What I ate:
Wellfleet Oysters
Rabbit in Prochetta
Caraïbe Chocolate Ganache

The occasion: Dinner with my Husband

On Sunday night my husband tells me that he’s made reservations at One If By Land, Two If By Sea, for Monday night. I thought, fun a nice quite dinner out on a Monday night, that’s definitely the way to start the week! This restaurant is known for its romantic setting and their Jazz brunch on the weekends. When I arrived at the restaurant after dashing down the street trying to get out of the rain (it’s been raining a LOT in the city) I was glad to be inside. I immediately noticed the décor, lots of dark wood, candles heavy curtains. We were seated upstairs, which had a lighter more airy feel. Outside of my window was a lovely flower garden, which provided a nice view.

The Wellfleet Oysters were plump and mild with a nice brine finish. I enjoyed the vichyssoise, trout roe and chive that were lightly drizzled on each oyster. The rabbit was flavorful and nicely prepared which allowed the tenderness and texture of the meat to come through. I was very happy with my meal. We shared a dessert. I think the pastry chef deserves a round of applause, as the Caraïbe Chocolate Ganache was fantastic. Everything that you want in a dark chocolate dessert. It was incredibly tasty with out weighing me down.

If you are looking for a romantic restaurant (ask to be seated upstairs) I would say give One If By Land a try. And make sure to order dessert!

What I ate:
Rooftop mixed greens
Soft shell crab
Grilled sausage
Rhubarb pie
The occasion: Mom’s night out!

I was drawn to this restaurant after seeing a picture of their roof top garden and reading that 60% of their organic produce is grown in house. Their menu is seasonal and their food program as they call it, “revolves around local, organic, sustainable and overall responsible procurement”. Since I too live by these philosophies I thought this would be the perfect place to have a meal with an old friend. We set a date for an evening after work, I made a reservation and booked the baby sitters.
Bell Book and Candle is in a West Village brownstone. As I walked up to the restaurant I could hear the hum of dinner conversation and cutlery. I was filled with anticipation and looking forward to eating produce from their roof top garden. Upon entry I noticed the cozy feel and laid back atmosphere. The servers and wait staff were efficient and attentive without being pushy.
The rooftop mixed greens were lightly dressed with “old school thousand island”. I must say that I was skeptical as I tend to prefer light and citrusy dressings and I think of thousand island as creamy and heavy. Well, I was wrong. The mixed greens were fantastic and lightly dressed. Next came the grilled lamb sausage which was served with jalapenos. It was a perfect combination of warm nicely prepared meat with spicy jalapenos. The soft shelled crabs were lightly dusted with corn flour and oh so delicately pan fried. Truly a melt in your mouth dish. And to top the evening of in true spring fashion we shared a rhubarb pie. It was the perfect ending to a fantastic dinner.
I will surely be returning over the course of the summer to see what other seasonal treats the chefs have in store!

“A seasonal menu of locally grown and sustainably raised foods cooked solely over wood fires of oak, apple and other hardwoods”

OHHH BABY, did this description catch my eye!! Immediately, this place was on my go-to list.

I was literally counting down the days for my Mas (La Grillade) experience- but of course, I still arrived late for my reservation! As expected, the tardiness did not prevent my friends from ordering drinks.

With a quick glance, I looked over the cocktail list and commented that a drink sounded “really strange”. Seconds later, the bartender/mixologist appeared and explained the complexities of his concoction, a fermented homebrew of a multitude of ingredients, and how it took months to perfect.

So, I tried the drink and… it was awesome!!! Kudos!

Every item on the Mas (La Grillade) menu is grilled over a wood fire -with limited choices that involve sauces or rubs. The chef sent out a wonderful grilled scallop muse-bouche for each of us at the table followed up with a grilled tartine of ricotta, anchovies, and charred tomatoes and olive.

