I arrived here yesterday for one of my regular opera treks to one of my favorite places and started with AMAYA located in my hotel (The HOTEL SANTA FE at 1501 Paseo de la Peralta www.hotelsantafe.com) with two dear clients from Washington and we all had a most satisfactory meal.
The dining room might be a bit dark with heavy woods, carpets, large chairs and laden tables, so we opted to sit in the quiet outdoor courtyard where is was a dry 78 degrees and simply gorgeous. The service is friendly, attentive and while note a "super-starred" destination, is well worth the visit.
A bottle of light bodied CYCLES Gladiator Pinot Noir 2006 from California's Central Coast was simple, yet fine for us as we had a long opera coming. Similarly, I opted for the CITRUS SPINACH SALAD with Cherry Tomatoes and COTIJA Vinaigrette (I believe this is a mild local pepper). It was well prepared and dressed salad and of very good size. The CHILI ANCHO GLAZED semi-boneless QUAIL with Peach Infused Risotto got a rave as well.
It was a tough decision with so many great entree choices. The APPLE GINGER Sauteed ATLANTIC SALMON with Purple Potato Truffle Hash, Carrots, Edamame and Saffron White Wine Emulsion was nice, but I try to avoid Atlantic salmon when heading west as we have so much back home near the Atlantic. The LEMON THYME SEA BASS with Tomato Artichoke Couscous, Baby Spinach and Sweet Corn Reduction had a beautiful crunchy skin that I could have eaten piles of, and the dish was a perfect combination of ingredients with the firm fish.
I went for the ELK TENDERLOIN with COFFEE CITRUS Marinade, Grilled Blue Corn Polenta Cake, Native American Succotash all in a delicious Sun Dried BLUEBERRY PORT WINE SAUCE that was the perfect foil to two huge rare elk tenderloins that just melted in my mouth. I loved every part of this dish, but ate every
single bite!
For dessert we sampled the nice sorbets:Mixed Berry, Mango, Raspberry and the tasty PICURIS Sun-Dried APRICOT PIE with Cinnamon CREME ANGLAISE, a lighter (but still large) option that can easily be split.
When we mentioned that the double espressos seemed a bit small, a second round came out gratis...keeping us awake for the opera and finishing off a nice meal with friends.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
fabulous food at FARRAH OLIVIA by Morou with bravura Broadway and Opera
Opera & Broadway are back in DC, well, Alexandria, VA at least and can be found the last Tuesday of each month (check with Karen at 703-778-2233 for exact schedule) at FARRAH OLIVIA by MOROU. The superb food is a four course meal for only $60.00 per person and has hours of Broadway and Opera music sung by soprano DIANE ABEL and tenor JOSEPH HAUGHTON with Darrell Partin at the keyboard. You enjoy super food with Rossini, Puccini, Donizetti and more interspersed with West Side Story, Gypsy and Les Miz! Don't MIZ it! We'll be back again.
Last night we ordered a bottle of Rose to start which was out of stock and settled for the CUVEE Marie Justine 2006 LOIRE VALLEY Rose of Cabernet France (Chinon) that was only $20 and nice and dry and great with the starters as there was spice and acidity. First comes the excellent bread and its four accompaniments: BOK CHOY PESTO, CINNAMON FENNEL BUTTER, HORSERADISH-COTTAGE CHEESE and TOMATO PESTO, the last of which wins my award for flavor, although they were all tasty and unique.
There was an amuse of BLACK BEAN FRITTER in a Tomato base SHRIMP SAUCE that was crisp and tasty and whetted our appetites for the fabulous array of food to follow.
Will opted for the lighter HEIRLOOM TOMATO "Caprese" made from slices of huge yellow and red tomatoes with WATERMELON cubes and AGED MOZZARELLA. I adored the PAINTED GAZPACHO, which will be a new summer favorite. This version is presented in the bowl as a yin-yang symbol of green (Cucumber) and red (Tomato) with two small cubes of CURRIED EGGPLANT for flavor and design. Gorgeous to look at, and even better to devour.
The second course was DIVER SCALLOP for Will which on the menu is listed with "BACON POWDER/MELON SEED MILK" which our educated server Jason explained each element of (he always did this when requested). The brown sauce was made from cream, half and half, roasted melon seed milk (which is akin to pumpkin seeds) and believe it or not peanut butter!! It was heavenly and the crushed white bacon powder and bacon crumbles adorned either side of the bowl.
My SHOCKED ESCOLAR was a dream sashimi dish with about 8 or more slices of the just barely seared fish served with SOY PEARLS (which has become a signature of Chef Morou) looking like caviar, PICKLED PEAR (think ginger on sushi platter) Slices and slash of strong Cream WASABI. I loved every bite.
We took Jason's suggestion on the red, which also was out of stock, and chose a LOLONIS 2005 "ORPHEUS" Petite Sirah from Heritage Vineyards in Redwood Valley, California that was heavenly. It had strong alcohol and lots of fruit, but was not overpowering at all. It was ideal with the LEMONGRASS CURED DUCK BREAST (which we both had). Another huge portion of a dozen or so slices served with GINGERED BRUSSEL SPROUTS and DATES and a RHUBARD-RASPBERRY Sauce that looked like ketchup, but was simply brilliant with the duck; each and every element and taste came through just as Chef Morou does this when he puts each and every ingredient in!
Surprise to us when we heard pastry Chef RITA GARRUBA (ex of Butterfield 9 and more) has come on board with some amazing desserts. We marveled at her COCONUT PANNA COTTA with Rum Pineapple, Cilantro Syrup and Tapioca Pearls and a small plate of yummy mignardises arrived as we settled our bill and went home full and oh so happy from the gorgeous music and glorious food!
Off to Santa Fe tomorrow for many more reports!
Last night we ordered a bottle of Rose to start which was out of stock and settled for the CUVEE Marie Justine 2006 LOIRE VALLEY Rose of Cabernet France (Chinon) that was only $20 and nice and dry and great with the starters as there was spice and acidity. First comes the excellent bread and its four accompaniments: BOK CHOY PESTO, CINNAMON FENNEL BUTTER, HORSERADISH-COTTAGE CHEESE and TOMATO PESTO, the last of which wins my award for flavor, although they were all tasty and unique.
There was an amuse of BLACK BEAN FRITTER in a Tomato base SHRIMP SAUCE that was crisp and tasty and whetted our appetites for the fabulous array of food to follow.
Will opted for the lighter HEIRLOOM TOMATO "Caprese" made from slices of huge yellow and red tomatoes with WATERMELON cubes and AGED MOZZARELLA. I adored the PAINTED GAZPACHO, which will be a new summer favorite. This version is presented in the bowl as a yin-yang symbol of green (Cucumber) and red (Tomato) with two small cubes of CURRIED EGGPLANT for flavor and design. Gorgeous to look at, and even better to devour.
The second course was DIVER SCALLOP for Will which on the menu is listed with "BACON POWDER/MELON SEED MILK" which our educated server Jason explained each element of (he always did this when requested). The brown sauce was made from cream, half and half, roasted melon seed milk (which is akin to pumpkin seeds) and believe it or not peanut butter!! It was heavenly and the crushed white bacon powder and bacon crumbles adorned either side of the bowl.
My SHOCKED ESCOLAR was a dream sashimi dish with about 8 or more slices of the just barely seared fish served with SOY PEARLS (which has become a signature of Chef Morou) looking like caviar, PICKLED PEAR (think ginger on sushi platter) Slices and slash of strong Cream WASABI. I loved every bite.
We took Jason's suggestion on the red, which also was out of stock, and chose a LOLONIS 2005 "ORPHEUS" Petite Sirah from Heritage Vineyards in Redwood Valley, California that was heavenly. It had strong alcohol and lots of fruit, but was not overpowering at all. It was ideal with the LEMONGRASS CURED DUCK BREAST (which we both had). Another huge portion of a dozen or so slices served with GINGERED BRUSSEL SPROUTS and DATES and a RHUBARD-RASPBERRY Sauce that looked like ketchup, but was simply brilliant with the duck; each and every element and taste came through just as Chef Morou does this when he puts each and every ingredient in!
Surprise to us when we heard pastry Chef RITA GARRUBA (ex of Butterfield 9 and more) has come on board with some amazing desserts. We marveled at her COCONUT PANNA COTTA with Rum Pineapple, Cilantro Syrup and Tapioca Pearls and a small plate of yummy mignardises arrived as we settled our bill and went home full and oh so happy from the gorgeous music and glorious food!
Off to Santa Fe tomorrow for many more reports!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
super soft shells and more at A LA LUCIA in Alexandria
Last night we took in a fabulous new musical (world premiere production of ROOMS at Metro Stage) in Alexandria and popped over to A LA LUCIA where we haven't been for some time (joined by our dear friends Mel & Juan).
As we looked at the menu, we all knew it was a seafood night (and the 9pm hour and heat made us feel this way as well) and ordered up a bottle of FALANGHINA 2007 from TERREDORA di PAOLO in Campania. All three wines were had were superb, crisp and tasty, but this was a memory for us all to our trip to Italy just a year before. The second white was a FALERNO del MASSIO 2005 from VILLA MATILDE from the same region, but our 3rd was a citrusy CHARDONNAY 2005 from I SISTRI in Tuscany that was perfect with the seafood.
Appetizers included a HUGE platter of tasty MUSSELS in SPICY WHITE SAUCE, LENTIL SOUP (which I prefer a bit thicker), GRILLED OCTOPUS with ARUGULA which came with grape tomatoes and two adorable whole baby octopi that again were tender and tasty and grilled to perfection.
POACHED ATRICHOKES were served with Capers, Black Olives and ANCHOVIES in a mild and savory White Wine Sauce making this a lighter, but most exciting dish.
Will and I could not resist the three perfect SOFT SHELL CRABS Sauteed with ALMONDS, WHITE WINE and served with Broccoli di Rabe. This dish reminded me of my first Soft Shell Crabs Amandine which my Mom always ordered at A La Fourchette in Manhattan back in the 60's and 70's (alas, now long closed!).
The WHOLE BAKED BRANZINO with Herbs, Lemon Butter Sauce and Fennel Salad was a revelation in tasty, fleshy, meaty fish preparation that melted in your mouth with each bite.
Desserts included CHOCOLATE CAKE, TIRAMISU, BERRIES with ZABAGLIONE and Sour Cherry and Grapefruit Campari (talk about sour combos) Sorbets that were actually a great combo! Nobody was upset with their choice and we all went home very full, very happy and very sad to leave!
As we looked at the menu, we all knew it was a seafood night (and the 9pm hour and heat made us feel this way as well) and ordered up a bottle of FALANGHINA 2007 from TERREDORA di PAOLO in Campania. All three wines were had were superb, crisp and tasty, but this was a memory for us all to our trip to Italy just a year before. The second white was a FALERNO del MASSIO 2005 from VILLA MATILDE from the same region, but our 3rd was a citrusy CHARDONNAY 2005 from I SISTRI in Tuscany that was perfect with the seafood.
Appetizers included a HUGE platter of tasty MUSSELS in SPICY WHITE SAUCE, LENTIL SOUP (which I prefer a bit thicker), GRILLED OCTOPUS with ARUGULA which came with grape tomatoes and two adorable whole baby octopi that again were tender and tasty and grilled to perfection.
POACHED ATRICHOKES were served with Capers, Black Olives and ANCHOVIES in a mild and savory White Wine Sauce making this a lighter, but most exciting dish.
Will and I could not resist the three perfect SOFT SHELL CRABS Sauteed with ALMONDS, WHITE WINE and served with Broccoli di Rabe. This dish reminded me of my first Soft Shell Crabs Amandine which my Mom always ordered at A La Fourchette in Manhattan back in the 60's and 70's (alas, now long closed!).
The WHOLE BAKED BRANZINO with Herbs, Lemon Butter Sauce and Fennel Salad was a revelation in tasty, fleshy, meaty fish preparation that melted in your mouth with each bite.
Desserts included CHOCOLATE CAKE, TIRAMISU, BERRIES with ZABAGLIONE and Sour Cherry and Grapefruit Campari (talk about sour combos) Sorbets that were actually a great combo! Nobody was upset with their choice and we all went home very full, very happy and very sad to leave!
