Picnics are a wonderful way to uncork your mind when it feels bottled and buried in dust. Just this past Thursday I found myself called to revolt from my desk chair and join in a celebration of the last nice day of summery weather in Brooklyn. Kristen rallied the troops and planned an outdoor lunch at Fort Greene Park; those of us on the list fell into line with tasty provisions at our sides.

I needed the break. I’ve been spending obscene amounts of time in front of my computer lately, mostly in the pursuit of finely edited video files. I’ve got a new video today that has long been in the pipeline. You may have seen the Citrus, ginger, soy and some chili paste-click here for a sauce that will make a fiery marinade for chicken and a smashing simmering sauce for rice noodles.