Diving into the culinary scene one stomach at a time

New York: Ribot

2006-11-14T22:18:00.000-08:00

We finished wrapping up our show late this evening and in somewhat poor spirits. Instead of seeking out good eats with my co-worker, we went our separate ways and I was ready for a good meal and new find. My concierge suggested a visit to nearby Ribot.

The decor was tasteful and chic. I had been expecting greek / mediterranean food and it wasn't exactly in that niche, but the menu's selections were winsome and innovative. Making up my mind about what to order turned out to be quite a challenge. In the end, I started my meal with the organic beet salad, baked goat cheese and mache. The beets were sliced thinly and tasted as if they had been marinated in an aged balsamic vinaigrette. The texture of the goat cheese reminded me of fried green tomatoes and the mache rounded out the tanginess of the chevre and the sweetness of the beets with a slight savory peppered note.

I struggled between choosing the black pepper pappardelle with lamb ragu, mint and lemon, or the pumpkin risotto with mascarpone, house-cured pancetta, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In the end, I settled on the risotto, glad that the rice had been cooked long enough, since a risotto dish I'd had earlier this week in Las Vegas found the arborio rice to be crunchy beyond al dente. The pumpkin risotto had a great depth of flavor to it with the spices lending an interesting note to the pancetta, which completed the dish through its crunchy outside and soft inside, the needed saltiness. Creamier than most, the mascarpone lended an edge to the risotto making it sing.

I ended the meal with the Vahlrona warm chocolate cake and caramelized bananas. Why is it that volcano cakes or warm chocolate cakes are so hard to perfect? They're either not warm enough and so the expected ooze from the center never materializes or their flavor lacks depth, which is what happened here. It sounded good; it looked amazing but in the end, the cake was merely okay. I am becoming skeptical about desserts when the savory selections turn out to be fantastic.

The service is a totally different matter. I waited at the door for a little while, not knowing who was the host. The restaurant had a few tables sat, so that wasn't the reason for the absence. The host ended up taking my order and I never quite knew who my waiter was. The water attendent was attentive and I kept thinking I wish I could leave him the tip. Once my risotto was taken away, I waited an interminable amount of time, expecting someone to ask if I wanted to view the dessert menu. One host was schmoozing at a seventop and the other had been chatting with a two-top close by. I kept wondering if this had anything to do with the fact that I was dining alone. When the server finally came by, after attempts at indirect communication that I was ready, he asked, "You don't want coffee, tea or dessert do you?" I was somewhat stunned- how presumptuous!

After I finished my dessert, he did not clue in that I was ready for the bill until the water attendant, upon filling up my glass was informed to relay the message to the server. He tried too late in the meal to actually serve my needs. I rarely leave 10% but tonight I wanted to prove a point. Excellent food; biased service.

* NOISE LEVEL: Fine
* GOOD FOR KIDS: no
* PRICE: $$$-$$$$
* SERVICE: Mixed up
* GROUP FRIENDLY: Great for groups or one-on-ones
* COOL QUOTIENT: Trendy

Baltimore- The Helmand

2006-10-05T22:20:00.000-07:00

After a bone-wearying day of smelling sesame oil fuse with soy product and squabbling colleagues I decided to go out to a reggae concert, by members of the band, who stopped by twice and urged. My usual protocol on business trips does not involve barhopping or salsa dancing late into the wee hours. But tonight with a start time of 10 p.m. in the know i set off to begin my evening. After a dismal meal of Maryland style crabcakes a few nights before, I had heard the name of The Helmand uttered twice in the short three day span that I had been in Baltimore:

"It's one of the best Afghan restaurants in town."
"The owner is brothers with President of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai."

Worth a peek and sure to take my mind off of the day's woes, I set out for the Mount Vernon neighborhood in which it resides. Along the way the cabbie pointed out the architectural detailing visible in the night, gargoyles, interesting doorknockers. There was such a sense of history and place in this city that I hadn't expected, unfortunately connoting it with high crime and the Orioles previously.

We rolled up to The Helmand which from the outside doesn't look like much, but this was where my evening's adventures would begin. Since I hadn't made a reservation and the wait list was an hour and a half long, I happily sauntered over to the bar, where a woman, also working the same food show during the daytime made some recommendations of notable menu items. I took her lead.

