OliveTree

I first stumbled upon this little place while my date and I were looking for retreat from the crowds at the area bars. The atmosphere is peaceful and serves as a perfect place to meet someone, whether it be for a first date, or even for a last date. The music blends in well with the surroundings and as some extra character, silent Chaplin movies play on a screen near the bar, while the artist in yourself is free to grab a piece of chalk and express themselves on the slate tables.

The menu is very reasonably priced and the beers come in sizes ranging from large to ridiculously large. On my latest visit I was quite satisfied with the macaroni and cheese, while my date ordered the quiche. She was not quite as satisfied; yet, we still had a good time. I couldn't tell what was wrong with the quiche, but since my quiche experience is largely limited to the 1am variety at the corner deli after leaving work during busy season - I don't think I am the best person to be to judge.

The night ended in an unexpected manner - but so is life and as people say, everything happens for a reason.

(pictured: two bees fighting for ultimate supremacy)

99 cent pizza

The near mile-long trek away from the bright lights of the great white way to the quiet peacefulness of the Hudson River Park can be a long walk that offers little refuge.
One place that you can count on as a pit stop on this journey is 99cent Fresh Pizza.

The first time I heard of this place I wasn't sure whether it was real. Well, it is real and it is great.

This oasis is open 24/7 and always has at least a few people eagerly awaiting a slice. This line keeps them cranking out fresh pizza all day long.

Pizza snobs may point out that they do not use the best ingredients, but they'll soon be silenced the moment they bite into this fresh hot deliciousness.

Pictured: Two slices of deliciousness
Ingredients required: Two fresh $1 bills
Preparation time: 2-3 min wait
Location: Corner of 9th Ave & 41st st, New York

nannerpuss

I can't take credit for the creation of nannerpuss - that credit must go to Denny's. However, that won't stop me from enjoying the the company of a banannaoctopuss who loves pancakes. This meal is as wonderful as it is simple. The transformation of the pancake from a lifeless and marginally nutritious meal to that of an energetic and (slightly more) nutritious meal is unparallelled.

Today I was fortunate to have two brothers from the family Nannerpuss drop by. Jaques, who works as an artist, and Crotchety, his older and grumpy brother.

Jaques also invited his friends Strawberries. We all listened to music for a while and hung out then Crotchety wanted to go home to watch Full House, the Fogged In episode where Jesse and Joey are up all night working on their latest jingle, which was for "Casa De Pancakes." Unfortunately, D.J. and Kimmy unknowingly erased the jingle from the tape it was recorded on by recording their version of "The Locomotion." Well, that is another story for another time...

(Top: Jaques Nannerpuss hanging out with his friends Strawberries)

(Bottom: Crotchety, who didn't get enough sleep)

Ingredients Required:
Banana friends
Waffle mix
Strawberries
Whipped Cream

Tools required:
Magic markers
Knife
waffle maker

Ranchpea

Lettuce and fresh tomatoes have long served as the unquestionable toppings of choice to the hamburger, while peas have always been reglected to a mere supporting role as a side dish. Only on rare occasions have peas have come to the dinner table to play the marquee role; however, this is usually as a puree in a pea soup.

Ranchpea puts peas front and center. As magic marshmallows in Lucky Charms, the peas provide fanticful flavor bursts. The ranch dressing brings this beautiful symphony together and balances the tangy sundried tomatoes. As an added bonus, a light layer of sesame ginger marinade underlies the sundried tomatoes.

Red spice wine and cappuccino complement this plate, with Wilco's Pot Kettle Black serving as a backdrop.

Ingredients

(in order of first appearance)

bun

sesame ginger marinade

sundried tomatoes

peas

ranch dressing

ground beef

Tools required

Fire

Hands