Tuesday, July 23, 2013

ALEX & IKA in Cooperstown still offers an inventive menu (7-21-13)

For our last night we returned to downtown Cooperstown to ALEX & IKA's (www.alexandika.com) where the menu has not changed much in a year, but the food still remains great.
Samuel begged for the PORK DUMPLINGS starter for us all to share and these come with Seaweed Salad, which he now loves, and Wasabi Mayo which he does not. They were oh so fab.
I had the regular IKA's SWEDISH MARTINI, but they were out of Aquavit, so it was just Svedka Vodka with Lingonberry. Will had the Luka's Monster Margarita with Rancho Alegre Tequila, Cointreau,
Lime and Orange Juices. YUM.
I was going to start with the clams, but they ran out of that so I switched to the SEASAME NOODLE SALAD which is a great Asian/Green version of the traditional here loaded with Udon Noodles, Arugula, Cucumber, Toasted Peanuts and Carrot Ginger Kimchee with Sweet Tamari and Ginger Oil. Will and I split starters and I moved to his TUNA TATAKI, another huge delightful portion with Coriander Seared AHI,
Kimchee, Sweet Tamari, Ginger Oil and Pickled Ginger. Each element was great and together it was a treat.
We ordered a bottle of Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2009 from Terruzi & Puthod which was a great pairing; I was surprised how good the 4 year old vintage was.
Samuel had a plain burger and fries for his main course and it was a tasty one; he didn't even want ketchup!
Will ordered the Fish Tacos with Fried Cod, Roasted Corn Salsa, Lettuce, Tomato, Avocado and Chipotle Aioli with Lime Wedges and we decided again to split entrees.
Mine was the TANDOORI Roast LAMB SPARE RIBS with Dry Rub, Tamarind Glaza and Wasabi Dip which only suffered from a bit too much fat. Next time, I'll go with the leaner meat!
Paper napkins don't work with this type of food and a finger bowl was truly missing!
A glass of PETITE SYRAH from CONCANNON helped with this dish and Will's tacos were paired with the Cotes du Rhone Blanc from Le Plan Classic 2010.
 
Off we went, very full to pack for our trip home and our next adventure...