December 1st-
For Nathan's birthday, we headed to Bobo on West 10th Street. It is tucked away, so it feels like you've discovered a treasure when you finally come upon it. You enter into what feels like someone's big old house. The first floor hosts the bar area and most of the dining is upstairs. The walls are all a colonial blue. There are dark bookshelves full of books, chandeliers, heavy curtains on the windows, small picture frames holding old black and white portraits on the walls and a fireplace with a mantle that holds charming trinkets. The lights are low, and candles are all around. It's very romantic and warm in feeling. Bread, butter and water were brought to the table as you would expect, while we looked over the menu. We started with the oysters. Each one of the three selections was delicious....one was slightly briny, one tasted just like fresh salt water from the sea, and one was buttery. Nathan liked the slightly briny one, and I, of course, liked the buttery one the best. Next, we had the crab appetizer, which to use the waitress' description, was a deconstructed crab salad. It was presented in a molded shape over curry sauce. It was so tasty! Surprisingly, the curry sauce did not overwhelm the delicate taste of the crab. I was sad when we ate the last bite. I think it was my favorite out of everything we ate that night. Last, we tried the cod duo which consisted of cod sitting on top of pork, on the side was a fried croquet with a dill pickle flavor. I know.....it doesn't sound that good. That's what I thought when Nathan said he wanted to order it.....but who was I to argue on his birthday? It was much better than it sounded. I loved the croquet! It was interesting....and the fish was nicely cooked. The pork I wasn't as into, but Nathan really liked it. We ended our dinner with a glass of port. The experience was relaxing and indulgent.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
The Shanteaus'
November 23rd-
So.....this blog was really just started as a food diary for myself, but my husband suggested that I write a blog instead. not having ever done this, I was, of course, curious and thought...."ok, this could be even more fun"......so here were are. My parents, my dad especially, read it regularly and at our last meeting, they prepared such a feast, they said jokingly that I should write about it in my blog.....so.......Mom and Dad......this one's for you.......
We arrived at the Shanteaus' practically starving.....which is always the best way to arrive here, because you always consume way more than you ever dreamed you were physically able to eat. Today was no different. Upon entering, I noticed a heaping pile of freshly baked biscotti, a dad creation. At once, at least two of those puppies went down. I don't eat sweets often, but as I said earlier, I was starving, besides......these are not obnoxiously sweet biscotti. They are pretty perfect. Now that I was eating those, I, of course, needed coffee. I realized at once that I was doing this all backwards, but I didn't care. Then, my mom started putting things on the table as they were ready, and we all just started eating them....first grape leaves that her friend had made, hummos, pita and some rolls. I skipped the bread, but took half a grape leave, leaving the other half for Nathan, and a smidge of hummos......trying to be careful not to overeat.....I always try.....but I somehow never manage to do so at home. Ok......I am not kidding you. I only tried the grape leave because she said her friend made it. I usually don't like them that much. They are always too bitter or sour. These were heavenly! I soooo want this recipe....and if the person who made them is reading this...PLEASE...I beg of you! I have never loved a grape leave until this one touched my lips. I immediately took another. I wanted to eat the whole bowl, but I knew more yummy goodness was on the way. One question.....what the hell kind of meat is in a grape leave? None of us knew and we've all tried them over the years. I guess, no one ever really liked them enough to find out until now. Then.....a plate of the most delicious ham in the whole world was placed on the table.....it is moist, cut to just the right thickness, a touch sweet and full of flavor. I have never had ham better than this ever anywhere. In fact, I rarely eat ham, because after my mom's, it is always a big disappointment. I ate this too. Next came a dish of fresh, bright green asparagus generously topped with hollandaise sauce......only my very favorite sauce in the whole wide world......a sauce I asked my dad to show me how to make at a time when the thought of cooking anything ever sent me running to hide. I had to know. I knew I could never live my life without it.....and believe me, I don't. Even Nathan ate some of this, contrary to my advice, because we think he may be allergic asparagus. He just couldn't stay away. He was already in......there is some kind of hypnotic food trance that occurs here at the Shanteaus' and you can't quite understand it until you have experienced it for yourself. Then, the spice cake was set on the table.....ok.....cake does not entice me, so I skipped this, but no one else did. But.....I was running out of room and I knew the grand finale was just about to make its appearance......the creme de la creme of brunch......eggs benedict. I was so full by this time, I couldn't finish the English muffin. I had to leave them for dead and go straight in for the eggs. Another great meal at the Shanteaus'.......they are the reason I find a need for a food blog in the first place.
So.....this blog was really just started as a food diary for myself, but my husband suggested that I write a blog instead. not having ever done this, I was, of course, curious and thought...."ok, this could be even more fun"......so here were are. My parents, my dad especially, read it regularly and at our last meeting, they prepared such a feast, they said jokingly that I should write about it in my blog.....so.......Mom and Dad......this one's for you.......
We arrived at the Shanteaus' practically starving.....which is always the best way to arrive here, because you always consume way more than you ever dreamed you were physically able to eat. Today was no different. Upon entering, I noticed a heaping pile of freshly baked biscotti, a dad creation. At once, at least two of those puppies went down. I don't eat sweets often, but as I said earlier, I was starving, besides......these are not obnoxiously sweet biscotti. They are pretty perfect. Now that I was eating those, I, of course, needed coffee. I realized at once that I was doing this all backwards, but I didn't care. Then, my mom started putting things on the table as they were ready, and we all just started eating them....first grape leaves that her friend had made, hummos, pita and some rolls. I skipped the bread, but took half a grape leave, leaving the other half for Nathan, and a smidge of hummos......trying to be careful not to overeat.....I always try.....but I somehow never manage to do so at home. Ok......I am not kidding you. I only tried the grape leave because she said her friend made it. I usually don't like them that much. They are always too bitter or sour. These were heavenly! I soooo want this recipe....and if the person who made them is reading this...PLEASE...I beg of you! I have never loved a grape leave until this one touched my lips. I immediately took another. I wanted to eat the whole bowl, but I knew more yummy goodness was on the way. One question.....what the hell kind of meat is in a grape leave? None of us knew and we've all tried them over the years. I guess, no one ever really liked them enough to find out until now. Then.....a plate of the most delicious ham in the whole world was placed on the table.....it is moist, cut to just the right thickness, a touch sweet and full of flavor. I have never had ham better than this ever anywhere. In fact, I rarely eat ham, because after my mom's, it is always a big disappointment. I ate this too. Next came a dish of fresh, bright green asparagus generously topped with hollandaise sauce......only my very favorite sauce in the whole wide world......a sauce I asked my dad to show me how to make at a time when the thought of cooking anything ever sent me running to hide. I had to know. I knew I could never live my life without it.....and believe me, I don't. Even Nathan ate some of this, contrary to my advice, because we think he may be allergic asparagus. He just couldn't stay away. He was already in......there is some kind of hypnotic food trance that occurs here at the Shanteaus' and you can't quite understand it until you have experienced it for yourself. Then, the spice cake was set on the table.....ok.....cake does not entice me, so I skipped this, but no one else did. But.....I was running out of room and I knew the grand finale was just about to make its appearance......the creme de la creme of brunch......eggs benedict. I was so full by this time, I couldn't finish the English muffin. I had to leave them for dead and go straight in for the eggs. Another great meal at the Shanteaus'.......they are the reason I find a need for a food blog in the first place.
Kefi
November 29th-
After spending the entire Thanksgiving weekend in three city blocks, Nathan and I felt like going a bit farther for dinner this evening.....and not eating anything that, to us, resembled comfort food.....not being big on that type of cuisine as it is. Since I had to work all day, on my usual day off mind you, I left the planning to Nathan, and was not disappointed. He didn't tell me where we were going, just had me accompany him through the upper west side until we ended up in front of a Greek restaurant named Kefi. I was thrilled. It was different. We had never been there....and it was recommended to me by Liz. The lobby was full. We were worried it may be too much of a wait, but were happily surprised to find that twenty minutes was all we were asked to wait. Soon after, we were lead into a cozy, small dining room. It was hot as hell in there. But.....the waiter was nice and speedy and I was finally sitting down and drinking wine after spending the last nine hours on my feet. The menu looked interesting. There were several things that looked good, but we settled on the spreads, the warm feta, the meatballs and the lamb chop special. The spreads were so good. They came out in four small bowls....eggplant, sundried tomato, yogurt and chic pea. the chic pea spread was so creamy and a touch sweet. It was by far my favorite. The yogurt was in second place and then the others. The warm feta came in a bowl with pita, olives, onions and tomatoes. I so loved it! The feta was great....just sour enough, but also creamy and rich. Then, we were given the meatballs and the lamb. I don't usually order meatballs, but Liz highly recommended them, so I had to try them. I must say, they were tasty. The lamb wasn't my favorite. I expected it to be a bit more tender, but the spinach and rice combination that accompanied it was possibly the best rice dish I have ever had.....creamy, tasty.....a nice surprise. It was a bit too much food for the two of us, but when we only picked three dishes, the waiter said it may not be enough food. Since we had never been there and weren't familiar with the portion sizes, we took his advice. Even though it was more than we needed, I didn't regret it. We were able to try a lot and now I have lunch for tomorrow.
We used to go to a restaurant/bar called Loft. It was special to us because this is where we were when we decided to get married in New York. We were sad to see it close. We recently found out that Kefi is relocating to that spot this coming Wednesday. Knowing this makes me feel happy. I anticipate our return to Kefi in their new location.
After spending the entire Thanksgiving weekend in three city blocks, Nathan and I felt like going a bit farther for dinner this evening.....and not eating anything that, to us, resembled comfort food.....not being big on that type of cuisine as it is. Since I had to work all day, on my usual day off mind you, I left the planning to Nathan, and was not disappointed. He didn't tell me where we were going, just had me accompany him through the upper west side until we ended up in front of a Greek restaurant named Kefi. I was thrilled. It was different. We had never been there....and it was recommended to me by Liz. The lobby was full. We were worried it may be too much of a wait, but were happily surprised to find that twenty minutes was all we were asked to wait. Soon after, we were lead into a cozy, small dining room. It was hot as hell in there. But.....the waiter was nice and speedy and I was finally sitting down and drinking wine after spending the last nine hours on my feet. The menu looked interesting. There were several things that looked good, but we settled on the spreads, the warm feta, the meatballs and the lamb chop special. The spreads were so good. They came out in four small bowls....eggplant, sundried tomato, yogurt and chic pea. the chic pea spread was so creamy and a touch sweet. It was by far my favorite. The yogurt was in second place and then the others. The warm feta came in a bowl with pita, olives, onions and tomatoes. I so loved it! The feta was great....just sour enough, but also creamy and rich. Then, we were given the meatballs and the lamb. I don't usually order meatballs, but Liz highly recommended them, so I had to try them. I must say, they were tasty. The lamb wasn't my favorite. I expected it to be a bit more tender, but the spinach and rice combination that accompanied it was possibly the best rice dish I have ever had.....creamy, tasty.....a nice surprise. It was a bit too much food for the two of us, but when we only picked three dishes, the waiter said it may not be enough food. Since we had never been there and weren't familiar with the portion sizes, we took his advice. Even though it was more than we needed, I didn't regret it. We were able to try a lot and now I have lunch for tomorrow.