I decided upon two appetizers and a salad, in place of a large entree, so I could try more dishes. The salata featured mixed greens, tomatoes and red onions in a perfect balance of tart and sweet in their pomegranate vinaigrette. After a long day of noshes and not much else, this was a great way to whet the palate. Next came the main foci of my attention. Instead of ordering it vegetarian style, the bartender brought out the Aushak in the traditional way. Filled with leeks, this ravioli is topped with a meat sauce and dabbed with a minted yogurt concoction, that altogether combined the crisp notes of peppermint with the cooling of yogurt as balancing elements in the otherwise spicy, savory dish. In place of dessert, my second appetizer filled the role well. Kaddo Borawni consisted of a plate of baby pumpkin that is at the same time both sweetened with a little sugar and then topped with a yogurt and garlic sauce. With every bite, I tried to discern if the savory was more pronounced or the sweet, until I noticed my plate was empty. Never a bad sign.

The Helmand labels itself as "fine Afghan cuisine" and I would second that, knowing if I lived in Baltimore, this could quickly become a favorite haunt, since one stomach could not engage in all the enticements noted on their varied menu. I left with a full belly and a renewed sense of vigor, deciding to walk the 12 blocks to the reggae concert with verve of youth in tow.

NY- Candle 79

2006-07-11T23:30:00.000-07:00

What started out as a simple meet and greet reception became one of the best vegetarian experiences I've experienced yet.

The reception was hosted by the company that plans and organizes the Natural Products shows on both the West Coast and East Coast, so of course a restaurant with a focus on premium vegetarian and healthy fare was a must. Candle 79 is by far the most chic vegetarian restaurant I have encountered. The bar boasts organic wines, juices, tonics, smooth sippers and sake specialties. I ordered an elderberry elixir with a slightly tart profile, sweetened with agave nectar.

Servers walked around with platters of bite-sized morsels such as spoons of wild mushrooms, nori rolls with brown rice and a tofu sour cream, mini black bean burgers and fried purses with mushrooms inside. My favorite by far had to be the seitan skewer with a citrus chimichurri sauce. The chocolate cake was too dry but the "cheezcake" bite was lemony and bright.

We enjoyed our noshes in the front room. I had a great conversation with the founder of YaYa's RawRah and a woman who does professional demo'ing of Sahale nut mixes among other products. A great meal of bites accompanied by a great conversation of likeminded food-businesspeople. I snatched up a cookbook for future inspired meals.

NOISE LEVEL: Fine
GOOD FOR KIDS: no
PRICE: $$-$$$
SERVICE: Great
GROUP FRIENDLY: Great for groups or one-on-ones
COOL QUOTIENT: Absolutely THE chic spot for vegetarian cuisine.

NY- Django

2006-07-10T22:55:00.000-07:00

Part spectacle, part magic, Django puts on a great performance in the way of the great restaurants. I walked by and the simple sway of font used in the restaurant's placard outside wooed me inside. I surveyed the menu and made a mental note that come hell or high water I would come back to Django before my stay in New York came to an end.

And so it was that we made our way back to Django this evening. The dimly lit foyer invites you to step out of the noise of the everyday and into a new world, a mysterious world. We scaled our way upstairs and were seated along the wall- one long window. We had entered a realm where the servers are cognizant of your every need but a whisper's presence. I felt my voice dropping in pitch, taking on an air of quiet confidence. We skipped the appetizer course and moved straight to the main course. I ordered the angus beef "toro" tajine that had so enticed me from the menu the evening before and it did not disappoint.

Adding to the quiet spectacle atmosphere, they brought out my tajine with a white circus top cover, rimmed with a brick red edge. With flourish, the server removed the lid, almost eliciting the response of "ooh" from my mouth. Lemongrass scented basmati rice formed a column in the middle of the stew, crowned with preserved lemon and a mound of mango chutney atop. The stew was rich with spice and flavor including toasted almond pieces, sultanas, sweet pearl onions and chickpeas.

At the end of the meal, there was silence- the silence that comes when all your senses are sated. Dessert was ho hum, but the tajine, service and atmosphere more than made up for it. Django did not disappoint.

NOISE LEVEL: Quiet
GOOD FOR KIDS: no
PRICE: $$-$$$
SERVICE: Great
GROUP FRIENDLY: Great for groups or one-on-ones
COOL QUOTIENT: A fabulous place for a special occasion.

