Those who think that going to Heartland Brewery is only for the drinker of beer is wrong. The food there is pretty decent: not your fine dining experience for sure, or a place where I would go all the time, but good enough for a nice casual dinner, where American staples meet international dishes, on the menu, but also on the plate.
One of the things I like about going for lunch is that there are always deals available in restaurants, much more than for dinner. In Japanese restaurants, it is the usual bento box or lunch special with its choice of roll, sushi or sashimi, accompanied with a soup or salad. I was determined to enjoy one of these deals when I went to Kikku, a Japanese restaurant that is truly...
But what struck me at first with Mastro's was the decor. First of all, the entrance looks like one you would find in Las Vegas: flashy with its neon lights. Then, when you enter, it feels more like a club that offers dining than a steakhouse with music: there is loud music, with live entertainment at certain hours, increasing the noise level in the dining room.
I went to a fantastic event at The French Cheese Board. This time, no pairing with tequila or bourbon: straight cheese tasting with more than twenty different European cheeses, in a new setting showcasing the work of photographer Colombe Clier, about milk. We were also honored by the presence of Max McCalman, a maître fromager with an incredible knowledge that I met in previous events, and Top Chef France contestant Valentin Néraudeau.
Today, I went to Moda Espresso and Wine Bar, a coffee shop in Chelsea, opened in 2011, that is located few steps from FIT (hence the name Moda). It was not to try some of their Italian dishes (they serve panini, salads, wrap, pizza and...Italian sushi made with prosciutto and mozzarella!). No, it was to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Nutella, the delicious chocolate and hazelnut spread. Well, knowing my love for Nutella, there was no way I could not go!
No, I am not planning to replace Andrew Zimmern on Bizarre Food or Anthony Bourdain: I was just curious and had been wanting to try the Filipino dish that is balut for a while. For sure, for Jodi, it was out of question to come with me as she was grossed out at the simple idea to see me eating this.
Last Thursday, I was invited at La Scuola in Eataly for a media event to celebrate a variety of pear called the Abate Fetel, in a 3 course-tasting meal prepared by Chef Nicoletta Grippo. I was definitely curious as I mostly associate pear with desserts, besides the classic salads or the pear with roquefort that is a great combination, the sweetness of the fruit neutralizing the acidity of the cheese.
We went on a Saturday early evening. I guess we were right not to go too late as, when we left, the restaurant was full. And trust me, it filled up quickly as we did not stay hours there: you sit, you eat and you go. Not that they were pressing us to leave, but this is not the place for a tête à tête, the tables being very close to each other.
Going to brunch with friends is always exciting. Not only because of the pleasure to see them, but also because we always try to make it a culinary experience. So, this time, we went to Montmartre, a French restaurant located in Chelsea, after our friend Gary read an article in NY Magazine that said that they had the best burger in town.
It is not a big place, and I counted only four tables, so either you are lucky or you have to grab and go...In the back, is the kitchen where you can have a glimpse at the cupcake making process. If you notice on the photos, pink color is everywhere, even on the sparkly kitchen aid appliance that is probably there not just for display.
Imagine that for the prices I mentioned above, we got each a foot long sandwich that was tastier than some of the chains out there. My favorite was definitely the one I ordered with BBQ pork as it had this divine crunchiness and sweetness. Both tasted fresh and I truly appreciated that they put lots of fresh cilantro in the sandwiches.
