Buon appetito!

I had a tasty meal at a place called Bella Vita Brick Oven Pizza and Italian Restaurant in NYC. It is a small place with enormous charm. 

I had the II Classico which had grilled chicken breast, sun-dried tomato, arugula, fresh mozzarella and roasted peppers for only $7.10. Add a glass of wine and you have yourself a pretty good meal.

"Bella Vita, which means "beutiful life" in Italian, gives New Yorkers a chance to taste a truly rustic, Naples-style pizza without leaving Manhattan. A descendent of several generations of Neapolitan pizziolli (pizza makers), Charles Toufos sought to carry on the tradition of his mother's Old World Italian Valvano family recipes by bringing them to the New World." -bellavitanyc.com

Skip the big chain restaurants and try some the food that is true to New York City, you will not regret it. Great wine and unbelievable Italian cuisine.  Check it out if you are in the area. 

Take me to NYC, I want to go back for more! Alla Salute!

What are you listening to?

If you are looking for a new and upcoming local artist...you've found one. 

Check it out at music by Kara Laudon

My favorite summer appetizer....spring rolls!

I love going to my favorite Thai restaurant, sipping on fresh made ginger ale & eating spring rolls with my mom. It's a great time to relax, have a fun conversation & taste some amazing flavors.

Thai Vegetable Spring Rolls

-1 carrot, peeled 
-1 green pepper
-1 red pepper
-1 cucumber
       ** All veggies should be cut into long matchsticks
-Romaine lettuce leaves
-6 ounces Asian rice vermicelli noodles
-Round rice sheets
-Sprigs Thai basil
-Mint

1. Chop all of the veggies & set aside.
2. Boil and drain noodles per package instructions. Cool under water. Set aside.
3.  One at a time, soak rice sheets into warm water to soften. Use a shallow dish. Lay a rice sheet on a towel covered work surface. Working quickly, place some noodles, vegetables, lettuce, & a few Thai basil and mint sprigs on the near side of the rice round. Roll mixture forward (in egg roll fashion) one turn then add additional vegetables.  Tuck ends inward and finish the roll.

Repeat steps 1-3 then serve with your favorite peanut dipping sauce.

Savor these little treats. They're fresh, light & delicious!

It's the simple things

It's one of those "I can't wait until lunchtime days." 

Quick snack to hold me over. Cracked Pepper & Olive Oil Triscuits with a slice of tomato and mozzarella cheese. 

Just delicious!

Nap time...

Mama Mia!

Lately, my favorite thing to eat is PITA PIZZA!

I made this for dinner last night paired with a glass of red wine. Sitting outside in the warm sun with my shoes off & a good meal. I felt like I was in Italy!

Quick & Easy Pita Pizza

1. Take a whole wheat pita

2. Spread some hummus, avocado, pasta sauce, roasted garlic or pesto over the pita

3. Top with your favorite toppings (my favorites are cherry tomatoes from the garden, Greek olives, sliced pepperoncinis, hearts of palm or sauteed zucchini)

4. Cover with cheese (fresh mozzarella, goat or feta)

5. Pop in the microwve for 90 seconds

6. Sprinkle fresh basil over warm pita pizza and you have yourself a delicious meal!

Have fun with it & enjoy! 

XX,

K

To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did...

So true.