NY- Landmarc

2006-07-09T22:35:00.000-07:00

A $10,000 chandelier hangs above the bar. The bartender's training hails from the "cocktail" movie school of bartending, not that he practices any of his tricks here.

Landmarc is simple in its decoration because it focuses all its emphasis in the food it serves. unpretentious dishes abound with interesting flavor combinations. On this evening, i selected and ate a marvelous chimichurri steak salad, perfect for a warm New York evening. The wine is well-priced here and the Riesling was a perfect choice with its sweet, crisp peach notes. The tuna was also tasty and we capped the meal with a smorgasbord of desserts such as a delectable chocolate mousse, a creamy milk chocolate ice cream cone and a warmed blueberry crisp.

Service on the other hand was difficult. Our server was annoyingly visible often at our table and when our order came out it was incomplete because of a snafu, which meant that one of our party sat and waited while giving his okay for us to commence without him. The server then passed us off to another server, disappearing with us wondering if he was gone for the night. Landmarc's food shines in a way that would make me come back but ask for a different server.

NOISE LEVEL: Fine
GOOD FOR KIDS: no
PRICE: $-$$
SERVICE: Not Great
GROUP FRIENDLY: Great for small groups or one-on-ones
COOL QUOTIENT: in the fabulous Tribeca district

SF- Ferry Building Farmers' Market

2006-06-03T21:35:00.000-07:00

I am always surprised at the joy of seeing so many ripe fruits and vegetables underneath the large white umbrellas that wait as a beacon at the farmer's market saluting me with seasonal abundance. Today was no different except I've not found the time to come and pay homage for many months- too long I found.

We were overwrought by organic cherries, strawberries and blueberries. A vendor sold handmade yogurt in small clay jars with flavors like Meyer Lemon and Honey. A slice of sweet, fresh orange collapsed in my mouth as if ushering in summer through its sweet citric juices. White mulberries and organic ollalieberries enticed, but I settled upon some hearty beefsteak tomatoes that did not disappoint later in the evening. Something holistic like purchasing fruit and vegetables from the farmers who are tending the land makes you feel like you are giving back to your community and the earth upon which you tread in gratitude and appreciation- not out of a greed for production through genetically modified foods.

There is something so captivating with the discovery of new food finds- as if Vasco da Gama is dwelling deep within my palate, so with childlike glee, we became acquainted with two new goodies: candy cap mushrooms and sea beans.

We stumbled upon a small vegan foodcart, hidden underneath the shade of a column of the ferry building for a restaurant called Alive and began our rather insightful tasting excursion. I appreciate and adore great vegan food and all of their offerings were tastefully presented. We tried the flaxseed cracker with zucchini and carrot, and the blueberry pecan chip. But the enticement which induced both my friend Michelle and I to make a purchase was the cheesecake made of Candy cap mushrooms. Silky and smooth the cheesecake, which is totally dairy-free and vegan had a sweet maple-like tone with a blueberry compote and pecan nut crust.

"Candy caps are available fresh in the fall and are used by various restaurants to be incorporated into sweet combinations. There's a store just inside where you can see what they look like."

No sooner had the Alive restaurant proprietor sold us our new delicacies for the evening than we swiftly sought out the fungus shop to continue our foray into the world of the sweet mushroom. I was beaming from ear to ear and felt like a child with a new toy. The employee at the fungus shop pulled down a glass jar and before he removed the metal lid asked us, "Are you ready?"

With abated breath, he unstopped the jar and I inhaled a sweet pungent maple aroma emanating from the jar. Twice, the words "incredible" escaped my mouth. I am eagerly awaiting the fall when the experiments for twists on desserts will abound.

As I am in my candy cap reverie, Michelle beckons me over to try a sea bean. I look at her quizzically, after looking down at these sectional green bean look-alikes. But I pop one in my mouth and they recall an al dente haricot vert with a wash of sea salt exploding from the middle. They're fabulous! We each pop another and decide to split a basket between the two of us. (My farmer's market salad is really taking shape now...)

And thus I am reminded of the joy of being alive from a slender bean of the sea and a sweet fungus of the earth.

