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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!