* epicurean discovery

Ayada Thai, the reason you should visit Queens more often

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 18:12:17 -0400

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.

Hakata Tonton / 61 Grove Street, New York, NY...

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 11:39:28 -0500

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！

Comodo / 58 Macdougal Street, New York, NY...

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 14:11:00 -0500

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.

Cocotte / 110 Thompson St., New York, NY...

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 18:09:00 -0500

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!

L’Atelier De Joël Robuchon An unforgettable and a most...

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 15:26:00 -0400

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]

JANE [ Brunch at its Best - the photos say it all!] When you...

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 15:29:00 -0400

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

http://www.janerestaurant.com

The Great Gathering of Chefs — “Legends of the...

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 18:23:00 -0400

Beef Wellington Slider, Strip House

Savory Meatball, Osteria Morini

Hot Dog w/Mac & Cheese, Ditch Plains

Tart Tropezienne, Jeanne & Gaston

Chocolate Pig Cake Pops, Blue Hill Smoke

Chef Shaun Hergatt of SHO (amazing!).

Dominque Ansel signing "STREET EATS"

The Great Gathering of Chefs — “Legends of the Culinary World”

I was lucky to be invited to the “8th Annual Great Gathering of Chefs” on Tuesday, June 5, 2012 at the Prince George Ballroom. Lots of chefs mingling, photo-taking, as well as eating took place, and I enjoyed every moment!

This event brings together 150 of the world’s greatest chefs to raise money for “Action Against Hunger” Essentially it’s also the launch party newest book, “STREET EATS” of photographer Alan Batt a.k.a. Battman. This photo-gorgeous cookbook features recipes from 160 legendary chefs such as Eric Ripert, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Michael White, Shaun Hergatt, and Anita Lo (to name a handful).

From 3PM-5PM at the VIP “Chefs Meet and Greet,” press, food critics/writers, photographers, and food bloggers (like me & a couple of other fellow food friends!), were able to hang out with the chefs and witness the longest line of book-signing in history (I kid!). But really, the chefs sat at several tables placed next to each other covered in white tablecloths and passed around Battman’s latest book around after adding their signatures to their recipe pages.

Afterwards, all the tables in the ballroom were rearranged to get ready for the evening’s public tasting event. Most if not all of the recipes included in the “STREET EATS” book were available to eat. Some of my favorites (pictured above) were the Beef Wellington Sliders from the Strip House, the Savory Meatball from Chef Michael White’s restaurant, Osteria Morini in SoHo, the Ditch Dogs (hot dogs with homemade mac and cheese), and the sweet, flakey perfection that was the Tart Tropezienne. I put up a photo of the Chocolate Pig Cake Pops from Blue Hill Smoke so you could see how adorable this little piggie was! The dense chocolate brownie cake would have been perfect with a glass of milk. This is what I closed the night with…and I felt the weight of all the food I inhaled hitting me!

The absolute best part of the event was having the opportunity to taste these delicious bites of heaven! The second part was getting a copy of the signed book, and lastly, I had the pleasure of chatting with Chef Shaun Hergatt of the two-starred Michelin restaurant, SHO Shaun Hergatt in Financial District! :)

JADIS I always tease my sister about hanging out in the Lower...

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 23:55:00 -0500

Bacon-wrapped Scallops

Quiche au Poulet (Chicken)

Quiche close-up

Banana Chocolate Pudding

Creme Brulee

Chocolat Fondant

'09 Tempranillo, Ribero del Duero

Against the wall

Empty bottles displayed by the window

JADIS

I always tease my sister about hanging out in the Lower East Side whenever she’s in the city. It seems like she happens to be there the times she tells me stories of her outings with friends. Coincidentally when I called her that Saturday evening, she happened to be there. She asked me to meet up with her and friend, so I went. On that one rainy day in October, I came to encounter the gem that is Jadis.

After an hour and a half of traveling from Midtown East to the LES via subway and taxi due to the usual weekend transportation woes, I walked past the wine bar twice as my sister and friend watched me, confused, try to find the sign and entrance.