We used to go to a restaurant/bar called Loft. It was special to us because this is where we were when we decided to get married in New York. We were sad to see it close. We recently found out that Kefi is relocating to that spot this coming Wednesday. Knowing this makes me feel happy. I anticipate our return to Kefi in their new location.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Fatty Crab
October 10th-
On the most beautiful October evening, after attending (with the Geeters) the Food Network's "Meatpacking Uncorked", a wine tasting event where you traveled on foot (me in my new Steve Madden black patent leather peep toe booties) in the Meatpacking district from fabulous boutique to fabulous boutique.....(I'm talking Diane Von Furstenberg....who gave out entire splits of champagne.... and Stella McCartney)......which...can I say?......was my absolute heaven....or maybe a tiny bit of torture, since I am trying my very best to be frugal....and something in every store was screaming out, "Buy me! You know you love me!" But to be honest, the excitement of discovering all these beautiful jewels in places I dare not allow myself to frequent was so magnificent, I could scarcely contain myself! Wine and champagne in my hand all night and shopping?! The only way this could have been better is if they gave you free clothes at each store! I was a droolin' like the dog from "Turner and Hooch"! Anyway.......on to the food......we were all hungry and tipsy by the end of the evening, so we decided to grab a bite to eat at Fatty Crab. Nathan and I had never been there and the Geeters highly recommended it. First, we had the mussels....good....nothing unusual. Then we had the shrimp wrapped in lettuce.....ok. The pork buns were next.....now we're talking! These were finger lickin' good! After that, the grand finale....the Short Rib Rendang.......the most tender delicious meat served with rice. Oh my god- who knew I would love pork so much?! This was amazing- my favorite dish of the evening! So.....Fatty Crab.....muy bueno!
On the most beautiful October evening, after attending (with the Geeters) the Food Network's "Meatpacking Uncorked", a wine tasting event where you traveled on foot (me in my new Steve Madden black patent leather peep toe booties) in the Meatpacking district from fabulous boutique to fabulous boutique.....(I'm talking Diane Von Furstenberg....who gave out entire splits of champagne.... and Stella McCartney)......which...can I say?......was my absolute heaven....or maybe a tiny bit of torture, since I am trying my very best to be frugal....and something in every store was screaming out, "Buy me! You know you love me!" But to be honest, the excitement of discovering all these beautiful jewels in places I dare not allow myself to frequent was so magnificent, I could scarcely contain myself! Wine and champagne in my hand all night and shopping?! The only way this could have been better is if they gave you free clothes at each store! I was a droolin' like the dog from "Turner and Hooch"! Anyway.......on to the food......we were all hungry and tipsy by the end of the evening, so we decided to grab a bite to eat at Fatty Crab. Nathan and I had never been there and the Geeters highly recommended it. First, we had the mussels....good....nothing unusual. Then we had the shrimp wrapped in lettuce.....ok. The pork buns were next.....now we're talking! These were finger lickin' good! After that, the grand finale....the Short Rib Rendang.......the most tender delicious meat served with rice. Oh my god- who knew I would love pork so much?! This was amazing- my favorite dish of the evening! So.....Fatty Crab.....muy bueno!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
The Boat Basin
September 13th 2008/April 17th 2009-
The Boat Basin is the perfect Upper West Side neighborhood place to go in the summer when you just want to lay low, have an unpretentious bite to eat, relax, gaze at the river, and not spend your life's savings on a meal. There are families there, young people, old people, people looking to meet people, and even really cute dogs....everyone is welcome. At night, it feels more like you are at someone's fantastic house for a summer barbeque. The food isn't bad either. The cheeseburger, is no Soho Park burger (my fav), but it will do. It is better with a side of horseradish sauce. The tuna wraps are my favorite.... tuna, avocado and wasabi mayo is a perfect marriage. You can even order a glass of wine without breaking a ten. I feel at home here. I will be back.....with friends.....all summer long!
The Boat Basin is the perfect Upper West Side neighborhood place to go in the summer when you just want to lay low, have an unpretentious bite to eat, relax, gaze at the river, and not spend your life's savings on a meal. There are families there, young people, old people, people looking to meet people, and even really cute dogs....everyone is welcome. At night, it feels more like you are at someone's fantastic house for a summer barbeque. The food isn't bad either. The cheeseburger, is no Soho Park burger (my fav), but it will do. It is better with a side of horseradish sauce. The tuna wraps are my favorite.... tuna, avocado and wasabi mayo is a perfect marriage. You can even order a glass of wine without breaking a ten. I feel at home here. I will be back.....with friends.....all summer long!
Soho Park / Balthazar / Vosges
September 5th-
My sister flew into town this morning, and after allowing her to catch her breath, we headed to Soho for lunch and shopping. Soho Park, as I've mentioned to everyone who knows me, is my favorite place to go for a cheeseburger. If I'm hungry, and we're in Soho, that is my destination. The place is just cool. It has a hip vibe, a lot of young people are always eating here, and the music is an awesome omage to the eighties. The burgers are juicy and full of flavor..... it isn't the giant eight pound patty of dried up meat that I seem to find all over New York. The bun is soft and moist, and the sauce they put on is a perfect compliment. It is just burger perfection, and the airy, fun atmosphere puts the cherry on top. You don't have to sit amoungst annoying parents and their poiled toddlers like at the Upper West Side Shake Shack, or amoungst tourists at the Shack's Madison Square Park location, and these are just better burgers anyway. After lunch, we managed to shop for hours in Soho....searching for vintage shops while finding others along the way. I managed to fall in love with a handbag, and met my newest Steve Madden obsession......a pair of black patent leather peep toe booties.....to die for. By this time, lunch was way worn off and Kristi, tired from her early morning wake up call, wanted to have a bite and a break. I thought......Balthazar! Of course! We were just barely able to get a table in the bar area, but it was nice to sit down. What did we order? Steak tartare .....and the only acceptable beverage to accompany it.......champagne! Kristi was on vaca after all, and when she told me she had never tried tartare, I insisted we order it. After a few glasses of champagne, I could no longer resist my newest obsession, and we went directly to Steve Madden to acquire them. To celebrate......chocolate! We set out for Vosges. Now, I am not a big fan of chocolate, or of any sweets for that matter, but Vosges makes a curry coconut chocolate truffle that I can never refuse! That was the perfect end to our adventure in Soho.
My sister flew into town this morning, and after allowing her to catch her breath, we headed to Soho for lunch and shopping. Soho Park, as I've mentioned to everyone who knows me, is my favorite place to go for a cheeseburger. If I'm hungry, and we're in Soho, that is my destination. The place is just cool. It has a hip vibe, a lot of young people are always eating here, and the music is an awesome omage to the eighties. The burgers are juicy and full of flavor..... it isn't the giant eight pound patty of dried up meat that I seem to find all over New York. The bun is soft and moist, and the sauce they put on is a perfect compliment. It is just burger perfection, and the airy, fun atmosphere puts the cherry on top. You don't have to sit amoungst annoying parents and their poiled toddlers like at the Upper West Side Shake Shack, or amoungst tourists at the Shack's Madison Square Park location, and these are just better burgers anyway. After lunch, we managed to shop for hours in Soho....searching for vintage shops while finding others along the way. I managed to fall in love with a handbag, and met my newest Steve Madden obsession......a pair of black patent leather peep toe booties.....to die for. By this time, lunch was way worn off and Kristi, tired from her early morning wake up call, wanted to have a bite and a break. I thought......Balthazar! Of course! We were just barely able to get a table in the bar area, but it was nice to sit down. What did we order? Steak tartare .....and the only acceptable beverage to accompany it.......champagne! Kristi was on vaca after all, and when she told me she had never tried tartare, I insisted we order it. After a few glasses of champagne, I could no longer resist my newest obsession, and we went directly to Steve Madden to acquire them. To celebrate......chocolate! We set out for Vosges. Now, I am not a big fan of chocolate, or of any sweets for that matter, but Vosges makes a curry coconut chocolate truffle that I can never refuse! That was the perfect end to our adventure in Soho.
Royal Kabab & Curry
September 19th-
It was a perfect evening.....cold enough for a soft, comforting sweater, yet warm enough not to abandon my flip flops. We decided to go somewhere we had never been before, and since Nathan was tired from a long week of work, I suggested we stay in our hood this time......but a part of our hood that we seldom venture to.......north of west 95th. We set out down Broadway and nothing seemed to quite fit what we were looking for until we stumbled upon this tiny little authentic looking Indian restaurant on 103rd. We decided to give it a try. After looking around and then reading the menu, we had to laugh and agree, that, yes, this was probably authentic Indian food. Carafes of wine were referred to as "crafts" on the wine list, and when I asked what kind of wine they had I was told "red or white". The staff was made up of what seemed to be a family. They were all very sweet. It was very charming and down to earth. They were even playing Indian music in the background. (There is nothing worse than going to an "ethnic" restaurant, and being made to listen to Ace of Base.) We ordered our usual.....Nathan, the chicken tikka, and me, the mutter paneer. Along side of this we had garlic naan and riatha, which weren't the best ever, but they were ok. Our entrees were good. Nathan's was better than mine. I would have liked to have more paneer. All in all, it was a nice meal. The food was good and the energy was happy. We left satisified and with a to go menu in hand.
It was a perfect evening.....cold enough for a soft, comforting sweater, yet warm enough not to abandon my flip flops. We decided to go somewhere we had never been before, and since Nathan was tired from a long week of work, I suggested we stay in our hood this time......but a part of our hood that we seldom venture to.......north of west 95th. We set out down Broadway and nothing seemed to quite fit what we were looking for until we stumbled upon this tiny little authentic looking Indian restaurant on 103rd. We decided to give it a try. After looking around and then reading the menu, we had to laugh and agree, that, yes, this was probably authentic Indian food. Carafes of wine were referred to as "crafts" on the wine list, and when I asked what kind of wine they had I was told "red or white". The staff was made up of what seemed to be a family. They were all very sweet. It was very charming and down to earth. They were even playing Indian music in the background. (There is nothing worse than going to an "ethnic" restaurant, and being made to listen to Ace of Base.) We ordered our usual.....Nathan, the chicken tikka, and me, the mutter paneer. Along side of this we had garlic naan and riatha, which weren't the best ever, but they were ok. Our entrees were good. Nathan's was better than mine. I would have liked to have more paneer. All in all, it was a nice meal. The food was good and the energy was happy. We left satisified and with a to go menu in hand.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Cilantro
August 8th-
I heard that Cilantro was worth a visit, so I decided to pay it one on Friday evening. I met Nathan there, and we sat outside enjoying the summer evening. I ordered one of the special margaritas....berry flavored. I received a huge glass of icky frozen sweetness that tasted like it came from a cheap mix. I allowed the waiter to steer me in the right direction after that, and ended up with a pretty good regular, higher quality margie. Whew! We ordered the Aztec Nachos for our appetizer, which was so huge, it became our dinner. They were only nine dollars for what was the hugest portion imaginable. They were the best nachos I think I have ever had......full of cheese, sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo.....generously all throughout the dish, not just sitting as a small blob on top while all the chips underneath are dry and bored. So......all in all....I agree. Cilantro is worth a visit.
