I'd been eyeing Mac & Melts since the sign went up on Stewart Avenue in Garden City. It's in a strip mall, they serve a variety of Macaroni and Cheese dishes and Grilled Cheese sandwiches - and the only question really was, why hadn't I been there yet?
Well, truthfully, I was looking for an excuse to go. I couldn't justify chowing here on my own, so when JB and the boys came for a visit, it was time.
This is the kind of place where the menu is the decor. It literally covers an entire wall, even while you are eating your meal you can pick out your next one. (Note to marketers - this works).
There are over a dozen different macaroni cheese dishes available. Each one comes in an individual small or large skillet. Choices range from the classic to a cheeseburger to a Southwestern version. You order in front, take a seat and wait for some cheese product to arrive.
If you don't like cheese, don't go here. If you do, stay awhile.
We opted for a large All American Mac and a small Alpine. The Large All American Mac is a creamy blend of Cheddar and American Cheese that you can get with or sans breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese on top. We asked for ours "plain" since the boys are picky with their toppings, but were surprised to see the parmesan still on it. Back it went. They treated us to some tasty homemade chips while we waited for our re-do. Little D polished those off pretty quickly.
Meanwhile, I worked on the Alpine - a lovely combination of gruyere, aged gouda, bacon and caramelized onions. To keep on our healthy trend, an order of tater tots satisfied Big Z who immediately asked for a second order.
Round 2 of our All American arrived and, surprise, neither of the boys would eat it. Oh well, more for JB and me. Of those two dishes, I think the Alpine showed more ingenuity although we may have preferred the All American with the breadcrumbs and parmesan.
I had total food envy looking at the customer next to use who bit into a Smokehouse Turkey Club with brie, turkey, apples and bacon on sourdough. It's true, I have a bacon problem.
At the end meal, I was torn. Yes, I liked it, but really I'm not sure if my waistline can handle a return visit anytime soon.
Until our next Berger,
KLB
Mac & Melts
684 Stewart Avenue
Garden City, NY
855.622.6358
macnmelts.com
Monday, April 21, 2014
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Berger Review! The Burger Spot, Garden City, NY
Vacations are made for Burgers. And Bergers are made for vacations. With school vacations this week, JB is running the boys all over and a visit to my office was in order. The original plan for lunch was Ben's Kosher Deli, but a little thing called Passover changed our destination.
Fear not, I always have a backup burger plan. And the plan called for The Burger Spot, a fast casual restaurant in the village of Garden City. Far from the big box chains and shopping malls, this is the kind of place where kids go after football practice for fries, in fact, the owner's kid was there today. The Burger Spot deems itself "Gourmet Fast Food" and I agree.
The menu is burgers, salads, fries, rings and shakes. Beef is grass-fed, bread is from a local bakery and everything is made to order. Burgers range from simple to complex, plus, count 'em, three different kinds of veggie burgers.
JB's cheeseburger came with the works - lettuce, tomato, onion and special sauce on a brioche bun. One bite and he was hooked. Meatier and less greasy than the Shake Shack, this is a win.
The boys plain hamburger was equally as good. You can tell that the meat is better quality than your average burger place.
And don't forget those fries. Wow. One of the better orders of fries any of us had had in a long time.
I tried a Caesar salad, for a change. The chicken was well cooked and well sliced (always an issue with me). The salad was never-ending. JB had to help me finish.
There were many more items that looked worthy of a second visit: the Athenian burger with feta, tomato, lettuce, red onion, cucumber and garlic sauce is probably going to be my next order. Or perhaps just a simple Cobb Salad. Or maybe both.
Until our next Berger,
KLB
The Burger Spot
150 7th Street
Garden City, NY
516.746.6100
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
A review re-do, 8 years later: Cafe d'Alsace, New York, NY
I last blogged about Cafe d'Alsace in 2006. Things were different then. JB and I lived in NYC and there were no little Bergers running around. Cooking was not really an option in our Barbie-size kitchen so we dined out a lot and consumed way too much takeout.
Flash forward to 2014, it's definitely the opposite. We cook all the time and try to avoid mediocre takeout. Dining out is still a major part of our lives when we get to do it, but we are more critical because we (Read: JB) can make some pretty stellar meals. So I was shocked to find our meal at Cafe d'Alsace somewhat ordinary.
The burger which I had raved about 2006 seemed kind of puny. The gruyere was a nice touch but the onions were sub-par and the meat itself tasted almost fishy?
The sausages were better and JB's tartars (one steak and one tuna) were fairly good, although lacked some kind of oomph.
The chocolate tart was dry and brittle to the touch of the fork.
I re-read the old review, and this was not the Cafe d'Alsace of years past. In 2006, Frank Bruni gave this place, two stars.
Maybe it's us, and we are just pickier these days.
The company though was good and in many ways that is the best part.
Until our next Berger,
KLB
Cafe D'Alsace
1695 2nd Avenue
New York, NY
212.722.5133
cafedalsace.com
Flash forward to 2014, it's definitely the opposite. We cook all the time and try to avoid mediocre takeout. Dining out is still a major part of our lives when we get to do it, but we are more critical because we (Read: JB) can make some pretty stellar meals. So I was shocked to find our meal at Cafe d'Alsace somewhat ordinary.
The burger which I had raved about 2006 seemed kind of puny. The gruyere was a nice touch but the onions were sub-par and the meat itself tasted almost fishy?
The sausages were better and JB's tartars (one steak and one tuna) were fairly good, although lacked some kind of oomph.
The chocolate tart was dry and brittle to the touch of the fork.
I re-read the old review, and this was not the Cafe d'Alsace of years past. In 2006, Frank Bruni gave this place, two stars.
Maybe it's us, and we are just pickier these days.
The company though was good and in many ways that is the best part.
Until our next Berger,
KLB
Cafe D'Alsace
1695 2nd Avenue
New York, NY
212.722.5133
cafedalsace.com
Tuesday, April 08, 2014
San Francisco Round Up - Wayfare Tavern, Absinthe, Osha Thai, Caffe Cento: San Francisco, CA
A recent work trip found me touring and eating in San Francisco. I attempted to eat healthfully on this trip, especially coming off of our other California adventure. And l mostly succeeded. (Note: No burgers, this time!)
I will be in SF again soon, so please send me any suggestions. I would love to check out some of your favorite spots.
I will be in SF again soon, so please send me any suggestions. I would love to check out some of your favorite spots.
The Round Up:
Caffe Cento – An early morning flight from New York left us famished. The doorman at the hotel recommended a lunch spot down the hill. I had no idea what “down the hill” meant. Luckily it was just one block down hill because this is San Francisco and these are HILLS. This unassuming takeout shop housed in the bottom of the Fairmont Hotel served me my best meal in San Francisco. It’s true, my favorite thing in a foodie city, was a takeout salad of all things. I’m not sure what made this quinoa, tomato, feta, spinach salad so appealing. It may have been the lemon vinaigrette dressing that did it. Or the way the ingredients were so perfectly proportioned. Whatever it is, if you are up for a walk up or down Nob Hill – try it. Bonus is that there is a trolley stop right in front, if you want to experience that true "San Francisco treat" kind of feeling.
801 Powell Street
San Francisco, CA
Osha Thai – When I travel, I crave Asian food and usually Thai since that is so limited in my neighborhood. This trip was no different. We had a lot of Thai restaurants to choose from but selected something probably a little more mainstream since this was our first night in San Fran and we were tired. Next time, I will find that authentic hole in the wall. Though Osha was truly good, with moments of greatness.