Once I arrived at Jadis, and immediately I taken by its charming and cozy ambiance. The bacon-wrapped scallops were enticing, and without hesitation we ordered it. From my own experience, meat, fish, cheese, and fruit wrapped in bacon will dazzle your taste buds, and make you believe that bacon is king. I feel that bacon possess the ability to transform ordinary tastes into the extraordinary. I exaggerate a bit.

Slightly hungrier than the rest, I tried the Quiche au Poulet. It could have had more of a kick to it in terms of the taste, and the texture could have been firmer. Overall, I thought it was pleasant dish.

To satisfy the last bit of hunger and close the meal, we ordered a Banana Chocolate Pudding, Creme Brulee, and a Chocolat Fondant; those were all the desserts on the menu that evening. We might have slightly overdone it with the desserts, but who wants to leave a void like that in one’s dining experience? Of the three, I thought the banana chocolate pudding was the best. The vanilla ice cream and strawberries were complemented the chunky consistency of the banana pudding ideally. The other two you can find them as standard selections on typical restaurant and cafe dessert menus. The creme brulee and chocolat fondant were delightful though there was nothing phenomenal about them.

Wine. How could I forget about thee? I spotted a familiar name on the wine list - Tempranillo. I’ve drank this kind before and was curious about the one Jadis featured. Taking the recommendation of our server, we chose the 2009 “Valderiz” Valderhermoso Tempranillo. This wine is similar to that from Rioja since it comes from the neighboring region of Ribero del Duero. That’s what the waiter/somm(?) told us. (It’s true!) It’s versatile; it did not overpower the flavors or interfere with taste the foods we ate. Tempranillo is a full-bodied wine that I find easy to drink. I’d enjoy drinking it on its own.

The atmosphere in the evening was boisterous and not the least bit rowdy. Area-wise, there was warm and dim lighting - a small, single candle illuminated each table and nook at the bar. I liked it. The only downside was the lack of available wait staff. Considering it was a Saturday evening, the place was packed, one bartender and three waiters, (one of the waiters also played host to entering guests) aren’t sufficient to keep things running smoothly and in a timely manner. Perhaps it was only that night that the service was sluggish, but that didn’t affect my mood negatively.

I’m already anticipating another visit to Jadis. Their wine list looked promising!

After that evening, I told my sister that her “favorite” NYC neighborhood left me with a good, lasting impression. She may have been somewhat amused.

Jadis
42 Rivington St. (bet. Eldridge & Forsyth)
New York, NY 10002
(212) 254-1675

http://www.jadisnyc.com

EN Japanese Brasserie [ENJB] If you’re looking for relaxed...

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 16:35:00 -0500

Wari-joyu Tofu, Chilled

Saikyo Miso Black Cod

Kuroge Washugyu & Toro Salmon Aburi

Toro Salmon Aburi Nigiri

Black Truffle Chawanmushi (Seasonal)

Hudson Val. Duck & Miso Mochi Croquette

Kurobuta Kakuni w/Miso, Daikon, Spinach

Black Sesame Ice Cream

Restaurant Lantern

EN Japanese Brasserie [ENJB]

If you’re looking for relaxed Japanese dining in a spacious, modern and comforting atmosphere, then you must go to EN Japanese Brasserie, or ENJB. From my experience, a good amount of places in New York aren’t authentic Japanese or have done Japanese fusion wrong. It turns out that ENJB is a 100% authentic with a modern approach by Chef Abe Hiroki. It’s actually an izakaya which is a bar-restaurant that primarily serves light, small, tapas-style dishes for sharing. ENJB is more on the upscale side of izakaya dining.

My sister is a huge fan of this place. “It’s my favorite restaurant,” she always tells me. When her friends here ask her for a recommendation on where to eat in NY, ENJB is the one place she’ll tell them about. I’ve heard her rave about this restaurant for the longest time, so I decided to try it out when a friend of mine from LA came to town.

First dish - the wari-joyu tofu, served warm or chilled. We opted for the chilled. It’s one of the top tips on Foursquare and Yelp, so we had to try it. It also had its own little section on the corner, so it had to be one of the restaurant’s specialties. The tofu was so fresh. Extremely fresh. Not only is it made in-house, it was carefully prepared and served with a light sauce, something similar to soy sauce but much lighter in taste and color. A nice start to dinner as well a way to prep our palates.

