Pretty Much Perfect

Ever since moving to Brooklyn (abt half a year ago now...) I have not posted anything from my new location. My bad >.<

ZENKICHI (77 N 6th St @ Wythe Ave.)

I have found one of my favorite restaurants in Williamsburg - Zenkichi is a rare jem that excels in every facet including food, a reasonable price range, decor and service. Specializing in small dishes, the super zen atmosphere (think sleek minimalist black, with bamboo separations, and pebbled floors) leaves you in a perfect state to enjoy the freshness of the season's best offerings. This place is serious about letting you concentrate on food in comfort and privacy - each table is like its own room separated by bamboo curtains that your waiter draws up each time you summon him with a buzzer. I'm not a sucker for romantic locations, but this one is a perfect date spot - the minimalism is broken only slightly by accents of red roses. And I love the fact that it veers more on the quiet side of the scale in its non-pretentious non-scenester way. They also specialize in pairing their food with sake which I have yet to try.

The focus here is definitely on the Omakase (chef's tasting menu), which changes frequently to cater to the best of the season. I've been lucky enough to try two of them - last year's Valentines menu and October's Early Autumn menu. Below is the menu for the latter copied verbatim.


Miso Soup

White Tiny Shrimp - luscious creamy shrimp from Toyama, Japan lightly boiled and served as sashimi: light dashi soy sauce

Sanma Namerou - w/ myoga Japanese ginger in miso marinade;

(The appearance of Sanma saury fish on a table denotes the arrival of aurumn in Japanese homes: Typically grilled, but this super-fresh fish from northern Japan is best enjoyed raw)

Maguro Carpaccio - medium tuna sashimi with sesame oil, white soy sauce, green yuzu pepper, grated onions

Early Autumn Salad - crispy lotus roots and Satsumaimo golden sweet potato on a bed of baby spinach & baby arugula: onion soy sauce dressing

Amadai Tempura - Amadai sweet butterfish is said to have been a favorite tempura fish of the first Tokugawa shogun, Ieyasu. Served with kabocha pumpkin

Saiko Miso Cod - grilled black cod in Kyoto miso marinade

Grilled Lobster & Green Asparagus - topped with lobster-based butter cream sauce


Yaki Saba Bo-Sushi - Seared saba mackerel from Kyushu, Japan as pressed sushi: Yuzu pepper gomuku rice

Homemade Chestnut Ice Cream, Sudachi & Lime Tart - Japanese version of key lime pie w/ Sudachi citrus custard

Recent Zenkichi news:

- Opened an enclosed winter garden in November

- Potential relocation into Manhattan (I'd say get here before it starts getting packed and pricey)

MOMO

MOMOFUKU BAKERY & BAR (207 2nd Ave, 13th St. entrance)

He did it again! Damn that David Chang and his ever expanding Momofuku empire is making me fat. Yes, I know that this hot new joint has already been reviewed by every foodist and their mother - lemme just quickly throw some more praise at his feet.

My visit took place on a cold Tuesday night. Despite a less busy day of the week they had already run out of pretty much all cakes and breads (note: go earlier?). That's ok, some of our other top pre-selected choices were present.

We walked into Ssam Bar all confused as it had the same street address number; missed the bit about some 13th St. entrance. Be prepared that it is standing space only. Not to worry, lots of table space is provided. You can also watch the two pasty chefs at work with the open kitchen.

salty pistachio caramel soft serve

pork buns - pork belly, cucumber, hoisin, scallions

blondie pumpkin pie

I recall one reviewer saying that eating the salty pistachio is like cheating on your wife. Although I have no wife, I whole-heartedly agree - anything that's both sweet and salty gets my heart racing. The pork belly was pure throat clogging fatty goodness; a signature Momofuku dish. And the blondie pumpkin pie was like eating gourmet candy. Do not underestimate the smallish slice; it is packed with flavour and enough sugar to keep you trampolining for another couple hours. I need to come back and try everything else on the menu - each item seems delightfully different.

Cute Lunch

OMS/B (156 E. 45th St @ Lexington Ave.)

