The following is our latest interview with Cathy Erway. You might know Cathy from Not Eating Out In New York or as author of the book The Art Of Eating In. The interview covers dinner date ideas for those who are tired of dining out, desserts and surprise dinners for that special someone. Cathy is also a regular blog contributor for the Huffington Post and one of her HP articles is linked in question number 5 below. We were incredibly excited to be able to pick her brain for this interview. Enjoy!
1/ Tell Us About What You Do, About Your Blog? Where Did The Idea Come From?
It started as a practical way to save up money, and get back into the kitchen, something I missed from growing up with a family who enjoyed to cook a lot. I thought that the lifestyle in New York had little to do with the home kitchen, foodie-wise, and I wanted to see how fun or easy I could make meals at home on a regular basis.
2/ Tell Us More About Your Book – The Art Of Eating In?
The book covers my two years of not eating out while living, and working full-time, in the city. Little did I know when I began the quest that it would lead to so many activities, groups and lifestyles, from urban foragers to supper clubs and cook-offs galore. I wanted to explore how vast the opportunities were for having fun around food besides going to a restaurant, including going on dates.
3/ What Would Be The Best Dinner In Date Idea For New York Singles?
I think you should make something you’re really comfortable with, or focus on something that’s a hobby for you. Maybe your hobby is mixing up great cocktails, or maybe it’s something other than food or drink, like listening to opera. You can always serve up simple appetizers with wine and cheese for someone else. Or invite a small handful of friends over for a family-style meal.
4/ Any Dessert Ideas You’d Like To Share With Our Readers?
I’m a huge fan of making ice cream, but I know not everyone has an ice cream maker. I’m not really big into baking myself. A great alternative to ice cream is making panna cotta, which is actually very similar to making Jell-o, only with cream. Chill it ahead of time in individual cups or ramekins for impressive single-person servings.
5/ What Are Your Top 9 Reasons For Eating In In New York?
Funny enough, I wrote a post all about that subject — find it here! http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cathy-erway/top-9-reasons-for-not-eat_b_475533.html
6/ You Love To Write About Events, Markets And Farms – Any Places You Would Recommend For A Date – Let’s Shop Together, Cook Together Date Idea?
Absolutely. Go to the Greenmarket on a Saturday and make lunch or dinner afterward. You can always ask the farmers what to do with any ingredient they’re selling if you’re short on suggestions, and everything will be fresh as can be.
7/ If Our Readers Wanted To Cook For Him And/Or Her A Special Surprise Anniversary Dinner, What Would Be Your Top Picks?
It all depends on what your sweetie really likes to eat. But some easy, and luxurious ideas would definitely include a good steak, a fresh fish that you can roast whole and share (perhaps baked in a foil wrap with lemons and fennel), or pasta with a homemade ragu sauce, which develops a rich flavor from preparing it with plenty of time and lots of love.
8/ What’s Your Take On Online Dating?
I’ve never tried it! I prefer to meet people through friends, as there is some validation or at least mutual connection involved. And when you throw a bunch of parties, your friends will tend to as well, and you’ll have plenty of chances to meet new folks that way.
Cathy Erway – Not Eating Out in New York – http://noteatingoutinny.com/
Thanks, Cathy! Please visit Cathy’s sites and show her your support.
www.theartofeatingin.com
www.noteatingoutinny.com
www.lunchatsixpoint.com