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.

Restaurant Week - Maze by Gordon Ramsay

Restaurant week, for me at least, is a hit or miss even at the best restaurants. One year I raved to one of my friends about Matsugen by Jean-George and we went for restaurant week to only be quite disappointed. Marcos and I went at least three times prior to restaurant week and then were so disappointed by restaurant week there that we never returned since!

Maze by Gordon Ramsay was really great! The portions were on the lighter side, but it was a nice change from being completely overstuffed by/after dessert.

My friend and I both started with the Butternut Squash soup with Duck Confit. The thickness of the soup was perfect and the saltiness of the duck added a nice touch to the soup.

Butternut Squash soup with Duck Confit

For the main entree, I selected the Classic Bouillabaisse Marseilles topped with cooked down fennel, crunchy garlic crouton and over a sauce rouille. This dish left me wanting more plus I was in love with the garlic crouton.

 Classic Bouillabaisse Marseilles

My friend had the Risotto with Mushrooms. I'm normally not a fan of risotto but really liked his entree.

Risotto with Mushrooms

For dessert, Vanilla Custard with Citrus Fruits and accompanied by brown sugar oats and a generous scoop of mandarin sorbet. The contrast between the vanilla custard and citrus fruits was so good. I didn't care for the brown sugar oats though.

 Vanilla Custard with Citrus Fruits

The Valrhona Chocolate Fondant with green cardamon caramel, sea salt and almond ice cream reminded me of a souffle. The consistency of the fondant was smooth and delicious; however, the dessert was definitely something that I felt that I could find elsewhere.

I'll have to return to Maze by Gordon Ramsay after restaurant week! Already recommended this place to Marcos for business dinners.

Love: Friday Night Dinner @ Abe & Arthur's in Meatpacking District

I'm usually not a fan of going to the Meatpacking District on a Friday or Saturday night... it's just too much. But somehow, when my friend and I didn't know where to go for dinner, we decided on Abe & Arthur's and it was amazing!

The restaurant is two floors and we were luckily seated on the second floor - much quietly with more room. For a party of two, we got seated at a four person table. Luckily we did, as we over-ordered as usual and our table was overflowing with plates.

Started with the Lavender Bee - Tantco Jalapeno Tequila, Lavender Syrup, Lime Juice & Honey. Loved it!! Definitely going back for more. We were aiming to each get another drink, but the drinks were quite strong, so we'll have to make another trip back.

Lavender Bee 

Started with some delicious popovers.

The Pot of Steamed Mussels were absolutely delightful. The white sauce consisted of garlic and tomatoes.

The Pot of Steamed Mussels

The Black Angus Sliders were sooo yummy. Topped with aged cheddar and Benton's bacon. The beef was so flavorful.I have to go back for more sliders.

The Black Angus Sliders 

The Jumbo Lump Blue Crab Crabcakes over a warm tropical salad and cilantro-coconut coulis was perfect. The cilantro-coconut coulis sauce added just the right touch for a unique and ethnic-like flavor like a little bit of India.

 The Jumbo Lump Blue Crab Crabcakes

The Tuna Tartare Tacos were mini and uniquely special. There was a bit of guac, citron-soy and red chili aioli. The shells were crunchy and everything put together created just the right texture and flavor - highly recommended. 

Tuna Tartare Tacos

From the Raw Bar portion of the menu, I couldn't resist the 1/4 lb of Peekytoe Crab. My fav. It came with a side of traditional cocktail sauce with horseradish and spicy mayo. This was exactly what I've been looking for from any seafood restaurant - a nice bowl of crab!

Peekytoe Crab

Of course I couldn't resist the Truffled Herb-Parmesan Fries. Fried to the perfect crunch and aroma of truffle in the air and in flavor. In addition to some fries, the Mac & Cheese with brown butter and breadcrumbs. The top layer crunchy and beneath an ample amount of cheese with each bit!!

