1. 2 Apr



    Ayada Thai, the reason you should visit Queens more often

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    Ayada Thai / 77-08 Woodside Ave., Elmhurst, NY 11373
    http://ayadathaiwoodside.com/

    Elmhurst, Queens is where you’ll find a variety of ethnic cuisines (Chinese, Indian, Thai, etc), but it’s where the best Thai restaurant offering simple, satisfying and unpretentious food (in my opinion and many other food bloggers, Michelin & Zagat diners) has been hiding out all along. Experience quick and friendly service, inexpensive prices for the great quality of food, and the presence of other fellow happy diners.

    I’ve read and heard many great reviews of this restaurant saying that Ayada Thai is the place to go to if you’re looking to quit Sripraphai.  I used to love that place, but the crowds are restless and menu, endless!   At Ayada Thai, in this small, cozy space enclosed by bright yet unblinding green walls, I enjoyed a remarkable and memorable meal with my family.  

    We ordered the Crispy Duck salad to start (as the raving tips and Yelp reviews suggsted), and fantastic it was. Crispy, meaty, tender, I was relieved to find no bones in it!  Next, we tried the E-Sarn sausage. It’s the first time I’ve tried a unique and hearty dish. It’s a savory, Northern Thai speciality I haven’t seen it at any other Thai restaurant before. (Note: Prep yourself for spicy dishes and remember to order a Thai iced tea if you’re spiciness tolerance is low like mine. It’s refreshing!).

    Of course, we had to try Pad Thai (with beef!).  On a first visit to a Thai restaurant, I determine whether the place makes authentic Thai based on how their well their Pad Thai tastes in comparison to places I’ve been to before (well, what do I really know, I’m not Thai but sometimes I secretly wish I was part…) The Pad Thai passed my silly test with flying colors. I think it would be excellent with shrimp (allergies keep me from it, sadly). Since we couldn’t get enough of the duck (always a favorite choice of meat), we indulged in the Massaman Duck Curry.  A mildly spicy, chili coconut curry with hearty cuts of a fine boneless duck, this dish was a flavorful and fulfilling surprise.  Afterwards, it received lots of praise from my family. We also had a huge, tender pork leg over rice (not pictured), which was drool-worthy as well.  

    Another test I have for myself when going to Thai restaurants is finding the perfect Tom Kha Chicken Soup.  I’ve been trying to find a decent Tom Kha Gai with balanced flavors, and here at Ayada Thai was where I found it. Of all the well-known Thai outposts in Queens I’ve been to several times, their Tom Kha Chicken Soup doesn’t match up to that of Ayada’s. Chicken soup lovers, this is must try when you come here. Savoriness level is a 10 out of 10! 

    Only on the weekends, you’ll have the chance to eat a fried banana and taro snack with some sprinkled sugar. You can take a box or two of these treats to go or you can enjoy them as dessert.  Even after eating to our hearts’ (and stomachs’) content, there was room for these delectable treats.  

    It’s about time to take a trip out to Queens where a comfortable and cozy Thai haven awaits you and your curious appetite.

    * I recommend you make reservations in advance as place is small and fills up quickly, however the wait time isn’t too bad.  

     



  2. 5 Mar


    Hakata Tonton Menu
    Map of Japan feat. Fukuoka Prefecture
    Ton Ton Hot Pot before
    Tonton Hot Pot cooking
    Draft Sapporo, mmm
    Black Sesame Ice Cream
    Strawberry Ice Cream & wagashi
    Amaou Strawberry Jelly Wagashi

    Hakata Tonton / 61 Grove Street, New York, NY 10014
    http://tontonnyc.com

    One of my absolute favorite places to dine at in all of NYC, Hakata TonTon is a Japanese hot pot restaurant that serves specialty dishes from Hakata, a region in Western Japan - savory pork dishes, sushi, and more.  Regardless of the season, a steaming, savory and delicious “Hakata Tonton” hot pot (their classic stew dish), satisfies your hunger and pleases your palate.  It also warms your soul and the collagen broth is great for your skin!

    The photos above are from a summer visit in August 2011 with my sister.  Featured are the classic Hakata Tonton hot pot with collagen broth, tofu, dumplings, vegetables, Berkshire pork belly & Tonsoku a.k.a. pig’s feet (good for two people), fresh Sapporo beer, homemade black sesame ice cream and special strawberry amaou (a Hakata delicacy) ice cream with wagashi (a Japanese traditional sweet). 

    For first timers, and if you eat pork especially, you must order the Hakata Tonton hot pot. You can opt to add rice or ramen noodles to eat with the remaining broth.  It’s great if you’re a big eater or are craving either of the two. 

