Friday night kicked off our first full weekend in the city since probably April. It had been a long time. JB & I planned a weekend to catch up with friends, see family, visit museums and eat food.
Friday night after work we zipped over to the MOMA to see the Pollocks. Since our visit to the Pollock-Krasner house in October, JB has had a mild obsession. And Friday nights at the MOMA are free so it was a no-brainer. Luckily it was not as crowded as anticipated (as an aside, the Van Gogh exhibit which we saw at the Met the next day, was not free and was ridiculously crowded.) After our art fix, we headed to the Upper West Side for dinner with our friends Ed & Vanessa.
Vanessa, who lives in the neighborhood, suggested Zeytin, a Turkish restaurant on 85th & Columbus. JB & I love Turkish so we were quick to agree.
Having done my research, I knew to order the lamb dumplings as an appetizer. They were tiny dumplings in a tahini like sauce and they were delicious. We had red caviar spread that everyone loved except me (I don't eat caviar). And finally, mashed eggplant and grilled octopus, both of which were just OK.
Since our first dinner at Turkish Kitchen in the Kips Bay area, we have always LOVED Hunkar Begendi. It is a lamb dish served on a bed of pureed eggplant. It is the eggplant that makes the dish. Its almost like mashed potatoes except it is eggplant. JB & I both had to order it and of course cleaned our plates. Ed followed with a lamb special which had some supposedly amazing rice and Vanessa a quail in grape leaves. I didn't try either of their dishes but everyone seemed to enjoy it their meals.
We finished our dinner with some Turkish desserts, a milky creme brulee-type dish and a baklava. The baklava was a standout.
Service was a low point, so we decided just to focus on the food which was a good move.
Overall, it was a fun evening, with good friends and good food. And I'm looking forward to our next Turkish meal.
Until we eat again, KLB
Monday, November 21, 2005
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Bistro 61, 11/17/05
Scheduling is tough. So much so that we had not seen Kimberly & Matt since their wedding in early October. Between the four of our schedules, we were able to squeeze in dinner tonight for almost all of us. Unfortunately, JB got stuck at work. I was the lone newlywed at the table.
We met at the Terance Conran shop where they were having a shopping event. 20% off all items and I thought I'd get a jump on my holiday shopping. I came away with only a gift, for myself, the much-written about 2006 NYC Michelin Guide. I even got a picture with myself & the Michelin man. I can't wait to read it.
After our botched shopping trip, we looked for a neighborhood spot. Bistro 61, on 1st & 61st (obviously) was where we landed. As Matt called it, the decor is "formulaic". Trust me, the exposed brick with cutouts for candles did not exist when this same space was an Indian restaurant.
The menu has typical bistro fare like mussels, french onion soup and frites, but also has some pasta dishes and salads. Our waitress was so skinny we felt guilty ordering. Nonetheless, Kimberly & I ordered a tuna tartar to start while Matt had a tomato/mozzarella tart. The tuna was served in a martini glass with rather large chunks of fish which pleased me. Matt silently ate his starter, so I can't really comment.
When we had been ordering our main courses, Kimberly had asked for the burger with foie gras. "A bargain!" she exclaimed, especially when compared to DB's burger. The waitress then let us know that that was the last one of the evening. We found that quite strange considering it was only a little after 8:00 but oh well. I did taste it and thought it just OK. The foie gras was pate-style so it was not for me. The fries, however, were close to perfect. They are on the list.
Matt & I each opted for the pasta. Mine was a rigatoni with eggplant & zucchini which I thought was somewhat healthy. Matt had black linguine, which he deemed fresh, with crab, which he deemed not.
All in all, we agreed that it was a good neighborhood spot. We then talked about their neighborhood bistros like Park Bistro & Cossette and said we'd go there next time.
Until we eat again, KLB
PS - Matt, good luck in the marathon on Sunday!
We met at the Terance Conran shop where they were having a shopping event. 20% off all items and I thought I'd get a jump on my holiday shopping. I came away with only a gift, for myself, the much-written about 2006 NYC Michelin Guide. I even got a picture with myself & the Michelin man. I can't wait to read it.
After our botched shopping trip, we looked for a neighborhood spot. Bistro 61, on 1st & 61st (obviously) was where we landed. As Matt called it, the decor is "formulaic". Trust me, the exposed brick with cutouts for candles did not exist when this same space was an Indian restaurant.
The menu has typical bistro fare like mussels, french onion soup and frites, but also has some pasta dishes and salads. Our waitress was so skinny we felt guilty ordering. Nonetheless, Kimberly & I ordered a tuna tartar to start while Matt had a tomato/mozzarella tart. The tuna was served in a martini glass with rather large chunks of fish which pleased me. Matt silently ate his starter, so I can't really comment.
When we had been ordering our main courses, Kimberly had asked for the burger with foie gras. "A bargain!" she exclaimed, especially when compared to DB's burger. The waitress then let us know that that was the last one of the evening. We found that quite strange considering it was only a little after 8:00 but oh well. I did taste it and thought it just OK. The foie gras was pate-style so it was not for me. The fries, however, were close to perfect. They are on the list.
Matt & I each opted for the pasta. Mine was a rigatoni with eggplant & zucchini which I thought was somewhat healthy. Matt had black linguine, which he deemed fresh, with crab, which he deemed not.
All in all, we agreed that it was a good neighborhood spot. We then talked about their neighborhood bistros like Park Bistro & Cossette and said we'd go there next time.
Until we eat again, KLB
PS - Matt, good luck in the marathon on Sunday!
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Applausi, 11/15/05
My parents had been begging us to come out to Old Greenwich to see them. Its hard with our weekends away and our late hours during the week, but my mom had essentially put her foot down, so JB and I dutifully boarded the train and headed to the land of suburbia.
My dad greeted us in his new Mini. Boy is that car small, but awesome. Especially awesome because my mom won it for him at a charity event. That $25 raffle ticket is probably the best return she’s ever gotten on her investment.
After spending some time at the house and opening a few wedding gifts, we headed up the road to Applausi. If you’ve never been to Old Greenwich, it’s a small town. One main road with a few restaurants and shops. Everyone knows everyone. So sitting in the window at Applausi I thought we were doomed to never catch our return train home, but luckily my mom only knew the people at two tables.
The setting is pleasant and the waiters congenial. The food is Italian, in a fancy way. Home-made pastas are in the low $20s and entrees are in the $22 - $34 range.
The bread was the best part. Crusty Italian and focaccia with delicious olive oil.
We moved on to salads, a mixed and a Caesar, which were both ordinary.
We all had pasta for dinner. Sadly, I was the loser of the evening. I chose a fusilli with pesto and shrimp. The shrimp was small but tasted fine. The pesto sauce did not. Way too creamy, and since when is there cream in pesto sauce? I ate some but not all. JB and my mom had ravioli, my mom’s plain and JB’s with lobster and crab. I tasted my mom’s and found the ravioli hard and almost cheese-less. My dad quietly consumed is spaghetti with shellfish. I think he won.
We didn’t have time for dessert because we had to make the train, but I think I would have passed. My parents come here often, I don’t think the place is bad, I just think we did not order right. Next time I’m staying away from the pasta.
Until we eat again, KLB
My dad greeted us in his new Mini. Boy is that car small, but awesome. Especially awesome because my mom won it for him at a charity event. That $25 raffle ticket is probably the best return she’s ever gotten on her investment.
After spending some time at the house and opening a few wedding gifts, we headed up the road to Applausi. If you’ve never been to Old Greenwich, it’s a small town. One main road with a few restaurants and shops. Everyone knows everyone. So sitting in the window at Applausi I thought we were doomed to never catch our return train home, but luckily my mom only knew the people at two tables.
