Autumn beauty at Kinderhook Farm

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It had been a while since I joined Yong and the girls on the trip to Kinderhook and boy was it worth it. The changing leaves and cool weather, along with billowing clouds just made it a perfect day. We kicked back with Lee and Georgia, who graciously welcomed us in for tea and just baked cookies. Even for the short time we spent, it was like a suspension of time in peace and rest from a hectic week.

Autumn beauty at Kinderhook Farm

See the full gallery on Posterous

It had been a while since I joined Yong and the girls on the trip to Kinderhook and boy was it worth it. The changing leaves and cool weather, along with billowing clouds just made it a perfect day. We kicked back with Lee and Georgia, who graciously welcomed us in for tea and just baked cookies. Even for the short time we spent, it was like a suspension of time in peace and rest from a hectic week.

Workout Veggie Juice Smoothie

Beets are high in iron, an immunity booster and guards against cancer and heart disease. Beets contain potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, phosphorous, vitamins A, B, C, beta-carotene, beta-cyanine and folic acid. What does all this mean? It’s good for you! 

 

Spinach is high in magnesium, helping the prevention of osteoporosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, muscle cramps, and heart disease. It is also high in Vitamin A, supporting good vision, healthy immunity, and tissue growth. It also reduces the risk of cancer and has anti-aging properties. What does all this mean? It’s good for you!

Carrots

 have falcarinol, responsible for anti-cancer properties, reducing the risk of lung cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer. High levels of beta-carotene act as an antioxidant to cell damage done to the body through regular metabolism. Vitamin A prevents premature wrinkling, acne, dry skin, pigmentation, blemishes, and uneven skin tone. Vitamin A also assists the liver in flushing out the toxins from the body. What does all this mean? It’s good for you!

Strawberries

contain dietary fiber, lowers blood pressure, builds the immune system, and has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties on many levels. It's a strong defense against cancer, good for eyes, heart and bones. High in Vitamin C, an immunity booster. What does all this mean? It’s good for you!

What does all this mean? Drink the Workout Smoothie!!! 

Workout Veggie Juice Smoothie!

 

Beets are high in iron, an immunity booster and guards against cancer and heart disease. Beets contain potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, phosphorous, vitamins A, B, C, beta-carotene, beta-cyanine and folic acid. What does all this mean? It’s good for you! 

 Spinach is high in magnesium, helping the prevention of osteoporosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, muscle cramps, and heart disease. It is also high in Vitamin A, supporting good vision, healthy immunity, and tissue growth. It also reduces the risk of cancer and has anti-aging properties. What does this mean? It’s good for you!

Carrots have falcarinol, responsible for anti-cancer properties, reducing the risk of lung cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer. High levels of beta-carotene act as an antioxidant to cell damage done to the body through regular metabolism. Vitamin A prevents premature wrinkling, acne, dry skin, pigmentation, blemishes, and uneven skin tone. Vitamin A also assists the liver in flushing out the toxins from the body. What does all this mean? It’s good for you!

Strawberries contain dietary fiber, lowers blood pressure, builds the immune system, and has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties on many levels. It's a strong defense against cancer, good for eyes, heart and bones. High in Vitamin C, an immunity booster. What does all this mean? It’s good for you!

What does all this mean? Drink the Workout Smoothie!!! 

 

 

 

Tasteatery Meal Plan

I recently tried out Tasteatery’s meal plan, commuter style. With the Hulk smoothie in hand, which is often my breakfast, I got on the bus with the cooler full of goodies in my bag. Despite being surrounded by an endless variety of options between Soho, Tribeca and Chinatown, I STILL crave Tasteatery and wish there was one in downtown Manhattan. It’s surprising how hard it is to get really good all-natural healthy food for lunch. Nevermind that it’s usually not grassfed and environmentally responsible. My involuntary test of a restaurant’s quality is whether I have an allergic reaction to food to which I am not otherwise allergic, such as salad. It has been pretty difficult to pinpoint the cause of these allergies, but my deduction has been that these places are not washing their produce.

 

When I got to the studio, I was pleased to unpack my favorite Create Plate with roasted kale and veggies, salmon and quinoa; an avocado stuffed with a refreshing salsa; and a generous container of beet juice. It was completely satisfying, delicious and extremely fresh. I had plenty to snack on throughout the day and I knew I was eating right. But the biggest plus for me was that I knew I wouldn’t be having an allergic reaction to what I’m eating. Go Tasteatery!

