The "concierge," a lady with crazy braids or dreads, maybe both, I cannot remember, called on our behalf, and go us a table in one of the terrace nooks. We ordered some kind of a cod dish, and some kind of a pizza dish. The cod had a noodle and the pizza had a sausage. The food wasn't nearly as important as the setting.
It was actually relaxing. It was actually romantic.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Friday, December 29, 2006
Vieques: Trade Winds
The food was pretty good. It was like eating at someone's house. I think there was a pork chop and a fish. Maybe a salad.
You can't be picky in Vieques.
You can't be picky in Vieques.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Vieques: Bananas
This is hands down the worst meal I have ever had in my entire life. The grouper sandwich would have bounced if I tossed it on the floor. Kai ordered a burger medium, but it came back a hockey puck. The fries were cold. It was abysmal.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Stranded in San Juan
The San Juan International Airport seems to shut down at 6PM. We got stranded at the airport, wondering why we didnt eat a quesadilla when we had the chance.
The local beer, Medalla, tastes like a poor man's Coors Lite.
We finally had dinner at The Bravo Beach Hotel. The fried calamari was above average. The skirt steak was tasty. The local lobster salad, so so. Why do we have to pay for bread? Or olives?
The mosquitoes had me for dinner.
The local beer, Medalla, tastes like a poor man's Coors Lite.
We finally had dinner at The Bravo Beach Hotel. The fried calamari was above average. The skirt steak was tasty. The local lobster salad, so so. Why do we have to pay for bread? Or olives?
The mosquitoes had me for dinner.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Village Yokocho
Village Yokocho
8 Stuyvesant St (Cross Street: Third Avenue)
Can we talk about how disgusting the food here is?
We don't need to. Ive been coming here for 12 years, ever since NYU, when I lived across the street. Back then, coming to Yokocho was a treat, a night out with friends, maybe before Decibel. If I was eating alone, of course, I'd just go to Sunrise Mart next for and get something frozen and microwaveable.
The irony is, all the food at Yokocho is frozen too. I can taste the freezer burn. The pork dumplings, doused with wasabi flavor, is definitely frozen. The yakitori was not spectacular. The chicken wings weren't bad, but really, how can you screw up chicken wings on skewers?
Everything else - chinese broccoli stir-fried in oyster sauce, chicken meatballs, octopus salad, rice balls - too sweet.
Again, I don't go to Yokocho for food, I go for the company. I wish I lived nearby, so that I could have convinced my friends to get frozen food to nuke and enjoy at my place.
8 Stuyvesant St (Cross Street: Third Avenue)
Can we talk about how disgusting the food here is?
We don't need to. Ive been coming here for 12 years, ever since NYU, when I lived across the street. Back then, coming to Yokocho was a treat, a night out with friends, maybe before Decibel. If I was eating alone, of course, I'd just go to Sunrise Mart next for and get something frozen and microwaveable.
The irony is, all the food at Yokocho is frozen too. I can taste the freezer burn. The pork dumplings, doused with wasabi flavor, is definitely frozen. The yakitori was not spectacular. The chicken wings weren't bad, but really, how can you screw up chicken wings on skewers?
Everything else - chinese broccoli stir-fried in oyster sauce, chicken meatballs, octopus salad, rice balls - too sweet.
Again, I don't go to Yokocho for food, I go for the company. I wish I lived nearby, so that I could have convinced my friends to get frozen food to nuke and enjoy at my place.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Honmura An
Honmura An
Mercer Street
SOHO
I was deeply disappointed by this experience. The service was wonderful. The Seaweed Salad was wonderful, with a kicky mustard dressing. Sansai Ni was a bit strange, a bit too soft and a bit too sweet.
Then there is the soba. The soba was mangled up into bits. It was like the bottom of the bowl at the beginning of the bowl.
Was it great in the 90's and just sucking now? I've got to go back and see if it was an off night, or if it's a has-been. Or do I out Reichl on a pedestal?
Mercer Street
SOHO
I was deeply disappointed by this experience. The service was wonderful. The Seaweed Salad was wonderful, with a kicky mustard dressing. Sansai Ni was a bit strange, a bit too soft and a bit too sweet.
Then there is the soba. The soba was mangled up into bits. It was like the bottom of the bowl at the beginning of the bowl.
Was it great in the 90's and just sucking now? I've got to go back and see if it was an off night, or if it's a has-been. Or do I out Reichl on a pedestal?
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Kampuchea
Kampuchea
Allen/Rivington
What the hell do I know about Cambodian food? Nothing. So maybe I'm completely stupid, or my taste buds have expired, or I don't know anything about food. In general, the flavors were muddled, the hot not hot enough, the cold not cold enough, the sweet not sweet enough, but things were plenty salty. Its somewhere in between really great street food and mediocre street food in SE Asia.
Chicken wings were fatty. The pickles and daikon were too sweet. They should have had an acid tinge to offset the fatty wings.
The green papaya salad had chive or green onion shoots, I think. Not sweet or clean enough. This is something I added at the last minute, in desperation for a vegetable. Bad choice.
The pork crepes not special. Reminded me of banh mi meat. Wrapping in lettuce leaf did nothing for me. Made no sense to wrap something that was already wrapped.
The filet bowl of whatever was tasty, but the broth didnt move me. The meat, however, was tender and perfectly cooked.
The oxtail stew - again, the meat was excellent. The carrots were not overcooked, and the okra was not gummy. The broth tasted strangely of Swanson's beef broth.
I'm determined to try some lighter dishes.
Allen/Rivington
What the hell do I know about Cambodian food? Nothing. So maybe I'm completely stupid, or my taste buds have expired, or I don't know anything about food. In general, the flavors were muddled, the hot not hot enough, the cold not cold enough, the sweet not sweet enough, but things were plenty salty. Its somewhere in between really great street food and mediocre street food in SE Asia.
Chicken wings were fatty. The pickles and daikon were too sweet. They should have had an acid tinge to offset the fatty wings.
The green papaya salad had chive or green onion shoots, I think. Not sweet or clean enough. This is something I added at the last minute, in desperation for a vegetable. Bad choice.
The pork crepes not special. Reminded me of banh mi meat. Wrapping in lettuce leaf did nothing for me. Made no sense to wrap something that was already wrapped.
The filet bowl of whatever was tasty, but the broth didnt move me. The meat, however, was tender and perfectly cooked.
The oxtail stew - again, the meat was excellent. The carrots were not overcooked, and the okra was not gummy. The broth tasted strangely of Swanson's beef broth.
I'm determined to try some lighter dishes.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
The Hideaway
The Hideaway
Tribeca
Where did this little place come from? It's a cute little place, jazz, b&w photos on the wall, a crying baby. Parents must feel good about bringing their kids to this place, because it feels safe, and well, cozy.
I had an amazing red oak lettuce salad, with candied pecans, and blue cheese, wonderful dressing. I saw a plate of calamari go by, which was soon devoured by a couple in 4 bites, so I ordered some too. It was all gooey - crispy meets calamari goo, and the breading tastes much like the calamari - but great bar food, at $7 a plate. Don't remember the sauce, I think it was a chili oil thing, but not memorable.
Tribeca
Where did this little place come from? It's a cute little place, jazz, b&w photos on the wall, a crying baby. Parents must feel good about bringing their kids to this place, because it feels safe, and well, cozy.
I had an amazing red oak lettuce salad, with candied pecans, and blue cheese, wonderful dressing. I saw a plate of calamari go by, which was soon devoured by a couple in 4 bites, so I ordered some too. It was all gooey - crispy meets calamari goo, and the breading tastes much like the calamari - but great bar food, at $7 a plate. Don't remember the sauce, I think it was a chili oil thing, but not memorable.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
brgr
brgr
26th Street and 7th Avenue
First there was STK, and now there is brgr. What's next, a frnch frts?
