in which i break the cardinal rules of food photography

I would never dare to claim that I am even at an amateur level of food photography, but in my adventures I have happened to come across a tip or two.  Unfortunately, this week of eating brought circumstances that forced me to abandon the simplest of rules.  The meals were delicious, however, and I insist on chronicling them despite my glaring and harsh photos!

 Never, ever use flash!!!

 

 

Crispy Ipoh Squid

Basil Mango Beef

Late Wednesday night, Ana picked me up for a surprise "free bottle of wine with online reservation" dinner.  After I got in the car, we drove two blocks, parked, and entered Hachi Bistro.  Dark, red lighting and goldfish in porcelain vases greeted us at this Asian restaurant tucked at the edges of Williamsburg.  Given the sketchy details surrounding the reservation and the just-out-of-normal-people-reach location, I wasn't expecting much.  We ordered the crispy ipoh squid, a spicy salmon roll, basil mango beef, and pad thai.  

The highlight of the meal was definitely the squid.  It was battered in tempura, fried in butter, and sauteed with green peppers, onion, and fresh basil.  Knowing full well the gluten-y nausea that would follow, I still had my full share of the squid.  The rest of the meal was delicious, especially the smooth and flavorful basil mango beef.  I would definitely go back to try a few other dishes on their menu.

Don't photograph in a shadow!

Huevos Rancheros and Fried Yuca

There are few things greater on a Manhattan Sunday than a delicious prix-fixe brunch with little wait time at noon.  Despite the 13 degree windy weather,  Joanna and I met at Esperanto for huevos rancheros and fried yuca.  This brazilian spot had less obnoxious decor than I would think, just lively enough to be fun but clear that the staff was dedicated more to the quality of their food.  

Brunch came with mediocre drip coffee but a delightful mimosa, perhaps the grown-up version of a red bull vodka.  The huevos rancheros tortilla was exceptionally buttery, and the eggs were beautifully runny with a fresh heaping of tomatoes and red onion.  The potatoes were dusted with chile powder and accompanied with black beans.  Joanna and I caught up on work happenings, post-college gossip, and 2012 plans.  After wandering the east village and both being successful at finding heavy-duty scarves (Zara and Urban Outfitters win!), we parted to let Joanna get started on journaling for the Golden Globes.

Don't use artificial light, and do use props and styling!

It could have been the freezing weather or just my lingering cold, but I returned to Brooklyn with a cloud of dizziness and malaise.  After laying in a dark room for a few hours contemplating my frigid demise, I finally decided to get up and make myself something warming.  The following soup turned out super awesome and life-giving, such that I am now able to blog!  The next time you feel like you're in a stew of unending sickness, I hope this soup will calm your head and stomach!

1. Bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil.  
2. Tear up 1-2 cups of a rotisserie chicken with a mix of white meat, dark meat, and skin.
3. Chop up 1/2 cup of cilantro.
4. Combine chicken, cilantro, and a big handful of baby spinach leaves in the broth and continue to boil for 2 additional minute.
5. Sip slowly and feel the rejuvenation of chicken and spinach!!

<3

Jane