About Seduction Meals

Seduction Meals is about food + romance and the premise that everyone should learn to master one dish that is their signature dish—a Seduction Meal, to enchant and captivate that special someone in your life...

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May 2011
Sunday May 29, 2011
We all know Park City is one of the premier ski destinations, but it's also gorgeous in the summer and not to be missed. The city has been known as the main host city of the Sundance Film Festival, but it has also become a hot spot for the rich and famous. And recently, a dazzling new star has arrived on Main Street:

SILVER Restaurant
508 Main St, Park City, Utah

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The food focuses on fresh and local ingredients, accompanied by original cocktails and a very long wine list. The elegant, luxurious space, designed by the world-renowned Rockwell group, was host to several glamorous celebrity parties during Sundance.

We were lucky enough to speak to Silver's co-owner and owner of Vida Tequila, Lisa Barlow.

What was the inspiration behind starting SILVER - and how is it going?  


The inspiration is timeless, comfortable luxury.  We wanted to bring something new and fresh to a town that is quickly becoming the "Hamptons of the West".  Things are going very well. We had a star studded opening and continue to maintain the integrity of SILVER.

Check out this slide show:

(Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer)

Tell us what is was like to work with the one and only - David Rockwell (we are huge fans). Did you have a definitive idea for the Silver Brand and interior design or did you just "unleash" the brilliance of the Rockwell Group?

I knew we wanted cobalt blue, chain mail and lots of sheers. I love banquettes and think that all of these elements are timeless.  I looked through the Rockwell website and brought in my inspiration and ideas from other properties in Prague, Berlin and NYC.  We worked  with David Mexico - he is a genius. Within ten days of our first meeting, we were back in NYC going over three distinct renderings for the space. He took all of our favorite things and inspiration pieces and combined them in one space. He is pure genius.

The photos of your dishes are truly seductive. What is your signature dish?

I love the butternut leaf salad, the meatballs and love, LOVE the short ribs!

What music is playing on a typical night at Silver?

I love our music. Depending on our featured DJ, we have lots of alternative music,  hits from the 80's - some Madonna, Erasure, Aero Smith, Def Leppard, Michael Jackson- really fun music that makes you want to hang out, cocktail and dance with friends.

Your restaurant has really taken off - hosting parties for the Sundance Festival and its been reported to be popular amongst the celebrity scene. What are your future plans for the restaurant? 

Lots! Great programming that keeps SILVER fresh and current, continually raising the bar for Sundance, which is an international tastemaker, industry event in our city. I think it's important to maintain your vision with constant updates and change. The goal is to keep bringing something new to the very chic and cool Park City, a host of so many of the worlds most unique, interesting and successful people.

Would you care to share which celebrities have been to your restaurant so far?
 

James Franco, Kate Bosworth, Vera Ferminga, Greg Kinnear, Katie Holmes, Channing Tatum and Demi Moore, Penn Bagley, Ashton Kutcher, to name a few.

silver_demi.jpgAs an entrepreneur, wife, mom and now restaurant owner - when planning a romantic evening, do you prefer to cook at home or eat out?  

We eat out or I am happy to let my husband cook - he is amazing!

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Lisa Barlow, co-owner of Silver

And for our readers, can you tell us what is YOUR Seduction Meal? What would you whip up for your husband if you had the time and were to create a special night at home?
 
Good question! I'll go with my signature: I would do a great spinach salad, followed by stuffed shells, or a  good cut of filet - and homemade ice cream served with fresh creme and berries and VIDA TEQUILA cocktails of course :)

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Thursday May 26, 2011
Often times when buying strawberry rhubarb pie I am overwhelmed by the sweetness and how much sugar is used; which is a shame as it drowns out the subtle flavors of this delicious dessert. To make life easier I bought an Oronoque Orchards Flaky, Homestyle Pie Crust. I grow my own rhubarb and bought strawberries at the farmers market. OK, so now for a little magic in the kitchen, but honestly, this is a super easy summer treat, and you save some calories by excluding the top crust because we all know the calories are in the crust.

rhubarb_strawberry_pie.jpgStrawberry Rhubarb Pie

Ingredients:
  • 1 1/4 cups of sugar
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 3 cups of rhubarb, sliced in 1/2 inch pieces
  • 2 pints of strawberries, cut in half
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons of sweet butter
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, mix sugar, cinnamon and cornstarch
  3. Mix in lemon juice
  4. Stir in rhubarb and strawberries and spoon into crust-lined pie plate. Dot with butter.
  5. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 more minutes.
  6. Cool at least 1 hours before serving.
  7. Serve plain or with home-made whipped cream