    Hakata Tonton is a small, casual restaurant with great, friendly service that I suggest you make reservations for about a week in advance. The tables fill up quickly, but there have been times I’ve called them day of and was told to show up right at opening time, 6PM, and was lucky to snag two seats! It’s possible to show up without a reservation if you have to…with a small party (two), just make sure to be there 15 minutes before opening if you have to that or good luck waiting. 

    All in all, I <3 Hakata Tonton, and I’m always in the mood to go and eat there! 博多トントン大好きだよ！

     



  3. 1 Feb


    Comodo / 58 Macdougal Street, New York, NY 10012
    http://comodonyc.com/

    It’s a little challenging to find a restaurant that doesn’t only serve a brunch menu on the weekends in NYC especially in SoHo.  When you wake up late on a Saturday after a long evening of social gatherings and venture out around 3PM, you’re trapped in the “awkward dining period” from 3PM-5PM.  Restaurants are either closed in preparation for dinner service or will only serve drinks at the bar. Most establishments start brunch at 10AM and end around 2PM or 3PM. However, there are some exceptions that last till 5PM and then immediately commence dinner service afterwards. 

    Luckily, I dropped by Comodo (a supper club turned restaurant) in the former Salt Restaurant space on Macdougal Street. The food at Comodo is Latin-American inspired, and the interiors were cozy. Since they serving brunch until 4PM, the boyfriend and I were thrilled when they welcomed us with open arms. I had read many raving reviews before coming here and have been eager to try their dishes. 

    Our server was very nice! He helped us decipher the menu and made excellent recommendations.  In addition to the food menu, there is a wine and cocktails list as well as freshly squeezed grapefruit and orange juices. I wonder how lunch and dinner would be like there next time. 

    The first dish above is the “Calentado” Duck Fat Fried Rice.  Duck lovers will want to try this!  The comforting mix of duck breast and fried rice topped off with an egg is a hearty and fulfiling combination of deliciousness. This was very enjoyable and filling. 

    Next, the “Poached Egg On A Pao de Queijo” was what I had.  The Pao de Quiejo is a type of Mexican bread, and it was my first time tasting it. The dish appeared to be a new type of “Eggs Benedict,” except the egg was poached and possibly quail, and it was prepared with avocado, chipotle cream sauce, and chorizo (my addition). The egg? Perfectly poached. Absolutely fantastic. On the side, diced butternut squash accompanied my meal. I thought it was very savory and satisfying (as the portions were just right). 

    Not pictured…unfortunately, I wasn’t able to snap the appetizers we had or the dessert (since my iPhone 4 Pudding photo app failed me this time, I and forgot my regular camera again, sorry). To start, we ordered the “Four C Chicharron”(three pieces) which was made with chipotle, chorizo, and chuleta on toasted chihuahua cheese. What is chihuahua cheese? Cannot recall its description? This dish was unlike anything we’ve ever had, and it was remarkable.  Our dessert was the churros and chocolate.  Dipping the fresh, piping hot churros into an espresso cup filled with melted dark chocolate was a tasty experience. As I’m writing this, I can recall the taste, textures, and flavors of that dish.  

    Comodo is yet another promising restaurant  where I’ll definitely make a return visit.  

     



  4. 23 Jan


    Cocotte / 110 Thompson St., New York, NY 10012http://www.cocotte-ny.com   A couple of weekends back, I came across this pleasant little restaurant on Thompson Street and was curious about it. It serves French food, French wine (mostly), and lovely desserts in a relaxing atmosphere, so one afternoon, I had to try it out.  I fell in love with everything and asked my friend Amy to dinner the following week.  I was hoping she&#8217;d fall in love with the place as I had, and I&#8217;m glad she did enjoy it as much as I did!  How could you not?  Cocotte serves meat and fish dishes in tiny casserole pots also called cocottes as well as soups, salads, appetizers, main dishes and desserts. Raphael runs the service there and is one amazing guy!  He&#8217;s helpful, friendly, knowledgable about wine and recommends the perfect dishes for you to try.  The portions are just right for one person and will leave you extremely satisfied, not overstuffed.  The wine list sources great selections from France (Bordeaux, Languedoc-Roussillon, Loire Valley) and also from Spain and Italy.   Featured above is my part of dinner enjoyed with my friend on a very, cold evening last week.  To start, my apéritif was a sparkling wine from the Loire Valley (should have noted the name), followed by a delicious butternut squash soup, and then a special tender pork cocotte with thinly sliced potatoes beneath.  I forgot to include the Bordeaux wine I enjoyed with the cocotte that was recommended to me by Raphael.  It was a refreshing choice that went well with my meal.  To end our meal, Amy and I had espressos for an evening booster.  Cocotte serve brunch on the weekends, and I&#8217;m looking forward to visiting then too.  The atmosphere of the restaurant is intimate with calming yet energetic music and can be boisterous later in the evenings. The overall experience is EXCELLENT.  You&#8217;ll enjoy everything about Cocotte - from the food, wine, environment, and wonderful staff!  