 

 

Our Story: From Survival to Healthy Living

When we were kids, our parents worked long hours while mom still managed to spoil us with her great dinners in the evening.  But most of the time, we were pretty independent between Hungry Man dinners, Chicken Pot Pie and the microwave.  Yong, being my older brother, had the responsibility of feeding and entertaining me, which he did with no complaints (he did torture me a little). He was quite the expert at frying eggs just right. He would pop the yoke for the perfect balance of white and yellow, never overcooked it, and seasoned with salt and pepper.  Whatever Yong made for me, it was yummy.

Eventually, mom didn’t have to work as many hours, but she did continue to labor just as hard in the kitchen at home. There was always something on the stove or in the pressure cooker, or something soaking in the sink. She was always perfecting what seemed to be already perfect dishes. We *never* ate leftovers. Eventually, "all natural" became the mantra. Soda was forbidden and we were constantly encouraged to eat healthy. These days mom is working on being vegetarian and reinventing all of her korean recipes to be so.

It is from these humble beginnings that Tasteatery has evolved, where food was taken seriously and details mattered. Every meal was a labor of love given to us and we now share that with you. We hope that you would join us on our journey towards healthy eating and healthy living as we continue to perfect our menus and do our best to meet your needs.

 

Salmon season is over

It looks like Wild Salmon season is over. Salmon? Seasonal?

Yes, Wild Salmon is available Spring to Summer. We will start using Sustainably Raised Salmon from various approved farms that will have the best harvest and raised as naturally as possible.

Please note seafood prices do fluctuate according to availability and we portion our serving size according to what the market prices is when we purchase the seafood.

Labor Day Dinner

Today, mom has invited us over for dinner, which she toils over every time, holiday or not, guests or not. She willingly inserts extra steps into every recipe just to make it that much healthier and that much more flavorful. Today it is the Korean dish Bibimbap. I have attempted this dish once and will again one day, when I’m ready for it. Every ingredient must be chopped and prepared, carefully seasoned to respectfully blend all to a perfect balance of flavor. There is not a whole lot of room to screw up if you are accustomed to enjoying a really good Bibimbap. Any mediocre take on it, just won’t satisfy in the same way. Most likely, she has left out the beef, which she has been doing in a lot of her recipes lately. Despite this, I can be sure it will be just as amazing and healthy too.  Though a western menu, many of Tasteatery's dishes are inspired by this intricately prepared dish, from the Salad Bowls to the Create Plate concept. We thank mom for her inspiration and for her labor today.

 

Labor Day

We'll be closed Sunday and Monday.

 

Back to feeding Tuesday!

 

Five Year Old Eats Greens!

Like most moms, I am used to sneaking greens into Genevieve’s meals, or bribing her to eat her veggies.  Lately, however, the lil’ five year old has been munching on kale and spinach leaves (plain!) and begging for Hulk Smoothies.  I really am quite perplexed and ecstatic.

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The Hulk Smoothie

The Hulk is one of our newest smoothies and some of you are already "in the know".  I am completely hooked.  So much so, that I had to capture the ingredients on my shoot today.  

Not only is it delicious, but it's packed with health benefits.  Check it out! 

kale: iron, Vitamin A, C, K, Calcium, good for your heart

baby spinach: reduces risk of cancer, has anti-aging properties

bananas: high in potassium, helps keep blood pressure healthy, supports fertility and muscle and nerve function

chia seeds: high in calcium, omega 3s, helps digestion

raw cacao: high in antioxidants, promotes a postive outlook on life

The Hulk Smoothie

[[posterous-content:pid___1]]The Hulk is one of our newest smoothies and some of you have already been "in the know".  I am completely hooked.  So much so, that I couldn't resist capturing the ingredients on my shoot today. Not only does it taste delicious, but it's packed with health benefits.  Check it out!

Normal 0 0 1 11 63 1 1 77 11.1287 0 0 0

kale: iron, Vitamin A, C, K, Calcium, high in vitamins, good for your heart

Normal 0 0 1 8 51 1 1 62 11.1287 0 0 0

baby spinach:  reduces risk of cancer, anti aging properties

bananas: high in potassium, keeps healthy blood pressure, supports feritility and muscle and nerve function

Normal 0 0 1 8 46 1 1 56 11.1287 0 0 0

chia seeds: high in calcium,  omega 3, helps digestion

raw cacao: high in antioxidants & promotes a positive outlook on life

 

 

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Please excuse our appearance at Tasteatery as we set up our new menu, including *NEW* Sandwich and Smoothie Menus!! We are working hard to bring you healthy, convenient and environmentally-conscious food all the time!  The counter is being reorganized for the Smoothie menu expansion and the menu is being finalized so the menu boards can be hung up soon.

