CARING FOR YOUR KNIVES

It's that time of year again, when the sharpening service makes it's way around Brooklyn.

SOHO: THE SPOTS

BDDW
The best space on Crosby Street hands down. Tall archways and painted white brick are the perfect backdrop for BDDW's orginal collection and furniture. www.bddw.com


DE VERA
One of the most amazing collections in the city. Our obsession with Filipino santos and antique Spanish rosaries can be traced back to early visits to de Vera. www.deveraobjects.com


DESPANA
Must try their Chorizo Bocadillo and Afuega Cheesecake. Also a great place to pick up some espadrilles. www.despananyc.com


LAFCO
The iron gates lead you to a major selection of Santa Maria Novella products. SMN has the best packaging and the most unexpected gifts, like shaving kits, olive oil and honey. www.lafcony.com

BACKSTAGE

PH ELLE MULIARCHYK, T: THE NEW YORK TIMES STYLE MAGAZINE

WILLIAMSBURG: THE SPOTS

MOON RIVER CHATTEL
We have been going to Moon River Chattel for years. Moon River is modeled after a general store so there's something for everyone. The owner is a craftsman himself and finds great slabs for country style tables and novelty furniture. It's a gentleman's dream for trinkets.
www.moonriverchattel.com


SPUYTEN DUYVIL
The red lacquered door marks the spot. You'll find the best selection of international beers accompanied by your choice of cheese and meats served on our favorite, wood.
www.spuytenduyvilnyc.com


HOLLANDER & LEXER
Hollander & Lexer recently opened on Metropolitan and it is right on. They carry their own line of Men's clothes but have great leather products and Santa Maria Novella soaps and fragrances. The best part about the experience is they use a feather and ink for signing receipts. Make sure to stop by next door for their home products--It's a collector's haven.
www.hollanderandlexer.net


MARLOW & SONS
Finally, you can't leave Williamsburg without trying Marlow & Sons. Even if it's just for a few oysters and a glass of wine, it's well worth the few extra blocks ------------------> way down Bedford.
www.marlowandsons.com

ELIZABETH DAVID

Elizabeth David was a worldly woman that used her passion for food to enrich the lives of many. In terms of local and seasonal she was the precursor to Alice Waters. One of her favorite meals is An Omelette and a Glass of Wine (and is also the title of one of her anthologies). -VW

OMELETTE MOLIÈRE, David's French Provincial Cooking, 1960
This delicious omelette is called after a little restaurant in Avignon where I used often to eat very cheap and simple meals. This was one of my favourite dishes there.
Beat 1 tablespoon of finely grated Parmesan with 3 eggs. When the omelette is in the pan, add 1 tablespoon of very fresh Gruyère cheese cut into miniscule dice, and 1 tablespoon of thick fresh cream. In a few seconds the Gruyère starts to melt and your omelette is ready. Fold it over, serve and eat it without delay.

MAX CREEK HATCHERY

Max Creek Hatchery has the only smoked trout. The trout is smoked in cider and wood chips. Perfect on sliced baguette with green apples and stone ground mustard. Find the old man with the beard and you're in.-VW

SALABAT

During the winter I always crave ginger tea. Filipinos have a version called Salabat. My favorite Filipino chef, Romy Dorotan and his partner Amy Besa have a recipe in their book, Memories of Philippine Kitchens.

1 pound fresh ginger, cut into large chunks
2 oranges, peeled and sliced
2 apples, peeled, cored and sliced
Honey for serving

Place the ginger, orange and apple slices in a large saucepan. Add 10 cups water, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the brew has developed a nice flavor, strain through a very fine sieve into a large teapot or two teacups. Serve with honey. - VW