I'd like to buy a vowel, please. And a better burger.
I had a mediocre turkey burger, badly shredded lettuce, a pretty tasty bread and butter pickle on a squishy sesame bun. It might have been better if we went earlier than 1/2 hour before quittin' time.
The furniture, the high ceilings, the idea is wonderful. Next time I must go for the beef.
26th Street and 7th Avenue
First there was STK, and now there is brgr. What's next, a frnch frts?
I'd like to buy a vowel, please. And a better burger.
I had a mediocre turkey burger, badly shredded lettuce, a pretty tasty bread and butter pickle on a squishy sesame bun. It might have been better if we went earlier than 1/2 hour before quittin' time.
The furniture, the high ceilings, the idea is wonderful. Next time I must go for the beef.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Bar Americain
Bar Americain
52nd Street between 6th and 7th
There's nothing like hot potato crisps. Americans call them chips. I call Bobby Flay's version delicious. His chips (Americans call them fries) were tasty and crisp, but nothing beats the crisps.
The sweet potato gratin was, to be sure, sweet. The creamed kale was interesting, the fatty cream offsetting the bitterness of the kale.
I had an excellent asparagus salad, with gorgeous pencil thin asparagus.
Washed it down with a taste of a Schramsberg rose, a glass of cava rosat. and followed by some kind of non-cloying dessert wine. Not bad.
52nd Street between 6th and 7th
There's nothing like hot potato crisps. Americans call them chips. I call Bobby Flay's version delicious. His chips (Americans call them fries) were tasty and crisp, but nothing beats the crisps.
The sweet potato gratin was, to be sure, sweet. The creamed kale was interesting, the fatty cream offsetting the bitterness of the kale.
I had an excellent asparagus salad, with gorgeous pencil thin asparagus.
Washed it down with a taste of a Schramsberg rose, a glass of cava rosat. and followed by some kind of non-cloying dessert wine. Not bad.
Saturday, December 02, 2006
La Lunetta
Smith Street
Boerum Hill
I miss Taku.
This restaurant would have been perfect if they'd just had a ramen with Berkshire pork on the menu.
My calamari was tasty, but too bready. Genius to thow on top of pomodoro. But I like my calamari crisp. The panzanella salad was a good time - lots of textures and contrasts in flavor. The bolognese should please meat lovers - you'll find chunks of it surrounded my miles of bucatini.
I don't think I've ever actually ordered a plate of linguine with clams - I've been stealing bites from people's plate for years. But the linguine with clams that I got in my bowl was not the same stuff that I'd been twirling on my fork from other people's plates. This was an eggy linguine, in a salty and garlicky clam broth, with glimmering, beautifully cooked clams and bites of escarole. Delicious, but no hot oil, no heat from red pepper.
I'm debating whether I need to go back. Like Taku, this food is too intelligent. Taku was no ordinary Japanese restaurant - it was high-end ramen, complex chicken wings. Neither ramen nor wings are supposed to be complicated like this. This Italian food is a meticulously prepared thinking Man's food, which, I'm not sure I want or need.
All I wanted was a carbo-load on the first cold wintery day, and I got thoughful Italian food.
Boerum Hill
I miss Taku.
This restaurant would have been perfect if they'd just had a ramen with Berkshire pork on the menu.
My calamari was tasty, but too bready. Genius to thow on top of pomodoro. But I like my calamari crisp. The panzanella salad was a good time - lots of textures and contrasts in flavor. The bolognese should please meat lovers - you'll find chunks of it surrounded my miles of bucatini.
I don't think I've ever actually ordered a plate of linguine with clams - I've been stealing bites from people's plate for years. But the linguine with clams that I got in my bowl was not the same stuff that I'd been twirling on my fork from other people's plates. This was an eggy linguine, in a salty and garlicky clam broth, with glimmering, beautifully cooked clams and bites of escarole. Delicious, but no hot oil, no heat from red pepper.
I'm debating whether I need to go back. Like Taku, this food is too intelligent. Taku was no ordinary Japanese restaurant - it was high-end ramen, complex chicken wings. Neither ramen nor wings are supposed to be complicated like this. This Italian food is a meticulously prepared thinking Man's food, which, I'm not sure I want or need.
All I wanted was a carbo-load on the first cold wintery day, and I got thoughful Italian food.
Gordon Ramsay @ LondonNYC
151 W 54th Street
New York, NY
I'd just had the most amazing breakfast in Tokyo at the Cerise/Gordon Ramsay there, so I figured I'd have a pretty good breakfast here in NY.
Wrong.
I made a reservation Friday afternoon for a breakfast on Saturday morning. No hassle, no attitude, so far so good.
I walked into the lobby and headed into the dining room - empty except me and my breakfast mate. The buffet was closing at 10:30, precisely for when we'd made reservations for breakfast.
When were they going to tell me?
The usual continental breakfast - granola, fruit, cereals, pastries. Some charcuterie, some cheese, some smoked salmon.
At $30, it was a complete rip-off, not to mention that I felt unhappy about the fact that I couldn't get up for my 14th plate if I wanted to, since they were hauling it away before my eyes. Maybe I wasn't hungry, maybe I didn't like serrano ham for breakfast, but on principle, buffets are all about access, abundance, and indulgence.
Sad.
New York, NY
I'd just had the most amazing breakfast in Tokyo at the Cerise/Gordon Ramsay there, so I figured I'd have a pretty good breakfast here in NY.
Wrong.
I made a reservation Friday afternoon for a breakfast on Saturday morning. No hassle, no attitude, so far so good.
I walked into the lobby and headed into the dining room - empty except me and my breakfast mate. The buffet was closing at 10:30, precisely for when we'd made reservations for breakfast.
When were they going to tell me?
The usual continental breakfast - granola, fruit, cereals, pastries. Some charcuterie, some cheese, some smoked salmon.
At $30, it was a complete rip-off, not to mention that I felt unhappy about the fact that I couldn't get up for my 14th plate if I wanted to, since they were hauling it away before my eyes. Maybe I wasn't hungry, maybe I didn't like serrano ham for breakfast, but on principle, buffets are all about access, abundance, and indulgence.
Sad.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Saturday night in HK
I had decided that I do not like hot pot joints. To be sure, I am a germaphobe. I used to carry little bottles of Purell, but I hate the cold and clammy film that is left after the vigorous microbe killing.
Anyway, at this very hot pot joint in HK, I watched a spiny lobster watch a couple eat its body. Its head separated from its body, and trapped in an ice pack, the poor spiny lobster feebly moved its arms around in protest.
I dipped a sliver of grey meat, which was cooked in a mild fish broth, into a raw egg, which had been seasoned by chilies, peanut butter, and some soy sauce. I watched Jehan squirt ground fish bits and some doughy stuff from a plastic bag into that same mild fish broth, where it transformed into a rough noodle, with rough edges. Chantel kept stuffing the broth with leafy vegetables. White fish turned grey.
Huh?
Food should never be grey. Have you ever overcooked a glistening red tuna steak? It turns grey, a gloomy day, or a cheap suit, or car upholstery.
Stinking of hot pot, we then proceeded to a warehouse in a strange part of town for the Kee Club 5th Anniversary party, where all of HK's young, rich, and beautiful people queued for hours to get inside.
Anyway, at this very hot pot joint in HK, I watched a spiny lobster watch a couple eat its body. Its head separated from its body, and trapped in an ice pack, the poor spiny lobster feebly moved its arms around in protest.
I dipped a sliver of grey meat, which was cooked in a mild fish broth, into a raw egg, which had been seasoned by chilies, peanut butter, and some soy sauce. I watched Jehan squirt ground fish bits and some doughy stuff from a plastic bag into that same mild fish broth, where it transformed into a rough noodle, with rough edges. Chantel kept stuffing the broth with leafy vegetables. White fish turned grey.
Huh?