Chicago- Vong's Thai Kitchen

2006-05-23T23:00:00.000-07:00

I have a hankering for thai food. There's something about the pleasing combination of sour, sweet and spicy that makes my tastebuds delighted. And when in Chicago, I make a point of having a meal at Vong's Thai Kitchen, or VTK, which is one of the many gems of celebrated chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

Last year I dined here one evening during the Restaurant Show and listened as my server recommended their Panang Curry. I listened politely of course, but internally did not think they could beat all the great thai eateries of my hometown San Francisco. At the time, I was living above a thai food restaurant that still today is the source of comfort and the best thai food in the city. So, thai curry in Chicago? Thanks but no thanks. Let's just say the server was rather persistent. And it was one of the best thai curries I have ever experienced. In fact, I have been thinking about their panang curry since I left Chicago last year. Before I wax poetic on the dish, let me say a few words about VTK.

There are so many things that this restaurant does right: the decor is unique and intimate, giving an air of being in Southeast Asia, as if eating is the pastime until the monsoon blows over. They have distinctive alcoholic drinks but the star is their non-alcoholic mocktails list as well as a great selection of hot teas. Far too many restaurants underestimate the power of having viable and well thought out alcohol-free alternatives. I drink on occasion, but find I sleep poorly when I do, so am rarely imbibing when on the road for work. Their "mocktails list" included a refreshing pomegranate lemongrass soda that paired excellently with the food.

My colleague C and I had been on our feet for the past 14 hours, gabbing with countless people and working. We were beyond exhausted but I was tenacious insisting that instead of room service, we needed to go to VTK. I'm glad he humored me. By the end of the meal, he was practically cooing. We started with an amuse bouche of daikon and carrot salad that opened up our appetites and woke us up to dinner at 9:45 p.m. For appetizers we tried the Crispy Curry Potstickers filled with a spicy red curry chicken and water chestnuts with a yogurt lime dip that cut the sharp tang of spiciness into a mellowed tone. This was followed by their Warm Asparagus salad with avocado red bell pepper strips and a chili hollandaise, with each bite captivating us, keeping us transfixed. C and I then partook of the infamous Panang Curry and he became silent, which is no small feat.

What makes the Panang Curry exquisite, you ask? For starters the presentation is impressive. A hill of jasmine rice appears to be floating in a sea of red curry sauce flecked with peanut morsels and bright green peas swimming in a red ocean along with shredded chicken. The aroma is pleasing and draws the diner in. But the clincher for me is the texture of the dish- the vegetables are rather al dente, providing a satisfactory crunchiness atypical to most curries without having to load up on a superfluous amount of peanuts used.

For dessert, C ordered the warm passion fruit souffle with passion fruit ice cream at the suggestion of our server, who like my previous experience, had been flawless in his service and suggestions. C drank a cup of Chamomile Citrus tea with his souffle, which paired well rounding out the tang of the dessert with citrus. His souffle was incredible. I originally thought it might be an overload on passion fruit, but it quickly was devoured. I ordered the Chocolate Beignets with Coconut Cream and a cup of Orchid coconut oolong tea. The beignets arrived hot and upon my first bite puncture, dark mildly sweet chocolate oozed out of the middle. The tea's meditative tone drew out the richness of the dessert and I enjoyed the co-mingling of both flavors.

We left full and happy. And at the end of a long day, what better way to say goodnight but in thai?

NOISE LEVEL: Fine
GOOD FOR KIDS: no
PRICE: $-$$
SERVICE: Great
GROUP FRIENDLY: Great for groups or one-on-ones
COOL QUOTIENT: Absolutely THE chic spot for thai fare.

Chicago- Avec

2006-05-22T22:29:00.000-07:00

My foodie friend A recommended we meet at Avec for dinner during my stint in Chicago. Our first conversation when we met a year ago revolved around food and all of the interesting ways A's city is having recess, playtime in the kitchen. What I love about Chicago is the freedom- freedom to experiment and be brash concocting interesting pairings that equates to good celebratory food. Chicago doesn't feel the need to be San Francisco or New York and there is incredible innovation afforded.

Avec is next to its sister restaurant Blackbird, both managed and owned by mover and shaker Chef Paul Kahan. He won the James Beard award for Best Midwest Chef in 2004 and she had aptly described this place as always bustling and bubbling over with activity. This is apparently where all the chefs come to dine- that's not the worst piece of news to find out before supping and coming from the source of an editor at a food magazine, to be believed. Avec is also accomodatingly priced, so it will not break the bank.