Omusubi (aka rice balls) is a popular Japanese snack food which is both portable and adorable. At Oms/B you can pick from a multitude of pre-made toppings that come in a variety of colourful wrappers and shapes for a pretty, delicious lunch. Although most people seem to get them to go as the shop is quite small, they have some limited seating at tiny tables. I had Set A which consisted of any 3 Rice Balls and a soup at $8.25. They were a wee bit cold, which makes sense as they pre-make them to cater to the fast moving lunch crowd, but I think it would be nice to have the option of getting freshly fried tempura on your rice ball if you wanted the extra hot crisp.


Shrip Tempura w/ Green Tea Salt, Shrimp Pop Corn, Spicy Tuna

Crisis Relief

Hello again. So much for that thought. A gigantic backlog of mouth-watering food postings have been accumulating in my 6 month absence. Again, I am aiming to make a comeback. Although, no promises this time :)

In our dire financial situation, the bang-for-your-buck motto has reluctantly taken hold. As we pinch our wallets a little tighter, we become choosier, and maybe even a little wiser in our choices. Not only are we limited in the number of meals we can enjoy in a lifetime, the increasing risk of diminishing funds makes it our responsibility to eat out in places that guarantee awesomeness. For help check out Open Table's "Stimulus Plan".
And here's one of my recommendations:

KUTA (65 Rivington St, btwn Allen/Eldrige St.)

Named after a beachy town in Bali, Indonesia, KUTA is that ideal getaway to forget your financial woes. The prix fixe four course dinner includes 1 satay + 1 starter + 1 entree + 1 dessert - all for $25, you can feast like a king without feeling guilty.

Indonesian Madura

(sweet soy brushed flank steak + peanut sauce + crispy shallots)

Somay "Bandung"

(steamed fish shumai + tofu + potato + spicy peanut sauce)

"Manado" Spicy Duck Curry

(crispy duck + seasonal vegetables + cherry tomato + pineapple basil red curry sauce)

Sorbetto/Gelatto
(sicilian pistachio + lime cilantro)

My favorite item was the satay, which neatly exemplified the flavor explosions in Indonesian cuisine in a couple of bites. The appetizer and entree were more ordinary, but pleasant fillers. The dessert was a more memorable experience - the pistachio gelato was not the best I've had but tasted classic and done right; the lime cilantro sorbet was both sweet and salty, the combination resulted in a new, fresh tasting flavor I've never had before - a perfect ending to the heavily spiced meal. They also had a "Crusted Coconut Fried Ice Cream" option but ran out when we ordered. I may have to come back just for this.

The Definition of Charming

BELCOURT (84 E. 4th St @ 2nd Ave.)

Living practically across the street from this gem of an establishment, I've seen it evolve from a mere green awning behind a construction site, to serving dinner, to expanding to a breakfast/lunch menu - and now in the heat of this delectable summer, to happily bustling away with its outdoor seating. Disregarding the proximity convinience for me, I find this to be a perfect spot for French-mediterranean fair in a wholly rustic and charming environment. Antique fixtures are everywhere from the chairs to the tiled floor - authentic enough without seeming to try too hard. The Belcourt has served me well the four times I've been. I avidly recommend coming here for brunch!

(Grilled cheese and sage sandwich with tomato soup - perfectly grilled with incredibly fresh and rich soup; their housemade pork sausage (there in the backround) although more like thick fat patties than sausage-sausages were just as tasty - faintly sweet with a mustardy dressing on the side)

(Baked eggs with toast - no longer on their menu)

(Vanilla and bourbon French toast with fresh ricotta and and Cook's maple syrup - loved how the ricotta had a hint of lemon to it and that the whole effect was not too overwhelmingly sweet)

(English breakfast with housemade baked beans, black pudding and grilled tomato; they've also got the best freshly squeezed OJ I've come across during brunch)

(Roasted butternut squash and apple raviolo, wild mushrooms with brown butter and sage - as good as it sounds!)

Fact: I learnt that Raviolo is Ravioli singular ... in this case the Raviolo is much larger than the average Americanized Ravioli.

(Bourride of monkfish with brandade dumplings, baby fennel, manila clams and sauce vert)

Fact: Bourride is fish soup similar to bouillabaisse but without saffron, flavoured with aïoli (garlic mayonnaise).