Osha is a small SF chain in happening neighborhoods with trendy Asian-inspired décor. We visited the Embarcadero location, so the crowd was a mix of tourists and business people. Drinks were in order. I chose Brut Rose – Rose and bubbles combined – can’t go wrong with that.
We shared two appetizers – a fresh spring roll and the crunchy tofu. The spring roll had the requisite shrimp and mint with a tasty peanut dipping sauce. The crunchy tofu tasted a little like a Tofu McNugget and came with a side of apples. Not that there's anything wrong with a McNugget. Maybe this was their version of a Thai Happy Meal?
For dinner, I indulged in some angry prawns. This steaming hot plate of delicious curried prawns and eggplant was my favorite dish of the night. Spicy yet light.
4 Embarcadero Center
San Francisco, CA 94111
Absinthe Brasserie - Lunch was at Absinthe. Tucked away in Hayes Valley, one the cutest neighborhoods I saw on my two day tour of San Fran, this place was packed, even boisterous for lunch on a Tuesday. We started with hot bread as we awaited our cheese course. I know I said that my quinoa salad was my favorite thing in SF, but this cheese course came in as a pretty close second. A Mt. Tam from California’s Cowgirl Creamery was heavenly when paired with almond brittle. The Italian Pecorino Ginepro was accompanied by white-wine poached peaches. And finally a soft, creamy Seastack from Mt. Townsend Creamery in Washington State held its own against a bourbon-caramel pear compote.
It would have been good to end lunch then. My little gem lettuce salad with grilled chicken came with raw chicken. Enough said.
398 Hayes Street
San Francisco, CA
Wayfare Tavern – For dinner on our second and sadly, last night, we stumbled into Wayfare Tavern at 5PM on a Tuesday. Empty, you’d think, but no, we got a “Sorry, we are fully committed” from the hostess. The two-level space was empty, we were shocked. We settled at a tiny bar table and agreed to make the best of this Tyler Florence restaurant.
First, drinks. It is a tavern and cocktails were in order (again). My Pear 75 was a combination of pear cognac and prosecco. Talk about hitting the spot.
The menu was filled with interesting takes on some classic dishes. Instead of Deviled Eggs, there was a Deviled Egg Salad. And in lieu of French Onion Soup, a French Onion dip. Neither of which I liked. What I did like though was the baked macaroni and cheese which was flavored with smoked olive oil. The smoked olive oil added a palate teasing flavor that made me keep taking more and more bites, just because I was trying to fully understand the flavor.
For my main, I went with the braised short rib. Note “rib” not “ribs”. When JB makes short ribs at home they are fall off the bone tender. This was one huge hunk of meat. Given that, it required more work than the typical short ribs but still full of flavor. I really did enjoy the baby carrots and onions in the dish, but could have done without the dressing-soaked cabbage.
My favorite part of the meal was dessert. We shared the donuts special with a variety of dipping sauces. But the winner was the Chocolate Cream Pie with chocolate pudding, Devil's food cake and a caramel ganache. Yum. This made it all worth it.
On my next visit, I think I need to try to the burger. And some more of that mac and cheese. There also seem to be a lot more gems on the menu, so while my experience wasn’t amazing, I think that there is an amazing one waiting to happen here.
558 Sacramento Street
San Francisco, CA
wayfaretavern.com
Until our next Berger,
KLB
Until our next Berger,
KLB
Round Up Recap:
Caffe Cento: Go
Osha: Go
Absinthe: Go for cheese. Only.
Wayfare Tavern: Go
Wayfare Tavern: Go
Monday, March 31, 2014
Berger Review: Favorite Burgers of California: In-N-Out Burger, Umami Burger and Grill-A-Burger, Los Angeles and Palm Desert, CA
Eight days in California was not only our chance for warmth and sunshine, but also the opportunity to eat some terrific burgers. While we didn't have a burger every day, we came pretty close. And these were some of our favorites:
- In-N-Out Burger: Planting an In-N-Out steps from LAX is genius. This pretty much assures you a good burger when you land or one right before you depart, or both. Every time we hit an In-N-Out we are devastated that they do not exist in New York. I know they talk about the quality and how its hard to maintain, yet they figured out a way to bring it to Texas. They could figure out New York. Just saying...
In-N-Out strives on its simplicity. Burger, fries and shakes. Add cheese, add sauce.
Simple and perfect. The boys and I chose plain burgers, JB had the works with sauce. Some fries and vanilla shake make this the ideal off the plane lunch.
In-N-Out is also a great social equalizer, families, people in business suits, workmen - everyone goes there for same thing - one (or two, or three) great burger(s). And fries. And shakes.
For locations visit in-n-out.com
- Grill-A-Burger: No, not all of our favorite burger places have hyphens in their name, just two out of three. If you stepped inside Grill-A-Burger, you'd quickly agree. It is the exact opposite of In-N-Out with 30 burgers to choose from, plus mini burgers, salads, sides and sandwiches. Just reading their menu could take all night.
Tucked in a strip mall in Palm Desert, a few blocks from the main drag, is this unassuming place with, dare I say, tacky palm tree wallpaper and very friendly service. We were lucky to have a table ready within minutes and started down the path of ordering.
Some research showed that this place is consistently rated the best burger in the greater Palm Springs area and I agree. There is something for everyone.
JB had spent the day playing golf and rewarded himself with a Big Mock - their take on the McDonald's original complete with double decker patties, American cheese, lettuce, onion, pickles and special sauce on a sesame bun.
My Oooh LaLa! Parisan Bistro Burger was oozing with boursin cheese, caramelized onions, bacon and garlic aoli. Huge and delicious, while I didn't feel that I was in a Parisian Bistro, I definitely felt like it had the Oooh LaLa effect. And I would order it again.
But our favorite item of the night was a simple starter of California Avocado Fries. Just like it sounds these bad boys come rolled in panko and fried in beer batter with your choice of dipping sauces. The sauce we choose tasted just like key lime pie and I wanted to lick the dish clean. I almost did. I've already asked JB to try to replicate these - but to date, he still has not tried.
73091 Country Club Drive at Monterey Avenue
Palm Desert, CA
760.346.8170
grill-a-burger.com
- Umami Burger: We started our California adventure with a burger and I was determined to finish it the same way. Umami Burger, a small chain founded in California that recently expanded to New York, was our destination. We were lucky to go to the Anaheim locale which is much less crowded then some of the others in LA (like the one at Fred Segal in Santa Monica which was packed the day I did some damage).
Umami is defined as that fifth taste and I think I know what it is: YUM. Since this was our last meal, we went a little overboard.
JB determined to keep up the double burger trend had the B.U.B. which is two patties, bacon, beer cheddar, onions, pickles and mustard, plus that ever important middle bun. Because why have two pieces of bread when you can have three. He was a huge fan.
I opted for the Truffle Burger which had not only truffle cheese but a truffle glaze on top of the delicious burger with a garlic aioli. This was the best burger of the trip. You really can't go wrong with truffles. Ever.
The thin fries were shoestring style and pretty amazing, too. The boys devoured their completely plain burger, as usual.
I can't wait to go back. And luckily, we won't have to go too far. In addition to their Greenwich Village location, they are about to open another in the Financial District.
