Masq - A Tasty Trip to NOLA by way of NYC

Truth be told - even though I've never been to New Orleans yet, I do relish some delicious Cajun food and therefore jumped at the chance to have dinner at Masq restaurant. Enjoying this flavorful and plentiful food with a few of my foodie comrades, we sat down at a generous press dinner, as we enjoyed the flavors of the South.

Atmosphere:
Located in the Midtown East area of the city on 49th Street between 1st and 2nd Avenue, Masq is easy to get to by subway or the bus. It feels very much like a cozy neighborhood hangout, and occupies an entire brownstone building, which is quite unusual.

From the minute you step inside, you ingest the cozy, sultry vibe that can only feel like New Orleans itself, as I imagine it.  At the front of the house sits a custom made horseshoe shaped bar, where neighborhood folks gather for classic NOLA cocktails, especially during happy hour. Walk a few more steps and you'll find a cozy dining room with vintage tables, chairs and eclectic artwork, which is where we sat.  It all felt comfortable yet still a little different and special, which is why I imagine Masq to be a great place to come to with a group of friends celebrating an occasion.

I must note that the very back of the restaurant serves as a mini performance space where young artists, including singers, comedians, musicians and the like can have a go at their craft on Tuesday evenings.  We had the pleasure of seeing this during our visit and I really enjoyed eavesdropping on some of the acts.

Food:
Masq's menu is carefully constructed to honor the best of NOLA's cuisine, but it also pays homage to American classics, which we all enjoyed. I thought the diversity in the menu a smart choice, especially if you dine in larger groups and are trying to please various palates.  Here are a few of my highlights:

Mac 'n Cheese Croquettes - Think of this as a mac 'n cheese with a NOLA twist.  It's perfectly crispy on the outside, but soft and gooey on the inside, adorned with flecks of fiery jalapeno and chunks of smoky bacon.  The spicy remoulade that decks the plate is the icing on this deliciously fried "cake."

Asian Marinated Salmon - As you can imagine, this dish falls into the new American category, and it was a big win for everyone at our table.  Boasting a beautifully golden crust with the perfect amount of char, it's marinated in honey and garlic soy sauce, hinting at a bit of an Asian influence.  Since this is quite a rich dish, Chef Marc paired it with a simple salad of peppery, leafy greens.

Shrimp Po' Boy - I looove me a po' boy, and this one was a big hit, as it came in the form of a slider.  Let's face it, everyone loves miniature food, so the novelty of this alone made my dining companions and me very happy.  Once we bit into its fried deliciousness, the flavors rang true with a little sweetness from the shrimp and some spicy flavor from a similar (if not same) remoulade used on the mac 'n cheese.  A side of crunchy cole slaw helped cut the richness of this Southern treat.

Jambalaya - Being at a New Orleans style restaurant and not trying the jambalaya would be a crime, naturally.  Masq's version was bursting with flavor and included a few original touches such as a dollop of tangy goat cheese on top that created a delightfully creamy sauce, as well as some Cajun spiced chicken.  While I enjoyed this dish, I found it to be pretty spicy, which is saying a lot for me.

Sabayon - Sealing this delightful meal with some dessert was absolutely in the cards, and I was excited to see an elegant cocktail glass filled with sabayon (aka zabaglione in Italian) and fresh berries.  I appreciated the simplicity of choice here, as the fruit cut the richness in the creamy sabayon and I found my glass emptied in minutes.  Imagine that!

Service and Cost:
Similar to the vibe here, the service feels personal and casual.  True that you can celebrate special occasions, as I mentioned, but you're never made to feel too formal, which is nice. Having the pleasure of meeting Chef Marc Getzelman, his passion for NOLA cuisine rang true and inspired me to visit soon.

Costs are on the moderate side, and it's nice to see you won't break the bank when trying something a little different.

Appetizers - $8 - $16
Mains - $14 - $25
Sides - $4 - $7
Dessert - $7 - $8

3 Mmmms

Masq - 306 East 49th Street, New York NY 10017
212.644.8294
6 or E Train to 53rd Street
masqny.com 

Lunching at Cherrywood Kitchen – With Guest Contributor, John Figlesthaler

I decided to bring you something a little different today. A NYC review of Cherrywood Kitchen, a newly opened casual eatery, with the help of my colleague and friend, John Figlesthaler. John and I work together in our day gig and realized that we had the love of food in common – and the love of the word too. Being a professional copywriter, John has his way with words but creative writing is where he really shines. See what you think, as I let him take the reins, but I pipe in with 2 cents as well. Enjoy!

Atmosphere:
For an area that is somewhat void of a solid food and drink scene, Cherrywood Kitchen has carved out a nice little space for itself. The interior has a streamlined class to it that is subtly adorned with antiquated bookshelves and other necessities like a well stocked central bar. At our lunch visit (which it just started serving), the place was nearly empty so the service was right on point. Welcoming and offering suggestions, the manager and server steered us towards a hearty and wide-ranging lunch that made it hard to go back to the office instead of having another cocktail and dozing off in a lawn chair.

Botanical Gimlet (Hendrick’s Gin, English Cucumber, Lime)  - If gimlets grew out of a magical garden that sprouted when it rained gin, this is what they would taste like. A cool and velvety texture from the pulverized cucumber laced with mild acidity of the lime that run hand in hand with the botanical elements of Hendrick’s.

Pretzel Rolls, Whipped Hot Dog Mustard Cream - Probably the most sophisticated ballpark snack I’ve ever tasted – a soft pretzel roll with a well-baked shell and a side of buttery cream that brings out the cheer of a good ‘ol ballpark frank.

