Add a touch of Parisian charm to
your holiday season

Dominique Bistro

 

Step inside the quaint and cozy space that is Dominique Bistro
and you may feel as though you have been transported to Paris. The head chef,
Dominick Pepe, for whom the restaurant is named, attracts locals and
out-of-towners alike to his charming West Village restaurant serving authentic,
traditional, French fare.

You will find passersby stopping to take a second look as they
pass the restaurant’s façade and notice its picturesque interior. Inside diners
can enjoy the soft jazz music coming from a vinyl record playing on a
turntable.

The wait staff is friendly and extremely helpful in assisting
you with your dining experience. Our waitress gave us suggestions from the menu
complete with charming tales of her childhood in France. She remarked that the
restaurant’s bouillabaisse (surprisingly light and very flavorful) reminded her
of a favorite dish that she loved as a little girl. The fettuccine with
chanterelles, burgundy truffles and brown butter was also delicious.

Crème brulee

Finish your meal with one of Dominique Bistro’s delicious
desserts (the crème brulee is amazing) and bask in the French ambiance awhile
longer. The restaurant is perfect for a romantic holiday dinner for two, but
equally suited to a large group of family members or friends.

Babeth’s Feast

 

During the holidays, there is so much that you want to do and so
little time. You want to entertain, but you don’t want to be stuck in the
kitchen all day. To the rescue: Babeth’s Feast. Founded by Countess Elisabeth
De Kergorlay and located on New York City’s Upper Eastside,

Babeth’s Feast has
an extensive selection of “ frozen to fabulous” hors d’oeuvres, side dishes,
main courses, desserts and cocktails. Their food is sure to impress your guests
and allow you to leave the kitchen and enjoy the fun. More good news: their
prices are reasonable.

Thanksgiving is over and now the holiday season is in full
swing. No doubt you will be tempted over the next few weeks to indulge in foods
that you may regret eating when January 1st rolls around. Here are some easy to
follow suggestions from nutritionist, Jade Levine, that might make your New Year
a little happier.

1) When at a holiday party opt for shrimp cocktail, crudités
with hummus, tapenade, and fresh fruit platters. Chose items that are grilled,
avoid options rich in dairy and deep fried foods.

2) When indulging make it worth it! If you are craving that
slice of pumpkin pie have a slice! You are better off satisfying your craving
rather than eating a bunch of junk you didn’t want in the first place.

3) Eat a small healthy meal before going to a party. This way
you won’t over eat when you get there and it will be easier to resist
temptations.

4) Bake or make a healthy dish to bring to the party. Introduce
your friends, coworkers and loved ones to healthy treats. Food can still be
delicious without all the added sugar and unhealthy fats!

5) Try to plan festive holiday activities that don’t revolve
around food. Go on a holiday related outing or get crafty! Throw a little
gathering where you can make gifts or decorations.

6) During the feast load up on protein and veggies (including
sweet potatoes, roasted pumpkin and butternut squash). Stick with dishes that
use minimal ingredients. Go sparingly on rich starches, dishes with added sugar
and desserts. Don’t deprive yourself but keep those portions very light.

7) Create or look up healthy variations of your favorite holiday
indulgences. If you have trouble resisting holiday treats this will help you to
stay on track. You can have your cake and eat it too!

9) Always
bring healthy snacks to avoid temptations at work. Offices are known to
be a place of indulgence. All natural nut butters with an apple, a little
unsweetened dried fruit with nuts and kale chips are great options.

10) Do not feel guilty after an indulgence. This breeds
negativity and will further lead you down an unhealthy path. Don’t worry too
much; enjoy yourself it’s the holidays!

Jade Levine is a New York City based, certified nutritionist
following the holistic approach to health. She creates individualized food plans
to suit the needs and lifestyles of her clients. She can even teach you to cook
or cook for you.  So why not give yourself, or someone you know, the gift of
good health this holiday season. Contact Jade to make an inquiry or book a
complementary consultation at:jadewellnessandnutrition@gmail.com. Also visit her Instagram page: @jade_wellness_and_nutrition

Oatmeal
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 cups almond flour (or almond meal)

2 cups rolled oats (certified gluten free if you are
intolerant)

1 cup pumpkin puree

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup coconut oil, grass fed butter or ghee

½ cup organic maple syrup or coconut nectar

1 large brown egg (or vegan egg replacement of choice)

2 ¼ tsp pumpkin pie spice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup chocolate chips (Enjoy Life brand is soy and dairy
free)

1)Preheat the oven to 375º and
line two baking sheets with parchment paper.2) In a large mixing bowl,
whisk together all dry ingredients (chocolate chips) 3) In a small bowl, whisk
together all wet ingredients4) Add the wet ingredients to the dry, stir and
combine well. Add in chocolate chips and stir until everything is well
combined.5) Place the batter by rounded tablespoons 2 inches apart on the baking
sheets. Flatten the dough gently with a small spatula. Bake the cookies for
15-20 minutes until they are moist and soft and starting to lightly brown.
Rotate the baking sheets during baking for even heating every 5-6 minutes. 6)
Remove the cookies from the baking sheet after a few minutes and cool on a wire
rack. Enjoy one while they are still warm, you know you want to! Once the
cookies have cooled off, store in an airtight container at room temperature.

– Rhonda Erb
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