Food should never be grey. Have you ever overcooked a glistening red tuna steak? It turns grey, a gloomy day, or a cheap suit, or car upholstery.
Stinking of hot pot, we then proceeded to a warehouse in a strange part of town for the Kee Club 5th Anniversary party, where all of HK's young, rich, and beautiful people queued for hours to get inside.
Friday, November 24, 2006
Friday in HK
Shopping in Causeway Bay. IT was amazing. I could have stayed all afternoon. Skipped lunch in favor of saving my appetite for Nicholini's. Went to a Christie's opening cocktails. Looked at amazing contemporary Asian art. Then Nicholini's at the Conrad. Then to 1/5 in Wan Chai for Getty Images viewing. Abysmal crowd. Down the street to Cine Citta for a drink outside, where Jehan and I were eaten alive by mosquitoes. Off to Dragon-i for a cocktail, where the average age must have been 23. Onward to another bar with excellent music, reminded me of Williamsburg, except that everyone was Australian. Finally landed at FINDS, for another cocktail al fresco.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Thanksgiving in HK
Lunch at JW Marriott The poolside grill, where you can get a corndog. First fitting at Maxwell Clothiers, in Tsim Sha Tsui. Tried to go to Aqua, Felix, Hutong, Spoon, all closed until 6PM. Had a drink at the Intercontinenal, where we found Kopi Luwak on the drink menu. Dinner at North Point Market, where Robbie guided us thru fried prawns, stir fried vegetables with taro, pignoli, fermented soybeans, basil; fried chicken with a special sauce; steamed grouper with ginger, fried rice served in a lotus leaf. Wow. Dessert was a local treat: steamed milk, steamed milk with ginger. Kind of like a hot ice cream. Jehan had a Vietnamese condensed milk taro bubble milk tea thing. Milk foam on top. Not so good. Final stop was at Opia, the bar/restaurant adjacent to the hotel. Empty.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
HK
We're in HK now - incredibly chaotic, hilly, smelly city. We definitely wish we'd planned for more time in Tokyo. I think I need a month in Tokyo. The food here, however, is astonishing.
Wednesday
Hollywood Road
Soho
Tsui Wah
greasiness in a fluorescent lit bi-level diner style.
Arirang
Pretty good Korean food.
Yi Fan
Last night we had dinner in a private eating club - 14 courses of exotic nouvelle Cantonese.
Tokyo
Tokyo is awesome.
The Four Seasons
Ginza
Gonpachi
Tsukiji Fish Market
Breakfast at Four Seasons
Meet Amy at Hotel Okura
Lunch at Le Dragon Bleu
Rappongi
Mori Art Museum
Harajuku/Omotesando Hills
Meet Travis at Shibuya (Hachiko)
We walked around Roppongi Hills and went to the Mori Art Museum for the city view, and to the Bill Viola exhibit (highly recommended!). Then we met up with my friend Travis, who took us to smoky izakayas, a peek at love motel hill, and best of all, to goldengai, where we drank and smoked in a tiny bar on the 2nd floor which seated maybe 8 people. Incredible.
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Monday, October 16, 2006
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Bocca Lupo
391 Henry St (at Warren St)
Cobble Hill
Brooklyn
718-243-2522
Oh holy deliciousness. So many paninis in this town are big and flavorless, but I almost cried with joy when I tasted the roasted chicken panini with arugula pesto and the asiago cheese.
Also had the baked eggs with sausage, spinach, and artichoke, which Kai says was 'bitter.' I thought the sweet sausage tempered it, but a baked egg yoke is indeed an odd texture.
The Amaretto bread pudding with mascarpone and fresh berries is among the most delicious things I have ever eaten. It's comfort food, with its warm and fuzzy bread pudding nature. It's sophisticated, with a scalloped edge and powdered sugar. It's a genius pairing, with the delightfully gooey mascarpone. It was dessert. What was it doing on the breakfast menu?
Cobble Hill
Brooklyn
718-243-2522
Oh holy deliciousness. So many paninis in this town are big and flavorless, but I almost cried with joy when I tasted the roasted chicken panini with arugula pesto and the asiago cheese.
Also had the baked eggs with sausage, spinach, and artichoke, which Kai says was 'bitter.' I thought the sweet sausage tempered it, but a baked egg yoke is indeed an odd texture.
The Amaretto bread pudding with mascarpone and fresh berries is among the most delicious things I have ever eaten. It's comfort food, with its warm and fuzzy bread pudding nature. It's sophisticated, with a scalloped edge and powdered sugar. It's a genius pairing, with the delightfully gooey mascarpone. It was dessert. What was it doing on the breakfast menu?
Friday, October 06, 2006
Cookshop
Cookshop
156 Tenth Ave., New York, NY 10011
at 20th St.
212-924-4440
Fried Hominy
French Fries with Mayo
Dandelion Greens
Cobia
Grilled Squid
156 Tenth Ave., New York, NY 10011
at 20th St.
212-924-4440
Fried Hominy
French Fries with Mayo
Dandelion Greens
Cobia
Grilled Squid
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Les Halles
Les Halles
Park Avenue
New York, NY
Here's what you don't expect to see on a Saturday night at Les Halles: a 1/2 dozen folks wearing football jerseys,trying to order a Smirnoff Ice at the bar. But that was exactly what happened. The bartender didn't lose her patience, but it was clear that she may have been a bit confused: what were they doing there?
Having a drink after the game. Les Halles is next to the Park Ave Country Club.
Ah, Les Halles. The wait isinterminable, the sound level intolerable, the lighting ridiculously low. The tables are so close together, that you might as well be having dinner with the people next to you.
And that's the thing. The kitchen screwed up and sent 2 plates of the calamari to the table to the right of us, who'd only ordered 1. I would have offered some to us, really.
We also saved their marriage. We started doodling on the butcher paper, as we often do, sketching ideas for a web page navigation or decision trees or whatever. And then the couple next to us, who had been ignoring each other, started playing tic-tac-toe, and by the time the dessert menu arrived, they were back in love.
Park Avenue
New York, NY
Here's what you don't expect to see on a Saturday night at Les Halles: a 1/2 dozen folks wearing football jerseys,trying to order a Smirnoff Ice at the bar. But that was exactly what happened. The bartender didn't lose her patience, but it was clear that she may have been a bit confused: what were they doing there?
Having a drink after the game. Les Halles is next to the Park Ave Country Club.
Ah, Les Halles. The wait isinterminable, the sound level intolerable, the lighting ridiculously low. The tables are so close together, that you might as well be having dinner with the people next to you.
And that's the thing. The kitchen screwed up and sent 2 plates of the calamari to the table to the right of us, who'd only ordered 1. I would have offered some to us, really.
We also saved their marriage. We started doodling on the butcher paper, as we often do, sketching ideas for a web page navigation or decision trees or whatever. And then the couple next to us, who had been ignoring each other, started playing tic-tac-toe, and by the time the dessert menu arrived, they were back in love.
Ici
Ici
Fort Greene
Brookln, NY
I don't know what the kids were screaming about. Were they unhappy because the waitress was taking to long to get the stinking check? Maybe. Were they unhappy because I had to wait too long for a bowl of granola and yogurt? Probably.
Think about it. Neither the yogurt nor the granola needs to be cooked.
The yogurt and granola were almost worth the wait. Cranberries, pumpkin seeds, raisins. Not too dry, not too nutty. The consistency of the yogurt (from Evan's Farm) was runnier than I like, but tasty. Saw a Yogurt Panna Cotta on the dessert menu, definitely worth a visit back.
Fried egg with fennel sausage hash was not memorable. The sausage, onions and potatoes were diced. I like my hash sloppy.
The 3 minute decapitated egg was served with some dehydrated toast dippers. Not memorable.
Fort Greene
Brookln, NY
I don't know what the kids were screaming about. Were they unhappy because the waitress was taking to long to get the stinking check? Maybe. Were they unhappy because I had to wait too long for a bowl of granola and yogurt? Probably.
