Koch in the Kitchen

Ryan surprised me with an incredible farm to table dinner in Tribeca for our belated anniversary celebration! Life has been pretty crazy the last few weeks, so this celebration with just two of us and some Michelan Star food made for a great date night. This dinner at One White Street was easily in the top 5 meals of 2023– and yes, that is my genuine reaction to the burger. Let’s go through the details of what we ate:
- Summer Squash Cavatelli - We agreed we could eat this every day. It’s like if mac n cheese was
healthy minus the cheese— comforting, warm
and very well flavored. The piquillo pepper mixed into the sauce did God’s work.
- Crispy Potatoes - All I need you to know is that I have never encountered such a lovely, perfectly fried potato. Sauce is also everything here.
- 1WS Cheeseburger - Top 3 burgers I’ve had in thr city. The meat did most of the work, which is the way it should be. Quality double stack burger. Fresh sesame bun.
- Apple Streudel - Came out warm. Absolute yes. Honestly, the cardamom ice cream situation was the star of the show in my opinion! And it was drizzled in caramel. 🫠
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On Friday, I kept looking at the date, 3/17/23, and felt like I was forgetting something— St. Patrick’s Day, Match Day, but what else? Then I realized this day also marked six months of marriage! ❤️ What I wouldn’t do to celebrate this special day again… and eat this cake once more! Here’s to forever to go, my love. 🥹
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Also, real talk, shoutout to our most incredible baker, Auberly, the owner of in Pittsburgh. The quality and presentation of her baked goods is unmatched! 🤌🏻
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Just another “I saw it on TikTok and didn’t feel like digging through a recipe” meal 🤭 Never be afraid to improvise or get creative in the kitchen— That’s the fun of cooking! 👩🏼‍🍳 Now, I’ll save you some time and tell you how I made this!:

Grab a deep pan or Dutch oven with a lid and olive oil that baby up (about 2 tablespoons). Then, throw some minced garlic in the pan once the oil is hot and let is simmer ~2-3 mins on medium heat. Next, you’re going to take ~1.25 quarts of cherry/burst tomatoes and stir them around the olive oil/garlic mixture until they’re coated for simmering. Top that mixture with a dash of salt and pepper. Keep simmering on medium for about 5 minutes. Then, put the lid on the pan and move the heat to low. Simmer for about 15 more minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the tomatoes to quite literally burst. At this point, I started prepping my (saltier than the ocean) gnocchi water and cooked them per instructions on the package (1 pack of dry store-bought gnocchi). Once the tomatoes started to split, I smushed them with a mixing spoon and eventually it turns into a bit of a watery paste. I seasoned this with red pepper flakes, more S&P, and a little bit of basil. Once ~95% of the tomatoes were burst into the paste, I slowly stirred in ~1/4 cup of half and half and move down to medium low heat. You can improvise to your liking of creaminess! Next, take a lil dash (just under ~1/4 cup) of water from your gnocchi pot and add it to the tomato mixture simmering for about 2 minutes, then dump the gnocchi in as well. Mix and let simmer on low with the lid off so everything can thicken up a bit. In a separate pan, tear up some pieces of prosciutto and fry until they’re crispy (2-3 minutes). Dish the gnocchi into a pasta bowl, top with prosciutto and throw some mini mozzarella balls in there. Lastly, garnish with parsley!

Still thinking about the crunchy spicy tuna roll at Grand Wailea’s Botero Lounge from our first stop in Maui. 🍣
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This past weekend, the Koch’s officially welcomed me into their family and I couldn’t feel more blessed. ❤️ These photos are from my wedding shower back in July, and I will never forget my mother-in-law saying “a family that cooks together, stays together.” Here’s to many more moments in the kitchen with the Koch’s! 👩🏼‍🍳
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What’s better than Sunday brunch with a friend? Today, my friend Miranda and I, ventured up to my old neighborhood, the Upper West Side. It was great to be back in the area to explore . Of course we made a trip to on Amsterdam Avenue. When I tell you this place covers all the bases I mean it! While they have fantastic cocktails and coffee, I opted for a fresh squeezed grapefruit juice. 🍊Featured here is one of their recent specials, the strawberry rhubarb French roast with mascarpone. Guys— this was DELICIOUS. 🍓 Normally, I am a dedicated lemon ricotta pancakes fan, but I am so glad I mixed it up today. 😋 In addition, I got my usual side of chicken sausage that comes on a bed of apple jam. In fact, if there is one thing to know about Sarabeth’s it’s that her preservatives are soooooo good. A few words to describe them would be: perfectly sweet, the right amount of tart and smooth. I am not typically a jam or jelly person, but she’s changed my mind! This isn’t your store bought kind, that’s for sure! 🍇 Next time you’re in New York, check out one of Sarabeth’s locations convenient to all parts of Manhattan!