Man-made Natural

The secrets are out for Pinkberry.

Read this:
The All-Natural Taste that Wasn't
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/23/dining/23yogurt.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Out for Tea

I recall coming back from a 4-month stint in London a couple years ago and enduring the most painful withdrawal symptoms from my tea, scones and clotted cream ritual. If you ever feel that kind of pain; or just in want of some scrumptious activity in the afternoon; or even to break up the monotony of brunch here are some darling shoppes that will provide you with some solace in those areas.

TEA & SYMPATHY
(108 Greenwich Avenue, btwn 12th/13th St.)


Located in Nyc's 'Little Britain' (did you even know we had one, cuz I didn't, probably because it's about as big as half a block), this charming little tea spot has a solid selection of not just tea but other lovely British dishes and goodies. Prepare yourself to be placed into some very cramped quarters though.

Traditional Scones
(Served with clotted cream and strawberry or raspberry jam)





PODUNK (231 E 5th St, btwn 2nd/3rd Ave.)


Slightly less crowded than "Tea & Sympathy". However, they do not speak with a British accent here. Instead you will meet a portly grandmother figure taking the orders and working the cash register (complete with those perfectly round, black framed glasses, apron and shower-cap looking head-wear).
In terms of food and presentation, I find it more put-together here. The multitude of tea cups, saucers and tea-related things on colourful rustic trays make me feel kind of giddy; and the selection of appetizing tea sets offer a divine selection of memorable flavors.

Nibbler Tea
(Cayenne Cheddar Biscuits, Baby Scones, Gorgonzola-stuffed Apricots, Almond Tea Cakes, Jam, Cream, Herb Truffle; paired with Apricot tea)

Blunt & Savory
(Mini Tea Pies, Savory filled Scones, Cheddar Biscuits, Focaccia and Goat's Cheese; paired with Oolong tea)




Cream Tea
(Scones, Cream, Jam, a Medley of Fresh Berries; paired with Ceylon tea)

Just in case ...

... you didn't know, you can click on the photos for the original full resolution versions.

The High Italian Style

INSIEME (777 7th Ave @ 51st St.)


After reading NYMag's "Best of New York" issue I had to see for myself if this place really was one of the best new restaurants/best lasagna in town. Located mid-town, the restaurant is super stylish and sleek, and full of the older-business-crowd types. I can see this being a great choice for a formal/business meal.
Mastermind chefs Marco Canora and Paul Grieco came up with a philosophy of bringing together the "old world and the new world" at Insieme, evident in the menu itself, which has a 'traditional' side and then a 'contemporary' one.
I ordered the lasagna (of course!). Surprisingly light and airy for a dish that is known to be heavy. The spinach pasta in the lasagna is made fresh everyday, pretty damn kool.
This was one of the best lasagnas I've had, although not the best. I think that title varies according to a person's preference and mood for either an intense cheesy lasagna or a more delicate version such as this (and for that side of the lasagna scale, this is definitely the winner). So Garfield of me, but c'mon, lasagna's a serious topic.

Amuse bouche

Lasagna Verde alla Bolognese
(spinach pasta with bechamel and meat ragu)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%C3%A9chamel_sauce



Gelato
(from top: vanilla, bourbon-chestnut, and gingerbread spice)

Craft-ing the Sandwich

'WICHCRAFT (60 8th St. @ Broadway)
The one I frequent is in the village by NYU but check the website for their other locations throughout Manhattan. This delish sandwich shoppe focuses on bringing together fresh ingredients and the expertise knowledge of gourmet food. Part of the extended 'Craft' restaurant family by chef Tom Colicchio, 'wichcraft is the quick-fix, affordable child of the bunch.

Love the free wi-fi access. Despite the minimalist appearance, you can get quite cosy at a booth in the back spending hours without feeling the pressure to leave.
Don't forget to pick up a sandwich card after your first sandwich so you can collect stamps with each purchase and get a free one when your card's filled up.
(Random: This one girl working the cashier saw that I had stamps on different ends of the card, and proceeded to stamp all the empty boxes in between due to some OCD complex. Hah, ok then, I was kool with that.)