Find your closest location at umami.com/umami-burger
Until our next Berger,
KLB
- In-N-Out Burger: Planting an In-N-Out steps from LAX is genius. This pretty much assures you a good burger when you land or one right before you depart, or both. Every time we hit an In-N-Out we are devastated that they do not exist in New York. I know they talk about the quality and how its hard to maintain, yet they figured out a way to bring it to Texas. They could figure out New York. Just saying...
In-N-Out strives on its simplicity. Burger, fries and shakes. Add cheese, add sauce.
Simple and perfect. The boys and I chose plain burgers, JB had the works with sauce. Some fries and vanilla shake make this the ideal off the plane lunch.
In-N-Out is also a great social equalizer, families, people in business suits, workmen - everyone goes there for same thing - one (or two, or three) great burger(s). And fries. And shakes.
For locations visit in-n-out.com
- Grill-A-Burger: No, not all of our favorite burger places have hyphens in their name, just two out of three. If you stepped inside Grill-A-Burger, you'd quickly agree. It is the exact opposite of In-N-Out with 30 burgers to choose from, plus mini burgers, salads, sides and sandwiches. Just reading their menu could take all night.
Tucked in a strip mall in Palm Desert, a few blocks from the main drag, is this unassuming place with, dare I say, tacky palm tree wallpaper and very friendly service. We were lucky to have a table ready within minutes and started down the path of ordering.
Some research showed that this place is consistently rated the best burger in the greater Palm Springs area and I agree. There is something for everyone.
JB had spent the day playing golf and rewarded himself with a Big Mock - their take on the McDonald's original complete with double decker patties, American cheese, lettuce, onion, pickles and special sauce on a sesame bun.
My Oooh LaLa! Parisan Bistro Burger was oozing with boursin cheese, caramelized onions, bacon and garlic aoli. Huge and delicious, while I didn't feel that I was in a Parisian Bistro, I definitely felt like it had the Oooh LaLa effect. And I would order it again.
But our favorite item of the night was a simple starter of California Avocado Fries. Just like it sounds these bad boys come rolled in panko and fried in beer batter with your choice of dipping sauces. The sauce we choose tasted just like key lime pie and I wanted to lick the dish clean. I almost did. I've already asked JB to try to replicate these - but to date, he still has not tried.
73091 Country Club Drive at Monterey Avenue
Palm Desert, CA
760.346.8170
grill-a-burger.com
- Umami Burger: We started our California adventure with a burger and I was determined to finish it the same way. Umami Burger, a small chain founded in California that recently expanded to New York, was our destination. We were lucky to go to the Anaheim locale which is much less crowded then some of the others in LA (like the one at Fred Segal in Santa Monica which was packed the day I did some damage).
Umami is defined as that fifth taste and I think I know what it is: YUM. Since this was our last meal, we went a little overboard.
JB determined to keep up the double burger trend had the B.U.B. which is two patties, bacon, beer cheddar, onions, pickles and mustard, plus that ever important middle bun. Because why have two pieces of bread when you can have three. He was a huge fan.
I opted for the Truffle Burger which had not only truffle cheese but a truffle glaze on top of the delicious burger with a garlic aioli. This was the best burger of the trip. You really can't go wrong with truffles. Ever.
The thin fries were shoestring style and pretty amazing, too. The boys devoured their completely plain burger, as usual.
I can't wait to go back. And luckily, we won't have to go too far. In addition to their Greenwich Village location, they are about to open another in the Financial District.
Find your closest location at umami.com/umami-burger
Until our next Berger,
KLB
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Scrapple and the Mob: Kitchen Consigliere, Collingswood, NJ and Ponzio's, Cherry Hill, NJ
Say what you will about New Jersey, but it's never boring. A recent venture where I dined in a Mob-themed Italian restaurant and followed by a scrapple breakfast proved this true.
Collingswood, New Jersey still has hints of a Mob-led town where several authentic Italian restaurants serve up excellent fare. But Kitchen Consigliere goes a step further by incorporating the decor into the theme. Servers are in full-on Bugsy Malone outfits, the light fixtures are old revolvers and black and white Mafia films air during dinner.
All restaurants in Collingswood are BYO since the town is dry (another throwback) so the prices are slightly inflated to make up for the fact that no one is making money on alcohol. That said, service is also a little rushed so they can turn the tables faster. BUT, this place is still full every night because the food ranges from good to amazing.
We tried the Rice Balls to start - these were huge and very crispy. Pancetta was a nice touch. As suspected though, they did not live up to Marie's, another New Jersey establishment we loved last year.
I attempted to order a health(ier) entree and chose Chicken Sorrento which is sautéed chicken, mozzarella, grilled eggplant and fresh tomatoes. My healthy vision went out the window when I realized it also came in a white wine butter sauce. This did help mask the fact that the tomatoes were horribly out of season.
A better pick would have been the Sunday Gravy which my dining companions loved. The large, steaming hot sausage, meatballs, spare ribs and braciolo over rigatoni covered in a lovely marinara sauce would have done the trick. Or, alternatively, the house specialty eggplant parmesan is supposed to be amazing.
To make up for my poor entree choice, we chose the Pizzelle and Red Velvet Cake for dessert. Both were massive in size and huge on taste.
The next morning, we went from one extreme to the other, when we dined at Ponzio's, a local diner. I ordinarily wouldn't deem a diner like this blog-worthy had it not been for the scrapple.
I did not know what scrapple was and, truthfully, I would have preferred to keep it that way. For those of you who don't know though, it is (from Wikipedia): a mush of deep fried pork scraps and trimmings, combined with cornmeal, flour and spices. If there ever were a reason to become Kosher, this might be it. I'd stay away. But if you're intrigued the info is below.
Until our next Berger,
KLB
Kitchen Consigliere
700 Haddon Avenue
Collingsswood, NJ
856.854.2156
kitconcafe.com
Collingswood, New Jersey still has hints of a Mob-led town where several authentic Italian restaurants serve up excellent fare. But Kitchen Consigliere goes a step further by incorporating the decor into the theme. Servers are in full-on Bugsy Malone outfits, the light fixtures are old revolvers and black and white Mafia films air during dinner.
All restaurants in Collingswood are BYO since the town is dry (another throwback) so the prices are slightly inflated to make up for the fact that no one is making money on alcohol. That said, service is also a little rushed so they can turn the tables faster. BUT, this place is still full every night because the food ranges from good to amazing.
We tried the Rice Balls to start - these were huge and very crispy. Pancetta was a nice touch. As suspected though, they did not live up to Marie's, another New Jersey establishment we loved last year.
I attempted to order a health(ier) entree and chose Chicken Sorrento which is sautéed chicken, mozzarella, grilled eggplant and fresh tomatoes. My healthy vision went out the window when I realized it also came in a white wine butter sauce. This did help mask the fact that the tomatoes were horribly out of season.
A better pick would have been the Sunday Gravy which my dining companions loved. The large, steaming hot sausage, meatballs, spare ribs and braciolo over rigatoni covered in a lovely marinara sauce would have done the trick. Or, alternatively, the house specialty eggplant parmesan is supposed to be amazing.
To make up for my poor entree choice, we chose the Pizzelle and Red Velvet Cake for dessert. Both were massive in size and huge on taste.