Second dish - My friend selected the Saikyo Miso Black Cod. I believe seafood is a must at any Japanese restaurant unless it’s a yakitori/yakiniku place. It was an excellent choice. You’re able to taste to the delicate nature of the black cod with an even flavor of miso throughout. The cod wasn’t overcooked. I thought it was perfectly done!

Nigiri sushi - This wasn’t exactly a “dish” (more like a tasting) but my friend saw the nigiri-zushi selection and was enticed to have the Kuroge Washugyu which was the Black Angus NY Strip Steak, so I took the next choice, the Toro Salmon Aburi which was the Fatty Salmon. The softness, and tenderness of the succulent fatty salmon was like a bite of heaven. Melted right on the tongue, and I savored every moment of it. My friend ‘fell in love’ with the Black Angus NY Strip Steak nigiri-zushi. “Best piece of ‘meat’ sushi” he’s ever had.

Third dish - Chawanmushi, a steamed egg custard dish with seafood (usually) reminds me so much of the time I lived in Japan. My first encounter with this dish was when I was living in Nagoya. I went with a co-worker to a small, udon shop for lunch, and she ordered this for me, and I enjoyed it very much. Seeing that ENJB had Black Truffle Chawanmushi on their menu as one of their seasonal dishes, I knew my friend and I had to have it. ENJB’s chawanmushi was fluffy, airy, and very smooth. There was no seafood in it, mainly shrimp since I am highly allergic to it, so we were able to enjoy the full flavors of dashi, bonito and hint of truffle in this dish.

Fourth dish - Mochi Croquette. Anything with duck? Yes, please. Inside the croquette was Hudson Valley Duck and potato, and it was served in a savory, dashi broth. The consistency of mochi, and this goes for all of my mochi experiences, including sweet - mochi is sticky. When cooked in a broth or soup, I think it becomes even stickier. That’s just how rice is. I liked it, but it wasn’t my favorite. Very flavorful but where was the duck?

Fifth dish - Mmm, Berkshire pork belly is great. Here come’s the Kurobuta Kakuni - braised Berkshire pork belly in sansho miso, daikon radish, spinach with a hard-boiled egg. The pork was tender and soft; the miso completed a well-balanced blend of all the flavors of the daikon radish and spinach. The egg was a plus. Love eggs.

Dessert - Black Sesame Ice Cream. If this is on the dessert list, I’m having it. Everyone loves green tea ice cream (the boldness of the matcha flavor - a must), but I think I’m over it especially when black sesame appears. I love the taste of black sesame. It’s another level of sweetness that differs from that of red bean. It has a light, gritty texture.

There was a three for $18 sake tasting that night (from 6-8PM if I remember). I forgot to take photos of it. Ask for the waiter’s recommendation. Ours helped us out with the tastes we preferred. There were three shots. I remember two of the three we had, though not the names - one had hints of pear and was juicy, and the other was made with ocean water, and was slightly on the dry, salty side. The third was probably some other fruit, apple, perhaps? All very clean tasting, and not very strong. I thought the tasting was a good value. For those who are interested in sake or would like to get into it, I recommend trying the tasting. Also, there are bottles of sake, shochu, wine, beer and cocktails available.

Overall experience at ENJB - very, very good. The food, service, and ambiance were great. Our waiter was funny, helpful, and he gave us good, honest recommendations. It’s nice for a date or a group. It’s quite dark, and could be romantic. There’s a larger room that’s brighter and with communal tables from what I saw. You have an excellent view of the kitchen there with the chefs at work.

EN Japanese Brasserie
435 Hudson Street @ Leroy St.
New York, NY 10014
(212) 647-9196

http://www.enjb.com

TARTINERY NOLITA I’ve always wanted to try Tartinery after...

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 18:27:00 -0400

Jamon Purée on Poilane Country Bread

Close-up of the tartine

Cappuccino, a post-brunch must

Clafoutis - soft, almond cake, ice cream

Sleek brunch menu

TARTINERY NOLITA

I’ve always wanted to try Tartinery after passing by it with a friend early this year in the late spring. The clean, and elegant appearance lured me as did the appealing menu, and it being French. However, I forgot the name of this place! I only found out about it again from another friend’s foursquare check-in, and it clicked - this was the place!

