Valerie Smaldone
Media Personality, Actress, Producer, Writer
Valerie Smaldone, a 5 time Billboard Magazine Award winner, is perhaps best known for her unprecedented success holding the #1 position in the New York radio market as the midday host of New York’s 106.7 FM. She ended her on air run with the station at the end of 2007. In addition, she was the co-creator, writer, producer and host of 'Spotlight On,' a nationally syndicated program that featured in-depth interviews with top recording artists such as Paul McCartney, Elton John, Sting and Celine Dion, to name a few.
Presently, Valerie can be heard on NBC Network News promos and specialty shows and as the announcer for The Boomer Esiason Show on MSG. She writes a weekly nightlife column for TheThreeTomatoes.com, writes a theater column for Examiner.com, and has an interview program on the Italian American Network. She is an interviewer and feature reporter on Broadway for TonyAwards.com and hosts and produces celebrity portrait unveilings for Broadway stars at famed theater district eatery, Tony’s.
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Dolce, Dumplings, and Chocolates
Hey my friend;
Call me a wanderer, a vagabond, she who is peripatetic.
That is me. I walk. A lot. My feet can tell you stories. My summer shoes burn my soles and everything else, yet I still walk. And while walking, I happen upon really interesting places in the city. Like a
really authentic Italian trattoria. The kind you find in the alleys of Tuscany, with robust wine or frothy espresso served, and an array of delectable home made dolce that melt away the miles between here and Siena.
I stumbled upon Tarallucci e Vino one warm late Spring day and my friend and I sat at the coffee bar with our cappuccinos and sweet rolls devouring their incredible cornetto con marmalata. Just yumm.
There are three Tarallucci e Vino locations: East 18th near Union Square (the one I tried), First Avenue and 10th and in Soho at Greene Street between Houston and Prince. Go to www.taralluccievino.net
Now for something completely different. My new friend Sal, who is Sicilian-American, is a huge foodie and a great fan of Korean cuisine! So the other day, he took me to Koreatown, in the 30's between 5th and 6th, and after much deliberation, settled on a place known for their dumplings. We went to Mandoo Bar, a simple, casual place and ordered a variety of boiled dumplings, made with pork and vegetables.
They were delightful. It reminded me of my childhood, because one of my best friends then was the daughter of Taiwanese immigrants. Her mom made the most delicious food. One dish in particular that was outstanding, was her dumplings. I used to love them, and have never since been able to find the flavor or texture that was crafted in my friends mothers' Bronx kitchen. Until now, that is. The dumplings at Mandoo Bar so reminded me of that delicious home made flavor. Mandoo Bar is located at 2 West 32nd Street. www.krestaurant.com
And to top off a great meal, how about wine and chocolate? A most heavenly combination.
Not far from Mandoo Bar is Ayza Wine and Chocolate Bar at 11 West 31st Street. The chocolates are incredibly satisfying and the wine list is terrific. It is genius to devise an eatery that combines those two great food and beverage pleasures.
Ayza also offer a regular dinner menu and cheese menu. And get this, Tuesday is Girls Night Out at Ayza! www.ayzanyc.com
Wow, that was some walking tour!
Have a happy and safe July 4th weekend...and happy walking and eating!