The next morning, we went from one extreme to the other, when we dined at Ponzio's, a local diner. I ordinarily wouldn't deem a diner like this blog-worthy had it not been for the scrapple.
I did not know what scrapple was and, truthfully, I would have preferred to keep it that way. For those of you who don't know though, it is (from Wikipedia): a mush of deep fried pork scraps and trimmings, combined with cornmeal, flour and spices. If there ever were a reason to become Kosher, this might be it. I'd stay away. But if you're intrigued the info is below.
Until our next Berger,
KLB
Kitchen Consigliere
700 Haddon Avenue
Collingsswood, NJ
856.854.2156
kitconcafe.com
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Phoenix Round Up – Los Dos Molinos, Arrogant Butcher & Province: Phoenix, AZ
Going to Phoenix in the winter is a no-brainer for the weather. For the food, however, it can be hit or miss. My all-time favorite in the Valley of the Sun is Lon’s at the Hermosa – sitting outside under the stars next to an outdoor fireplace – it is the perfect place to escape from anywhere. Sadly, Lon’s was not on the agenda this visit, but we did hit a few interesting spots.
The highlights:
Los Dos Molinos
Many years ago, I went to a small Tex-Mex restaurant in NYC by the same name, and it was far from your average taco joint. So, when scoping restaurants for our first night, I remembered that it originated in Phoenix and thought it might be time to try it again. Turns out the NYC outpost has since closed, but the original Los Dos Molinos is going strong and has a few other outposts in the valley (we dined at the Camelback location).
The food technically is New Mexican, not Tex-Mex, and the biggest difference I see between the two is SPICE. Wow – was everything hot. A red and a green salsa accompanied the chips, and though the red was milder, no one could tell. It was, however, an excellent excuse to keep drinking sangria.
An order of guacamole worked as our palate cleanser. The lime green color seemed lighter than most guacamoles I’ve eaten though the taste was the same. Nachos covered in cheese and chorizo were arranged as pie and deemed chorizo pizza, and a delicious one at that.
Dinner was Enchiladas all around. My shredded beef version was spicy though it was tempered by the accompanying rice and beans. A chicken version was also a hit.
Kind of makes me wish the NYC version still existed.
Various locations in Phoenix, AZ
The Arrogant Butcher
Fresh off a spicy evening, lunch time meant salad time for our large group. The Arrogant Butcher in downtown Phoenix is the just the spot for the al fresco lunch and wishing your lunch break were just a little bit longer.
Right in the shadow of Chase Field (home of the Arizona Diamondbacks) and the US Airways Center (home of the Phoenix Suns), the Arrogant Butcher is the place before or after a game when you want something more than the local sports bar. Sure they have beer and wings, but they also have charcuterie and olives and cheeses.
I had the “Famous” Oriental Chicken Salad tossed in an Asian Vinaigrette with chicken, wontons, lettuce, almonds, it was good but I’m not sure famous-worthy. Famous-worthy, though, was the Kale Salad with Salmon, Almonds and Currants that no one at my table could stop eating or talking about. In fact, there were several post-lunch conversations about how to recreate this at home.
My only gripe was that bread and oil we requested (and which was quite nice) came at a cost of $3. Charging for bread when you are already charging $15 for salads seems extreme to me.
2 East Jefferson Street
Phoenix, AZ
Province
I was skeptical when we decided to go to a restaurant called “Province” that was supposed to be French but mainly served Tapas in the new Westin in downtown Phoenix. Lots of red flags were going off when a waitress declared it “Winedown Wednesdays” and that all bottles of wine were half price. So we stayed.
Bread came immediately and was a pleasing plantain focaccia with a lovely dipping oil. (And was free, Ahem, Arrogant Butcher).
We did start with tapas. Shrimp tacos were sub-par on a very bready-tortilla. A sea bass ceviche was almost flavorless. Chicken empanadas were OK, though on the dry side. I did love the chorizo meatballs that came in a mini-skillet covered in cheese. (Note to self: I really need to eat more chorizo).
We had also ordered some soups and salad which came soon before we finished our tapas. So our table was crowded and we felt rushed. A chicken tortilla soup lacked the usual zest. The Chili-spiced Caesar salad, though, was well done. Maybe the best thing on the menu?
And before those were finished, a skirt steak with chimichurri sauce and mashed potatoes arrived. While the sauce on the side was fine, the meat itself lacked some seasoning and so the sauce had to compensate.
A chocolate cupcake with a corresponding chocolate sorbet helped the meal end on a high note.
I will give the restaurant points for cool décor, a living moss wall and some upside down trees hanging from the ceiling. So go for a drink, but that’s about it. (And I hear they have a good happy hour from 11AM to 5PM on weekdays)
333 N. Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ
Until our next Burger,
KLB
Round Up Recap:
Los Dos Molinos: Go
Arrogant Butcher: Go
Province: No Go
Monday, March 17, 2014
A Chinatown Destination: Fu Run, Flushing, NY
Today's post on Thrillist titled The Definitive Eating Guide to Flushing, Queens is pretty spot on. Bookmark it for your next visit to the "Real Chinatown." The only place missing is Fu Run, where we recently enjoyed a birthday celebration for JB.
Just off of Main Street in Flushing, we were the only non-Asians at this unassuming restaurant. The food is technically Northern Chinese, which is heavier and, I think better, than your standard fare.
Our party of 10 was placed in a separate room with a huge round table complete with a lazy Susan. And that table quickly filled up with some of the most delicious Chinese food I've ever eaten.
In truth, we overordered. We loved almost everything we sampled including:
- Muslim Lamb: This was the dish that brought us here. Google this term and countless pictures of this dish will appear. Fall of the bone lamb ribs are completely encrusted in cumin. It's greasy and spicy and amazing.
- Crispy Beef: Same cumin but with fried beef. This was a home run, too.
- Pork & Leek Dumplings: We got 2 orders of these steamed beauties. The leeks added an additional kick and made the ordinary extraordinary.
- Eggpant in Brown Sauce: Fried and creamy purple delights, another winner
- Sauteed Shrimp: These shrimp were lighter than I expected and the accompanying sea cucumbers were a welcome treat
- Mao Pao Tofu: Huge chunks of silky tofu served almost as a palate cleanser for the other spicier fare. This perfectly complemented many of the other dishes.
The more typical Chinese food here is just OK. Chicken and broccoli seemed unauthentic, almost too American. Chicken lo mein was greasy. Bowls of hot and sour soup were massive yet ordinary.
Just off of Main Street in Flushing, we were the only non-Asians at this unassuming restaurant. The food is technically Northern Chinese, which is heavier and, I think better, than your standard fare.
Our party of 10 was placed in a separate room with a huge round table complete with a lazy Susan. And that table quickly filled up with some of the most delicious Chinese food I've ever eaten.
In truth, we overordered. We loved almost everything we sampled including:
- Muslim Lamb: This was the dish that brought us here. Google this term and countless pictures of this dish will appear. Fall of the bone lamb ribs are completely encrusted in cumin. It's greasy and spicy and amazing.
- Crispy Beef: Same cumin but with fried beef. This was a home run, too.
- Pork & Leek Dumplings: We got 2 orders of these steamed beauties. The leeks added an additional kick and made the ordinary extraordinary.
- Eggpant in Brown Sauce: Fried and creamy purple delights, another winner
- Sauteed Shrimp: These shrimp were lighter than I expected and the accompanying sea cucumbers were a welcome treat
- Mao Pao Tofu: Huge chunks of silky tofu served almost as a palate cleanser for the other spicier fare. This perfectly complemented many of the other dishes.