Fooditka’s 2 cents – I also enjoyed this prelude to our meal, and I always have a soft spot (pun intended) for a good pretzel roll. The texture of the bread was really appreciated, as it was light and fluffy and not dense as some pretzel rolls can be. The whipped hot dog mustard butter was out of this world – even though I’m not a baseball fan, I couldn’t help but imagine myself at a pitiful Mets game.

Smoked Asparagus, Serrano Ham, Poached Farmer’s Egg - This classic trio is hard to go wrong with, but this version needed a little something more to knock it up a peg. A bit more smoke essence in the asparagus would have done the trick to comingle more with the ham and the golden liquid yoke.

Fooditka’s 2 cents – Being a huge fan of Serrano ham and anything with a poached egg on top, I was excited. Even though I enjoyed this app, I think it was a bit on the salty side and needed a little pop of something refreshing to lighten it up a tad.

Grilled Squid, Braised Rabbit, Pineapple Salsa - Probably one of the most intriguing “surf and turf” combos I’ve had in a while, the squid rings were grilled just right, no rubber band action, then stuffed with the salty braised bunny and a tangy sweet pineapple salsa on the side to balance it out. The squid and salsa evoked a Caribbean breeze, yet the rabbit seemed to have slyly jumped right in, making it something unexpected and satisfying.

Fooditka’s 2 cents: I appreciated this interesting take on calamari and have never seen anything like it. Stuffed with braised rabbit meat, it was nice to enjoy it in this way, as rabbit has a tendency of being pretty boney, but we didn’t have to worry about that here. Although I loved how the calamari encased the tender rabbit meat, keeping it nice and neat, it got a little outshined by the latter and by the pineapple salsa. Even so, I enjoyed this dish and would recommend trying it for the novelty factor. 

 

Soft Shell Crab BLT - In a perfect world this would be a readily available at every bar, tavern or watering hole where I may find myself drinking frosty pints of beer. A massive crab, fried to a corn dredge crunch perfection, topped with fat slabs of pepper bacon with the lettuce and tomato for freshness. Squeezed between a soft brioche bun slathered with a slightly chili-ed mayo – this is one hell of a sandwich. Sure, it’s messy, and of course it’s salty, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Oh, and how can forget the little clay pot full of French fry ends topped with bacon crumble and cheddar that kept the BLT company. My only complaint with these crispy hash browns was that the cheddar somehow disappeared in the pile of fries and bacon.

Fooditka’s 2 cents: I love a good BLT and couldn’t refuse one with fried soft shell crab. As John already mentioned, it was a messy, get-your-hands-in-there kind of dish, but it was tasty. Another form of surf and turf—this one more casual—I enjoyed the chewy, smoky bacon with the fried goodness of the soft shell crab in one big bite. There was a side of sinful French fry ends with bacon and cheddar – the craziest, maverick move I’ve seen in French fry history :) I like that Cherrywood went no holds barred with this dish.
 

Pan Seared Bass, Bone Marrow, Ankimo - Don’t let the bass fool you here – this wasn’t your usual light and airy pan seared fish dish. This was a decadent celebration of three delicious creatures all on one plate. Right away, the forearm-sized marrow filled bone topped with ankimo (monkfish liver) got my attention as it propped up the bass filet. The fish was seared with a textbook crisp skin and became a righteous vehicle for pairing with bites of the buttery marrow or ankimo, aka the foie gras of the sea. Because each of these proteins on the plate were so naturally rich and heavy on their own, this could have used more than just the crostini with fava beans and peas on top to cut through the (mouthwatering) fattiness. Either way though, this was a pretty freaking good concept that drooled of innovation – you’ve just got to know what you’re getting into when you order it.

Fooditka’s 2 cents: This was a no joke dish, and it had a lot going on the plate – at certain points, you didn’t know where to look first. The pan seared bass was just one component that was actually the lightest thing on the plate, as everything else was super rich and decadent. I found the bone marrow calling my name, so I dug in and slathered it on the already moist crostini with peas. It was extravagant for sure, and not something for the faint of heart, as it was further topped with monkfish liver. The latter component was a bit too much for me, so I stuck to the marrow instead, which in my opinion could’ve been served on the warmer side. Even though I appreciated the inventiveness of this dish, I probably wouldn’t get it again.

Service and Cost:
Cherrywood wasn’t too busy for lunch yet, as I assume people are still hearing about it and probably visiting the restaurant more so during dinner hours. Having said that, the service was attentive and totally personalized and I have no complaints. I like that we were checked on frequently throughout the meal, but in the most unobtrusive way possible.

Costs are moderate for lunch and include:

Heavenly pretzel rolls – Complimentary with lunch
Appetizers - $8-$12
Entrees- $15-24
Sides - $5-$6
Dessert - $6

2.5 Mmmms

Cherrywood Kitchen - 300 Spring Street, New York NY 10013
646.559.2328
E/C Train to Spring Street
www.cherrywoodkitchen.com

Hill Country Chicken - Not Your Ordinary Clucker

Hill Country Chicken - 1123 Broadway, New York NY 10010
212.257.6446
N/R Train to 23rd Street
http://www.hillcountrychicken.com/

Recently learning that one of my favorite BBQ joints in the city, Hill Country was launching a fried chicken place that just opened, I was gung-ho about trying it.  My friend Bo, who's also a fried chicken fan joined me, and together we indulged in a very delicious, Southern-style lunch.

Atmosphere:
Although in a completely different location than Hill Country, you can tell that Hill Country Chicken is its close relative.  The fun whimsical vibe and the vibrant employees embody that same Southern hospitality feel, although Hill Country Chicken is a lot more out there and colorful.  The color palate is so bright and cheery that it stimulates your senses from the minute you walk in. I especially love the decorative wallpaper that differs on each wall and the huge star on the far back wall, which your eye naturally focuses on.