Monday, July 28, 2008
MORTON's steaks for Samuel
In the heat of the summer, I sure am keeping you folks reading.
I would normally not post twice about the same meal, but this year we took Samuel along to MORTON's of Georgetown last night for their summer special. Each year, I get a couple of coupons in the mail for this deal which is a real steal at $99 per couple (excluding alcohol): That ubiquitous loaf of ONION BREAD which was nary as fresh as the one we had last year at the Connecticut Ave, NW location of Morton's. Choice of Salad (we went with CEASAR which is a superbly dressed salad, but the croutons are a bore)
The entree consisting of your choice of SURF along with TURF: We BOTH opted for the CRABCAKES which indeed were LUMPY and tasty and had oh so little filler, served with a slightly tangy lemony sauce that I loved instead of the traditionally awful tartare sauce! The TURF was a good size FILET MIGNON perfectly cooked and easily big enough to give a chunk of to Samuel without cutting myself short.
Samuel loves most meats and fish (not shellfish at all!) and it took a lot of coaxing to get the first bite of steak into his mouth. Once it was in, he said "yummy" several times.
The TWO sides of GRILLED JUMBO ASPARAGUS with Balsamic Glaze (which Samuel chose and enjoyed very much) and the FRENCH FRIES...which we knew we would ALL love--and they were excellent.
The BEARNAISE Sauce for the filets was nice.
I started with a fun THYME LEMON DROP, a yummy concoction of Absolut Citron, Limoncello, Simple Syrup, Lemon Juice and Thyme which was quite tasty and quite large in a big martini glass. Will had a glass of bone dry tart ALBARINO from Martin Codex 2006 (Rias Baixas, Spain).
Our bottle of wine was an excellent recommendation by the manager of "THE ZIN" 2005 from COSENTINO in Lodi, California which had a caramelly essence (very similar to the Tofanelli Vineyard zins) and lots of body and was brilliant with the filets.
The $99 deal also comes with a choice of dessert, we both had the huge piece of pretty good KEY LIME PIE (way overloaded with whipped cream, which I just pushed off to the side!).
Samuel had a scoop of Raspberry Sorbet and we all had a great deal!
I would normally not post twice about the same meal, but this year we took Samuel along to MORTON's of Georgetown last night for their summer special. Each year, I get a couple of coupons in the mail for this deal which is a real steal at $99 per couple (excluding alcohol): That ubiquitous loaf of ONION BREAD which was nary as fresh as the one we had last year at the Connecticut Ave, NW location of Morton's. Choice of Salad (we went with CEASAR which is a superbly dressed salad, but the croutons are a bore)
The entree consisting of your choice of SURF along with TURF: We BOTH opted for the CRABCAKES which indeed were LUMPY and tasty and had oh so little filler, served with a slightly tangy lemony sauce that I loved instead of the traditionally awful tartare sauce! The TURF was a good size FILET MIGNON perfectly cooked and easily big enough to give a chunk of to Samuel without cutting myself short.
Samuel loves most meats and fish (not shellfish at all!) and it took a lot of coaxing to get the first bite of steak into his mouth. Once it was in, he said "yummy" several times.
The TWO sides of GRILLED JUMBO ASPARAGUS with Balsamic Glaze (which Samuel chose and enjoyed very much) and the FRENCH FRIES...which we knew we would ALL love--and they were excellent.
The BEARNAISE Sauce for the filets was nice.
I started with a fun THYME LEMON DROP, a yummy concoction of Absolut Citron, Limoncello, Simple Syrup, Lemon Juice and Thyme which was quite tasty and quite large in a big martini glass. Will had a glass of bone dry tart ALBARINO from Martin Codex 2006 (Rias Baixas, Spain).
Our bottle of wine was an excellent recommendation by the manager of "THE ZIN" 2005 from COSENTINO in Lodi, California which had a caramelly essence (very similar to the Tofanelli Vineyard zins) and lots of body and was brilliant with the filets.
The $99 deal also comes with a choice of dessert, we both had the huge piece of pretty good KEY LIME PIE (way overloaded with whipped cream, which I just pushed off to the side!).
Samuel had a scoop of Raspberry Sorbet and we all had a great deal!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
luscious LIMA makes for a savory summer stop
It's rare we go out on Saturday, and even rarer we take Samuel, but we have never been to LIMA (www.limarestaurant.com) downtown and figured that this "in" Latin spot would not be too crowded if we went early. We were spot on, and since LIMA is a big nightclub scene, it really had just started to fill up as we left around 8pm. How perfect was that timing?
At the door we were surprised to see our opera and zarzuela singer friend PABLO who I had forgotten works there. He is such a sweet guy that he brought a superb BLACKBERRY and STRAWBERRY SMOOTHIE upstairs for Samuel several minutes after we sat down.
The upstairs dining room (street level is the bar and kitchen, downstairs is the disco) is chic and trendy with lots of glass (modern oil lamps at each table instead of candles), gray and steel. The banquettes are more comfortable than the hardish leathery wooden chairs. Modern-style Schott crystal stemware adds to the sleekness. Indeed, if I have to say ONE bad thing about Lima, it's that the sleek stainless steel men's restroom is lacking a toilet seat which was broken! Other than that, it was a treat of an experience from the excellent food to the brilliant service proffered by our waiter Fausto. He explained that "lima" refers to "lime" in many Spanish dialects, so virtually every dish seems to touch on this at some level. Even the yummy butter has hints of lime and salt! Samuel gobbled up the small warm rolls and we all wanted more, just for the lime butter!
He enjoyed the SALTED COD FRITTERS with their tasty and not too spicy TOMATO SAUCE (even though its called "spicy tomato sauce," but he passed on the superb huge BEEF EMPANADAS saying they were too spicy (they weren't!). Made with raisins and olives the meat was tasty and moist and the pastry perfect with an indeed spicy CHIMICHURRI dip. Our first two requests for wine were sold out, so we settled for a BLACK CHOOK VMR (Viognier,Marsanne,Rousanne blend) from South Australia that was big enough to fight the lime and spice in some of the dishes.
Choosing the ceviches (available as ceviche or as tiradito(no lime--aka sashimi) was very hard, but Fausto suggested the superb TUNA GINGER which was made with green onion, white soy, lemon, sesame seed and tobico (I guess this is the Spanish spelling for "tobiko"). Will wanted to try the WHITE CEVICHE (incidentally they can be ordered as all fish or fish with shellfish--scallop and shrimp) so we went for this pretty dish with COCONUT, Pineapple, Lime, Habaneros and Cilantro. It sounded better than it tasted simply because it was too laden with raw white onions and needed a bit more oomph or flavor
leaning towards the savory and away from the coconut. I look forward to going back again and trying the many other options.
We chose a number of HOT SMALL DISHES which are quite large appetizer portions (like the empanadas and cod) and were thrilled with the soft moist tasty TAMALES with Chicken, Watercress and two dipping sauces of PICO de GALLO and CREME FRAICHE. Indeed, these might just be the best tamales I have ever had, as I so often find them to be a boring option.
The GRILLED BABY OCTOPUS was tender and tasty and came with Grape Tomatoes, Garlic Olives and Cilantro.
We wanted to split one entree and could not decide, so Fausto steered us to the CUBAN CHICKEN saying that Chef Raynold Mendizabal indeed hails from Cuba. This superb moist traditional dish was a 1/2 chicken roasted and served with yummy LIME BRAISED RED ONIONS, Steamed aged Basmati Rice and Chimichurri Sauce (lighter and less spicier here) with the Black Beans on the side, which we promptly poured over the rice for a brilliant mixture.
Samuel was not too full for dessert so he got a huge platter of three homemade sorbets: LIME which was excellent and MANGO & RASPBERRY which were creamier and smooth and also superb. When I asked him which was best, he hinted at the lime, but proceeded to say "all three."
We were too full for dessert, but Chef Raynold had come over to say hello and invited us to the kitchen for a short tour. Samuel seemed enthralled and we tasted some superb BLUE SPANISH CHEESE (next time we must have the cheeses and the charcuterie as well!) with some figs. Chef offered a chocolate covered fig to Samuel, and we gave in as he licked the chocolate off the tasty fruit and passed the rest to me; and we thought our son loved almost ALL fruit!
On the way out we bumped into the dining room manager Ciroc, who had been a fixture at Galileo for dozens of years, and it was nice to see he has found a new home, one that we shall surely return to again very soon.
At the door we were surprised to see our opera and zarzuela singer friend PABLO who I had forgotten works there. He is such a sweet guy that he brought a superb BLACKBERRY and STRAWBERRY SMOOTHIE upstairs for Samuel several minutes after we sat down.
The upstairs dining room (street level is the bar and kitchen, downstairs is the disco) is chic and trendy with lots of glass (modern oil lamps at each table instead of candles), gray and steel. The banquettes are more comfortable than the hardish leathery wooden chairs. Modern-style Schott crystal stemware adds to the sleekness. Indeed, if I have to say ONE bad thing about Lima, it's that the sleek stainless steel men's restroom is lacking a toilet seat which was broken! Other than that, it was a treat of an experience from the excellent food to the brilliant service proffered by our waiter Fausto. He explained that "lima" refers to "lime" in many Spanish dialects, so virtually every dish seems to touch on this at some level. Even the yummy butter has hints of lime and salt! Samuel gobbled up the small warm rolls and we all wanted more, just for the lime butter!
He enjoyed the SALTED COD FRITTERS with their tasty and not too spicy TOMATO SAUCE (even though its called "spicy tomato sauce," but he passed on the superb huge BEEF EMPANADAS saying they were too spicy (they weren't!). Made with raisins and olives the meat was tasty and moist and the pastry perfect with an indeed spicy CHIMICHURRI dip. Our first two requests for wine were sold out, so we settled for a BLACK CHOOK VMR (Viognier,Marsanne,Rousanne blend) from South Australia that was big enough to fight the lime and spice in some of the dishes.
Choosing the ceviches (available as ceviche or as tiradito(no lime--aka sashimi) was very hard, but Fausto suggested the superb TUNA GINGER which was made with green onion, white soy, lemon, sesame seed and tobico (I guess this is the Spanish spelling for "tobiko"). Will wanted to try the WHITE CEVICHE (incidentally they can be ordered as all fish or fish with shellfish--scallop and shrimp) so we went for this pretty dish with COCONUT, Pineapple, Lime, Habaneros and Cilantro. It sounded better than it tasted simply because it was too laden with raw white onions and needed a bit more oomph or flavor
leaning towards the savory and away from the coconut. I look forward to going back again and trying the many other options.
We chose a number of HOT SMALL DISHES which are quite large appetizer portions (like the empanadas and cod) and were thrilled with the soft moist tasty TAMALES with Chicken, Watercress and two dipping sauces of PICO de GALLO and CREME FRAICHE. Indeed, these might just be the best tamales I have ever had, as I so often find them to be a boring option.
The GRILLED BABY OCTOPUS was tender and tasty and came with Grape Tomatoes, Garlic Olives and Cilantro.
We wanted to split one entree and could not decide, so Fausto steered us to the CUBAN CHICKEN saying that Chef Raynold Mendizabal indeed hails from Cuba. This superb moist traditional dish was a 1/2 chicken roasted and served with yummy LIME BRAISED RED ONIONS, Steamed aged Basmati Rice and Chimichurri Sauce (lighter and less spicier here) with the Black Beans on the side, which we promptly poured over the rice for a brilliant mixture.
Samuel was not too full for dessert so he got a huge platter of three homemade sorbets: LIME which was excellent and MANGO & RASPBERRY which were creamier and smooth and also superb. When I asked him which was best, he hinted at the lime, but proceeded to say "all three."
We were too full for dessert, but Chef Raynold had come over to say hello and invited us to the kitchen for a short tour. Samuel seemed enthralled and we tasted some superb BLUE SPANISH CHEESE (next time we must have the cheeses and the charcuterie as well!) with some figs. Chef offered a chocolate covered fig to Samuel, and we gave in as he licked the chocolate off the tasty fruit and passed the rest to me; and we thought our son loved almost ALL fruit!
