Make the whole damn recipe and you’ve got some outstanding leftovers for lunch the next day. The pasta solves so many of the problems that plague daily life! Read more

I like the umami bump, but it’s by no means crucial to the dish. You can leave it out, or add maybe a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce instead. Just make sure to taste for seasoning before serving, since miso also adds salt to the dish. Read more

I’d take snow crab over king, but I’m right there with you! Read more

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Read more

As evidenced by my son and all his friends, their daily caloric intake has doubled, and they’ve all grown about 6-inches while we’ve been quarantined. It’s been one hell of a year over here! Read more

Do you feel it’s worth it? I missed my 40th birthday last year thanks to the stupid pandemic, and I feel like I should have done something special for myself. Maybe a fancy jacket is just the thing.  Read more

It is so pretty that I don’t want to throw mine out. It seems too nice to be tossed into a recycling bin.  Read more

It’s nice to have a drink that forces you to “set a mood.”  Read more

I love making my readers cry! Read more

This has happened to me more times than you can imagine!  Read more

I feel exactly the same way about the price, which is why I started this column. I love that there’s FINALLY a boom in non-alcoholic drinks, but I didn’t want to drop lots of money on things that would ultimately disappoint me. I only feature drinks I think are worth the money, and try my best to paint an accurate… Read more

If you’ve ever seen Goodfellas, same neighborhood. If I remember correctly, the Imperial was a sister banquet hall to the Oriental a few blocks down, which is where Henry and Lorraine got married. My life could have gone in a very different direction.  Read more

Have not! Sadly, I no longer live anywhere close to a White Castle. It’s heartbreaking.  Read more

You are so sweet! Thank you for the very kind note. Everyone at The Takeout is my favorite—we’ve all got different strengths, and I learn a lot from my colleagues. I am insanely lucky to have the four best teammates in the whole damn game. I hope you’re feeling well, and I’ll keep you in my healing thoughts! Read more

This is almost exactly we did for my other son’s 12th birthday last year. We do the best with what we’ve got! Read more

This is nearly identical to my feast, which swaps the baked potatoes for pommes Anna, and the green beans for roasted mushrooms and garlic. I just had a great key lime pie recipe published you should check out — I tested a lot of pies, and am confident you’ll love it: Read more

It’s funny cuz it’s true! Read more

I grew up in Brooklyn and my birthday is August 1st, so it’s not my birthday without a Carvel cake. I’m partial to Cookie Puss, myself.  Read more

I hoped for the same thing, but I am legitimately shocked by how many people in my own social circle are refusing to get the vaccine. I was hoping that position was going to stay relegated to the fringes, but nope. It’ll be nice to get back to some sort of “normal,” but masks aren’t going anywhere for a long while. I… Read more

I leave it wrapped on the counter overnight, and eat the rest for breakfast the next morning, straight from the pan.  Read more