After you take everything in, you're ready to wait in line to be served at the bright yellow counter, displaying all the freshly fried chicken, flaky biscuits, sides and other yummy grub.  A separate pie counter is located on the side, for which the line is considerably shorter and you can visit it after you finish your chicken, as to not spoil your appetite (or to receive a freshly baked piece right out of the oven).

Food:
Chicken is of course the star of the show and it comes in various methods including straight up fried pieces, chicken tenders, sandwiches such as a chickwich, a club sandwich, and even a fried chicken salad.  Bo and I chose the simple fried chicken and the Hill Country club, along with sides and some pie too.

Fried Chicken - We got a couple of pieces of fried chicken including a leg and some wings.  I personally munched on a good sized wing with crispy skin and a wonderfully juicy inside.  Bo noticed that the chicken had a unique flavor and was slightly sweet.  That was fine by me and besides the hint of sweetness, there was some spice to it too.

Hill Country Club - I also ordered Hill Country's club sandwich, which looked very impressive.  Bo and I watched it come together before our eyes - a large, thick, fried chicken cutlet, big hunks of avocado, a beefsteak tomato and creamy mayo sauce that tied it all together.  Even though it looked messy, it was a pleasure to eat - the delicious, succulent meat being the star component yet again.  Since this sandwich is quite large, I suggest sharing it with your dining companion.

Sides - Two small sides accompanied our hearty lunch including a buttermilk biscuit and cheesy fried mashed potatoes.  We ate the former with the fried chicken, of course and it was light, flaky and freshly baked.  You could tell it was made from scratch and not from some artificial mix.

The cheesy mashed potatoes were out of this world and unlike any mashed potatoes I've had.  I loved the stringiness of the cheese and how it wrapped around the soft potatoes.  There was a surprise ingredient too - fiery red peppers that gave these already scrumptious potatoes additional panache.

Pies - Hill Country's mini pies are worth talking about.  They have about six flavors each day, and they're all enticing.  I went with a peach blackberry cobbler with a pretty star design on top.  The minute I bit into it my eyes lit up - the filling was chunky, zesty and not too sweet while the crust was perfectly buttery and crumbly. 

Service and Cost:
The servers at Hill Country personify Southern Hospitality.  I appreciated the welcoming attitude they all had and the willingness they portrayed to make sure that we had everything we needed.  The staff was cheery, friendly and stood out as a highlight of our experience.

Costs are moderate but a fair trade for what you're getting:

Fried Chicken - $1.75 - $5.50
Texas Tenders - $6.50 - $19
Sandwiches & Salads - $5 - $10
Sides - $.50 - $5
Pies - $3 - $40

3 Fried Mmmms

East River Cafe - Old Fashioned Italian Never Goes Out of Style

East River Cafe - 1111 First Avenue, New York NY 10021
212.980.3144
N/R/4/5/6 Train to 59th and Lexington
http://www.eastrivercafe.com/

Always in the mood to explore a new restaurant, my friend Bo and I dined at a traditional Italian eatery called East River Cafe on the Upper East Side.  We were invited to a tasting and were of course excited to sample a wide variety of Italian goodies including pasta, seafood and desserts.

What I found interesting about East River's history is that it's actually owned by an Egyptian gentleman whose grandmother ironically only cooked Italian food. I found that to be a neat story and was looking forward to trying an Egyptian take on Italian cuisine.

Atmosphere:
Even though East River Cafe isn't a new restaurant, it's been refurbished on the inside with modern chairs and tables that make you feel comfortable, but also with nostalgic decor elements such as black and white photographs, mirrors and lanterns that bring you back to another time.  The music is what really did it for me - jazz classics and slow ballads that transport you to a time when going out to eat was glamorous and people dressed up to do it.

We arrived early enough that the place wasn't crowded - we saw a few couples enjoying a romantic meal, but East River also has larger round tables suitable for bigger groups.  I loved that the front-of-the-house windows opened up, allowing us to enjoy the warm summer breeze outside as well as the lively activity on 1st avenue.

Food:
We tried a little bit of everything - fresh veggies, a pasta course, seafood and dessert.  There's a lot to choose from and I think East River does a good job of accommodating different palates  - from serious meat eaters to vegetarians.

Insalata ai Lamponi - We were in the mood for something healthy and refreshing and our eyes automatically veered to this summer salad with arugula, fresh raspberries, feta cheese and a coating of lemon vinaigrette.  It was a perfect way to start a multi-course meal.  I especially loved how the sweet raspberries offset the salty feta cheese--the combination working beautifully to satisfy your immediate hunger but still exciting the palate for more things to come.

Pomodori Gnocchi - Being a huge fan of gnocchi, I was excited to see the amazing variety that was offered at East River Cafe.  While I've already tried several combinations on the menu at other restaurants, what stood out to me most was the gnocchi pomodori, with pesto, brie cheese and cream sauce.  I've never had brie in a gnocchi dish and the prospect of it was very exciting.  Overall, we loved these soft, delicious mounds, which were made out of potatoes and tomatoes (hence, the "pomodori").  It was evident that they were homemade due to  their light texture, which softened the rich flavors of the cream sauce.  The brie was gentle but definitely evident and if you're a cheese lover, you'll appreciate it.

Salmone in Crosta di Patate alla Senape - Even though the name of this dish sounds fancy, it wasn't uber sophisticated, yet it was very delicious.  Consisting of decadently moist salmon wrapped in a thin layer of potato, resting on a bed of dijon mustard sauce, I thought this dish was scrumptious.  It's not one that I ordered but will definitely have to next time around.  While the color of the mustard sauce was off-putting, don't be misled by it because the flavors are just right.