 Truffled Herb-Parmesan Fries

&

Mac & Cheese

 Our finale, the Cookies & Cream Souffle that the restaurant requests ordered with your entrees. It was something beyond that I was expecting. The cookies and cream souffle was beautiful and amazing. Plus a side of homemade mini Oreo-like cookies and ice cream sandwich that perfectly complement the souffle.

Cookies & Cream Souffle

Highly recommended restaurant, but be prepared for an energetic and crowded place - best for a night out with friends rather than a first date or business dinner. Given that this establishment is actually known to be a steakhouse, I definitely want to return for the steaks and more Peekytoe Crab plus Truffle Fries and the Mac & Cheese and Tuna Tacos....which now reminds me that I haven't been to The Standard Grill in a while... I'll need to return there as well for the Lobster Roll and Baked Alaska!!

Love: Brunch @ M. Wells Diner in Long Island City

I have one of my very good friends to thank for this one. She read about M. Wells as a must visit restaurant and insisted that we had to go for brunch this weekend. What she didn't tell me was that M. Wells is a diner. I absolutely dread diners. But, this one is different and in my opinion, it just looks like a diner on the inside and out.

We met at 11:00am on Sunday and there was already a 45-60 minute wait. We actually ended up waiting close to 90 minutes - well worth the wait. The space is small but we were lucky to find a spot on one end of the place to hang out while we waited. While waiting, I noticed that the hours of operation are strangely unique, especially for a diner, closed Mondays and open Tuesday through Sunday 10:00am-4:00pm (then thought, wow, those are really nice working hours!).

Everything was amazing and absolutely delightful.

We started the meal off with Coquille St. Jacques. It was heavy, but so good that I wanted more. Inside of a scallop shell was a mixture of scallops, razor clams, shrimp layered with cheese. We each had one and it was perfect.

Coquille St. Jacques 

Then the dishes kept coming and we kept eating. The Fish Soup with fish rouille and cheese toasts. The soup had a unique smoky flavor and had a nice and smooth texture with the right amount of thickness.

The Fish Soup 

I'm still thinking about the Maine Shrimp. On the menu it appeared as though it was just a shrimp cocktail, but while ordering I decided to just ask about this dish and was pleasantly surprised to hear from our waiter that this was a unique dish on its own and definitely worth trying.. and it was. We were slightly turned off by the fact that we would have to peel the shrimp, but it was well worth the work. The Maine shrimp were all busting out with roe and just amazing. We have never seen anything like this!

Maine Shrimp

The Maple Syrup Playe - buckwheat crepes, may not have great appeal, but it was delicious as well. Each buckwheat crepe was soaked in sweet maple syrup. The edges are crispy. The combination was perfect. The menu changes frequently, but the crepes are a classic on the menu.

 The Maple Syrup Playe

The Seafood Cobbler had a cheesy layer of Gruyere on top of two biscuits, brussels sprouts, fish and bechamel gravy. 

The Seafood Cobbler

Every dish was unique and the names on the menu do not do justice for each and every one of these dishes. The Egg Souffle had a bit of an Asian influence with the bonito flakes (fish flakes) on top. Mixed with the souffle was a mushroom broth.

Egg Souffle

Tortilla Espanola was incredibly interesting - an egg for the outer shell and inside a potato and onion mix. It was so yummy... my friend declared it better than ones she has had in Spain.

Tortilla Espanola

And of course, I had to have my fries... They weren't as crispy as I would have liked, so I wrapped these to go. Later on in the day, Marcos heated them up in the oven and turned them into truffle fries!!

 

Hand-Cut Fries

We wrapped up our meal with their signature Maple Pie. The custard was amazing and had the perfect sweetness. I could not ask for anything better. Plus I'm not normally a fan of pies.

Maple Pie

M. Wells Menu

Our meal is definitely memorable. We actually ordered three or so times the amount the average diner was ordering! We just had to get the most out of our wait. For sure I will return, but probably when the weather is nicer out and not in single digits!