For the appetizer, I shared wood-fired Oysters and Creamy Pumpkin Soup. When it came to entrees, we were updated that the Rack of Lamb and the Duck were sold out for the night. These were my top choices! Although slightly disappointed, the waiter raved about the grilled chicken, promising it would be ‘The Best Chicken’ I would ever eat. So I chose the Grilled Chicken! Other entrees at the table included Red Snapper, and Grilled Sweetbreads. Sides for sharing were Hen of the Woods Mushrooms and Brussel Sprouts. Despite being stuffed with our entrees, we still ordered dessert! We shared the chocolate ganache dessert and gingerbread cake with eggnog ice-cream drizzled with blueberries. Both were absolutely delicious.

From my cocktail to the amuse-bouche to the dessert- everything was sooo flavorful. The grilling technique was perfected to a tee! My chicken was the best grilled chicken I have ever had- and although grilled chicken seems like an odd item to rave about- it completely stood up to the hype! The flavors of each dish were true to their ingredients and the grill. I can’t wait to go back, especially since the menu is seasonal and ever changing!

Would I go back?- Absolutely!

What I liked most?- I loved that the dishes were seasonal, grilled to perfection, and simply delicious.

What I liked least?- Unfortunately, there were not many vegetarian options on the menu when I dined at Mas (Las Grillade). I would suggest checking the menu ahead of time if you plan to be dining with a vegetarian.

It’s winter restaurant week in NYC, which means time for me and my dwindling bank account to take advantage of the reduced-price lunch and dinners offered at some of the city’s best restaurants. This year restaurant week is extended for 3 weeks (and some restaurants may even extend it longer), so I have plenty of time to visit a few of the restaurants on my list of places to try.

I was especially happy when my friend scored a reservation at Gusto Ristorante for eight of us girls on a Friday night. I’ve been meaning to try Gusto every since I watched a profile and read a few reviews about the restaurant and its famous fried artichoke appetizer, which looked delicious. The restaurant is located in the West Village and serves rustic Italian food. They support local and family farms, and most of their pastas are made fresh in house. From the outside, the restaurant looks like any other neighborhood Italian spot, but once inside the décor is sleek and sexy with beautiful chandeliers and dark wood paneling. Since we were a fairly large group, we were seated at a round table in a back room away from the noisier bar area.
After deciding on a few bottles of wine for the table, we checked out the prix-fix menu. Sadly the artichoke appetizer wasn’t included in the restaurant week menu, so for my first course I choose a grilled Portuguese octopus carpaccio. Thin slices of octopus were topped with a mound of arugula and avocado slices. The octopus was charred slightly at the ends and had a nice hint of spicy flavoring that was unexpected but delicious. The peppery arugula added a little kick as well. The texture of the octopus was just perfect, not too chewy and perfectly sliced. I loved that the dish was light but full of bold flavors, so it was satisfying without leaving me over full.

When it came time to choose a second course, our waiter broke the bad news that they were out of the pasta dish that was offered for restaurant week, so instead we could choose any pasta from their main menu. The bad news actually wasn’t so bad since the restaurant is known for their great pastas, so I ordered the risotto with wild mushrooms and blueberries mainly because I was intrigued by the flavor combinations. It was amazing. The creamy risotto was cooked perfectly with delicious flavors of mushrooms, truffle oil and parmesan, but the best part was the unexpected pop of sweetness from of the blueberries. Surprisingly the fruit and mushroom combination worked well with the creamy pasta. And again the portion size was perfect – not too small but just enough to leave you satisfied. I cleaned my plate.

For dessert, we again were told the “bad” news that the restaurant was out of one of the two desserts offered on the prix-fix menu. However this time I was a little disappointed because I was really looking forward to trying the mascarpone mousse with pomegranate granita and pine nuts that was no longer available. But again we were allowed to order any dessert from the main menu instead, so I decided on a trio of sorbet that included basil, lychee and blood orange sorbet. The first bite I immediately tasted a burst of sweet basil that was so refreshing and tasty. The blood orange sorbet was a little too sweet and reminded me of an orange sherbet popsicle, but the lychee had a nice subtle flavor that went well with the bold sweet basil. It was a great ending to an already delicious meal.