The door is hard to find. This was a bit of an obstacle, since it blends into the wall and gives no signs of its egress one way or the other. Once inside, long banquete-style tables line the wall and there is bar seating as well. Since Avec doesn't take reservations and is a rather popular eaterie, we happily made plans for a Monday night supper. Green wine bottles blanket the back wall giving off a sprite soda green caste. The decor is spartan as if to make way for sensational food. And we were not disappointed.

Since small plates are the rage here, we attempted a tasting spree starting with the whipped brandade and the prosciutto salad with grilled peaches and mint. Both were very tasty ways to get the palate revved up. The pairing of the ham and summer fruit complemented one another in this light, decadent salad. Next, we received one of their house specialties of medjool dates stuffed with chorizo, wrapped in smoked bacon and served with a spicy tomato-pepper sauce. The sweet and spicy play off each other well in this feisty dish that rang true with my Chateau Maruine red wine. These dishes came framed in classic white porcelain dishes, showcasing the contrast and play of color and texture of the food. Lastly, they brought out a pork shoulder with lentils in a small dutch oven. The pork was so tender that it fell off the bone and combined well with the lentils which added a creaminess to the dish.

We had saved no room for dessert. At Avec it is all about the food and that is a great thing. Je reviens tout suite!

NOISE LEVEL: Loud
GOOD FOR KIDS: No
PRICE: $-$$
SERVICE: Good
GROUP FRIENDLY: Small Group-friendly or one-on-one (as one-on-one as you can get in a banquete).
COOL QUOTIENT: Absolutely.

Charlotte- Mimosa Grill

2006-04-09T19:14:00.000-07:00

I'll be honest. I didn't expect much from Charlotte in terms of a great meal. Sure, I knew I would come across bar-be-que (the first night we enjoyed pulled pork sandwiches accented by traditional carolina bbq sauce- aka mustard sauce, which doesn't always rest well with my Texas bbq palate). I looked forward to sweet tea, more out of nostalgia than enjoyment of the oft-sickly sweet beverage. And I expected the likes of Waffle House, Shoney's and Captain D-esque chains to dot the landscape.

So stumbling upon the stylish and very affordable Mimosa Grill made me scratch my head and change my mind a bit. Each of the booths in this restaurant feel intimate and comfortable. My server brought out a menu with a three course "Sunday Comforts" section for $20.06 (last year the cost on was 20.05... can anyone guess next year's price?) Among the options listed were the likes of shrimp bisque, Southern chicken and dumplings. I settled on the Fried Green Tomatoes and Shrimp Remoulade. While I waited, my server brought out a small homemade biscuit and cornbread in the shape of a corncob, accented by a tab of honey butter and a sherry infused sultana-cherry compote.

The tomatoes came out crisp and steaming- just like they should be, resting on a bed of arugula and infused basil oil tracing the plate. As I waited for my "Grandma's Chicken Pot Pie" with herbed crust, I polished off the last of my biscuit, of my cornbread. Every plate drew in the eye, while the flavors revealed more than just a pretty plate. The pot pie filled me to the core and had an adult edge complete with woody mushrooms and leeks matching up with kiddie cut carrots and peas.

My doggie bag held a prize for the end of my evening- their signature pecan pie. I am a finicky pecan pie eater, considering the pecan pies of my past involve fresh pecans from the trees in my backyard in Texas and my aunt's killer pie recipe. So my expectations for anything involving "signature" were definitely high. And the layer of dark chocolate above the crust provides an interesting twist, but at the end of the day let's say in this regard I am a traditionalist. I hope to go back to Mimosa Grill again before I leave, if only to experience their baked lobster macaroni and cheese. I stand corrected, North Carolina.

NOISE LEVEL: Pleasant
GOOD FOR KIDS: Only older and well behaved children
PRICE: $-$$
SERVICE: Very Good
GROUP FRIENDLY: Group-friendly
COOL QUOTIENT: Packed on a Sunday night, this would be a great place any night of the week.

Las Vegas- Wynn- Corsa Cucina

2006-03-29T21:45:00.000-08:00

We happened upon Corsa Cucina unexpectedly. After a long day, there is nothing quite so comforting as Italian cuisine. Perhaps it involves the rich deep flavors of roasted tomatoes combining with the ready companion basil that causes conversation to take a pause. Located within the new and posh for Las Vegas Wynn Resort, the colors of tomato red and deep chocolate browns and dark wood combine with light fixtures which are reminiscent of spaghetti noodles dripping down from the ceilings. Even the decor makes you want to pull up a chair and pick up a fork. We approached this meal as a family affair, agreeing to several menu options that would appease our hungry appetites.

