Even with the bounty of deliciousness that constantly surrounds us in Portland, it's not often we get to eat at an upscale, gourmet restaurant but when we do, it's always spectacular. Our recent visit to Ned Ludd for my birthday last week gave this statement more truth, as we were surrounded by fresh, seasonal and thoughtfully prepared dishes that we'd go back for any day.
Atmosphere:
Situated on the border of NE and NOPO, you'll find Ned Ludd on the busy MLK Blvd and truth be told, it's easy to miss if you're not looking for it. The exterior is sort of rustic looking and the restaurant's signage not too prominent that you really have to look out for it. But when you find it, you'll be glad you came - and you'll be happy to also see that it has an official parking lot, which is kind of rare.
The exterior is enticing in itself, as it adorns all the natural wood they use to power their signature wood burning oven. I love that the vibe is very organic, rustic and doesn't look like it's trying too hard, which is definitely felt inside too. While the interior decor feels a little thrown together, being made up of a hodgepodge of knick-knacks that look like they came from competing households, it still works together to create a charming atmosphere and in its own way, harmony.
Food:
Since the restaurant's philosophy is all things seasonal, fresh and centers around local bounty, we made sure to try a little bit of everything - especially the vegetables. We weren't sorry in our choices and I was especially impressed with Dan's main dish:
Spiced Flatbread - Starting off with some homemade spiced pita breads simply sprinkled with course sea salt and fruity olive oil was a good idea. Not only were they warm and airy, they paired nicely with our other dishes, especially the veggies. It must be noted that the portion is generous and ample enough to share between 2 to 3 people.
Summer Squash Salad - I was instantly drawn to the description of this dish, which included Mediterranean flavors including za'atar and yogurt sauce. Dan remarked that it tasted a little bit like tzatziki, which I somewhat agree with. The squash itself was lovely, vibrant and cooked perfectly to preserve a little bit of bite.
Pastured Lamb - Being a total sucker for lamb, this was my dish of choice and while I liked it, I can't say I was in love. Surprised that the meat was served on the cold/room temperature side, I expected something hot that melted in your mouth instead. And while the cherry tomatoes and the pea shoots that rested on top were simply flawless, I thought the greyish eggplant puree on the bottom didn't do much for the plate's sensory appeal.
Cornish Hen - Totally opposite of the lamb, Dan's entree was a total standout. First off, it looked absolutely gorgeous, sporting perfectly roasted skin that was sprinkled with fresh herbs and little edible flowers. It just looked like a happy dish that you coudn't wait to dig into and once Dan gave me a generous piece, I was hooked and went back for seconds, thirds, and fourths. The way in which it was cooked, resulting in one of the juiciest renditions of a chicken dish, was impressive. It surpassed any expectations one may have about chicken, and while the veggies that surrounded it were fabulous too, it almost didn't even need anything to go along with it.
Service and Cost:
Just like everything else in the restaurant, the service was very much on point. Our waiter was precise and attentive and very knowledgeable about the food. It was he who steered Dan towards getting that amazing Cornish Hen, so if you're stuck between a few different choices, the staff can certainly help you.
Costs are on the higher side but justified given the quality and precision of everything. The above mentioned meal with a drink set us back about $40 per person not including tip.
3 Mmmms
Ned Ludd - 3925 MLK Blvd, Portland OR 97212
503.288.6900
nedluddpdx.com
Fully embracing the fall season, I recently learned that local LIC eatery, LIC Market is rolling out a new bar menu, with tasty local eats and some specialty drinks too. I loved seeing the combination of small plates and fancy cheeses that set my tastebuds aflutter. Here's what you can expect at the bar:
*Happy Hour takes place Tuesday - Friday between 3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Cheese:
Moses Sleeper (cow’s milk), Jasper Hill, VT $8 - aged 3-6 wks, bloomy-rind cheese, buttery, bright, and savory
Reading Raclette (raw cow’s milk), spring brook farm, VT $8 - aged 3+ months, mild, semi-soft, sweet milk, acidic rind
Pave de L’Averyron (raw ewe’s milk), Roquefort, France $12 - ivory colored interior, semi-firm texture, sharp flavor
Small Plates:
Marinated Olives $6 - citrus, roasted garlic, fresh thyme & extra virgin olive oil
Sautéed Chorizo $8 - potatoes, chives and extra virgin olive oil
Cockles $12 - salsa verde, extra virgin olive oil
White Anchovies $7 - toasted pine nuts, chives & extra virgin olive oil
Charred Endive $7 - aged balsamic, grana padano, extra virgin olive oil
“Bar Nuts” $6LIC Market - 21-52 44th Drive, LIC NY 11101
718.361.0013
7 Train to 45th Road/Courthouse Square
http://www.licmarket.com/
I wanted to share a last minute, but really interesting foodie event happening this weekend at LIC Market, which caught my eye. If you adore truffles like I do and enjoy them in all sorts of foods, you'll love their Trufflemania night they're putting together this weekend. Featuring a 4-course tasting menu, featuring both white truffles from Alba and black truffles from Perigord, it'll be a night made for food's little luxuries.
