic Glazed Meat Loaf with Roasted Potatoes & Purple Broccoli
BetsaPasta Crispy Eggplant Parmesan
Flora's Santorini Tomatoes, Oh My!
I love this place!It's stunning how the North Fork of Long Island has gripped Sandy and me. You would think by making such a claim that we were in love with all of the same things...but not really. Sure...we can appreciate the same things. For me, however it is simply…
It's Time For Pesto…Plain & Simple
Most folks know pesto is made with fresh basil...however go online and you will see many variations of this dish that originated in Genoa, Italy in an area called Liguria.Specifically, pesto is a sauce made with fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, pignoli (pine) nuts, and either Parmigiano…
R A O' S !
Anna & Vincent Rao A tidbit from Rao's website plus a tidbit of my insight from the inside...Chef Bert "Rao's is renowned for its jukebox, its quirky decor, its unmatched hospitality and most of all, the spectacular Neapolitan cuisine. It's also notorious for being one of the most difficult restaurants…
Perfect Time for Lavender By The Bay in East Marion, L.I, N.Y.
THE Quintessential Lobster Roll is in Amagansett, L.I., N.Y.
"The Clam Bar at Napeague, smack dab in the middle of Amagansett and Montauk on Montauk Highway is THE NEW HOME OF THE BEST EVER LOBSTER ROLL" says me.When one plunks down $20.00 plus dollars for chunks of lobster, mayo...and in this case, celery with the right crunch...on bread the size of most…
Frank Pepe's Apizza with Sarah, Cathy & Nicole
Sarah...Cathy & Nicole @ Pepe's in Fairfield, CT.I went to Quinnipiac College back in the late 1960's.I enjoyed burgers at the Fireside and the most memorable Hot Dogs ever at the Glenwood...both in Hamden, a suburb in the area of New Haven, Connecticut where Frank Pepe's (known as Pepe's by locals) was founded in 1925.In…
THE Vintus Wine Tasting Spring 2012
We are invited to wine tastings throughout the year, however, this tasting at the Prince George Ballroom on West 27th Street in NYC had a distinct air of exclusivity by virtue of the vineyards participating. "Winemakers & winery owners from some of the finest estates in the world will be…
Luigi's NYC…Starring the "Chicken Salad"
Italian Heaven at Joe's in Lindenhurst, L.I., N.Y, USA!
"Authentic" Marinara?
There are soooo many variations of Marinara and Tomato sauces I have to wonder if there ever was an "authentic" marinara sauce recipe to begin with.Marinara derives from the Italian word for sailor, marinaro. People say that marinara sauce must contain fish from the sea...anchovies, shrimp, etc. Actually this is…
The First Snow of 2012 with BetsaPasta Fresh Tomato Soup & The Warmth of the Suns
"Lazy day, something good to eat"...Must be soup today, 'cos we need the heat.What better way to keep warm than having a bowl of hot soup and anticipating the ahhhhhh...the warmth of summer...with some nice sunrise and sunset summer pictures?First, the recipe:Betsa Fresh Tomato Soup 3 celery sticks (chopped…
Georgian Bread with Jan & Bert
2012 New Years Eve Betsa Crabcakes
Hi Folks...Sandy and I would like to wish you all a Happy, Healthy & Prosperous 2012...and... enjoy this recipe!With the help of my cousin Mitchell Maxwell...owner and executive chef of the famous Maxwell's 148 (http://www.maxwells148.com) in Natick, Mass, I have put together this recipe for about 9 or 10 crab cakes.Mitchell was…
Magical Mystery Tour
As I open my eyes yesterday morning at 8AM, Sandy says "We're going on a magical mystery tour...are you into it?" With all of this "Say Yes" over the last year or so, of course I was.By 8:45 we were in the car and on our way to, as far…
Absolutely Freakin' Freaky Friday Find
Up until 9:30 this evening, the next entry was to be all about sunrise and sunset pics that I had taken over the last year. All these spectacular pics from Florida to the Long Island Expressway and then some were coming your way next.. Then Sandy walks into the room…
BetsaPasta Slow Roasted Tomatoes with Fresh Mozzarella & Herbs
Serves 10...This recipe will serve 10 as a main course...however my "final prep" instructions are for 5Ingredients:Fresh "Champion" tomatoes from Zilnicki (see prior entry "Signs of Autumn") or Plum tomatoes...app. 5 lbs... (Of course you can use fresh plum tomatoes if the Champions are not available)Evoo*GarlicKosher Salt2 Tbsp.chopped fresh…
SIGNS of Autumn 2011
Blasting,Billowing,Bursting Forth with the Power of 10 Billion Magical Butterfly Kisses
Main Street Nursery in Huntington, Long Island, NY is home of a butterfly zoo that your young kids will love. Besides a quaint & picturesque nursery, there is also for the kids The Old McKeanly Farm with ducks, goats, ponies, bunnies and roosters. Inside the greenhouse are tropical birds.It's a short…
Helen's Third Guarantee NEW Lasagna Recipe 8-6-2011
Linda's Hatfield Hot Dog Hot Spot @ Exit 70 off the Long Island Expressway
Salvatore & Mr. Smooth at Salvatore's in Port Washington, NY
Kuh Kuh Kuh Katy's Cuh Cuh Cuh Carrot Cake
Silvio Irece of Vincent's in Albertson with his "Old Fashioned Sicilian"
How does one pick a truly great pizza when there are soooo many pizza restaurants in this world?The answer plain and simple is you have to be lucky enough to find Vincent's Restaurant & Pizzeria at 1004 Willis Avenue in Albertson, L.I., NY.A little pizza history.We all know Neapolitan…
Little Cup Cake Bake Shop…A NYC Find!
