Freedom Museum

My travel entries usually focus on exotic international destinations but this one is on a little piece of middle America called Cincinnati which has stuff to offer for a small city. Especially in these hard times as we look for travel on a budget.
The foodie in me came to check out the annual Taste of Cincinnati festival and an amazing international amusement park for foodies called Jungle Jims.
However I was pleasantly surprised to find so much important American history here as a major stop along the Underground Railroad and the home of many abolitionists including Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author of Uncle Toms Cabin. In fact her house you can see as it has been restored by the Ohio Historical Society.
The most important sight not to miss is the Feedom Museum - tribute to all who have fought for freedom - Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Sojourner Truth, Gandhi and so much more. You learn the amazing stories of everyday runaway slaves and what they endured for freedom. An actual slave pen is there still with chains and when you realize people were held there like animals its a very powerful experience. A peaceful end to the visit is the eternal flame in dedication to all those who have fought for freedom. Its a great piece of history for a quick educational trip with the kids. For your next domestic vacation consider Cincinnati - it'll be a lot more interesting than you probably thought!!




Chef Mireille
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Ode to Hediard

Last year, when I visited the original culinary city of Paris, I visited Hediard. Hediard is an amusement park for foodies. So many departments and so much variety in one place - I could have spent hours in there and I brought back a few goodies I have yet to use - like Rose Petal Honey, Chestnut Cream and Mango Vinegar. I've already used the currant syrup, pepper blends and the tea (blend of Sencha and Earl Grey)

Everything from teas to spices to produce to condiments from all over the world is found at Hediard. The photo here is what greeted me as soon as I walked in the door. Rambutan, dragonfruit (not your typical fare in Paris in January) and so much more. I cannot put into words my experience at Hediard. I was with a group of about 4 other foodies and every minute one of us was saying "WOW" to show eachother another unique product we had never encountered before - our group of NYC chefs and foodies.

For those of you who are lucky enough to live in Massachusetts, there is a Hediard in Worcester. Although I have not been to this location myself, if the rest of you are ever visiting Massachusetts, I am sure it will be worth the trip.

So I think it is time to use my honey and vinegar and I have a great fusion recipe idea in my head for my Cornish Hens I defrosted last night.

Look out for the recipe and photos later in the week!!



Chef Mireille
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The best Thai in NY

To get the most authentic Thai food in New York, Manhattanites are going to have to cross the bridge into Queens to reach Sripaphai. Here you will not get the muted flavors and spices apparent in so many Manhattan restaurants that are catering to bland, American palates.

Here the food is cooked for Thai's with spices and heat that leap into your mouth with every bite. More than Pad Thai, Green Chicken Curry and Basil Chicken, you are greeted with a 27 page binder that is your menu and this does not include the 2 page Vegetarian section in the back. With such a large selection, it would take a year of weekly visits to try everything on the menu, but everything we had was delicious - authentic Thai Iced Tea with black tapioca pearls and Coconot juice with slices of fresh young coconut meat.

We started with an appetizer of Roasted Duck Salad (pictured above) with a perfect balance of flavors - the heat of the chilis were muted by the cool refreshing taste of fresh mint and coriander. The sharpness of raw red onions were muted by green papaya and cucumbers. Next was an entree of flat noodes with chili, Thai Basil and any meat of your choice, for the same price (my choice was Shrimp). For a spicy dish like this, you can request it to be made mild. Again, a perfect balance of flavors and absolutely delicious. An incomparable seafood stew finished the impeccable culinary adventure to Bangkok!!

Too full to consider the refrigerator full of unique desserts as we entered, the desserts will have to wait until next time (and there certainly will be a next time). I haven't been here in a few years and the renovation makes it a wonderful place to enjoy dinner in the summertime with a back courtyard, complete with fountain.

OH and you can't beat the price - $37 for 2 people - 2 entrees, 2 specialty beverages and 1 appetizer (some food was taken home in a doggie bag also)!!!

If you want to try some delicious, authentic Thai food, hop on the 7 train and 30 minutes later you will be perusing over the expansive binder menu, ready to get your taste buds in gear!!!



Chef Mireille
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Taste of Cincinnati

Its been about 6 weeks since my last blog post - Hope everyone is enjoying Spring with all the cherry blossoms in bloom!!

Summer is just around the corner and the perfect time to take part in the many local and international culinary festivals that occur in the season.

To start off the season, I will be attending the oldest culinary arts festival in the country - so join me in the Cincinnati slogan and Let The Spirit Move You to spend your Memorial Day Weekend tasting your way through the culinary treats of this city.

Memorial Day is coming around and a wonderful way to celebrate the long holiday weekend is to take part in the oldest running culinary arts festival in the country - Taste of Cincinnati
3 days of food tastings from some of the best resturants in Cincinnati plus non stop music.

Cincinnati runs very close to the Kentucky border. It's about an 11 hour drive or a 2 hour plane ride from NYC (direct flights from Newark only). Spend Memorial Day in the middle of the American heartland. Use your favorite travel search engine and get an airfare and hotel package for about $470 per person. The best hotel with the best rate is the Hyatt Regency which is very convenient to the festival.

Lets bring a little NYC (or wherever you are from) to the festival this year and bring some added culture to Cincinnati.

When I return I will be posting photos and a recap!!


Chef Mireille
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