Domino's Pizza

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld confesses that she rarely uses the kitchen in her apartment but keeps Domino's Pizza virtually on speed dial on her phone. As Julia sheepishly admits, "I'm very embarrassed but I like the thin-crust pizza. It's like, there's this amazing Italian restaurant called Don Giovanni on 10th Avenue, but I prefer Domino's." I understand her obsession, I have a pizza from Domino's on the way right now along with the warm chocolate lava cake. Yes, delivered to your doorstep! You can also monitor the progress of your pizza using their virtual order tracker, c'est amusant. I agree with Mademoiselle Restoin-Roitfeld, have Domino's deliver you the perfect pizza. Et n'oubliez pas les gâteaux au chocolat... chaud...

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld image courtesy of Mango, enhanced by Kellina de Boer.
Chocolate lava cake image © 2010 Domino's Pizza. All Rights Reserved.

Lychee Martini

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld declares that her absolute favorite food combination is the sea bass enhanced with a lychee martini at Indochine in the East Village, this is what she always orders when dining there. If you are in the mood for an exotic treat, try the refreshing lychee martini which is inspired by flavors of Asian influence. Lychee trees grow natively in southeast Asia and the fruit bears a slight citrus flavor with floral tones that makes for a delightful drink. Below is a recipe to mix your own lychee martini.

Ingredients

• 3 ounces vodka
• 1 ounce lychee syrup
• 1 ounce Triple Sec
• 4 ice cubes
• 1 or 2 lychees, peeled and pitted

Preparation

1. Add 3 ounces vodka, 1 ounce lychee syrup, 1 ounce Triple Sec, and 4 ice cubes to shaker.
2. Cover and shake.
3. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
4. Garnish with peeled lychees and serve.

Here are a few tips to help you achieve the perfect lychee martini... The quality of the lychee flavor determines the authentic taste of the martini and colors the drink experience. Natural lychee syrup from fresh fruit imparts the best flavor as purists say that lychee liquor can leave a processed taste behind. If fresh lychees are not in season, use lychee juice as a substitute. Garnish with fresh peeled and seeded lychees on a skewer. If you cannot find fresh fruit, frozen or canned lychees will work instead. Dip the rim of the martini glass into crystallized ginger before you pour your drink from the shaker, this unusual mixture lends a distinct oriental zing to the cocktail. If you do not like vodka or prefer a different taste, try soju, sake, or champagne for a twist. Visit lycheesonline.com for more fun lychee recipes.

Lychee martini photograph courtesy of Conexión Brando.

Soba-Ya

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld acted as roving reporter for Dazed & Confused last year during Fashion Week in New York and she included the photo below of her meal at Soba-Ya. As Julia herself said, "At Soba-Ya in the East Village. Feeling almost guilty giving out the address as I don't want to spoil it but definitely worth trying!" Located at 229 East 9th Street, they focus on the Japanese delight known as "soba," thin brown noodles made from a mixture of buckwheat flour and wheat flour. They differ from udon noodles because udon is made from only wheat flour. Sometimes traditional soba dishes will be served cold. The broth is made from soy sauce, sweet sake, seaweed, dry fish flakes, and sugar. Making soba is a difficult technique to master but it sounds as if the chefs at Soba-Ya have it well under control. Stop by if you are in the New York area, maybe Julia will be at the next table...

Exterior photo of Soba-Ya courtesy of cheapassfood.com
Soba-Ya photograph by Julia Restoin-Roitfeld © 2009 Waddell Limited

Il Buco

Julia Restoin-Roitfeld first encountered her boyfriend Robert Konjic in an Italian restaurant called Il Buco in New York's East Village. As Julia recalls: “We met at a dinner party, I went there with my brother Vladimir. I liked him instantly but he was with another girl. Later on we met at a New Year’s Eve party in Mexico, and we felt instantly that there was something between us." I believe they were at the Proenza Schouler party and if so, Julia is pictured here wearing her outfit from that memorable evening.

Il Buco is at 47 Bond Street between Bowery and Lafayette Streets and is owned by Donna Lennard and Alberto Avalle. Legend has it that Il Buco's wine cellar inspired frequent patron Edgar Allan Poe to pen his classic short story "The Cask of Amontillado." Almost 200 years old, the cellar's brick walls are lined from floor to ceiling with wine and lighted by candles in cast iron sconces; the chandeliers are designed by Warren Muller from recycled and salvaged objects. Dinner among the private alcoves of the cellar is enchanting, the perfect escape from the bustle of the city. Just be sure to make a reservation as the entrées that change nightly are a constant draw.

Il Buco images courtesy of ilbuco.com
Julia Restoin-Roitfeld image courtesy of fashionfirstlunchlater.blogspot.com

Update on dimanche 31 janvier 2010 by kellina

The Selby ceaselessly amazes me wth his insider status: view his adventures shopping for produce with the chef from Il Buco, Ignacio Mattos; whipping up panna cotta with the pastry chef, Ela Schmidt; or visiting behind the scenes at Il Buco.

Il Buco kitchen photograph © 2009 Todd Selby. All Rights Reserved.

Rice

When asked to name a restaurant that she can't get enough of in New York City, Julia Restoin-Roitfeld's list included "home delivery from Rice!" Looking at their tasty web site, I can see why she used an exclamation mark. Rice offers only ten dishes, but each is more savory than the last and draws on the healthiest recipes of cultures worldwide: baked black beans, vegetarian meatballs, ratatouille, warm lentil stew, thai coconut curry, indian chicken curry, thai beef salad, jerk chicken wings, satay, and vietnamese lemongrass chicken salad. Yum! The first Rice opened in 1995 and now boasts four locations for dining in or takeout in Manhattan and Brooklyn; they also cater. If you are looking for healthy food to be delivered at a reasonable cost in New York, definitely try Rice.

Rice Restaurant image courtesy of riceny.com