After trying almost all the 'warm sandwiches' I think my favorite is the "roasted turkey" (w/ avocado, bacon, onion relish and aioli on a ciabatta roll)

Meatloaf With Cheddar (w/ bacon & tomato relish on ciabatta roll)

Slow Roasted Pork (w/ red cabbage, jalepenos, & mustard on ciabatta roll)

Winter Wonderland

This winter's Restaurant Week was definitely not as ambitious as my past line-ups. Although just as good a season as the ones before.

THE MODERN (9 W. 53rd St.)
It doesn't get chicer than this - a MoMa-adjacent restaurant. Been wanting to try this place since my first Restaurant Week, finally got reservations - I was not disappointed.

The atmosphere was surprisingly pleasant. I was preparing myself for some cold, hard, minimalist lines but it was comfortable and without a doubt still ... wait for it ... 'modern'. The restaurant consists of a 'Dining Room' and a 'Bar Room' area; we were seated in the latter. Out of curiosity, I snuck a peak at the dining room on the way to the bathroom - it's a much more formal affair. I would def recommend the bar room for more social/friend gatherings.

Arctic Char Tatare (w/ basil & trout caviar):
The taste was fresh and rich. However, didn't stand out much from other tatares I've had.



Grilled Diver Scallops (w/ chianti glazed beets, toasted almonds & cumin-sumac butter):
Definitely the best appetizer of the evening. Awesome combination of ingredients.
They seem to like to do this thing where they put their grilled seafood dishes in mini metal casserole dishes.


Duck Confit (w/ pancetta braised kale, blood orange & five spice brown butter):
Crispy, flavorful. Yum.
Gaeta Olive Crusted Quail (w/ chorizo, barley, toasted almonds & pickled pearl onions):
The only issue I had with this was the lack of greens on my plate (aesthetics needed here) and that it might have been a bit too salty.

Modern Cheesecake (w/ almond crumble & fresh mango)









Modern Chocolate Tart (w/ vanilla ice cream)

Salted Caramel Parfait (w/ coconut tapioca & mango sorbet):
This reminded me of the 'salted-caramel' milkshake at "Shake Shack"; and then the 'tapioca and mango' reminded me of the desserts I get in HK. I had to try this.

BAROLO (398 W. Broadway)
Traditional Italian restaurant. They have a cute back garden here; would be nice to check that out during the summer, esp. after a day of shopping in the surrounding Soho.

We brought our own wine. I've never done that at a restaurant in Manhattan before. Corking fees are $20 per bottle.

Carpaccio di Manzo con Arugola e Parmigiano
(beef carpaccio w/ arugola & parmesan cheese)





Zupetta di Mare
(classic italian seafood soup in a spicy tomato sauce)
By far, the best dish of the night. I would go back just for this.






Rigatoni alla Buttera
(rigatoni w/ sweet & spicy sausage & peas, tomato & cream)
Without a doubt tasty, but seemed too easy and home-made for a place like this.


Cheesecake
A nice subtle orange flavor









Tiramisu
Solid tiramisu. No complaints here.






ANTHOS (36 W. 52nd St.)
Impeccable service, even when it was way packed. This 'new Greek' cuisine keeps the surprises coming.
(Update 3/7/2008: Picked as one of the best new restaurants by Nymag's "Best of New York" issue)
I didn't copy the name of the dishes here. So here's me making them up by memory.

Some amuse bouches.
Could definitely taste that distinct Greek flavor from the start of the meal - seasoned meats, herbs, olives, custard/yogurts etc. However, this is not your standard low-key gyro fare - instead, expect impressive creative combinations that retain the Greek tradition.

Calamari with bacon bits and other random delicious things I cannot remember.





Milk fed chicken

Pork shank on a bed of broad beans and other veggies

Poached pear and pie crust crumbles with vanilla ice-cream

Anise flavored ice cream with chocolate cake, crumbles and fennel (which didn't really do much to change the flavor - although [random fact] has phytoestrogen properties like Anise).
I would have disliked the liquorice flavor of the ice-cream by itself but it was complimented so well by the chocolate and crumbles that I would not object to having it again.
For more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anise

Mini cookies that we had to take home since we were so stuffed (in the good way).