Long time no blog: new year, new life, New York

Hello world. I know you've missed me (or at least those related to me say so, but then blood ties demand such allegiance). I know I have missed cooking, writing, and reading, three things I have sorely neglected as of late. My cooking, in these hectic days, has amounted to hummus and crackers, popcorn, or plating some take-out.

I think I have had a reasonable excuse. As some of you may know, I have been living in London for the last 6+ years. I enjoyed my time in the city, and enjoyed my occasional griping about the quirks of life in the Big Smoke, but as of December I became an official resident of the Big Apple. Yes: I have come home(ish).

So on to new things: most of January was spent apartment hunting. Along with the requisite room measuring and fee negotiating, I have had a veritable gastronomic tour of the five (or three) Boroughs. I had great cheesecake in Astoria (Athens Cafe), fantastic pizza in Williamsburg (San Marco), roast chicken and other Dominican delights in Washington Heights (El Malecon, the Caridad restaurants), and the best grits north of the Mason-Dixon line in West Harlem (Coral). Not to mention my discovery of Delivery.com and all the little hole in the wall lunch options that my new colleagues have introduced me to.

Most of February was spent moving and getting a little bit settled, not to mention working very long days and nights.

When moving to a new place, there are a few things one must purchase as a matter of priority. There is the bed (check), some chairs to sit on (check), a table of sorts, even a cardboard box (checked to the max). Before I'd even gotten the bed, however, I had placed my order for my set of Tri-ply clad Tramontina cookware. High quality pots and pans for a third the price of All-Clad? Yes please. And the thumbs are most definitely up.

My second order was for my red Kitchenaid mixer. For years I have coveted this piece of equipment, but never ordered it because of the problems between US and UK electricity, not to mention the cost of shipping such an item cross-continent. But no more worries on that front. Next up: the ice cream maker attachment. Though maybe I should buy a table first.

And yes, I will do some actual cooking, just as soon as I explore all the delivery options in my neighborhood first...