Think about it. Neither the yogurt nor the granola needs to be cooked.
The yogurt and granola were almost worth the wait. Cranberries, pumpkin seeds, raisins. Not too dry, not too nutty. The consistency of the yogurt (from Evan's Farm) was runnier than I like, but tasty. Saw a Yogurt Panna Cotta on the dessert menu, definitely worth a visit back.
Fried egg with fennel sausage hash was not memorable. The sausage, onions and potatoes were diced. I like my hash sloppy.
The 3 minute decapitated egg was served with some dehydrated toast dippers. Not memorable.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Casa Mono
Casa Mono
Irving Place
New York, NY
After more than 6 or 7 times, Casa Mono is still yummy, inviting, cool, sensational and consistent.
And who knew bread pudding could be so delicious?
Irving Place
New York, NY
After more than 6 or 7 times, Casa Mono is still yummy, inviting, cool, sensational and consistent.
And who knew bread pudding could be so delicious?
Sunday, September 24, 2006
BLT Prime
BLT Prime
The Cheese Plate
Marissa and I were just supposed to have a drink. But then they brought out these
Chicken livers and crusty bread, which were so delicious and
The Cheese Plate
Marissa and I were just supposed to have a drink. But then they brought out these
Chicken livers and crusty bread, which were so delicious and
Friday, September 22, 2006
Fatty Crab
Fatty Crab
Hudson
New York, NY
Pork Tea Sandwiches, with crusts cut off
Baby Bok Choy
Chinese Broccoli with the Fish Sausage
Fatty Duck
Some day, when I am 57 and Kai is 67, I hope to be able to go to spciy joints like Fatty Crab and eat noodles and shredded pork like the couple sitting very close to us. They inhaled several garlicky, fish saucy, fiery chilies dishes. With chopsticks. Like pros. No caution. He wore a navy sports jacket, there may have been gold buttons, I'm not sure. She had tastefully coiffed hair and a smart, seasonal dress. I'd like to be more like them and less like the sluggish, elastic waistband and wrinkle free fabric folks that I so often see.
Hudson
New York, NY
Pork Tea Sandwiches, with crusts cut off
Baby Bok Choy
Chinese Broccoli with the Fish Sausage
Fatty Duck
Some day, when I am 57 and Kai is 67, I hope to be able to go to spciy joints like Fatty Crab and eat noodles and shredded pork like the couple sitting very close to us. They inhaled several garlicky, fish saucy, fiery chilies dishes. With chopsticks. Like pros. No caution. He wore a navy sports jacket, there may have been gold buttons, I'm not sure. She had tastefully coiffed hair and a smart, seasonal dress. I'd like to be more like them and less like the sluggish, elastic waistband and wrinkle free fabric folks that I so often see.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Boqueria
Boqueria
19th Street
New York, NY
Drank beautiful wine and ate salty food. Not crazy about the egg custard thing.
19th Street
New York, NY
Drank beautiful wine and ate salty food. Not crazy about the egg custard thing.
Friday, September 01, 2006
Honga's
Honga's
Telluride, CO
edamame
calamari
fried rice
wok vegetables
the portions are enormous. so is the new space. i can't believe that the imtimate dining room has moved to what looks like one of those big, colorful italian joints near time square.
the sea salt on the edamame made them extra delicious, and i kept thinking about how i never dust sea salt on the edamame in my own freezer. im sure that they microwave these too, so why the bias?
the plate of calamari was enough for 4 people; beer batter? panko? the arugula salad was misleading, since it was 3 or 4 leaves crushed under the pepper pickles. hot and sweet.
the "mains" were a disgrace. dry fried rice with bits of chinese sausage and dry beef. sad. and the wok vegetables were just plain disappointing. i tasted garlic, soy, basil, heat, salt, spice, but not at all satisfying.
are these restaurants like a drug? i recall honga's being so extremely delicious that i'd made it a point to have my first dinner in telluride at honga's.
Telluride, CO
edamame
calamari
fried rice
wok vegetables
the portions are enormous. so is the new space. i can't believe that the imtimate dining room has moved to what looks like one of those big, colorful italian joints near time square.
the sea salt on the edamame made them extra delicious, and i kept thinking about how i never dust sea salt on the edamame in my own freezer. im sure that they microwave these too, so why the bias?
the plate of calamari was enough for 4 people; beer batter? panko? the arugula salad was misleading, since it was 3 or 4 leaves crushed under the pepper pickles. hot and sweet.
the "mains" were a disgrace. dry fried rice with bits of chinese sausage and dry beef. sad. and the wok vegetables were just plain disappointing. i tasted garlic, soy, basil, heat, salt, spice, but not at all satisfying.
are these restaurants like a drug? i recall honga's being so extremely delicious that i'd made it a point to have my first dinner in telluride at honga's.
Monday, August 28, 2006
Momofuku Ssam Bar
Momofuku Ssam
207 2nd Ave.
Extremely not delicious.
And it feels like Chipotle with bad Korean food, and an OB to wash it down.
Bad.
207 2nd Ave.
Extremely not delicious.
And it feels like Chipotle with bad Korean food, and an OB to wash it down.
Bad.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Wilbur's BBQ
Wilbur's BBQ
4172 US Highway 70 E
Goldsboro, NC 27534-9242
Phone: (919) 778-5218
hush puppies
smothered chicken
pulled pork
slaw
potato salad
unsweetened tea
4172 US Highway 70 E
Goldsboro, NC 27534-9242
Phone: (919) 778-5218
hush puppies
smothered chicken
pulled pork
slaw
potato salad
unsweetened tea
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Royal James Cafe
117 Turner St, Beaufort, NC
Tel: (252) 728-4573
hamburger $1.95!
total time warp
great pool tables
Tel: (252) 728-4573
hamburger $1.95!
total time warp
great pool tables
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Noodle Pudding
38 Henry St., Brooklyn, NY 11201
between Cranberry and Middagh Sts.
718-625-3737
Quite possibly the most disappointing of all is that there was no noodle pudding on the menu.
The olive oil that accompanied the extremely soakable bread had a kick - chilies, pimentos or whatever it was.
Lasagna was soggy and microwaved.
The octopus was stewy, spongy.
between Cranberry and Middagh Sts.
718-625-3737
Quite possibly the most disappointing of all is that there was no noodle pudding on the menu.
The olive oil that accompanied the extremely soakable bread had a kick - chilies, pimentos or whatever it was.
Lasagna was soggy and microwaved.
The octopus was stewy, spongy.
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Snack Taverna
63 Bedford St., New York, NY 10014
between Morton St. and Seventh Ave.
212-929-3499
dry chicken
tzatziki so so
strong feta
salty air dried beef
stringy roasted vegetables
beet and butter bean salad was ok, but the greens were unidentifiable (cress?) and dressing was watery.
but the portions are enormous.
between Morton St. and Seventh Ave.
212-929-3499
dry chicken
tzatziki so so
strong feta
salty air dried beef
stringy roasted vegetables
beet and butter bean salad was ok, but the greens were unidentifiable (cress?) and dressing was watery.
but the portions are enormous.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Bye Bye Taku
Taku
116 Smith St
Brooklyn, NY 11201
We knew it was bound to happen. Taku closed. No more chicken wings. No more ramen.
Sad.
116 Smith St
Brooklyn, NY 11201
We knew it was bound to happen. Taku closed. No more chicken wings. No more ramen.
Sad.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Guayma's
Bothell, WA
Heading north on the I-5, I decided on Kai's behalf that it would be best if we stopped at a sports bar to watch the Brazil v. France game. We searched high and lo, up and down the Riese restaurant littered strip malls until we tracked down 2 young ladies soaking in some sun on Applebee's outdoor furniture.
"Is there, like, a sports bar around here? We're dying to watch the World Cup," I say.