The setting is pleasant and the waiters congenial. The food is Italian, in a fancy way. Home-made pastas are in the low $20s and entrees are in the $22 - $34 range.
The bread was the best part. Crusty Italian and focaccia with delicious olive oil.
We moved on to salads, a mixed and a Caesar, which were both ordinary.
We all had pasta for dinner. Sadly, I was the loser of the evening. I chose a fusilli with pesto and shrimp. The shrimp was small but tasted fine. The pesto sauce did not. Way too creamy, and since when is there cream in pesto sauce? I ate some but not all. JB and my mom had ravioli, my mom’s plain and JB’s with lobster and crab. I tasted my mom’s and found the ravioli hard and almost cheese-less. My dad quietly consumed is spaghetti with shellfish. I think he won.
We didn’t have time for dessert because we had to make the train, but I think I would have passed. My parents come here often, I don’t think the place is bad, I just think we did not order right. Next time I’m staying away from the pasta.
Until we eat again, KLB
Monday, November 14, 2005
3 Bergers, 1 Weekend, 11/11/05 - 11/13/05
We just came back from spending a fun weekend with JB's mom at our villa in the Hamptons. We walked on the beach, we shopped, we saw art and we ate. Boy did we eat.
Here are the highlights:
- Dinner, Friday, Triangle Pub in Eastport: As I've mentioned time and again this place has the best burgers around. $5 of perfection. See our August review for the full report.
- Lunch, Saturday, Sydney's in Westhampton Beach: We knew we were having a big dinner so we split some curried chicken salad after shopping in town. The three of us downed that pound of chicken. It was delicious, not too mayonnaise-y and complete with currants (yes I picked them out, but the others enjoyed them). We also had the most amazing bag of olive oil and rosemary potato chips. You should order them online, they truly are awesome. www.goodhealthnaturalfoods.com/oliveoilchips.html
- Dinner, Saturday, The Almond in Bridgehampton: We were big winners at the Almond with their prix-fixe. Before 7PM they offer three courses for $19.95, a steal in any season. JB & his mom started with the mussels while I chose a simple goat cheese salad. I tasted the mussels which were plentiful and full of garlic. All three of us had the roast chicken which had a breast and a thigh. JB traded his breast for my thigh since I don't love dark meat. Potatoes and spinach complemented the dish which disappeared from all of our plates. Dessert was ice cream or sorbet, neither were noteworthy, but by then we'd had our fill. We also enjoyed a great bottle of Lieb Chardonnay from Mattituck. Truly a perfect evening.
- Brunch, Sunday, Trumpets on the Bay in Eastport: As if we weren't full enough, we opted for a fancy brunch overlooking the bay. JB and his mom continued the festivities with Bloody Marys while I stayed with water only. The bread basket was huge. Sweet buns, cheddar rolls, flatbreads, I think we finished three baskets. Our 12 year old busboy was not thrilled, neither was our waitrees. Alas, we also paid for food. Trying to get back on track, I had an egg white & asparagus omelette but wound up eating much of my new mother-in-law's steak frites. JB had tuna tartar to start which was not original but good and then had an escalar salad. A strange finish if you ask me, but he liked it.
We waddled back to NYC full, happy and relaxed.
Until we eat again, KLB
Here are the highlights:
- Dinner, Friday, Triangle Pub in Eastport: As I've mentioned time and again this place has the best burgers around. $5 of perfection. See our August review for the full report.
- Lunch, Saturday, Sydney's in Westhampton Beach: We knew we were having a big dinner so we split some curried chicken salad after shopping in town. The three of us downed that pound of chicken. It was delicious, not too mayonnaise-y and complete with currants (yes I picked them out, but the others enjoyed them). We also had the most amazing bag of olive oil and rosemary potato chips. You should order them online, they truly are awesome. www.goodhealthnaturalfoods.com/oliveoilchips.html
- Dinner, Saturday, The Almond in Bridgehampton: We were big winners at the Almond with their prix-fixe. Before 7PM they offer three courses for $19.95, a steal in any season. JB & his mom started with the mussels while I chose a simple goat cheese salad. I tasted the mussels which were plentiful and full of garlic. All three of us had the roast chicken which had a breast and a thigh. JB traded his breast for my thigh since I don't love dark meat. Potatoes and spinach complemented the dish which disappeared from all of our plates. Dessert was ice cream or sorbet, neither were noteworthy, but by then we'd had our fill. We also enjoyed a great bottle of Lieb Chardonnay from Mattituck. Truly a perfect evening.
- Brunch, Sunday, Trumpets on the Bay in Eastport: As if we weren't full enough, we opted for a fancy brunch overlooking the bay. JB and his mom continued the festivities with Bloody Marys while I stayed with water only. The bread basket was huge. Sweet buns, cheddar rolls, flatbreads, I think we finished three baskets. Our 12 year old busboy was not thrilled, neither was our waitrees. Alas, we also paid for food. Trying to get back on track, I had an egg white & asparagus omelette but wound up eating much of my new mother-in-law's steak frites. JB had tuna tartar to start which was not original but good and then had an escalar salad. A strange finish if you ask me, but he liked it.
We waddled back to NYC full, happy and relaxed.
Until we eat again, KLB
Thursday, November 10, 2005
$1 Dinner at Dumpling House, 11/10/05
All Bergers love a good bargain. Tonight we had one of NYC's best.
Our dumpling quest occurred circumstantially because we went to a Golf Digest gallery opening on the edge of Chinatown. Art, golf, Grey Goose and free food. Paradise for JB. The food was ordinary but everything else was spectacular.
And so since we were in the neighborhood I thought we should try a dumpling place to see what they were all about.
The Dumpling House is on Eldridge Street just south of Delancey. A few more blocks and you're in the familiar Lower East Side, but Eldridge Street is far from familiar. Its Chinatown without the tourists.
Dumpling House's special is, of course, dumplings. 5 for $1 or 10 for $2. They come boiled or fried; pork, vegetable or a combination of the two. They also have some soups and scallion pancakes that resemble pizzas. Everything is made on site and the kitchen workers constantly run to the front of the house with freshly made dumplings.
We had dumplings. 20 to be exact. 10 fried pork & chive, 5 boiled pork & chive and 5 boiled pork & vegetable. They all won. The boiled dumplings are round and compact whereas the fried ones are longer and flatter. Yum all around.
Dumpling House is not a dining destination. We were there only about 15 or 20 minutes, you can't make a night of it, but its the perfect stop if you're (sort of) in the neighborhood.
Oh, we took home a bag of 30 frozen dumplings for $5 so we can make them at home. We'll let you know how that goes.
Until we eat again, KLB
Our dumpling quest occurred circumstantially because we went to a Golf Digest gallery opening on the edge of Chinatown. Art, golf, Grey Goose and free food. Paradise for JB. The food was ordinary but everything else was spectacular.
And so since we were in the neighborhood I thought we should try a dumpling place to see what they were all about.
The Dumpling House is on Eldridge Street just south of Delancey. A few more blocks and you're in the familiar Lower East Side, but Eldridge Street is far from familiar. Its Chinatown without the tourists.
Dumpling House's special is, of course, dumplings. 5 for $1 or 10 for $2. They come boiled or fried; pork, vegetable or a combination of the two. They also have some soups and scallion pancakes that resemble pizzas. Everything is made on site and the kitchen workers constantly run to the front of the house with freshly made dumplings.
We had dumplings. 20 to be exact. 10 fried pork & chive, 5 boiled pork & chive and 5 boiled pork & vegetable. They all won. The boiled dumplings are round and compact whereas the fried ones are longer and flatter. Yum all around.