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Monday May 23, 2011
By Kate Collinson

So you've met someone but you're not convinced they're special enough to take out to a full-on dinner date quite yet? Take them for coffee! Sharing a coffee is the classic date-non-date. It's like dipping your toes in the water before you jump in. If things aren't going so well, coffee can be short and sweet. If you're getting along like a house on fire, you can relax over several cups, or propose a walk or a meal after wards (and don't worry, we've got that covered - see neighborhood restaurant suggestions below).

When it comes to the place, however, choose wisely. Choosing a cafe with top-notch coffee might also earn you some brownie points as a coffee connoisseur. And above all, avoid the generic like Starbucks. Try a few of our favorite coffee dates spots...

For the coffee snob...

La Colombe Torrefaction
319 Church St (between Lispenard and Walker Sts), TriBeCa - several other locations

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Almost like an anti-chain coffee chain, these people are coffee purists - there's no menu, just walk up and order what you want. What you'll receive is the perfect, strong coffee fresh from the espresso machine. Unlike other locations, the TriBeCa location has ample seating with big, airy windows.

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Later: Share some small plates at Stuzzicheria (Italian).

For locally roasted beans...
71 Irving Place Coffee and Tea Bar
71 Irving Place (between 18th and 19th Sts), Gramercy

Screen shot 2011-04-27 at 12.24.14 PM.pngMove away from the hustle and bustle of Union Square to this inviting cafe tucked inside an historic Gramercy Park brownstone. The house beans are roasted on a farm in the Hudson Valley to make a delicious espresso. The perfect spot for the footprint-conscious and those who want to support local business.

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Later: Travel to Spain at nearby Bar Jamon (Tapas).


For a sunny day...
Ninth St Espresso
700 East 9th St (between Ave C and D), East Village

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While the Chelsea Market and 10th St locations of this great coffee company lack plentiful seating, the original 9th St location features seating inside and a quaint outdoor seating area at the front, perfect for lazing about on a sunny day. 

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Later: Take a stroll through Tompkins Square Park and share some pommes frites and beers at The Belgian Room (Belgian).


For the diamond in the midtown rough...
Culture Espresso Bar
72 W 38th St (between 5th Ave & Avenue Of The Americas), Midtown

Quirky wallpaper, chandeliers and great espresso - how can you go wrong? Have your cup inside or get takeout and take a stroll over to nearby Bryant Park.

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Later: Have a meal under an umbrella at Bryant Park and Grill (American).



For the sweet tooth...
Bis.Co.Latte
667 10th Ave 
(between 46th St and 47th St), Hell's Kitchen

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A quaint and cosy spot. Order a coffee (made from illy beans) and one of the 25 flavors of biscotti - including white chocolate lavender, sambuca and orange blossom. A coffee date with a twist!

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Later: Have a light dinner at Kyotofu (Japanese).

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Sunday May 08, 2011
If you love high-quality food and drink, want to taste and experience the best of Italy, and believe that food unites us all--then EATALY is the place for you.

eataly_cheese_salumi2.jpgI knew the minute I stepped foot in this place I would need a few hours to devour every nook and cranny - not to mention tasting the goods along the way.  Fresh mozzarella, proscuitto, cheese, bread, meats, seafood, olive oil, vinegar, pasta, wine and more---every Italian delicacy you can imagine. And to demonstrate just how good these products are, there are restaurants and tasting stations featuring an array of dishes that will surely please your palette with each bit taken. Stop by for breakfast, lunch or dinner. 

Here is a slideshow of my last journey featuring highlights of Eataly:

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer


eataly_restaurant.jpgThe partners of Eataly include was Oscar Farinetti who created and launched the first Eataly in 2007, a 30,000 square foot store in Turin, Italy. Today there are six locations in Italy, 4 locations in Japan, and one in New York City. He is joined by partners and world renown restaurateurs and chefs, Lydia Bastianich, Mario Batali, Joe Bastianich, and non-profit organization Slow Food, that serves as a consultant to ensure quality products that meet local food production, tradition and standards. Slow Food was also founded in Turin, Italy. 

