My First Hollandaise
Firsts are fun. I really love to experience something new and exciting. That's what life is about - experiencing, living, loving. I have had many new experiences in the past 10 years, and it's those that I have actively sought out to accomplish that stand out... Like the first time I traveled to Europe. I was with my mum, we went after I finished year 12 and had the most magical time in Italy, France and London. I will always cherish our Christmas in Reggio Emilia, where we were the only tourists in sight, enjoying a lively, incredible, festive lunch at a restaurant filled with locals and spending the evening walking around the town square amongst the sparkling Christmas lights. That was my first taste of Europe. And now I'm addicted.
Another first was jogging for 45 minutes straight. Previously I was a sprinter, absolutely loathing long distance. Cross country running in primary school was the bane of my existence. But in my early twenties something clicked. I decided I wanted to be a runner. And so I trained, I pushed myself. I worked hard. And gradually I built up my fitness and ability to run long distances, until I was running for 45 minutes at a steady pace, without any walking breaks. That was a real achievement for me.
Sometimes firsts ignite a passion that sticks with you forever, continually fuelling and inspiring you - like the time I first made Pastry (link). It started an obsession with making pies and searching for the perfect pastry recipe and pie crust. Maggie Beer's Sour Cream Pastry is still a favourite.
And then there was the first time I tried Hollandaise... yes, this one tends to summon gasps. Prior to my August NYC trip, I'd never tried Hollandaise sauce. I just never saw the appeal. Yet so many people love and rave about it, I knew it was a first that I simply had to tick off my list. And so when I saw it on the menu during one NYC brunch, I took the plunge.
Peta, Vicki and I were brunching one morning. I want to say that it was the morning after a big night out. We all were looking a little...fresh...and there was lots of coffee on order, so it's a safe bet. We headed to Cornelia Street Cafe in Greenwich Village for a 'Summer in the City' street-side brunch.
Double Espresso over ice with a dash of skim milk.
This was my regular NYC coffee order. When travelling, it allows you to...do stupid things faster with more energy.
Fabulous.
Peta ordered the Huevos Rancheros, sans cheese. Black beans and salsa at breakfast? I like it.
And here we have my Eggs Florentine, served with Roasted Garlic Potatoes...as you do. I love how in the USA they are all about potatoes at breakfast.
My English Muffins appeared to be homemade, or at least very good quality. It was such a treat! Nothing worse than thin, flaccid English Muffins.
What did I think of Hollindaise? Well, to be honest, I barely touched it after my first taste. I felt like it was overkill - I already had a gooey yolk, why should I want another rich yellow sauce? I just didn't take to it. Sorry, I am very aware that I'm in the minority here with my feelings about Hollindaise. No judgement.
For some reason I deemed Vicki's meal unworthy of pictures - Vickles, why was this so? Perhaps your order was similar to mine and I therefore felt it was overkill having two lots of pictures... We can all ponder that.
As we left our brunch spot we came upon an injured little bird. Ooooh so small! Poor little thing.
The bird seemed to recover a little and we left, off to explore the city. In fact this was the day that we visited Magnolia Bakery and then hired bikes and road along the Hudson River (link). "Oh, stop it", you say? I know, I know, I'm jealous of my former self too.
My first time in New York City was amazing. I'm beyond eager for my second helping.