So I started my new job earlier this week (February 9th) and it dawned on me that if I want to take my new position seriously and to really have a strong career in luxury, then I want to learn Italian. My first instinct was Rosetta Stone. So for $549 I will get Lessons 1-5 (on-line special for Valentine's Special - I'm sure specials come up frequently, otherwise find it on Amazon for the same price).
At first I was really skeptical about how someone could successfully learn a language via computer program. It was the demo that turned it all around.The program appears to be very interactive and the one part that I think the program needs to push more on is speech recognition program that coaches on pronunciation and the live on-line lessons.
Can't wait to get my Rosetta Stone in the mail!!!
Friday, February 11, 2011
Love Weekday Lunch for One @ Locanda Verde
On a very windy and cold but sunny February Tuesday lunchtime, I walked into a restaurant and inquired for the first time "May I have a table for one please?"
I have never dined alone and I think being an only child has created this phobia of dining alone...though in this city, table for one, especially during lunchtime is very normal, so I thought I'd give it a try.
I had a rolodex of restaurants run through my mind - from Luke's Lobster to The Standard, DBGB, Avoce and several others, before I decided that I wanted to return to Locanda Verde. For several reasons, it is still nearly impossible to get a reservation at Locanda Verde for a decent hour for dinner for a party of two without calling first thing in the morning 30 days in advance. So, Locanda Verde is was.
I was greeted very warmly by two hostesses. I arrived at 12:30pm with the restaurant (to my surprise, but really happy to know that they actually have a down time) half empty. I was seated at a table for two by the front window. My Chanel tote and coat occupied my would-be date.
I knew that I wanted the Sheep's Milk Ricotta with sea salt and herbs. It is an absolute fav of mine! I love this homemade ricotta and nowhere else has been able to perfect it like Locanda Verde has.
Sheep's Milk Ricotta
I was picking between the traditional ravioli and the Scampi Ravioli, but since I was thinking more traditional I went with My Grandmother's Ravioli - homemade ravioli stuffed with beef and topped with red tomato sauce and freshly grated parmesan.
My Grandmother's Ravioli
I had about half of my appetizer and already felt full. Somehow I managed to finish my entree, but then when the dessert menu arrived in front of me, I couldn't resist Blood Orange-Prosecco Sorbetti.
Blood Orange-Prosecco Sorbetti
I really don't know how I ate so much on my own, but I was probably thinking at the time that these chances are few and far in between, so I made the most of it. Honestly, I've been beyond satisfied with everything I've had at Locanda Verde and even with high expectations, my third visit exceeded expectations. Beyond satisfied.
Closing Note: I did not enjoy eating alone and probably will not venture this route by choice in the near future. I got pretty bored and started to wish that I had company to chat with and decide on what to order from the moment I sat down.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Lunch Date @ Bouley in Tribeca
Searching through Open Table about three weeks prior, I found Bouley was already partially booked for Saturday, February 5th. I was left for either prior noon reservation or 2:00pm reservation, so I picked the latter.
What had intrigued me to pay another visit (I went many years ago when Bouley will still located elsewhere in a much smaller space and wasn't surprised to hear that the restaurant closed as I thought the food was good, but not great), because I heard the restaurant is much better and the $36 Lunch Tasting menu (1 appetizer, 2 main courses and 1 dessert).
We were right on-time for our reservation, but in dismay found several other couples waiting ahead of us -a clear sign that we may be waiting a little bit and we waited indeed, for approximately 25 minutes.
We spent our time waiting and me taking some pictures of the gorgeous waiting area.
Assuming that the restaurant was running behind schedule, I thought that they would like all other high-end restaurants, profusely apologize for the wait and treat their waiting guests to a complementary beverage or treat. To my dismay, I found that we got neither.
Finally we were seated in the downstairs dining area that appeared to be more casual than the room upstairs. Notably, I had requested to be seated next to each other at the table and for a table for two and the tables for two on the street level were all seated across from each other (which I could care less for). We were actually very happy with our table as it was spacious and quiet (we had enough space around us that I did not and could not hear neighboring table's conversations).
The restaurant starts everyone off with a Warm Butternut Soup with Fresh Frothed Ricotta and Sliced Chestnuts. It was a great start and already I could tell this meal was going to be good.
Warm Butternut Soup with Fresh Frothed Ricotta and Sliced Chestnuts
Bouley offered various different breads including olive bread and purple currant bread.
Side of Rosemary bread
Every notable restaurant should offer coffee with fresh milk, brown and white sugar cubes, brown and white rock sugar and a variety of sweetener substitutes. Perfect.
To start Marcos had the Organic Local Green Asparagus - it was with roasted pencil asparagus and basil dressing in a comte cloud. The cheese was warm and creamy. In my opinion a little too rich, but he loved it.
Organic Local Green Asparagus -
with Roasted Pencil Asparagus
Basil Dressing in a Comte Cloud
I had Chatham Blue Fin Tuna with marinated Japanese turnip, spicy radish and yuzu-miso dressing. The tuna appeared a little too soft than firm. The yuzu-miso dressing was more yuzu as I really could not taste the miso. The combination of all components together was good.
