Our Table: The Oscars 2012

In keeping with our annual tradition, we again celebrated the Academy Awards in a big way.  After sharing our festivities on this lil' ol' blog last year, we couldn't let this year go by without divulging yet again.  Bill and I may have had to randomly guess our picks on the ballots, placing us pretty much dead last, but when it came to the food it's a whole nother story.  We kind of like to cook.  So between the two of us along with family and friends, we put together a nice little spread for the occasion.

From our table to yours, we give you the nominees for Best Picture...

1) The Decendants.  Because what's more "decadent" than creamy gooey irresistible cheesy mac n' cheese?

2) Moneyball.  Bean burritos for my man Billy, and Cake Balls.  And let me tell you, those cake balls?  They were money.

3) Hugo. The movie takes place in France.. French cheeses.. yea, you can't win em all :)

4) The Artist.  True to Bill-form, he made 28-day aged (as in, no packaged yeast) kalamata olive and caramelized onion artisan bread in both a loaf version, and in mini-melt sandwich versions.  The bread totally lived up to its Best-Picture-counterpart.. it was incredible.  

5) Extremely Loud, Incredibly Close.  "Key" lime for the key-themed movie, martinis to "toast" with, and the rims were pop rocks. They were "loud" :)

6) The Tree of Life. 

7) War Horse. Oat & Carrot cupcakes.

8) Midnight in Paris.  Midnight chocolate cake with mascarpone icing and port wine poached pears. 

 

9) The Help. Fried Chicken and Chocolate Pie.  If you've seen the movie, the pie is both self explanatory as well quite unappetizing.  However, I totally had two slices ;)

So there you have it.  Academy Awards, food, fam, and friends.  Nothing better.  So, how did you spend your Oscar evening?  Glued to the TV not missing a single Billy Crystal joke, wardrobe malfunction, or leg kick?  Flipping through the channels occasionally landing on the awards?  Forgetting/not caring it was on all together?  Do tell.

Five Years

Five years.  Five years ago today I stood alone in the quiet calm Neuroscience lab at Connecticut College running tests again and again, 20 times that day, not able to focus on a single second.  It was Winter break and the building was empty.  Any other day this would be my sanctuary.  A glorious opportunity to focus on everything I had to get done before the undergrads returned to the lab, bringing with them a world of college life, boyfriend gossip and where the best party was gonna be that night.  But that day it was different.  No distractions around me, but every distraction in the world going on in my mind.  Stopping then starting again, staring into the distance then shaking myself back to reality.  

Getting home I frantically scrambled around my teeny apartment picking out the best outfit, blow-drying my hair making sure every strand fell perfectly into place.  Then finally, oh so finally, sitting at the first dinner I’d ever have with the man I was to spend the rest of my life with.  He was the chef and owner of the two best restaurants in town, and man was I nervous.  We sat at a dimly lit table against the wall, and thank God for that because he wasn’t able to see my hands fidgeting non-stop on my lap. 

We talked about everything.  Life, dreams, goals.  The attainable and the unattainable.  We talked of the past and of the future.  Then, we talked of Melt Sandwich Shop.  Sure it didn’t have a name at the time, or a concept for that matter, but it had sandwiches.  Sandwiches that would be so good and so different.  It had no plan, nothing written down.  It was all just an idea Bill had had forever yet had never had anyone to share it with.  Five years ago, his dream officially became mine. 

People always ask me if I miss Neuroscience.  If I’ll ever go back to “doing what I love”.  I always answer with a polite laugh and say sure I miss it and sure I loved it, but I’ll never go back.  The truth is, I could never even imagine going back.  The dream that has become Melt Sandwich Shop is far too big and far to amazing to even think that my life could ever have been anything else.  Five years and we’re still only getting started.  This morning I stood in our shop.  Our sandwich shop that now has a concept, and a name, and food that blows all other places out of the water.  I answered the phone and I took an order.  I threw some freshly marinated chicken on the grill and I cut and wrapped sandwiches that made my mouth water.  I looked at my husband and we laughed.  Well, first we argued about the food order I was about to place, and as always my decision won out, then we laughed.  Then I remembered that this all began with just a dream, five years ago today.  

