Thatch Screwpine fruit

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Pandanus tectorius is a species of screwpine that is found in Malesia, Eastern Australia, and the Pacific Islands. The fruit pods are buoyant and the seeds inside can remain viable for months while being transported by ocean currents, much like coconuts.

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked and is a major source of food in Micronesia, especially in the atolls. The fibrous nature of the fruit also serves as a natural dental floss. The tree’s leaves are often used as flavoring for sweet dishes such as kaya jam, and are also said to have medicinal properties. It is also used in Sri Lankan cookery, where the leaves are used to flavor a variety of curries.

Does anyone know where I can find this fruit I’m New York City?

(information via Wikipedia)

the Lounge at Atera

Atera recently raised the price of the tasting menu from $165 to $195 per person. If you want to try chef Matthew Lightner’s incredible food but can’t afford the full menu, try the Lounge. It’s right under the restaurant in the basement and it features some of the amuse-bouches from the tasting menu as well as other snacks. You can also get an amazing burger made with sirloin, beef tendon, and rib meat. It’s fried in lamb fat and comes with a side of whipped goose liver for the fries (which are SO good).

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lobster roll on toasted meringue, hazelnut butter with crackers, and carrot leather

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heart of palm “bone” and béchamel “marrow”

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Chapul cricket bars

Chapul, Inc. in Salt Lake City is now selling their cricket flour protein bars at Westerly Natural Market in New York City. The bars are about $3.50 each and are made from such organic ingredients as dates, agave nectar, and Jamaican crickets (Gryllus assimilis).

The name “Chapul” is derived from the Nahuatl word chapōlin via Mexican Spanish, chapulín.

Cricket protein is more environmentally friendly than beef or pork because crickets require much less water and can eat agricultural byproducts like corn cobs and banana peels.

The bars come in three flavors: “Chaco” is the peanut butter and chocolate bar; “Thai” has coconut, ginger, and lime in it; and “Aztec” includes coffee, cocoa, and cayenne pepper. Visit my Facebook page for more updates!

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Beet ice cream with goat cheese and candied pistachios

OddFellows Ice Cream Co. in Williamsburg has some very special new flavors, including celery and beet with goat cheese and candied pistachios. I stopped by yesterday to try them both. The celery sorbet was too sweet for me but the beet ice cream was fantastic! Check their Facebook page for daily flavors.

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