Overall our first winter restaurant week experience of the year was a hit. Every plate I tasted was superb. Portions were just right, and the quality of fresh ingredients shone through with each dish. I’ll definitely be back to Gusto, especially for their famous fried artichokes and that mascarpone dessert. Great food with good friends, plenty of wine and half price! Not a bad way to start the year.

35 East 18th Street

New York, NY 10003

(212) 475-5829

http://www.abckitchennyc.com/

As soon as ABC Kitchen opened up, there was an immediate buzz among my foodie and Dietitian friends. In May 2011, ABC kitchen was named Best New Restaurant of 2011 by the James Beard Foundation. I was so excited to try this place out, not only because I heard the food was delicious, but because their strong mission and commitment statement made me proud!!

ABC Kitchen boasts a commitment to “consciously sourced ingredients, locally grown seasonal fresh produce, organic small farms, cruelty-free / humanely treated livestock, meat, fish and dairy that is locally sourced where possible, free of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, insecticides and GMOs,teas, coffees, spices, organic wines, and juices that are organically cultivated fair trade”. ABC kitchen celebrates sustainability, artistry, and global diversity. For more information, visit their website: www.abckitchennyc.com !

Sitting down at our table, the simple elegance started with unique silverware and resonated throughout the dining room… an old lamp and lighting store. I couldn’t wait to read the menu. The menu offered appetizers for the table, salads, pastas, pizza, entrees, sides, and dessert! And like a smart restaurant, they offered two different sizes for pasta dishes!

I enjoyed pretzel crusted calamari with mustard aioli and marinara sauce, a salad with black mission figs, arugala, and shaved ham, shared a taste of the homemade spaghetti with chanterelles and white truffle, and suckling pig with plum and smoked bacon marmalade. The sides for the table included pumpkin with sunflower seeds, mashed potatoes, and sunchokes.

All dishes were delicious. I learned quickly from the rich taste, that these dishes were all bordering “dessert-like” decadence. Although the ingredients were excellent, I found myself mystified by how much butter, oil, and salt was used.

Would I go back?- I would go back for special occasions or to try their pizza.

What did I like most? I loved my salad. I also really enjoyed the kitchen’s farm-to-table approach and the organic, shabby chic vibe of the restaurant.

What I liked least:  I felt the ingredients were so fresh and wonderful- why use so much butter or oil??

What I ate:
Pumpkin Salad
Warm Spiced Doughnuts

The occasion: Quick Friday Dinner Out

My husband and I needed to sit together to discuss the schools process. Our four year old is entering Kindergarten next year and is in the midst of his first round of interviews and we just needed to sit and check in. This is a dinner that I’m sure many New York City parents can relate to. We decided to meet at The Vanderbilt because we knew that the food was good and on his way home from work. In addition The Vanderbilt is known for their small plates that combine unique flavors.

I ordered the pumpkin salad that was served with smoked ricotta, pickled shallots and candied pepitas. Firstly, what a great seasonal option. I always appreciate when a restaurant incorporates seasonal items into their menu as they taste so much fresher. Secondly, what a wonderful dish. The pumpkin was a beautiful deep orange and was perfectly cooked. The dish was not at all over cooked and not undercooked, just firm enough and very flavorful. The combination of the smoked ricotta with the shallots and the candied pepitas was a nice as it allowed my palate to experience the flavor of each ingredient. It was a nicely designed dish. Our server unexpectedly brought us warm spiced doughnuts which was a treat and a sweet end to our dinner. All in all the dinner was great and we had a productive evening!