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Today’s dinner is chicken Romano meatballs (recipe designed by ) over buttered garlic noodles with a side of sautéed kale and onions. 😋 These meatballs are absolute fire 🔥 I added a little more seasoning and breadcrumbs than called for because last time I made something with ground chicken, it was too plain. Additionally, the panko breadcrumbs are not pre-seasoned. Something to keep in mind if you use them, but I love that I can make my own flavors with them!Bedsides, always says “season, season, season.” 🍝
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Craving another pasta & wine night at Uva 🍝 Thinking about their Gnocchi di Ricotta in the creamy truffle and chive sauce makes my mouth water 🤤 Their meatballs and wine options are also fantastic. 🍷 Take a trip to this Upper East Side favorite next time you’re in the neighborhood!

Tonight for dinner, Ryan and I made butter and garlic ramen from the Super Simple cookbook! 🍜 We topped it with the Sesame Teriyaki Skirt Steak from 🥩 This was my first time making ✨fancy ramen✨ and I cannot wait to make it again!
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BBQ Roasted Duck with Wide Rice Noodle & Nueske’s Bacon and Egg Fried Rice
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Talk about Chinese comfort food 🤤 has 2 locations in — One on the and of 🗽The restaurant brings a clean, fresh approach to modern Chinese food, from their dim sum to appetizers and entrees. Check out Red Farm next time you have a craving! ✨
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One of my favorite things about a New York City Christmas is Bryant Park’s winter village. While it is closed for the season, ice skating is still available through March 6th! ⛸ Thankfully, I was able to try SeaPark’s infamous Korean corndog back in December. Nothing like a hot, battered dog on a cold, winter night! I am curious to try more Korean corn dogs in the near future. Some people are really put off by the menu item, but I love them! 🌭
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Squid ink noodles with shiitake mushrooms, garlic, chili & soy butter • Shiitake & shepherd’s purse dumpling with shallot sauce, fragrant chili dressing
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My mouth is watering thinking back to the banquet menu at Chinese Tuxedo. The flavors were like none other, and the way they were paired was unique. Not only was the food fun to explore, but the drinks were just as delicious. 😋 It’s worth noting that Chinese Tuxedo has an ambience like none other. In fact, the restaurant is located in an old opera house in the heart of New York’s Chinatown. Doyers street, where the restaurant is located, is nicknamed The Bloody Angle 😳 It is formerly known as one of the bloodiest streets in American history due to past gang violence during Manhattan’s earlier years. I recommend reading about this part of town, as the stories are very fascinating and there is a lot of information online. Check out Chinese Tuxedo and take a walk back into history on your next trip to Chinatown! 🍜
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We spent our New Year’s Eve at this pleasant surprise in Troy Hill, a neighborhood just north of downtown Pittsburgh! 😍 five course menu and wine pairing was a delicious way to ring in 2022, and the atmosphere was welcoming and cozy. Troy Hill is an important part of my fiancé’s family history, as they owned an auto body shop in the neighborhood years ago. Needless to say, we were all happy to see a new restaurant brining business to the area! Be sure to check out Scratch & Co., you won’t be disappointed! 😋
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The last breakfast of 2021 was spent at Oakmont’s 😋 I was blessed to be able to enjoy the delicious Short Rib Hash in the company of two of my best girlfriends. The meat was tender and full of flavor as it’s braised in red wine. The bed of potatoes was also savory with the Italian béarnaise sauce, which reminding me a bit of hollandaise but lighter. Of course breakfast was accompanied by mimosas and cappuccinos for all as well! ☕️ Check out The Lot’s cozy, heated patio this winter. 🔥
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Nothing like eating ricotta pancakes in the California sun! ☀️ These fluffy, lemon pancakes are my favorite— I order them a t chance I get. The berry compote was a tasty added touch. Thank you for a great morning, Santa Monica! 🥞
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When your friend asks if you want to go to Emmy Squared for lunch you say “absolutely!” As a major Emily fan, I cannot wait to see what their sister restaurant has in store. Pictured here is my favorite pizza in the city. And yes, it’s a Detroit style vodka pie! 🤪
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Dreaming of Pierozek pierogi and golabki on this chilly fall evening. 😌 Check this place out next time you’re in Greenpoint, or simply in need of Polish comfort food! 🇵🇱
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Fall is upon us so I welcomed her with my favorite Dutch Oven dish, braised short ribs. This recipe is inspired by from a TikTok she posted last winter. I’ve made some modifications, but damn is it good! 🥩🥔
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Pumpkin Stuffed French Toast at The Blue Dog 🎃🍂
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Visited my favorite burger in the city this past weekend! Emily never disappoints. From the homemade pretzel bun, to the double stack meat patties and gochujang sauce, the Stack Burger is where it’s at. 🍔 Check it out next time you’re in the 😋
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My favorite French onion soup turned entree 🤤 Today’s dinner was a test of patience between caramelizing onions to adding broth to my risotto. Yet, it was all so worth it. 🧅 Here we have caramelized onion risotto (Fine Cooking Recipe) topped with French onion chicken (Delish Recipe). I made two modifications to the risotto by using vegetable broth and an additional half cup of wine. For the chicken, I whisked some Dijon mustard into the hot broth and kept my chicken breasts whole. I can’t wait to welcome more cool weather recipes as the seasons change! 😋
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Can’t stop thinking about these pillowy gnocchi on a bed of fresh pesto from Laconda Verde 😋 everything about this place was delicious, from the drinks, apps, mains and desserts.🍝 Give this place a try next time you’re in TriBeCa!