As we waited for our salads and starters, we munched on pepperoni rolls and olive rolls. Apart from the typical caesar salad and mozzarella di buffala (caprese-style salad) we enjoyed a platter of their antipasti and the corsa salad composed of spinach, corn, goat cheese and balsamic vinaigrette. Among our entrees we ordered two of their popular wood-fired pizzas, one with wild mushrooms and truffle oil drizzled on top, and the other with grilled shrimp, tomato confit and arugula- the tastier and more fully rounded, flavor-wise of the two. I was most interested in their short rib of beef ragu, which did not disappoint. Lush and hearty, the ragu was offset by shaved parmesan reggiano and mezza penne pasta. This is the kind of dish that if you were alone at home, you could lick the bowl clean.

Even with our sweet tooths, we finished our meal on a savory note, sated and happy.

NOISE LEVEL: Loud, due to both club-like techno music and other patrons
GOOD FOR KIDS: no
PRICE: $$$
SERVICE: Good
GROUP FRIENDLY: Small groups and one-on-ones
COOL QUOTIENT: Cool enough for Steve Wynn.

LA- Real Vegetarian Restaurant Delights

2006-03-23T22:04:00.000-08:00

Good vegetarian food is hard to find. Usually vegetarian restaurants equate vegetarian cuisine with no spice, with bland food- as if only carnivores are entitled to a culinary good time. And so, it goes without saying that everytime I visit the metropolis that is overwhelmingly L.A. I find myself plotting a course to a vegetarian restaurant that "gets it." Real Food Daily is one of my favorite veggie haunts.

We always start our meals with the lentil and walnut pate, an amazing dip accompanied by rice crackers. I usually get the salisbury steak made of seitan with a side of their delicious mashed potatoes and gravy. This time, I decided to veer from the normal, taking our waiter's advice to try the Herbed Tofu Wrap. The menu described it as having a pesto spread and yet when it came, the majority of the wrap tasted like lettuce, which was a bit of a let-down, but the Asian slaw that accompanied it was yummy. My friend ordered their African Safari- which was delectably amazing. Their fresh beet, carrot and parsley juice really hit the spot. We saved room for dessert and tried the chocolate bundt cake with a cashew butter center culminating a good meal. Real Food Daily has two locations- one in West Hollywood and another in Santa Monica.

I had the pleasure of meeting chef Ann Gentry at a food show over the weekend and her warmth and ebullience in her food emanate in her personality and spirit- now a new reason for me to return.

A few nights later, we found ourselves at another well esteemed and reputed vegetarian restaurant Native Foods and I could barely belive our luck at discovering two excellent vegetarian restaurants during this trip which show cuisine sans meat to be provocative and sensual. Native Foods in Costa Mesa has an interesting set-up where you order your meal at the front counter and they deliver it to one of the booths in this circular restaurant. They are purported to have a great housemade chai, which I found to be good, though a little sweet for my preference. We ordered our dishes- me- the "Rockin' Moroccan" a mix of "chickenless-chicken nuggets" with a spicy sauce over quinoa with veggies, currants and toasted almonds; Amy- the "Gandhi" grilled tempeh with rice (her tempeh was some of the best I've ever tasted); Nanci- "Fatoosh" which is a lebanese salad with pita chips acting as croutons. My dish would have been very good but it was so spicy all I tasted were the spices- they obliterated any other flavor from penetrating my palate. Alas. We split a trio of desserts- everything from our favorite "Peanut Butter Parfait", rich with the right texture, the "Chocolate Cake," which proved too dense for us; and the "Chocolate Pie" which was okay, but when contrasted with the Parfait, didn't hold a torch of comparison.

On the whole it was a delightful dining experience and the menu boasts enough options to return for a repeat visit.

Real Food Daily

NOISE LEVEL: It can be rather bustling but still comfortable.
GOOD FOR KIDS: probably not
PRICE: $$
SERVICE: Good
GROUP FRIENDLY: Better for small groups or one-on-ones since this place is usually packed.
COOL QUOTIENT: This is totally a hot spot for the vegetarian chic crowd.

Native Foods

NOISE LEVEL: A popular hang-out.
GOOD FOR KIDS: perhaps
PRICE: $
SERVICE: Good
GROUP FRIENDLY: Small groups or one-on-ones
COOL QUOTIENT: Another hot spot for the vegetarian chic crowd.