Paired with locally sourced products from neighboring farms, you'll not only be supporting a fabulous local business but also the slow foods movement, giving back to our local farms. Here are the deets, and if this intrigues you, make sure to call for a reservation soon.
LIC's Trufflemania - Saturday, November 10th
2 seatings - 6 p.m. or 9 p.m.
$65/person (excluding tax and tip)
LIC Market - 21-52 44th Drive, LIC NY 11101
718.361.0013
7 Train to 45th Road/Courthouse Square
http://www.licmarket.com/
Last week was my Birthday Week, as I call it and I celebrated in many ways. One of those ways involved getting together with my closest friends and family at Bear Restaurant and having a smashing meal. I love to come by and sample their delectable local and seasonal dishes, and now with the official launch of the chef-driven menu that changes daily, I couldn't wait to see what was in store.
And as Chef Natasha hinted to me during our interview, she handed us a handwritten menu, full of daily specials, which we first devoured with our eyes. Here are some of the awesome new things we tried that night, which you can probably find again this week or later in the summer:
Roasted Beet Salad - This was my appetizer, and it was really delightful - the beets looking beautifully crimson and tasting super fresh. Dressed with the perfect accompaniments such as crunchy pickles, greens, cucumber and a little bit of fresh dill, the whole plate was earthy and left a clean taste on your palate. Overall, it was a perfect way to tee up dinner.
Cheese Plate - One side of the table got the colossal cheese plate, which featured local cheeses from Hudson Valley, including Camembert, Brebis rousse d'Argental, Selles Sur Cher and Fourme D'Ambert along with creative fixins such as strawberry and blackberry purees and buckwheat honey. The whole thing looked like a work of art, and was a delight to try, juxtaposing the savory cheeses with the sweet purees, bringing your tastebuds to attention through all that complexity. I'd recommend this for hard-core, adventurous cheese lovers, and it can be something to get in the beginning or at the very end of your meal.
Pulled Pork Ribs - I love me some ribs and was expecting this to be tender and luxurious. I think I'd call it more rustic instead, but as far as taste is concerned, it was spot on. Loving the spices that were incorporated into it, such as mustard seed and cumin, the dish was comforting and really primal. While it had some nice, fresh sauteed veggies on the side, it didn't need much, as the protein itself was pleasantly filling.
Dessert - We chose to try both desserts of the day, including the homemade chocolate mousse and the yogurt parfait, both dressed with fresh berries. Both were lovely, but I preferred the chocolate mousse, which was soft and velvety and as light as a cloud. The fresh berries were simple, but really did the trick of making the overall flavors in each dessert pop.
Service and Cost:
I'm happy to report that the service continues to be a home run, full of personalization and special touches from Chef Natasha, her brother Alex and the rest of the Bear staff. They really do make you feel like at home, and my guests were pleasantly impressed.
Costs are moderate and include:
Appetizers: $6-$11
Entrees: $18-$42
3 Mmmms
Bear - 12-14 31st Avenue, Long Island City NY 11106
917.396.4939
N/Q Train to Broadway
www.bearnyc.com
Everyone loves spring, and all that comes along with it, including a fresh new harvest of fruits and veggies. It’s exciting to see that local nabe favorites such as LIC Market continues to incorporate freshness into their menu, and here I’d like to tell you about some of their new items for spring. I hope they intrigue your tastebuds!
Morels, English peas applewood-smoked bacon, mint, ricotta salata
Heirloom tomatoes, basil puree, tatsoi, breadcrumbs
Asparagus, grana padano, lemon zest
Soft Shell Crab BLT, avocado, baby arugula, tomato, Maryland crab
Yum! I hope you stop in soon to check these out, as well as their other goodies such as bullseye eggs, a frittata of the day (pictured above), slow roasted duck hash, slow roasted pork and much more. Let me know what you think.
LIC Market – 21-52 44th Drive, LIC NY 11101
718.361.0013
7 Train to 45th Rd/Courthouse Square
www.licmarket.com