Cannolis - A classic Italian dessert, we were curious as to how it'd measure up at East River Cafe.  While I'd say that the cannoli shell was crispy, light and excellent, the filling needed some help and maybe additional vanilla bean flavor.  I also would've liked the cannoli cream to be colder, as I love the taste of a rich, chilled custard.

Service and Cost:
Our server was confident and respectful and I loved that he had a clear command of the menu.  Even though we were on a tasting, he wasn't over-attentive, which I appreciated and thought it added authenticity to our experience.

Costs are moderate and include:

Appetizers - $6 - $14
Pasta & Gnocchi - $12 -$20
Pizza - $9 - $14
Entrees - $16 - $26

2 Mmmms

Go Burger Experience Rocked My World

The other day, I read about a new food truck coming to the City streets called Go Burger.  But with so many food trucks out there already, what makes this one special and interesting? Well, I think the secret lies in its brand - it's part of the BLT restaurant chain, which includes BLT Prime, BLT Fish, BLT Steak, BLT Market and BLT Burger.  I've now been to 3 out of 5 of these and I'm a certifiable fan.  So much so that when I saw that Go Burger was giving away free burgers today from 1 p.m. until supplies lasted, I just had to get myself over to 22nd and Park and check it out.

The Experience:
The entire experience of waiting on line, talking with other people and just standing there, anticipating that burger goodness was really exciting.  It was encouraging when we saw people walk away smiling with generous-sized hamburgers in hand and even fries to boot.  The line got progressively longer as I waited and eventually it went to the end of the block, as you can see in the picture above.  I waited about 25 minutes for my burger but it was well worth it.

The Burger:
I promised myself that since I waited so long for this burger, I had to devour it properly.  That meant bringing it back to my desk at work and taking nice, slow, indulgent bites instead of haughtily scarfing it down on the street.  I did sneak some fries in on the way back to work, and they were really awesome, and so crispy.

So once I got back to my desk and unwrapped the burger, I was immediately impressed.  The bun was big and fluffy and covered generously with sesame seeds.  And the inside contents were just as wonderful: bright green lettuce, sweet red onions, a tomato and of course that delicious juicy Black Angus Beef patty.  I loved that it wasn't well done and therefore it was still very moist and flavorful.  You could taste the quality of the meat, which I later found out was made up of a combination of sirloin, short rib, chuck and brisket.  I'm happy to say that it's on the level BLT Burger, which is pretty darn excellent.

The Menu:

I grabbed a full menu of course, for when I'd like to come back and explore some other options.  Here it is in its entirety - enjoy and I highly encourage you to try it.

Burgers:
Hamburger - 5 oz. grilled certified Black Angus Beef...$4 single...$7 double
Cheeseburger...$4 single...$7 double
The Classic - 5 oz. grilled certified Black Angus Beef, tomato, red onion, iceburg lettuce & pickles...$5 single...$8 double
The Classic With Cheese...$6 single...$9 double
Turkey - All natural turkey breast ground with fresh herbs...$6
Lamb Merguez - Colorado lamb, mint-cilantro yogurt sauce, cucumber, olives, red onion, tomato...$10
Salmon - Atlantic salmon, avocado, cucumber, red onion, baby arugula, zesty-cayenne tartar sauce...$11

Hot Dogs:
Kobe Dog - Apple cole slaw, spicy German mustard, pickled jalapenos...$6...$10 footlong

Fries:
Skinny fries...$3

Cheese fries...$4

Morning Quickie (available until 11 a.m.)

Eggs...traordinary - Maple sausage, egg bacon & cheddar frittata, English muffin...$6

Salads:
Farmer's Salad - Iceburg, radicchio, chopped vegetables, onion with feta and oregano dressing...$9

Sweets:
Dark chocolate and walnut brownie...$3
Oatmeal-chocolate chip cookie...$3

Shakes:
Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry or Coffee...$4 each

Drinks:
Fresh squeezed lemonade...$3
Fresh brewed iced tea...$3
Coffee...$2
Boylan's Bottled Sodas...$3

Go Burger - 646.479.6027

Twitter: @goburger

www.goburger.com

Van Leeuwen Truck - Artisans Scream for Ice Cream

Van Leeuwen Artisan Ice Cream - Various locations around Manhattan
www.vanleeuwenicecream.com

I've been keeping a close eye on this gourmand ice cream truck, and when it acquired a new location near my office, I became intrigued. The lemony-yellow truck just screams of fun and delight--so when Leann, Vicky, Gina and I found out they'd be giving out free ice cream at yesterday's Lucky Boutique Crawl, we had a clear and unflinching mission to accomplish - to taste it.

Some Background...
Before I get into our experience and the flavors we chose to devour, I want to give a bit of context as to why this ice cream truck is different from others.

In a nutshell (pun intended), their philosophy is "fresh. local. pure. simple." They use fresh, local-sourced ingredients that are environmentally friendly and body friendly - meaning that you won't find any chemicals or preservatives in these cones.

They're so proud of this philosophy, that they display it on the outside of their truck for everyone see "we make our ice cream with fresh, hormone free milk and cream from local farms, cane sugar and eggs. Our flavors come from the finest small producers all over the world."

The Experience
When we walked up to the truck, long lines were already forming. It was such a nice, mild night that we happily waited along with 50+ enthusiastic women and maybe 1 equally delighted man. The line was progressing quickly and after about 10 minutes, we reached our turn.

The truck was serviced by two guys, dressed in casual, hipster garb and longish, scraggly hair. One of them acted a little too cool for school but we just went with it. I asked them for a scoop of pistachio and a scoop of chocolate ice cream in a cup. My friends also tried strawberry and hazelnut flavors.