Chatham Blue Fin Tuna
Marinated Japanese Turnip, Spicy Radish,
Yuzu-Miso Dressing
Organic Scottish Salmon, Lightly Cured,
Indian Red River Grapefruit, Clemantine & Blood Orange,
Parsnip Puree, fresh Almond Broth
I loved my second dish - Porcini Flan with Alaska Live Dungeness Crab and Black Truffle Dash. I would return for this dish. The flavor of the porcini was perfect and present enough not to overpower the flavor of the Dungeness crab. The black truffle dash was more like a thin grate of truffle, but the flavor of the truffle was dull and stale-like (too bad truffle season is over).
Porcini Flan, Alaska Live Dungeness Crab
Black Truffle Dash
For the third course, Marcos got the Organic Long Island Duckling, which was excellent and perfectly well-done and complemented with the truffle honey.
Organic Long Island Duckling
Roasted with Truffle Honey,
Puree of Nevada Organic dates with Turnips,
Julienne of Local Beets
I ventured for my third course for the New Zealand White Fallow Venison with Black Truffle Gnocchi. Venison is the culinary name for deer meat. It was perfectly cooked and tender with almost not gaminess. The black truffle gnocchi was not what I was expecting. The gnocchi did not make me feel like I was eating gnocchi. The miniature size is cute, but there was no airy fluffiness that I was hoping for and needless to say, what happened to the black truffle part? I didn't take any truffle in my dish. The prune on the side was sweet and delicious and the brussel sprout leaves were good as well. Still wondering what happened to the gnocchi.
New Zealand White Fallow Venison with Black Truffle Gnocchi,
Blue Kale, Brussels Sprout Leaves, Pruneaux D'Agen
Marcos and I ordered the same dessert - Hot Caramelized Anjou Pear, which is essentially a poached pear that is sliced thinly and wrapped around a biscuit with Valrhona chocolate and hot toffee sauce, which was different and delicious to a degree. The rosemary and Tahitian vanilla ice cream was nothing to jump hoops for. Overall, dessert left me wanting for more.
Hot Caramelized Anjou Pear,
Valrhona Chocalate, Biscuit Breton, Hot Toffee Sauce,
Rosemary & Tahitian Vanilla Ice Cream
In addition to our dessert, came a tower of miniature treats from thin seasame crackers layered with peanut butter, chocolate with a passion fruit gel center, coconut macaroon, traditional French macaroons and cookies.
We left around 4:30 in the afternoon and found ourselves in a line with others waiting at the coat check. I noticed that the woman at the coat check was handing out a take-home gift to some patrons and not to others. Eventually (I was there long enough), to figure out that the "gift" was given to every other set of customers, which is rude and tasteless in my opinion. I'm sure you figured by now that I didn't receive this take-home gift (my guess is that it's a couple of apples). I must say that selectively handing out a gift and announcing to the persons receiving it that they have to wait a second because she has a gift for them is rather rude when you have several others waiting in this line waiting to pick-up their coats and other belongings as well. On top of it all, I thought I was dining at a high-end restaurant that could at least decide to gift or not gift at all. Then again, I suppose I shouldn't expect too much from a restaurant with only one Michelin star. Though did someone really think so? Compared to others with one stars, I am surprised this restaurant is on the list.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Celebratory Dinner @ GustOrganics
GustOrganics is the first and only certified organic restaurant in New York located on 14th Street and 6th Avenue and also the world's first certified restaurant using 100% organic ingredients. I've always wanted to try this restaurant on a more casual occasion and finally had the opportunity to. Also, thanks to GiltCity, I had the opportunity to purchase a certificate for $20 for two cocktails and four empanadas.
My friend and I made last minute plans for GustOrganics on my last day of work at my old company. I didn't really feel the need to truly celebrate my departure, but a so-called "celebratory dinner" at GustOrganics was a good call.
Upon entering the restaurant, I immediately felt transported into another place. The inside felt refreshing and the appearance reminded me much of The Enchanted Tiki Room at Disney World.
We both instantly knew that we wanted the Pomegranate Mojitos with white rum, sparkling water, fresh mint leaves and limes, agave and pomegranate juice. They were strong and so good! Apparently the place is known for their mojitos and when we didn't know whether we should get the margarita, mojito or sangria, the waiter proudly declared that their bartender makes the best mojitos and he was right!
Pomegranate Mojito
So, of course we ordered the empanadas, but not too impressed. I ordered the Carne cortada al Cuchillo (grass-fed ground beef, mixed peppers, egg, onions, oregano) and Humita (corn, oregano, red peppers) empanadas. The empanadas were very large and a bit on the dry side. Half way through the first one, I started to just pick out the inside of the empanada.
Empanadas
By the time our entrees arrived, we were full. The entrees were so good! The Skirt Steak with Mashed Potatoes was one of the specials and was juicy, tender and very flavorful - just lightly seasons with salt and pepper. The mashed potatoes were silky smooth and had a nice buttery flavor to it.
