PEARL RIVER, NY – Nearly 400 people gathered for the 17th Annual A Taste of Rockland  at The Pearl River Hilton on Monday night.  Boy, was I happy to be one of them. Rockland Lifestyle showed up in style with our editor in tow, new food columnist Thomas Xavier Abraham and of course, yours truly, The Food Snob. We were very proud to pilot “Tweet Tasting,” live @RocklandGossip, Rockland Lifestyle’s official twitter. This gave us the ability to interact live with our following and deliver an up to the minute play by play of this culinary “orgy.” A Taste of Rockland was unlike any culinary gathering I...

Soft Shell Crabs with Sorrel Recipe by Chef Carmen Quagliata of Union Square Cafe   INGREDIENTS (Serves 4) Sauce 1 tablespoon butter 2 teaspoons minced shallots 1 1⁄2 tablespoons white wine 1⁄2 cup heavy cream 1⁄2 teaspoon salt 3 twists of fresh black pepper 4 ounces sorrel leaves 2 tablespoons water   Crabs 2 tablespoons butter Salt Pepper 1 large leek, split, cut into 1⁄2” pieces, washed 2 cups fingerling potatoes, boiled in salted water until tender, cut into 1⁄4” thick slices 1 cup bacon lardons, cut into 1⁄4” dice, rendered, drained from fat 1 quart frying oil (either vegetable or canola) 4 jumbo soft...

PIERMONT, NY – O Lar (which means “hearth”) might be the best new restaurant to hit Rockland County and a smart business move for owners Miguel and chef James. It’s Piermont’s new best friend and the “coziest” atmosphere you will find, but be prepared to see your friends… and your enemies. After all, Piermont is a very small town with a big mouth and this restaurant is not much bigger than a closet! I have been going to O Lar since the first day it opened, before it went on a brief hiatus due to personal issues. Since that day, when I had the chance to experience Miguel’s...

ORANGEBURG, NY – I was adamant to find Rockland County’s most authentic demonstration of Thai cookery. Upon my discovery my palate was quickly transported to Thailand’s beautiful cultural origin. The place that takes this accolade is the place I frequent the most, the Thai Garden, located in an unsuspected location on route 303 in Orangeburg, NY. Owners Sonia Carden and husband, Tepbut Sittisawassakul, began their culinary endeavors with the regionally acclaimed restaurant of the same name in Sleepy Hollow. After their success they opened this second location in Orangeburg. I did however hear that it is Carden’s...

NYACK, NY – The New Jersey staple has recently opened a location in Nyack, NY. Founder Steve Wu began his culinary ambitions with the notorious New York City chain “First Wok.” After his triumphant success, Mr. Wu moved from the hustle and bustle of the city to New Jersey suburbia, unbeknownst to him, to begin a local empire. It began with procuring an old 50′s ice cream parlor in the heart of Englewood, NJ. Withholding the old fashioned integrity, Mr. Wu ingeniously married American and Chinese fare, creating the eloquent and unforgettable thematic brand. Their eclectic flair on definitive chinese cuisine elevates...

PEEKSKILL, NY – With recent reports of locals uncovering a hidden gem in Peekskill, NY, we decided to shortlist the “Birdsall House” on our buzz-worthy visit list. Such rumors  are warranted by an exquisite beer selection showcasing up and coming local brew artisans, 20 beers on draft at any given time. My source recommends I begin with a selection from their house-made charcuterie list offering contemporary play on classics such as chicken liver, duck-cider sausage, and local Hudson Valley cheeses. The “Hemlock Hill” beef burger is unanimously a favorite garnished with house-made condiments, carrot pickles,...