I heard that Cilantro was worth a visit, so I decided to pay it one on Friday evening. I met Nathan there, and we sat outside enjoying the summer evening. I ordered one of the special margaritas....berry flavored. I received a huge glass of icky frozen sweetness that tasted like it came from a cheap mix. I allowed the waiter to steer me in the right direction after that, and ended up with a pretty good regular, higher quality margie. Whew! We ordered the Aztec Nachos for our appetizer, which was so huge, it became our dinner. They were only nine dollars for what was the hugest portion imaginable. They were the best nachos I think I have ever had......full of cheese, sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo.....generously all throughout the dish, not just sitting as a small blob on top while all the chips underneath are dry and bored. So......all in all....I agree. Cilantro is worth a visit.
Shake Shack
August 3rd-
On our way home after a day full of fun activities and new experiences....brunch with friends, a concert at the McCarren Park Pool......we found ourselves hungry. So.....Nathan took me to the much talked about Shake Shack. We waited in an agonizingly eternal line, but when we finally sat down and took a bite of our food, it was worth it......I'm not saying I would ever do this again....waiting in very long lines is not on my lists of favorite things.....but to experience the famous Shake Shack burger for the first time....it was worth it to do it once. The burger was superb! It was perfectly cooked- juicy, not dry, and full of flavor. It was just the right size....not like those obnoxiously mamoth burgers everyone else tries to pawn off on you. Everything about it was perfect. It tasted almost exactly like the burgers at Soho Park, which I love. We ordered the cheese fries to go along with it, and I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the cheese sauce wasn't bright orange and was actually tasty....and the fries weren't greasy. To wash it all down, I had a root beer float.....a perfect summer delight! So.....add me to the list of Shake Shack fans. I hear they are putting one on the Upper West Side....and I plan to be a regular......that is, if the lines aren't crazy long.
On our way home after a day full of fun activities and new experiences....brunch with friends, a concert at the McCarren Park Pool......we found ourselves hungry. So.....Nathan took me to the much talked about Shake Shack. We waited in an agonizingly eternal line, but when we finally sat down and took a bite of our food, it was worth it......I'm not saying I would ever do this again....waiting in very long lines is not on my lists of favorite things.....but to experience the famous Shake Shack burger for the first time....it was worth it to do it once. The burger was superb! It was perfectly cooked- juicy, not dry, and full of flavor. It was just the right size....not like those obnoxiously mamoth burgers everyone else tries to pawn off on you. Everything about it was perfect. It tasted almost exactly like the burgers at Soho Park, which I love. We ordered the cheese fries to go along with it, and I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the cheese sauce wasn't bright orange and was actually tasty....and the fries weren't greasy. To wash it all down, I had a root beer float.....a perfect summer delight! So.....add me to the list of Shake Shack fans. I hear they are putting one on the Upper West Side....and I plan to be a regular......that is, if the lines aren't crazy long.
Aqua Grill / Bistro Les Amis
August 15th-
Aqua Grill-
Nathan and I ventured into Soho to the Aqua Grill. We had attempted to eat there before, but it didn't work out, because we didn't make reservations, and there was a long wait. This time we knew better. The place was packed, as always, and we were about to find out why. We were lead to our comfy table dressed in crisp white linens, and handed a menu filled with mouth watering dishes. First, they brought us some delicious bread...cornbread, some very buttery white bread and then crusty French bread. I ate the first two.....the third was just too boring. Then.....the amuse bouche appeared......salmon tartar with avocado on what looked like a long, slender Ruffles potato chip. What a great idea! The menu was filled with so much seafood. There was an amazing amount of different types of oysters. It was overwhelmingly wonderful! We ordered four of them to try.....Blue Point from Connecticut, our old standby, Malpeque from Prince Edward Island, Northumberland from Prince Edward Island and Moonstone from Rhode Island. The Blue Point are always large and buttery. The North Umberlands were also quite sizable. Nathan loved them, but they were my least favorite. I really like the Malpeque, which are a little smaller and less creamy....more concentrated. The appetizer we chose, actually came first....the Roasted Dungeness Crabcake Napoleon with sundried tomato oil. We rarely order crabcakes, because we never seem to like them. They usually have way too much breading, so you can't taste the crab, and are too greasy. We took a chance. Yum! These were very good! Not only was it not greasy, but it had just enough breading to keep it together and that was it. It was a cake made of crab finally- and the crab was tasty! For our entree, we split one of the specials.....the Grouper....one of my favorite types of fish. The grouper was cooked simply and perfectly, and was served on top of croquettes, which I absolutely adore- the outside was crunchy and the instead creamy. What a satisfying dish! I loved it! We skipped desert, but they brought us a small plate of tiny bites of sweetness, which was just the perfect amount. Everything I put in my mouth was sheer pleasure!
Bistro Les Amis-
It was such a lovely night....a hint of coolness in the air...finally giving us a break from the oppressive heat of the summer....and neither one of us really wanted it to be over with yet, so we went for a little walk before heading for home, and stumbled upon a quaint little French bistro on Spring Street called Bistro Les Amis, which was a perfect name for it, because it was so welcoming, like going to an old friend's house. We had to go in, for this was how we found our favorite West Village gem, AOC Bedford. They was hardly anyone in there, it was at least ten thirty or eleven by then, so we sauntered up to the bar for a drink to top off the evening.....Glen Fiddich on the rocks. I don't think I really needed the drink, but the experience was worth the headache the next morning. I plan to come back to this cozy little bistro for dinner sometime.
What an absolutely delightful evening!
Aqua Grill-
Nathan and I ventured into Soho to the Aqua Grill. We had attempted to eat there before, but it didn't work out, because we didn't make reservations, and there was a long wait. This time we knew better. The place was packed, as always, and we were about to find out why. We were lead to our comfy table dressed in crisp white linens, and handed a menu filled with mouth watering dishes. First, they brought us some delicious bread...cornbread, some very buttery white bread and then crusty French bread. I ate the first two.....the third was just too boring. Then.....the amuse bouche appeared......salmon tartar with avocado on what looked like a long, slender Ruffles potato chip. What a great idea! The menu was filled with so much seafood. There was an amazing amount of different types of oysters. It was overwhelmingly wonderful! We ordered four of them to try.....Blue Point from Connecticut, our old standby, Malpeque from Prince Edward Island, Northumberland from Prince Edward Island and Moonstone from Rhode Island. The Blue Point are always large and buttery. The North Umberlands were also quite sizable. Nathan loved them, but they were my least favorite. I really like the Malpeque, which are a little smaller and less creamy....more concentrated. The appetizer we chose, actually came first....the Roasted Dungeness Crabcake Napoleon with sundried tomato oil. We rarely order crabcakes, because we never seem to like them. They usually have way too much breading, so you can't taste the crab, and are too greasy. We took a chance. Yum! These were very good! Not only was it not greasy, but it had just enough breading to keep it together and that was it. It was a cake made of crab finally- and the crab was tasty! For our entree, we split one of the specials.....the Grouper....one of my favorite types of fish. The grouper was cooked simply and perfectly, and was served on top of croquettes, which I absolutely adore- the outside was crunchy and the instead creamy. What a satisfying dish! I loved it! We skipped desert, but they brought us a small plate of tiny bites of sweetness, which was just the perfect amount. Everything I put in my mouth was sheer pleasure!
Bistro Les Amis-
It was such a lovely night....a hint of coolness in the air...finally giving us a break from the oppressive heat of the summer....and neither one of us really wanted it to be over with yet, so we went for a little walk before heading for home, and stumbled upon a quaint little French bistro on Spring Street called Bistro Les Amis, which was a perfect name for it, because it was so welcoming, like going to an old friend's house. We had to go in, for this was how we found our favorite West Village gem, AOC Bedford. They was hardly anyone in there, it was at least ten thirty or eleven by then, so we sauntered up to the bar for a drink to top off the evening.....Glen Fiddich on the rocks. I don't think I really needed the drink, but the experience was worth the headache the next morning. I plan to come back to this cozy little bistro for dinner sometime.
What an absolutely delightful evening!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
En Japanese Brasserie
July 25th-
Restaurant week......time to go out and explore culinary treasures with our taste buds. En Japanese Brasserie is gigantic inside. Is this Manhattan or Texas? I ordered from the special restaurant week menu. They brought me saki. I was pleased. they brought me sashimi. I was pleased. They brought me black cod......once again.....quite content. With it came miso soup, which bores me, and some blah rice sprinkled with some edamame......yipee....not impressed. I think the dessert was vanilla ice cream.....you can't get more exciting than that. All in all.....I think the food was good. I just need to order ala carte.
Restaurant week......time to go out and explore culinary treasures with our taste buds. En Japanese Brasserie is gigantic inside. Is this Manhattan or Texas? I ordered from the special restaurant week menu. They brought me saki. I was pleased. they brought me sashimi. I was pleased. They brought me black cod......once again.....quite content. With it came miso soup, which bores me, and some blah rice sprinkled with some edamame......yipee....not impressed. I think the dessert was vanilla ice cream.....you can't get more exciting than that. All in all.....I think the food was good. I just need to order ala carte.
French Roast
July 26th-
After we left the theater we were both starving, having not had the time to eat dinner. French Roast was on our way home. Who can resist a 24 hour bistro under those circumstances? Not me. It turned out to be the perfect place to get a couple of appetizers and glasses of wine to fill our bellies. We ordered the Duck Confite and the crabcakes.....neither of which was extraordinary, but both great choices at a time when typically your only choice is between McDonald's and a diner. The atmosphere was perfect for us....not to noisy, not too quiet, not too old, not too young...80's music on in the background. We left happy.
We had already been here once just for dessert, which was fine. Hey....its a 24 hour place, which is great when you're hungry at three or midnight.
After we left the theater we were both starving, having not had the time to eat dinner. French Roast was on our way home. Who can resist a 24 hour bistro under those circumstances? Not me. It turned out to be the perfect place to get a couple of appetizers and glasses of wine to fill our bellies. We ordered the Duck Confite and the crabcakes.....neither of which was extraordinary, but both great choices at a time when typically your only choice is between McDonald's and a diner. The atmosphere was perfect for us....not to noisy, not too quiet, not too old, not too young...80's music on in the background. We left happy.
We had already been here once just for dessert, which was fine. Hey....its a 24 hour place, which is great when you're hungry at three or midnight.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Otto
July 19th-
Italian, inexpensive, casual, consistently tasty.....great place to go to please kids or diners with unsophisticated palates, and those whose have been around the culinary block. The pizza is good and I was quite surprised and delighted to try the olive oil ice cream, which was the star dish for me.