Skirt Steak with Mashed Potatoes
The Homemade Ravioli with Ricotta Cheese was the pasta special of the night. I was already full, but couldn't stop eating the fluffy filled cheese ravioli. Even though this dish is simple and appears to be typical - it was very well done and I hope this is a special GustOrganics often brings back.
Homemade Ravioli with Ricotta Cheese
One notable thing I want to mention is that the service was excellent! Our waiter was enthused and very helpful with recommendations. Lastly, this place offers glutton-free and vegetarian options. I would like to return and try the Turkey Meatballs though I'm not sure how they will really compare to The Meatball Shop. I'll probably try other new restaurants before returning.
Brunch Date @ The Breslin at The Ace Hotel
One of my favorite brunch places is The Breslin located inside The Ace Hotel. Another popular place that does not take reservations. Marcos and I tried to go "early" - 11:00am on a Saturday. We should have known that 11:00am is really not early, so we did have an hour wait. We decided to run some errands while we waited, which worked out perfectly.
It was worth the wait and everything was heart-clogging but well worth it! Marcos had the Full English breakfast - fried egg, pork sausage, bacon, tomato, mushrooms, which he relished. I was in love with my Chargrilled lamb burger with cumin mayo and thrice cooked chips. Normally, I am not a fan of lamb, but I've heard about raves about this burger, so I had to take a chance and try it. Everything was perfect - from the juicy lamb burger, the brioche bun to the thrice cooked chips = incredibly crunchy fries. The perfect way to start the weekend. The Breslin is known for their lamb burger, so it is a must-have! And I must go back for more!!
Full English breakfast - fried egg, pork sausage, bacon, tomato, mushrooms
Chargrilled lamb burger with cumin mayo and thrice cooked chips
Farewell Beloved Tabla
The restaurant Tabla was an amazing restaurant and unfortunately, they served their last meal December 30th 2010. This grandiose space is categorized as Indian cuisine and was really the best upscale Indian restaurant I have had. My first time there was for restaurant week a few years ago with Marcos. We had a great meal and vowed to return. Luckily, Marcos surprised me with Tabla for my birthday and we had the pleasure of their tasting menu. For dinner, the only options available were pre-fixe or tasting menu.
On February 3rd Tabla held an estate sale of almost all their items. The most popular - previously used plates and silverware for $1 a piece. In addition, they sold off artworks at 50% off the appraised value and other china at 75% of wholesale.
The sale started at 2:00pm and unfortunately, I did not make it until slightly past 3:00pm. I was planning to make it by 2:00pm; however, my lunch meeting ran late. So at 3:00pm I really got lucky with what I got. The still have numerous of their main dining room plates, but they looked a bit too scratched up, plus I really needed just a few plates, spoons and forks, which is exactly what I got. At $1 a piece, I spent a total of $16 for four pieces each and they gave away their signature white wine as a gift!
Tabla will be missed and I am lucky to own a piece of it in my home. Tabla continues their ready-made foods that can be ordered from Fresh Direct. Thankfully, the Chef Floyd Cardoz will take on a new restaurant opening later in 2011. Really looking forward to the new restaurant!!
Date Night @ Il Laboratorio del Gelato & The Meatball Shop in Lower East Side
Date night was supposed to be just The Meatball Shop, but because there was an hour wait, we put our names down (they don't take reservations) and strolled through the Lower East Side (a neighborhood I don't spend enough time in). Marcos was in the Lower East Side the night before and saw the new Il Laboratorio del Gelato, so since we had time, we had to go there! This is favorite gelato place in the city and I used to go out of my way just for some of their fabulous gelato. They have numerous flavors and so unique. Just to name some of my fav - honey lavender, fig, basil, passion fruit, raspberry, grapefruit. My all-time fav is the honey lavender, which I had below along with green tea. Both beyond satisfying! .
Honey Lavender & Green Tea Gelato
After I finished my dessert, it was time for The Meatball Shop!
The Meatball Shop is quite a tight space with few individual times and one huge communal table. Luckily, we were seated at our own table.
Below is the menu and the interesting and fun part about this place was that we marked on the menu exactly what we wanted! And for vegetarians, they do have veggie balls.
Menu at The Meatball Shop
Our dishes came out fairly quickly (excellent for higher turnover rate to seat more patrons!).
Everything was delicious and we were stuffed by the end. Our only complaint was that the meatballs crumbled a little too easily.
Naked Classic Beef Meatballs with Spicy Meat Sauce
Naked Chicken Meatballs with Classic Tomato Sauce
Mushroom Lentil Soup with Spicy Pork Meatballs
Side of Risotto with Chanterelle Mushrooms
Side of Sauteed Broccoli
Another interesting note - the majority of sides are all specials and vary daily. I loved that special touch. The following day we were left craving for more and was tempted to make another trip, but for take-out. And yes, they do offer take-out, perfect for those of us that wish not to wait.
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