Dumpling House is not a dining destination. We were there only about 15 or 20 minutes, you can't make a night of it, but its the perfect stop if you're (sort of) in the neighborhood.
Oh, we took home a bag of 30 frozen dumplings for $5 so we can make them at home. We'll let you know how that goes.
Until we eat again, KLB
Monday, November 07, 2005
Berger Review! Good Bergers at Goodburger
JB and I have been waiting for Good Burger to open. We saw the signs on the windows, we read the news of the its opening and today we ate it.
And it is a good burger.
Burgers are small, very juicy and delicious. I opted for a plain hamburger with lettuce, tomato & onion. JB had a cheeseburger with the works which, in addition to what I had, has mustard, mayo, ketchup and pickles. We split the fries which were Mickey’s D style but not quite as good.
It was super crowded at 1PM on a Monday. Its on 43rd & 2nd so it is packed with business people and tourists. There are very few seats. JB stood while I was on a stool at the counter.
Here’s the complaint. This place is expensive. A hamburger, fries & a drink make a combo which is priced at $8.00. The hamburger alone is $4.75. And neither of those prices includes cheese. But is it worth it? Sometimes. I think its worth a try, I mean I have to try every Berger place out there. But I’ve had better for less.
Shack burger anyone?
Until we eat again, KLB
And it is a good burger.
Burgers are small, very juicy and delicious. I opted for a plain hamburger with lettuce, tomato & onion. JB had a cheeseburger with the works which, in addition to what I had, has mustard, mayo, ketchup and pickles. We split the fries which were Mickey’s D style but not quite as good.
It was super crowded at 1PM on a Monday. Its on 43rd & 2nd so it is packed with business people and tourists. There are very few seats. JB stood while I was on a stool at the counter.
Here’s the complaint. This place is expensive. A hamburger, fries & a drink make a combo which is priced at $8.00. The hamburger alone is $4.75. And neither of those prices includes cheese. But is it worth it? Sometimes. I think its worth a try, I mean I have to try every Berger place out there. But I’ve had better for less.
Shack burger anyone?
Until we eat again, KLB
The Bergers Drink Beer & Eat a Great Meal, 11/5/05
Free Beer. Two of the best words in the English language for many people. And we found it in Patchogue.
JB and I decided to go on a Long Island excursion. Instead of going east as we typically do, we went west in search of the Blue Point Brewery.
We found it not in Blue Point, but in an unassuming warehouse in Patchogue. We walked in and found a crowded bar. Its crowded because its free. All the beer is free except one or two kinds which cost $1.
We found a spot at the bar and JB had a taste of each of the 10 or so on tap. 10 beers for free. They were small cups and JB couldn't drink them all, but some people do and then some.
I stopped on the light beers but JB went all the way to darkest & stormiest brew. And we got a free tour from one of the brewers. He tastes each beer every day. Tough job.
After all the drinking we were hungry. A guy we befriended at the bar urged us to go to a patches seafood restaurant, but we had had enough of patches and decided to try a new town - Bellport.
We had heard that Bellport is a mini-Hamptons and wanted to see what it was all about -- in the off season. With my trusty Long Island Zagat we read about a restaurant called Bellport Restaurant.
In a word, it was awesome. Some of the best cooking we've had in a long time. Food was simple and delicious. All the ingredients were fresh, portions were large and prices were reasonable.
I splurged on the buttermilk fried chicken, a self-reported favorite, with chive mashed potatoes and string beans. I almost ate the whole thing.
JB started with a lobster bisque, that didn't quite have enough lobster, but finished strong with the Long Island duck. JB is a duck snob. He rarely likes it, but always gets it and is disappointed. Tonight he was thrilled. The duck came in a wine sauce with the leg and the breast, plus a pile of stuffing. (I cannot wait for stuffing at Thanksgiving).
We skipped dessert, and drinks for the matter, but still had a lovely dinner. It was the polar opposite of the Blue Point Brewery, including more money. But it was so worth it. We will be back.
Until we eat again, KLB
JB and I decided to go on a Long Island excursion. Instead of going east as we typically do, we went west in search of the Blue Point Brewery.
We found it not in Blue Point, but in an unassuming warehouse in Patchogue. We walked in and found a crowded bar. Its crowded because its free. All the beer is free except one or two kinds which cost $1.
We found a spot at the bar and JB had a taste of each of the 10 or so on tap. 10 beers for free. They were small cups and JB couldn't drink them all, but some people do and then some.
I stopped on the light beers but JB went all the way to darkest & stormiest brew. And we got a free tour from one of the brewers. He tastes each beer every day. Tough job.
After all the drinking we were hungry. A guy we befriended at the bar urged us to go to a patches seafood restaurant, but we had had enough of patches and decided to try a new town - Bellport.
We had heard that Bellport is a mini-Hamptons and wanted to see what it was all about -- in the off season. With my trusty Long Island Zagat we read about a restaurant called Bellport Restaurant.
In a word, it was awesome. Some of the best cooking we've had in a long time. Food was simple and delicious. All the ingredients were fresh, portions were large and prices were reasonable.
I splurged on the buttermilk fried chicken, a self-reported favorite, with chive mashed potatoes and string beans. I almost ate the whole thing.
JB started with a lobster bisque, that didn't quite have enough lobster, but finished strong with the Long Island duck. JB is a duck snob. He rarely likes it, but always gets it and is disappointed. Tonight he was thrilled. The duck came in a wine sauce with the leg and the breast, plus a pile of stuffing. (I cannot wait for stuffing at Thanksgiving).
We skipped dessert, and drinks for the matter, but still had a lovely dinner. It was the polar opposite of the Blue Point Brewery, including more money. But it was so worth it. We will be back.
Until we eat again, KLB
Le Zie, 11/4/05
Happy Birthday Emily! We missed the official celebration on Saturday night so we decided to have a birthday weekend kickoff dinner on Friday night at Le Zie. Emily loves Italian and we needed to be close-ish to Penn Station to get our 10:29PM train, so Le Zie on 7th Avenue & 20th Street was a great fit.
When considering Le Zie we were worried that they didn't take reservations. But they did for a party of 6, which we were, so an 8:00 dining time was set. When we ran into Emily & Greg on 7th Avenue at 8:15 I was slightly worried the table would be gone, but Le Zie is very casual. Very casual. They sat us at our 6-top with only 4 of us and were accommodating when Seth & Emily (a different Emily) appeared from the back garden.
Now the food. I had heard lots of rave reviews on Chowhound.com. Plus my friend Laura recommended the Mac & Cheese and/or the gnocchi. We were set.
JB & I did a mini pasta tasting menu. A pumpkin ravioli to start, followed by the macaroni & cheese with black truffles and the ricotta & spinach tortellini. We shared well, passing back & forth every few bites.
But there were problems. Almost all of the dishes were cold. I do not like cold food. Emily sent her gnocchi back it was so cold.
The pumpkin ravioli was super sweet. Birthday girl Emily had an entree size worth and could not finish.
The macaroni & cheese, as Laura had recommended was the clear winner. Clear winner. Greg & Seth had opted for more meaty dishes, veal and lamb respectively, but all took from the macaroni & cheese.
We did have a fun, and a lot of prosecco.
Oh and by the way, we caught the train by about two minutes. I would not recommend trying to catch a train after a birthday dinner. The buzz goes right through you when you're running for a train.
Until we eat again, KLB
When considering Le Zie we were worried that they didn't take reservations. But they did for a party of 6, which we were, so an 8:00 dining time was set. When we ran into Emily & Greg on 7th Avenue at 8:15 I was slightly worried the table would be gone, but Le Zie is very casual. Very casual. They sat us at our 6-top with only 4 of us and were accommodating when Seth & Emily (a different Emily) appeared from the back garden.