Italian, inexpensive, casual, consistently tasty.....great place to go to please kids or diners with unsophisticated palates, and those whose have been around the culinary block. The pizza is good and I was quite surprised and delighted to try the olive oil ice cream, which was the star dish for me.
Commerce
July 18th-
Great new bistro in the village. Yum! Yum! Yum! There were five of us, and three courses.....I tried almost every one and everything was so much more sublime than I ever imagined it could be. Run! Go! This place rocks!
Great new bistro in the village. Yum! Yum! Yum! There were five of us, and three courses.....I tried almost every one and everything was so much more sublime than I ever imagined it could be. Run! Go! This place rocks!
Daniel
July 22nd-
Daniel- wow! Truly an escape into someone else's bourgeois fairy tale life! It was our anniversary and we wanted to go somewhere special, memorable....somewhere to get all dolled up for......somewhere we ordinarily wouldn't go. I chose Daniel. To Nathan's surprise and delight, I had car service pick us up and whisk us away to this culinary wonderland. Everything was very posh, very formal. The service was impeccable. The waiters performed. Our plates always touched the table in unison. Our main waiter said things like, "May I propose...." in his fancy songful voice, and nodded his head in a genteel sort of way as he disappeared to fetch things for us. We had a great table.....maybe the best. A little velvet cushy sofa of our very own in the corner of the main room, set off so we had a great view of everything.....and there was much to see....chandeliers, curtains, pillars.....everything a fancy place should possess. In this place, I definitely could not help but feel that this moment was special. I had originally intended to discuss all of the food in every tiny little detail......but really.....what's the point? Basically, the food was all good, but frankly, I don't need to pay quite this much for even better. Nothing really stood out as the best I have ever had in any category. Maybe my expectations were too high, but for me, the "ta da" of the place is all in the name and the fanciness of it all. In fact, I feel like the portions are way to large for a place that requires you to order their prescribed list of courses. I felt like a turkey being fattened for Thanksgiving dinner, tortured by the amount of food that appeared in front of me throughout the evening. I couldn't even enjoy it. I fully expected to have nightmares of sugar plums dancing around my head ....but with knives. Go once.....and earn the right to discuss it.
Daniel- wow! Truly an escape into someone else's bourgeois fairy tale life! It was our anniversary and we wanted to go somewhere special, memorable....somewhere to get all dolled up for......somewhere we ordinarily wouldn't go. I chose Daniel. To Nathan's surprise and delight, I had car service pick us up and whisk us away to this culinary wonderland. Everything was very posh, very formal. The service was impeccable. The waiters performed. Our plates always touched the table in unison. Our main waiter said things like, "May I propose...." in his fancy songful voice, and nodded his head in a genteel sort of way as he disappeared to fetch things for us. We had a great table.....maybe the best. A little velvet cushy sofa of our very own in the corner of the main room, set off so we had a great view of everything.....and there was much to see....chandeliers, curtains, pillars.....everything a fancy place should possess. In this place, I definitely could not help but feel that this moment was special. I had originally intended to discuss all of the food in every tiny little detail......but really.....what's the point? Basically, the food was all good, but frankly, I don't need to pay quite this much for even better. Nothing really stood out as the best I have ever had in any category. Maybe my expectations were too high, but for me, the "ta da" of the place is all in the name and the fanciness of it all. In fact, I feel like the portions are way to large for a place that requires you to order their prescribed list of courses. I felt like a turkey being fattened for Thanksgiving dinner, tortured by the amount of food that appeared in front of me throughout the evening. I couldn't even enjoy it. I fully expected to have nightmares of sugar plums dancing around my head ....but with knives. Go once.....and earn the right to discuss it.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
44 & X / High Bar
44 & X
So.....Shilpa was in town to see Rafta Rafta, (which we tried to get into, but tickets were sold out), and we met her along with Monica and her husband, Subash, for a pre-theater dinner at 44 & X. We arrived first. The challenge, it seemed, was to make you forget that you were eating across the street from a gas station that measured an entire block.....so we definitely did not want to eat outside, even though it was a nice evening. The entire place was white.....walls, chairs.....everything....very white. I wondered. At least, we knew it must be clean. We sat down and were greeted by a very pleasant waiter. I felt safe. We ordered wine, appetizers and entrees. I tasted the lobster tacos....so so, the salmon tartare....yum,......the blue claw crab fritter, which was good, but more like a pancake entree; and then for the main event, the crispy tilapia with creamy polenta and wilted spinach in a lobster reduction. I have to say, out of everything, I was most drawn to the polenta. It was divine. I could have eaten a whole bowl of that!
High Bar
After we left them at the play, we decided to check out the bar Monica had recommended to us, so we set about to find it. Eventually, we deducted that it must be the non descript entrance with the roped off line, which a few people were currently standing in, even at the early hour of eight o'clock. I was not about to wait in line, but curiosity got the best of us, and we had to know if this, in fact, was the place. We went up and asked, and were swiftly escorted in. What a wonder we emerged on! A rooftop bar.....beds and sofas, and other cushy seating, (important to a girl who hates discomfort)....we were outside, but had the best of inside amenities.....and a view. Spectacular! Although....it did come with the stiff price of $16 a drink....in a plastic glass....but the vibe was all party and we had fun anyways.
So.....Shilpa was in town to see Rafta Rafta, (which we tried to get into, but tickets were sold out), and we met her along with Monica and her husband, Subash, for a pre-theater dinner at 44 & X. We arrived first. The challenge, it seemed, was to make you forget that you were eating across the street from a gas station that measured an entire block.....so we definitely did not want to eat outside, even though it was a nice evening. The entire place was white.....walls, chairs.....everything....very white. I wondered. At least, we knew it must be clean. We sat down and were greeted by a very pleasant waiter. I felt safe. We ordered wine, appetizers and entrees. I tasted the lobster tacos....so so, the salmon tartare....yum,......the blue claw crab fritter, which was good, but more like a pancake entree; and then for the main event, the crispy tilapia with creamy polenta and wilted spinach in a lobster reduction. I have to say, out of everything, I was most drawn to the polenta. It was divine. I could have eaten a whole bowl of that!
High Bar
After we left them at the play, we decided to check out the bar Monica had recommended to us, so we set about to find it. Eventually, we deducted that it must be the non descript entrance with the roped off line, which a few people were currently standing in, even at the early hour of eight o'clock. I was not about to wait in line, but curiosity got the best of us, and we had to know if this, in fact, was the place. We went up and asked, and were swiftly escorted in. What a wonder we emerged on! A rooftop bar.....beds and sofas, and other cushy seating, (important to a girl who hates discomfort)....we were outside, but had the best of inside amenities.....and a view. Spectacular! Although....it did come with the stiff price of $16 a drink....in a plastic glass....but the vibe was all party and we had fun anyways.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Mermaid Inn
June 14th-
So.......my husband and I thought we were somewhat safe in planning a semi casual/romantic dinner on the upper west side at 9:00 pm on a Saturday evening in the summer when most of the annoying people migrate to the Hamptons. Anyway, it appears, we have much to learn. We were seated in the back.....not where we wanted to be, but we had been there before and had a wonderful time, so we felt ok about it. Although, when we sat down and observed all the gray hairs in our midst, I was concerned for a moment. What had we done wrong? We dressed well. Had we called too late? Our waiter was friendly. Our cocktails were good.....the cucumber martini is to die for. The oysters were amazing! So far....so good. Then.... the table of seven arrived. They had a two year old....mind you....they didn't arrive until at least nine thirty. A two year old up at nine thirty? Really? You would take him out? Too cheap for a sitter? Think everyone loves a side of screaming two year on a Saturday evening? We should have bolted at once. But, we ordered our entrees....the skate and the daily special which was the mackerel. Meanwhile, this child was walking about......cooing and whining in a normal annoying baby sort of way......but the parents were oblivious, of course. We shouldn't have been surprised as the upper west side is kind of known for its obnoxious, inconsiderate parents, but we wanted to be optimistic. Our entrees arrived and frankly, they were just plain so so. Both of the pieces of fish were fried, which is my least favorite way to have fish, and the mackerel had a very strong fishy taste. I did really like what came with the mackerel....cauliflower, olives and capers. I really liked that combination of flavors. My mouth wasn't bored with that. I may even have to make that myself at home. However, the skate came with succotash that was so infused with bacon, that it was all I could taste. I wouldn't order either one again. I may be inclined to go back and sit at the bar and have oysters and a cucumber martini. So, to sum it up....the food wasn't as good as we had hoped, and the atmosphere wasn't what we were looking for at all. We hadn't realized we would be eating amongst the Chucky Cheese crowd. I thought it was just me, because Nathan never gets annoyed with anything ever, but to my surprise as we left he said to the hostess ever so politely, "I know its the upper west side, but maybe you could keep the children out." Yeah! Go Nathan! Anyways.....the Mermaid Inn.....pretty much sucked for us tonight, but I guess, its a great place to go if you're too cheap for a sitter.
So.......my husband and I thought we were somewhat safe in planning a semi casual/romantic dinner on the upper west side at 9:00 pm on a Saturday evening in the summer when most of the annoying people migrate to the Hamptons. Anyway, it appears, we have much to learn. We were seated in the back.....not where we wanted to be, but we had been there before and had a wonderful time, so we felt ok about it. Although, when we sat down and observed all the gray hairs in our midst, I was concerned for a moment. What had we done wrong? We dressed well. Had we called too late? Our waiter was friendly. Our cocktails were good.....the cucumber martini is to die for. The oysters were amazing! So far....so good. Then.... the table of seven arrived. They had a two year old....mind you....they didn't arrive until at least nine thirty. A two year old up at nine thirty? Really? You would take him out? Too cheap for a sitter? Think everyone loves a side of screaming two year on a Saturday evening? We should have bolted at once. But, we ordered our entrees....the skate and the daily special which was the mackerel. Meanwhile, this child was walking about......cooing and whining in a normal annoying baby sort of way......but the parents were oblivious, of course. We shouldn't have been surprised as the upper west side is kind of known for its obnoxious, inconsiderate parents, but we wanted to be optimistic. Our entrees arrived and frankly, they were just plain so so. Both of the pieces of fish were fried, which is my least favorite way to have fish, and the mackerel had a very strong fishy taste. I did really like what came with the mackerel....cauliflower, olives and capers. I really liked that combination of flavors. My mouth wasn't bored with that. I may even have to make that myself at home. However, the skate came with succotash that was so infused with bacon, that it was all I could taste. I wouldn't order either one again. I may be inclined to go back and sit at the bar and have oysters and a cucumber martini. So, to sum it up....the food wasn't as good as we had hoped, and the atmosphere wasn't what we were looking for at all. We hadn't realized we would be eating amongst the Chucky Cheese crowd. I thought it was just me, because Nathan never gets annoyed with anything ever, but to my surprise as we left he said to the hostess ever so politely, "I know its the upper west side, but maybe you could keep the children out." Yeah! Go Nathan! Anyways.....the Mermaid Inn.....pretty much sucked for us tonight, but I guess, its a great place to go if you're too cheap for a sitter.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Bistro Citron
June 5th-
After having an overpriced drink and a greasy, commonplace appetizer at a restaurant close to where I work, Nathan and I decided to venture into Bistro Citron for some real food. We ordered a bottle of wine to start with and they brought us their usual complimentary bread, butter and pate.....which is oh so very good. The butter is cold and so sweet, the pate....so rich....and together on a piece of bread.....heaven. Nathan ordered the hanger steak with shallots accompanied by French fries.....which sounds much more delicious when you read it off the menu....and I had the brie.......yes.....for dinner.....just cheese. I love to have wine and cheese for dinner.....must be the Shanteau in me. The French waiter seemed to understand. We were both ever so content. This place just never disappoints.......and we barely spent more here for this fantastic, decadent meal than we did a mere hour before for our overpriced drinks and commonplace appetizer. Go Citron!
