Health and Science Stories
5 Nutrients You're Probably Not Getting Enough Of (and How to Fix That)
(February 7, 2014)
Over the last 100 years, the majority of Americans have gone from eating “normal” portions and home-cooked whole foods (after all, the processed foods we see lining store shelves today didn’t’ exist), to consuming high levels of over-processed simple carbohydrates and refined sugars.Luckily improving the situation could be pretty easy: Eat more whole, unrefined foods — fruits, veggies, whole grains, and other natural products that go through little processing.
Why It's Okay ( And Maybe Smart) to Live With Your Parents in Your Twenties
(January 13, 2014)
Dubbed the Boomerang Generation (in reference to those adults who leave home, then come back), young adults are returning to the nest in higher numbers than previous generations. Yet their temporary return home shouldn’t be seen as failure to survive in the real world, but rather an understandable effect of an economic landscape largely out of their control.
Keep Your Healthy New Years Resolution with Pact
(January 1, 2014)
It’s the New Year! A time for life-changing resolutions (or so they say). Unfortunately (and perhaps unsurprisingly), one in ten people will break a resolution by January 6th. But if you’re in the 37 percent of us who are resolving to improve health or fitness this year, GymPact’s makeover might be the motivation you need.
10 Nutrients Scientifically Proven to Make You Feel Awesome
(December 31, 2013)
Want some pep in your step? Perhaps a dash of good cheer? (Who doesn’t, right?). Look no further than the grocery store’s shelves. Foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids are not only super healthy, but can also increase happiness, lessen symptoms of depression, and quell anxiety
(Syndicated in the Washington Post)
20 Apps That Improve Hand and Eye Coordination
(December 27, 2013)
Hand eye coordination is essential, not only for martial arts experts, Katniss Everdeen, or participant of sports in which balls are thrown (which is an awful lot) but for people who wish to carry out everyday tasks from writing their names to tying their shoes. Hand eye coordination is the visual system’s ability to recognize and manipulate objects. Video games have been studied for nearly thirty years for their ability to improve hand eye coordination, andsmartphone apps represent a new generation of hand- eye coordination improvement tools.
The Hard Choice: Is Beer or Cider Better?
(December 24, 2013)
Beer has long held the place of America’s most beloved alcoholic beverage. But for an increasing number of Americans, hard apple cider is becoming the drink of choice. So what’s so special about the drink’s sweet composition and potential health benefits, and how do they compare to the benefits of beer? We dove into the bottle to find out.
This South Pole Explorer's Freakout Will Remind You to Take Joy In Your Food
(December 15, 2013)
Meet Aleksander Gamme. A Norwegian explorer who completed the world’s longest (and loneliest) ski trip, Gramme skied 1,404 miles across the South Pole armed only with audiobooks and a sled that weighed up to 385 lbs. The 86thday of the journey, Gramme stopped at a cache to stock up on supplies and found an unexpected surprise.
Eating Healthy Each Year Costs Less Than an iPhone
(December 10, 2013)
Eating healthy really is more expensive — but maybe not by as much as we thought. A study by Harvard researchers concluded that a healthier diet will cost consumers an additional $1.50 per day (provided people have access to healthy foods)
Get Your Buzz On: The Weird and Unexpected History of the Vibrator
(December 3,2013)
The vibrator has undergone dramatic new developments in the last 20 years, notably in its adoption by male consumers and growing cultural acceptance. Our attitudes toward (and uses for) the vibrator have changed, and today people of all sexes are benefiting.
The Device That Promises to Kill Cravings Without the Calories
(December 3, 2013)
National University of Singapore have created a new device, dubbed the “digital lollipop,” that might change the way we satisfy cravings.The high-tech apparatus uses electrical currents to simulate salty, sour, sweet, or bitter tastes, which can be combined to reproduce actual flavors.
30 Superfood Recipes You've Never Tried Before
(December 2, 2013)
For those who are crunched for time, inexperienced in the kitchen, or just not in the mood to cook an elaborate meal, we’ve put together a list of our favorite super-simple, super-healthy recipes. Each of the meals featured below includes at least two superfoods, so you’re guaranteed to get a nutrient-packed meal. What are you waiting for? Go get cooking!
The Magical Device that Turns Sign Language to Spoken Word
(November 26, 2013)
Techies, rejoice! A device that can translate sign language into spoken words is now a reality. Communication between the deaf and non-signers is typically limited to an exchange of notes, texts, or general confusion, but the Sign Language Ring aims to change that by converting users’ signs into verbal communication.