Now the food. I had heard lots of rave reviews on Chowhound.com. Plus my friend Laura recommended the Mac & Cheese and/or the gnocchi. We were set.
JB & I did a mini pasta tasting menu. A pumpkin ravioli to start, followed by the macaroni & cheese with black truffles and the ricotta & spinach tortellini. We shared well, passing back & forth every few bites.
But there were problems. Almost all of the dishes were cold. I do not like cold food. Emily sent her gnocchi back it was so cold.
The pumpkin ravioli was super sweet. Birthday girl Emily had an entree size worth and could not finish.
The macaroni & cheese, as Laura had recommended was the clear winner. Clear winner. Greg & Seth had opted for more meaty dishes, veal and lamb respectively, but all took from the macaroni & cheese.
We did have a fun, and a lot of prosecco.
Oh and by the way, we caught the train by about two minutes. I would not recommend trying to catch a train after a birthday dinner. The buzz goes right through you when you're running for a train.
Until we eat again, KLB
Monday, October 31, 2005
The Bergers are Back! 10/31/05
Friends and fans,
We're back. The past 4 weeks have been a whirlwind of healthy food, fast food and downright boring food. Seriously, I was close to becoming Jared after all the Subway sandwiches I consumed. But the good news is we saved a few bucks and shed a few pounds, so we can't complain.
Below is a quick snapshot of some of the more memorable meals. Trust me there are more to come and soon!
- Amber (NYC): I became obsessed with takeout sushi and jumped at the chance to order from this newish spot on the Upper East Side while visiting Jenn at her new (and awesome) apartment. Sushi was fresh but delivery was slow. I'll have to take JB there one night before the movies.
- Cottonwood (Boston): My co-workers and I had an hour before our flight so we had a late lunch at this Tex-Mex restaurant Back Bay. I thought it was unremarkable, I had some type of salad, and therefore was shocked when I logged on to citysearch where it is highly rated. Must be a Boston thing. (Note: To all in Boston, it was just a day trip, I will call next time there is an evening involved)
- Babette's (East Hampton): This was one of our super healthy meals. I dined on egg whites and fruit on the patio watching East Hampton go by. JB scoped for talent. I hear its mobbed here in season.
- Mt. Fuji (South Hampton): More Sushi. JB was excited to sit at the tatami-like table. I was a little tuna'ed out. JB's sushi platter though was better than expected. No crab stick (Yeah!)
- Caffe Linda (NYC): Lunch with Mom and Dad was rushed, but the atmosphere is great for Midtown Manhattan. Only a block from my office, it was the perfect place to forget about the workday for a little while. The food not stellar and my shrimp salad was miniscule, but that wasn't the point. I bet the pasta is good.
- Baby Moon (West Hampton Beach): Finally, some real food! JB had spaghetti and meatballs, I had baked eggplant. They give you a lot including salad, garlic knots and bruschetta. It almost made up for the REALLY BAD service. Almost.
- Tir Na Nog (NYC): We missed the train, I lost JB in Penn Station, I was a wreck. We went to Tir Na Nog to calm down. Two beers later, some baseball, a lot of U2 fans and chicken fingers, it was the best thing that happened all week.
We also tried something different this month: home cooking! Two standouts were JB's tilapia and Christie's salmon. I don't even like salmon and I liked this.
I'm taking recommendations on where to go next. Obviously I have my list, but if there's a place you want to know more about, send us! After this past month the Bergers are ready for some amazing meals.
Until we eat again, KLB
We're back. The past 4 weeks have been a whirlwind of healthy food, fast food and downright boring food. Seriously, I was close to becoming Jared after all the Subway sandwiches I consumed. But the good news is we saved a few bucks and shed a few pounds, so we can't complain.
Below is a quick snapshot of some of the more memorable meals. Trust me there are more to come and soon!
- Amber (NYC): I became obsessed with takeout sushi and jumped at the chance to order from this newish spot on the Upper East Side while visiting Jenn at her new (and awesome) apartment. Sushi was fresh but delivery was slow. I'll have to take JB there one night before the movies.
- Cottonwood (Boston): My co-workers and I had an hour before our flight so we had a late lunch at this Tex-Mex restaurant Back Bay. I thought it was unremarkable, I had some type of salad, and therefore was shocked when I logged on to citysearch where it is highly rated. Must be a Boston thing. (Note: To all in Boston, it was just a day trip, I will call next time there is an evening involved)
- Babette's (East Hampton): This was one of our super healthy meals. I dined on egg whites and fruit on the patio watching East Hampton go by. JB scoped for talent. I hear its mobbed here in season.
- Mt. Fuji (South Hampton): More Sushi. JB was excited to sit at the tatami-like table. I was a little tuna'ed out. JB's sushi platter though was better than expected. No crab stick (Yeah!)
- Caffe Linda (NYC): Lunch with Mom and Dad was rushed, but the atmosphere is great for Midtown Manhattan. Only a block from my office, it was the perfect place to forget about the workday for a little while. The food not stellar and my shrimp salad was miniscule, but that wasn't the point. I bet the pasta is good.
- Baby Moon (West Hampton Beach): Finally, some real food! JB had spaghetti and meatballs, I had baked eggplant. They give you a lot including salad, garlic knots and bruschetta. It almost made up for the REALLY BAD service. Almost.
- Tir Na Nog (NYC): We missed the train, I lost JB in Penn Station, I was a wreck. We went to Tir Na Nog to calm down. Two beers later, some baseball, a lot of U2 fans and chicken fingers, it was the best thing that happened all week.
We also tried something different this month: home cooking! Two standouts were JB's tilapia and Christie's salmon. I don't even like salmon and I liked this.
I'm taking recommendations on where to go next. Obviously I have my list, but if there's a place you want to know more about, send us! After this past month the Bergers are ready for some amazing meals.
Until we eat again, KLB
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Tsuki, 10/4/05
So for New Year's Part II, we were full. After a night of brisket, chopped liver and gefilte fish and a lunch of hot dogs and pastrami, our pants were bursting. But you have to eat, especially on the Jewish holiday.
We thought sushi was the next best thing to a traditional Jewish homecooked meal. So we met JB's mom at Tsuki on 1st Avenue and 75th street for some simple and tasty fish.
Like I said, we wanted to eat light so it was raw fish all around.
I had tuna over a bed of rice and JB and his mom has sashimi.
The sushi at Tsuki is high quality. You pay more for it sure, but it's worth it. They have some of the best white tuna around.
It's a great place before a movie or a weeknight dinner. There is no atmosphere to speak of, but you're not there for the experience, you're there for the food.
Try it some time.
Until we eat again, KLB
We thought sushi was the next best thing to a traditional Jewish homecooked meal. So we met JB's mom at Tsuki on 1st Avenue and 75th street for some simple and tasty fish.
Like I said, we wanted to eat light so it was raw fish all around.
I had tuna over a bed of rice and JB and his mom has sashimi.
The sushi at Tsuki is high quality. You pay more for it sure, but it's worth it. They have some of the best white tuna around.
It's a great place before a movie or a weeknight dinner. There is no atmosphere to speak of, but you're not there for the experience, you're there for the food.
Try it some time.
Until we eat again, KLB
Happy New Year at Katz's Deli, 10/4/05
JB and I conveniently chose to celebrate the New Year at a temple on the Lower East Side. Convenient because it was only two blocks from Katz's Deli. And that's where we headed after services yesterday.