What I ate:
Oysters (Washington state & long Island)
Sautéed calamari
Mixed greens
Escargot
Paella Magdalena
Chocolate Bruno

The occasion: Another dinner out with my husband

My husband and I were due for another dinner and wanted to go somewhere that we haven’t been in a while. We remembered that we won a gift certificate, at a silent auction for my son’s school, to Blue Ribbon Brooklyn. So we headed to Blue Ribbon Brooklyn.

Blue Ribbon Brooklyn is known for their amazingly fresh sea food, specifically their Oyster Bar. Brooklynites, folk there for their family friends atmosphere and good food. Upon arrival there were local families as well as the after work crowd waiting for tables or sitting at the bar having appetizers. I arrived before my husband and stood back and took everything in. A local mom came over and started talking to me, I immediately felt like a regular.

When my husband arrived we sat at the bar and had oysters while we were waiting for our table. The oyster were VERY FRESH and my husband who is from a land locked country and never eats oysters said, “now I know why everyone eats oysters, these are good”. We moved to our table, placed our order and continued to enjoy each others company. We shared the sautéed calamari which was wonderfully earthy with herb. The mixed greens were fresh and crisp as a salad should be and then the Paella Magdalena arrived. Prior to ordering this dish we debated if it was too decadent . Paella Magdalena was made with 1 whole lobster, salmon, clams, mussels, shrimp and spicy chicken sausage. When it arrived we were delighted by the presentation and were surprised that it did not leave us feeling overly full. The rice was perfectly spiced and the seafood was very flavorful, the dish was really well made. To top the night off we shared a chocolate Bruno (flourless chocolate cake) that was amazingly fudgy and dusted with dark cocoa. Our server was fantastic and the food was a hit!

I would return to Blue Ribbon Brooklyn and would be happy to try anything on their menu. It is a great place for families as well as for a nice dinner out with friends.

What I Ate:
Cocktail – Cucumber Detox
Beet salad
Sea scallops
Charred octopus
Hen of the Woods pizza

Bread and Tulips is a new restaurant I’ve been meaning to try, mainly because the menu focuses on using local and seasonal ingredients. My sister was in town for the week, so I decided to book a reservation for us and a few friends for a girl’s night out.

The restaurant is located in the basement of the Giraffe hotel on Park Avenue South. The downstairs space is large and open, and was seasonally decorated with beautiful fall colors and flowers (unfortunately no tulips this time of year). Wood paneling, soft lighting and a wood-burning pizza oven give the restaurant a warm and inviting feel.

We cozied up to the large, open bar while waiting for our table. I ordered the Cucumber Detox – a martini-like drink made with vodka, St. Germain, kiwi, cucumber and fresh lime and garnished with a thin sliver of fresh cucumber. It tasted so light and refreshing it was hard not to order another.

Once at our table, a server brought a bread basket with bread sticks and an assortment of fresh breads, including an olive focaccia that was delicious. The side of very fruity and tasty olive oil was some of the best I’ve tasted. I was relieved, since any restaurant with the word ‘bread’ in its name is doomed if they serve bad bread, or none at all.
Looking over the menu, the options are definitely limited. I was a little disappointed that there was only one seafood entrée, and no vegetarian main dishes. (The summer menu included a vegetarian plate that I was looking forward to trying, but sadly we just missed it). However there were a number of pizzas to choose from, plus appetizers, salads and small plates that were either vegetarian or seafood.

For my starter, I chose a beet salad with goat cheese. I love beets, especially when presented beautifully in a salad or paired with interesting ingredients. But when the plate arrived I was sadly underwhelmed. There was nothing special or unique about the presentation, and I was expecting more flavor. It was good, but not great.

Instead of an entrée, I chose two appetizers as my meal — the charred octopus and the sea scallops. Two strips of charred octopus were served over crispy potatoes with roasted green peppers and fresh mint. I normally love grilled octopus for its tender, chewy consistency and mild flavor, so I was eager to try a charred version. I found the octopus in this dish tasty but a little too chewy, and there just wasn’t enough of it on the plate. The sea scallops were a little more promising. Served over a squash puree, they were beautifully presented and cooked perfectly with a nice caramel flavor.