In The Press: Brides.com

Part personal, part business, our story behind Melt is currently featured on Brides Magazine's National website, Brides.com.  They came to us to check in with a few of their 'favorite' Real Wedding newlywed couples they had featured throughout the year (Bill and I appeared in Brides Connecticut back in January) for an article on handling personal finances during the first year of marriage.  So, of course for us, the article quickly became all about the most delicious place in the world and our core of all things finance-related; Melt Sandwich Shop.

For our little story behind the sandwiches, you can check out the full article HERE.  

Eat well!
Melt

In The Press: 914 Inc. Magazine

I am completely honored to have been included in the current issue of 914 Inc. Magazine, a Westchester Magazine publication, in the cover story "Westchester's Wunderkinds: 24 Under 30".  They define Wunderkind as 'a person who succeeds, especially in business; at a comparatively young age'.  When I heard I was to be included in this article, my first thought was "Me?! I think you must have the wrong girl!".  The 23 other individuals also featured truly have accomplished amazing things at such young ages, and I am incredibly humbled to appear alongside of them. A giant Thank You goes to Westchester Magazine for such an honor.  

To check out the online version of this article, click HERE.

Eat well!
Melt

What's New: The Garden Combo

Well, it certainly doesn't seem like it with the nice little coating of snow most of us now have, but according to my calender, it is Spring!  And Spring is a great time of year in the Hall household because it means two things: First, it's time for sweet tea, and second and most importantly, it's time to wear short pants!  That has always been Bill's philosophy on Spring and has slowly rubbed off on me over the years.  Sweet tea and short pants.  Really, it's story all of its own dating back many moons to his childhood....

But, I digress.  Like I was saying, It's Spring!  Which gives us our newest combo of the week, The Garden.  This one brings the essence of this beautiful season into a sandwich with a Grilled Garden Vegetable Salsa (Grilled Zucchini, Asparagus, Onions, Tomatoes), Fresh Baby Arugula, and a Creamy Ranch Drizzle.  We recommend it with just about any of our meats or vegetarian options since it really pairs up well with everything.  One taste and you will feel like you're taking a bite out of your grandmother's garden... well... maybe not since that might make you a deer... but you get my point.

Here we have it topping our sweet maple cured ham on our whole wheat multigrain short roll.

I think you're gonna like this one, so be sure come in and give it a try!

Eat well!

Melt

Westchester Weekends: Chocolations

First, I have to tell you a secret.  About me.  It's not pretty, but it's true.  It's about my addiction...

...to chocolate.  I don't just like chocolate, I love chocolate.  But really, love doesn't adequately describe my feelings for chocolate.  I love chocolate so much that I truly can not remember a single day in my life where I have gone without eating it.  Yea... I told you it wasn't pretty.

Phew!  That was tough.  But, now that that's out there, you can only imagine how I felt when I heard of a store in Westchester called "Chocolations"... instant googly eyes, weak knees, uncontrolled drooling... again, not pretty, but true.  I heard about Chocolations through the Twitter grapevine a while back, and after one look at pictures of their delicious treats frequently posted on their Facebook page, I knew it was my kind of place!

I had been dying to get down there for quite some time, and this weekend I finally made it.   Man was I happy I did!  As soon as I walked in the door, it smelt like I would imagine Heaven being like.  Chocolate Heaven.

Their shelves were stocked with everything from white chocolate to milk chocolate to dark chocolate, covering any delicious thing you could think of.  From marshmallows to pretzels to popcorn, you name it, they had it!  Coated in chocolate, no less.  I picked out a few handmade chocolate covered oreos for around $1 each.

Just as I expected.... they were amazing.  The shelves were also full of seasonal items galore, from St. Patty's day to Easter to Baseball, there was a chocolate treat to match!

As I made my way to the back of the store, it only got better because that is where they had the candy by the pound.  I probably would have bought at least 10lbs if I didn't think Bill would be a little concerned upon my return.  Fortunately (or unfortunately for me), logic set in and I decided a 1/4 pound would be enough.