Ahhhhhnother Sign of Spring
Plain & Simple…The Best Cheesecake
Call of Madeira & Port
Signs Of Spring & Potato Leek Gratin
Sandy & I happened to be fortunate enough to be the beneficiaries of a sunny 76 degree day last Friday, especially befitting our foray to the beautiful north fork of Long Island with spring just a few days away. See a stunning array of primroses, dafodils, pansies and tulips. The colors are…
Hamantashen Time @ Sharyn & Joel’s
NYBG Orchid Show/Gardenia
Orchids, Burrata and…Fresh Mozzarella & Roasted Peppers
What? Huh? Orchids and what?Burrata, or "Buttered" in Italian, is a gastronomy that must be experienced...and is literally 3 minutes from The New York Botannical Gardens in the Beautiful Bronx.In short, a day at the BBG's Orchid Show (click "Blog Archive" to see Orchid pics) that runs until April 25th and then finish…
Giuseppe's Winter Pizza for BetsaPasta
For those of you who don't know Giuseppe, let me introduce you.I first met Giuseppe at Ultimo, his Italian restaurant in Syosset (in the same location as Steve's Piccola Bussola). I met him only once and only ate in his restaurant once..and not because it wasn't good (it was very good);…
Emma Loves to Cook & Bake Cookies…And Now & Years Later With The Help of Sister Julia and Cousin Remi!
Emma is my 5 year old granddaughter who has helped me in the kitchen since she was a ripe 2 years of age. Her first experience in the kitchen was helping grampa make thumbprint cookies for Thanksgiving. She would watch attentively while I mixed the ingredients together and couldn't wait…
Betsa Summer Sauce in Winter
The Luce Hawkins Burger, Dessert Sampler, & Chef Luce Accolades
Dave Wines, Chef Luce & Kristen, Hal & Nash of Clovis Point Wines
Paaaaahhhh-sta Alla Norma
Just Say YES…and you get Clovis Point, Potato Leek Soup and Keith Luce
Last Friday Sandy and I decided to cruise the North Fork of L.I.. We simply wanted to see if our favorite day trip destination during spring, summer & fall would yield a find or two in the middle of winter.Our hopes were dashed when we arrived at our first stop for blueberry muffins and coffee at…
A Sweet 2011 Everybodeee !
It's not the best news for my fans. My personality, or whatever personality means to the Master Chef Competition, was not able to get me through the second round.The good thing is that the recipe submitted, and available on this blog, was good enough to get through the first and most important…
BetsaPizza
Unchaotic Turkey
Turkey Chaos…A Metaphor For Life
Upsidedown TurkeyThe MomentMoist Chaos TurkeyWhile humans have had to deal with chaos since ancient times, only recently has science recognized it as a fundamental force in the universe.Chaos theory, originally used to understand the movements that create thunderstorms, raging rivers, and hurricanes, is now being applied to…
Happy Thanksgiving…Enjoy YOUR Feast!
Bert's Secret Thanksgiving Veggie Recipe
To tell you the truth, I buy these all year long, however they go beautifully with Thanksgiving and Holiday dinners with some toasted in sweet butter slivered almonds.Simply steam these veggies for a few minutes (al dente) or a few more minutes if you prefer them soft.Add sweet butter, kosher…
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