The highlight of my meal, however, was when I sneaked a slice of my sister’s brick-oven pizza. The crust was chewy and bubbly, and the pizza had the perfect balance of earthy ingredients — Hen of the Woods mushrooms, taleggio cheese, pickled ramps and wild watercress. In my opinion, it was the best dish of the night, and saved my view of the restaurant. Now I have a reason to go back. While I’ve had better meals in terms of flavor and creativity, Bread and Tulips is good enough to merit another visit, especially with a menu that changes seasonally and a warm, inviting atmosphere. I’m hoping their menu will expand with more pescatarian-friendly options. In the meantime, I recommend going for what they do best – their signature pizzas, bread with amazing olive oil, and the inventive cocktails.

What I ate:
Crostini with chard
Pizza with clams, chilies and parsley

The occasion: Mid Week Dinner After Work

My husband and I had plans in Manhattan that were changed so we decided to go to dinner in Brooklyn. Friends of ours always go to Franny’s and I though OK, lets go to Franny’s. Franny’s menu changes frequently as they serve foods that are in season. They are an environmentally friendly establishment that boasts sustainable architecture and the use of renewable energy. In addition all of the produce served is local or organic and all of the meats served are hormone and antibiotic free.

I like to start most dinners with a salad but that was not an option as there was a scarcity of greens on the menu. The next best choice was Crostini with chard, well WOW. Fantastic. It was so good; I didn’t even miss not having a salad. The bread was fresh and crisp and the chard was seasoned perfectly. I then ordered a pizza with clams, chilies and parsley. This was one of the best pizza’s I’ve had hands down! The spiciness of the chilies set against the slightly salty (but not too salty) flavor of the clams topped off with fresh parsley was just down right exciting. I devoured the thin crust pizza. Now I know why my friends go back for more. I will be returning to Franny’s to try one of their new crostini’s and this time maybe one of their pastas!

To add more interest, I learned a Registered Dietitian participates in menu planning and ingredient lists! To quote the inside of their menu, “Rouge Tomate’s nutritional approach is based on a charter called SPE®, which stands for Sanitas Per Escam (Health Through Food), and was developed through the collaboration of chefs and dieticians working together. They use only local, seasonal and sustainable ingredients in the kitchen and prepare them with the goal of capturing their essential flavors while maintaining nutritional integrity”.

The menu was full of selections, which I appreciate, because it allows for portion control. Pasta dishes came with two size selections, ½ portion and full portion. There were toast starters, appetizers for the table, vegetables, fish, pasta, poultry and meat, and desserts. The menu also offered a seasonal tasting menu that came with an optional choice to add a wine pairing, cocktail pairing, or juice pairing.

I enjoyed sharing three toasts with different spreads while enjoying a tamarind-cardamom tequila cocktail. The toasts were followed with appetizers: of three small falafels- baked not fried, with home made yogurt riata and dried apricot chutney. I shared the Heirloom watermelon salad and Brussel sprouts as the vegetable dish, and finally I chose the Long Island Duck as my entrée. All dishes were colorful, flavorful, and fantastic!!
Did you think I would leave without dessert??? Think again! I chose the petite ice cream sandwiches which included 3 miniature ice cream sandwiches, one of which was my absolute favorite- two mini blueberry-oatmeal cookies with coconut icecream in the middle- it was heaven!!

Would I go back to this place?- In a heartbeat!
What I liked most- The dishes were so flavorful, fresh, and truly satisfying. I liked that a vegetarian or carnivore could appreciate a great meal here. Also, there are great non-alcoholic drink options.

What would I change?- I would have wanted the interior and design to reflect the philosophy of the kitchen. I was not a fan of the brightly lit screen panels of trees-so not natural looking! But then again, some people may like that!