Good thing I listened logic too, because my jeans wouldn't have had much chance of fitting today if I hadn't.  These were gone no more than 30 seconds after we opened the box.  If you look closely, you might even be able to see Bill trying to sneak one away ;)

Whether it is for a special occasion, a holiday, a gift, or even a no-reason delicious treat on any day of the week, Chocolations is definitely the place to go!  Check them out!  Just like me, you'll be happy you did. 

Chocolations

607 East Boston Post Road

Mamaroneck, NY 10543

Eat well!

Melt

In The Press: White Plains Patch

Hello Monday Morning!  Nothing like a lovely snow coating to ring in Spring, right?!

We're bringing you a great Westchester Weekend post a lil' later today, but first we have to give a huge thank you to The White Plains Patch for featuring us last week in their article titled Local Lunch On a Budget.  I especially love this article because of the bad rap that eating "out" for lunch has garnered since the recession hit.  Sure, brown-bagging it could save you a few dollars if you do it right, but really, grocery shopping, especially for the good stuff, ain't cheap!  What fun is planning, preparing, cooking, and packing up your own lunch every single day when there are so many places that can make an incredibly delicious, fresh and healthy lunch for you at a super affordable price?

We are honored to be included as one of those places!

Oh, and did we mention we can deliver it right to your desk? :)

Check out the full article HERE.

Eat well!
Melt

What's New: The Guinness

May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May you enjoy a Guinness on St. Patrick's Day

Today's the debut of our newest and greatest sandwich combination... The Guinness!  With Pan-fried Cabbage, Melted Onions, White Cheddar Cheese, and an INCREDIBLE Irish Guinness Gravy, this one is better than kissing the Blarney Stone while being held by a Leprechaun on a beautiful day in Ireland.   I swear on my Claddah ring :)

We recommend it with our Corned Beef, but it's rich deliciousness goes well with the Brisket, Aged Beef Top Round and the Slow Roasted Turkey Breast as well.

Check it out!

Guinness gravy bubbling away:

On our sourdough short roll piled up with our house-brined-and-roasted corned beef, ready to be melted down:

Finishing touch of Guinness gravy and this one's ready for some eatin'!

This combo probably won't hang around for long so come in and try it for St. Pat's!

Erin Go Brah & Eat well!

Melt

Sunday

He takes his fork and dives into the plate full of mashed potatoes.  Normally it would be french fries covered in melted cheese and gravy, but since it is Lent, and we both decided this year would be the year to give up fried food, mashed potatoes it is.  I take my fork and scoop off half his bite as it leaves the plate en route to his mouth.

"What!" I say as he looks at me, mouth open, desperately trying to disguise a smile, "You were taking the best bite!"

We both laugh at each other and he dives back into the plate; take two.  His bite doesn't look as good this time, so I let it be.  As we sit at our favorite booth in the corner, we talk.  I tell him about my 4 year old cousin's stories and he tells me about the newest slicer he wants to get for the shop.  I go on about the millionth crazy dream I had last night as he listens intently for the millionth time, soaking in every detail.  We talk about what we want to do next at Melt.  Where we want to go and how we want to get there.  What we can do this week, and where we want to be a year from now.  We bounce ideas off each other and throw in a joke or two keeping our lunch light hearted and full of love, just as a Sunday should be.  It's our day.

We stop in at the grocery store across the street.  As we weave through the aisles pushing our cart with one wheel that refuses to roll straight, I feel like a regular ol' couple for the first time in a long time.  The past few weeks have been crazy and insane, but full of amazing things for Melt.  Expanding our hours into the evening, toying with new menu items, growing our never ending list of made-from-scratch ingredients to almost 100%...  Sundays have came just as quickly as they have went, and Mondays have arrived pretty much without warning.

We stop for a milkshake on the way home.  Not because we're hungry, but because it's the perfect thing to do on a sunny afternoon.  And for the first time in a long time, it feels like a regular ol' Sunday.  Sure, Monday will be here before we realize we even slept a full nights sleep, but for now, this day is here to stay.