On the way out we bumped into the dining room manager Ciroc, who had been a fixture at Galileo for dozens of years, and it was nice to see he has found a new home, one that we shall surely return to again very soon.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Superb SPICED PEAR at the classy CHANLER in Newport, RI
On Saturday afternoon while in Newport, I visited the The CHANLER at Cliff Walk to check out this mansion turned hotel and it's a gorgeous gem. I was first impressed by the CNN & ESPN running screens above the urinals in the men's room, which was great since we don't get much news on the ship!
I then relaxed indoors at THE SPICED PEAR, the Chanler's elegant, yet casual dining spot, as it was 90degrees outside and I needed the cool air after my 40 minute walk across town.
I was impressed that the wine list for a hotel offers (although small) 2 ounce pours as well as 5 ounce pours on all glasses, including a Krug Champagne (5 ounce only) for $60.
As I sat there overlooking Easton's beach and the hundreds of bathers below, I was happy to cool off with a taste of PARES BALTA "Ros de Pacs" Organic Rose from Penedes (Spain) at $5.00 (perhaps a bit pricey) which cooled me off fast. With this came BLUE POINT CONNECTICUT local OYSTERS with a Fresh Horseradish Kettel One Vodka Cocktail Sauce that was to die for. I am not a big fan of sauces on raw oysters, so I ate them with just a tad of lemon and then spooned the yummy tangy cocktail sauce into my mouth between bits of the tasty mollusks.
For my entree I chose the MAINE WHOLE LOBSTER ROLL which is exactly that: a round bun (hamburger style) each half containing a half tail and whole claw!! with Applewood Smoked Bacon (crisp and thick), tomato, Bibb lettuce and a Citrus Creme Fraiche. The roll had a layer of light mustard sauce at the bottom under the tomato which added a bit of tang, but was not mentioned in the menu?? This came with a nice small leaf lettuce salad (but I had a choice of that, chips or fries). A glass of THEVENET St. Veran 2006 "Clos de l'Ermitage" Vieilles Vignes was a perfect wine for the lobster, even at $16 a glass (5 ounce).
I skipped desert and hurried to meet Will to visit more mansions in Newport, but sadly not to dine in them!
I then relaxed indoors at THE SPICED PEAR, the Chanler's elegant, yet casual dining spot, as it was 90degrees outside and I needed the cool air after my 40 minute walk across town.
I was impressed that the wine list for a hotel offers (although small) 2 ounce pours as well as 5 ounce pours on all glasses, including a Krug Champagne (5 ounce only) for $60.
As I sat there overlooking Easton's beach and the hundreds of bathers below, I was happy to cool off with a taste of PARES BALTA "Ros de Pacs" Organic Rose from Penedes (Spain) at $5.00 (perhaps a bit pricey) which cooled me off fast. With this came BLUE POINT CONNECTICUT local OYSTERS with a Fresh Horseradish Kettel One Vodka Cocktail Sauce that was to die for. I am not a big fan of sauces on raw oysters, so I ate them with just a tad of lemon and then spooned the yummy tangy cocktail sauce into my mouth between bits of the tasty mollusks.
For my entree I chose the MAINE WHOLE LOBSTER ROLL which is exactly that: a round bun (hamburger style) each half containing a half tail and whole claw!! with Applewood Smoked Bacon (crisp and thick), tomato, Bibb lettuce and a Citrus Creme Fraiche. The roll had a layer of light mustard sauce at the bottom under the tomato which added a bit of tang, but was not mentioned in the menu?? This came with a nice small leaf lettuce salad (but I had a choice of that, chips or fries). A glass of THEVENET St. Veran 2006 "Clos de l'Ermitage" Vieilles Vignes was a perfect wine for the lobster, even at $16 a glass (5 ounce).
I skipped desert and hurried to meet Will to visit more mansions in Newport, but sadly not to dine in them!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Provincetown, Mass's The LOBSTER POT has alas turned a bit lousy
While in port yesterday we lunched at the LOBSTER POT (www.ptownlobsterpot.com) right at Harborside on Commercial Street. It's always been a popular spot, but alas, I haven't been there to eat in almost 20 years!
One of their specialties has always been the BAKED STUFFED LOBSTER which is stuffed with a mixture of shrimp, scallop, crab, Ritz crackers, celery and sauteed onion and served with a sad tiny baked red potato and a delicious small salad which has a superb choice of dressings. Upon the suggestion of my co-worker and friend, Bob G., who was vacationing in town and joined us for lunch, I mixed the CREAMY GARLIC with the SESAME to make a super and not too rich combo! He is right, they should bottle it! Sadly the stuffing in the lobster was bland and the meat itself was fine, but nothing to compare with the day before in Maine.
The New England Clam Chowder was a bit too gummy for me and seemed to have only two or three small bits of clam; again, not a touch to the West Street Cafe in Bar Harbor.
Three of the guys went for the LOBSTER ROLLS which were huge and much bigger than we had in Canada, but NOWHERE near as tasty and a bit too heavy on the mayo.
The 1/2 litre of Casa Garcia VINHO VERDE from Portugal at $15 was a great deal (and the 5 of us polished off three 1/2 litres) and a treat in the 90 degree heat.
I think Bob's choice of the SEAFOOD COBB SALAD was really the best choice at the table, although the boys liked their Grilled Cheese and Hot Dog!
I'd search elsewhere in Provincetown for better lobsters and finer food and leave the Lobster Pot for the salads!
One of their specialties has always been the BAKED STUFFED LOBSTER which is stuffed with a mixture of shrimp, scallop, crab, Ritz crackers, celery and sauteed onion and served with a sad tiny baked red potato and a delicious small salad which has a superb choice of dressings. Upon the suggestion of my co-worker and friend, Bob G., who was vacationing in town and joined us for lunch, I mixed the CREAMY GARLIC with the SESAME to make a super and not too rich combo! He is right, they should bottle it! Sadly the stuffing in the lobster was bland and the meat itself was fine, but nothing to compare with the day before in Maine.
The New England Clam Chowder was a bit too gummy for me and seemed to have only two or three small bits of clam; again, not a touch to the West Street Cafe in Bar Harbor.
Three of the guys went for the LOBSTER ROLLS which were huge and much bigger than we had in Canada, but NOWHERE near as tasty and a bit too heavy on the mayo.
The 1/2 litre of Casa Garcia VINHO VERDE from Portugal at $15 was a great deal (and the 5 of us polished off three 1/2 litres) and a treat in the 90 degree heat.
I think Bob's choice of the SEAFOOD COBB SALAD was really the best choice at the table, although the boys liked their Grilled Cheese and Hot Dog!
I'd search elsewhere in Provincetown for better lobsters and finer food and leave the Lobster Pot for the salads!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
lusciuos lobsters at the wondrous WEST STREET CAFE in beautiful Bar Harbor, Maine
Our day in Bar Harbor, Maine started off pretty horribly with disaster after disaster in our travel plans, but after a wonderful 3 hour tour of Acadia National Park we were back in town and opted to lunch at the West Street Cafe (76 West Street - www.weststreetcafe.com) and were thrilled with our choice as the lobsters were huge, superb, juicy and fun; some of the best ever.
Two of us chose the DOWNEASTER Special for $25 which included a 1-1/2+ pound lobster, New England Clam Chowder, Fries, Slaw and BLUBERRY PIE to die for with Vanilla Ice Cream. This was a great, no, AMAZING DEAL. One of us chose the Special for $31 which brought the HUGE LOBSTER on a bed of MUSSELS instead of the bowl of chowder. The ultimate decadence was the TWIN TAILS option for $39 which included two full tails along with their four claws and knuckles...plus sides.
We all marveled at the superb quality of the lobster and wished it was this good back home, not to mention this fresh.
The boys split a pizza and were in heaven as we rolled out after also finishing a bottle of Chateau Ste. Michelle 2006 Chardonnay from Washington that worked perfectly with lobster, lobster, lobster and lobster.
Two of us chose the DOWNEASTER Special for $25 which included a 1-1/2+ pound lobster, New England Clam Chowder, Fries, Slaw and BLUBERRY PIE to die for with Vanilla Ice Cream. This was a great, no, AMAZING DEAL. One of us chose the Special for $31 which brought the HUGE LOBSTER on a bed of MUSSELS instead of the bowl of chowder. The ultimate decadence was the TWIN TAILS option for $39 which included two full tails along with their four claws and knuckles...plus sides.
We all marveled at the superb quality of the lobster and wished it was this good back home, not to mention this fresh.
The boys split a pizza and were in heaven as we rolled out after also finishing a bottle of Chateau Ste. Michelle 2006 Chardonnay from Washington that worked perfectly with lobster, lobster, lobster and lobster.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Lunching in the Canadian Maritimes (St John, NB and Halifax, NS)
I know you are all itching to hear about the varied cuisine of the Canadian Maritime Provinces, which actually can be quite good. Sadly, on this cruise we are now on, we only have the opportunity for two lunches on land in Canada.
Yesterday, we chose TACO PICA (96 Germain St) in St. John, New Brunswick, an unassuming simple Guatemalan-Mexican place which our friend Lee was dying to eat at with our Guatemalan boys, calling it the northnmost Guatemalan restaurant on earth (probably).
The boys did fine sharing a CHICKEN QUESADILLA sans salsa as we started on an appetizer of GUACAMOLE NACHOS which were very good chips with awful melted cheese on them, a superb spicy salsa on the side and a bowl of yummy guac.
The drinks were large, refreshing and way too full of ice, but nice (Sangria & Mojitos).
The entrees were all quite large and tasty ranging from TACO AL PASTOR- pork, onion, coriander, lettuce and that hot salsa again which Will traded for the milder style.
BEEF PEPIAN was more "Guatemalan" in that it was a traditional stew of shredded beef with rice and tortilla.
I hit the jackpot with the tastiest and HOTTEST dish of all SHELLFISH in GREEN SAUCE which was a very spicy tomatillo base sauce over rice, tortilla and superb local scallops, fleshy fish, small shrimp and sadly a 1/2 dozen plus way-overcooked mussels that seemed to be empty (so much for being near Prince Edward Island and its famous mussels). We skipped dessert in favor of the local ice cream later in the day which was delish and headed out to sea.
Today we hit the jackpot with local seafood here in Halifax, Nova Scotia at SALTY's (www.saltys.ca) downtown on the waterfront. A super-friendly spot (as so much of Canada tends to be) we sat right on the water and ordered up a bottle of GRAND PRE (Nova Scotia) Vineyards 2007 L'ACADIE BLANC. We did not know the grapes, but it sure was a tasty Sauvignon Blanc-like makeup; bright, crisp, acidic and citrusy. The Alex Keith's Light Ales also got high marks, made locally right here in Halifax at a beautiful old brewery.
The kids ate Grilled Cheese and Chicken Fingers accompanied by some of the tastiest fries ever with a kid's dish. The four adults wolfed down the most superb LOBSTER ROLLS with lemon mayo and salads with Raspberry Vinaigrette. Excellent lobster, juicy and meaty right from the ocean nearby was a real treat.
After lunch we headed to COW's next door which has just been rated one of the top ten ice cream spots in THE WORLD! Rich, creamy ice cream in waffle cones just baked on the spot were great with flavors of COFFEE TOFFEE CRUNCH, MOO CRUNCH, WOWIE COWIE and one we chose to skip, MOO YORK CHEESECAKE :-)
Tomorrow, LOBSTERS in Bar Harbor, Maine!
Yesterday, we chose TACO PICA (96 Germain St) in St. John, New Brunswick, an unassuming simple Guatemalan-Mexican place which our friend Lee was dying to eat at with our Guatemalan boys, calling it the northnmost Guatemalan restaurant on earth (probably).
The boys did fine sharing a CHICKEN QUESADILLA sans salsa as we started on an appetizer of GUACAMOLE NACHOS which were very good chips with awful melted cheese on them, a superb spicy salsa on the side and a bowl of yummy guac.
The drinks were large, refreshing and way too full of ice, but nice (Sangria & Mojitos).
The entrees were all quite large and tasty ranging from TACO AL PASTOR- pork, onion, coriander, lettuce and that hot salsa again which Will traded for the milder style.
BEEF PEPIAN was more "Guatemalan" in that it was a traditional stew of shredded beef with rice and tortilla.