After having an overpriced drink and a greasy, commonplace appetizer at a restaurant close to where I work, Nathan and I decided to venture into Bistro Citron for some real food. We ordered a bottle of wine to start with and they brought us their usual complimentary bread, butter and pate.....which is oh so very good. The butter is cold and so sweet, the pate....so rich....and together on a piece of bread.....heaven. Nathan ordered the hanger steak with shallots accompanied by French fries.....which sounds much more delicious when you read it off the menu....and I had the brie.......yes.....for dinner.....just cheese. I love to have wine and cheese for dinner.....must be the Shanteau in me. The French waiter seemed to understand. We were both ever so content. This place just never disappoints.......and we barely spent more here for this fantastic, decadent meal than we did a mere hour before for our overpriced drinks and commonplace appetizer. Go Citron!
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Extra Virgin/Gusto
May 30th-
Extra Virgin
I met Nathan just outside the Metro stop at 14th near Balducci's after he was done working and we walked over to Extra Virgin. We had been there before, and I really liked it, but we haven't been back since. They don't accept reservations, so coming from the Upper West Side to stand outside in the cold to wait for a table has never been that appealing to me. Today, however, was a beautiful day. Since we were there so early, we got right in anyway. We usually go somewhere for drinks, then dinner, but Nathan was very hungry, so we did the opposite. We began with a cocktail. Nathan got his usual vodka gimlet and I, in spirit of a beautiful summery day, asked for a watermelon martini. It was fresh and fantastic. They then brought us some bread and olive oil. I don't usually care for the bread, but since this place is named after the olive oil, I figured I should try it. It was worth it. The olive oil was very good. We decided to follow our usual strategy of two appetizers and one entree, all shared. Both appetizers came at once, even though we had specifically asked for them to be brought to us one at a time. I guess, that concept was too difficult for our waitress to comprehend. The first thing I tried was the Roasted Artichoke Parmesan with poached egg, pancetta and hollandaise. I could have eaten that three times in a row it was so good! Every item was perfect, and the combination was delicious. In fact, I really wish I was eating it right now. Seriously. Who could bring that to me right now as I sit here writing this in my pajamas? Anyone? Next, I tried the Prosciutto wrapped Sea Scallops with truffle whipped potato, porcini sauce and red grapes. I think Nathan liked this one better than I did, although it was very good as well. The scallops were moist and tasty, but I had to peel the fatty limp bacon off the sides of them in order for it to be appetizing. There is nothing I hate more than fatty, limp bacon. It should be outlawed. I enjoyed the truffle whipped potatoes.....I am always willing to try potatoes a new way....one of my favorite vegetables, and the sauce added a nice rich touch to the dish. Our entree was then brought to us.....Halibut simply grilled with fresh herbs, tomato carpaccio, arugula and extra virgin olive oil. It was a prefect description of the dish.....very fresh, good quality.....simply delicious. Nathan wanted dessert, so we ordered the strawberry cheesecake. The strawberries and the puree that accompanied the cake were good, and the whipped cream that was on top of the cheesecake was obviously freshly made and delicious, but the cheesecake itself could have come out of the freezer section of any random grocery store. I do like this restaurant.....hip, tasty, in a fun neighborhood. We will keep it in our list of places to return to.
Gusto-
So, the Geeters (aka what we call Kevin and Debbie....this was all Nathan's doing....I won't even try to explain that one) were on their way back to their hood.....which we were in.....so we decided to find a place to hang out and have a few drinks. Because it was such a nice night, we walked around for a bit, but there was only so much my heeled feet could handle....and oddly enough they always seem to give out on this same particular corner. Tonight we decided to go to the restaurant we usually stare at from across the street.....Gusto. As I went to the ladies room to refresh myself, Nathan ordered me a drink. I told him to surprise me. He did well. When I came back there was a beautiful sunny limoncello awaiting me. Yum! Shortly after that the Geeters joined us. They ordered more drinks.....some Moscato.....and some dessert.....a lemon cake of sorts and something ice cream like with chocolate....both obviously forgettable. The service was wonderful, though.....and ooooh.....the limoncello.
Extra Virgin
I met Nathan just outside the Metro stop at 14th near Balducci's after he was done working and we walked over to Extra Virgin. We had been there before, and I really liked it, but we haven't been back since. They don't accept reservations, so coming from the Upper West Side to stand outside in the cold to wait for a table has never been that appealing to me. Today, however, was a beautiful day. Since we were there so early, we got right in anyway. We usually go somewhere for drinks, then dinner, but Nathan was very hungry, so we did the opposite. We began with a cocktail. Nathan got his usual vodka gimlet and I, in spirit of a beautiful summery day, asked for a watermelon martini. It was fresh and fantastic. They then brought us some bread and olive oil. I don't usually care for the bread, but since this place is named after the olive oil, I figured I should try it. It was worth it. The olive oil was very good. We decided to follow our usual strategy of two appetizers and one entree, all shared. Both appetizers came at once, even though we had specifically asked for them to be brought to us one at a time. I guess, that concept was too difficult for our waitress to comprehend. The first thing I tried was the Roasted Artichoke Parmesan with poached egg, pancetta and hollandaise. I could have eaten that three times in a row it was so good! Every item was perfect, and the combination was delicious. In fact, I really wish I was eating it right now. Seriously. Who could bring that to me right now as I sit here writing this in my pajamas? Anyone? Next, I tried the Prosciutto wrapped Sea Scallops with truffle whipped potato, porcini sauce and red grapes. I think Nathan liked this one better than I did, although it was very good as well. The scallops were moist and tasty, but I had to peel the fatty limp bacon off the sides of them in order for it to be appetizing. There is nothing I hate more than fatty, limp bacon. It should be outlawed. I enjoyed the truffle whipped potatoes.....I am always willing to try potatoes a new way....one of my favorite vegetables, and the sauce added a nice rich touch to the dish. Our entree was then brought to us.....Halibut simply grilled with fresh herbs, tomato carpaccio, arugula and extra virgin olive oil. It was a prefect description of the dish.....very fresh, good quality.....simply delicious. Nathan wanted dessert, so we ordered the strawberry cheesecake. The strawberries and the puree that accompanied the cake were good, and the whipped cream that was on top of the cheesecake was obviously freshly made and delicious, but the cheesecake itself could have come out of the freezer section of any random grocery store. I do like this restaurant.....hip, tasty, in a fun neighborhood. We will keep it in our list of places to return to.
Gusto-
So, the Geeters (aka what we call Kevin and Debbie....this was all Nathan's doing....I won't even try to explain that one) were on their way back to their hood.....which we were in.....so we decided to find a place to hang out and have a few drinks. Because it was such a nice night, we walked around for a bit, but there was only so much my heeled feet could handle....and oddly enough they always seem to give out on this same particular corner. Tonight we decided to go to the restaurant we usually stare at from across the street.....Gusto. As I went to the ladies room to refresh myself, Nathan ordered me a drink. I told him to surprise me. He did well. When I came back there was a beautiful sunny limoncello awaiting me. Yum! Shortly after that the Geeters joined us. They ordered more drinks.....some Moscato.....and some dessert.....a lemon cake of sorts and something ice cream like with chocolate....both obviously forgettable. The service was wonderful, though.....and ooooh.....the limoncello.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Gyu Kaku/Karaoke One 7
May 24th-
Gyu Kaku
We met Kevin and Debbie at Gyu Kaku in the east village for Japanese BBQ dining. The hostess leads us to the back of the room to a booth with a gas grill in the middle of it. The waitress explains to us that we pick various items off of the menu and then cook them ourselves on the grill. So, we choose shrimp, scallops, Chilean sea bass, beef, mushrooms and sweet potatoes along with rice and the Gyu Kaku salad. The food comes out staggeringly which gives us time to cook and enjoy each dish. I find it both easy and fun to cook our own food. Kevin and I end up being the chefs, since we have the easiest access to the grill. Everything was of good quality and delicious, but ended up being a very light dinner for me, since I didn't want to eat any of the beef.....(because I cannot get this horrible cow story out of my head)...... and am not the biggest fan of rice.....great if you are following the Atkins or South Beach diet! Light is not the best idea, however, when the sake is a flowing.
Karaoke One 7-
To Karaoke One 7 we did go. Under the circumstances, I was much more up for karaoke than I would normally be. We were lead to a small private room with a big tv, two microphones and a couple of books full of song choices. I really like the private room aspect of this. I don't think I would be up for randomly singing at the top of my lungs solo in front of a group of strangers. I think that would just be an annoying experience for them to have to listen to me, and vice versa. However, a private room amongst friends is entirely different. We were all eager to belt out some tunes.....and that is exactly what we did. A great time was had by all.
Gyu Kaku
We met Kevin and Debbie at Gyu Kaku in the east village for Japanese BBQ dining. The hostess leads us to the back of the room to a booth with a gas grill in the middle of it. The waitress explains to us that we pick various items off of the menu and then cook them ourselves on the grill. So, we choose shrimp, scallops, Chilean sea bass, beef, mushrooms and sweet potatoes along with rice and the Gyu Kaku salad. The food comes out staggeringly which gives us time to cook and enjoy each dish. I find it both easy and fun to cook our own food. Kevin and I end up being the chefs, since we have the easiest access to the grill. Everything was of good quality and delicious, but ended up being a very light dinner for me, since I didn't want to eat any of the beef.....(because I cannot get this horrible cow story out of my head)...... and am not the biggest fan of rice.....great if you are following the Atkins or South Beach diet! Light is not the best idea, however, when the sake is a flowing.
Karaoke One 7-
To Karaoke One 7 we did go. Under the circumstances, I was much more up for karaoke than I would normally be. We were lead to a small private room with a big tv, two microphones and a couple of books full of song choices. I really like the private room aspect of this. I don't think I would be up for randomly singing at the top of my lungs solo in front of a group of strangers. I think that would just be an annoying experience for them to have to listen to me, and vice versa. However, a private room amongst friends is entirely different. We were all eager to belt out some tunes.....and that is exactly what we did. A great time was had by all.