The Ice Cream
The best part about this ice cream was the consistency - creamy and decadent but not so much that it was impossible to finish. On the contrary, it went down easily and melted at a good pace - when I reached the end, I got a nice semi-liquidy concoction that I mixed together. It was delightful to taste the chocolate/pistachio mix--although the chocolate was the more prominent flavor, there was a nutty finish at the end.

Between the pistachio and the chocolate, I'd recommend the latter. It was incredibly intense but not overly sweet. Made with Michel Cluizel chocolate, you immediately tasted the purity of this product as opposed to mass produced chocolate made with preservatives.

The pistachio was more gentle, with a buttery aftertaste that was quite pleasing. One thing missing were the actual pistachio chunks but I think that purity and creamy texture is what Van Leeuwen was striving for - and that they got.

Another stand-out was the hazelnut that was also buttery and smooth but had a tangier aftertaste. Coupled with a scoop of gentle wild strawberry ice cream, it brought out a pronounced flavor on your tongue. I'd recommend getting the hazelnut with a mild flavor or on its own for this exact reason - to make it stand out.

Unfortunately, Van Leeuwen ran out of their most popular flavor, the Giandujia, which combines chocolate and hazelnut. I think this presents a perfect excuse for my next visit.

Other Products
Besides the amazing ice cream, Van Leeuwen also serves Chicago based, Intelligentsia coffee. I tried it when I was there last spring and absolutely loved it. Note to self - it's a big step up from Starbucks.

Where to Find Them
You can follow Van Leeuwen on Twitter to see where their trucks are roaming. They also have a couple of distributors in which you could buy their stuff by the pint (look on their site under Locations & Stockists). One of them is LIC's very own Food Cellar.

3 Mouth Watering Mmmms

Butcher Bay - Brunch with a Seafood Flair

Butcher Bay - 511 East 5th Street, New York NY 10009
212.260.1333
F/V Train to 2nd Avenue
www.butcherbaynyc.com

Because we're lovers of seafood and various crustaceans, Lisa and I went to check out Butcher Bay Oyster Bar for brunch last week. The menu piqued our interests because it incorporated seafood spins on classic brunch dishes. While our expectations weren't utterly surpassed, we did enjoy ourselves, being able to relax and unwind after a long week.

Atmosphere:
I really liked the simplicity of this place--it's rustic, non-pretentious and reminds me of a quaint fish shack somewhere in the Cape or on Long Island. The furnishings are mostly wooden and there's a cool mosaic-tiled bar with neat little fish hooks that you can use for coats or your handbags ladies. There are two tables in the front that are cheery and bright, allowing you to soak in the day's sunshine.

Food:
I was expecting a lot from the food, and while I enjoyed it, I was wowed only sporadically--once by the cucumber sangria and another time by the peanut butter mousse.

Hangtown Fry - Lisa and I both ordered this, as we love fried oysters, which were incorporated into this potato, bacon and spinach omelette. The portion was huge but a little sad looking--I thought that it could've used micro greens or something to liven up the plate. The fried oyster that rested on top was stupendous and amazingly crunchy, and the oysters on the inside were great too--very fresh. Bacon, which is usually my favorite breakfast ingredient could've been thicker and more flavorful, and the spinach was also unremarkable.

Eggs Benedict - Another favorite of mine, it looked excellent but was again, disappointing. The egg could've used another minute to cook, and there was too much lobster hollandaise sauce on it. Despite it being a very good idea, it wasn't executed well. An ingredient that worked beautifully in this dish was the Canadian bacon--it was grilled to perfection, providing the senses with a hint of smokiness.

French Toast - This is where things picked up and I'm glad that we ended off with this plate of yumminess. It was more like a dessert than an entree, which was perfect for me because I have a ginormous sweet tooth. The small pieces of French Toast were stuffed with gooey bananas, which were delightful and sprinkled with a hearty bacon crumble. One word--freakindelicious! A side of airier-than-thou peanut butter mousse was the best thing on the plate, which means a lot coming from a peanut butter detester such as myself. Overall, a splendid dish and one that I'd get again in a heartbeat.

Sangria - I was impressed by Butcher Bay's unusual sangria selection, boasting inventive flavors such as cucumber and sour cherry. While the sour cherry is still a work-in-progress (too bitter), the cucumber was a smash hit. Refreshing and citrusy, it's a perfect drink for a hot day, with crisp, clean flavors that lift you up, not weigh you down.

Service and Cost:
Our server was excellent and super attentive, giving us good recommendations when we asked for them. I also got to chat briefly with Chef, Eric Simpson who seems like a young entrepreneur, ready to experiment.

The costs are moderate with brunch dishes ranging between $7-$18 and drinks mostly in the $7-$8 range. If you decide to eat here for dinner, appetizers run between $2.50-$10 and entrees are $16-$25.

2 Mmmms

Bring on the Husk!

Most weeks, I stroll the Union Square Greenmarket for unusual goodies, and last week proved to be quite fruitful (pun intended). I found these beautiful husked tomatoes (aka tomatillos) that you see above.

Completely unfamiliar with this fruit, I didn't know how to eat them let alone how to clean them. A helpful and far from shy sales associate showed me the way, gently pinching the papery skin at the bottom and then pealing it back to reveal a yellow cherry tomato. She popped one in her mouth and told me to do the same. I obliged and squealed with surprise and delight - they tasted like the sweetest cherries with little seeds not unlike in a tomato. The flavor was so delightful and exquisite that I tasted about three more and then, I bought the whole pint.

