reunion d'amore

I recently met up with my besties from my year abroad in Philadelphia. We had a long overdue weekend together, full of girly bonding (read: mani/pedis and reading aloud from Cosmopolitan magazine - I kid you not), delicious food (of course there are pictures, do you even have to ask?) and lots and lots of vino.

I promise, I have more important things coming. But just to tie you over:

The image of Italian-Americans, glorified by the cast of Jersey Shore once again.

scusa

I know it's been a while, but I have an excuse: I got a job! Teaching, again, but doing perhaps the polar opposite of what I was doing in Italy. This time, I'm teaching pre-school. And since I'm in no way accustomed to a real work schedule, I've been absolutely exhausted. But things are looking up! Fall is arriving, which promises delicious new dishes (butternut squash gnocchi, anyone?) and pretty pictures of Brooklyn (and hopefully other places).

And I am no longer a hostess extraordinaire, so I can spend my weekends doing weekendy things, like shopping at the farmer's market and buying fresh vegetables (like these watermelon radishes) and baking (these peanut butter sandwich cookies, for example). Yes, things are definitely looking up.

The Castello Plan

Ditmas Park is one of those neighborhoods in Brooklyn that to me, defines what makes Brooklyn so special. It doesn't cater to a specific demographic (i.e. the mommy-and-me crowd of Park Slope, or the yuppie crowd of Williamsburg); there are some wonderful, independently owned shops and restaurants which perfectly complement the strong presence of original corner delis and old businesses. Don't get me wrong - I am a proud resident of Park Slope, and I frequent Williamsburg quite regularly. I am not a hypocrite. I just happen to be in love with this neighborhood (did I mention the Victorian houses that look like something straight out of New England?)

I am even more thoroughly convinced that this is where I want to be after having one of the most memorable meals of my life at The Castello Plan, a wine bar that also serves exceptional food, tapas style. For you cheese-lovers, they have happy hour pairings of wine and cheese for $10, and a very conscious selection of cheeses (so I'm told). They boast an extensive and very affordable wine list which is mostly dominated by French wines, but their other selections are top-notch. Last (but never least), the food is amazing. Don't believe me? I have pictures!


the wine list, appealing even before you read the selection





shaved cabbage salad with pickled carrots and sesame oil

cucumber salad with fresh dill



crostini (truffled yam, stewed mushrooms) and salumi (finocchietta, caccaitorini, coppa)