You may be dismayed to find that we will be discontinuing our burrito menu, but fret not! many of the same ingredients from our burrito bowls will still be available through the CreatePlate section to make your own. Thank you for your patience as we continue to work on getting you the yummies!!

Kinderhook and Hawthorne Valley Farms

This time on our visit to Kinderhook, we toured the farmstay, where you are invited to rent from May til October.  It is a great getaway to relax and soak in the beautiful scenery... oh so tempting...

www.kinderhookfarmstay.com

 

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Hawthorne Valley Farm was another stop, where we enjoyed perusing the Farmer's Market, complete with bio-dynamic products and local produce.

http://hawthornevalleyfarm.org/biodynamics

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The girls never grow tired of interacting with the animals and we are continually in awe of the dedication of these eco-friendly farmers. 

Kinderhook Farms

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Yong and I, with our daughters, were off to Kinderhook farms Sunday. I had quite a romantic notion of the place, and so did the girls as they squealed about the cute animals.  It was an idyllic scene: the typical big red barns and momma cow at the fence.  Little baby lambs mewing about and one allowed us to pet her.  But I was somewhat dismayed when an intern said the last word she would use to describe the farm was peaceful.  Working on the farm was apparently no cup of tea.  These people toil long and hard to take care of these animals.  I am reminded of how little we actually think about where our food comes from...

The rooster crowing always takes me back to dad's rooster, crowing every hour in the night. Did he know it wasn't morning yet? Was he lost or complaining? Was he looking for his maiden? The neighbors of Closter, NJ wanted answers.  Like, why does he have chickens in the middle of suburbia?

Back to feeding you good food

We'll be needing one more week to tweek some recipies and get the rest of our products in.

some of your old favorites will still be available.

CLOSED! Memorial Day

We will be closed Sunday May 27th and Monday May 28th.

 

 

new menu

Please check availablity for items. We should have everything on the menu after Memorial Day.

 

Tast_Menu_c5_r48_crop_(1).pdf Download this file

New Menu

We got through our first day with our new menu!

Seems like everyone is digging it. There is definitely some getting use to the create a meal chart, but once you understand the concept, its pretty straight forward.

We won't be posting specials for a while until we, the staff, gets familiar with the new menu.

a updated new menu is posted under the menu heading.

We will be selling burgers once again starting tomorrow, Wednesday.

 

Thank you for your patience as we get familiar with our new menu.

Closing Early Today, Saturday

We will return tomorrow regular hours.

Look out for our new menu starting Monday!

Out of Burgers, New Menu

We will not be selling any burgers until next week when we recieve beef from our new local partner Kinderhook Farms.

www.kinderhookfarm.com

We will also start our new menu on Monday May 21st.

Please be patient with us as we make this transition to bring you healthier meals.

 

Wednesday, May 16TH, Special of the Day

Split Pea Soup 

Shrimp Detox Salad 12.0

Mixed greens & baby spinach, brown rice, grilled chicken, red onions, asparagus, almond slivers w/ lemon dressing

Buffalo Chicken Wrap 9.0 (spicy)

w/ romaine, carrots, celery, blu cheese dressing

Wanabe Virgin 6.0

Hummus, lettuce, tomato, avocado, red onions, cucumbers, oil & vinegar on multi grain bread

 

Monday May 14th Daily Special

Lentil Soup

Detox Salad 10.0

Mixed greens, brown rice, grilled chicken, red onions, asparagus, almond slivers w/ lemon dressing

SouthWest Tuna Wrap 9.0

w/ romaine, tomatoes, red onions, bacon & chipotle aioli

Wanabe Virgin 6.0

Hummus, lettuce, tomato, avocado, red onions, cucumbers, oil & vinegar on multi grain bread

Friday May 11th Special of the Day

Chicken Rice Soup

 

Garden Vegetable Salad 10.0

Mixed greens, baby spinach, eggplant, squash, tomato, red peppers, cucumbers, carrots & avocado w/ balsamic dressing

