What a strange and difficult winter!  December sent ice storms that downed trees and destroyed property.  January dumped snow, every week more snow dropped from the sky onto my driveway, lawn, commute, life.  February brought unemployment for so many of my friends.  Every time I log onto Facebook, some new has changed their status to “Now Unemployed” or “Freelancing.”  

Last week, I went to see a play in Manhattan.  As I walked through Times Square, I noticed… I could walk down the street.  Less than half the usual tourists crowded the sidewalks.  I saw disturbing things that I have not witnessed in Times Square since the 1990s.  Pimps hawked on the corners.  Pickpockets worked in organized teams.  I had to strap my purse diagonally across my chest and keep a tight grip on it… something I have not thought about, so much as done, in more than 10 years.

The world is changing rapidly and uncertainty is everywhere.

Needless to say, I have hunkered down this winter.  I have focused most of my Sunday cooking on simple, hearty soups, like ham hock and mixed bean, or mushroom and barley.  One weekend I made a roast beef with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans, then ate the leftovers as sandwiches for a week.

I have not eaten out much either.  I find now, when I go out to eat, that I am looking for simple, home cooked meals.  I loathe giving my money to chain restaurants.  If I need to dine on a budget, I would rather spend my cash on a cafeteria with a real cook then a chain that reheats everything in a microwave.

Yesterday, my brother came up to visit.  He likes and often uses my mechanic.  Even though it is far from him, the long drive up is worth the peace of mind associated with an honest mechanic.  

We stopped for lunch after dropping his car off.  

We found a small Spanish restaurant called Mia on Route 17M between Harriman and Monroe.  The sign in the window said “Caribbean Food.”  They had a counter with a few tables.  We each ordered a chicken dish.  

My brother ordered the lemon chicken and I ordered the garlic chicken.  Both of us took seasoned rice and black beans as our side dishes, along with a shared order of Maduras.



The maduras were amazing!  The sweet plantains had crisp skins and soft texture, and they weren’t greasy!!!!



They prepared the beans Cuban style, with just enough garlic and spice.  The rice had olives and black beans in it, and when combined with the homemade garlic sauce from the chicken, I did not need to ask for Mojo.



We both ate everything on our plates (not something I do often).  The owner came out and talked to us for a while.  His wife, Mia, cooked our food.  We lingered in conversation and felt like a part of the community.  This little restaurant gave us tremendous warmth, hospitality and delicious food.  My entire bill came to less than $25.00. I left feeling good, sated and connected to my community.