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.

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.