Hola Benchers! It’s been too long. “Quaran”tinis aside, (I just can’t bring myself to drink something whose primary ingredient is Emergen-C, no matter how yummy the vodka chaser is!). How has everyone been surviving the new normal? When the workday’s only change of scenery is the kitchen bar versus the couch, food has definitely been the provider of sanity in this house… and oh, how creative have these take-out and delivery options gotten! As restaurants begin to reopen and we find a new groove, let’s take a second to reminisce about the 4 best things to come out of quarantine.
First up, donuts for days! Mana Bakery has been a long-time favorite of mine at spots like Pineapple Espresso and Blush Tea and Coffee. However, Kaitlin changed the game with donut delivery boxes. Of course, I had to order the Variety Pack with Strawberry Cream Cheese, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and Chocolate Brownie. These brioche donuts were the perfect Sunday wakeup. Keep tabs on her Instagram @manabakeryco to see what delights she whips up next!
Leaving room for dinner while trying not to bogart a half dozen donuts can sometimes be an act of futility, but these next two spots were worth it, quarantine buddy and sharing platter optional. Baba made my mezze platter dreams come true when I ordered practically “all the things” from their online ordering take-out menu, including some beautiful fresh, cut-to-order herbs from their pantry. The stars were definitely the muhammara, whipped labneh, and fresh pita.
Not to be outdone, Lolita’s Wine Market rolled out Pizza Boxes that provided sweet dreams made of cheese… and charcuterie, of course! I created my own combination that included go-tos like the Ricotta Jar, Drunken Goat, Bacon Tomato Jam, Black Pepper Salami, and Spanish Marinated Anchovies paired with an Agustí Torelló Mata Cava.
Last, but not least, the spot that provided me with infinitely perfect to-go cocktails and kept me away from the dreaded “Quaran”tini (see above for my feelings on that), Trophy Fish to the rescue! There’s just something about sipping a Salty Dog from your couch while binging the Last Kingdom or tipping back a Fin and Tonic from the back porch that provides a sense of normality and comfort among the chaos.
To all the restaurants that stayed open through the storm, to all the restaurants opening in this new world, and to all those in the industry… sending much love during this time.