I'd technically never eaten there. Sure, I'd been in a few times, I think JB may have bought a hot dog, but this was my first official experience.
It was mobbed. And it was a Tuesday at 1:30PM. Tourists clutched their maps as we fought our way through the lines.
At Katz's you get a ticket and then go to a specific line depending on what you want to eat. At the line they mark your ticket and at the end of the meal you hand in the ticket and pay. Some system.
We first headed to the hot dog line and the drinks line. Two hot dogs and two Dr. Brown's. We were in full swing and ready for our next course.
JB needed pastrami. I abhor it, so we compromised with a soup and half sandwich deal. I had the matzoh ball soup, JB had half a pastrami sandwich.
The matzoh balls were nice and firm and the soup just salty enough. JB kvelled over his pastrami.
Here's the thing about Katz's. It's crazy and it's expensive. Don't go for a quick bite or a cheap snack. Go for the experience and what a better time than New Year's Day.
Until we eat again, KLB
I'd technically never eaten there. Sure, I'd been in a few times, I think JB may have bought a hot dog, but this was my first official experience.
It was mobbed. And it was a Tuesday at 1:30PM. Tourists clutched their maps as we fought our way through the lines.
At Katz's you get a ticket and then go to a specific line depending on what you want to eat. At the line they mark your ticket and at the end of the meal you hand in the ticket and pay. Some system.
We first headed to the hot dog line and the drinks line. Two hot dogs and two Dr. Brown's. We were in full swing and ready for our next course.
JB needed pastrami. I abhor it, so we compromised with a soup and half sandwich deal. I had the matzoh ball soup, JB had half a pastrami sandwich.
The matzoh balls were nice and firm and the soup just salty enough. JB kvelled over his pastrami.
Here's the thing about Katz's. It's crazy and it's expensive. Don't go for a quick bite or a cheap snack. Go for the experience and what a better time than New Year's Day.
Until we eat again, KLB
Tello's, 9/30/05
Every once in awhile, you happen upon a big group dinner. You know the type - long table, new people, lots of wine.
Friday night we found ourselves in the epitome of the group dinner. Lindsay and Carter, recently married, were up in NYC from Charlotte. They had lived here for several years and picked up various friends along the way. And now we were all together for dinner, all 12 of us.
We knew they would pick a good place. Tello's is a classic Italian joint. Hidden in Chelsea on 19th street, it is everything quintessential New York Italian should be. They have the requisite checked table cloths, christmas lights and menus with melted edges from getting too close the candles.
While the food wasn't the main point of the evening, we were pleased. JB and I ordered simply. We split a Caesar salad and we each had penne with meatballs. Personally, I would have preferred spaghetti with my meatballs. So I ate more meatballs than penne, and isn't that the point?
It is definitely a red sauce place, although Lindsay who must be suffering from lack of water in Charlotte, ordered the lobster.
I don't recall the wine but there was lots of it. And suddenly, our table of 12 became instant friends. A perfect New York evening.
Until we eat again, KLB
Friday night we found ourselves in the epitome of the group dinner. Lindsay and Carter, recently married, were up in NYC from Charlotte. They had lived here for several years and picked up various friends along the way. And now we were all together for dinner, all 12 of us.
We knew they would pick a good place. Tello's is a classic Italian joint. Hidden in Chelsea on 19th street, it is everything quintessential New York Italian should be. They have the requisite checked table cloths, christmas lights and menus with melted edges from getting too close the candles.
While the food wasn't the main point of the evening, we were pleased. JB and I ordered simply. We split a Caesar salad and we each had penne with meatballs. Personally, I would have preferred spaghetti with my meatballs. So I ate more meatballs than penne, and isn't that the point?
It is definitely a red sauce place, although Lindsay who must be suffering from lack of water in Charlotte, ordered the lobster.
I don't recall the wine but there was lots of it. And suddenly, our table of 12 became instant friends. A perfect New York evening.
Until we eat again, KLB
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
The Original Spice Market: Sripraphai, 9/27/05
Last fall my friend Kimberly scored us a Saturday night table of 6 at Spice Market during its height. Fun, yes; spicy, no. It is only fitting then that last night we had dinner with Kimberly and Matt, her almost-husband, at Sripraphai, the oft-lauded Thai restaurant in Woodside, Queens. It is indeed the original Spice Market.
Now most of us don't ordinarily travel to Queens for dinner, but Sri. is ALWAYS mentioned as the best thai place in NYC. So we had to go.
Its actually quite close to Manhattan, maybe two miles over the Queensboro and just a few stops on the 7 train. Oh and they have parking there if you have a car.
We were expecting a hole in the wall type place. But they must have recently renovated to have a relatively trendy dining room and a large back garden. They've also changed their alcohol policy which was BYO and is now BYO with a $10 corkage fee or drinks from the menu. We had schlepped the bottle so we sprang for the $10.
Ordering was a challenge. The menu is huge making the choices endless. And it is supposed to be authentic so we decided not to order pad thai.
We ordered a duck salad, a mango salad and chicken pot stickers to start.
Starters were tame. The duck salad was sweet and delicious. The pot stickers were ordinary in a good way. Then hilarity came with the mango salad.
Matt is a current vegetarian. He asked for no meat on the mango salad and was told he could have tofu. He agreed happily. He bit into his tofu and it tasted like meat. JB and Kimberly tasted it and could not discern the taste. It wasn't chicken that was for sure.
The waiter came over to tell us it was "Mock meat". The way she said it we thought it was either a thai word for chicken or an Egyptian's name. After about five times, we figured it out and Matt continued on.
Main courses included two orders of drunken noodles (one w/chicken, one w/out), a duck and eggplant dish and a chicken curry. JB also ordered a side of rice.
Two bites into the main course, we all wished we had ordered rice.
JB and Kimberly almost immediately surrendered. Matt and I plowed through. Everything was spicy, really spicy. We had to take breaks. While each dish was different they all had the same net effect - WHOA.
And so it leads me to the question. Are my tastes too Americanized for authentic food? Or is everyone just trying to be a food-elitist with the outer-borough restaurant find?
Most food critics complain that you have to go to Queens for real Thai food. I think I'll stay right in Manhattan.
Until we eat again, KLB
PS -- If you love Thai food but not spice, go to Chicago. Best Thai food I've had.
Now most of us don't ordinarily travel to Queens for dinner, but Sri. is ALWAYS mentioned as the best thai place in NYC. So we had to go.
Its actually quite close to Manhattan, maybe two miles over the Queensboro and just a few stops on the 7 train. Oh and they have parking there if you have a car.
We were expecting a hole in the wall type place. But they must have recently renovated to have a relatively trendy dining room and a large back garden. They've also changed their alcohol policy which was BYO and is now BYO with a $10 corkage fee or drinks from the menu. We had schlepped the bottle so we sprang for the $10.
Ordering was a challenge. The menu is huge making the choices endless. And it is supposed to be authentic so we decided not to order pad thai.
We ordered a duck salad, a mango salad and chicken pot stickers to start.
Starters were tame. The duck salad was sweet and delicious. The pot stickers were ordinary in a good way. Then hilarity came with the mango salad.
Matt is a current vegetarian. He asked for no meat on the mango salad and was told he could have tofu. He agreed happily. He bit into his tofu and it tasted like meat. JB and Kimberly tasted it and could not discern the taste. It wasn't chicken that was for sure.
The waiter came over to tell us it was "Mock meat". The way she said it we thought it was either a thai word for chicken or an Egyptian's name. After about five times, we figured it out and Matt continued on.
Main courses included two orders of drunken noodles (one w/chicken, one w/out), a duck and eggplant dish and a chicken curry. JB also ordered a side of rice.