I hit the jackpot with the tastiest and HOTTEST dish of all SHELLFISH in GREEN SAUCE which was a very spicy tomatillo base sauce over rice, tortilla and superb local scallops, fleshy fish, small shrimp and sadly a 1/2 dozen plus way-overcooked mussels that seemed to be empty (so much for being near Prince Edward Island and its famous mussels). We skipped dessert in favor of the local ice cream later in the day which was delish and headed out to sea.
Today we hit the jackpot with local seafood here in Halifax, Nova Scotia at SALTY's (www.saltys.ca) downtown on the waterfront. A super-friendly spot (as so much of Canada tends to be) we sat right on the water and ordered up a bottle of GRAND PRE (Nova Scotia) Vineyards 2007 L'ACADIE BLANC. We did not know the grapes, but it sure was a tasty Sauvignon Blanc-like makeup; bright, crisp, acidic and citrusy. The Alex Keith's Light Ales also got high marks, made locally right here in Halifax at a beautiful old brewery.
The kids ate Grilled Cheese and Chicken Fingers accompanied by some of the tastiest fries ever with a kid's dish. The four adults wolfed down the most superb LOBSTER ROLLS with lemon mayo and salads with Raspberry Vinaigrette. Excellent lobster, juicy and meaty right from the ocean nearby was a real treat.
After lunch we headed to COW's next door which has just been rated one of the top ten ice cream spots in THE WORLD! Rich, creamy ice cream in waffle cones just baked on the spot were great with flavors of COFFEE TOFFEE CRUNCH, MOO CRUNCH, WOWIE COWIE and one we chose to skip, MOO YORK CHEESECAKE :-)
Tomorrow, LOBSTERS in Bar Harbor, Maine!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
another take on LA TASCA and miss Matchbox
Yesterday before the theater, we headed over to the Penn Quarter here in DC to meet up with some friends for dinner. A huge accident on Key Bridge blocked everything around for miles, so we called them up to say we were running about 20 mins late.
We were supposed to meet at Matchbox which has recently doubled in size and takes no reservations. Our friends said the table wait was over 20 minutes and they would not even take the party's name until we were all there. While I understand this procedure, it sure can dampen one's planes to make the performance!
We were supposed to meet at Matchbox at 615pm, and we were four blocks away at about 635pm and when we called them up again, the wait was way over 20 minutes, so we all met at LA TASCA (www.lastascausa.com) which was full (as almost everything in the neighborhood was), but had no wait at all.
It was half price Sangria pitcher night (they run some kind of special each night) so we ordered up pitcher number one of the sparkly CAVA SANGRIA made with Cava, grape juice and blueberries (on top of the traditional ingredients).
Our tapas were the CALAMARES ANDALUZA which were okay with a standard garlic mayo, LANGOSTINOS a la PLANCHA which were medium size head-on shrimp (hardly the jumbo described on the menu for over $11 for four!)which were also just okay. We fared much better with the SALMON a la PLANCHA sobre PISTO MANCHEGO which was a nice large piece of salmon in a tasty tomato-vegetable ragout and the ATUN a la PLANCHA con PIQUILLOS y SALSA VERDE, a similar preparation for tuna with sweet peppers and garlic, which was just a bit overcooked for my palate.
BROCHETA de POLLO couldn't be simpler with chicken, red peppers and spices cooked to a juicy perfection. The always yummy ESPINACAS SALTEADAS is sauteed spinach with garlic, pine nuts and raisins seemed to have less garlic than usual, but was still my fave. The big surprise hit was the BERENJENAS GRATINADAS, fresh eggplant baked with cheese, tomato and herbs...a superb concoction with firm tasty eggplant and no sloppy slime that I often associate with this veggie.
Our second pitcher of the SANGRIA BLANCO (white wine with peaches) disappeared and we tried the third, a CADILLAC RED SANGRIA (they use Cadillac to indicate premium level of wine) made with Sangre di Toro Red Wine which was my least favorite of the three, but still refreshing.
We ordered the PAELLA de CARNE made with moist chicken, tasty sausage, asparagus, peas, green beans and superbly moist orange-tinged rice from the tomato stock. This is one of La Tasca's fortes and totally over-filled us all as we rolled down the street to the theater!
We were supposed to meet at Matchbox which has recently doubled in size and takes no reservations. Our friends said the table wait was over 20 minutes and they would not even take the party's name until we were all there. While I understand this procedure, it sure can dampen one's planes to make the performance!
We were supposed to meet at Matchbox at 615pm, and we were four blocks away at about 635pm and when we called them up again, the wait was way over 20 minutes, so we all met at LA TASCA (www.lastascausa.com) which was full (as almost everything in the neighborhood was), but had no wait at all.
It was half price Sangria pitcher night (they run some kind of special each night) so we ordered up pitcher number one of the sparkly CAVA SANGRIA made with Cava, grape juice and blueberries (on top of the traditional ingredients).
Our tapas were the CALAMARES ANDALUZA which were okay with a standard garlic mayo, LANGOSTINOS a la PLANCHA which were medium size head-on shrimp (hardly the jumbo described on the menu for over $11 for four!)which were also just okay. We fared much better with the SALMON a la PLANCHA sobre PISTO MANCHEGO which was a nice large piece of salmon in a tasty tomato-vegetable ragout and the ATUN a la PLANCHA con PIQUILLOS y SALSA VERDE, a similar preparation for tuna with sweet peppers and garlic, which was just a bit overcooked for my palate.
BROCHETA de POLLO couldn't be simpler with chicken, red peppers and spices cooked to a juicy perfection. The always yummy ESPINACAS SALTEADAS is sauteed spinach with garlic, pine nuts and raisins seemed to have less garlic than usual, but was still my fave. The big surprise hit was the BERENJENAS GRATINADAS, fresh eggplant baked with cheese, tomato and herbs...a superb concoction with firm tasty eggplant and no sloppy slime that I often associate with this veggie.
Our second pitcher of the SANGRIA BLANCO (white wine with peaches) disappeared and we tried the third, a CADILLAC RED SANGRIA (they use Cadillac to indicate premium level of wine) made with Sangre di Toro Red Wine which was my least favorite of the three, but still refreshing.
We ordered the PAELLA de CARNE made with moist chicken, tasty sausage, asparagus, peas, green beans and superbly moist orange-tinged rice from the tomato stock. This is one of La Tasca's fortes and totally over-filled us all as we rolled down the street to the theater!
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Arlington's VAPIANO has varied results
Last weekend we headed over to Arlington with Samuel's friend, Joshua and his two daddies after we saw the wonderful production of the LION KING at the Kennedy Center. We were all hyped up for BIG BUN's highly rated burgers only to find them closed for the entire holiday weekend! So we looked around the neighborhood and spotted VAPIANO ( 4401 Wilson Blvd, opposite Ballston Commons) and decided to give it a try.
Upon entering the manager asked if we knew the "routine" which he quickly explained as he handed each adult a "credit card" valued up to $100 to purchase our food with. He explained that we pay upon departure and present the card for each purchase. There are no waiters or servers and you can sit a regular tables, high tables or in the lounge area near the front bar. The place is pretty and simple enough, but it is a bit confusing and daunting at first.
I would never recommend this type of dining if you want SERVICE or if you have children with no patience. We stuck the kids with one parent at the table to play while we attempted to navigate the lines marked PIZZA/PASTA/ANTIPASTO, etc. This is the first problem in that you must get each item in a different line and if the lines are long food can get cold and those waiting at the table (little tots especially) can get impatient.
I headed right for the antipasto counter and asked for the VITELLO TONNATO since there was no line there at all. I was handed a bleeper/ buzzer thingie (like the kind you get waiting for a table at the Outback Steakhouse) and proceeded to the bar to get four glasses and a bottle of CUSUMANO NERO d'AVOLA, a medium to full bodied red which was a bargain at $25. When I got back to the table and poured the others were beginning to return with a salad or whatever here. The pasta line was still quite long as the others waited there.
My buzzer buzzed and I retreived a large platter of sliced cold veal that was quite dry, but nicely sauced with the tuna cream sauce, capers and arugula. The overall whole was pretty good, and only for $9.00.
The kids started devouring their pasta BOLOGNESE which came after about 15 minutes in line for the daddies. This can be ordered in the reasonable size for kids at $4.45 or the regular adult $8.95, but this is NOT advertised!
You also can choose which TYPE of pasta you like from a photo chart displaying about 8 regular and 2 whole wheat styles.
I ordered a PAPPARDELLE with SALSICCIA CALABRESE which amounted to thinner and shoter than normal pappardelle (I think it's really a different type of pasta) with sliced salami-like sausage piled over WHITE BEANS and SUN DRIED TOMATOES with a superb sauce in a monster bowl all for $10.95. The chef at the counter asked if I liked extra garlic or chilies while preparing, so you can actually have input while you stand there which is very nice.
The pizza was decent, but gets no raves from me and the salads are tasty and huge.
A second bottle of ALTOS LAS HORMIGAS MALBEC from Argentina was an even bigger wine and went even better with my garlic-laden and chili infused pasta.
The menu has 5 simple pasta preparations called "Traditional," 4 "classic" and 11 "premium" all priced between $8-11.
We skipped desserts and headed home quite full and reasonably happy, but felt it's not a great place if the lines are long and one has hungry kids.
Upon entering the manager asked if we knew the "routine" which he quickly explained as he handed each adult a "credit card" valued up to $100 to purchase our food with. He explained that we pay upon departure and present the card for each purchase. There are no waiters or servers and you can sit a regular tables, high tables or in the lounge area near the front bar. The place is pretty and simple enough, but it is a bit confusing and daunting at first.
I would never recommend this type of dining if you want SERVICE or if you have children with no patience. We stuck the kids with one parent at the table to play while we attempted to navigate the lines marked PIZZA/PASTA/ANTIPASTO, etc. This is the first problem in that you must get each item in a different line and if the lines are long food can get cold and those waiting at the table (little tots especially) can get impatient.
I headed right for the antipasto counter and asked for the VITELLO TONNATO since there was no line there at all. I was handed a bleeper/ buzzer thingie (like the kind you get waiting for a table at the Outback Steakhouse) and proceeded to the bar to get four glasses and a bottle of CUSUMANO NERO d'AVOLA, a medium to full bodied red which was a bargain at $25. When I got back to the table and poured the others were beginning to return with a salad or whatever here. The pasta line was still quite long as the others waited there.
My buzzer buzzed and I retreived a large platter of sliced cold veal that was quite dry, but nicely sauced with the tuna cream sauce, capers and arugula. The overall whole was pretty good, and only for $9.00.
The kids started devouring their pasta BOLOGNESE which came after about 15 minutes in line for the daddies. This can be ordered in the reasonable size for kids at $4.45 or the regular adult $8.95, but this is NOT advertised!
You also can choose which TYPE of pasta you like from a photo chart displaying about 8 regular and 2 whole wheat styles.
I ordered a PAPPARDELLE with SALSICCIA CALABRESE which amounted to thinner and shoter than normal pappardelle (I think it's really a different type of pasta) with sliced salami-like sausage piled over WHITE BEANS and SUN DRIED TOMATOES with a superb sauce in a monster bowl all for $10.95. The chef at the counter asked if I liked extra garlic or chilies while preparing, so you can actually have input while you stand there which is very nice.
The pizza was decent, but gets no raves from me and the salads are tasty and huge.
A second bottle of ALTOS LAS HORMIGAS MALBEC from Argentina was an even bigger wine and went even better with my garlic-laden and chili infused pasta.
The menu has 5 simple pasta preparations called "Traditional," 4 "classic" and 11 "premium" all priced between $8-11.
We skipped desserts and headed home quite full and reasonably happy, but felt it's not a great place if the lines are long and one has hungry kids.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
AGRARIA is amazing and needs attention
Several months ago I joined an internet group called the TASTINGS JOURNAL, which I can not rave enough about. Their website is www.TastingsJournal.com and feel free to check it out.
