Saturday, August 08, 2009

New Heights always hits new heights and Samuel ate rabbit!

While Daddy was away overnight, I decided to return to New Heights (www.newheightsrestaurant.com) in Woodley Park with Samuel which still after 23 years since its opening holds a special place in my heart (and tummy). It was around this time that I really started getting into the DC dining scene and fell in love with New Heights, its chefs (many of whom have become special friends) and its owner Umbi Singh, who along with his wife Kavita, have always been the most gracious of hosts.

I used to dine at New Heights monthly when it first opened, as there was not anywhere near as much competition at that time. Today, while the competition is rife, New Heights always soars in every department from cuisine, service, decor to ambience. The serene setting overlooking Rock Creek Park makes for a wonderful indoor, and now outdoor, setting and even Samuel liked the way the window pots brimmed with flowers bringing the outside just to the other side of the pane.

I had seen Mr. Sietsema's recent rave and took note of the addition of small plates to the menu, which is always a plus when dining with kids in a place where a children's menu does not exist (although, I am sure they would prepare anything should the occasion arise). I was able to convince Samuel to try the "Duo of 'Chicken,'" with the "chicken" in quotes because Samuel does not yet read too well and the menu actually read DUO of RABBIT. While I knew he would probably not touch the terrine, the thought of a croquette intrigued Samuel and he gobbled up the shredded rabbit vociferously with praise. This was a cylindrical croquette that really had almost no breading and was indeed superb from subtle pan sauteing to alight crisp. It came with Preserved GREEN TOMATO (which was a bit too sweet for Sam), Endive (which was superb, and he would have none of) and the Terrine with a superb homemade mustard that I gobbled up.

I had ordered the small plate of GRILLED MACKEREL with SAOR & Caper Salad. The Saor Sauce was laden with Golden Raisins and had a superb flavor for the crispy tasty fish. I had a glass of DANIELLE ANSEE Loire Sauvignon Blanc 2007 which was a nice pairing.

My second small plate was another delectable treat of BRAISED PORK BELLY, MUSSELS & OCTOPUS in Smoky Broth with CHICK PEA AIOLI. The combination was divine and will Sam "yecched" at the octopus tentacles, the meat was tender and tasty and the pork belly not fatty at all...indeed it was crispy and crunchy, just the way I like it, adding great texture to this perfect combination. A glass of POUILLY FUISSE Grand Vin de Bourgogne "Aux Chailloux" 2006 was a great pairing to match smoke and smoke!

Samuel insisted we get another plate of croquettes (without the terrine or accoutrements) and our attentive, friendly and delightful server Maliek complied very quickly. All the staff at New Heights has indeed always been top notch throughout the years.

For my entree I chose the MANCHESTER FARMS QUAIL TWO WAYS with Roasted PEACH, PARSLEY VELOUTE and Black Truffle Vinaigrette which came with a very large roasted quail stuffed with the rich veloute, and a loin in roulade wrapped in bacon. Both were superb, and Samuel had several bites of the delicious little bird as well which made me so proud of him as he LICKED the plate with the rabbit on it! Oddly, though, he would not taste the cornbread or the grain bread. A glass of ONIX PRIORAT (Grenache & Carinena) 2007 had a slight spice and rich aromatic nose of chocolate and wood that was a perfect pairing as well.

Samuel devoured a bowl of BLUEBERRY & PASSION FRUIT Sorbets democratically declaring that PS 7's and New Heights' passion fruits sorbets were both equally good. It came with some mini-biscotti which he said were good only when piled high with sorbet, and proceeded to lick the plate dry and clean again.

We headed home very full and very happy, knowing that New Heights is in good hands with Chef Logan Cox who seems to have really heightened the menu and impress my palate!