Two bites into the main course, we all wished we had ordered rice.
JB and Kimberly almost immediately surrendered. Matt and I plowed through. Everything was spicy, really spicy. We had to take breaks. While each dish was different they all had the same net effect - WHOA.
And so it leads me to the question. Are my tastes too Americanized for authentic food? Or is everyone just trying to be a food-elitist with the outer-borough restaurant find?
Most food critics complain that you have to go to Queens for real Thai food. I think I'll stay right in Manhattan.
Until we eat again, KLB
PS -- If you love Thai food but not spice, go to Chicago. Best Thai food I've had.
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Persian Grill, 9/25/05
Tonight we had dinner with my parents at the Persian Grill. I think. Or maybe its called the Persia Grill. Point being, this is place is so new they don't have their name down. Nor is it on the menu, nor was it on the check.
I've heard that going to restaurant in its infancy can have it ups and downs. Ups include the excitement of going somewhere new, the potential of freebies and maybe, just maybe, lower prices. Downs, however, can easily outweigh the ups. Bad food, bad service, overcrowded, undertaffed -- in short, too many kinks.
Persian Grill opened yesterday on 1st Avenue and 67th Street. So here we were, JB, my mom & dad and me hoping for a quick bite before they drove back to CT. Quick it was not.
Ordering was confusing. Our waitress was a sweetheart, but knew little English. "I'm from Russia" we learned after my mom probed.
The wine list was non-existent even though we had asked if they had wine when we walked in and were told yes.
As it turned out, they had a bottle of Mondavi that they were pouring from but had no liquor license. JB later figured out that the wine would then have to be free. (1 point for the new restaurant!).
But they only had red, and my high maintenance mother only drinks white. So JB went to the deli down the block and bought a 40, yes a 40, of Corona. If her Greenwich friends could see her now.
My mom and I split a 40 out of a paper bag. Classic.
But the food. When it finally came, it was delicious all around.
JB opted for mezzes, hummus, yogurt dip with mint, picked vegetables. He shared all willingly and then devoured it for himself.
I had the chicken kebab with grilled chicken, and my mom had the traditional chicken kebab. Both came with huge portions of rice. Really huge.
My dad ordered a main course for a change and had a pepper stuffed with lamb. He ate mostly the lamb and that was enough for him.
Mint tea was offered at not cost at the end of dinner. A nice touch. Especially since we found out at the end of the meal that they did not take credit cards or checks and between the four of us we had $15.
Overall, this place really has potential - wonderful food, genuinely nice staff and tame prices. Dinner for 4 came to $51 without tip.
I have a feeling it will be added into our repetoire...when a few more weeks have passed.
Until we eat again, KLB
I've heard that going to restaurant in its infancy can have it ups and downs. Ups include the excitement of going somewhere new, the potential of freebies and maybe, just maybe, lower prices. Downs, however, can easily outweigh the ups. Bad food, bad service, overcrowded, undertaffed -- in short, too many kinks.
Persian Grill opened yesterday on 1st Avenue and 67th Street. So here we were, JB, my mom & dad and me hoping for a quick bite before they drove back to CT. Quick it was not.
Ordering was confusing. Our waitress was a sweetheart, but knew little English. "I'm from Russia" we learned after my mom probed.
The wine list was non-existent even though we had asked if they had wine when we walked in and were told yes.
As it turned out, they had a bottle of Mondavi that they were pouring from but had no liquor license. JB later figured out that the wine would then have to be free. (1 point for the new restaurant!).
But they only had red, and my high maintenance mother only drinks white. So JB went to the deli down the block and bought a 40, yes a 40, of Corona. If her Greenwich friends could see her now.
My mom and I split a 40 out of a paper bag. Classic.
But the food. When it finally came, it was delicious all around.
JB opted for mezzes, hummus, yogurt dip with mint, picked vegetables. He shared all willingly and then devoured it for himself.
I had the chicken kebab with grilled chicken, and my mom had the traditional chicken kebab. Both came with huge portions of rice. Really huge.
My dad ordered a main course for a change and had a pepper stuffed with lamb. He ate mostly the lamb and that was enough for him.
Mint tea was offered at not cost at the end of dinner. A nice touch. Especially since we found out at the end of the meal that they did not take credit cards or checks and between the four of us we had $15.
Overall, this place really has potential - wonderful food, genuinely nice staff and tame prices. Dinner for 4 came to $51 without tip.
I have a feeling it will be added into our repetoire...when a few more weeks have passed.
Until we eat again, KLB
Puttanesca, 9/22/05
Thursday nights are back. Actually, I think they never left it was just that JB and I were practicing being married and boring. But as of this Thursday we are back in action.
We each had a work function in the early evening that coincidentally both involved margaritas and were both at 38th & 3rd. I had the grain-alcohol specials at Rio Grande and JB had a slightly more refined margarita or two at Margarita Murphy's.
The two of us were in good spirits (pun intended) as we cabbed it to the Hudson for drinks to celebrate Emily's new job. I was concerned that the bar would be mobbed but our friends had secured a table outside and I lounged as I sipped my champagne.
Next up dinner. There were six of us and we had to make a decision. The Hudson Hotel is not necessarily far from good restaurants, but there is nothing in the immediate vicinity except Per Se and Masa of course. (One day I hope!)
We debated going to Bar Pitti in the Village but instead ambled over to Puttanesca on 9th Avenue.
Here's the thing about dining after drinking -- lack of attention to detail. But here's the good news, I remember what I had and what JB had.
I had a simple gnocchi with mozzarella and tomato while JB opted for a chicken paillard.
Everything was good, nothing was stellar. Prices, however, were great! $12 for pasta, $14 for chicken. And everything always seems more reasonable when you've had a few drinks.
I think everyone else had the table had an enjoyable pasta dish. Emily's had some sort of creme sauce, Cartwright's had veal. Oh, and everyone had the San Giovese.
I looked around on some websites to try to jog my memory of the evening and I read that they are supposed to have a spectacular brunch.
I'm not sure I would run back, but if I'm at the Hudson again, I may just stumble over there.
Until we eat again, KLB
We each had a work function in the early evening that coincidentally both involved margaritas and were both at 38th & 3rd. I had the grain-alcohol specials at Rio Grande and JB had a slightly more refined margarita or two at Margarita Murphy's.
The two of us were in good spirits (pun intended) as we cabbed it to the Hudson for drinks to celebrate Emily's new job. I was concerned that the bar would be mobbed but our friends had secured a table outside and I lounged as I sipped my champagne.
Next up dinner. There were six of us and we had to make a decision. The Hudson Hotel is not necessarily far from good restaurants, but there is nothing in the immediate vicinity except Per Se and Masa of course. (One day I hope!)
We debated going to Bar Pitti in the Village but instead ambled over to Puttanesca on 9th Avenue.
Here's the thing about dining after drinking -- lack of attention to detail. But here's the good news, I remember what I had and what JB had.
I had a simple gnocchi with mozzarella and tomato while JB opted for a chicken paillard.
Everything was good, nothing was stellar. Prices, however, were great! $12 for pasta, $14 for chicken. And everything always seems more reasonable when you've had a few drinks.
I think everyone else had the table had an enjoyable pasta dish. Emily's had some sort of creme sauce, Cartwright's had veal. Oh, and everyone had the San Giovese.
I looked around on some websites to try to jog my memory of the evening and I read that they are supposed to have a spectacular brunch.
I'm not sure I would run back, but if I'm at the Hudson again, I may just stumble over there.
Until we eat again, KLB
Thursday, September 22, 2005
F & B, More F than B, 9/22/05
I was lucky enough to meet my friend Vanessa for a quick (read quick especially for those at my new job) for lunch today.