The more typical Chinese food here is just OK. Chicken and broccoli seemed unauthentic, almost too American. Chicken lo mein was greasy. Bowls of hot and sour soup were massive yet ordinary.
But you are not in Flushing for typical Chinese food. You are here for food that is innovative and different. Add this to your list. And whatever you do, please, please, please order that Muslim Lamb.
Until our next Berger,
KLB
Sunday, March 02, 2014
A Korean Find: Surasang, Syosset, NY
When our travels find us hungry - my first instinct is to go for the local Burger place. But even better, is a hole in the wall, ethnic spot, where we can indulge on something delicious and special that is not in our backyard.
Last night, Korean fit the bill. I had read an article recently in the Long Island section of the New York Times that featured noodle soup spots (given the winter we've been having.) The article mentioned a beef dumpling soup, Mandoo Gook, at a Korean establishment called Surasang in Syosset. We were in.
This is Long Island strip mall dining at it's best. From the outside, the sign just reads "Korean Restaurant". On the inside, it is a non-descript quiet room with a few tables run by a Korean family with a predominantly Korean clientele. Hot pots don most of the tables. This is our kind of place.
Typical to most other Korean spots I've enjoyed, the minute you order you are presented with numerous small dishes of spicy delicacies - Kim Chi, Eggplant, Spinach, Potato, Zucchini, Radish - each flavored perfectly to complement the meal.
First up for us was Korean Fried Chicken. Slathered in a hot, sesame sauce our 6-piece order of wings and drumsticks didn't last long. And yes, eating wings with chopsticks is the norm here.
Then, the aforementioned Mandoo Gook soup, was perfect for a cold winter's night. A huge bowl of an egg drop-type both with cellophane noodles and close to a dozen perfect beef dumplings became my favorite dish of the evening. The dumplings themselves were steamed and full of spices that resonated with each bite. And these dumplings were light, too - not an easy feat.
To finish, a sizzling plate of Bulgogi - barbecued rib eyesteak - helped us end our meal on a perfect note.
We also contemplated a Bi Bim Bop, but settled just with plain rice for all. Next time for sure. And yes, there will be a next time.
Until our next Berger,
KLB
Surasan (aka the Korean Restaurant)
336 Jericho Turnpike
Syosset, NY
516.496.8989
No website but plenty of reviews on Yelp.
Saturday, February 08, 2014
Berger Review/Chain Reaction: Bobby's Burger Palace, Lake Grove, NY
Another weekend, another Berger Review/Chain Reaction. Bobby's Burger Palace has been a favorite of ours since it opened at the Smith Haven Mall in 2008. Believe it or not, that location was the very first in the now 18 restaurant chain. I read recently that Bobby Flay, the owner and celebrity chef, chose this location to stay "off the radar" for his first foray into the fast-casual segment. What he did not realize, was that that location was right on my radar, and we've been hooked ever since.
10 burger options are each interesting and well-composed. You can choose from angus beef, turkey or chicken for your "burger". And you can get them "crunchified" which, you guessed it, adds chips to your burger.
My favorite has long been the Napa Valley Burger with goat cheese, watercress and Meyer Lemon Honey Mustard. They are very generous with the creamy goat cheese and the combination of the cheese with the tanginess of the Mayer Lemon is a win. A big win.
Another one high on my list is the LA Burger with Avocado, Tomato, Watercress and Cheddar cheese. This one is on the sweet side, and equally as good.
JB's fave is the Crunchburger with the aforementioned chips included on the burger with double American cheese although it is the salty side. Tonight, to shake things up, he had the Dallas Burger with coleslaw, Monterrey Jack, BBQ sauce, and pickles. The burger is coated in a spicy rub although not too spicy.
The boys always go for the plain burger and fries. They cleared their plates in minutes and were surprisingly quiet from their stools. A good sign.
JB and I also splurged on a vanilla shake (delicious, but freezing cold on a 25 degree night) and a side of beer-battered onion rings (I didn't love the beer coating, but JB was a fan).
They also have beer, wine and a Cactus Pear Margarita, if you feel like imbibing with your burger. And the usual salads, veggie options if you are more calorie-conscious.
BBP has locations in NY, NJ, MD, CT, MA, NV, OH, PA, DC, FL...so put it on your list.
Until our next Berger,
KLB
Bobby's Burger Palace
355 Smith Haven Mall
Lake Grove, NY
631.382.9590
bobbysburgerpalace.com
On the Side: Be sure check out their Facebook page to learn about new store openings and the Burger of the Month. I also hear a new menu is in the works.
10 burger options are each interesting and well-composed. You can choose from angus beef, turkey or chicken for your "burger". And you can get them "crunchified" which, you guessed it, adds chips to your burger.
My favorite has long been the Napa Valley Burger with goat cheese, watercress and Meyer Lemon Honey Mustard. They are very generous with the creamy goat cheese and the combination of the cheese with the tanginess of the Mayer Lemon is a win. A big win.
Another one high on my list is the LA Burger with Avocado, Tomato, Watercress and Cheddar cheese. This one is on the sweet side, and equally as good.
JB's fave is the Crunchburger with the aforementioned chips included on the burger with double American cheese although it is the salty side. Tonight, to shake things up, he had the Dallas Burger with coleslaw, Monterrey Jack, BBQ sauce, and pickles. The burger is coated in a spicy rub although not too spicy.
The boys always go for the plain burger and fries. They cleared their plates in minutes and were surprisingly quiet from their stools. A good sign.
JB and I also splurged on a vanilla shake (delicious, but freezing cold on a 25 degree night) and a side of beer-battered onion rings (I didn't love the beer coating, but JB was a fan).
They also have beer, wine and a Cactus Pear Margarita, if you feel like imbibing with your burger. And the usual salads, veggie options if you are more calorie-conscious.
BBP has locations in NY, NJ, MD, CT, MA, NV, OH, PA, DC, FL...so put it on your list.
Until our next Berger,
KLB
Bobby's Burger Palace
355 Smith Haven Mall
Lake Grove, NY
631.382.9590
bobbysburgerpalace.com
On the Side: Be sure check out their Facebook page to learn about new store openings and the Burger of the Month. I also hear a new menu is in the works.
Sunday, February 02, 2014
Quicksie Meatball Takeout: That Meetball Place, Patchogue, NY
Full disclosure - I have not been to the Meatball Shop in NYC. Getting to one of their 5 locations has been on my list for quite some time, so when I heard about That Meetball Place in Patchogue, I had to find a way.
We were in the neighborhood on Super Bowl Sunday, if dinner was going to be excess, why not add lunch to the mix, too.
Short on time, we opted for takeout from their easy to follow menu:
Step 1: Choose Your Balls
Step 2: Pick Your Sauce
Step 3: Pick Your Style
Sounds simple, right? Except the choices are endless, meatballs come in a classic version as well as chicken, lamb, pork, veggie and fish varieties. Sauces include several Italian options, like marinara and pesto, but there's also Asian and Greek styles, too. Styles range from a sandwich to a slider to over pasta.