Let me tell you, these little tomatoes have changed my life--and made my week much sweeter. I brought them to work with me for a snack, looking forward to popping them in my mouth and relishing in their addicting spritz of flavor. By the end of the week, I ate them whenever I could - mixing them in cereal, ice cream and even my leftover Mexican Risotto.

They cost $5/pint, which isn't cheap but they've lasted us the whole week. You get about 40 pieces - and if I haven't stressed this enough, they're a gift that keeps on giving. Dan, who has an aversion to tomatoes absolutely loves them and refuses to believe that they're in the tomato family. Rock on with your husk on (or off)!

Get them on Mondays at a booth near 15th Street and Union Square West.
N/W/R/Q/4/5/6/L Train to Union Square

Cooking with Top Cheftestant Nikki Cascone

Lisa and I attended a very fun cooking class with Top Chef Season 4 Cheftestant, Nikki Cascone at her Soho restaurant, 24 Prince. The class involved Nikki demo-ing dishes for us, and we got to pick her brain about recipes, culinary techniques, and of course, Top Chef gossip.

Originally, the class was supposed to take place outside in 24 Prince's back garden, but due to unpredictable weather, they moved things inside the restaurant. We didn't mind at all, as we got a primo spot, right in front of Nikki - surveying her techniques and listening to her lively commentary.

Our fellow class attendees were mostly 20 or 30 something women who through a show of hands, were pretty much all Top Chef junkies like us. Needless to say, everyone seemed enthusiastic and interested in what went on.

The Menu:
Nikki presented us with a summer menu: watermelon salad, jumbo shrimp with sweet corn and homemade pineapple sorbet and macaroons. Overall, the food was light, fresh and very flavorful. I didn't feel overstuffed but was comfortably full and not guilty about what I ate. It was awesome.

Watermelon Salad - This was mine and Lisa's favorite, as it was the perfect summer dish. All ingredients were seasonal and therefore super fresh and flavorful. The best part was the sprinkle of tangy ricotta salata cheese on top as well as the earthy pine nuts. Both ingredients gave the salad substance and made it feel like a hearty dish instead of a small snack. I would definitely make this at home and plan to do so soon.

Jumbo Shrimp with Sweet Corn - Another inventive spin on a simple dish, it was spiced up with homemade peach chutney. When I saw how beautiful and ripe the peaches were, I almost didn't want Nikki to cook them, but the result was excellent--sweet, chunky and a nice complement to the shrimp and corn. I liked that Nikki gave us a good tip for cooking corn--placing it in an aluminum foil packet, adding a bit of water and butter, and then sealing it and putting it in the oven for a couple of minutes. The shrimp was cooked perfectly, overall making this a light, healthy dish that left you feeling vibrant.

Pineapple Sorbet with a Homemade Macaroon - Nikki didn't show us how to make sorbet, she just told us that she uses an inexpensive ice-cream machine that she bought at Crate and Barrel. While the flavor was strong, there was a weird aftertaste that I didn't like (sorry Nikki but I've had better). The macaroon on the other hand was superbly moist and incredibly indulgent--it was bite sized, which was good for the conscience (and the thighs) because I could've eaten an infinite amount.

The Chef:
Simply put, Nikki made the show! She was friendly, charismatic and totally up for answering any questions from the audience. She was down to earth and approachable, joking around with us and even providing us with Top Chef gossip (i.e. Padma is a bit of a snob, Tom Colicchio is a doll, she's actually only half Italian--the other half is Jewish).

What's next for Nikki? Well for starters, she's getting married in June 2010, she's writing a cookbook and opening up a pasta bar. Busy lady!

If you're thinking about taking a class, they're continuing them on every 2nd Wednesday of the month. They've added a class next Wednesday, August 19th and the one after that is on September 16th. Menus are seasonal, so expect something different in September. Cost per class is $35 + gratuity so it comes to $42.

If you're interested in the recipes from this class, email me at critic@foodistanyc.com and if you'd like to attend a future class, email Emily at emily@24prince.com or call 212.226.8624, and tell them I recommended you. Enjoy!

24 Prince - 24 Prince Street, New York NY 10012
212.226.8624
R/W Train to Prince Street
www.24prince.com

Baked by Melissa - Mini Stuffed Cupcakes

Baked by Melissa - 529 Broadway, New York NY 10012
212.842.0220
6 Train to Spring Street
www.bakedbymelissa.com

While in Soho yesterday, my brother Peter and I noticed a cute cupcake take-out counter called Baked by Melissa. We were immediately drawn to it, as the cupcakes were adorably small and featured seven interesting flavors: cookie dough, red velvet, cookies & cream, s'mores, peanut butter & jelly, peanut butter cup and tie-dye. They were all so cute and looked so yummy that we got a box of six, omitting only the tie-dye--it looked too artificial and I wasn't curious about what tie-dye flavor would taste like.

Peter and I had two cupcakes each, and the remainder we shared with Dan and Peter's girlfriend, Fiana. We were all impressed, especially with how much bank you get for your buck. Even though the cupcakes were tiny, they offered the perfect amount of flavor to give you that sweet fix. The frosting was very delicious and plentiful, making them feel more substantial than they actually were. The dough was lovely--soft, moist, sweet, and I'd go as far as to say that it was on par with Crumbs.

Cost:
These teensy treasures come at a premium, but they're worth every penny. The quality is excellent and you get what pay for--delicious, luxurious mini cupcakes without all the guilt.

6 for $5.50
12 for $10
25 for $20
50 for $37.50
100 for $70

After 100, each additional cupcake is $.70. Tax is included in all pricing.

