Green For Two, Two For Green



Green tea appears to be the miracle plant of the milineum. For the price of 3-4 cups a day, its mega antioxidants demolish free radicals to detox the body, fight cancer, increase HDL levels (good cholesterol) and promote a healthy cardiovascular system. A recent study in the European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation reported that consumption of green tea immediately improved the endothelial lining function in the circulatory system which can prevent or slow down atherosclerosis. Another study in Britain correlates green tea with inhibiting brain enzymes associated with alzheimer's disease. If this were not enough, green tea lowers blood pressure and aids in regulating blood sugar levels as well digestion. Its antibiotic effect even fights gingivitis and cavities. Shouldn't we be inhaling the stuff? YES! It's all very promising despite the medical community's ultimate caution in recommending the plant for treatment just yet.

There are different types of green tea for those who enjoy a richer, intense flavor or more subtle notes:

Matcha Powder: Ground gyokuro leaves for multipurpose drinks and recipes

If your lifestyle doesn't revolve around numerous tea breaks, no worries, the plant leaves can be found in green tea gum, cereal, extracts, soaps, diet pills, breath mints and even at your daily visit to Starbucks. For inventive meals with a twist, consider adding the plant leaves as any herb to your cooking.

Quick Green Tea Recipe Ideas:

• Brew green tea with thinly sliced ginger and lemon, or sprigs of spearmint. Add one teaspoon of honey per cup, stir and serve hot or use half the amount of hot water (or twice the amount of tea), allow the tea to brew and cool, then pour over ice cubes.
• Make a green tea chai by brewing green tea in hot vanilla soy milk and topping with a dash each of cinnamon, black pepper, ginger and allspice.
• Brew 1-2 teaspoons loose leaf green tea in 8 ounces cool water for 20-30 minutes to develop flavor without bitterness and add to stir-fries, marinades, dressings, soups and sauces.
• Sprinkle gyokuro tea over a salad, stew or rice dish.
• Add ½ teaspoon gyokuro tea to an almost set omelet or scrambled eggs.
• Add crushed gunpowder tea and rice vinegar to sesame oil for a delicious vinaigrette.
• Mix gyokuro tea with sesame seeds and sea salt and use to dredge shrimp or fish filets before lightly pan-frying them.
• Cook Japanese udon noodles in green tea for about 5 minutes, then remove from heat and leave noodles in tea until cool. Drain and toss lightly with soy sauce and sesame oil. Add thinly sliced tofu, scallions, mushrooms, and chopped cilantro, and serve.
• Poach Asian or Bosc pears in green tea with fresh thinly sliced gingerroot. Drizzle with honey and top with a sprig of fresh mint.
• Combine cooled green tea half and half with a fruit juice, such as peach, pineapple or papaya. Sweeten with a teaspoon of honey per cup. Blend and pour over ice.

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Food Trends: The Good. The Bad. The Ugly



Many cultures like Britain and Japan long rave of tea's benefits but only recently has its antioxidant and cancer preventative powers been revealed. Tea in its white, green and black form now takes center stage in the halls of health. Ginko Biloba's new rival chocolate is speculated to improve brain power while lowering cholesterol. The sinful snack of my childhood rebounds miraculously with antioxidant vim. Yum!  Even the ugly nut, shunned for decades, came out of hiding once its "good fat" perks were discovered. Almonds consumed with water curb appetite according to Oprah.  Artichokes hearts contain high levels of antioxidants which in a recent study beat out blueberries, red wine, chocolate and tea.  It's considered a preventative for heart disease, cancer and birth defects, boost the regeneration of liver cells and improves digestion.  What more can one ask for?

Don't you crave a burger or hot dog after the healthy hashing of events? At least patties and dogs get first class treatment amidst greens. Humble meats on the bun go haute at many upscale restaurants around the nation. Amazingly, burgers get the biggest draw ever! No wonder Emeril, Rachel Ray and Bluto are fans! I once thought Emeril was Bluto but I stand corrected.