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The tapas at Boqueria brought me back to Spain— A place I miss so dearly! Be sure to check this place out next time you’re hopping around Soho and order as much as your heart desires. 😋
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Tonight, we discovered the dough-nado. 😱 If the bowl doesn’t have a cookie dough bottom, I don’t want it. ☝🏼 I’ve been dying to try Ralph’s for the longest time, so a “feels like 97” degree day felt like the perfect opportunity. ☀️ Also, shoutout to my amazing fiancé, Ryan. Both our days called for a long walk together and I’m thankful for it. 🥰
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Found a new go-to Mexican joint and I’m NOT mad about it 🇲🇽 The food and drinks at El Parador Cafe on East 34th were to die for 🤤 Featured here, we have the Mole Pollo Poblano. Did you know that mole, a traditional Mexican sauce, is actually made with chocolate? 🍫 Sounds odd, but trust me on this! The coco flavor is typically combined with chiles, tomatoes, fruits and spices which work together to create an incredible sauce. Give it a try next time you see it on a menu!
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Summer squash and sausage tagliatelle at Eatly Flatiron’s SERRA by Birreria 😋 So flavorful and delicious! Check out their beautiful summer rooftop and menu before the season ends! 🌞
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Life tip: always pick from the list of specials. 👏🏻 Tortellone de Nico 😋
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This weekend, I had the pleasure of experiencing menu, and it was simply ~divine~ 🤌🏻 I opted for the Roasted Scallops & Shrimp, which was perfectly cooked and beautifully flavored. 😋 My favorite part of experiences like this is the fact that you get a taste of everything in a sense. I cannot wait to return, as all the courses were delicious!
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Crispy Skin Smoked Chicken with Garlic 🍗
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We took a trip to Geneva’s to see my long-time bestie Kristen and her boyfriend, Paul! The food and wine were great— we split a bottle of their award winning Riesling and I had the gnocchi brue to eat. The dish has tender chunks of filet mignon simmered in merlot wine demi-glace with mushrooms and onions. Served on pillowy potato gnocchi, sprinkled with gorgonzola cheese. 🍷
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These barbacoa breakfast tacos at .watch in Pittsburgh we’re something else. 😍 Be sure to check out your location’s specials so you don’t miss an opportunity to try something as yummy as these! 🌮
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Family dinner presented by me and my assembly line of family members! We made lasagna rollups from and they were so delicious! Nothing better than a tropical storm to get us bunkered down and making a dish with more manual labor that goes into rolling these babies up. 😋 Lasagna always feels a little intimidating to me, but these require very few steps so don’t shy away! 🍝
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Last week our lovely, vegetarian friend visited us in New York City. Naturally, I had to find a delicious vegetarian/vegan place for us to explore. We ventured to on the Upper East Side and the food was flavorful and filling. I ordered the Spicy Chili Sin Carne, which was hearty, yet lighter than your traditional chili. Check out their multiple locations around Manhattan! 🌱
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I made One-Pot Sausage, Greens and Beans Pasta for dinner recently and it was so hearty and comforting. Instead of Swiss chard, I used baby kale since that was all I could find at Whole Foods at the time. Otherwise, you can find this recipe on page 196 of . Check it out! 😋
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Sweet corn fritters at Ruby’s Cafe in Manhattan’s East Village 🌽
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Guess what? Now we get to be bagel buddies forever. 🤗 In all seriousness, feels like a huge part of our story. We discovered their UWS location shortly after moving to New York City and they’re the most ~divine~ bagels in the world. 😋 Seriously, our out of town family and friends crave them! This is our go-to stop under any circumstance… even having them delivered (because it’s free through ) to our doorstep when we’re brutally hungover. The untoasted everything with cream cheese (for me) and BEC on a plain toasted bagel (for him) will never get old. 🥯
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Alambre at Rancho Tequileria on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York. 🥩
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A rainy Sunday morning has me craving a sweet, comforting brunch. This Brioche French Toast from is built with fresh strawberries, the most divine, homemade vanilla whipped cream and candied almonds.🍓 Reserve this iconic landmark for your next brunch outing! ✨
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