Tartinery NoLita is a modern take on the traditional bistro. It’s focus is on the tartine, a gourmet, open-faced sandwich on thin, delicately toasted bread. One of their breads, the Poilane country bread, hails from the famous St. Germain-des-Prés boulangerie in Paris. Oh, and this bread is flown daily from the bakery in Paris to New York. Oh, très special, non?

I came for brunch on Saturday, late September - my apologies for the delayed post!

After flipping through photos from fellow Yelp reviewers, I decided on the Jamon Purée tartine. The Jamon Purée is cooked ham, Brie cheese and dijon mustard. I chose to have it on the Poilane country bread.

How was it?

My taste buds were dancing with delight! It was absolutely divine. The tartine was perfectly done, and the flavors were very well-balanced.

I didn’t know whether to use my hands to eat the tartine or dining utensils, so……I went for the dining utensils. The neater(?) way. I was confused. I probably should have asked them what to do.

Followed my meal with a cappuccino and dessert (why, it has to be complete!) I skimmed the menu for a unique dessert then asked the friendly bartender (I sat at the bar) for his recommendation. He suggested the clafoutis, so I chose it. The clafoutis is a baked dessert, that is a little buttery and flan-like with berries inside - this one had the aroma and taste of almond, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and donned with a mint leaf on the side. First time tasting clafoutis, and I adored it! I definitely could have had another one.

Tartinery NoLita offers lunch and dinner (aside from the tasty tartines) and carries a vast collection of organic wines, mostly French from what I remember. They also serve cocktails, beers, fresh juices, water, and soda.

My overall dining experience was lovely. I enjoyed the attentive, friendly service, the beautiful interiors, and especially the food. I will definitely be returning and recommending this French NoLita gem to my family, friends, supper club and lovers of food.

This might just be the beginning of future, regular visits to Tartinery NoLita.

Tartinery NoLita
209 Mulberry Street (at Spring St.)
New York, NY 10012
(212) 300-5838

http://www.tartinery.com/

MAISON Ladurée [The Upper East Side Welcomes the Sweet] Ladurée...

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 09:50:00 -0400

Should be pink (poor lighting)

Macaron menu

24-pc. delights

Store front sans line

Window display

MAISON Ladurée

[The Upper East Side Welcomes the Sweet]

Ladurée - the luxury, French pastry shop has opened its doors on the Upper East Side.

Having opened on August 30, 2011, the craze for Ladurée macarons has been insane! The line wrapped around the corner of E. 71st street and ends inside the shop. A typical wait is 45 minutes to over an hour or two. Never have I seen such a wait for sweets like this in New York, only in Japan. I always thought I would never subject myself to waiting 45 minutes to over two hours on a line for a cake or pastries from a famous maker after seeing people in Japan do it patiently and calmly.

Upon reading the news about the opening of Ladurée, I was determined to visit the place. I love sweets, macarons especially, so I had to go. Seeing that the line outside Ladurée at 3:45PM on the Friday afternoon before Labor Day weekend was half the block of 71st street, I almost gave up and went to yoga early instead. I became one of the many waiting for two and a half hours to get in. Yes, 2.5 hours. I am insane.

Besides the delicate, delicious, and delightful macarons, Ladurée also sells handmade chocolate, tea, and ice cream. They also carry eco-friendly totes, candles, and home fragrances for sale. At $2.70 a piece, a macaron here is the most expensive in the city yet very well worth the price. You can purchase them by color and design of box in six, twelve, twenty-four, and probably other multiples of six.

The macarons are shipped by boat daily from France since they’re so fragile, and because there is no pastry chef here yet to make these beauties.

There are only two cashiers available inside - one for cash, the other credit. Credit takes a bit longer because they must make a carbon copy of your card to in order to charge you. I hope they update their CC system. The sales attendants were very nice and helpful, but still need to cope with the volume of customers flooding the store. Well, they are new and probably did not expect to be overwhelmed once opening.