They look puzzled, but suggest a place called Guayma's just down the street. This after stopping at Outback Steakhouse, local diners, Qdoba's, god knows what else.
We couldn't find it. Made a bad turn, despite the GPS gadget. Exasperated, I popped into a teeny taqueria - the Mexicans had to be watching. The wonderful hostess told us how to get to downtown Bothell, where the action was, but we eventaully found Guayma's on the other side of the road, forcing us to make a very illegal u-turn.
Brazil played badly. And the tacos were terrible. Bitter red onions to mask the taste of stringy, flavorless, dry pork.
Heading north on the I-5, I decided on Kai's behalf that it would be best if we stopped at a sports bar to watch the Brazil v. France game. We searched high and lo, up and down the Riese restaurant littered strip malls until we tracked down 2 young ladies soaking in some sun on Applebee's outdoor furniture.
"Is there, like, a sports bar around here? We're dying to watch the World Cup," I say.
They look puzzled, but suggest a place called Guayma's just down the street. This after stopping at Outback Steakhouse, local diners, Qdoba's, god knows what else.
We couldn't find it. Made a bad turn, despite the GPS gadget. Exasperated, I popped into a teeny taqueria - the Mexicans had to be watching. The wonderful hostess told us how to get to downtown Bothell, where the action was, but we eventaully found Guayma's on the other side of the road, forcing us to make a very illegal u-turn.
Brazil played badly. And the tacos were terrible. Bitter red onions to mask the taste of stringy, flavorless, dry pork.
Monday, July 03, 2006
Campagne/Dahlia Lounge
Campagne
Inn at the Market
It's true that we could have taken a 2 day break from eating. We sure had enough stored to keep us going. Nevertheless, we ordered a charcuteries plate of rillettes and pate. Tasty, but I'm sad that I wasn't hungry enough to really experience what this well regarded restaurant had to offer.
After all, we had a lovely seat in the courtyard.
Dahlia Lounge
We were determined to have a Tom Douglas experience while in Seattle. We were told that Etta's is a better joint for brunch, so we strolled to the Dahlia lounge for dessert.
Strange desserts. Curry and chocolate do not mix.
Inn at the Market
It's true that we could have taken a 2 day break from eating. We sure had enough stored to keep us going. Nevertheless, we ordered a charcuteries plate of rillettes and pate. Tasty, but I'm sad that I wasn't hungry enough to really experience what this well regarded restaurant had to offer.
After all, we had a lovely seat in the courtyard.
Dahlia Lounge
We were determined to have a Tom Douglas experience while in Seattle. We were told that Etta's is a better joint for brunch, so we strolled to the Dahlia lounge for dessert.
Strange desserts. Curry and chocolate do not mix.
Oceanaire
Oceanaire
7th & Olive
Seattle WA
Tracy's brother suggested a joint called Oceanaire, which I mistook to be inside the W hotel, replete with silly portholes and other hokey details. Then, on Monday afternoon, at the least opportune moment, there it was. Street corner, sea foam neon lights and rotating brass beckoning.
We'd been circling the block for a Torrefazione retail store (which did not exist.) It was time for a drink.
I didn't know what to expect. The hostess gave us a bit of grief about not having a reservation. It was 5 o'clock and enormous people in lime green colored polo shirts were seated at the bar, eating platters of ....
Seafood.
It's all about seafood. We were just going to stop in for a drink and one (read: 1) snack. Kick off with a glass of Lucien Albrecht Brut Rose, and some delicate, cucumbery and buttery Pacific NW oysters which *nearly made me cry. Kai felt compelled to order the Kona Kampachi with hijiki, gorgeous feathery textures which also almost *made me cry. (For a guy who grew up hating fish and loving his sausages and kraut, he devoured every sliver of fish and sea-ness on the plate.)
Somewhere in between I ordered a gigantic plate of salt and vinegar fries and a side of rainbow chard (sauteed with bacon and garlic). Then I decided that I needed a bowl of moules to go with the frites (reverse order noted,) which also *made me want to cry. By this time, I was on my very healthy pour of the Hayman & Hill Pinot Noir.
We would have kept going - Kai had his eye on the Kurobuta Pork Chop, me on halibut or salmon - but we had to move on.
Next time, we make a reservation, bring friends, order everything on the menu, and have a Bakes Alaska for dessert. I don't care if it's a chain or franchise or whatever it is, it was some of the most gorgeous fish we'd experienced in the Pacific NW.
http://www.theoceanaire.com/#Seattle
7th & Olive
Seattle WA
Tracy's brother suggested a joint called Oceanaire, which I mistook to be inside the W hotel, replete with silly portholes and other hokey details. Then, on Monday afternoon, at the least opportune moment, there it was. Street corner, sea foam neon lights and rotating brass beckoning.
We'd been circling the block for a Torrefazione retail store (which did not exist.) It was time for a drink.
I didn't know what to expect. The hostess gave us a bit of grief about not having a reservation. It was 5 o'clock and enormous people in lime green colored polo shirts were seated at the bar, eating platters of ....
Seafood.
It's all about seafood. We were just going to stop in for a drink and one (read: 1) snack. Kick off with a glass of Lucien Albrecht Brut Rose, and some delicate, cucumbery and buttery Pacific NW oysters which *nearly made me cry. Kai felt compelled to order the Kona Kampachi with hijiki, gorgeous feathery textures which also almost *made me cry. (For a guy who grew up hating fish and loving his sausages and kraut, he devoured every sliver of fish and sea-ness on the plate.)
Somewhere in between I ordered a gigantic plate of salt and vinegar fries and a side of rainbow chard (sauteed with bacon and garlic). Then I decided that I needed a bowl of moules to go with the frites (reverse order noted,) which also *made me want to cry. By this time, I was on my very healthy pour of the Hayman & Hill Pinot Noir.
We would have kept going - Kai had his eye on the Kurobuta Pork Chop, me on halibut or salmon - but we had to move on.
Next time, we make a reservation, bring friends, order everything on the menu, and have a Bakes Alaska for dessert. I don't care if it's a chain or franchise or whatever it is, it was some of the most gorgeous fish we'd experienced in the Pacific NW.
http://www.theoceanaire.com/#Seattle
Sunday, July 02, 2006
The Restaurant at Salish Lodge
The Salish Lounge
Snoqualmie/River Falls WA
What's with Duval-Leroy in this part of the country?
Hot Rocks: Tuna, Halibut, Salmon.
Local Beets
Iris Hill Pinot Noir
Ivory Salmon with Citrus Mashed Potatoes and Merlot Reduction?
Rabbit Tasting
Chocolate something.
Cream Cheese,Tahitian Vanilla, local Huckleberry Ice Cream.
pass out.
You wanna hear about the tall stack of pancakes and the huevos rancheros for at leat 4 people the morning after?
Snoqualmie/River Falls WA
What's with Duval-Leroy in this part of the country?
Hot Rocks: Tuna, Halibut, Salmon.
Local Beets
Iris Hill Pinot Noir
Ivory Salmon with Citrus Mashed Potatoes and Merlot Reduction?
Rabbit Tasting
Chocolate something.
Cream Cheese,Tahitian Vanilla, local Huckleberry Ice Cream.
pass out.
You wanna hear about the tall stack of pancakes and the huevos rancheros for at leat 4 people the morning after?
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Bluewater Cafe
Bluewater Cafe
Vancouver BC
The bread was warm.
The dungeoness crab at the next table looked gorgeous, but my sushi seemed...fake. Am I crazy?
Kai had some beautiful gamy lamb...doused with powerful pesto.
The Strawberry and Basil Panna Cotta was some of the spongiest weirdest densest panna cotta ever. More like a mousse. Would have been tastier frozen. Pass.
Vancouver BC
The bread was warm.
The dungeoness crab at the next table looked gorgeous, but my sushi seemed...fake. Am I crazy?
