Restaurants
Archived Posts from this Category
Maybe it’s Just Me…
Posted by daisy on 19 Jul 2008 | Tagged as: Daisy, Restaurants
This past week I’ve been hearing a lot of buzz about a place in the West Village called Panca, in the space where Pardo’s of rotisserie chicken fame was. With the heat wave that we’re experiencing in the Baked Apple these last few days, it was the perfect excuse I needed to head on over, and try some of the ceviche that everyone is talking about.
We were greeted outside (there have cute little cafe type tables set outside for alfresco dining) by a lovely hostess who showed us to our table (inside, where it was airconditioned!). We had a waiter bring us menus and ask us for our water preference. He left us to peruse the menu which is not overwhelming, but offers a nice variety of ceviches and starters in Tapas and Appetizer size portions. We opted for the taps portions, leaving us free to sample more dishes.
Our waiter came back and asked us if we wanted a cocktail…I ordered my usual, although was sorely tempted to try a libation called a Cholotini. I actually tried to convince Jerry to try it, but he was craving a beer, and so went with the Cuzquena. Note to self: The day that I open my restaurant, the waitstaff will be drilled with the understanding that if a customer has to wait more than 10 minutes for their drink, they (the waitstaff!) will suffer a slow and torturous death. I could maybe understand if the place was packed, but it was us and two other couples inside! But ok, I was about to forgive all when they brought me (finally!) a martini that was big enough to swim in…and it was perfect. The bottled sparkling water, on the other hand, was room temp warm, and I needed to ask for ice.
I thought we’d start with the ceviches, and follow that up with a couple of appetizers before going on to the entrees. I ordered the Tiradito Mosaico, while Jerry decided on the Green Mango-Shrimp Ceviche. For our Appetizer course, I ordered the Jalea and the Yuquita Frita, and the Grilled Octopus. The waiter brought all the plates at once.
Pomme de Terre…the Local Apple of my Eye
Posted by daisy on 09 Apr 2008 | Tagged as: Daisy, Friends, Restaurants
It’s been a long time since Jerry and I had a date night, but Erik bought tickets to Hairspray for Angela’s birthday, so they went off to the theatre, and Jerry and I headed for the new spot in the neighborhood, Pomme de Terre, which is brought to you by the same fine folk from The Farm on Adderley on Courtelyou Road. Cute and cozy as a button, we arrived without reservations at 6:30 to fine the place already packed with a cheery crowd from the neighborhood. Wow….I’m thinking good news travels fast! It has a charming exterior painted blue and yellow, and pretty tile bistro floors with exposed brick walls, making it feel inviting right off the start…but I’m not here for the decor, right?
Dining Room at Pomme de Terre
After enjoying a glass of Cahors at the bar, we were seated at an intimate little table for two, and presented with menus that were full of lovely bistro fare. Jerry enjoyed a bottle of Thierry Blonde French beer, while he perused the menu.
Everything sounded so very good that we decided to order three appetizers. I went for the Cream of Cauliflower Soup with Rock Shrimp garnish, while Jerry opted for the Potato-Leek Tart, and the Mixed Greens with Bacon and Blue Cheese. The soup arrived nice and hot (you know my pet peeve about soup that’s not hot!), with a velvety texture, and perfectly seasoned. One might argue that cauliflower is nothing to get excited about, but I am here to tell you, I could have easily made a meal out of that soup…it was that satisfying!
Cream of Cauliflower Soup
The Potato-Leek Tart did not fail to impress, either. Crisp and flaky, the crust stood up to the filling of Potato and Leek, offering the perfect contrast to the creamy filling. The mixed green salad with crispy, salty lardons, crunchy, bitter radicchio and a perfectly poached egg, was also good enough to serve as a meal. Pass the crusty bread, and a glass of Cahors and this girl is good to go. With the appetizers scoring a grand slam, I could barely contain my excitement while waiting for the entrees.
Mixed Green Salad with Bacon and Blue Cheese
Potato Leek Tart
Jonesin’ for Jones on a Wild Weekend
Posted by daisy on 02 Mar 2008 | Tagged as: Daisy, Friends, Restaurants
My family and I found ourselves in sunny Philadelphia yesterday for Arcadia University’s production of The Tempest, which just happens to be my son Marc’s Senior year production. Shakespeare always makes me hungry, so after such stellar thespian performances, we decided to stop in town for a nice dinner before we headed back home to Brooklyn.
Marc as Antonio in The Tempest (on the far right)
Where to go? Philadelphia offers such an array and variety of fabulous restaurants, but nothing quite says comfort food to me quite as eloquently as Jones Restaurant in Central Philly, one of Stephen Starr’s “theme” eateries in town. The fact that Executive Chef Steven Petrecca is married to that doyenne of fabulosity known as Jennifer Cohan, might have influenced my decision to go there, but no argument was as compelling as this:
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the incomparable Luca Petrecca! There is no way I can even start to tell you how wonderful and delicious this baby is! But I digress…
Chef Steven sent out some extraordinary mac and cheese that was so inviting, I never got a chance to take a picture. My family descended on those two bowls like a hoard of beasts, I’m sorry to say, but I can guarantee you that the mac and cheese alone was worth the trip. When the following apps of Cobb Salad, Chicken and Rock Shrimp Dumplings, and Seared Tuna Tacos, I warded them off long enough to get the picture, before those, too were devoured.