We opted for two baguette sandwiches to share. A Classic Meatballs with Marinara and a Moroccan Lamb with Cool Tzatiki. Both were excellent, although I favored the Moroccan Lamb. Those balls had more spice, were more dense and overall had more interesting flavors. Each one was $9 and came with a small salad. We actually originally ordered the Classic Marinara balls over pasta but that was a $5 upcharge and I didn't think that sounded too worth it. The house salad that came with cucumber, olives and chick peas, was a nice surprise, although the dressing was too oily.
There's also a whole page 2 of the menu that features soups, salads and sandwiches, plus kid friendly items like pasta, mac & cheese and fries.
JB and I have plans to go for a real dinner soon. I want to order one of each "ball" as we sit in the sports bar like atmosphere with massive flat screen TVs. Who's in?
Until our next Berger,
KLB
That Meetball Place
2 West Main Street
Patchogue, NY
631.569.5888
www.thatmeetballplaceli.com
We were in the neighborhood on Super Bowl Sunday, if dinner was going to be excess, why not add lunch to the mix, too.
Short on time, we opted for takeout from their easy to follow menu:
Step 1: Choose Your Balls
Step 2: Pick Your Sauce
Step 3: Pick Your Style
Sounds simple, right? Except the choices are endless, meatballs come in a classic version as well as chicken, lamb, pork, veggie and fish varieties. Sauces include several Italian options, like marinara and pesto, but there's also Asian and Greek styles, too. Styles range from a sandwich to a slider to over pasta.
We opted for two baguette sandwiches to share. A Classic Meatballs with Marinara and a Moroccan Lamb with Cool Tzatiki. Both were excellent, although I favored the Moroccan Lamb. Those balls had more spice, were more dense and overall had more interesting flavors. Each one was $9 and came with a small salad. We actually originally ordered the Classic Marinara balls over pasta but that was a $5 upcharge and I didn't think that sounded too worth it. The house salad that came with cucumber, olives and chick peas, was a nice surprise, although the dressing was too oily.
There's also a whole page 2 of the menu that features soups, salads and sandwiches, plus kid friendly items like pasta, mac & cheese and fries.
JB and I have plans to go for a real dinner soon. I want to order one of each "ball" as we sit in the sports bar like atmosphere with massive flat screen TVs. Who's in?
Until our next Berger,
KLB
That Meetball Place
2 West Main Street
Patchogue, NY
631.569.5888
www.thatmeetballplaceli.com
New Orleans Roundup - Green Goddess, NOLA, Acme Oyster Bar & MiLa: New Orleans, LA
Anyone will tell you that New Orleans is a foodie town. Everything from your 5-star restaurant to your complete dive should be good. The biggest challenge is making the room in your stomach (and liver) for all of the food and drink.
These were the highlights:
Green Goddess
I was so hungry when we got to our hotel in New Orleans that when the doorman pointed to the Arby’s down the street, I almost considered it. He also recommended a French Quarter spot called Green Goddess that was in a nearby alley. We were slightly frightened but oh-so-curious. A few blocks and one wrong turn, brought us to the alley where we walked into a tiny restaurant that looked like someone’s ramshackle home.
There were no open tables in the miniscule front room and as we were led to the even smaller back room, our heads told us to turn around, but our bellies told us to stay.
Turns out the bellies were right.
Coming off of the meal at Wednesday’s Table, I was drawn to the Tofu Bahn Mi. There were plenty of non-vegetarian options – pork, shrimp, steak (no chicken though) – but I was ready for some spice. My sandwich had hints of a po boy but with all of the delicious Banh Mi flavors – radish, carrots, cucumbers and two huge patties of fried tofu covered in the familiar sauce. A small salad dressed with the same sauce. Where were we again? It was seriously transporting.
My dining companion ordered the completely different yet equally amazing brulee Fig chevre French toast. Sweet, tangy and rich - this chef can cook.
And might I add that this place is also easy on the wallet (well, they didn’t spend much on décor), less than $25 for two and we were fully satiated and ready for more adventures.
307 Exchange Place
New Orleans, LA
504.301.3347
NOLA
This was our only “planned” meal. You can’t go to New Orleans without one celebrity chef meal. Last time, it was David Besh at Luke. This time we chose Emeril.
NOLA is one of Emeril’s three establishments in the Big Easy, this one being the least fancy and the only one without his name in the title. It is a packed three-story crowd pleaser a few blocks into the French Quarter with a heavily Southern-influenced menu.
Shrimp and Grits was a must for me here. I had really loved the ones at Luke and I needed to try Emeril’s. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. The shrimp were well cooked and atop bacon-laced cheddar grits, with a large barbecue sauce drizzle. Really? Barbecue sauce? It threw off the whole flavor of the dish.
Other dishes were better like the New Orleans style Caesar salad and the local Drum, but messing with a classic – not cool.
534 St. Louis St.
New Orleans, LA
504.522.6652
www.emerilsrestaurants.com/nola-restaurant
Acme Oyster Bar
Acme is at the top of many visitors' lists. It is an institution of classic New Orleans food. It is a dive and it is packed. Even at 2:00 PM on a Friday in unseasonably cold and rainy weather, there was a wait outside. It went quickly and we secured our seats at the bar.
If this were a typical review (not part of a roundup) this would be a quicksie review. We were in and out in less than 30 minutes. They serve these classics up fast. Within minutes of ordering, I was indulging in their classic Red Beans and Rice.
This was not another vegetarian meal because in New Orleans, Red Beans and Rice also means Sausage and Cooking Meat. Cooking Meat, you ask? According to my waitress, it’s the meat they use to cook the beans – most likely it was sausage and ham, but she couldn’t be sure. No matter, it was just the fuel we needed to get us through the busy day.
If you need to order something you can be 100% definitely sure about its contents, I’d recommend the oysters. They looked pretty incredible.
724 Iberville Street
New Orleans, LA
504.522.5973
www.acmeoyster.com
MiLa
After many meals of Starbucks and swiping food from conference rooms, we had one final opportunity to enjoy the Crescent City. We opted to avoid the French Quarter and headed to a hotel in the nearby Central Business District. What appealed to me about MiLa (named for Mississippi and Louisiana from where the chefs hail) was that one of the chefs, Alison Vines-Rushing had worked for some of the best in NYC. Having worked for Jean-Georges and Alain Ducasse, I had a hunch that she knew her stuff.
Compared to the other boisterous joints of the past few days, MiLa was a respite of calm, quiet even. And we had no trouble getting a last minute reservation on Saturday night. Everything from the décor to the menu reminded us of a NY restaurant, but there were some nice Southern touches that reminded us of our locale.
Dinner started with sweet potato rolls, cornbread, sweet butter and a pureed lentil spread. The sweet potato rolls and lentils were our immediate favorite. An amuse bouche soon arrived of lobster tempura on a stick. I was going to like this place.
We opted to share a lobster starter that consisted of lobster meat on a baguette with meyer lemon, garlic and olive oil. A deconstructed lobster roll of sorts. While not the easiest to share, mainly because each of us wanted the whole things, we welcomed the taste of lobster after being in such a shrimp heavy environment.
Furthermore, for my main, I went for the standard seared ahi tuna over spinach. I felt as if I hadn’t had a vegetable in days. The southern touch here was the molasses sauce over the perfectly crusted and rare fish. We all ate in silence, happy to have such an elegant meal.
Dinner would not have been complete without dessert. A chocolate peanut butter tart was just rich enough for 3 people to share.