 

Mediterranean Chicken Wrap 9.0

w/ romaine, hummus, tomato, feta, red onion,

cucumbers, oil & vinegar

 

Spicy Tuna Melt  9.0

Swiss cheese, basil, tomato, red onions, chipotle

 

Tacos

Choice of shredded chicken, shrimp, steak, tofu

Thursday May 10th Sepcial of the Day

Chicken Rice Soup

Garden Vegetable Salad 10.0

Mixed greens, baby spinach, eggplant, squash, tomato, red peppers, cucumbers, carrots & avocado w/ balsamic dressing

 

Louisiana Chicken Wrap 9.0

w/ romaine, black bean salsa, grilled onions, chipotle aioli

 

Grilled Cheese (Cheddar) & Soup 6.0

 

also go to our SPECIALS tab above for Specials of the Week

if viewing from a mobile device, please go to the full site

Wednesday, May 9TH, Special of the Day

BLACK EYED PEA WITH CHICKEN SAUSSAGE SOUP

TACOS

PORK CARNITAS, STEAK, SHRIMP, FISH, CHICKEN TINGA AND TOFU

CRISPY FISH WRAP 

FALAFEL WRAP

fried chick peas and vegetables, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, pickles and lemon tahini sauce on whole wheat wrap served with side salad or baked fries

also go to our SPECIALS tab above for Specials of the Week

if viewing from a mobile device, please go to the full site

Tuesday May 8th Special of the Day

BEEF CHILI

served with tortillas chips, scallions, sour cream and cheese

BLACK EYED PEA AND CHICKEN SAUSAGE

SPICY TUNA MELT 

multi grain slice, swiss cheese, chipotle mayo, basil, grilled onions and tomatoes

GRILLED CHICKEN AND PORTABELLO WRAP

 greens,tomatoes, onions, mozzarella cheese, roasted red peppers and balsamic vinaigrette on whole wheat wrap

GRILLED CHEESE AND SMALL SOUP

multi grain slice and cheddar cheese

also go to our SPECIALS tab above for Specials of the Week

if viewing from a mobile device, please go to the full site

Monday May 7th Daily Special

SPLIT PEA SOUP (VEGETARIAN)

BEEF CHILI

MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN WRAP

romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, feta cheese and oil+vinegar on whole wheat wrap

lean into a better way to eat

Thursday, May 3rd, Sepcial of the Day

CREAM of  BROCCOLI

TURKEY CHILI
Served with tortillas chips, cheese, scallions and sour cream

GRILLED CHICKEN AND PORTABELLO WRAP 
Greens, tomatoes, artichoke, roasted red peppers, fresh mozarella and balsamic vinaigrette on whole wheat wrap

also go to our SPECIALS tab above for Specials of the Week

if viewing from a mobile device, please go to the full site

Wednesday, May 2nd, Special of the Day

Cream of Broccoli Soup

FISH WRAP 
crispy tilapia, baby arugula, tomatoes, black bean salsa, avocado, chipotle mayo, on whole wheat wrap served with baked potatoes

TACOS

Choice of shredded chicken, tofu, steak, fish, shrimp

 

also go to our SPECIALS tab above for Specials of the Week

if viewing from a mobile device, please go to the full site

Tuesday May 1st Special of the Day

LENTIL SOUP

BLACK EYED PEA SOUP
chicken sausage and vegetables

TURKEY CHILI

 served with tortillas chips, cheese, scallions and sour cream

 

FALAFEL WRAP  
Fried chick peas, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, pickles and lemon tahini sauce on whole wheat wrap served with baked potatoes

Monday April 30th Daily Special

 

BLACK EYED PEA SOUP
chicken sausage and vegetables

TURKEY CHILI

 served with tortillas chips, cheese, scallions and sour cream

 

CHICKEN POPEYE WRAP  9.0
rice, grilled chicken, sauted spinach, goat cheese and lemon vinaigrette

 

 

also go to our SPECIALS tab above for Specials of the Week

if viewing from a mobile device, please go to the full site

 

 

Friday April 27th Special of the Day

LENTIL SOUP

CRISPY FISH WRAP
Baby arugula, tomatoes, black bean salsa, avocado and chipotle mayo on whole wheat wrap served with baked potatoes