Friday, May 23, 2008
The Flatiron Lounge/Jane
May 16th-
The Flatiron Lounge
It was Friday night and despite the rain, I wanted to go out. So, my husband suggested we go to The Flatiron Lounge. When I walked in, I instantly remembered that we had been here years before when visiting Manhattan. It's a great place to hang out, chat and have drinks. The interior is art deco, which adds a bit of old glamor to the ambiance, but it isn't fancy, and it is pretty dark in there, so it still feels very casual and welcoming. The drink menu is the main reason to come. Everything is unusual and interesting. I fell in love with a jasmine martini myself. You could really taste the jasmine....it was delicate and so refreshing. It even had a pretty little flower in it as a garnish. Nathan had a few different bourbon/whiskey based concoctions.....which I now cannot remember the names of, since I am writing this a week after we were actually there.....the main reason for me writing this blog in the first place....so I can remember where we went and what we had. Anyway, I recommend coming here for fun drinks and good conversation. It's a youthful crowd, so you don't feel like you're drinking with grandpa.
Jane
By this time, we were starving, so we headed off to Jane. Apparently the same people own/run The Smith, which we both liked, also own/run Jane.....and it was recommended to us by one of Nathan's coworkers, Sarika, who we believe to have pretty good taste. So, to Jane we went. Jane was hip and fun, and the food was delicious. Our waiter was this fabulously flaming gay African American man with a mohawk and I loved him. The music was all 80s/90s.....and this energized us. We started out with the salmon, avocado tartare which was so fresh tasting and full of flavor. Nathan wasn't as impressed with it as I was, but if you are a lover of salmon and avocado like I am, you will adore this dish. The next dish did trump it, however. It was one of the specials.....carpacio with a fried poached egg. Oh my god! Talk about decadent and delicious! The carpacio was so tender, it pretty much melted in your mouth, and the egg was perfectly crunchy on the outside and full of gooey goodness on the inside. Yum! I have been replaying the experience of eating this in my head all week. It was that good. In fact, I don't even remember what we had for an entree anymore. Just go to Jane.
The Flatiron Lounge
It was Friday night and despite the rain, I wanted to go out. So, my husband suggested we go to The Flatiron Lounge. When I walked in, I instantly remembered that we had been here years before when visiting Manhattan. It's a great place to hang out, chat and have drinks. The interior is art deco, which adds a bit of old glamor to the ambiance, but it isn't fancy, and it is pretty dark in there, so it still feels very casual and welcoming. The drink menu is the main reason to come. Everything is unusual and interesting. I fell in love with a jasmine martini myself. You could really taste the jasmine....it was delicate and so refreshing. It even had a pretty little flower in it as a garnish. Nathan had a few different bourbon/whiskey based concoctions.....which I now cannot remember the names of, since I am writing this a week after we were actually there.....the main reason for me writing this blog in the first place....so I can remember where we went and what we had. Anyway, I recommend coming here for fun drinks and good conversation. It's a youthful crowd, so you don't feel like you're drinking with grandpa.
Jane
By this time, we were starving, so we headed off to Jane. Apparently the same people own/run The Smith, which we both liked, also own/run Jane.....and it was recommended to us by one of Nathan's coworkers, Sarika, who we believe to have pretty good taste. So, to Jane we went. Jane was hip and fun, and the food was delicious. Our waiter was this fabulously flaming gay African American man with a mohawk and I loved him. The music was all 80s/90s.....and this energized us. We started out with the salmon, avocado tartare which was so fresh tasting and full of flavor. Nathan wasn't as impressed with it as I was, but if you are a lover of salmon and avocado like I am, you will adore this dish. The next dish did trump it, however. It was one of the specials.....carpacio with a fried poached egg. Oh my god! Talk about decadent and delicious! The carpacio was so tender, it pretty much melted in your mouth, and the egg was perfectly crunchy on the outside and full of gooey goodness on the inside. Yum! I have been replaying the experience of eating this in my head all week. It was that good. In fact, I don't even remember what we had for an entree anymore. Just go to Jane.
Dovetail
May 22nd-
Last night my husband and I went to Dovetail for dinner. We had waited a while to eat here and were eager to see what Dovetail had to offer. I saw the chef on The Martha Stewart Show one day and made reservations immediately. That was about a month ago. I was wondering how I could have walked by this place almost everyday and never noticed it. Now I know. It is very discreet....located on 77th, not on one of the main streets. The interior is "spa like", to use my husband's description. The colors are muted. It is quiet and private. And.....you have ample room to yourself, unlike some places where they squish you in like sardines. You can actually hear what your dining partner is saying here, and you don't have to share your conversation with the rest of New York. What a novel idea! The staff was very friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. I felt as if these people had been in the business for quite some time and planned on staying in it, versus being served by wannabe actors just trying to support themselves between failed auditions. If they were actors....they were good! The food was out of this world! This restaurant is on a level way above the places we usually haunt. Everything was perfect.....and I mean everything. The menu was interesting. There were things that I ate that I never had before.....like sweetbreads. There were concoctions that had never dreamed of.....like Basil Ice Cream and Frozen Avocado Parfait. It was very exciting just to read the menu! First, they brought out some complimentary corn and cheese bread. I usually don't eat the bread, but this had cheese in it. It was good....nothing too crazy....just tasted like cornbread. Next came the amuse bouche.....a spoon of what tasted like caviar and a piece of turnip on a skewer. Ok....I'm intrigued. The first appetizer they brought to us was the Maine sea scallops with cashews and banana curry. Wow! More please! The curry would have been easy enough to make. We couldn't taste the banana in it at all, but the scallops were cooked to perfection. Next, they brought us the sweetbreads with fennel and poached egg. This was a very interesting dish for me, since I haven't had anything like this before. I can't say that it was my favorite dish of the night, but it was beautifully presented and quite good. The crab ravioli with chorizo and snow peas was next......marvelous! The pasta was light, and the crab was very tasty and not overpowered. You could taste every element of the dish. In fact, that was one of the things I really liked about this place. Each ingredient was very present, (except the banana in the curry). Each was there for a reason. The menu is very thought out. For our entree, we ordered the rack and shank of lamb with ratatouille. The lamb came out rare, which I liked, but I think Nathan might have preferred a little more done. At this point, I was willing to eat whatever the chef gave me, since I was now in awe of him and completely trusting. I was not disappointed. It was very satisfying and decadent. I loved the sauces that were drizzled on the plate alongside the meat....they added just a touch of something else to make it even more interesting. We ended the meal with a trio of ice cream.....rum raisin, chai latte and basil. This was the best ice cream that has ever touched my lips! Each one was a wonderful flavor in its own right, and the combination was very complimentary. My favorite was the basil, though. It was amazingly fragrant. It just exuded summer! I would have bought a pint and took it home with us if they would have let us. Of course, then I would have ended up eating the entire thing for breakfast. After that we parted ways and they sent us home with peanut butter granola for our breakfast in the morning. I don't really care too much for granola in general, but the offer left me feeling touched. What a magical place! Two thumbs, eight fingers and ten toes up! Amazing!
Last night my husband and I went to Dovetail for dinner. We had waited a while to eat here and were eager to see what Dovetail had to offer. I saw the chef on The Martha Stewart Show one day and made reservations immediately. That was about a month ago. I was wondering how I could have walked by this place almost everyday and never noticed it. Now I know. It is very discreet....located on 77th, not on one of the main streets. The interior is "spa like", to use my husband's description. The colors are muted. It is quiet and private. And.....you have ample room to yourself, unlike some places where they squish you in like sardines. You can actually hear what your dining partner is saying here, and you don't have to share your conversation with the rest of New York. What a novel idea! The staff was very friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. I felt as if these people had been in the business for quite some time and planned on staying in it, versus being served by wannabe actors just trying to support themselves between failed auditions. If they were actors....they were good! The food was out of this world! This restaurant is on a level way above the places we usually haunt. Everything was perfect.....and I mean everything. The menu was interesting. There were things that I ate that I never had before.....like sweetbreads. There were concoctions that had never dreamed of.....like Basil Ice Cream and Frozen Avocado Parfait. It was very exciting just to read the menu! First, they brought out some complimentary corn and cheese bread. I usually don't eat the bread, but this had cheese in it. It was good....nothing too crazy....just tasted like cornbread. Next came the amuse bouche.....a spoon of what tasted like caviar and a piece of turnip on a skewer. Ok....I'm intrigued. The first appetizer they brought to us was the Maine sea scallops with cashews and banana curry. Wow! More please! The curry would have been easy enough to make. We couldn't taste the banana in it at all, but the scallops were cooked to perfection. Next, they brought us the sweetbreads with fennel and poached egg. This was a very interesting dish for me, since I haven't had anything like this before. I can't say that it was my favorite dish of the night, but it was beautifully presented and quite good. The crab ravioli with chorizo and snow peas was next......marvelous! The pasta was light, and the crab was very tasty and not overpowered. You could taste every element of the dish. In fact, that was one of the things I really liked about this place. Each ingredient was very present, (except the banana in the curry). Each was there for a reason. The menu is very thought out. For our entree, we ordered the rack and shank of lamb with ratatouille. The lamb came out rare, which I liked, but I think Nathan might have preferred a little more done. At this point, I was willing to eat whatever the chef gave me, since I was now in awe of him and completely trusting. I was not disappointed. It was very satisfying and decadent. I loved the sauces that were drizzled on the plate alongside the meat....they added just a touch of something else to make it even more interesting. We ended the meal with a trio of ice cream.....rum raisin, chai latte and basil. This was the best ice cream that has ever touched my lips! Each one was a wonderful flavor in its own right, and the combination was very complimentary. My favorite was the basil, though. It was amazingly fragrant. It just exuded summer! I would have bought a pint and took it home with us if they would have let us. Of course, then I would have ended up eating the entire thing for breakfast. After that we parted ways and they sent us home with peanut butter granola for our breakfast in the morning. I don't really care too much for granola in general, but the offer left me feeling touched. What a magical place! Two thumbs, eight fingers and ten toes up! Amazing!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Cafe du Soleil
May 17th-
We finally drug ourselves out of bed around noon on Saturday, and were absolutely famished! There was a cute little cafe I had remembered walking by the week before, and now I was on a mission to find it. We discovered it was on Broadway and 104th.....an area that we seldomly frequented...except for when I have to truck to the post office on 104th to pick up a package, which is how we happened to walk by this adorable bistro in the first place. So far, Saturday was a perfect day.....sunny, warm.....whenever you think of perfect weather, this is the weather you think of. We walked up to this cute little cafe with its sunny yellow picket fence in front that enclosed the tables outside, and asked to sit out front. A polite waiter with a fantastic French accent took our order, and I waited eagerly for my food as I sipped my delicious Mimosa, which was made with freshly squeezed orange juice, and reminisced about Paris. We were swept away with the "Frenchness" of it all, and talked of planning a weekend trip there. The food arrived, and it was just beautiful. A full plate of colorful, lightly dressed greens, handsome Crepes de Poulete, (chicken and mushroom crepes) and Benedicte Norvegienne, (poached eggs, smoked salmon, Hollandaise sauce and potato pancakes). I was sitting outside in a fabulous cafe, across from my husband, the sun on my shoulders, sipping a mimosa, and getting ready to indulge in my favorite brunch dish. Words from a song went through my head..."heaven, I'm in heaven". Nathan enjoyed his crepes and my Bendicte Norvegienne did not disappoint. This is my new favorite brunch spot!