We chose F & B, the haute hot dog place for lunch since it was near both of our offices. I had been several times with JB but not recently and its has gone way downhill.
The first thing I noticed when I got there, late - sorry!, was that the menu was different. Apparently the low-carb craze is over at F & B. I used to order something called "Little Pups" which was mini hot dogs with mustard, no bun, and a side of green beans. High fat, low carbs - perfect.
To my dismay the Little Pups were no longer, so I opted for chicken fingers. The green beans were still on the menu, thankfully, and I ordered those, too.
Vanessa seemed confused by the menu but settled on a veggie dog and sweet potato fries.
We headed outside to a table on 52nd Street to sit in the shade and enjoy a few minutes in the last few hours of sumer.
Vanessa got our food and brought me two breaded dishes. I suddenly realized that the beans now had breading. Why? They were so good and garlicky before. Now the breading almost separated from the bean. Gross.
The chicken fingers, which resembled french fries, were tasty so I concentrated on those.
Vanessa picked at her veggie dog but finished it. She did enjoy her SP fries.
So to sum up a quick meal quickly, closer to an F than a B.
Until we eat again, KLB
We chose F & B, the haute hot dog place for lunch since it was near both of our offices. I had been several times with JB but not recently and its has gone way downhill.
The first thing I noticed when I got there, late - sorry!, was that the menu was different. Apparently the low-carb craze is over at F & B. I used to order something called "Little Pups" which was mini hot dogs with mustard, no bun, and a side of green beans. High fat, low carbs - perfect.
To my dismay the Little Pups were no longer, so I opted for chicken fingers. The green beans were still on the menu, thankfully, and I ordered those, too.
Vanessa seemed confused by the menu but settled on a veggie dog and sweet potato fries.
We headed outside to a table on 52nd Street to sit in the shade and enjoy a few minutes in the last few hours of sumer.
Vanessa got our food and brought me two breaded dishes. I suddenly realized that the beans now had breading. Why? They were so good and garlicky before. Now the breading almost separated from the bean. Gross.
The chicken fingers, which resembled french fries, were tasty so I concentrated on those.
Vanessa picked at her veggie dog but finished it. She did enjoy her SP fries.
So to sum up a quick meal quickly, closer to an F than a B.
Until we eat again, KLB
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Berger Review! Houston’s, 9/20/05
Last night we were exhausted, actually yesterday afternoon we were exhausted. All I wanted was something familiar, something good and the obvious choice was a burger.
Proximity and timing were also key last night. Everything fell into place and JB and I were seated at
I knew what I wanted before I looked at the menu. Burger please. There were two to choose from, a Cheeseburger or a Hickory Burger which promised cheese, bacon, onions and BBQ sauce. I opted for the classic and it was phenomenal.
I don’t know what they put in that cheddar but it made the burger. I could have had another order of the cheeseburger, hold the burger. I ate each bite faster and faster. JB told me to slow down but I just could not stop the enjoyment. After I finished the burger I picked at the shoestring fries, lettuce, tomato and sesame seed bun scavenging for more juicy meat or cheese.
JB avoided the Burger route (self-imposed health kick for the evening) and had the mushroom barley soup and grilled chicken salad. Both were fine, but neither rose to the top. And a few hours later he was begging for a slice of pizza, some health kick.
When we left at about 7:30 the bar was filled and the line for dinner was halfway to Barnes & Noble upstairs.
We headed home to watch our Tuesday night shows, Biggest Loser, Big Break IV (a golf reality show, of course) and Nip/Tuck. Can you guess whose choices were whose? Hint: One is my obession, one is JB's and one is joint.
Until we eat again, KLB
Monday, September 19, 2005
Dockers, 9/17/05
The fall, from what we've heard, is the best time in the Hamptons. Its still warm, but everything is less crowded. You almost feel as if you have the place to yourself - almost.
We spent Saturday night at Dockers with my parents and their two friends who live out there semi-permanently. They did not hit Dockers all summer because of the crowd factor and neither had we. We soon found that we did not miss all that much.
The setting is the best part of Dockers. Nestled in the reeds over looking the bay in East Quogue, it is one of the most picturesque spots on the South Fork.
As we sat down to dinner, we were greeted by the warm air on the deck and the sounds of the live band. It was a perfect evening weatherwise.
The last time I had been at Dockers was in the summer of 2004 when we were at the height of wedding planning. We had had lunch on the deck and enjoyed simple salads of seafood. It was a memorable meal.
Tonight we had memories, but none culinary-related.
My dad is a creature of habit. He likes to save money. Hence he prefers the two-appetizer trick. Instead of a main course, he orders two apps. Sometimes its a bargain, sometimes he's left starving. Here had had mussels followed by clams. Not too tough to mess up.
My mom followed suit with a salad and fried calamari. She deemed the salad fine but the calamari too rubbery. I am officially over fried calamari after loving it for years. I think it can be good in some places, but most restaurants destroy it. However, give me grilled calamari any day and I'll devour it.
JB and I split a tuna tartar which had more avocado than tuna but had flavor at least. My scallops had a heavy hoisin-type sauce, which masked the fish taste. It was served with fried root vegetables which I could have done without.
Between courses we watched the band. There were two women dancing up a storm. They were the only participants. I was convinced they were married to the band members.
JB had a Phil Mickelson moment and ordered the lobster ravioli. Most likely because Brian was telling of his astounding 76 on the course from earlier in the day. And while the lobster ravioli helped JB on his game on Sunday, he said it was a blah dish.
I did not get to taste it since my mom had strategically positionedus as far apart as possible. According to her, it's not socially acceptable to sit next to your husband. I wonder who came up with that idea, my mom or my dad.
Our new friends, Rosemary and Brian, each had a fish. Brian's was frenched sole that looked reminiscent of fried scrod and Rosemary had a simple salmon. I hope they liked their food, but if they didn't I wouldn't be surprised.
Along with the great September weather, came a great torrential storm. And we ran for c0ver as they cleared our mains. We tried the tent first and then went inside for dessert.
Desserts were of the pre-fab variety. My peanut butter ice cream pie was tasty, but obviously frozen. No one had anything else, save for some sorbet, and we rounded out the evening.
All in all, it was an enjoyable evening of good company and good setting. If only the food could have matched it.
BTW, the next day at the beach, JB saw the band groupies. As it turned out, they were not with the band, just avid dancers. I wonder if they'd be there if we were to go back next weekend. I guess there's only one way to find out.
Until we eat again, KLB
We spent Saturday night at Dockers with my parents and their two friends who live out there semi-permanently. They did not hit Dockers all summer because of the crowd factor and neither had we. We soon found that we did not miss all that much.
The setting is the best part of Dockers. Nestled in the reeds over looking the bay in East Quogue, it is one of the most picturesque spots on the South Fork.
As we sat down to dinner, we were greeted by the warm air on the deck and the sounds of the live band. It was a perfect evening weatherwise.
The last time I had been at Dockers was in the summer of 2004 when we were at the height of wedding planning. We had had lunch on the deck and enjoyed simple salads of seafood. It was a memorable meal.
Tonight we had memories, but none culinary-related.
My dad is a creature of habit. He likes to save money. Hence he prefers the two-appetizer trick. Instead of a main course, he orders two apps. Sometimes its a bargain, sometimes he's left starving. Here had had mussels followed by clams. Not too tough to mess up.
My mom followed suit with a salad and fried calamari. She deemed the salad fine but the calamari too rubbery. I am officially over fried calamari after loving it for years. I think it can be good in some places, but most restaurants destroy it. However, give me grilled calamari any day and I'll devour it.
