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).

Venezuelan Genius

I crave food from this place every other day - yes, lemme reiterate, it's that good, and best part is that it's cheap!

CARACAS (91 E. 7th St.)

Homemade Venezuelan arepas are their specialty. They are now open 7 days a week, it's kind of a big deal. Can't tell you how many times I've wanted arepas on a Monday and found them closed. The restaurant comes in two parts (both tiny). I've never been to the actual waiters-will-bring-you-your-food portion (I've no patience for the line outside), but I frequent the 'to-go' half which has seating too, you just have to serve yourself - no biggie. Despite not being Venezuelan, this is what I'd imagine to be authentic. Note the sign above the cash register: "Our food is 100% homemade. Please be patient. This is not a fast-food restaurant!" It's so worth it. Oh, and they deliver!
So far my favorite arepa is 'la del gato' (guayanés cheese, fried sweet plantains and avocado slices ). And don't forget to try the appetizers, empanadas and beverages.

De Pabellon arepa (shredded beef, black beans, sweet plantains and aged cheese)

Guasacaca & Chips

Yoyos (deep fried balls of sweet plantain stuffed with white cheese )

Hiatus no more (I hope)

Dear readers,

Sorry for the absence; the professional work world has been all-consuming. I promise I'll try to be more diligent about updating from now on.

In other spectacular news - I have just cooked up another fantabulous blog. Please visit lyndaalsosays.blogspot.com for all the minor things in life (aka. not food).

x. Lynda

FYI

I've realized that for best results when viewing my blog use Internet Explorer as opposed to Firefox.

A Midsummer Night's Dream - Part III

I apologize for the ridiculously long delay in postings, I realize that it's been a while since Restaurant Week ended but I did not forget about the rest of them, so here they are (in slightly less detail) ...

BUTTER (415 Lafayette St.)
This stands as one of my favorite restaurants in NY. Please see previous post on its winter Restaurant Week performance: http://lyndasays.blogspot.com/2007/05/save-tentative-dates.html. This time I got to sit downstairs (for once, there wasn't a private party goin' on). But, I recommend the mellow earthy decor upstairs as opposed to the more murky chilly downstairs, especially when seated by the wine cellar thing that seems to blow out cold air. Went back recently with some friends from out-of-town; they said they wanted something 'New American', and found themselves properly impressed.

ONO (18 9th Ave.)
So much more about the hip interior, young clientele, and trendy location than the food. Located in the "Hotel Gansevoort" in the the Meat-Packing district, the atmosphere is undeniably awesome (oh, and check out the bathrooms - I think I started taking photos in there whilst in a tipsy stupor). Although the food wasn't impressive this time round (maybe they just didn't step it up for Rest. Wk) , it gets props for some unique sushi flavor combinations.





BOLO (23 E. 22nd St.)
Bobby Flay's take on Spanish food. Cute little place, but I think twas overly hyped just because it's by whats-his-face. It had some interesting things like soup infused with champagne, but the Restaurant Week menu did not impress. I've heard good things about this place though (about being one of the first innovative Spanish restaurants in NYC) so I was kind of disappointed. I'd give it another try maybe with the normal menu someday.
(Update 2/22/2008 - Just found out it closed down, so much for that thought...)

Read this

"El Bulli Conjures 40 Helpings of Culinary Magic: Richard Vines"
About the best (and possibly the most ridiculous) restaurant in the world
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601088&sid=avG_4D7dwMrI&refer=home

"Let Them Eat Crab Cakes"
Concerns us media kids -- the "Poverty Elite", they pose an interesting concept
http://nymag.com/nymetro/news/media/features/2472/