We finally drug ourselves out of bed around noon on Saturday, and were absolutely famished! There was a cute little cafe I had remembered walking by the week before, and now I was on a mission to find it. We discovered it was on Broadway and 104th.....an area that we seldomly frequented...except for when I have to truck to the post office on 104th to pick up a package, which is how we happened to walk by this adorable bistro in the first place. So far, Saturday was a perfect day.....sunny, warm.....whenever you think of perfect weather, this is the weather you think of. We walked up to this cute little cafe with its sunny yellow picket fence in front that enclosed the tables outside, and asked to sit out front. A polite waiter with a fantastic French accent took our order, and I waited eagerly for my food as I sipped my delicious Mimosa, which was made with freshly squeezed orange juice, and reminisced about Paris. We were swept away with the "Frenchness" of it all, and talked of planning a weekend trip there. The food arrived, and it was just beautiful. A full plate of colorful, lightly dressed greens, handsome Crepes de Poulete, (chicken and mushroom crepes) and Benedicte Norvegienne, (poached eggs, smoked salmon, Hollandaise sauce and potato pancakes). I was sitting outside in a fabulous cafe, across from my husband, the sun on my shoulders, sipping a mimosa, and getting ready to indulge in my favorite brunch dish. Words from a song went through my head..."heaven, I'm in heaven". Nathan enjoyed his crepes and my Bendicte Norvegienne did not disappoint. This is my new favorite brunch spot!
Cafe Ronda
May 21st-
Last night we met up with Nathan's cousin Shulpa, and went to have a bite to eat at Cafe Ronda. It was close by, and we had eaten there before and enjoyed it. Thankfully, we enjoyed it again. We began with the sangria, nothing out of the ordinary. It was exactly what you would expect when ordering sangria. We then moved on to order several tapas to share....Deditos de Yuca (yuca croquettes stuffed with Bulgarian Feta cheese and scallions accompanied by a roasted garlic Rocoto dip), Cauliflower, Gambas Ajillo (sauteed shrimp in extra virgin olive oil with garlic and red pepper), fried Calamari and the special fish of the day, Tilapia. The Tilapia was nothing special....and it looked like nothing special when it came on piled up on top of itself on a plate....boring. The cauliflower followed suit....it tasted healthy. Neither was bad, mind you.....just ordinary. The calamari on the other hand was equisite! It was bathed in some kind of sweet, spicy sauce and was cooked perfectly. It was one of the daily specials.......they should move it to their regular menu. It was so much more interesting than the average fried calamari dish served with tomato sauce that everyone and their brother serves. The shrimp came out cooked perfectly, no complaints there. Although rich, the croquettes were another favorite of mine. The gooey, cheesiness inside the fried yuca was a pleasure to experience. Nathan and Shulpa wanted dessert, so we ended with Mousse de Algorrobina with berry sauce and pisco twist. I am not one for desserts usually, but this was delicious.....as if flan became a mousse. It was small, light and tasty. Both times I have been to Cafe Ronda, I have left happy.
Last night we met up with Nathan's cousin Shulpa, and went to have a bite to eat at Cafe Ronda. It was close by, and we had eaten there before and enjoyed it. Thankfully, we enjoyed it again. We began with the sangria, nothing out of the ordinary. It was exactly what you would expect when ordering sangria. We then moved on to order several tapas to share....Deditos de Yuca (yuca croquettes stuffed with Bulgarian Feta cheese and scallions accompanied by a roasted garlic Rocoto dip), Cauliflower, Gambas Ajillo (sauteed shrimp in extra virgin olive oil with garlic and red pepper), fried Calamari and the special fish of the day, Tilapia. The Tilapia was nothing special....and it looked like nothing special when it came on piled up on top of itself on a plate....boring. The cauliflower followed suit....it tasted healthy. Neither was bad, mind you.....just ordinary. The calamari on the other hand was equisite! It was bathed in some kind of sweet, spicy sauce and was cooked perfectly. It was one of the daily specials.......they should move it to their regular menu. It was so much more interesting than the average fried calamari dish served with tomato sauce that everyone and their brother serves. The shrimp came out cooked perfectly, no complaints there. Although rich, the croquettes were another favorite of mine. The gooey, cheesiness inside the fried yuca was a pleasure to experience. Nathan and Shulpa wanted dessert, so we ended with Mousse de Algorrobina with berry sauce and pisco twist. I am not one for desserts usually, but this was delicious.....as if flan became a mousse. It was small, light and tasty. Both times I have been to Cafe Ronda, I have left happy.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
The City Grill
May 14th-
Leah, Loren and I went out for dinner last night and chose The City Grill, mainly for its location, (close to work). The decor was warm and inviting with lots of Mahogany, and the bar area even has a history. It was brought over from Germany. I can't remember in what year this occurred, but trust me, by American standards, it is old. The statuesque flower arrangements added a nice touch as well. There is just something about any place that takes the time to pay attention to flowers that I really like. When I see that, I feel like they are going to take care of me, as well. However, on the flip side, I did hear screams coming from some brat in the bar area......a personal favorite of mine.....children in a bar. I guess, this is not surprising for the Upper West Side. On to the food.....I was way too hungry, so of course, I ordered something way too heavy....the Lobster Ravioli with crawfish ragout and basil cream sauce. The pasta itself was so so and the sauce was way too rich. I couldn't taste the lobster at all. It was definitely not the best pasta I have ever had.....more along the lines of an Olive Garden pasta. However, it was edible.....not memorable, but enough to stop my hunger pains. I was wishing I had followed Leah's mom's advise and ordered the Nicoise Salad, or even the Seafood Cobb Salad that I had contemplated. I was especially wishing this as I was walking the twenty three blocks home, because my dinner was not agreeing with me. Would I go back? Maybe.....but I would sit at the cool old German bar and order a salad.
Leah, Loren and I went out for dinner last night and chose The City Grill, mainly for its location, (close to work). The decor was warm and inviting with lots of Mahogany, and the bar area even has a history. It was brought over from Germany. I can't remember in what year this occurred, but trust me, by American standards, it is old. The statuesque flower arrangements added a nice touch as well. There is just something about any place that takes the time to pay attention to flowers that I really like. When I see that, I feel like they are going to take care of me, as well. However, on the flip side, I did hear screams coming from some brat in the bar area......a personal favorite of mine.....children in a bar. I guess, this is not surprising for the Upper West Side. On to the food.....I was way too hungry, so of course, I ordered something way too heavy....the Lobster Ravioli with crawfish ragout and basil cream sauce. The pasta itself was so so and the sauce was way too rich. I couldn't taste the lobster at all. It was definitely not the best pasta I have ever had.....more along the lines of an Olive Garden pasta. However, it was edible.....not memorable, but enough to stop my hunger pains. I was wishing I had followed Leah's mom's advise and ordered the Nicoise Salad, or even the Seafood Cobb Salad that I had contemplated. I was especially wishing this as I was walking the twenty three blocks home, because my dinner was not agreeing with me. Would I go back? Maybe.....but I would sit at the cool old German bar and order a salad.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
The Ocean Grill
May 12th-
Sherri and I made plans to go out for a quick drink after work, and settled on the location of the bar at Ocean Grill on the Upper West Side. I walked in and was immediately glad that I was not dressed in my usual way casual work attire that day. I had no idea what to expect. This place was beautiful and elegant. Upon arriving at the bar, I ordered a dirty martini...up with Grey Goose and olives. It was perfect. Although I wasn't there to eat, I couldn't resist a quick glance at the menu where I discovered my favorite thing.....oysters! I felt compelled to try them. I had the Blue Point and the Kumomoto (Washington).....superb. As we left, they handed us a bag that held two breakfast muffins. How nice is that? I admit, I ate one on the way home and it was delicious.....and I am not usually a big fan of muffins. I can't wait to bring Nathan here for dinner sometime!
Sherri and I made plans to go out for a quick drink after work, and settled on the location of the bar at Ocean Grill on the Upper West Side. I walked in and was immediately glad that I was not dressed in my usual way casual work attire that day. I had no idea what to expect. This place was beautiful and elegant. Upon arriving at the bar, I ordered a dirty martini...up with Grey Goose and olives. It was perfect. Although I wasn't there to eat, I couldn't resist a quick glance at the menu where I discovered my favorite thing.....oysters! I felt compelled to try them. I had the Blue Point and the Kumomoto (Washington).....superb. As we left, they handed us a bag that held two breakfast muffins. How nice is that? I admit, I ate one on the way home and it was delicious.....and I am not usually a big fan of muffins. I can't wait to bring Nathan here for dinner sometime!
Monday, May 12, 2008
Cesca
May 9th-
The rainy, cold weather made walking into Cesca on the Upper West Side seem like the perfect decision. The decor was warm, cozy and inviting. While waiting to be seated (for only a brief moment) in the bar area, I had already planned on coming back just to enjoy a drink. The dining room felt a little like the lobby of a boutique hotel, but so welcoming, that I didn't mind. We started with the Spicy Parmesan and Prosciutto Fritters. They were very rich, but very good. The perfect thing to eat when you're starving, cold and slightly damp. From there, we moved on to the Coach Farm Goat Cheese Ravioli with pear tomatoes, garlic and basil. It was simple and delicious. To continue our feast of comfort food, we ended with the Slow Roasted Half Duck with frisee, green beans and roasted potato with mustard vinaigrette. Yum! This turned out to be an excellent meal! I was even able to overlook the fact that the room was full of grey hairs. I guess, this shows that in some cases, age does bring wisdom.
The rainy, cold weather made walking into Cesca on the Upper West Side seem like the perfect decision. The decor was warm, cozy and inviting. While waiting to be seated (for only a brief moment) in the bar area, I had already planned on coming back just to enjoy a drink. The dining room felt a little like the lobby of a boutique hotel, but so welcoming, that I didn't mind. We started with the Spicy Parmesan and Prosciutto Fritters. They were very rich, but very good. The perfect thing to eat when you're starving, cold and slightly damp. From there, we moved on to the Coach Farm Goat Cheese Ravioli with pear tomatoes, garlic and basil. It was simple and delicious. To continue our feast of comfort food, we ended with the Slow Roasted Half Duck with frisee, green beans and roasted potato with mustard vinaigrette. Yum! This turned out to be an excellent meal! I was even able to overlook the fact that the room was full of grey hairs. I guess, this shows that in some cases, age does bring wisdom.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Dallas BBQ
May 4th-
I was recently greeted with a shocked expression when I admitted to a coworker that I had not been to Dallas BBQ, which is right down the street from where I work on the Upper West Side. Naturally, curiosity got the best of me, and I felt compelled to check it out. On Sunday, Nathan and I did just that. I walked down into this immense amount of space, and though it looked like they wanted you to think they tried to make an attempt at creating a "western" feel, it felt very much like a cafeteria with ugly carpeting. Adding to the cafeteria-like atmosphere was the obnoxious child at the table next to me who proceeded to scream "I want to go home" at the top of her lungs for the duration of my meal. I had to agree with her. I wanted her to go home, too. Despite all of this, I was still curious. I was told the margaritas were great, but upon looking at their description in the menu, I was suspicious. I ordered one anyways. After receiving it, I realized my suspicions were dead on. It was your typical cheesy looking, came from a mix and is oh too sickening sweet margarita. I remained in my seat. I still had to taste the food. The food was good. the ribs were very moist and the sauce that was covering them was tasty. Next time......takeout.