    Cocotte / 110 Thompson St., New York, NY 10012
    http://www.cocotte-ny.com  

    A couple of weekends back, I came across this pleasant little restaurant on Thompson Street and was curious about it. It serves French food, French wine (mostly), and lovely desserts in a relaxing atmosphere, so one afternoon, I had to try it out.  I fell in love with everything and asked my friend Amy to dinner the following week.  I was hoping she’d fall in love with the place as I had, and I’m glad she did enjoy it as much as I did!  How could you not? 

    Cocotte serves meat and fish dishes in tiny casserole pots also called cocottes as well as soups, salads, appetizers, main dishes and desserts. Raphael runs the service there and is one amazing guy!  He’s helpful, friendly, knowledgable about wine and recommends the perfect dishes for you to try.  The portions are just right for one person and will leave you extremely satisfied, not overstuffed.  The wine list sources great selections from France (Bordeaux, Languedoc-Roussillon, Loire Valley) and also from Spain and Italy.  

    Featured above is my part of dinner enjoyed with my friend on a very, cold evening last week.  To start, my apéritif was a sparkling wine from the Loire Valley (should have noted the name), followed by a delicious butternut squash soup, and then a special tender pork cocotte with thinly sliced potatoes beneath.  I forgot to include the Bordeaux wine I enjoyed with the cocotte that was recommended to me by Raphael.  It was a refreshing choice that went well with my meal.  To end our meal, Amy and I had espressos for an evening booster.  Cocotte serve brunch on the weekends, and I’m looking forward to visiting then too. 

    The atmosphere of the restaurant is intimate with calming yet energetic music and can be boisterous later in the evenings. The overall experience is EXCELLENT.  You’ll enjoy everything about Cocotte - from the food, wine, environment, and wonderful staff!  

     



  5. 13 Sep


    Amuse Bouche
    Crab w/ Seafood Broth & Avocado
    Sea Urchin Gelee
    Quail & Foie Gras
    Roasted Veal Cheeks
    Wagyu Beef Rib-Eye
    Peach Champagne Mousse
    Chocolate Mousse w/ Gold leaf
    Joël Robuchon candy
    The Menu

    L’Atelier De Joël Robuchon 

    An unforgettable and a most remarkable dining experience at Chef Robuchon’s NYC L’Atelier!  I had dinner here in August 2011.  From the food, presentation, ambiance and service…everything was top-notch.  The partnership with the Four Seasons had to end, sadly at the end of June 2012, and this restaurant closed too soon for it to become one of my regular favorites, however it remains as one of the best dinners in my lifetime so far!  

    Dinner as I can remember —

    • An Amuse Bouche 
    • Crab with Seafood Broth & Avocado (appetizer)
    • Sea Urchin Gelee (appetizer)
    • Quail & Foie Gras 
    • Roasted Veal Cheeks
    • Wagyu Beef Rib-Eye
    • Peach Champagne Mousse (dessert)
    • Chocolate Mousse with Gold Leaf (dessert)
    • Joël Robuchon candy (complimentary)

    Thank you, Chef. I’m awaiting your return to NYC.
     

    L’Atelier De Joël Robuchon
    The Four Seasons Hotel
    57 E 57th St.
    New York, NY 10022

    [My review on Yelp: http://bit.ly/U7WvSj]

     



  6. 12 Sep


    Benedict Johnny
    Benedict Johnny close-up
    Classic Eggs Benedict
    Country Breakfast w/Grits
    Vanilla Challah French Toast
    Salmon Scramble
    Supper Club & Friends

    JANE

    [ Brunch at its Best - the photos say it all!]

    When you decide to brunch at Jane, you MUST make a reservation in advance (I’d say at least 2-3 days) since they fill up quickly or you’ll end up waiting at least 45 min to an hour (depending) to eat.

    Located in northern SoHo and the beginning of Greenwich Village, Jane is a very lively restaurant with cozy seating (tables are quite close) and commendable service.  I visited in October 2011 with high expectations. With few last minute requests such adding/subtracting/re-adding extra guests at my table, the host & hostess were very accommodating despite the busy brunch rush and my indecisiveness at the moment.

    The brunch menu is quite extensive and creative!  You’ll find the usual brunch cocktails to complement your meal. 

    Photos from top left to right:

    • Benedict Johnny *
    • Classic Eggs Benedict
    • Country Breakfast with Grits
    • Vanilla Challah French Toast *
    • Salmon Scramble

    *Recommended to try

    JANE
    100 W Houston St.
    (between Laguardia Pl. & Thompson St.) 
    New York, NY 10012
    (212) 254-7000