I bought a 24-piece pink box of macarons that day. All 14 flavors with a few doubles. After a wait that long, I felt I should sample all flavors and take more home with me to share with my family. My favorite flavor is the Cassis Violette. I love, love cassis.

I can’t believe how patient I was during that wait! Good thing,I had a book with me to read, but that only distracted me for so long, hahaha.

Next, I’ll have to see how tea at Ladurée measures up to that of Mariage Frères. (Mariage Frères needs to open a tea salon in New York as soon as possible. I’ll be ther first to go).

Will I return? I braved the wait the first time, so I’ll endure another wait.

Maison Ladurée
864 Madison Avenue (bet. E. 70th & 71st streets)
New York, NY 10021
(646) 558-3157

http://www.laduree.fr/en/scene

ROUGE TOMATE Cart in the Park [A Food Cart Unlike the...

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 09:45:00 -0400

Rouge Tomate BLT

Chilled Local Corn Soup

E 64th & 5th Ave, Sustainable Green Cart

Mint Lemonade

Lunch Box w/Reusable Tote

ROUGE TOMATE Cart in the Park

[A Food Cart Unlike the Others]

How excited was I when I heard that my favorite restaurant Rouge Tomate launched a food cart a mere 10 blocks from my workplace! I think it’s only been about eight weeks since the opening of the Rouge Tomate Cart in the Park, and I am loving it!

I’ve been three times in the past month having ordered two of the same lunch box combos with different drinks.

Featured here is the lunch box from the second [fabulous] time I visited the Rouge Tomate Cart.

First photo from the left is the Rouge Tomate BLT. This was probably the best and healthiest BLT sandwich I’ve ever eaten. It’s made with Benton’s Hickory Smoked Bacon (glorious bacon, wherever they get it from), Jersey Beefsteak Tomato, wild arugula, and avocado on whole wheat bread.

Next is the Local Chilled Corn Soup. It’s clean, crispy and creamy with succotash, jalapeno, and basil. I’m not a big soup person — it really depends as when it comes to soup, I’m picky. When there’s a soup on a menu that grabs my attention, I’ll go for it. Since it’s a Rouge Tomate creation, I definitely had to try it. This soup was phenomenal! It’s very refreshing when you eat it.

Center stage — my snapshot of the lovely cart at the entrance to the Central Park Zoo. I was thrilled when I took this photo. Silly, yes. Excited I finally found it? Very much so.

Drink following was the Mint Lemonade. How can the proportions of lemon, mint, lemon and lime syrup, and seltzer be mixed to create a wonderfully balanced drink? I think the experts at Rouge Tomate hold that secret. Who doesn’t love the refreshingly cool and clean taste of mint?

Lastly, the lunch box spread. I finally received my reusable, insulated Rouge Tomate lunch tote! Appetizing and healthy!! The menu at Rouge Tomate and the cart are created with executive chef Jeremy Bearman and nutritionist, Natalie Hancock. Rest assured, you can feel great about what you eat here, because it’s healthy and satisfying!

They serve breakfast (muffins, parfaits, juice) and desserts (sorbets and gelato), too!

As an avid user of social media such as twitter and facebook (plus tumblr), I immediately had to follow and become a fan in order to spread the word and Rouge Tomate (cart and restaurant) love to all my friends and fellow followers.

Let me tell you, everything in the lunch box tasted of a perfect combo of fresh and savory. I can’t describe any other way. BLT lunch box is only $15! You must go and try it!

Enjoy and eat healthy! Love you guys!

Rouge Tomate Cart in the Park
E 64th St and 5th Avenue
(by the entrance of the Central Park Zoo)
Monday - Saturday, 9AM to 6PM
http://www.rougetomatenyc.com (Restaurant homepage)
Cart menu // Facebook fan page

Check the menu regularly for any delicious additions or changes!

NICE MATIN [An Upper West Side discovery] I came across this...

Sun, 14 Aug 2011 02:30:00 -0400

Fava Bean Cheese Soup

Close-up with cheese mixed in

Lobster Truffle Mac & Cheese

Chunk of lobster

"Stinky" Ricotta Honey Almond Crepes

I wonder if you can smell the cheese?