I was recently greeted with a shocked expression when I admitted to a coworker that I had not been to Dallas BBQ, which is right down the street from where I work on the Upper West Side. Naturally, curiosity got the best of me, and I felt compelled to check it out. On Sunday, Nathan and I did just that. I walked down into this immense amount of space, and though it looked like they wanted you to think they tried to make an attempt at creating a "western" feel, it felt very much like a cafeteria with ugly carpeting. Adding to the cafeteria-like atmosphere was the obnoxious child at the table next to me who proceeded to scream "I want to go home" at the top of her lungs for the duration of my meal. I had to agree with her. I wanted her to go home, too. Despite all of this, I was still curious. I was told the margaritas were great, but upon looking at their description in the menu, I was suspicious. I ordered one anyways. After receiving it, I realized my suspicions were dead on. It was your typical cheesy looking, came from a mix and is oh too sickening sweet margarita. I remained in my seat. I still had to taste the food. The food was good. the ribs were very moist and the sauce that was covering them was tasty. Next time......takeout.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Metro Diner
May 3rd-
I woke up late and starving.....and was in no mood for my usual breakfast of hot tea and puffed spelt cakes with cream cheese. So....we set off in search of Metro Diner on the Upper West Side. We ate here once before and they made perfect bacon. This was what I wanted to eat again. We got right in.....one booth left, seemingly just for us. I ordered eggs over easy with crispy bacon and wheat toast. Nathan ordered an egg, cheese and bacon sandwich. We both had coffee, which was surprisingly tasty for a diner. Nathan liked his sandwich, but just by looking at it, I could tell that I wouldn't have....the bun was huge....way too much bread. There is a delicate balance in the ratio between bread to stuff in the middle. I like the bread to be the supporting actor, personally. My eggs were perfect. My bacon.....not. I may have to give up entirely on ever ordering bacon again. It seems that no one really knows how to make extra crispy bacon, and whenever, by some miracle, you are lucky enough to be presented with some, it is just a fluke! Maybe I should start asking for almost burnt bacon. I wonder if that would work. All in all, I really like this place. The food is good, cheap and fast.......and the service is always friendly.
I woke up late and starving.....and was in no mood for my usual breakfast of hot tea and puffed spelt cakes with cream cheese. So....we set off in search of Metro Diner on the Upper West Side. We ate here once before and they made perfect bacon. This was what I wanted to eat again. We got right in.....one booth left, seemingly just for us. I ordered eggs over easy with crispy bacon and wheat toast. Nathan ordered an egg, cheese and bacon sandwich. We both had coffee, which was surprisingly tasty for a diner. Nathan liked his sandwich, but just by looking at it, I could tell that I wouldn't have....the bun was huge....way too much bread. There is a delicate balance in the ratio between bread to stuff in the middle. I like the bread to be the supporting actor, personally. My eggs were perfect. My bacon.....not. I may have to give up entirely on ever ordering bacon again. It seems that no one really knows how to make extra crispy bacon, and whenever, by some miracle, you are lucky enough to be presented with some, it is just a fluke! Maybe I should start asking for almost burnt bacon. I wonder if that would work. All in all, I really like this place. The food is good, cheap and fast.......and the service is always friendly.
The Smith
May 2nd-
Before seeing "Love, Pain and Vice Versa" at the film fest......(which by the way was great), Nathan and I went to The Smith in the East Village for dinner. The place was hopping.....full of stylish, young people out with friends. It had a very modern feel. We were early, so we had a drink at the crowded bar while we waited for our table....amazingly enough, someone was just leaving, so I scored a seat. No fancy cocktails today....just wine. (After all, we have to stay awake for the movie we were going to see afterwards.) They serve the wine to us in regular short drinking glasses....not wine glasses, not even stemless wine glasses....just plain glasses. It was refreshingly unpretentious. We were escorted to our table pretty much on time. The menu was interesting.....some comfort food, like burgers, mashed potatoes and mac and cheese, and also some light salad and fish dishes. We chose the Crab Hush Puppies with Old Bay Aioli to start with. I didn't think I would like these when we ordered them. (Nathan wanted them.) I thought they would be greasy, heavy, bready and tasteless, like all of the hush puppies I have ever eaten in my life, but I was wrong. Although fried, they were only a touch heavy and not greasy.....and there was a lot of crab in each puppy. The aioli sauce was the best part, of course. I live for sauces! It was plentiful as well....which made me happy. There is just nothing worse than skimping on the sauce as far as I'm concerned! After that, Nathan had the Cheeseburger Deluxe which came with fries, and I had the Lamb Schnitzel which was served on a bed of mashed potatoes......nothing wrong with that! Why we got two entrees, I don't know. Our eyes were definitely bigger than our stomachs, because it was way too much food for us. One entree would have sufficed. The lamb schnitzel was very good. The outside was covered in Panko and Parmesan, very crispy......total comfort food. The burger was full of flavor.....but gigantic! With the bun, it must have been six inches tall! The shoestring fries weren't greasy, but they weren't really anything special. Besides the food, the service was friendly and attentive, and they have a photo booth in the basement where the communal bathroom is. You can take the standard four photos for three dollars....fun! We will return.
Before seeing "Love, Pain and Vice Versa" at the film fest......(which by the way was great), Nathan and I went to The Smith in the East Village for dinner. The place was hopping.....full of stylish, young people out with friends. It had a very modern feel. We were early, so we had a drink at the crowded bar while we waited for our table....amazingly enough, someone was just leaving, so I scored a seat. No fancy cocktails today....just wine. (After all, we have to stay awake for the movie we were going to see afterwards.) They serve the wine to us in regular short drinking glasses....not wine glasses, not even stemless wine glasses....just plain glasses. It was refreshingly unpretentious. We were escorted to our table pretty much on time. The menu was interesting.....some comfort food, like burgers, mashed potatoes and mac and cheese, and also some light salad and fish dishes. We chose the Crab Hush Puppies with Old Bay Aioli to start with. I didn't think I would like these when we ordered them. (Nathan wanted them.) I thought they would be greasy, heavy, bready and tasteless, like all of the hush puppies I have ever eaten in my life, but I was wrong. Although fried, they were only a touch heavy and not greasy.....and there was a lot of crab in each puppy. The aioli sauce was the best part, of course. I live for sauces! It was plentiful as well....which made me happy. There is just nothing worse than skimping on the sauce as far as I'm concerned! After that, Nathan had the Cheeseburger Deluxe which came with fries, and I had the Lamb Schnitzel which was served on a bed of mashed potatoes......nothing wrong with that! Why we got two entrees, I don't know. Our eyes were definitely bigger than our stomachs, because it was way too much food for us. One entree would have sufficed. The lamb schnitzel was very good. The outside was covered in Panko and Parmesan, very crispy......total comfort food. The burger was full of flavor.....but gigantic! With the bun, it must have been six inches tall! The shoestring fries weren't greasy, but they weren't really anything special. Besides the food, the service was friendly and attentive, and they have a photo booth in the basement where the communal bathroom is. You can take the standard four photos for three dollars....fun! We will return.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Gabriela's
April 27th-
After work, Nathan and I met at the bar at Gabriela's for a drink and some dinner. We consider it our neighborhood "go to" for a casual drink, since it is so close to our place, and never feels stuffy or formal. A great place to relax. As we snack on the complimentary chips and salsa, (which, by the way, taste a lot better with a side of sour cream), we ordered our usual....classic margaritas with salt....never do they disappoint. For an appetizer, we chose the Ceviche Campenchano. It is filled with shrimp, octopus, fish, avocado, tomato, and lime juice.......so refreshingly good. Then, we moved on to one of our favorites......Pescado (fish) Tacos. The tacos are consistently good, well seasoned, and full of flavor. However, I would have preferred them with a hard taco shell. The soft shell just does not give the dish enough texture. That being said, I will keep returning over and over again.....I think the bartender already knows me.
After work, Nathan and I met at the bar at Gabriela's for a drink and some dinner. We consider it our neighborhood "go to" for a casual drink, since it is so close to our place, and never feels stuffy or formal. A great place to relax. As we snack on the complimentary chips and salsa, (which, by the way, taste a lot better with a side of sour cream), we ordered our usual....classic margaritas with salt....never do they disappoint. For an appetizer, we chose the Ceviche Campenchano. It is filled with shrimp, octopus, fish, avocado, tomato, and lime juice.......so refreshingly good. Then, we moved on to one of our favorites......Pescado (fish) Tacos. The tacos are consistently good, well seasoned, and full of flavor. However, I would have preferred them with a hard taco shell. The soft shell just does not give the dish enough texture. That being said, I will keep returning over and over again.....I think the bartender already knows me.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
The House / Olives
April 25th-
After seeing
Elettaria
April, 19th-
Nathan and I went to Elettaria, located in the village, at 8:30 pm. The atmosphere was dark and cozy….low wooden ceilings…..nice vibe at the bar….the kitchen in the back is entirely open and bright white. The tables, however were way too close together, and offered absolutely no privacy. In fact, it was impossible not to hear every word the two older gentlemen next to us uttered…at least some of their conversation was about the love of a dog. The service was a little slow, but they’re new, so that is par for the course. The waitresses wear these shiny forest green jester-looking uniforms that look like they came from the middle ages. Both of the cocktails, the Kentucky Firing Squad (Nathan) and the Eastern Sour (me) were very tasty…..not too watered down. For our first appetizer we had the Crabmeat Resala, which surprisingly came with quite a bit of delicious, sweet crab, but the gnocchi were strange little fried teeny weeny hush puppy like pellets…..not too tasty. We also had the Lamb Sausage with came with raita. This was absolutely the best thing I ate at the restaurant. It was just one four inch piece of sausage, and I wanted more! So delish! We shared the Halibut in coconut, with fingerlings and tapioca which we both found to be overcooked a bit. It was very mild, nothing special. We could do a better job ourselves at home. None of the plates were big portions, so we tried dessert as well…..the Chocolate Financier. It was described as having a curry peanut ganach and chocolate brittle, so I was interested. The brittle was great. The rest was not. I would come back, order the fun cocktails at the bar and nibble on the appetizers in the future.
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