Every several weeks they send a set men out available at a specific restaurant for a limited time. Often, we don't have the time at the last minute to try these wonderful "tasting" options, but this week we MADE time and took Samuel along with us to AGRARIA on the riverfront in Georgetown. It was fun to take Samuel down the staircase at Washington Harbour with its huge sprouting fountains on Tuesday evening last, as it got him excited about eating out again. We decided (after the buggy incident several weeks ago) to sit inside but next to the floor to ceiling windows facing the multiple fountains and the river with its bustling boats beyond. At 6pm, it was bustling inside and out, with many folks hitting the various post-work bars in the complex for happy hour or dinner. Inside, Agragria (www.agrariarestaurant.com) has muted colors with lots of woods, cool lighting and slate accents (which even goes into the restrooms which are quite nice). The menu is based on sustainable agriculture and it shows, much care and thought has gone into the ingredients and the dishes, and I am thrilled we finally made it here to enjoy the wonderful cuisine.
We got Samuel started off with an entree (partial size portion was delivered upon request; there is no children's menu here) of GRILLED CHICKEN in lemon thyme marinade with Roasted Fingerling Potatoes and Grilled Asparagus. At first, all he wanted was the standard "kid's dish" but we explained that if he wanted to eat out with us, there would not always be fish sticks or pasta. He was given a choice of several items and reluctantly agreed to the chicken. Once it came, he was ecstatic, as we were. We all tasted the juicy lemony meat which made me want to go home and cook lemon chicken the next night (I didn't). Even though the potatoes were roasted and not french fries, he adored them as well as the slim grilled asparagus. He ate most of the plate and finished it off (or did we) the next night at home!
Oh, yes, the reason we came was for the Tastings Journal Menu which is a STEAL at $45.00 and includes FOUR COURSES plus a glass of wine with the entree!! These are four standard size portions of two appetizers, an entree and a dessert. Needless to say, since everything was simply perfect, we went home quite full. The only thing worth skipping at Agraria is the dry bread (don't be teased because it comes warm), although Samuel seemed to like it.
The options for the entire menu and our choices follow (incidentally, if you join Tastings Journal right now, this menu is still available through tomorrow):
FIRST COURSE:
House Salad-Mesculun Greens with Roasted Red Peppers, Pickled Red Onions, Cucumbers, Nicoise Olives & Marinated Feta Cheese
I had the MELON SALD of CANTALOUPE & HONEYDEW (both perfectly ripe) with Arugula, Spiced Hazelnuts, House Cured Duck Prosciutto and Lavender Vanilla Vinaigrette. The light drizzle of dressing was sublime, but I did have to ask our most considerate and attentive server, Dorlyn, where the prosciutto was; it came almost instantly on a separate plate.
Will chose the TOMATO MOZARELLA SALAD with Peeled GRAPE TOMATOES and CILIEGINE Mozzarella tossed with EVOO garnished with mint and crispy porsicutto, a delish and light starter but there was more to come.
The SECOND course options included:
WILD MAINE MUSSELS in White Wine Lemon House Made Broth
SUMMER VEGETABLE BRUSCHETTA of hand pulled artichoke hearts, asparagus, sugar snap peas warmed with EVOO and served on grilled sourdough bread compress
We both could not resist the PAN SEARED CRAB CAKE served atop LEMON PUREE and topped with an amazing TOMATO JAM & Mache Salad. This brilliant and novel approach to our city's age old dish might just make it one of the top winners in a new crabcake competition in DC! Creamy, yet not made with filler, the tomato and lemon on either side contrast and also blend to make a real treat.
The menu entrees included the chicken, but on ROTISSERIE rather than grilled, a VEGETARIAN POLENTA and the two dishes we choose:
Will went with the HAMACHI - Grilled young YELLOWTAIL served atop Wilted BABY BOK CHOY, EDAMAME, thin sliced daikon radish, julienne carrots in a ginger miso broth. It was Asian all the way, and a great summer lighter dish for those not interested in meat. With it Will received a glass of SHOO FLY WHITE BLEND (Dorlyn said it was Pinot Gris & Chardonnay).
I went literally for the whole hog: HERITAGE PORK brined center-cut loin, grilled and served "low-country" style with Red Beans & Rice, Tasso Ham and CRAWFISH GUMBO SAUCE. It was as lightly spicy, tasty, moist dish that would have filled two mouths. I received a glass of LADYBUG Red Cuvee VII Old Vines from Redwood Valley that was a blend of Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet, and Carmeniere that was just right with the pork dish, although anything bigger would have been fine as well.
We both enjoyed a bottle of 2006 MOON MOUNTAIN SAUVIGNON BLANC from Sonoma with our first courses that is a perfect wine on a hot summer night and goes with so many dishes as well. It's a good buy at under $40 when so many wines have an awful markup these days (I'm sure this is still over 100%!).
Desserts are as impressive as everything else at AGRARIA as Samuel gobbled up three scoops of housemade sorbet: Blackberry, Mango & White Peach. He enjoyed making it into rainbow swirl in the dish as Will gobbled up the KEY LIME PIE with Graham Crust and Brown Sugar Meringue. My MIXED BERRY CHEESECAKE was another revelation. Not desne, too rich or heavy, it had a slight fluff to it, but still lots of flavor and was surrounded by berries with a luxurious bath of black, red and blue berry sauce that we all adored (especially Sam). Think of fluffy cheesecake sitting in a berry soup and you have this excellent dessert that I could eat regularly, if my cholesterol were not so high!
AGRARIA is worth keeping in your sights and on your table!
Every several weeks they send a set men out available at a specific restaurant for a limited time. Often, we don't have the time at the last minute to try these wonderful "tasting" options, but this week we MADE time and took Samuel along with us to AGRARIA on the riverfront in Georgetown. It was fun to take Samuel down the staircase at Washington Harbour with its huge sprouting fountains on Tuesday evening last, as it got him excited about eating out again. We decided (after the buggy incident several weeks ago) to sit inside but next to the floor to ceiling windows facing the multiple fountains and the river with its bustling boats beyond. At 6pm, it was bustling inside and out, with many folks hitting the various post-work bars in the complex for happy hour or dinner. Inside, Agragria (www.agrariarestaurant.com) has muted colors with lots of woods, cool lighting and slate accents (which even goes into the restrooms which are quite nice). The menu is based on sustainable agriculture and it shows, much care and thought has gone into the ingredients and the dishes, and I am thrilled we finally made it here to enjoy the wonderful cuisine.
We got Samuel started off with an entree (partial size portion was delivered upon request; there is no children's menu here) of GRILLED CHICKEN in lemon thyme marinade with Roasted Fingerling Potatoes and Grilled Asparagus. At first, all he wanted was the standard "kid's dish" but we explained that if he wanted to eat out with us, there would not always be fish sticks or pasta. He was given a choice of several items and reluctantly agreed to the chicken. Once it came, he was ecstatic, as we were. We all tasted the juicy lemony meat which made me want to go home and cook lemon chicken the next night (I didn't). Even though the potatoes were roasted and not french fries, he adored them as well as the slim grilled asparagus. He ate most of the plate and finished it off (or did we) the next night at home!
Oh, yes, the reason we came was for the Tastings Journal Menu which is a STEAL at $45.00 and includes FOUR COURSES plus a glass of wine with the entree!! These are four standard size portions of two appetizers, an entree and a dessert. Needless to say, since everything was simply perfect, we went home quite full. The only thing worth skipping at Agraria is the dry bread (don't be teased because it comes warm), although Samuel seemed to like it.
The options for the entire menu and our choices follow (incidentally, if you join Tastings Journal right now, this menu is still available through tomorrow):
FIRST COURSE:
House Salad-Mesculun Greens with Roasted Red Peppers, Pickled Red Onions, Cucumbers, Nicoise Olives & Marinated Feta Cheese
I had the MELON SALD of CANTALOUPE & HONEYDEW (both perfectly ripe) with Arugula, Spiced Hazelnuts, House Cured Duck Prosciutto and Lavender Vanilla Vinaigrette. The light drizzle of dressing was sublime, but I did have to ask our most considerate and attentive server, Dorlyn, where the prosciutto was; it came almost instantly on a separate plate.
Will chose the TOMATO MOZARELLA SALAD with Peeled GRAPE TOMATOES and CILIEGINE Mozzarella tossed with EVOO garnished with mint and crispy porsicutto, a delish and light starter but there was more to come.
The SECOND course options included:
WILD MAINE MUSSELS in White Wine Lemon House Made Broth
SUMMER VEGETABLE BRUSCHETTA of hand pulled artichoke hearts, asparagus, sugar snap peas warmed with EVOO and served on grilled sourdough bread compress
We both could not resist the PAN SEARED CRAB CAKE served atop LEMON PUREE and topped with an amazing TOMATO JAM & Mache Salad. This brilliant and novel approach to our city's age old dish might just make it one of the top winners in a new crabcake competition in DC! Creamy, yet not made with filler, the tomato and lemon on either side contrast and also blend to make a real treat.
The menu entrees included the chicken, but on ROTISSERIE rather than grilled, a VEGETARIAN POLENTA and the two dishes we choose:
Will went with the HAMACHI - Grilled young YELLOWTAIL served atop Wilted BABY BOK CHOY, EDAMAME, thin sliced daikon radish, julienne carrots in a ginger miso broth. It was Asian all the way, and a great summer lighter dish for those not interested in meat. With it Will received a glass of SHOO FLY WHITE BLEND (Dorlyn said it was Pinot Gris & Chardonnay).
I went literally for the whole hog: HERITAGE PORK brined center-cut loin, grilled and served "low-country" style with Red Beans & Rice, Tasso Ham and CRAWFISH GUMBO SAUCE. It was as lightly spicy, tasty, moist dish that would have filled two mouths. I received a glass of LADYBUG Red Cuvee VII Old Vines from Redwood Valley that was a blend of Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet, and Carmeniere that was just right with the pork dish, although anything bigger would have been fine as well.
We both enjoyed a bottle of 2006 MOON MOUNTAIN SAUVIGNON BLANC from Sonoma with our first courses that is a perfect wine on a hot summer night and goes with so many dishes as well. It's a good buy at under $40 when so many wines have an awful markup these days (I'm sure this is still over 100%!).
Desserts are as impressive as everything else at AGRARIA as Samuel gobbled up three scoops of housemade sorbet: Blackberry, Mango & White Peach. He enjoyed making it into rainbow swirl in the dish as Will gobbled up the KEY LIME PIE with Graham Crust and Brown Sugar Meringue. My MIXED BERRY CHEESECAKE was another revelation. Not desne, too rich or heavy, it had a slight fluff to it, but still lots of flavor and was surrounded by berries with a luxurious bath of black, red and blue berry sauce that we all adored (especially Sam). Think of fluffy cheesecake sitting in a berry soup and you have this excellent dessert that I could eat regularly, if my cholesterol were not so high!
AGRARIA is worth keeping in your sights and on your table!
Monday, June 30, 2008
and the winner is...TOWN HALL is tops for neighborhood noshing
As you all know each year now ever since I started this Phyllis-teen roup I have graciously announced the winners of the RAMMY's (Washington DC Restaurant Awards) before anyone else has ever done so on the internet. And while our namesake Phyllis Richman won the Duke Ziebert Award this year, I haven't a clue who the rest of the winners are because I never got an invitation to the RAMMY's event this year!
I am so sorry to not be able to report this important information to you, but c'est la vie.
Instead, last night we returned to TOWN HALL in Upper Georgetown (www.townhalldc.com) which has proven to be the winner of our award for best neighborhood spot. The ambiance is great as we reported earlier this year, the service friendly and the food portions are huge and quality-driven. Watch out for the crisp pita chips that come with an OLIVE/ARTICHOKE/PESTO Tapenade when you sit down. Fill up on these and you'll be full by the time your entree comes!
Samuel joined us last night and gobbled up his Frenhc Fries that came with the tasty Hamburger. These burgers are ont he menu for about $10 for adults and are 8 ounce HEREFORD BEEF Pattys on a poppy seed kaiser roll and come with a wide variety of toppings at NO EXTRA CHARGE (how nice not be to nickel and dimed for cheese or mushrooms!).