Meet Hovding, An Invisible Helmet Revolutionizing Bike Safety
(November 12, 2013)
The Hövding bike helmet is so clever, you’ll probably kick yourself for not thinking of it on your own: It’s designed to rest comfortably around a rider’s neck in the form of a collar and — wait for it —inflate during an accident (kind of like an airbag for your brains).
Food News and Local Eats
The Ultimate Ingredients for Cocktail Lovers
(August 15, 2014)
Teetotalers beware! These gift ideas are for drink lovers looking to jazz up their typical classic cocktail recipes.
Chef Phillip Kirschen-Clark Finds a Home at Cafe Cluny
(August 15, 2014)
Balancing bistro favorites with his style of modernized French classics, Chef Phillip Kirschen-Clark Finds a Home at Café Cluny.
Eat Like You Give a F$%k- a Look at Thug Kitchen
(August 12, 2014)
A verbal scolding goes a long way in making healthier food choices. A look at Thug Kitchen.
7 Great 'Sandwich Day' Sandwiches
(August 8, 2014)
The true location of ‘30 Rock’ infamous ‘Sandwich Day’ subs have never been revealed. We have some delicious ideas.
(August 1, 2014)
If you do these things, perhaps don’t. Honest Cooking brings you the do’s and don’ts of dining out. Follow these tips and for a more enjoyable evening for all, your server too.
Just Add Gin: Great Drinks Made Greater with Gin
(July 25, 2014)
Great drinks made greater with gin. Despite the growing popularity of bourbons and whiskeys, gin remains summer’s favorite spirit. It blends easily; it has a lighter profile.
4 Kickstarters for Compassionate Foodies
(July 18, 2014)
Projects that are equal parts delicious and conscientious.
Ten Fun Ways to Use Summer Fruits
(July 10, 2014)
Got a little carried away at the farmer’s market? These ten recipes require heaps of fruit—perfect for making use of the pounds of strawberries, nectarines, plums, and blackberries you acquired at the farmer’s market.
A Week of Eating: Where is Filipino Food?
(July 9, 2014)
The lack of restaurants isn’t because the food is terrible— Filipino food is wonderfully diverse and inventive. It’s been dubbed in the culinary world as “the next big thing,” but Filipino food largely remains on the outskirts of popular consumption. Maya Dangerfield spent a week eating everything from adobo to sinanglay na tilapia to figure out why.
Summertime Eats: Fourth of July Menu
(July 2, 2014)
Honest Cooking has rounded up the most delicious and patriotic dishes to celebrate America’s Independence Day. From grilled main dishes to cook-out staples, celebrate America’s 238th birthday with dishes that represent the nation’s best grilling favorites, seasonal sides, and desserts.
Culinary World Cup: Spain vs. Australia
(June 20, 2014)
Two stunning national dishes. One winner. Spain competes against Australia in the next installation of the Culinary World Cup.
(June 20, 2014)
Summer, Summer, Summer squash. Summer is here and it’s time to explore the standout member of the summer squash family– the zucchini.
(June 19, 2014)
With a short harvest season snap peas are highly coveted and delicious summer vegetable. Honest Cooking explores this crisp legume in the latest installment of ‘Countdown to Summer.’
Culinary World Cup: Iran vs. Nigeria
(June 16, 2014)
Players from around the world are representing their countries in the World Cup. We asked NYC restaurants to do the same.
Countdown to Summer: Tomatillos
(June 13, 2014)
Often overshadowed by their tomato cousins, tomatillos enter the spotlight this summer with their bold and citrusy flavor.
(June 12, 2014)
It’ll be knee high by July—and in our bellies soon after. Honest Cooking explores the summer’s most treasured vegetable.
Countdown to Summer: Cucumbers
(June 11, 2014)
Light and refreshing the cucumber is one of the first vegetables to welcome the start of the summer produce season.
Countdown to Summer: Raspberries
(June 10, 2014)
Raspberries. The ‘p’ is silent. The berry is delicious.
(June 9, 2014)
No fruit has more historical clout than the fig. Delish.
Countdown to Summer: All About Peaches
(June 6, 2014)
Peaches are here! Celebrate the start of summer with our favorite fuzzy fruit!
25 Boozy Condiments and Snacks
(June 5, 2014)
Booze! Not just great on the rocks or at the bar, alcohol adds a kick to your typical condiment and snacking routine. These 25 curated items by Honest Cooking offer a new taste of old favorites like hot sauce, mustard and jam.
Countdown to Summer: All About Blueberries
(June 5, 2014)
Summer’s favorite berry makes its debut.
Countdown to Summer: All About Apricots
(June 4, 2014)
Apricots are here and ready to be enjoyed. Throw them on the grill, chop them into salsas, or eat them raw, it doesn’t matter, just eat them.