3 Mmmms

Bao Noodles - Vietnamese Delight

Bao Noodles - 391 2nd Avenue, New York NY 10010
212.725.7770
6 Train to 23rd Street
www.baonoodles.com

Lisa and I embarked on a Vietnamese adventure at Bao Noodles last week. The evening offered up deliciousness and surprises, as we tried dishes that were brand spankin' new to both of us.

Atmosphere:
Although Bao is an Asian restaurant, it feels very much like a bistro. The long mirrors, the wooden bar, the dim lighting and the mosaic-tile floor all work together to create a comfy bistro vibe.

Lisa and I sat in a booth towards the front of the restaurant, where we had privacy but at the same time, people-watched to our heart's content. There's a trend that we observed amongst the clientele--they're young, hip, not pretentious and totally into Bao. It appeared that a lot of people were regulars who lingered for quite a bit, leading me to the conclusion that Bao is a beloved neighborhood hangout.

Food:
We were super psyched about our tasting menu, which offered a sampling of Bao's specials that are still under experimentation. All ingredients tasted fresh and most of them come straight from Chinatown.

Appetizers - The fist thing we tried was a green soy bean salad, which was super simple, and fresh. It was a nice way to start because it offered light and clean flavors, originating not only from the beans but also from the crunchy jicama and red onions. My only complaint was that it was a bit hard to eat with chopsticks and a fork might've been helpful.

Our second appetizer, Malanga with a sesame cracker and pickled eggplant, hit it out of the park. The malanga (or taro) was our favorite, as it tasted like a light bean paste and provided the most delicious spread for the sesame cracker. Our taro nibbles got even better once we piled on the curried tofu sauce and the tangy pickled eggplant. I loved the texture party in my mouth--soft and smooth from the taro, spongy from the tofu, and crunchy from the pickled eggplant. One word--awesome!

The shrimp paste noodle soup was yet another starter that we enjoyed. The broth was the best part, as it was flavorful, comforting and not too salty. There were plenty of fresh scallions and cilantro in it, providing a nice crunch and an earthy taste. The shrimp paste had a definite kick and its texture was almost meat-like--quite interesting and different from the norm.

Entrees:
The first entree was the salt and pepper soft shell crab. We both dived in enthusiastically, first for the crab and then for the tangy bed of slaw. I adore cabbage and thought it made for a nice pairing with the crab, again juxtaposing different textures--the soft crab with the crunchy slaw. The crab itself was seasoned exquisitely with Asian spices and plenty of fresh cilantro.

Pan roasted quail with choi sam was our second entree and though we had doubts--I've tried quail before without much liking--the first bite changed our perceptions. The quail meat was cooked to perfection, maintaining enough juiciness to preserve its flavor yet lacking gaminess. The bed of bok choy (Chinese cabbage) was delightful, as it balanced out the heartier meat with fresh, healthy flavor.

Dessert:
Not sure how we managed to eat two desserts but they included the Durian sorbet as well as the yucca waffle with blueberry sauce. The durian sorbet was fragrant and refreshing - tasting slightly like coconut. It wasn't overly sweet, but had a hint of bitterness that surprised the senses.

The yucca waffle was incredibly rich and slightly buttery, resembling an Eggo waffle. The best part was the blueberry sauce, which was sweet and the aromatic--and the scoop of lavender ice cream made it more luxurious.

Drinks:
The drinks were another highlight of our experience, and for the most part, they were summery and exciting. One in particular that I enjoyed was the Summertime, featuring kiwi-strawberry infused sake, fresh kiwi, strawberry and prosecco. It was light, fizzy and went down easy. I also enjoyed the Sake Sangria, which was white in color with fresh fruit on top. It was a tad sweet for my liking, yet it was another thirst-quenching, sexy drink.

Service and Cost:
The waitstaff wasn't overly social but they were detail oriented and methodical. We enjoyed speaking to the owners, Chris and Chris, who also helped to explain the dishes to us and communicated the evident passion and enthusiasm they've infused into this place. Overall, all dishes came out in good time and nothing warranted complaints.

Costs on the regular menu are gentle on the wallet and very conducive to today's challenging economy. Appetizers range between $4.95 - $11.95 and entrees will set you back between $7.95 -$16.95 (including anything from traditional Vietnamese dishes to seafood to pho, noodles or soup.

3 Mmmms

Macondo - Funky, Inventive Tapas

Macondo - 157 East Houston Street, New York NY 10002
212.473.9900
V/F Train to 2nd Avenue
www.macondonyc.com

After reading a compelling review about Macondo, Lisa and I decided to check it out. We both love tapas so it was an easy sell, and when Lisa spotted their enticing Happy Hour offering, we were that much more excited about it.

Atmosphere:
I'd describe Macondo as cheery and festive. The interior color scheme is bright with greens and earthy browns. Interesting touches such as nets that hold little trinkets and a "green room" with wild ivy are found here, giving the space an element of surprise.

The front of the house is a lot more casual than the back--people sit on long stools and high tables inside and there's a small outdoor seating area that faces the bar. The music is a tad loud but you get used to it fast. Overall, the vibe is fun and celebratory--I'd suggest it for a casual birthday dinner or an impromptu get-together. I would not however come here if you're looking for a romantic meal.

Food:
Consisting of small plates (or tapas), the menu offered many options that piqued our interest. We were first drawn to the less expensive Happy Hour food menu but in the end, mostly ordered from the regular menu due to better choices and bigger portions.

Calamares Crujientes (Crispy Calamari) - These weren't your ordinary fried calamari and both Lisa and I agreed that they were exceptional. Dressed with rocotto honey aioli, they had a sweet/tangy essence. Slightly crispy on the outside but nice and chewy on the inside, the squid tasted deliciously fresh.