Kai had some beautiful gamy lamb...doused with powerful pesto.
The Strawberry and Basil Panna Cotta was some of the spongiest weirdest densest panna cotta ever. More like a mousse. Would have been tastier frozen. Pass.
Friday, June 30, 2006
The Georgian
The Georgian
Fairmont Hotel
Seattle WA
amuse bouche:
greens: cheese-ness
onion soupe
ivory salmon
black & white souffle
Fairmont Hotel
Seattle WA
amuse bouche:
greens: cheese-ness
onion soupe
ivory salmon
black & white souffle
Pike Place Virgin
3 Girls Bakery
I think the dude who took my order wanted to warn us.
It's too big. You couldn't possibly.
Kai ordered this meatloaf sandwich which turned out to be the size of my torso. I wasn't paying attention when he was ordering, I was ogling peaches and cherries. I would have made him order the fatty meatloaf on some kind of a pullman loaf, but maybe he had the right idea to let it rest on a crusty baguette, a little structure. I would have gotten lettuce and tomato, maybe a squirt of ketchup, but he added swiss.
He would have happily inhaled it on his own, but I beat him to it. My egg salad on sourdough was dense and eggy, but needed something, maybe pickles. Different from the yolks I know: the yellow was like a Easter sunday buttercream yellow, the white was like snow. The tomato was awesome, the greens poked out from the sandwich like a flouncy bedskirt.
And this was just 11:30.
Piroshky Piroshky
Sauerkraut and the eggy yeasty pastry: yuck.
I think the dude who took my order wanted to warn us.
It's too big. You couldn't possibly.
Kai ordered this meatloaf sandwich which turned out to be the size of my torso. I wasn't paying attention when he was ordering, I was ogling peaches and cherries. I would have made him order the fatty meatloaf on some kind of a pullman loaf, but maybe he had the right idea to let it rest on a crusty baguette, a little structure. I would have gotten lettuce and tomato, maybe a squirt of ketchup, but he added swiss.
He would have happily inhaled it on his own, but I beat him to it. My egg salad on sourdough was dense and eggy, but needed something, maybe pickles. Different from the yolks I know: the yellow was like a Easter sunday buttercream yellow, the white was like snow. The tomato was awesome, the greens poked out from the sandwich like a flouncy bedskirt.
And this was just 11:30.
Piroshky Piroshky
Sauerkraut and the eggy yeasty pastry: yuck.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Monday, June 26, 2006
Town Hall
Town Hall
San Francisco, CA
Chopped salad. Dressing was too sweet.
Halibut
Cherry Chocolate Dumplings.
Delicious.
San Francisco, CA
Chopped salad. Dressing was too sweet.
Halibut
Cherry Chocolate Dumplings.
Delicious.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Vera Cruz
Vera Cruz
Bedford Street, Williamsburg
Pony once told me that Vera Cruz is her favorite Mexican joint in town. You gotta trust a gal from Texas, someone who grew up eating beans and tortillas as a snack after school (instead of Pringles, like me), someone who has traveled all around Mexico.
I don't like any place that has shredded lettuce as garnish. The vegatables seemed to have been soaked in some kind of acid/vinegar bath. Weird. The steak in the enchiladas were tender, but needed seasoning. Maybe even salt.
Apparently, I did not learn my lesson after Tacos Matamoros. But then again, I have never been to Mexico, and I still think that Cocina de Luz in Telluride is the best Mexican in the world. What the hell do I know?
I forgot to mention the crowd. The table next to us were a bunch of hospital workers still in their scrubs, ordering Beck's Dark and Guinness to go with their burritos. To my right, hipster girls in 70's plastic eyeglasses, droopy dresses, counting their cash and deciding to go for sushi instead. I've always hated the East Village, and its remarkable how many East Villagers now live in Williamsburg.
Bedford Street, Williamsburg
Pony once told me that Vera Cruz is her favorite Mexican joint in town. You gotta trust a gal from Texas, someone who grew up eating beans and tortillas as a snack after school (instead of Pringles, like me), someone who has traveled all around Mexico.
I don't like any place that has shredded lettuce as garnish. The vegatables seemed to have been soaked in some kind of acid/vinegar bath. Weird. The steak in the enchiladas were tender, but needed seasoning. Maybe even salt.
Apparently, I did not learn my lesson after Tacos Matamoros. But then again, I have never been to Mexico, and I still think that Cocina de Luz in Telluride is the best Mexican in the world. What the hell do I know?
I forgot to mention the crowd. The table next to us were a bunch of hospital workers still in their scrubs, ordering Beck's Dark and Guinness to go with their burritos. To my right, hipster girls in 70's plastic eyeglasses, droopy dresses, counting their cash and deciding to go for sushi instead. I've always hated the East Village, and its remarkable how many East Villagers now live in Williamsburg.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Dumont Burger
Dumont Burger
314 Bedford, Williamsburg
It's like a saloon, but it's Williamsburg. I can't believe how many men groom here. I also can't believe how many people still wear trucker caps.
My mini burger was overcooked, but I liked the ciabatta. The fries were handcut. The Bibb lettuce is nice. The bread and butter pickles are a tad sweet for my taste, but a lovely touch.
314 Bedford, Williamsburg
It's like a saloon, but it's Williamsburg. I can't believe how many men groom here. I also can't believe how many people still wear trucker caps.
My mini burger was overcooked, but I liked the ciabatta. The fries were handcut. The Bibb lettuce is nice. The bread and butter pickles are a tad sweet for my taste, but a lovely touch.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Tea at Claridge's
Claridge's Hotel
London
The Laurent Perrier Rose Brut was nice.
The sandwiches were kind of stale.
The clotted cream was practically frozen.
The dessert was not memorable. Too much gelatin, maybe.
And the tea? It was cold, mostly.
All this for 39.50 GBP per person.
London
The Laurent Perrier Rose Brut was nice.
The sandwiches were kind of stale.
The clotted cream was practically frozen.
The dessert was not memorable. Too much gelatin, maybe.
And the tea? It was cold, mostly.
All this for 39.50 GBP per person.
Monday, May 22, 2006
Otto
Otto
8th Street & 5th Ave
Funghi funk. The mushroom pizza topped with taleggio, tasted fermented. I made an ugly face.
8th Street & 5th Ave
Funghi funk. The mushroom pizza topped with taleggio, tasted fermented. I made an ugly face.
Friday, May 19, 2006
The Good Fork
The Good Fork
Van Brunt Street Red Hook
I feel like I've died and on to kimchi heaven. I feel like this is food that was designed for me. I am so happy I could cry.
The room was full of young hipsters, a marked difference from 360 across the street, which always seems to be filled with old people. When we walked in, there was a big camera-phone-happy crowd celebrating a birthday. Couples were nuzzling in banquettes. A table of wide food loving men eating slowly. A handful of diners at the bar. I felt right at home.
If my mother ever made me a plate of skirt steak with kimchi fried rice with a fried egg on top, I might have been nicer to her.
It's hard to categorize food like this, since it borrows from Korean, New American, French influences. Please don't even think about saying fusion. And it's seasonal!
The Wings gave serious heat. This is beyond spicy, it's a furnace. The Bitter Greens were paired with a potato pancake that even my Kraut approved, paired with ricotta and some caramelied onions. Some roasted beets too. We ate braised Berkshire pig atop Kimchi and polenta. I think there were some ramps in there too. And of course the steak. The apple tart was lovely, made me wish I ordered the Flourless Chocolate cake too. I was so inspired by this meal, that I did what I do when I want to contemplate the meal I'd just had: order an after-dinner drink, a sweet Azzurri Sauvignon Blanc. Sweet and slightly chilled.
This is exciting, flavorful, affordable, delicious food. Ben and Sohui are my heroes.
Van Brunt Street Red Hook
I feel like I've died and on to kimchi heaven. I feel like this is food that was designed for me. I am so happy I could cry.
