Fantastic Food Finds

by Cynthia Sin-Yi Cheng
August 16, 2007

Franny’s
295 Flatbush Ave
(St Marks Ave & Prospect Pl)
Brooklyn, NY 11217
718-230-0221

Terrapin
6426 Montgomery St
Rhinebeck, NY 12572
845-876-3330

Water Wheel Wafer
Whole Foods

Scrumptious appetizers in Brooklyn…Franny’s may be known for pizzas, but I find the small plates of seasonal produce quite unforgettable. Most recently, I was blown away by the wood-roasted eggplant with pine nuts, purple onion and mint ($10).

The perfect burger near Bard College…While spending a few summer days in the Hudson Valley to see performances at Bard’s Summerscape in Annandale-on-Hudson, I met the perfect burger at Terrapin. This was what I had from the create-your-own-sandwich menu: a medium-rare quarter pound Coleman beef burger on a brioche with avocado, Swiss Gruyere, and sherried onion confit ($8.95).

An avocado break at home… I am frequently hungry throughout the day, so I whip up bite-size snacks. I often just scoop out a ball of avocado with a spoon and place it atop a Water Wheel rice wafer, add a bit of olive oil, some salt, and a dash of red pepper flakes. This is also an easy appetizer to serve guests. Even better with a glass of sherry or bubbly!