Salted cod. Some call it a humble staple, but I’d say it’s a fantastically tasty treat. What I can’t understand is why it hasn’t caught on in America. It’s portable, cheap and practically never goes bad. Everyone else in the world has figured out how awesome it is. The Europeans love it. West Indians dig it. And a whole lot of Catholics have incorporated the fish into their treasured Easter recipes. Lucky for me, I live in New York–the ultimate city for finding hard-to-find foods.

Stewed goat and potatoes

On a recent dreary, rainy day (in a stream of never-ending rainy days) I got a hankering for salted cod, so I decided to check out a place my friend had recommended. Fritz International Jamaican Restaurant in Bed-Stuy doesn’t look like much from outside. Well, it doesn’t look like much from inside either, but my stomach didn’t seem to care. more…

It doesn’t matter what language you speak, a nice, cold beer is the perfect remedy for a muggy, looks-like-it’s-going-to-rain-for-the-thousandth-time kind of day. Instead of cursing Mother Nature, swing by Eagle Provisions in Brooklyn’s South Slope and pick up one of the 1,500 brews in stock. Then sit back, prop your feet up, pop open that can/bottle/keg and let the cool, bubbly liquid take you away to a happier climate.

Known to many as “The Old White Eagle Market,” this grocery and delicatessen offers an impressive stash of imported European goods, fresh baked breads and kielbasa, but in the summertime I just can’t get past the beer. Everyone–from die-hard beer connoisseurs to those drawn to bottles with cute labels–can find what they’re looking for here. And don’t be mislead by the small offering of beer up by the front registers–there’s a whole beer room to your right! The selection can be a bit daunting, but friendly owner John Zawisny will eagerly help you navigate the stock and point out his current favorites. John and his brother Richard have been at the business for 30 years and watched the clientele (and their requests) change dramatically. more…