817 Common Street
New Orleans, LA
504.412.2580
www.milaneworleans.com
Round Up Recap:
Green Goddess: Go
NOLA: NOGO
Acme Oyster Bar: Go
MiLa: Go
Until our next Berger,
KLB
Monday, January 27, 2014
Double Date Sushi Night: Poke, New York, NY
Sushi and a Movie is quickly becoming our standard date night. And better than that is how we spent a recent Saturday night – Sushi and a Movie Double Date Night, in NYC, at a BYO restaurant.
As our plan quickly came together, Vanessa suggested Poke on the Upper East Side. JB and I had been there years ago and remembered it delicious, but tiny and almost drab. As we briskly walked on East 85th street, we realized that restaurant had moved down the block since our last visit and the tiny establishment was four times the old space, lively and vibrant. And the BYO policy still remained.
The best part about our double date, other than the company, of course, was that we could sample so many different dishes. Many of them are definitely worth sampling for yourself. Our meal included:
We got a little greedy at the end, so I can’t remember them all. But with the exception of the tuna pizza (and really a tuna pizza isn’t sushi anyway), this is one fine sushi restaurant. Pair that with your own bottle of wine or two and it’s a great night. Movie or not.
Until our next Berger,
KLB
- Yellowtail Tartar with Jalapenos – Thinly sliced and ample sized, we dove into the 6 pieces that were presented to us.
- Tuna Pizza – OK, this was an impulse, and nothing like what we’ve had at other fine sushi establishments. This tuna pizza actually had mozzarella on it. And instead of a rice cracker, it was a scallion pancake. Odd all around.
- Pearl Roll – Deep fried oysters with cucumber and scallion – after ordering one, we had to get another.
- Dynamite Roll – Spicy yellowtail, avocado and tempura flakes. Yum, Yum and Yum.
- Sashimi Special – If this was the kind of place that had a sushi boat, then this platter would have come on it. 16 pieces of fresh, amazing fish – Tuna, Toro, Yellowtail, Salmon, Mackerel…it went on and on.
- Gyoza – We were still a little hungry after eating so much fish, so we added on an order of these and they were meaty and filled us up (but not greasy overly fried so there was room left for popcorn)
We got a little greedy at the end, so I can’t remember them all. But with the exception of the tuna pizza (and really a tuna pizza isn’t sushi anyway), this is one fine sushi restaurant. Pair that with your own bottle of wine or two and it’s a great night. Movie or not.
Until our next Berger,
KLB
Poke Restaurant
343 E. 85th Street
New York, NY
Berger Review/Chain Reaction: BurgerFi, New York, NY
Technically our visit to BurgerFi in NYC is both a Berger Review and a Chain Reaction. Either way, it’s a great spot. And I had no idea until after we dined there, that indeed it was a chain. We care about burgers, that’s about it, and maybe some fries, too.
These burgers are good. You build your own when you order at the counter. I went for it with a single burger, swiss cheese and hickory bacon and fresh lemonade. The burgers come out with their name “BURGERFI” branded onto the bun. Though not large, I was immediately satisfied with the fresh ingredients. And might I mention, free refills on the lemonade.
The family concurred. JB ordered the BurgerFi Cheeseburger straight off the menu. A double burger, with double American, lettuce, tomato and a the BurgerFi sauce. He was hooked. The boys and Nana polished off their plain patties, too.
Fries were a hit. We had to place a second order. Onion rings were, too – although one order was enough for us.
Fries were a hit. We had to place a second order. Onion rings were, too – although one order was enough for us.
They also have hot dogs, a full bar and frozen custard. Sort of like a Shake Shack but with a few more options.
BurgerFi’s “Secret Menu” offers fries “Well Done” or “Limp”. I’d pay money to see JB order some “Limp” fries. Perhaps on our next visit.
Until our next Berger.
KLB
BurgerFi
1571 2nd Avenue
New York, NY
Side Dish: BergerFi is rapidly expanding. In addition to four restaurants in NY, they are in Texas, Florida, Connecticut, New Jersey and soon to be more. Check their website to see if there’s a location close to you.
Friday, January 17, 2014
Banh Mis Out East: Wednesday's Table, Southold, NY
I couldn't believe it either. Real Vietnamese food in Eastern Long Island? Our local rag, Dan's Papers, said it was true. JB and I longingly miss the days of Bo Luc Lac being delivered to our door in minutes, so within about 18 hours of me reading about it, we drove ourselves to Southold in search of some Hanoi heaven.
Each dish was a winner. The Banh Mi was just as we remembered them. Chicken with a spicy sauce, onions, cucumbers, radish, cilantro and mayo on a crusty hero. This is definitely authentic. The Chicken BLT was just as good with a lemony aioli slathered on the ciabatta. We also indulged in a few of their bite size onion rings which were crispy, plentiful and extra delish with some of that banh mi spicy sauce.
And my boys, of course, enjoyed their burger and fries. JB and I snagged their brioche bun. What really impressed me was that each sandwich had its own fresh made bread.
Actually, everything impressed me. I can't wait to return.
Until our next Berger,
KLB
Wednesday's Table
53345 Main Road
Southold, NY
631.876.5251
wednesdays-table.com
Now, Wednesday's Table is not a typical Vietnamese restaurant. The owners are of Vietnamese descent but they offer a variety of soups, salads and sandwiches, only one of which is a nod to their heritage. In addition to lunch, they also serve breakfast including egg sandwiches and some awesome-looking baked goods.
We called ahead to the counter service establishment and placed our order. One Banh Mi with chicken (spicy), 1 chicken BLT, a burger, fries and onion rings. We arrived at a bright, cute establishment with a few tables and chairs inside and plenty of room for outdoor dining, too.
Each dish was a winner. The Banh Mi was just as we remembered them. Chicken with a spicy sauce, onions, cucumbers, radish, cilantro and mayo on a crusty hero. This is definitely authentic. The Chicken BLT was just as good with a lemony aioli slathered on the ciabatta. We also indulged in a few of their bite size onion rings which were crispy, plentiful and extra delish with some of that banh mi spicy sauce.
And my boys, of course, enjoyed their burger and fries. JB and I snagged their brioche bun. What really impressed me was that each sandwich had its own fresh made bread.
Actually, everything impressed me. I can't wait to return.
Until our next Berger,
KLB
Wednesday's Table
53345 Main Road
Southold, NY
631.876.5251
wednesdays-table.com
Tuesday, January 07, 2014
A Japanese Hideaway: Shigure, New York, NY
JB wants to be Mr. Japanese, still. He loves it all - sushi (obviously), robata, ramen, teppanyaki, sake and, of course, izakaya - the japanese gastropub. In fact, it appears that these traditional Japanese small plates restaurants are starting to grow in prominence in New York as noted in Time Out and in a New York Times article written about Shigure that JB ripped out, handed to me and asked "When are we going?"
A few months later on a dark street in Tribeca we found ourselves in front of an almost invisible door about to enter this den of deliciousness. This place is so under the radar, we didn't need a reservation on a Saturday night. We were warmly welcomed by the bartender come hostess who showed us to a small table close to the bar with a great view of the sake map on the wall. For most of the meal, we were the only non-Japanese patrons in the place, an excellent sign of authenticity.
Being a brewpub, JB ordered a Japanese beer while I stuck to wine. It was impossible deciding what to order. In hindsight, we probably over ordered, but when in an izakaya.....