Cobb Salad (The blue cheese in combination with the bacon is what makes me wax poetic about this salad!)
Chicken and Rock Shrimp Dumplings with Sweet Soy and Chile Oil
Seared Tuna Tacos
El Bistro Faena: Fantastical!
Posted by daisy on 10 Feb 2008 | Tagged as: Daisy, Friends, Restaurants, Travel/Viaje
Usually, when I travel I like to go to spots that are homey and off the beaten track…I like to eat where the locals eat, in other words. However, I was hosted by friends who live part time in Buenos Aires, and El Bistro in Faena Universe happens to be located in the same building they have their apartment. The space itself it absolutely gorgeous, and a little bit like something out of a Guillermo del Toro movie…it has a “fantasy” feel about it, almost like you’re in another astral plane. My friends had assured me that the food was as magical as the decor, and had arranged for me to meet the executive chef of this enchanted restaurant, a young artist by the name of Mariano Cid de la Paz. The space is elegantly portrayed in white as the main color scheme, gorgeous chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and the walls are appointed with white unicorn heads, mounted along the stretch of the restaurant.
Faena Bistro Dining Room (*This pic is not mine, but comes from the Faena Universe site. My picture was no where near as flattering as this one, and I want to make sure you see how dramatic the space really is)
The minute we were seated, and our drink orders taken, we were presented with a variety of equally whimsical amuse bouche. First, a pretty platter of Polenta Crisps with Sweet Pimenton, followed by Parmesan Puffs with Lemon Relish made their appearance, to be followed by “Burbujas de Aceituna” or Olive Bubbles! I immediately started channeling Ferran Adria! We also sampled Chef Mariano’s signature “Fried Sushi” and Soy Marinated Salmon Bites that wereso delicious and exciting, I didn’t manage to get a good picture. Take my word for it: they were delicious!
Polenta Crisps (left) and Parmensan Puffs (right)
Burbujas de Aceituna
By this point I was very excited, because if the amuse were a sign of what was yet to come, we were looking forward to a very delicious evening! As if on cue, Chef Mariano made his way to our table, where he greeted us warmly and chatted for a few minutes before heading back to his alter kitchen. In the few minutes that we managed to chat, he revealed that he had indeed, studied with His Holiness Ferran Adria in Barcelona for two years, before finding his way to Buenos Aires…lucky Buenos Aires! The evidence of his passion is clearly placed before us with every course (and he’s not too hard on the eyes, either!).
Executive Chef Mariano Cid de la Paz greets Daisy at El Bistro in Faena Universe
Asado, Anyone?
Posted by daisy on 13 Jan 2008 | Tagged as: Daisy, Friends, Restaurants, Travel/Viaje
When I first planned my trip to Argentina, I prepared myself for the meat-fest that I knew awaited me, but never in my wildest dreams could I have come close to the actual experience of an Argentine asado, or grill. These Latinos are serious when it comes to their meat, and they have the grills to prove it, as I will be more than happy to show you in this and future entries.
Our little troop scheduled a Christmas Day dinner in Cabanas Las Lilas in Puerto Madero, not far from where the Scharffs have their apartment. As you approach the restaurant, you are seduced by the aroma of meat on the grill. We were definitely off to a very good start, as my clan are well documented carnivores.
Grill Masters at Cabanas Las Lilas
We ordered the Picadera Platter to help us get in the mood. It included Grilled Eggplant with Black Olives, Roasted Tomato with Olive Oil and Oregano and Baby Mozzerella, Roasted Sweet Red Peppers, Jamon Serrano with Chimichurri, and Tortilla Espanola (I really wish I could insert my tilde *~* over my “n”), and these deliciously addictive little breads made with yucca.
Picadera PlatterHey Sistah, go Sistah, Soul Sistah, go Sistah…!
Posted by daisy on 12 Dec 2007 | Tagged as: Daisy, Friends, Restaurants
I don’t want to spark up the whole “free will or destiny” controversy on a food blog, but have you ever been in a situation where you felt you were just meant to be in (cue The Matrix!)? Well this past Monday evening, by the most random of circumstances, I found myself in a quasi familiar restaurant. I say quasi-familiar because I had visited it in another incarnation, when it was known as Chicama, Doug Rodriguez’s old haunt, and I remember enjoying some really fun food there. Today it is known as Lucy of Gramercy (in deference to owner Phil Suarez’s wife). Honey, nothing I have ever experienced as Puerto Rican food (outside Mami and Abuela’s kitchens) has ever rivaled this.