NICE MATIN

[An Upper West Side discovery]

I came across this lovely, casual French restaurant on the Upper West Side while exploring the neighborhood back in February 2011. After a short bout of shopping, I was famished so I used my trusty Yelp mobile app on my phone to search for a restaurant to fend off my hunger. When my search found “French” in the results, the closest and most-rated Nice Matin appeared and immediately caught my attention. A few quick review reads, and I was sold! So, off I went.

I happened to dine in during “Stinky Cheese” month. It’s been several months already, so the names of the dishes I tried all had some type of cheese (stinky and non-stinky). Forgive me for not jotting down the names for this delayed post!

The first two photos are of the Fava Bean soup I had with some sort of stinky cheese (name I cannot recall). The beans in this clean tasting but slighty odorous soup were delicate and still crisp. It reminded me of a French Onion Soup since the cheese was baked over the soup and because of the bowl it was served in.

Following the soup are three photos of the Lobster Truffle Mac & Cheese. I can never deny any dish with truffle in it or lobster, and when together, it seems impossible to say no to a superb pairing of the two. The macaroni was cooked perfectly, and I was pleased with the generous chunks of lobster baked with it. This dish was rich, creamy yet not overpowering in taste of the cheese, and the addition of truffle added the appropriate zesty flavor.

Lastly, I was adventurous when it came to dessert. I wanted to complete my “Stinky Cheese” experience so I took the recommendation of my waiter to go for the honey-glazed, ricotta-filled crepes with almonds. Not an immediate fan as the crepe was sour and the honey did not balance the taste of the slightly bitter and sour after taste of the ricotta. It wasn’t terrible nor was it amazing at least according to my palette. It was different. Not the usual sweet dessert I’m used to selecting, but I’m glad I tried it!

Nice Matin is a lovely, cozy and bustling restaurant (depending on the time of day). I definitely would return for brunch and dinner as the menu offers many delicious treats and seasonal dishes. I highly recommend trying this quaint place if you’re ever in the Upper West Side or willing to trek uptown to check it out.

Whether it’s a bistro, cafe or restaurant, if it’s French, I’m always up for it!

** Excuse the poor lighting in my photos. I used my camera on my phone.

NICE MATIN
201 W 79th St.
(between Amsterdam Ave & Broadway)
New York, NY 10024
(212) 873-6423

http://www.nicematinnyc.com/

WAFELS & DINGES (three trucks and cart!)Click here for...

Sun, 15 May 2011 13:53:00 -0400

Liège wafel, belgian choco, strawberries

Carry-out box

WAFELS & DINGES (three trucks and cart!)

Click here for scheduled locations
Waffle shown above is from the Vedette truck (on Lex. Ave & 52nd at the time)

This was my first authentic (in New York that is) Belgian waffle experience, and it was excellent! First, the difference between Belgian waffle, American waffle, and the liège waffle (another Belgian type in a league of its own).

Belgian waffles are square or rectangular in shape, lighter, thicker, crispier and has larger square pockets. The American-style is thinner, denser, is popular as a sweet breakfast food or with fried chicken, and has more variety in shapes - rectangular, round, and square. On the other hand, the liège is a sweeter, richer, denser, and chewier variant of the Belgian waffle. It is adapted from the brioche bread dough, served plain, with vanilla or cinnamon, and it is the most common waffle in Belgium available at street vendors.

Now, that the background information is complete, here’s my review. I’d seen an episode of “Throwdown with Bobby Flay” on the Food Network when Bobby Flay challenged the owner of a Belgian waffle food truck in New York City. To my surprise, it was this truck! And there, my interest in searching for unique, delicious culinary fare at food trucks around the city began.

Featured above in the mini slideshow is the liège waffle I tasted. Drenched in belgian chocolate, fresh strawberries and lightly powdered confectioner’s sugar, this fluffy snack fulfilled my afternoon sweets craving. You can eat the liège waffle plain or add as many toppings you like for an additional charge ($1). There are four other types of waffles on the menu that I have yet to try, but they look just as mouth-watering.When you take the waffle to go, they package it in the sliding box as shown.