Each dish was a treat in itself.
Our highlights:
- Renkon Kimpira: These were pan fried lotus roots with a shishito pepper - crunchy and spicy, almost good for you
- Shio-Koji Fried Chicken: JB's favorite Japanese style fried chicken, white and dark meat
- Sashimi Maguaro & Avocado: Think tuna sashimi over guacamole. And then think amazing.
- Mini Zuke Maguro Don: More tuna, this time over rice. Sort of like a step up from your usual Tekka Don. JB wanted to move into to this dish.
- Fried Pork with a clean ponzu sauce (can't recall the Japanese name): I didn't want to like this one and then found myself taking piece after piece.
There were more plates than there was room on the table. Another excellent sign.
This is the kind of place you want to tell everyone about and then no one, it could be our own private restaurant. Our secret lair. But it wouldn't be fair if I didn't share.
Next time we're trying the sake menu, and of course, more small plates.
Until our next Burger,
KLB
Shigure
277 Church Street
New York, NY
212.965.0200
www.sakebar-shigure.com
A few months later on a dark street in Tribeca we found ourselves in front of an almost invisible door about to enter this den of deliciousness. This place is so under the radar, we didn't need a reservation on a Saturday night. We were warmly welcomed by the bartender come hostess who showed us to a small table close to the bar with a great view of the sake map on the wall. For most of the meal, we were the only non-Japanese patrons in the place, an excellent sign of authenticity.
Being a brewpub, JB ordered a Japanese beer while I stuck to wine. It was impossible deciding what to order. In hindsight, we probably over ordered, but when in an izakaya.....
Each dish was a treat in itself.
Our highlights:
- Renkon Kimpira: These were pan fried lotus roots with a shishito pepper - crunchy and spicy, almost good for you
- Shio-Koji Fried Chicken: JB's favorite Japanese style fried chicken, white and dark meat
- Sashimi Maguaro & Avocado: Think tuna sashimi over guacamole. And then think amazing.
- Mini Zuke Maguro Don: More tuna, this time over rice. Sort of like a step up from your usual Tekka Don. JB wanted to move into to this dish.
- Fried Pork with a clean ponzu sauce (can't recall the Japanese name): I didn't want to like this one and then found myself taking piece after piece.
There were more plates than there was room on the table. Another excellent sign.
This is the kind of place you want to tell everyone about and then no one, it could be our own private restaurant. Our secret lair. But it wouldn't be fair if I didn't share.
Next time we're trying the sake menu, and of course, more small plates.
Until our next Burger,
KLB
Shigure
277 Church Street
New York, NY
212.965.0200
www.sakebar-shigure.com
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Bergers at the Smorgasburg!: Brooklyn, NY
I had been begging to go to the Smorgasburg for months. The Smorgasburg, for those of you not aware, is a roving band of food vendors that set up in various Brooklyn locations every weekend. Food stand upon food stand, it was a Mecca of sorts for me. If I still lived in New York, I am certain that this would be a part of my usual weekend routine, and one December Saturday we finally got there. (Lucky for me, this year the Smorgasburg now has a winter indoor location). I'm fairly certain that the outdoor Smorgasburg is a completely different experience, and I look forward to going come Spring, but for now 75 food vendors will just have to suffice.
That's right, 75 food vendors under one roof in a Williamsburg warehouse, if only I had the time, stamina and stomach to try them all. We did our requisite research on the drive in, each vendor is listed on the website in advance along with a map so you can attempt to plan your visit. Lines can be long especially for the "it" item. For example, we did not feel like waiting an hour for the Ramen Burger but we took a peak at it and perhaps JB can recreate it at home.
Some of our highlights:
- Dough: The first stop because Big Z had been so patient on the drive to Brooklyn (not really). Z's reward was a massive, plain glazed donut for $2.25. It was big enough to keep him entertained through our entire visit. I hear they have a Bed-Stuy location, we may be stopping by.
- Cemita's Mexican Sandwiches: JB had seen a TV show that featured these Mexican behemoths, so we braved a moderate line for a freshly made sandwich. Our Cemita was a roll piled with steak, Mexican cheese, avocado, onion and a few different kids of sauces. In a word, it is awesome and worth every bit of $8.
- Kelvin Natural Slush Co.: While waiting for the cemita, I was able to sample, for free, a spicy ginger slush. Not exactly my thing, but I appreciated the opportunity to try something that I would usually skip.
- Landhaus: Little D is our bacon lover. Sadly, he was not a Smorgasburg lover. We saw bacon on a stick and thought this would be better than any cookie would be. We were wrong on that front, but our $3 bacon on a stick was just awesome. Awesome sugary-glazed bacon. Thanks for sharing, D.
- McClure's Pickles: The bacon didn't work. But the pickles did. We made two stops here for their spicy wonders, $2 each, made with both cayenne and habanero versions. Perfect for our feisty 4 year old.
I could have stayed all day. But not all of the members of our party (namely the ones 5 and under) were as into it. I drooled past the BBQ, the grilled cheese, the lobster, the Asian-style hot dogs, just so much amazing food.
I highly recommend a visit, whether you have one snack or twenty, it is certainly a New York experience.
I can't wait to go back.
Until our next Berger,
KLB
Smorgasburg.com
Find more info about the Smorgasburg including locations, hours and the vendor list. Enjoy!
That's right, 75 food vendors under one roof in a Williamsburg warehouse, if only I had the time, stamina and stomach to try them all. We did our requisite research on the drive in, each vendor is listed on the website in advance along with a map so you can attempt to plan your visit. Lines can be long especially for the "it" item. For example, we did not feel like waiting an hour for the Ramen Burger but we took a peak at it and perhaps JB can recreate it at home.
Some of our highlights:
- Dough: The first stop because Big Z had been so patient on the drive to Brooklyn (not really). Z's reward was a massive, plain glazed donut for $2.25. It was big enough to keep him entertained through our entire visit. I hear they have a Bed-Stuy location, we may be stopping by.
- Cemita's Mexican Sandwiches: JB had seen a TV show that featured these Mexican behemoths, so we braved a moderate line for a freshly made sandwich. Our Cemita was a roll piled with steak, Mexican cheese, avocado, onion and a few different kids of sauces. In a word, it is awesome and worth every bit of $8.
- Kelvin Natural Slush Co.: While waiting for the cemita, I was able to sample, for free, a spicy ginger slush. Not exactly my thing, but I appreciated the opportunity to try something that I would usually skip.
- Landhaus: Little D is our bacon lover. Sadly, he was not a Smorgasburg lover. We saw bacon on a stick and thought this would be better than any cookie would be. We were wrong on that front, but our $3 bacon on a stick was just awesome. Awesome sugary-glazed bacon. Thanks for sharing, D.
- McClure's Pickles: The bacon didn't work. But the pickles did. We made two stops here for their spicy wonders, $2 each, made with both cayenne and habanero versions. Perfect for our feisty 4 year old.
I could have stayed all day. But not all of the members of our party (namely the ones 5 and under) were as into it. I drooled past the BBQ, the grilled cheese, the lobster, the Asian-style hot dogs, just so much amazing food.
I highly recommend a visit, whether you have one snack or twenty, it is certainly a New York experience.
I can't wait to go back.
Until our next Berger,
KLB
Smorgasburg.com
Find more info about the Smorgasburg including locations, hours and the vendor list. Enjoy!
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