SF- Mona Lisa

2006-03-13T21:53:00.000-08:00

We waited outside the restaurant Mona Lisa as the doorman assured us our table would be ready in the next few minutes. And so we perused their sidewalk menu that showcased 65 different handmade pasta dishes, in which my eye kept getting lost.

Once our table was ready all ten of us were shuttled to the back of the crowded restaurant. This place is loud, racucous and fun! We sat at a table shaped like a "t" and began the process of ordering. Appetizers consisted of prosciutto and melon, a traditional caprese salad, arranciata sicilian rice balls, which were creamy and rich delicacies, bruschetta, and fried calamari. The wine of choice was a table chianti and a table pinot noir.

The Chicken San Marino I ordered was perfect and delicious, so much so that I had to save the other half for another meal. The chicken was rolled around a slice of prosciutto and mozzarella oozed from the inside, when cut, and topped with a cream-tomato sauce. A side of penne and garlic sauteed spinach rounded out the meal. I tried my friend's Chicken Cacciatore which was delectably salty and full-flavored.

We had a great time and so it is easy for me to consider returning to Mona Lisa, but part of it was the lively company in attendance. My opera singer friend, sitting across from me, when the violinist walked toward our table playing "La Vie en Rose" began to sing along softly. She continued and allowed herself to sing full throttle, which commanded the attention of the tables nearby. When the song finished, applause broke out throughout the back of the restaurant- a sign of a winning evening and eating experience.

NOISE LEVEL: Loud and fun, but still able to hear the person seated nearby
GOOD FOR KIDS: probably not
PRICE: $
SERVICE: Great
GROUP FRIENDLY: Absolutely; I would venture to say it's more fun in a group.
COOL QUOTIENT: North Beach, the San Francisco version of "Little Italy"- a great area for locals and tourists alike.

fun with sugar and chocolate

2006-03-08T18:50:00.000-08:00

It's amazing really what a person can do with a little ingenuity... chocolate and burned sugar. Entries from the
New York Restaurant Show's "pastry competition."

TOP TO BOTTOM:

-- "Groove is in the Heart" --
-- "Phantom of Mardi Gras" --
-- "Clowning Around" --
-- "Edible Flower Arrangement" --
-- "Chocolate Stairway to Heaven"- (Led Zeppelin would be so proud...) --

NYC- Pigalle

2006-03-07T20:19:00.000-08:00

I had been waiting to catch a cab just around the corner when this bistro caught my eye. It's been a long time since I've been in France- about nine years really and the friendly exterior of this cafe looked so familiar and inviting, I waited until my last day in New York to grab a quick breakfast. I sidled up to the bar and ordered their breakfast croissant with a bowl of fruit. The croissant was buttery and warm on the inside with a slight crispness on the outside, then topped with egg, gruyere and several slices of bacon.

I ate half of this rich breakfast item and chatted in French with the bartender, who has been in the US only a few months, from the Cote d'Ivoire. I left with a full stomach and a smile on my face- both for the delicious breakfast that didn't break the bank and the fast, efficient service (not characteristic of France).

If I'm ever in the neighborhood again, this will be a place to return to with thoughts of the "goat cheese petatou" and either the "brandade de morue" or a personal favorite when prepared right- "boeuf bourgignon." Delicieux.

NOISE LEVEL: Lively, but not unbearable
GOOD FOR KIDS: sure
PRICE: $
SERVICE: Great
GROUP FRIENDLY: Small groups
COOL QUOTIENT: Midtown- close to the theatres and shops of Times Square.

NYC- Alfama

2006-03-06T20:35:00.000-08:00

I met up with a high school friend for dinner Monday night. She suggested a Portuguese restaurant in the West Village area of town called Alfama. Her Portuguese boyfriend had brought her there to celebrate their first Valentine's Day and to this day it is their favorite Portuguese restaurant.

We stepped into the main room which reminded me of old Europe and is tastefully decorated.

We were informed by our server that they had just flown in the seafood from Portugal earlier that evening. The prix fixe menu selections sounded good to each of us and at $35 was a steal.

Cheryl and Alberto started out with appetizers of Polvo Grelhado, a dish of grilled octopus, bell peppers and tomatoes. I started out with the Caldo Verde, a savory potato broth soup with shredded collard greens and chorizo, that was a good way to whet the appetite.