The room was full of young hipsters, a marked difference from 360 across the street, which always seems to be filled with old people. When we walked in, there was a big camera-phone-happy crowd celebrating a birthday. Couples were nuzzling in banquettes. A table of wide food loving men eating slowly. A handful of diners at the bar. I felt right at home.
If my mother ever made me a plate of skirt steak with kimchi fried rice with a fried egg on top, I might have been nicer to her.
It's hard to categorize food like this, since it borrows from Korean, New American, French influences. Please don't even think about saying fusion. And it's seasonal!
The Wings gave serious heat. This is beyond spicy, it's a furnace. The Bitter Greens were paired with a potato pancake that even my Kraut approved, paired with ricotta and some caramelied onions. Some roasted beets too. We ate braised Berkshire pig atop Kimchi and polenta. I think there were some ramps in there too. And of course the steak. The apple tart was lovely, made me wish I ordered the Flourless Chocolate cake too. I was so inspired by this meal, that I did what I do when I want to contemplate the meal I'd just had: order an after-dinner drink, a sweet Azzurri Sauvignon Blanc. Sweet and slightly chilled.
This is exciting, flavorful, affordable, delicious food. Ben and Sohui are my heroes.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Tacos Maramotos
Sunset Park
45th & 5th
When someone says "this is my favorite Mexican place in the city" or "it's so fuckin' good" or something to that effect, I usually feel incredibly inspired, or at least feel compelled to go try it out, so that I can either corroborate their high opinion or challenge them.
Did i order the wrong thing?
45th & 5th
When someone says "this is my favorite Mexican place in the city" or "it's so fuckin' good" or something to that effect, I usually feel incredibly inspired, or at least feel compelled to go try it out, so that I can either corroborate their high opinion or challenge them.
Did i order the wrong thing?
Sunday, May 07, 2006
Burger Joint
Le Parker Meridien
56th and 6th/7th
I'm sure that I've written about Burger Joint before, but I must do it again.
Its basically an In-N-Out burger meets McDonald's. The special sauce is similar. K and I just inhaled thousands of calories in minutes. It took us a few seconds to order, then the food arrived a few minutes later, and then it took us 6 minutes to consume it.
56th and 6th/7th
I'm sure that I've written about Burger Joint before, but I must do it again.
Its basically an In-N-Out burger meets McDonald's. The special sauce is similar. K and I just inhaled thousands of calories in minutes. It took us a few seconds to order, then the food arrived a few minutes later, and then it took us 6 minutes to consume it.
Saturday, May 06, 2006
Brooklyn Fish Shack
5th Avenue
Park Slope
I'm not sure that I would necessarily have ordered anything at all, but the blonde waitress was so friendly, and her tone so soothing, that I almost felt obligated to do it. Then I saw the plate of squid sail by, and suddenly, the mouthful of oyster crackers just weren't satisfying.
It was the texture of the squid. Maybe they'd never been frozen. Maybe they were undercooked. Maybe they had been tenderized.
It was also that it was the first time I'd had a cherry tomato in about 2 months. Delicious zing, acid kick, juicy pop pop. The pignoli-like pesto sauce was a bit odd, but it sure was delicious.
Park Slope
I'm not sure that I would necessarily have ordered anything at all, but the blonde waitress was so friendly, and her tone so soothing, that I almost felt obligated to do it. Then I saw the plate of squid sail by, and suddenly, the mouthful of oyster crackers just weren't satisfying.
It was the texture of the squid. Maybe they'd never been frozen. Maybe they were undercooked. Maybe they had been tenderized.
It was also that it was the first time I'd had a cherry tomato in about 2 months. Delicious zing, acid kick, juicy pop pop. The pignoli-like pesto sauce was a bit odd, but it sure was delicious.
Fresh Salt
Beekman Place
I love pleasant surprises. Why anyone would go to Pizzeria Uno or the Heartland Brewery when they could go to a joint like Fresh Salt is beyond me. But that is entirely the point: the tourists have no idea that this place exists. I don't think the joint wants to be known to the visor wearing fanny pack wearing people.
K and I watched the Derby there. I drank 2 mint juleps, and then we biked home over the Brooklyn bridge.
I love pleasant surprises. Why anyone would go to Pizzeria Uno or the Heartland Brewery when they could go to a joint like Fresh Salt is beyond me. But that is entirely the point: the tourists have no idea that this place exists. I don't think the joint wants to be known to the visor wearing fanny pack wearing people.
K and I watched the Derby there. I drank 2 mint juleps, and then we biked home over the Brooklyn bridge.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
The Helen Lee Top 10 Restaurants
my favorites. totally biased. enjoy.
and somehow this turned into more than 10.
The 212 List
Casa Mono
Upstairs at Bouley
Lombardi's
Gam Mee Ok
Babbo
Hasaki
Les Halles
PJ Clarke's
The 212 "I Hate" List
Petrossian
The 718 List
Ici
Applewood
Al Di La
360
and I HATE FRANNY'S
and somehow this turned into more than 10.
The 212 List
Casa Mono
Upstairs at Bouley
Lombardi's
Gam Mee Ok
Babbo
Hasaki
Les Halles
PJ Clarke's
The 212 "I Hate" List
Petrossian
The 718 List
Ici
Applewood
Al Di La
360
and I HATE FRANNY'S
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Le Former Falafel Joint
Le Gamin
W 15th Street, Chelsea
I swear it used to be a falafel joint. When I lived at 241 I'd occasionally grab one to go. A falafel seemed healthier than the slice down the street.
Now it's a teeny French sibling of the one on 9th and 21st, where you can nurse a cafe au lait with the stack of magazines and newspaper.
No liquor license, so I had to go to 7th Avenue and fetch a bottle of cotes-du-rhone.
The frites were crisp, the salad dressing was ideal acidity, the croque monsieur padded with too much melty cheese. The ratatouille tasted like vegetables marinated in oil, but the buckwheat crepe was perfect.
W 15th Street, Chelsea
I swear it used to be a falafel joint. When I lived at 241 I'd occasionally grab one to go. A falafel seemed healthier than the slice down the street.
Now it's a teeny French sibling of the one on 9th and 21st, where you can nurse a cafe au lait with the stack of magazines and newspaper.
No liquor license, so I had to go to 7th Avenue and fetch a bottle of cotes-du-rhone.
The frites were crisp, the salad dressing was ideal acidity, the croque monsieur padded with too much melty cheese. The ratatouille tasted like vegetables marinated in oil, but the buckwheat crepe was perfect.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
The Fresh Direct Stir Fry
Rice
Dekalb Avenue, Fort Greene.
The FD stir fry does not taste nearly as good as the stir fry from my local Chinese delivery joint. Nor does it taste as good as the local Rice. Weak vegetables, broken baby corn, green beans (why?), and wilty cabbage.
So why do I insist on ordering it?
I think I like the sense of autonomy of cooking my own food. I like coming home and knowing that there is food right there, in the fridge, ready for consumption, rather than the painful decision making process - do i order in, or do i go out? do i pick up on my way home? do i eat scrambled eggs instead? Do I order what I really want, like a cheeseburger, or order something sensible?
Who am I kidding? I rarely suffer the "I haven't eaten anything in 8 hours, please feed me" situation. I eat every 2-3 hours. There are food kiosks, vending machines, newsstands, Duane Reades, hot dog carts everywhere.
It's all too much, and so, I keep ordering the Garlic and Chile Tofu Stir Fry kit, and keep being disappointed.
Dekalb Avenue, Fort Greene.
The FD stir fry does not taste nearly as good as the stir fry from my local Chinese delivery joint. Nor does it taste as good as the local Rice. Weak vegetables, broken baby corn, green beans (why?), and wilty cabbage.
So why do I insist on ordering it?