Miguelina quickly looked over the menu and said, ” This is your menu!” True to her word, all of my favorite things were on the menu. With that introduction, I entered into the dining room, where I was introduced to the force of nature that is known as Chef Carmen Gonzalez.
Diminutive, yes, but don’t let her size fool you! Sweet and petite in the dining room, as she greets patrons , Chef Carmen is no wallflower in the kitchen, and she engaged us in stories that had us in stitches even before we had a bite to eat! We were waiting for one of the Sofrito Girls who was flying back home from Miami, so I figured the Picadera, or “nosh” course was a good idea before ordering first and main courses. The rest of the Sofrito Girls (and one boy!) were on hand to lend their voices and opinions to the celebration.
Chef Carmen dazzled us with a myriad of little bites that teased the appetite, and had our group waxing poetic. The Papitas Rellenas with Picadillo and Charred Tomato Sauce were wonderful, while the Almojabanas with Artisan Manchego were melt in your mouth wonders! They were quickly followed by crispy Yucca Fries dressed with a garlicky mayonnaise and Alcapurrias de Guisado de Pollo with Salsita de Pique that were crispy, light and delicious. Do not get me started on the Aranitas and the Pork Bites with Chimichurri Sauce! I could have made an entire meal out of just those two items! The Aranitas (plantain “spiders”) had a miraculous texture, and the Pork Bites were garlicky with a lovely acid note from the lemon juice relish it is served with (*swoon*)!
Papitas Rellenas with Charred Tomato Sauce
Natives Nails It!
Posted by daisy on 02 Nov 2007 | Tagged as: Daisy, Restaurants
I happened to mention to Migui, the other day, that I had a willy for some Colombian food, and she told me she had just the place, so we headed out to Jackson Heights, to Natives Restaurant. The meal that was to follow was nothing short of rapturous, delightfully seasoned, served piping hot, and attractively served.
We started out with some Colombian empanadas, which had a crust similiar to the catibias that I tasted in the DR this past summer, and then we had the Picada Paisa which brings carne frita, chorizo, chicharron, tostones, yuca, potato, arepita, celery, carrots, and blue cheese (whew!). This was enough for a party of six, and that is not an exaggeration.
Pio Pio Pio, dicen los Pollitos….
Posted by daisy on 15 Sep 2007 | Tagged as: Daisy, Restaurants
This past week, on the repeated recommendation of numerous friends, I took my family to a Peruvian restaurant in Jackson Heights, that is thronged with customers, day and night (I, myself, have actually gone here for lunch once before, and had a great meal). It is rumored to have the best recipe for the gastronomic marvel that is known as Peruvian Rotisserie Chicken. I know, I know…but before you say anything, let me tell you that the secrecy behind the recipes for these chickens (as well as the green Peruvian aji that sits on the table as a condiment) are practically a matter of Peruvian National Security!
The name of the restaurant is Pio Pio and is located on Northern Boulevard and 83rd Street in Jackson Heights. We arrived with very perky appetites, to find a colorful and beautifully appointed restaurant, with 2 dining rooms and a garden area suitable for dining, as well.
Restaurante Historico Puente Blanco
Posted by daisy on 15 Sep 2007 | Tagged as: Daisy, Restaurants, Travel/Viaje
It’s been a hectic past couple of weeks, so I have been pretty delinquent in my posting, but I promise you I will try to catch up a bit over the weekend.
On a recent trip to Puerto Rico, I stayed with one of Mami’s sisters who is nothing short of a pepperpot. Tia Bienvenida has a joie de vie that is to be envied. Nothing gets her down, and I wish that I could have half the energy now, that she has at 72. Tia Bien took me to one of her favorite seaside restaurants in Quebradillas, Puerto Rico called Restaurante Historico Puente Blanco. The views from the restaurant are picturesque and dramatic, but since we went in the evening, the view was quite wasted on us. The restaurant is at the very end of a long road that is studded with restaurants and “posadas”, little guest houses that dot the coastline. I was curious as to why Tia had decided to go to the very last of the restaurants on the road. My fears were soon resolved. We were greeted with a basket of fresh, hot Pan de Agua rolls that practically melted in our mouths.
The appetizers featured fresh seafood, of course, but I ordered the Surtido Platter, with corn sorullitos, fried cheese, chicharron, masitas, and croquetas de bacalao.
Surtido Platter
El Cantabrico
Posted by daisy on 19 Aug 2007 | Tagged as: Daisy, Friends, Restaurants, Travel/Viaje
I’m going to take a chance here, and assume that you all have gotten the clear indication that my trip to the D.R. was a resounding success. Let me take that one step further, and say that one of the most unforgettable meals that I had on my trip, was a the El Cantabrico restaurant, which has been at the same site for 42 years.
I would be hard pressed to say that I have ever been treated with more genuine hospitality and graciousness in a restaurant. The charming (and handsome!) captain, Esteban, described dishes, explained ingredients, and refreshed us with pitchers of Sangria.
Esteban brings out lechon