A Foodies Guide to June Food Festival
(May 27, 2014)
For foodies summer in New York is a culinary dream. From street fairs selling summertime favorites to festivals honoring local eats the city’s best restaurants, venders, and food trucks are in full force as they showcase their talents for locals and residents alike.
How to Pair Wine to Your Late Night Meals
(May 15, 2014)
Not every day will end with a gourmet meal. But every meal deserves a good wine.
One Burrito at a Time: How B'klyn Burro is Changing the Taqueria Scene
(May 12, 2014)
One burrito at a time. Honest Cooking explores how Brooklyn’s best late night secret is quickly carving a path to rewrite east coast burrito history.
For the Foodie Mom: A Mother's Day Gift Guide
(May 8, 2014)
This mother’s day Honest Cooking has compiled a list of 10 fun, useful, and desirable food-related gifts that any foodie mom would love.
What's a Tangelo? 5 Fruit Hybrid You Should Try
(April 29, 2014)
What’s a Tangelo? A Yuzu? Or a Pluot? The answer— a hybrid fruit that’s wonderfully delicious and worth a try.
Instagram Pirates- Entrepreneurs Selling Booze on Social Media
(April 15, 2014)
Want alcoholic slushies delivered to your door 24/7? Look no further than Phrosties, an Instagram-only (and probably illegal) business that’s inventively using the social media site as a full service business platform.
A Spring Menu Guide for Easter
(April 15, 2014)
Easter is around the corner and Honest Cooking has your guide to planning the perfect spring meal. The Spring Menu Guide includes an array of tasty mains, flavorful side dishes, and mouthwatering-deserts that are sure to please friends and family.
How to Make the Perfect Pie Crust: Advice for Non-Bakers
(April 2, 2014)
Allison Kave, author of First Prize Pies and co-owner of Butter & Scotch, teaches Honest Cooking how to make the perfect pie crust.
Avocado Anxiety? 5 Spreads That Will You Make You Forget Guacamole
(April 2, 2014)
March was the month of the Chipotle guacamole scare, known as ‘guacapocalyspe.’ Let April be the month the nation recovers with five delicious and creamy guacamole alternatives.
What's a Kolache? A Guide to the Czech-Tex Pastry
(March 31, 2014)
Honest Cooking answers the question ‘What’s a Kolache?’ and explains why the Czech-Tex pastry deserves a spot in your stomach.
My Hometown Guide- The Best of Manassas, Virginia
(March 24, 2014)
Manassas Virginia, my hometown, is full of amazing history. It’s also home to a diverse and delicious array of food.
Freelance Local News
Hands-on initiatives introduce city's Girl Scouts to coding, in preparation for possible careers in computer sciences
Garba in the City, a South Asian folk dance event in its fifth year, grows along with the city’s Indian-American population
Un estilo de vida de mil millones de followers
For Univision's coverage of the pope's visit to the United States, a profile about religious diversity in New York
2015 New York Daily News Golden Glove Boxing Tournament
The first day of the April tournament.
How Architects and Designers Craft Your Dining Experience
The struggles of opening a restaurant in New York City are real, but if a diner is to have a flawless experience, sticking to a restaurant’s vision is important. No matter the cost.
5 Lamps Tavern to be Replaced, Locals Worry about Backyard Noise
A backyard seating area at a new restaurant planning to open on 105th street could prove a big draw for locals looking to dine al fresco — but neighbors are demanding that the spot be quieter than its predecessor.
New Resturants Set to Replace Mughlai, Barrique and Malaysia Grill
Three new restaurants are planning to come to the Upper West Side, and they went before a community board on Wednesday to apply for liquor licenses.
Women Discuss Uneasiness at Running Alone in Winter
NYC's Jack Rabbit Sports is set to launch a six-week self-defense workshop beginning February 4th for those wary about running alone in the city.
Successful After Kickstarter Campaign? Two Bushwick Businesses Share
For these Bushwick businesses, Kickstarter is an important reminder of how far their businesses have grown since their campaigns.
Brooklyn Students See Selma Thanks to Local Initiative
At Brooklyn’s Pavilion Theater, school groups like Pave Academy utilized the “Selma for Students” campaign. Launched in early January by 27 African-American business leaders, the initiative provided 27,000 free movie ticketsto “Selma” for New York City middle school students.
Muslim fashion and beauty bloggers form a community online and in real life. Published December 30, 2014 on Medium.com
Effort to Secure Landmark Status for 'Church of the Generals' Continues.
When St. John's Church closed, locals rushed to landmark the 180-year-old building they feared would be demolished. They've just received some bad news. Published Dec 11-17, 2014 in the Bay Ridge Edition of the Brooklyn Eagle (print)