We all started with a bottle of VINA SALAMANCA 2005 Viura/Verdejo from Castilla y Leon. I have always enjoyed the crispness of Verdejo in the summertime, but don't recall ever drinking Viura before; it was a nice blend resulting in a crisp instense lemon flavor. My PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND MUSSELS in RED CURRY with Coconut Broth and Ciabbata Crostini was a mussel dish dream come true. The wine was crisp and lemony enought to fight the spice and it was (as I mentioned before) a large portion with three huge crostini soaking their tips in the broth. I could not resist dunking the crunchy pieces in the yummy sauce. CREAM of POTATO SOUP was another filling hit at the table and the ANDOUILLE SAUSAGE & MANCHEGO CHEESE QUESADILLA with Roasted Peppers and Tomato. I dont' recall how many HUGE triangles of quesadilla there were, but we all tasted and there were still several to take home after Will age several himself! This is an entree portion size and a tasty one at that!
We moved on to a LIBERTY SCHOOL Chardonnay 2006 from California's Central Coast which was tasty, but nothing to rave about with our entrees, which seemed to grown in size as we devoured them! The burgers come with a choice of sides and if you aren't into fries or veggies or a salad, you must try the GOAT MAC & CHEESE, it's divine. My SEA SCALLOPS with Virginia HAM, ASPARAGUS, TOMATO and ORZO in PINOT GRIGIO CREAM Sauce is almost risotto-like in texture, but made from orzo. A creamy rich dish loaded with tasty scallops is a good option if you are not in a burger, steak or pork mood. The menu is quite large, though, and offers up many options, so we will have to return again soon as we were way too full to even think of dessert.
We may have missed the RAMMY's, but we all found a winner in TOWN HALL!
I am so sorry to not be able to report this important information to you, but c'est la vie.
Instead, last night we returned to TOWN HALL in Upper Georgetown (www.townhalldc.com) which has proven to be the winner of our award for best neighborhood spot. The ambiance is great as we reported earlier this year, the service friendly and the food portions are huge and quality-driven. Watch out for the crisp pita chips that come with an OLIVE/ARTICHOKE/PESTO Tapenade when you sit down. Fill up on these and you'll be full by the time your entree comes!
Samuel joined us last night and gobbled up his Frenhc Fries that came with the tasty Hamburger. These burgers are ont he menu for about $10 for adults and are 8 ounce HEREFORD BEEF Pattys on a poppy seed kaiser roll and come with a wide variety of toppings at NO EXTRA CHARGE (how nice not be to nickel and dimed for cheese or mushrooms!).
We all started with a bottle of VINA SALAMANCA 2005 Viura/Verdejo from Castilla y Leon. I have always enjoyed the crispness of Verdejo in the summertime, but don't recall ever drinking Viura before; it was a nice blend resulting in a crisp instense lemon flavor. My PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND MUSSELS in RED CURRY with Coconut Broth and Ciabbata Crostini was a mussel dish dream come true. The wine was crisp and lemony enought to fight the spice and it was (as I mentioned before) a large portion with three huge crostini soaking their tips in the broth. I could not resist dunking the crunchy pieces in the yummy sauce. CREAM of POTATO SOUP was another filling hit at the table and the ANDOUILLE SAUSAGE & MANCHEGO CHEESE QUESADILLA with Roasted Peppers and Tomato. I dont' recall how many HUGE triangles of quesadilla there were, but we all tasted and there were still several to take home after Will age several himself! This is an entree portion size and a tasty one at that!
We moved on to a LIBERTY SCHOOL Chardonnay 2006 from California's Central Coast which was tasty, but nothing to rave about with our entrees, which seemed to grown in size as we devoured them! The burgers come with a choice of sides and if you aren't into fries or veggies or a salad, you must try the GOAT MAC & CHEESE, it's divine. My SEA SCALLOPS with Virginia HAM, ASPARAGUS, TOMATO and ORZO in PINOT GRIGIO CREAM Sauce is almost risotto-like in texture, but made from orzo. A creamy rich dish loaded with tasty scallops is a good option if you are not in a burger, steak or pork mood. The menu is quite large, though, and offers up many options, so we will have to return again soon as we were way too full to even think of dessert.
We may have missed the RAMMY's, but we all found a winner in TOWN HALL!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
a lovely luncheon at KINKEAD's back in DC
Yesterday I was treated to lunch by two business friends visiting from Austria. I suggested Kinkead's as one always gets great seafood and since Austria is landlocked, American cuisine, let alone in the seafood style, is something one doesn't find there. We oredered a bottle of crisp refreshing and flavorful 2006 WHITEHALL LANE SAUVIGNON BLANC from Napa which was a great relief in the 90+ degree heat.
I could not resist ordering the appetizer of CRISP CORNMEAL SOFT SHELL CRABS with Housemade PANCETTA, SUNDREID TOMATOES and Lemon Basil Sauce as an entree. After my crabby experience with the soft shell in San Francisco, this was a revelation, with two crispy, if small, crabs perfectly battered and fried and full of flavor. The pancetta added a bite and the sauce was sublime. A pile of crispy fine onion rings were just perfect!
The ladies both went for the signature LOBSTER ROLL which is always a pleaser!
For dessert, I tried a selection of three cheeses which came beautifully arranged with apricot, apple and strawberry as well as berry marmalade that we never did get the specifics on! The cheeses were varied and superb: QUICKE's CHEDDAR from the UK was a tasty piquant cheddar that was very firm, JASPER HILL CONSTANT BLISS from Vermont was a soft cheese with a bit of earthiness and the ALNGRES from France was oozing flavor and taste.
The ladies split the signature (it was a day for signatures) TARTE TATIN with Ice Cream that one can never go wrong with!
It was a wonderful meal and such an improvement since my last lunch in San Francisco on Monday!
I could not resist ordering the appetizer of CRISP CORNMEAL SOFT SHELL CRABS with Housemade PANCETTA, SUNDREID TOMATOES and Lemon Basil Sauce as an entree. After my crabby experience with the soft shell in San Francisco, this was a revelation, with two crispy, if small, crabs perfectly battered and fried and full of flavor. The pancetta added a bite and the sauce was sublime. A pile of crispy fine onion rings were just perfect!
The ladies both went for the signature LOBSTER ROLL which is always a pleaser!
For dessert, I tried a selection of three cheeses which came beautifully arranged with apricot, apple and strawberry as well as berry marmalade that we never did get the specifics on! The cheeses were varied and superb: QUICKE's CHEDDAR from the UK was a tasty piquant cheddar that was very firm, JASPER HILL CONSTANT BLISS from Vermont was a soft cheese with a bit of earthiness and the ALNGRES from France was oozing flavor and taste.
The ladies split the signature (it was a day for signatures) TARTE TATIN with Ice Cream that one can never go wrong with!
It was a wonderful meal and such an improvement since my last lunch in San Francisco on Monday!
Monday, June 23, 2008
San Francisco's SCALA Bistro gets no bravos
On my last day in San Francisco I decided to have a big lunch at SCALA's BISTRO (www.scalasbistro.com), a spot of much renown in the famous Sit Francis Drake Hotel just off Union Square. It was a big disappointment in almost every bite.
I did enjoy my two glasses of wine. First a CLINE ROSE MOURVERDRE and then a Feudi di San Grigori FALANGHINA from Sannio, and while they went well with my two courses, the food itself needed much work. As soon as my server said the special panini of the day was SOFT SHELL CRAB, I jumped. The two large triangles of bread each hald a 1/2 crab and were laden with tomato, marinated red pepper, watercress and aioli, making the crab virtually undetectable; and when it was tasted, it was mushy. This came with a huge pile of their superb FRENCH FRIES, but as soon as I saw the plate I asked my server why she did not mention this as I had ordered the appetizer of MOULES/FRITES in Cracked Black Pepper Aioli for second! She went, "oops" and offered to bring a salad with the mussels, which seemed fine for me.
The mussels were smallish and unexciting, and the sauce was a wine/garlic generic type that I did not even want to wipe up with bread. Where was the black pepper aioli?
The salad of beautiful greens and cucumber was way overdressed and soggy. I barely managed to finish half of it.
Sadly this gorgeous bistro with its faux silver ceilings and wooden accents is running on the fumes of its past fame. Perhaps now that Kimpton has taken over the hotel they can get the management to improve the dining quality as the staff and locale are great.
ALAN now back in DC!
I did enjoy my two glasses of wine. First a CLINE ROSE MOURVERDRE and then a Feudi di San Grigori FALANGHINA from Sannio, and while they went well with my two courses, the food itself needed much work. As soon as my server said the special panini of the day was SOFT SHELL CRAB, I jumped. The two large triangles of bread each hald a 1/2 crab and were laden with tomato, marinated red pepper, watercress and aioli, making the crab virtually undetectable; and when it was tasted, it was mushy. This came with a huge pile of their superb FRENCH FRIES, but as soon as I saw the plate I asked my server why she did not mention this as I had ordered the appetizer of MOULES/FRITES in Cracked Black Pepper Aioli for second! She went, "oops" and offered to bring a salad with the mussels, which seemed fine for me.
The mussels were smallish and unexciting, and the sauce was a wine/garlic generic type that I did not even want to wipe up with bread. Where was the black pepper aioli?
The salad of beautiful greens and cucumber was way overdressed and soggy. I barely managed to finish half of it.
Sadly this gorgeous bistro with its faux silver ceilings and wooden accents is running on the fumes of its past fame. Perhaps now that Kimpton has taken over the hotel they can get the management to improve the dining quality as the staff and locale are great.
ALAN now back in DC!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
San Francisco's PAUL K is cool for Mid-Eastern modernized
Last night I took out some of my opera clients for dinner after a performance of Das RHEINGOLD at the San Francisco Opera. I chose a highly rated but casual spot about 4 blocks from the opera house and made a great new discovery for us all. PAUL K (www,paulkrestaurant.com) is about as unassuming as it gets and while it is very casual in design it still has charm and some great food going for it.
We started with a novel and tasty T-VINE Rose "Psychedelic Chicken" 2006 from Napa that comes in a wildly designed bottle wit very little info on the wine itself (such as what grape it is), but we adored the dry fruity treat which went great with our varied appetizers.
A great way to try lots of things is to take the meat or veggie MEZZE sampler. The former has 3 POMEGRANATE Braised Atkins LAMB RIBLETS with a superb GARLIC YOGURT Sauce, CUMIN & CARAWAY Crusted LAMB KOFTE with Almond Sauce and Chili Harissa as well as two dips: a SMOKY BABA GHANOUSH that was intense and smooth (with little eggplant aftertaste, so I loved it) and a wondrous POMEGRANATE DIP (made with a red pepper base, the consistency of hummus). Piles of Olives, a chunk of feta and several marinated artichoke hearts all served with pita filled out the huge tray. The only bad thing on the plate was the acidic Harissa which we simply avoided, and the super-garlicky yogurt sauce seemed to go better with the kofte, those sausage-like torpedo shaped kebabs that we all loved.
GOAT CHEESE & LEEK RAVIOLI with Portobellos, Pistachios and Brown Butter was a nice small plate starter and the BABY ARUGULA, BEETS, AVOCADO Salad with Humboldt Fog Goat Cheese (always a San Fran treat!) with Tarragon Vinaigrette was a huge and fresh portion that could fill anyone up.
We ordered a bottle of FIDDLEHEAD CELALARS Pinot Noir "SEVEN TWENTY EIGHT" from the Santa Rita Hills 2004 which is a huge fruit filled blow your mind wine that we all simply oohed and ahhed over.
The entrees were all huge portions from the EGGPLANT NAPOLEON which was a stuffed eggplant with sauce and chick peas that nobody could finish to the CRISP SKIN CHAR with Farro (a heavy bulghar-like grain), English Peas, Smoked Bacon and a tasty Preserved Lemon Aioli. The fish was firm, frsh and oh so good. My SYRIAN SPICED DUCK BREAST with Portobello Mushrooms, Yukon Gold Potatoes, Ragu of Duck Confit with Pomegranate Molasses Sauce was another revelation an yes, huge as well.
The ladies split a sundae and I adored the SORBET TRIO of creamy PASSION FRUIT, RASPBERY and BLACKBERRY as I rolled off to my hotel and to bed!
We started with a novel and tasty T-VINE Rose "Psychedelic Chicken" 2006 from Napa that comes in a wildly designed bottle wit very little info on the wine itself (such as what grape it is), but we adored the dry fruity treat which went great with our varied appetizers.