What's New: The March Madness

Noo, we're not talkin' basketball... we're talkin' our newest sandwich combo! "The March Madness" makes its Melt debut today and let me tell you, it is crrrrazy!  (Hence the 'madness' :)  If it were in the tournament it would most definitely be the #1 seed.  No question.  And it would totally make it to the final four.  No problem.  I'd even say it would win the National Championship... Yea... it's THAT good.

It has spicy pepper jack cheese, jalapenos, authentic Russian dressing, and Bill's famous coleslaw.  We recommend it with the aged beef top round, slow roasted turkey breast, or grilled chicken, but it is one that seriously goes well with everything!

Stop in and check it out! You'll be happy you did. 

Eat well! 

Melt 

Our Table: The Oscars

My family has always had a serious love of movies.  Growing up, I don't know if a day went by where we weren't referencing my mom's "Academy Award Encyclopedia" (yes, this was before the days of Wikipedia guys), or my sister wasn't editing her running tally of favorite movies of the year written on the dry erase board dedicated solely to the subject.  We spent many a weekend excitedly heading to dinner and a movie as a family and discussing our favorite scenes the whole way home.  So, as a result, my sister and I have taken our Oscar Parties very seriously for years now.  When Bill joined on in, the parties were upped to a whole new level with some serious eats.  Two years ago we had a spread of food so big we probably could have fed 50 people... and there were 4 of us.  So, this year, with a whopping 10 Best Picture Nominees, and many more friends ready to join the party, it was on.

Witout further adieu, from our Oscar-watching table to yours, the nominees for Best Picture are (ahem, were)...

1) True Grit.  This was one I didn't see this year, but apparently a pivotal scene involved some chili made over a fire.  Don't know if the cornbread we had with it (served in a cowboy hat, no less) was invloved or not, but it suuuure was delicious!

2) The Social Network.  We have to give a huge shout out to our friend Mary Marantz for tweeting this idea!  It was just too good to pass up :)

3) The Fighter.  Okaaaay, so this one was a stretch.  But who doesn't need an excuse for some Mac 'n Cheese?!

4) Winter's Bone. 

5) The Kids are Alright.  I seriously apologize in advance for this one...

6) The King's Speech.  Since we came up with this, I've been unintentionally spelling 'peach' as 'peech'.  I did fix it for the sinage, but think I like peech better.  It was tasty nonetheless.

7) 127 Hours.  I also apologize in advance.  I'll spare you the explanation, but if you've seen the movie, you'll understand.

8) Black Swan.  

9) Toy Story 3.  Almond 'Joy Story' bars!

10) Inception. Yes, we realize this cake only has 3 layers.  Let's just say we were trying to confuse you just as much as the movie itself.  Either that, or we counted the ganache as a layer... take your pick of excuses :)

Cheers!

Eat well!
Melt

Westchester Weekends: Grand Prix NY

Hello Sunday!  Oh, how we love you.

Time again for another serving of fab finds from Westchester County!  Bill and I recently hit up Grand Prix NY up in Mt. Kisco to have a little racing fun.  It is a facility that is set up with go-cart racetracks galore, games, and a restaurant to boot.  It's meant for kids and for adults, and trust me when I say, this is not your average arcade.

We arrived and filled out all the necessary information, then signed up for the next available race.  It was a little pricey at $35 each*, but for full access to the facility, and the awesomeness of the race we were about to experience, it was worth it!  We started out by watching a training video, then headed to the changing room to done the appropriate gear:

Bill was looking dashing, as usual...

Then it was off to the races!  Before we hopped in, we were told that the carts can reach speeds of 40mph.  Crazy talk!!  For a girl who's scared to kick it to top speed in Mario Kart, 40mph sounded completely death-defying.  Once I put the pedal to the metal though, it was on!  Innnntense.

Those babies could move.  I figured I had to have been going at least 70mph the whole time.  But, after finding out I came in 8th out of 10, I doubt I even hit 10mph....  Bill, however, was a racing fiend!  He placed 4th.  So, we didn't take home any gold medals, but at least we didn't come in last!  And that's good enough for me.  

Check 'em out!

Grand Prix New York

33 North Bedford Road

Mt. Kisco, NY 10549

Eat well!

Melt

*On their website it looks like the prices vary based on day of the week and membership status, so I am sure there are less expensive options!