Monthly Archives: May 2009

The Financial Times is beating-up on the U.S. economy again, citing the drop in housing starts in April:

New US residential building fell to the lowest level since 1959 last month, suggesting the stricken housing market may have further to fall.

Housing starts fell for the ninth time in 10 months, dropping by 12.8 per cent to an adjusted annual rate of construction of 458,000, commerce department figures showed yesterday. The fall dashed analysts’ expectations of an increase in new construction, but many pointed out that the overhang of housing inventory must be cut before the market can recover.

The monthly fall was due to a steep drop in multi-family home construction, such as apartment blocks, which fell by 46.1 per cent.

Multi-family starts are off my 46.1%? That will drag down the total number for sure. Oddly, the FT missed the “up” number in the report. Take a closer look at the Commerce Department report (opens in PDF) and you’ll see single-family home construction is up 2.8%.

Not ready for an new home? Start putting on additions — that’s where I can help.

Today’s press release from Moen caught my eye — and not only because it’s well-written:

It’s where the typical family begins and ends their day, and truth be told, it’s where they spend a good chunk of their time throughout the day, as well. Whether it’s preparing meals, finishing homework, surfing the internet, or even wrapping gifts, the kitchen has become the real living room of the home. Curious about this hub of daily activity, Moen Incorporated, the number one faucet brand in North America, began to wonder how real life played out in this space and recently conducted an online survey to query consumers about everything from kitchen pet peeves in and around the sink to what they would like to change most about their current kitchens.

Loved the responses to “desired changes:”

• 43% – replacing existing countertops (ranked #1)
• 40% – making the kitchen larger
• 39% – adding more storage space
• 38% – replacing appliances
• 37% – installing new flooring

That where I come in to help you with small, medium or large kitchen projects. Give me a call; I can help you plan it and build it.

That’s right: I love to cook. Having worked in restaurants as a chef, I continue catering private parties from time to time. This week was especially busy.

On Sunday, my Godson received his First Holy Communion. We subsequently entertained 30 adults and 12 kids at my sister’s house in Metuchen. Then, on Tuesday, I catered a broker open house in Asbury Park.

Here’s the menu I came up with:

• Rock shrimp with spring vegetables sauted with garlic and basil, served over fettucini.
• Veal, pork and beef mini meatballs in a porcini and morel cream sauce.
• Hickory-smoked ham with brie and olive tapenade canapés
• Herb tuna salad rolled inside Boston lettuce
• Vidalia onion toasts

“Fresh and Light” for real estate agents on the go. Who, by the way, are not any less active than before this recession we’re in. From what I’ve heard from the realtor community, the economy is beginning to rebound.

A little about how I prepared the menu…

Pasta
Low-fat, with only four tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to saute the shrimp and vegetables. A half-bottle of Kendall Jackson Chardonnay was poured in and allowed to reduce, the sauce was left loose to keep it light — allowing the vegetable and the shrimp flavor to dominate.

Meatalls
Ah, here’s the secret: I used my grandmother’s recipe. The complex flavor of the mushrooms complemented the meatballs’ tender character.

Hors d’œuvre
The hors d’œuvre were reminiscent a version of a traditional lunch. The ham canapés and tuna rolls were small yet satisfying, beautifully assembled — a work of culinary art.

Everything was garnished with fresh vegetables with beautiful herbs, most of which are in full bloom now.

Having a private affair? Give me a call: I’d love to hear from you.