Speaking of meat, how can one explain the sudden increase of steakhouses in our low fat universe? Tom Colicchio's Craftsteak in nyc joined the likes of steak-stars Peter Luger and Old Homestead in 2006. And here I thought steak was past its prime? Just ribbing.

If you are lucky enough to order dessert in our model-ridden society, you may not get beyond a few forkfuls sister. Big flavors. Creative use of ingredients. Equal small dollop of dessertness.

As my grandmother always said "you have to take the good with the bad." And she was right. I'm still not sure about the nuts!

Chatters check out the Chat Box Blog http://chatterbox-cafe.blogspot.com for the latest exposé on hot topics.

Burger Bunch Listings. Plus Hot NYC Eateries: ------------------------------------------------>

Haute Burgers:

The Spotted Pig (314 W 11th Street at Greenwich Street, 212.620.0393), www.thespottedpig.com  A British gastropub with delicious burgers located appropriately enough in the meat packing district.  A great place to people watch and maybe spot celebs. 

BLT Burger (470 Sixth Ave. nr. 11th St., New York, NY 10011, 212.243.8226), http://bltburger.com BLT Fish folks bring us upscale meat!  The "classic" co-mingles sirloin, brisket, chuck, and short rib under one bun.  For a more sophisticate tastes, elect the "American Kobe" or the flavorful lamb merguez with greek yogurt sauce. A bevy of shakes, cocktails and beers round out the menu.

DB Bistro Moderne (55 W 44th Street, 212.391.2400), www.danielnyc.com/dbbistro  For a heavenly bite, try the DB Burger stuffed with short ribs, foie gras, black truffle and vegetable mirepoix topped with horseradish mayonnaise and tomato confit. If you want to break the band go for the Burger Double Truffle for 150 smackeroos!

UnHaute Burgers:

Corner Bistro: (331 W. 4th St., _at Jane St. 212.242.9502), http://www.corner-bistro.com Juicy smoky bacon cheeseburgers hit the spot after a night out on the town. You'd swear you're at a friendly neighborhood BBQ from the taste of it. Grilled chicken sandwiches are equally yummy.

Shake Shack (Madison Square Park _ at 23 St & Madison Ave. 212-889-6600), http://www.shakeshacknyc.com If you want something in new york, you have to wait on line.  Shake Shack is no different but it IS worth the wait. Heavenly burgers coupled with crisp fries make a fantastic duo.  Chicago dogs and creamy custard are raved about by all.

Blue 9 Burger (92 Third Ave - 12 St. 212.979.0053), http://www.blue9burger.com  Get them with the works!  Fresh and as healthy as you can get on the meat chain. Mango chili sauce adds a nice twist. And it won't break the bank.

Half King: (505 W 23 St. 212.462.4300), http://www.thehalfking.com  There's nothing "half" about the place. A burger topped with spicy guacamole and a side of mashed potatoes is heaven. For lighter fare, go for the artichoke, beet and goat cheese salad. A great Irish Pub with outside seating.

Not All Between The Bun:

The Crooked Knife: (29 E 30th St., btwn. Madison & Park Aves. 212.696.2593), Comfort food couldn't get more comfortable. Mediterranean to English fare.  The Crooked Knife offers a wide selection of exquisite dishes

Ear Inn: (326 Spring St. 212.226.9060), www.earinn.com  Step inside and you will time warp to a salty sea captains' house. Classic dishes are reinterpreted like shrimp and crab cakes. Have a Hoegarten on tap while enjoying the water view with an artsy friendly crowd. John Lennon was known to frequent this place!

Soy Luck Club: (115 Greenwich Ave. 212.229.9191), http://www.soyluckclub.com  You will be soy lucky when you take a bite of delish food that doesn't taste like it's good for you but IT IS!


© 2008 Marcia Merson