Natasha
The past two weeks have been a blur of activity. There was the biggest amount of orders we have ever gotten, there was a lot of kid stuff: birthdays, performances, school work. There was some partying ☺️. It was just New York life at the fullest in every department.
Flavor
One of the highlights of the past few weeks was our Laroot tasting in my kitchen. Having Chef Makai cook and present new ideas is a wonder every time. For something to make it over to the menu, it has to stay in my fridge for a few days before I can try it to make sure its delivery proof. But this was a rare occasion when we chose to do the tasting in-person to discuss flavors and ideas. And it was a treat.
Wellness
I haven’t been out to a club in a while, but for Valentine’s Day, Isabella Massenet invited me to to hear her DJ at Jean’s and it was a nice reminder that I love this stuff. Dancing is a life hack. Also that spot Jean’s is pretty cool.
Also in the wellness files, the Four Sigmatic Focus Coffee is the greatest thing to hit my system since I’m not sure what. I am always cautious of these new age mushroom products. I am a purist in this way. Coffee should be coffee, and mushrooms should be mushrooms (and are preferred with potatoes and some parsley, thank you). But I can’t deny that these guys did something extremely right. I’m hooked.
Discovery
So I know I’m so late to the Sapiens party, but I just got around to reading it, and what a read. So, happy to be better late than never. I have been reading it over the past few weeks and as I started it and told people I’m reading it, they often said, “Oh yeah, I read it” and I would say, “What did you think?”And they would say, “Oh I never got through the whole thing.” So I got through the whole thing because I have a chip on my shoulder about finishing whatever I start, and I can tell you that this book gets stronger with every page. Highly recommend to read The Whole Thing.
Finally, I wanted a share a beautiful picture of my dog. For no reason. Her name is Dulce de Leche, but we call her Dulce for short. 🐕🦺
Love, peace and curiosity to you!
Makai
Here are a few ways I find comfort while we await the return of spring and summer! After all, being inside isn't all bad - some good food and company can ward off the winter blues!
Flavor
The good news is that you don’t have to leave home to get some comforting, warm, and soulful food when you order Laroot!
The broths and soups have proven especially healing - current favorites are the oxtail bone broth and ginger carrot soup.
Speaking of oxtail, recently I ventured out for dinner with my partner to a neighborhood favorite, Macosa Trattoria. They had a delicious special of braised oxtail over risotto which was rich and savory and everything I wanted in a cozy meal. I also discovered my new favorite Amaro (super smooth and light compared to others with strong anise flavor).
Discovery
The best part about being inside more, is the chance to read more. I am currently reading, The Restaurant: A 2,000-Year History of Dining Out. Working for many years in restaurants and learning the ins-and-outs first hand has proven to be an interesting lens to review the history of the industry I love. This book covers everything from Ancient Rome to modern hospitality!
Wellness
I had the pleasure of having a session with Dr. Naria Diaz this last week after a slight injury to my back – a reminder to keep the yoga and morning stretches in place especially during the winter months! I am happy to report she fully healed me in one session and I am back on the go!
I think I say this in every Secret Sauce but tisanes are absolutely my favorite of all time when it comes to a healing and wellness daily ritual. Our mantra with dried figs, ginger, licorice Root, hibiscus, lemon balm is my daily morning cup right now.
As always, meditation and breath work have been a source of comfort and support throughout the winter months - our bodies crave rest more than ever during this season so spending time in stillness when I can is a major help!
Peace, love + Soul,
Chef M.
Appendix
Jean’s, 415 Lafayette Street, New York, NY 10003
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
Macosa Trattoria, 310 Tompkins Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216
The Restaurant: A 2,000-Year History of Dining Out by William Sitwell