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Thursday May 05, 2011
By Kate Collinson

Thursday May 5 is the Mexican celebration Cinco de Mayo!  Although it isn't Mexico's Independence Day, it celebrates the Mexican victory against Napoleon in the Battle of Puebla. Today is also a great excuse to eat some great food and imbibe in a margarita or two, all while celebrating freedom and liberty. On this day you are either the type that revels in celebrating with large crowds, or perhaps you are more of a romantic and want a nice intimate toast for two.

portobello_mushroom_tacos-thumb-480x370.jpgSurprisingly, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated by more people in the US than in Mexico - mainly Mexican descendants. Celebrations range from food to parades, music and dancing.  We can't provide the last three, but as for the food, we've got it covered.



If you'd rather stay in with friends or a partner - try your hand at our suggeste  menu!

Cinco De Mayo Menu

FOR DRINKS...

The Traditional Margarita

La Poire Pear

Gourmet Vida

Sparkling Dutch Red Sangria

Mercadito's Cucumber Margarita and Red Sangria


FOR STARTERS OR SIDES.... 

Mexican Crab Stuffed Jalapenos

George's Guacamole and Spicy Salsa

Mexican Corn on the Cob


FOR ENTREES....

Portobello Mushroom Tacos + Guacamole

Pumpkin Seed Crusted Salmon

Chicken Quesadilla with Goat Cheese and Quacamole

Crab Stuffed Poblano Pepper with Walnut Sauce


AND FOR DESSERT...

Mexican Chocolate Pots de Creme

Banana Quesadilla

Fried Cinnamon Ice Cream with Chipotle Chocolate Sauce

Peach empanadas with vanilla ice cream and mint


FOR BREAKFAST IN BED...should you be so lucky!

Mexican Frittata

Muy bueno!

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Tuesday May 03, 2011
A Lobster Threesome: Three different lobster salads that can be served New England style with slightly toasted hot dog buns, or placed over a plate of mixed greens tossed in a light dressing. I bought pre-cooked lobster and crab meat from The Lobster Place at Chelsea Market and set about to create three unique salads based on the ingredients I had at home. Each variation is simple to make and can be done as one salad or you can prepare all three to enjoy this lobster love fest.

  1. Lobster salad with Curry Aioli  (Top left)
  2. Asian Lobster + Crab Salad (Center)
  3. Tarragon Lobster & Celery with Mayonnaise (Bottom Left)

lobster_three_ways.jpgMy favorite one - hands down was the simplicity and taste of the Tarragon Lobster Salad. Which is yours?

LOBSTER SALAD THREESOME:

Curry Lobster Salad
Ingredients
Directions: Mix all ingredients together. Place in a 1-Cup Measuring cup and press down with a spoon on all sides and center. Flip upside down and slap bottom of measuring cup to release the lobster salad.

Asian Lobster + Crab Salad
  • 1/2 cup of lobster meat
  • 1/2 cup of crab meat
  • 1/4 cup of Makoto Ginger Dressing
  • 1/2 avocado diced
  • 1 Tablespoon finely diced fresh dill
Directions: Mix all ingredients together. Place in a 1-Cup Measuring cup and press down with a spoon on all sides and center. Flip upside down and slap bottom of measuring cup to release the lobster salad

Tarragon Lobster Salad
  • 1 cup of lobster meat
  • 1 Tablespoon of Lite Mayonnaise
  • 1 Tablespoon finely diced fresh Tarragon
Directions: Mix all ingredients together. Place in a 1-Cup Measuring cup and press down with a spoon on all sides and center. Flip upside down and slap bottom of measuring cup to release the lobster salad

Serve with a salad or your favorite bread: hot dog rolls (Lobster Rolls New England Style), Corn Chips or Baguette -- and a bottle of white wine. 

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Sunday May 01, 2011
For those that LOVE Bacon, you can never get enough. Here is a dish that my sister brought to a dinner for a starter: bacon wrapped pineapple. All you need is a package of bacon, a can or two of pineapple chunks and toothpicks.  Lay the bacon flat on a cutting board. Cut into thirds. Place a piece of pineapple on the end and roll the bacon around the pineapple. Secure with a toothpick. Place on a cookie sheet or broiler pan and broil for 5-7 minutes to nicely brown the bacon. Its as easy as that!

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