Best Thing I Ever Ate: Oysters @ Aqua Grill (210 Spring Street, New York, NY 10012)

Prior to my "Oyster Renaissance", I've only had oysters a few times in my life (and each time it felt like I ate the bottom of the ocean floor).  It brought me back to my early childhood when I was forced to go with my mother to the women's room at the beach (that Fulton Fish Market smell completely traumatized me).  Anyway, my "Oyster Renaissance" happened after a trip to Montauk, NY in the early summer.  My girlfriend ordered a dozen Blue Points and I hesitantly dug in - the secret was in the condiments: a little squeezed lemon, cocktail sauce, and horseradish.  After that, I ordered oysters everywhere - I couldn't get enough of that "raw and shouldn't be doing this" feeling.  The absolute best (and I mean the best) place for oysters is Aqua Grill.  No other place compares in variety (over 30 different oysters) and freshness.  My favorites have been Blue Point, Kumomoto, Peconic Bay, Moonstone Belon, and Raspberry Point.  Go and order a mixed 2 dozen for yourself and you be the judge.                    

The Psychology of Apple Picking

I finally went apple picking with my family / girlfriend at Lawrence Orchards (honestly, I was lured in by the apple cinnamon donuts and warm apple cider).  My initial game plan was to get 2-3 apples of each type and call it a day.  That plan quickly went to hell when I realized that there were over 20 types of apples (idared, empire, delicious, fuji, rome, granny smith, mutsu, and other cross breeds).  The problem got further compounded with smaller empire apples (because you need more) and bright colored rome apples (because you need more).  The consensus in each orchard row was I needed more (and keep in mind that I'm not particularly fond of apples). The end tally....11 pounds of apples, a 9 pound pumpkin, and my new found ability as a goat whisperer.