A great way to try lots of things is to take the meat or veggie MEZZE sampler. The former has 3 POMEGRANATE Braised Atkins LAMB RIBLETS with a superb GARLIC YOGURT Sauce, CUMIN & CARAWAY Crusted LAMB KOFTE with Almond Sauce and Chili Harissa as well as two dips: a SMOKY BABA GHANOUSH that was intense and smooth (with little eggplant aftertaste, so I loved it) and a wondrous POMEGRANATE DIP (made with a red pepper base, the consistency of hummus). Piles of Olives, a chunk of feta and several marinated artichoke hearts all served with pita filled out the huge tray. The only bad thing on the plate was the acidic Harissa which we simply avoided, and the super-garlicky yogurt sauce seemed to go better with the kofte, those sausage-like torpedo shaped kebabs that we all loved.
GOAT CHEESE & LEEK RAVIOLI with Portobellos, Pistachios and Brown Butter was a nice small plate starter and the BABY ARUGULA, BEETS, AVOCADO Salad with Humboldt Fog Goat Cheese (always a San Fran treat!) with Tarragon Vinaigrette was a huge and fresh portion that could fill anyone up.
We ordered a bottle of FIDDLEHEAD CELALARS Pinot Noir "SEVEN TWENTY EIGHT" from the Santa Rita Hills 2004 which is a huge fruit filled blow your mind wine that we all simply oohed and ahhed over.
The entrees were all huge portions from the EGGPLANT NAPOLEON which was a stuffed eggplant with sauce and chick peas that nobody could finish to the CRISP SKIN CHAR with Farro (a heavy bulghar-like grain), English Peas, Smoked Bacon and a tasty Preserved Lemon Aioli. The fish was firm, frsh and oh so good. My SYRIAN SPICED DUCK BREAST with Portobello Mushrooms, Yukon Gold Potatoes, Ragu of Duck Confit with Pomegranate Molasses Sauce was another revelation an yes, huge as well.
The ladies split a sundae and I adored the SORBET TRIO of creamy PASSION FRUIT, RASPBERY and BLACKBERRY as I rolled off to my hotel and to bed!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
I found a NICHE in St. Louis that I shall always return to
For many years our neighbor and friend Jamie Craft and her husband Bob have been telling me of their son Gerard's huge success as a chef throughout the country. Several years ago Gerard Craft settled down in St. Louis and opened NICHE (www.nichestlouis.com) just south of downtown at 1831 Sidney St not far from the Anheiser-Busch brewery. At first glance Niche seems to only have less than 20 tables, but there is a hidden huge dining room at the rear and last night every table
was full shortly after my arrival at 6pm. The dining room is cozy and if I have to find one complaint about anything at all it would be the brown paper covering the crisp white linen tablecloths. They give a bistro feel (and I guess avoid more linen usage) and while this may be a bistro, I declare it to be the finest dining in town, probably the state, and for hundreds of miles around.
Simply put, Niche is NOT about the decor, it is about the FOOD, and I dined terrifically and adored every bite and sip. As I mentioned yesterday, prices here are much lower than on the coasts or big cities. Chef Gerard has a superb tasting menu for $65 which can be paired with wines for an additional $35 and this is they way to go. The food is not overwhelming, and the portions are sheer perfection.
First came a refreshing citrusy NINO FRANCO RUSTICO PROSECCO which had a hint of sweetness or honey and the first course followed--PARSNIP CONSOMME with Pearls of Bacon, Grapefruit and Brown Butter Foam. This dish hints of the (I hate to use the term) "chemical" concoctions many chefs dream up today and it really works to boot. The small teeny gelatinous pearls are not pasta but an amazing tasty creation that sit in the yummy broth with a small foam on top. It is a light dish and a great starter showing the genius of what's to come.
BEET RAVIOLI sat in Chilled CUCUMBER (with dill) SOUP with Shredded Golden Beets and Radish sprouts atop. I call this "borscht at its best!" The soup was superb with a slight creaminess (I assume it was yogurt or a light sour cream added) and the ravioli added a bit a weight. The radish sprouts were tasty and I was told from a local farm (where all the produce comes from) which obviously did not produce the highly bitter radish greens I had the previous night on my beet salad! An okay and apple-y ROMBAUER 2006 Chardonnay from Napa was an interesting pairing which seemed to go ok; I love their chard anyway, anytime, anywhere!
The next course moved into the heavier domain with a FRIED BRANDADE, Arugula & Ramps topped with a sunnyside up FRIED EGG and a sauce of LEMON BUTTER. The lemon butter was rich and perfect on the crisply fried cod browned on top and bottom to perfection. After several bites without the egg, I broke the yolk and allowed it to run all over and give the dish a completely different taste and feel. It was like having two different courses at once! The ST. INOCENT "Freedom Hill" 2006 PINOT BLANC from Oregon had the oddest fizziness on the tongue which was not bad in any way, but the wine itself was the least impressive wine I have ever had from St. Innocent, whose Pinot Noirs I adore; it just lacked any real taste for me.
The next course blew my mind and took me back t the "comfort food modernized" style of the Fat Duck in Britain: "REUBEN" with RYE GNOCCHI, Pickled Mustard Seeds and Horseradish Jus was how it is described on the menu. The meat is specifically not given, but it was a magnificent CORNED PIG's TONGUE. I have always adored beef tongue, but didn't even think pig's tongue could work---well it does, and magnificently. It is tiny, tender and tasty and the dish really did have that "reuben" feel. An M. CHAPOUTIER 2006 COTES du RHONE was an unbelievable pairing, (a) because I love Rhone wines and (b) because the blending worked perfectly with the mustard and pickled tastes as well as the rich gnocchi.
CARROT-LIME SORBET was the creamy palate cleanser and bursting with flavor to boot.
I have never been a big fan of BEAUX FRERES PINOT NOIR from Oregon, but the 2006 vintage seems to have turned more to the traditional Oregon and French Burgundy styles that other Pinot makers have used for years in the region. Maybe the Beaux Freres folks got a new winemaker, but whatever the case the wine is now a treat and it was perfect with the very light Grass Farms Rack of Lamb (two perfectly cooked double ribs) with RHUBARB PUREE, ROASTED FRENCH HORN (or King Trumpet) MUSHROOMS and an unreal HUMMUS & WHITE CHOCOLATE mixture that had sweetness, but was not cloying in the least, with an intense GARLIC FOAM on the side. Lots of love and thought went into this dish and the combinations as well.
After my mealy panna cotta the night before I was thrilled to have a dessert that I could not leave a bite of the COCNUT KULFI made with Goat Cheese Essence, a PASSION FRUIT GLAZED PINEAPPLE Sauce and GRANOLA for crunch. The kulfi was thick and rich and cold and yummy, almost the consistency of hard butter; it was impossible to resist. NOBLE ONE BOTRYTIS SEMILLON 2005 lent a sweetness, but I preferred the wine and the dessert separately, simply making meal linger on and on.
I have not mentioned the perfect attention I received from my server TRAVIS, the entire staff and Chef GERARD himself, who was in the dining room all night supervising each plate as it came out and explaining most of the dishes to most of the diners. He obviously has a superb staff IN the kitchen and has no fears of their capability if he is NOT on the line!
I had looked at the wine list and noticed another dessert wine I wanted to try and Travis immediately brought me a generous taste of the MT. HORROCKS CORDON CUT 2006 Riesling that was also a nice wine and a perfect way to end my glorious meal.
I may not have plans to return to St. Louis in the near future, but perhaps I will have to arrange an overnight layover just to return to NICHE; it IS WORTH the trip!
was full shortly after my arrival at 6pm. The dining room is cozy and if I have to find one complaint about anything at all it would be the brown paper covering the crisp white linen tablecloths. They give a bistro feel (and I guess avoid more linen usage) and while this may be a bistro, I declare it to be the finest dining in town, probably the state, and for hundreds of miles around.
Simply put, Niche is NOT about the decor, it is about the FOOD, and I dined terrifically and adored every bite and sip. As I mentioned yesterday, prices here are much lower than on the coasts or big cities. Chef Gerard has a superb tasting menu for $65 which can be paired with wines for an additional $35 and this is they way to go. The food is not overwhelming, and the portions are sheer perfection.
First came a refreshing citrusy NINO FRANCO RUSTICO PROSECCO which had a hint of sweetness or honey and the first course followed--PARSNIP CONSOMME with Pearls of Bacon, Grapefruit and Brown Butter Foam. This dish hints of the (I hate to use the term) "chemical" concoctions many chefs dream up today and it really works to boot. The small teeny gelatinous pearls are not pasta but an amazing tasty creation that sit in the yummy broth with a small foam on top. It is a light dish and a great starter showing the genius of what's to come.
BEET RAVIOLI sat in Chilled CUCUMBER (with dill) SOUP with Shredded Golden Beets and Radish sprouts atop. I call this "borscht at its best!" The soup was superb with a slight creaminess (I assume it was yogurt or a light sour cream added) and the ravioli added a bit a weight. The radish sprouts were tasty and I was told from a local farm (where all the produce comes from) which obviously did not produce the highly bitter radish greens I had the previous night on my beet salad! An okay and apple-y ROMBAUER 2006 Chardonnay from Napa was an interesting pairing which seemed to go ok; I love their chard anyway, anytime, anywhere!
The next course moved into the heavier domain with a FRIED BRANDADE, Arugula & Ramps topped with a sunnyside up FRIED EGG and a sauce of LEMON BUTTER. The lemon butter was rich and perfect on the crisply fried cod browned on top and bottom to perfection. After several bites without the egg, I broke the yolk and allowed it to run all over and give the dish a completely different taste and feel. It was like having two different courses at once! The ST. INOCENT "Freedom Hill" 2006 PINOT BLANC from Oregon had the oddest fizziness on the tongue which was not bad in any way, but the wine itself was the least impressive wine I have ever had from St. Innocent, whose Pinot Noirs I adore; it just lacked any real taste for me.
The next course blew my mind and took me back t the "comfort food modernized" style of the Fat Duck in Britain: "REUBEN" with RYE GNOCCHI, Pickled Mustard Seeds and Horseradish Jus was how it is described on the menu. The meat is specifically not given, but it was a magnificent CORNED PIG's TONGUE. I have always adored beef tongue, but didn't even think pig's tongue could work---well it does, and magnificently. It is tiny, tender and tasty and the dish really did have that "reuben" feel. An M. CHAPOUTIER 2006 COTES du RHONE was an unbelievable pairing, (a) because I love Rhone wines and (b) because the blending worked perfectly with the mustard and pickled tastes as well as the rich gnocchi.
CARROT-LIME SORBET was the creamy palate cleanser and bursting with flavor to boot.
I have never been a big fan of BEAUX FRERES PINOT NOIR from Oregon, but the 2006 vintage seems to have turned more to the traditional Oregon and French Burgundy styles that other Pinot makers have used for years in the region. Maybe the Beaux Freres folks got a new winemaker, but whatever the case the wine is now a treat and it was perfect with the very light Grass Farms Rack of Lamb (two perfectly cooked double ribs) with RHUBARB PUREE, ROASTED FRENCH HORN (or King Trumpet) MUSHROOMS and an unreal HUMMUS & WHITE CHOCOLATE mixture that had sweetness, but was not cloying in the least, with an intense GARLIC FOAM on the side. Lots of love and thought went into this dish and the combinations as well.
After my mealy panna cotta the night before I was thrilled to have a dessert that I could not leave a bite of the COCNUT KULFI made with Goat Cheese Essence, a PASSION FRUIT GLAZED PINEAPPLE Sauce and GRANOLA for crunch. The kulfi was thick and rich and cold and yummy, almost the consistency of hard butter; it was impossible to resist. NOBLE ONE BOTRYTIS SEMILLON 2005 lent a sweetness, but I preferred the wine and the dessert separately, simply making meal linger on and on.
I have not mentioned the perfect attention I received from my server TRAVIS, the entire staff and Chef GERARD himself, who was in the dining room all night supervising each plate as it came out and explaining most of the dishes to most of the diners. He obviously has a superb staff IN the kitchen and has no fears of their capability if he is NOT on the line!