I think I like the sense of autonomy of cooking my own food. I like coming home and knowing that there is food right there, in the fridge, ready for consumption, rather than the painful decision making process - do i order in, or do i go out? do i pick up on my way home? do i eat scrambled eggs instead? Do I order what I really want, like a cheeseburger, or order something sensible?
Who am I kidding? I rarely suffer the "I haven't eaten anything in 8 hours, please feed me" situation. I eat every 2-3 hours. There are food kiosks, vending machines, newsstands, Duane Reades, hot dog carts everywhere.
It's all too much, and so, I keep ordering the Garlic and Chile Tofu Stir Fry kit, and keep being disappointed.
Monday, January 09, 2006
Fish For Dinner
Fresh Direct Stuffed Striped Bass
The alley cats are singing hallelujah. I'm sure the neighbors are cursing us.
Fish stinks. Its eyes were not clear. It smelled fishy. Slivers of lemons and leeks stuffed inside a 1.5 lb fish.
It took forever to cook @ 350 degrees. I amped it to 400, and baked for nearly 20 minutes.
Some of it was tasty, but not all. Slimy and fishy and stinky. This is why people hate fish.
Kai had a bologna sandwich instead.
The alley cats are singing hallelujah. I'm sure the neighbors are cursing us.
Fish stinks. Its eyes were not clear. It smelled fishy. Slivers of lemons and leeks stuffed inside a 1.5 lb fish.
It took forever to cook @ 350 degrees. I amped it to 400, and baked for nearly 20 minutes.
Some of it was tasty, but not all. Slimy and fishy and stinky. This is why people hate fish.
Kai had a bologna sandwich instead.
Sunday, January 08, 2006
New Year's Resolution
Pillow Cafe
Myrtle Avenue, Fort Greene
Lombardi's Pizza
Spring Street, NoLiTa
I have a New Year's resolution. It's to blog my brains out after every meal.
This afternoon, I had a murky coffee at Pillow Cafe with Yvonne and discussed some ideas for thesis. I realize that I am beating myself up about the thesis, and that I will never finish at the rate I'm going. Also, she suggested that I keep a little journal going. Blogging will be the best way to go about this, since if I try to keep a journal, I will either lose it or go apeshit while staring at the blank pages.
I met the girls for a carboload at Lombardi's Pizza, the most divine pizza in the world. Lani said that she would never eat pizza elsewhere again. It's true. The ratio of cheese sauce and crust is divine, the sauce with perfect acidity and sweetness, and the cheese has perfect cheesiness, texture, string when pulling away from your mouth, and color.
Pizza is the most perfect food.
Myrtle Avenue, Fort Greene
Lombardi's Pizza
Spring Street, NoLiTa
I have a New Year's resolution. It's to blog my brains out after every meal.
This afternoon, I had a murky coffee at Pillow Cafe with Yvonne and discussed some ideas for thesis. I realize that I am beating myself up about the thesis, and that I will never finish at the rate I'm going. Also, she suggested that I keep a little journal going. Blogging will be the best way to go about this, since if I try to keep a journal, I will either lose it or go apeshit while staring at the blank pages.
I met the girls for a carboload at Lombardi's Pizza, the most divine pizza in the world. Lani said that she would never eat pizza elsewhere again. It's true. The ratio of cheese sauce and crust is divine, the sauce with perfect acidity and sweetness, and the cheese has perfect cheesiness, texture, string when pulling away from your mouth, and color.
Pizza is the most perfect food.
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Al di La...la di da?
Al Di La
248 5th Avenue, Park Slope.
I cut through the swaths of velvet curtainage to find a couple arguing with the hostess. The hungry couple was furious because they'd lost their opportunity to snag a table. They walked out of the adjacent wine bar, and even though the restaurant takes cell phone #s to track you down, the couple had missed their ride. And they were pissed.
And with good reason. I had a perfect dinner at Al Di La, so undeniably tasty and simply delicious that I cant wait to take my parents there.
Grass Fed Australian Beef Carpaccio with Shaved Parmesan and Capers
Bouchot of Mussels
Rabbit and Polenta
Spaghetti al Vongole
That's what we ate, but what I really want to talk about is the bacalao on polenta toasts that we didn't order. The couple seated next to us were enjoying theirs. Since we were seated so close to them, we might as well have asked if we could have a bite. I simply like thinking about the saltiness and beat upness of the cod against the mealy and sweet polenta toasts with the perfect grill marks really is an ingenious combination.
The carpaccio really tasted beefy and clean. You are what you eat.
The mussels seemed to have been sitting under some kind of heat source for a while, but the good ones were quite good - I like them garlicky, slimy, just steamed enough without the burnt orange and toughness that comes with overcooking.
And the spaghetti? Well, after being a carbophobe for many years, I was really happy to twirl all that spaghetti. And the bite of the crush red pepper is great against the seawater intensity of the littleneck clams. I love a bowlful of shells. They make me happy.
It was worth the wait.
I also thought a great deal about how my parents would look at this menu and not know what to order. They might have just gone for a beef or chicken since its familiar, but wouldnt my mom have loved to have tried the succulent rabbit, which tasted strangely of chicken? Wouldnt my dad have loved the gaminess of the carpaccio, with the parmesan bite and the caper kick? Wouldnt my family have loved to scoop out a mussel or two, and sop up the shallot and white wine broth with the crusty grilled bread? Wouldnt all of us dining together be a very good excuse to order that bacalao after all?
Eating in groups can be more fun, if only for the fact that you can order more variety and be able to try everything.
248 5th Avenue, Park Slope.
I cut through the swaths of velvet curtainage to find a couple arguing with the hostess. The hungry couple was furious because they'd lost their opportunity to snag a table. They walked out of the adjacent wine bar, and even though the restaurant takes cell phone #s to track you down, the couple had missed their ride. And they were pissed.
And with good reason. I had a perfect dinner at Al Di La, so undeniably tasty and simply delicious that I cant wait to take my parents there.
Grass Fed Australian Beef Carpaccio with Shaved Parmesan and Capers
Bouchot of Mussels
Rabbit and Polenta
Spaghetti al Vongole
That's what we ate, but what I really want to talk about is the bacalao on polenta toasts that we didn't order. The couple seated next to us were enjoying theirs. Since we were seated so close to them, we might as well have asked if we could have a bite. I simply like thinking about the saltiness and beat upness of the cod against the mealy and sweet polenta toasts with the perfect grill marks really is an ingenious combination.
The carpaccio really tasted beefy and clean. You are what you eat.
The mussels seemed to have been sitting under some kind of heat source for a while, but the good ones were quite good - I like them garlicky, slimy, just steamed enough without the burnt orange and toughness that comes with overcooking.
And the spaghetti? Well, after being a carbophobe for many years, I was really happy to twirl all that spaghetti. And the bite of the crush red pepper is great against the seawater intensity of the littleneck clams. I love a bowlful of shells. They make me happy.
It was worth the wait.
I also thought a great deal about how my parents would look at this menu and not know what to order. They might have just gone for a beef or chicken since its familiar, but wouldnt my mom have loved to have tried the succulent rabbit, which tasted strangely of chicken? Wouldnt my dad have loved the gaminess of the carpaccio, with the parmesan bite and the caper kick? Wouldnt my family have loved to scoop out a mussel or two, and sop up the shallot and white wine broth with the crusty grilled bread? Wouldnt all of us dining together be a very good excuse to order that bacalao after all?
Eating in groups can be more fun, if only for the fact that you can order more variety and be able to try everything.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Korean Party Food
Mom's House
Queens, NY
kim bop
mandoo
jap chae
dukh gook
kimchi
asian pears, persimmons, apples
spaten
gruner veltliner
zinfandel
godiva chocolates
Queens, NY
kim bop
mandoo
jap chae
dukh gook
kimchi
asian pears, persimmons, apples
spaten
gruner veltliner
zinfandel
godiva chocolates
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