Mofongo with Shrimp - Part of the Happy Hour menu, this dish included a small mound of mashed green plantains with spicy shrimp on the side. Both Lisa and I loved the kick from the salsa that dressed the shrimp. Once again, the seafood was fresh and very tasty, the only regret being that the portion was small. We would've preferred more of the mashed plantains--they were slightly smoky and had nice texture.

Pork Tacos - Although it was our least favorite dish of the night, it was still pretty good. The pork had a mild flavor and wasn't too fatty. We both thought that the tacos needed some creaminess or a sauce to bind it together. Unfortunately, it was hard to eat and it could've used a heavier hand with seasoning.

Bacalao Arepa - The stand-out dish of the night, it was both innovative and magnificent to look at. The egg that rested on top of the arepa with cod, tomatoes and peppers was a gorgeous sight, not unlike a bright, happy sunflower. Once we broke the yolk and let it marry with the rest of the ingredients, it brought our senses to attention. The salty cod had a pickled taste and the earthy arepa provided a wonderful base, soaking up the spicy salsa and the creamy yolk.

Churros - The mini churros and dipping chocolate were a great way to end our meal. Boasting great consistency, the churros were crunchy on the outside but soft and doughnut-like on the inside. Dipping them into the chocolate was fun but I wished that it was a bit thicker so it'd adhere to the churro better. But all in all, a yummy treat.

Drinks - In addition to the sangria (which was delicious), we were served a small pitcher of an inventive concoction called Porron--a mix of beer and Fresca. It was complimentary with our tapas and the way it was encouraged to be drunk was through the small spout of the hand-sized pitcher. Our waitress demonstrated how this was done (without getting our clothes dirty). We both tried it with mild success and in the end, resorted to pouring it into our glasses--cowardly, I know. The taste was sweet and citrusy and overall very pleasant.

Service and Cost:
Our waitress was a slightly off-beat yet nothing to complain about. All dishes came out quickly and service went off without a hitch. The only weirdness was when I gave the waitress my cash, asked for change and she didn't provide it until I reminded her. A bit shady but maybe she forgot in the midst of busy Happy Hour--I'll give her the benefit of the doubt.

Costs are moderate with most tapas in the $8-$10 range. Happy Hour tapas are in the $4-$6 neighborhood but portions are significantly smaller. All in all, four tapas, one dessert and two drinks set us back about $35 per person, including tax and tip.

2.5 Mmmms

DBGB - Funky Downtown Kitchen

DBGB Kitchen and Bar - 299 Bowery, New York NY 10003
212.933.5300
F/V Train to 2nd Avenue
http://www.danielnyc.com/dbgb.html

I'm a fan of Daniel Boloud but haven't dined at his restaurants because they're obnoxiously expensive. However, when Lisa told me about the newly-opened DBGB downtown kitchen, I was intrigued and the two us went to check it out. A pleasant experience it was--we were especially impressed by the burger and will definitely bring our meat-eater counterparts (the hubbands) with us next time.

Atmosphere:
Located on the ground floor of an upscale apartment building on Bowery, DBGB has a modern, industrial feel. It seems slightly out of place on the Lower East Side, but the vibe is friendly and non-pretentious, and you feel compelled to stay and explore it.

I like that the space feels very open, with high ceilings. The whole look in one word is "mirrored," meaning that there's a lot of reflectory furniture such as silver shelves, tables and long mirrors with writing on them.

It was fun to sit in the open space, which contains smaller tables and open booths in the middle, and more private booths against the wall. We sat near the kitchen, which is semi-exposed and provides a way to peek in and see how things get done.

Food:
The menu was extensive and it was tough to make a decision. While I wanted to try a couple of small dishes, Lisa didn't mess around and went for their work-of-art burger.

Tomato Bisque - I started with the soup because a). I was cold and b). I adore a nice tomato broth. The presentation was impressive, as the soup came in a modern, asymmetrical bowl with mozzarella foam on top and a roasted red pepper crostini on the side. Once I tasted a spoonful, I couldn't be happier with my choice. The broth was super light and it felt fluffy, probably due to the cheese foam. I loved the hints of fresh basil and despite the big portion, I had no problems finishing it. Lisa tried it too and agreed that it was stupendous.

Polonaise Sausage - My second dish was slightly disappointing. While it looked nice, the portion was small even for an appetizer plate. I guess that I was caught off-guard because the soup was so generously portioned. I liked the gentle flavor of the veal kielbasa but I thought that it needed something to spice it up. A bed of red cabbage was the kielbasa's complement, which was nice but again needed more zing. It was neither sweet nor spicy and I prefer a carameley, sweet red cabbage, just like my mom makes. Overall, I'd say this dish was meh...underwhelming.

The "Piggie" Burger - This was the show-stopper of the night. It was presented impeccably with a jalapeno on top, speared with a "DB" tag. But even as great as it was to gawk at, it tasted even better. Topped with legendary Daisy May's pulled pork, it was smoky and comforting. The bun consisted of cornbread and cheddar, which made it even more indulgent, and the burger patty itself was cooked to perfection--as juicy and flavorful as it should be. Lisa saved the remainder of it for her hubby Jay and he loved it.

Service and Cost:
Not overly impressed with the waitstaff, I think they're still growing in this area. While there was nothing terribly wrong with our waiter, he wasn't relaxed and seemed to disappear when we needed him most. We had to ask the manager for the check, which was a bit strange and slightly uncomfortable.

The costs are moderate and for a Bouloud establishment, downright reasonable. The entire dinner, which consisted of two small dishes, one main one, a glass of wine and a glass of beer set us back about $35 per person including tax and tip. It's nice to know that you can share dishes and no entree is priced above $26.

2.5 Mmmms