JB and I split a tuna tartar which had more avocado than tuna but had flavor at least. My scallops had a heavy hoisin-type sauce, which masked the fish taste. It was served with fried root vegetables which I could have done without.
Between courses we watched the band. There were two women dancing up a storm. They were the only participants. I was convinced they were married to the band members.
JB had a Phil Mickelson moment and ordered the lobster ravioli. Most likely because Brian was telling of his astounding 76 on the course from earlier in the day. And while the lobster ravioli helped JB on his game on Sunday, he said it was a blah dish.
I did not get to taste it since my mom had strategically positionedus as far apart as possible. According to her, it's not socially acceptable to sit next to your husband. I wonder who came up with that idea, my mom or my dad.
Our new friends, Rosemary and Brian, each had a fish. Brian's was frenched sole that looked reminiscent of fried scrod and Rosemary had a simple salmon. I hope they liked their food, but if they didn't I wouldn't be surprised.
Along with the great September weather, came a great torrential storm. And we ran for c0ver as they cleared our mains. We tried the tent first and then went inside for dessert.
Desserts were of the pre-fab variety. My peanut butter ice cream pie was tasty, but obviously frozen. No one had anything else, save for some sorbet, and we rounded out the evening.
All in all, it was an enjoyable evening of good company and good setting. If only the food could have matched it.
BTW, the next day at the beach, JB saw the band groupies. As it turned out, they were not with the band, just avid dancers. I wonder if they'd be there if we were to go back next weekend. I guess there's only one way to find out.
Until we eat again, KLB
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Uva, 9/14/05
Uva is a chic-magnet. Seriously, when I arrived at Uva at 7:00 tonight after booking up 2nd Avenue for 30 blocks, I realized that this place was chock a block with females. Uva, located on 2nd Avenue, between 76th & 77th is a single guy's dream.
JB did not have the pleasure of this male paradise tonight, instead I blended with the crowd by meeting my friend Laura for some wine and snacks.
Uva is essentially a wine bar with food. When you arrive they give you the wine list first, 3 pages of by the glass, two pages of by the bottle and one page of beer. We needed to ask for the food menu.
What we had was pretty good. I like to call them snacks, but we really had enough for a meal. Laura and I started with a traditional bruschetta and a cheese plate.
Laura loved the bruschetta. It was crispy and not too oily.
The cheese plate confused us. You get to pick three cheeses for $16. We chose a goat cheese, a parmesan and something that said it was made with buffalo milk which we assumed was mozzarella-like. When our cheese plate arrived we recognized the parmesan, or at least we thought we did, and something that looked like brie. The third cheese a mystery.
When our server finally came over, we had had a few confirming bites and knew something was not right. She took it back and said she would fix it. She came back with the same remaining cheeses declaring that the mystery cheese was a goat cheese and the brie was the buffalo. She also had a replacement parmesan. Strange. Still we ate on and sipped our wines. Almost all cheese is fine with us.
The bread served was fresh and delicious. Doughy, not hard and it was refilled frequently. The olive oil, once we got it separated from the vinegar, was an adequate companion.
Finally, we had a salad of capon, apple and a mustard dressing. It was our server's favorite. And it was good, the chicken especially.
Next time (and there will be a next time since JB will sprint here for the female factor), I may consider some of the more substantial dishes like ricotta gnocchi or pesto shrimp, but for tonight this was perfect.
When we looked up from our meal, we noticed that although a few men had straggled in, women were still in the lead. And at this place, I think they always will be.
Until we eat again, KLB
JB did not have the pleasure of this male paradise tonight, instead I blended with the crowd by meeting my friend Laura for some wine and snacks.
Uva is essentially a wine bar with food. When you arrive they give you the wine list first, 3 pages of by the glass, two pages of by the bottle and one page of beer. We needed to ask for the food menu.
What we had was pretty good. I like to call them snacks, but we really had enough for a meal. Laura and I started with a traditional bruschetta and a cheese plate.
Laura loved the bruschetta. It was crispy and not too oily.
The cheese plate confused us. You get to pick three cheeses for $16. We chose a goat cheese, a parmesan and something that said it was made with buffalo milk which we assumed was mozzarella-like. When our cheese plate arrived we recognized the parmesan, or at least we thought we did, and something that looked like brie. The third cheese a mystery.
When our server finally came over, we had had a few confirming bites and knew something was not right. She took it back and said she would fix it. She came back with the same remaining cheeses declaring that the mystery cheese was a goat cheese and the brie was the buffalo. She also had a replacement parmesan. Strange. Still we ate on and sipped our wines. Almost all cheese is fine with us.
The bread served was fresh and delicious. Doughy, not hard and it was refilled frequently. The olive oil, once we got it separated from the vinegar, was an adequate companion.
Finally, we had a salad of capon, apple and a mustard dressing. It was our server's favorite. And it was good, the chicken especially.
Next time (and there will be a next time since JB will sprint here for the female factor), I may consider some of the more substantial dishes like ricotta gnocchi or pesto shrimp, but for tonight this was perfect.
When we looked up from our meal, we noticed that although a few men had straggled in, women were still in the lead. And at this place, I think they always will be.
Until we eat again, KLB
Monday, September 12, 2005
Cafe Evergreen, 9/12/05
Monday nights we are always faced with the same question. What's for dinner? We are usually too tired to shop and cook or to really enjoy dinner out. So we find ourselves eating a bowl of Special K or pizza from our friends downstairs or, like last week, both. Tonight, though, I wanted a restaurant. It didn't have to be fancy by any means, just have a waiter and maybe a tablecloth.
Without a specific destination in mind, we headed uptown on 1st Avenue. After seriously considering McDonalds (JB's idea) we went a few doors further north to Cafe Evergreen.
We've been to CE several times before. Its not Shun Lee, but its not your typical Chinese place either. They have wine and wine dinners in fact. And they have dim sum.
I followed JB's lead and agreed to share a largely dim sum dinner. Pork was the star tonight. Soup dumplings were sweet, doughy and hot just like the ones at New Green Bo in Chinatown only a lot closer to home. Seared pork dumplings were crispier and full of flavor.
To make ourselves feel slightly healthy we ordered an entree of string beans and eggplant. We welcomed the dish after eating so much pig. But we returned to the swine for dessert. Three delectable pork buns.
Its funny, I would never order pork tenderloin or a pork chop, but put it in soy sauce and I'm all over over it.
I wouldn't call it the most orthodox meal (or Kosher for that matter), but certainly a good one. And those old sayings about not being hungry an hour after you each Chinese....I'm still full and probably will be all week.
Until we eat again, KLB
Without a specific destination in mind, we headed uptown on 1st Avenue. After seriously considering McDonalds (JB's idea) we went a few doors further north to Cafe Evergreen.
We've been to CE several times before. Its not Shun Lee, but its not your typical Chinese place either. They have wine and wine dinners in fact. And they have dim sum.
I followed JB's lead and agreed to share a largely dim sum dinner. Pork was the star tonight. Soup dumplings were sweet, doughy and hot just like the ones at New Green Bo in Chinatown only a lot closer to home. Seared pork dumplings were crispier and full of flavor.
To make ourselves feel slightly healthy we ordered an entree of string beans and eggplant. We welcomed the dish after eating so much pig. But we returned to the swine for dessert. Three delectable pork buns.
Its funny, I would never order pork tenderloin or a pork chop, but put it in soy sauce and I'm all over over it.
I wouldn't call it the most orthodox meal (or Kosher for that matter), but certainly a good one. And those old sayings about not being hungry an hour after you each Chinese....I'm still full and probably will be all week.
Until we eat again, KLB
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