As a main course, I ordered a dish with monkfish in a saffron sauce served atop a cilantro potato pancake. This dish continued to become more delicious as the fish and pancake began mixing in the saffron sauce. Ne'er a bite was left on the plate. They both ate the Mariscada Alfama, a seafood stew redolent with lobster, clams, mussels, shrimp, monkfish and potatoes in a tomato-wine broth, which smelled and looked as though it was enjoyed since their plates were empty at the end.

A light dessert of berries and meringues in a vanilla sauce capped the meal off well. All in all a great meal. The only sore point we had with Alfama was our server's ineptitude that we chalked up to her potentially being new on the job. Case in point, Alberto asked for sugar and she brought the check because she thought that's what he'd asked for... Alfama would be worth another visit.

NOISE LEVEL: Quiet and intimate
GOOD FOR KIDS: Only quiet babies in baby carriers
PRICE: $$
SERVICE: Not Good
GROUP FRIENDLY: Possibly
COOL QUOTIENT: West Village, an intimate restaurant in a great area

NYC- Nero

2006-03-05T19:57:00.000-08:00

Flanked by seven Italian men, I had high hopes for the Italian restaurant Nero. We walked into the dimly lit main dining room with old world style light bulbs where the filaments are viewable, suspended above long wooden tables that beckon for family-style meals.

Their house Sangiovese was smooth and slightly fruity, making a great accompaniment to our upcoming meal. They brought out the requisite small baskets of artisan-baked bread and plates of extra virgin olive oil with a swirl of balsamic comingling. I started the meal with their beet salad, complemented with goat cheese, endive and olive oil. The salad's presentation was impressive even in the darkness, but the flavor was flat and not as nuanced as I would have liked- perhaps toasting the walnuts would have drawn out more of the natural sweetness of the beets, the edginess of the endive. I tried some of my friend's pasta with marinara sauce which was delectable, mostly due to the sauce's texture and full-bodied flavor.

Dinner consisted of their fusilli dish accented with parma prosciutto, shiitake mushrooms and scallions in a light cream sauce. The description conjured up a melange of salty and creamy goodness and again, I was disappointed with the final outcome, having to add salt that should have been readily found in the prosciutto. My friend ordered their wild mushroom risotto with foie gras, but couldn't taste the foie gras and we both left food on our plates.

I learned my lesson and chose not to order dessert, but instead tried one of the pistachio filled cream puffs... also bland. If I had to redo my experience at Nero, I would order the Marinara dish again. The company and ambiance were great. The restaurant needs to find its way.

NOISE LEVEL: Not bad on a Sunday night; the room is rather tight and would be rather loud when full.
GOOD FOR KIDS: Maybe during the daytime; definitely not at night
PRICE: $$
SERVICE: Good
GROUP FRIENDLY: Sure
COOL QUOTIENT: in the hip meatpacking district

NYC- Hotel Gansevoort

2006-03-05T19:16:00.000-08:00

Sunday, we began our evening at the posh hotspot, the Hotel Gansevoort. Located in the meatpacking district of New York, I was told that supermodels and celebrities frequent their penthouse level on the weekends and it is near impossible for a plebeian to enter into the midst. We walked through a very spartan lobby which reminded me of Ian Schrager's work.

Exiting the elevator, we stepped out into the uber-chic penthouse level. One of the elements of the Gansevoort's penthouse is that it has a 360 degree view of the New York skyline. It also boasts three distinctly decorative rooms- a South Beachesque room, a Moroccan style room and a sleek corporate-looking main room with leather ottomans dotting the ground. Immediately to the left of the elevator is the pool... and cabana area.

A good place for drinks, I ordered a passion fruit martini for a measly $15 and watched snippets of the Oscars on the giant flatscreen tv wall behind us as we laughed and enjoyed the beginning of our evening.

NOISE LEVEL: Not bad; Friday and Saturday nights would be off the hook.
GOOD FOR KIDS: Nope
PRICE: $$$
SERVICE: Good
GROUP FRIENDLY: Only if you hit it at the right time.
COOL QUOTIENT: Absolutely

Welcome to Puerta de la Panza

2006-03-03T23:46:00.000-08:00

I endeavor to address trends within the foodservice/hospitality industry and provide cutting edge restaurant reviews and photos of tasty noshes derived from food-related excursions.

Let the palate be your guide...