A Routine

One of my favorite features in the Sunday New York Times is in the Metropolitan section (which, oddly, is my least favorite section) and it describes the typical Sunday of various local celebs.  I suppose I like it because everyone really does have a Sunday routine, and it's always interesting to see how mine compares with the rest of the world's.  Since it is doubtful that the New York Times will be asking me about my weekend anytime soon, I'll post my own Sunday Routine column here.

MORNING GAME  During soccer season, Paul sets the alarm so he's up in time to watch his beloved Manchester United play, which means we're both up by 8:00 or 9:00.

BAKED GOODS  Unless the weather's too hot, I'll usually bake something for breakfast.  For a while it was chocolate brioche each week, but lately I've been branching out.  Today I made Dorie Greenspan's apple cake, and it was perfection.

POLITICS  I am obsessed with the Sunday morning political talk shows, so once soccer is over, the TV is mine for an hour or two.  My favorite is Christiane Amanpour on ABC so I never miss her, but I usually watch David Gregory as well.

BREAD  Since I was raised in the Bay Area I've been absolutely spoiled when it comes to bread.  I cannot find a decent loaf in New York.  A tragedy.  So I make my own.  Often I've started it the day before so I just take the loaves out of the fridge and pop them in the oven.  Today, I gave this recipe from the new Tartine bread book a try.  It was a rousing success.

INDIAN  Paul's an absolute indian food freak, so sometimes he persuades me to accompany him to his favorite lunch buffet spot, Salaam Bombay in Tribeca.  If I can't be persuaded, he scours the city until someone agrees to it.

FOOD  After either Salaam or Christiane, depending on my mood, I head out for a little light grocery shopping to supplement whatever I picked up the day before at the farmer's market.  If we're having friends over for dinner I'm shopping for dinner, if not I'm shopping for the week's lunches.  I hate paying for mediocre lunch food so try to brown bag it as much as possible.  Today I made a chicken b'stilla...

and a provencal vegetable soup.

Both courtesy of Ms. Greenspan's new cookbook, which I've got on loan from the library at the moment but which I will be buying anytime now.

PREMIUM CABLE  In the evening we either host a mini TV marathon or go to a friend's place in Tribeca to watch one.  Boardwalk Empire is an absolute must, as is Dexter.  I usually end up going to bed later than one probably should the night before the first day of the workweek, but no matter, I turn in early on Monday.

What do your Sundays look like?