The photo doesn’t do the waffle much justice, so you’ll have to go and try it yourself, and taste how a good a simple snack can be!

ROUGE TOMATE10 E. 60th St. (between Madison & 5th)New...

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 23:01:00 -0500

Non-alcoholic Amber Palmer

Chilled Potato Chowder

Whole Brook Trout a la Plancha

Seasonal Fruit Platter w/ice cream

ROUGE TOMATE
10 E. 60th St. (between Madison & 5th)
New York, NY 10022
(646) 237-8977
http://www.rougetomatenyc.com/

Here we are again at Rouge Tomate - one of my favorite restaurants in all of New York. I dined here during Summer 2010 Restaurant Week for lunch. What I enjoy about Rouge Tomate is the restaurant’s seasonal menus, wine/cocktail/juice list, its decor and the spaciousness. The food is served similar to tapas-style but the portions/plates for appetizers and entrees are smaller. I suggest ordering two entrees per person or two appetizers/one entree per person. If you would love to experience new Modern-American cuisine, I highly recommend you to Rouge Tomate. It received it’s first Michelin star last year (three stars being exceptional by French rating standards)! You’ll come to love this place as much as I do…and that is every time I go. Look forward to more posts about Rouge Tomate in the future as there’s always something new on their menu, and because I love it here!

Katsuhama11 E. 47nd St. (between 5th & Madison...

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 23:04:00 -0500

Salad, pork tonkatsu & sashimi

Mini Kitsune Udon w/steamed rice

Katsuhama
11 E. 47nd St. (between 5th & Madison Aves.)
New York, NY 10017
(212) 758-5909
http://www.katsuhama.com

Delightful & delicious bento lunch sets and tonkatsu! Shown here is what I had for lunch one summer day last year. The restaurant may have changed their specials since then.

If you’re unfamiliar with tonkatsu, it’s breaded pork cutlet served with a thick, sweetened Japanese Worchestershire sauce, cabbage and miso soup. There are several varieties of tonkatsu based on regional Japanese taste and served with different sauces. Besides pork, tonkatsu can either be chicken, minced meat patty, ham or beef. With two locations in Midtown, you won’t have to go far for a quick tonkatsu fix.

BISTRO LES AMIS180 Spring St.New York, NY 10012(212)...

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 18:40:00 -0500

Tomato Gazpacho

Ham, Apple & Gruyere Omelette

Croque Madame

BISTRO LES AMIS
180 Spring St.
New York, NY 10012
(212) 226-8645
http://www.bistrolesamis.com

My favorite place to eat in SoHo - great for brunch & dinner! Petite inside yet cozy/romantic.

Oh! Taisho9 St. Marks PlaceNew York, NY 10003(212)...

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 18:31:00 -0500

Takoyaki

Agedashi-tofu

Okonomiyaki

Ahi Tuna Salad

Yaki-ika (Fried Squid)

Oh! Taisho
9 St. Marks Place
New York, NY 10003
(212) 673-1300
http://yakitoritaisho.com/

For Japanese Izakaya-style (bar) food in East Village — small, busy place with a lot of energy & it’s authentic!

ROUGE TOMATE10 E 60th St (at Madison Avenue)New York,...

Mon, 31 May 2010 15:13:00 -0400

Amber Palmer non-alcoholic cocktail

Long Island Duck w/farrow, cherries...

Lemon Asparagus Risotto

ROUGE TOMATE
10 E 60th St (at Madison Avenue)
New York, 10022
(646) 237-8977
http://www.rougetomatenyc.com

[Modern American - nutritional, culinary genius, a personal favorite!]

Alice’s Tea Cup, Chapter II156 East 64th Street, New York,...

Mon, 31 May 2010 14:23:00 -0400

Pai-mu-tan oolong champagne white tea

Mad-hatter tea for two

Choco mousse cake & asst. cookies

Black forest ham+gruyere & smoked salmon

Coconut/lemon, pumpkin, & nutella scones

Alice’s Tea Cup, Chapter II
156 East 64th Street, New York, NY 10065
(212) 486-9200
http://alicesteacup.com

[Afternoon tea & cafe specialities - extensive tea list]