TACOS 
Choice of: shredded chicken, skirt steak, shrimp, tofu or fish

also go to our SPECIALS tab above for Specials of the Week

if viewing from a mobile device, please go to the full site

Thursday April 26th Sepcial of the Day

FALAFEL PLATTER
Fried chick peas, brown rice, salad, pita bread and lemon tahini sauce

ORCHARD CHICKEN WRAP
chicken salad, greens, tomatoes, berries, walnuts and honey mustard on whole wheat wrap

 

also go to our SPECIALS tab above for Specials of the Week

if viewing from a mobile device, please go to the full site

 

Wednesday April 25th Special of the Day

PASTA FAGIOLI
BEEF CHILI SOUP
served with tortillas chips, cheese, scallions and sour cream

FALAFEL PLATTER
Fried chick peas, brown rice, salad, pita bread and lemon tahini sauce

CRISPY FISH WRAP
Baby arugula, tomato, avocado, black bean salsa and chipotle mayo served with baked potatoes

TACOS

 shredded chicken, skirt steak, tofu, shrimp and fishalso go to our SPECIALS tab above for Specials of the Week

 if viewing from a mobile device, please go to the full site

Tuesday April 24th Special of the Day

Today's Soups

 

PASTA FAGIOLI

 SPLIT PEA SOUP

 

CHICKEN APPLE PANINI
grilled chicken, apple, brie cheese, bacon and dijon mustard

GRILLED CHEESE AND SOUP

 

also go to our SPECIALS tab above for Specials of the Week

 if viewing from a mobile device, please go to the full site

 

 

Monday April 23rd Daily Special

CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

SPLIT PEA SOUP

SPICY BUFFALO CHICKEN WRAP 9.0
grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, celery, carrots, blue cheese and buffalo sauce on whole wheat wrap served with side salad

GRILLED CHEESE AND SMALL SOUP  6.0

 

also go to our SPECIALS tab above for Specials of the Week

 if viewing from a mobile device, please go to the full site

 

 

Friday April 20th Special of the Day

MINI BURRITO AND SALAD 
shredded chicken, rice, beans, pico de gallo, salsa cruda and sour cream served with side salad 

 

GRILLED CHICKEN AND PORTABELLO WRAP 
greens, tomatoes, onions, fresh mozzarella,  artichokes and roasted red peppers on whole wheat wrap 

TACOS (while home made tortillas last)

also go to our SPECIALS tab above for Specials of the Week

if viewing from a mobile device, please go to the full site

 

Thursday April 19th Sepcial of the Day

TURKEY CHILI SOUP
garnished with tortillas chips, cheese, scallions and sour cream

(sorry, we cannot put garnish on the side)

SPICY TUNA MELT
multi grain slice, swiss, basil, grilled onions, tomatoes and chipotle mayo

GREEK CHICKEN WRAP
romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, feta cheese and oil+vinegar on whole wheat wrap

also go to our SPECIALS tab above for Specials of the Week

Wednesday April 18th Special of the Day

CRISPY FISH WRAP  12.0
baby arugula, tomatoes, black bean salsa, avocado and chipotle mayo on whole wheat wrap served with baked wedges

 

BEEF SHAWARMA BURRITO  10.0
Marinated skirt steak, brown rice, pico de gallo, cucumbers and tahini sauce on whole wheat wrap served with side salad

 

TACOS (while tortillas last)

also go to our SPECIALS tab above for Specials of the Week

Tuesday April 17th Special of the Day

BEEF CHILI SOUP
garnished with tortilla chips, cheese, sour cream and scallions

FALAFEL WRAP 9.0
with romaine, tomatoes, cucumbers, pickles and lemon tahini sauce on a whole wheat wrap served with baked potato wedges

Shawarma Platter 12.0
Skirt Steak Shawarma served with rice, salad, pita and tahini

also go to our SPECIALS tab above for Specials of the Week

Monday April 16th Daily Special

BEEF CHILI

served with cheese, scallions, sour cream and cheese

ORCHARD CHICKEN WRAP

Chicken salad, greens, tomatoes, walnuts, berries and honey mustard on whole wheat wrap

MINI BURRITO AND SALAD

shredded chicken, rice, beans, pico de gallo, sour cream and salsa cruda

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4.9.12 SPECIALS

TEST

PANINI SPECIAL

SADASDASDASDASD

WRAP SPECIAL

SADASDASDASDASD 

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Re Birth

Spring is here and we are looking forward to a new fresh start.

Many new things are on the way.