I had looked at the wine list and noticed another dessert wine I wanted to try and Travis immediately brought me a generous taste of the MT. HORROCKS CORDON CUT 2006 Riesling that was also a nice wine and a perfect way to end my glorious meal.
I may not have plans to return to St. Louis in the near future, but perhaps I will have to arrange an overnight layover just to return to NICHE; it IS WORTH the trip!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Father's Day is Fair at KEMBLE PARK TAVERN in the 'hood
Last night Samuel took his two daddies out for dinner at a new spot which is part of the Clyde's conglomerate. KEMBLE PARK TAVERN (www.kembleparktavern.com) on MacArthur Blvd. in the Palisades is reasonably priced and decent food with nice decor to boot. The inside has big cushy leather armchairs at tables for two and intimate booths as well. We opted to sit outside as the weather was so nice, as most folks did.
The wine list offers up 9 whites and 5 reds at $27 or less per bottle and also by the glass, many more wines range just higher in the 30's, with some pricey options even higher. We chose a PENFOLD's MERLOT 2007 "Rawson's Retreat" which at $27 these days from SE Australia just an't be beaten. Samuel enjoyed the requisite Sprite and ordered the great deal of a Children's meal for $6.95 which included Fries, Peas & Carrots and English-style Fish Sticks which were nothing like the regular processed ones usually sevred up. This was fresh battered and fried; sadly Samuel prefers the packaged type! He enjoyed the bag of Animal Crackers included for dessert as well. The dry breads (corn and regular) were nothing to rave about although the very soft frothy whipped butter with large salt grains was nice (but has been sitting out way too long).
The best dish of the evening was our appetizer of FILET MIGNON TARTARE served in a mason jar with crostini and made with olives, capers and sprinkled with tasty wasabi sprouts. The other appetizer of SHORT RIB SLIDERS was also pretty tasty with three small sandwiches filled with the tasty meat, sweet onions all caramelized and a dill pickle with some Vermont cheddar on top. They were quite filling as well.
The entrees fared a bit less enjoyable with the STEAK FRITES having a nice cut of wood grilled meat seasoned with grey salt (although Will had some gristle in his 1/2) with a side of gravy and super yummy TRUFFLE FRIES (the thick steak cut) dribbled with Asiago cheese. Indeed, the sides were the hit as my TEA RUBBED BABY BACK RIBS were okay, but very messy and not worth raving about and the star on the plate was the GRUYERE GRITS, creamy, rich and decadent and mixed with some pork shreds for extra flavor. The barbeque slaw in a thimble container was just okay.
As we were finishing a swarm of mosquitoes attacked and Samuel got a bad bit on his wrist that blew up to about 1 inch long. We smothered it with ice and he moved seats to be away from the sidewalk where they seemed to be coming from, but it was too late. We were all a bit distraught, simply asked for the check and headed home. Nobody was crying, but we really were not thrilled either.
The wine list offers up 9 whites and 5 reds at $27 or less per bottle and also by the glass, many more wines range just higher in the 30's, with some pricey options even higher. We chose a PENFOLD's MERLOT 2007 "Rawson's Retreat" which at $27 these days from SE Australia just an't be beaten. Samuel enjoyed the requisite Sprite and ordered the great deal of a Children's meal for $6.95 which included Fries, Peas & Carrots and English-style Fish Sticks which were nothing like the regular processed ones usually sevred up. This was fresh battered and fried; sadly Samuel prefers the packaged type! He enjoyed the bag of Animal Crackers included for dessert as well. The dry breads (corn and regular) were nothing to rave about although the very soft frothy whipped butter with large salt grains was nice (but has been sitting out way too long).
The best dish of the evening was our appetizer of FILET MIGNON TARTARE served in a mason jar with crostini and made with olives, capers and sprinkled with tasty wasabi sprouts. The other appetizer of SHORT RIB SLIDERS was also pretty tasty with three small sandwiches filled with the tasty meat, sweet onions all caramelized and a dill pickle with some Vermont cheddar on top. They were quite filling as well.
The entrees fared a bit less enjoyable with the STEAK FRITES having a nice cut of wood grilled meat seasoned with grey salt (although Will had some gristle in his 1/2) with a side of gravy and super yummy TRUFFLE FRIES (the thick steak cut) dribbled with Asiago cheese. Indeed, the sides were the hit as my TEA RUBBED BABY BACK RIBS were okay, but very messy and not worth raving about and the star on the plate was the GRUYERE GRITS, creamy, rich and decadent and mixed with some pork shreds for extra flavor. The barbeque slaw in a thimble container was just okay.
As we were finishing a swarm of mosquitoes attacked and Samuel got a bad bit on his wrist that blew up to about 1 inch long. We smothered it with ice and he moved seats to be away from the sidewalk where they seemed to be coming from, but it was too late. We were all a bit distraught, simply asked for the check and headed home. Nobody was crying, but we really were not thrilled either.
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Daddy Jack's is just seafood in Ft. Worth
This year's trip to the Ft. Worth Opera festival offered me only one chance to dine out with one of my client's after the closing of the wonderful new opera ANGELS in AMERICA. She chose DADDY JACK's at 353 Throckmorton St in downtown and it was a good simple style choice from the checkered tablecloths to the adorable large mural over the bar with a cowboy riding a giant lobster! It was almost 100 degrees outside and the inside was comfortable and even more so with the dozens of high ceiling fans.
I dared to try the New England Crabcake appetizer which is a large cake for the price with filling (though not alot) and slightly soft rather than firm. A pool of remoulade is on one side and cocktail sauce on the other (which was really unnecessary). A glass of KENDALL JACKSON Grand Reserve Chardonnay (or anything cold in this heat) was welcome and worked great with all the seafood.
My CHILI CRUSTED HALIBUT in RED PEPPER CREAM SAUCE was slightly spicy, firm tasty fish and perfectly prepared, although delivered as I still had three bites of crabcake left! The server did offer to keep it warm, but I said it was okay (I told my guest that all they needed to do was put it on the sidewalk for 2 minutes!). The fish was not really "crusted" but seasoned which was fine and the sauce was not too creamy which was also good. The carrots and string beans on the side were superb as was the baked potato with sour cream. Welcome to Texas where plates and servings are huge and often well-priced!
I tasted my guest's mini CRAB CLAWS in Garlic butter which were nice but not meaty as I like them (and they never really are!). We could not eat a bite more, but really enjoyed the simplicity of the meal and the fact that we were not totally bloated as we headed to yet another opera!
I dared to try the New England Crabcake appetizer which is a large cake for the price with filling (though not alot) and slightly soft rather than firm. A pool of remoulade is on one side and cocktail sauce on the other (which was really unnecessary). A glass of KENDALL JACKSON Grand Reserve Chardonnay (or anything cold in this heat) was welcome and worked great with all the seafood.
My CHILI CRUSTED HALIBUT in RED PEPPER CREAM SAUCE was slightly spicy, firm tasty fish and perfectly prepared, although delivered as I still had three bites of crabcake left! The server did offer to keep it warm, but I said it was okay (I told my guest that all they needed to do was put it on the sidewalk for 2 minutes!). The fish was not really "crusted" but seasoned which was fine and the sauce was not too creamy which was also good. The carrots and string beans on the side were superb as was the baked potato with sour cream. Welcome to Texas where plates and servings are huge and often well-priced!
I tasted my guest's mini CRAB CLAWS in Garlic butter which were nice but not meaty as I like them (and they never really are!). We could not eat a bite more, but really enjoyed the simplicity of the meal and the fact that we were not totally bloated as we headed to yet another opera!
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Dragonfish happy hours and CAFE CAMPAGNE conquers at brunch (Seattle)
If you are in downtown Seattle and have a munchy yen at midnight, there is always a place to get a bite. Last night after the opera, my body said "eat" not quite sure what time zone I was in, so I stopped by DRAGONFISH CAFE (www.dragonfishcafe.com) across from my hotel and enjoyed a simple snack at an UNREAL PRICE.
Dragonfish has HAPPY HOURS daily from 4-6pm and again from 10pm-1AM as well as on Monday from 3pm to closing nonstop. The Happy Hours feature $1.95 half sushi roll orders (of 4 pieces each), $2.95 appetizers and drinks, and while it might be a bit funky and noisy, it's a great place to nosh.
The BOSSA NOVA Sushi has ahi tuna, kaiware sprouts and is wrapped with Nova Salmon for a slightly salty fishy taste to boot. I had the MONOKANE Silver (driest) sake served in a large shot glass overflowing into a sake box, a square lacquer box that ultimately gives you a glass and a half if you down the overflow! I switched to the 2nd driest, Diamond and ordered the PIKE PLACE Sushi, also ahi tuni with the same crunchy sprouts but a hint of mango and a dose of ground CASHEW for flavor on the outside.
I was very happy with my choice, and while I won't rave about the food, it was just what I needed.
This morning I woke up, worked out and headed toward the Pike Place Market as it was a sunny day crisp and cool (63degrees) and I was hungry! One can't enter the Pike Place Market without tasting, buying and being amazed; if you haven't been to Seattle, you won't have clue, but hopefully many of you understand.
You will recall my raves yesterday for VEIL and Johnny Zhu, the chef there hails from Campagne, one of Seattle's well known dining spots. Underneath Campagne, is CAFE de CAMPAGNE (www.cafecampagne.com) just next to the Pike Place Market. When I googled up the Cafe the other day, I kept getting rave remarks for one dish...so I headed there and ordered the OEUFS en MEURETTE. Most of you know, I don't care for brunch or big breakfasts, but I'm travelling on EDT and am so confused this trip, I figured at 11am, I could eat TWO poached EGGS on GARLIC CROUTONS with Pearl Onions, BACON, Mushrooms all engulfed in a RED WINE FOIE GRAS Sauce with POMMES FRITES with AIOLI. DO I HAVE TO ELABORATE? This was the BEST BRUNCH, breakfast or lunch dish I CAN EVER RECALL! Skip that aioli and dip those frites in the foie gras sauce!!! OK, I was good and skipped the wine drinking only coffee, so I could stay up for the opera matinee. I missed Seattle and need to come back again real soon!
Dragonfish has HAPPY HOURS daily from 4-6pm and again from 10pm-1AM as well as on Monday from 3pm to closing nonstop. The Happy Hours feature $1.95 half sushi roll orders (of 4 pieces each), $2.95 appetizers and drinks, and while it might be a bit funky and noisy, it's a great place to nosh.
The BOSSA NOVA Sushi has ahi tuna, kaiware sprouts and is wrapped with Nova Salmon for a slightly salty fishy taste to boot. I had the MONOKANE Silver (driest) sake served in a large shot glass overflowing into a sake box, a square lacquer box that ultimately gives you a glass and a half if you down the overflow! I switched to the 2nd driest, Diamond and ordered the PIKE PLACE Sushi, also ahi tuni with the same crunchy sprouts but a hint of mango and a dose of ground CASHEW for flavor on the outside.
I was very happy with my choice, and while I won't rave about the food, it was just what I needed.
This morning I woke up, worked out and headed toward the Pike Place Market as it was a sunny day crisp and cool (63degrees) and I was hungry! One can't enter the Pike Place Market without tasting, buying and being amazed; if you haven't been to Seattle, you won't have clue, but hopefully many of you understand.
You will recall my raves yesterday for VEIL and Johnny Zhu, the chef there hails from Campagne, one of Seattle's well known dining spots. Underneath Campagne, is CAFE de CAMPAGNE (www.cafecampagne.com) just next to the Pike Place Market. When I googled up the Cafe the other day, I kept getting rave remarks for one dish...so I headed there and ordered the OEUFS en MEURETTE. Most of you know, I don't care for brunch or big breakfasts, but I'm travelling on EDT and am so confused this trip, I figured at 11am, I could eat TWO poached EGGS on GARLIC CROUTONS with Pearl Onions, BACON, Mushrooms all engulfed in a RED WINE FOIE GRAS Sauce with POMMES FRITES with AIOLI. DO I HAVE TO ELABORATE? This was the BEST BRUNCH, breakfast or lunch dish I CAN EVER RECALL! Skip that aioli and dip those frites in the foie gras sauce!!! OK, I was good and skipped the wine drinking only coffee, so I could stay up for the opera matinee. I missed Seattle and need to come back again real soon!
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