Saturday, November 27, 2010

Black Friday

Why is it that everything one reads and hears about "Black Friday" seems to be centered on the hard goods and apparel part of our economy. Around our house expenditures tend to be much heavier in the food area than either of the afore mentioned. Where did the term "Black Friday" come from, anyway? I assume that it is a reference to the hope that merchants will do enough business, on that one day, to assure themselves a solvent year( in the "black).

We had two Granddaughters in town. They are both out of their teens, just, and attend college, in the East. One is part of our daughters family, who live here, and the other is a West Coast son's eldest. Marilyn and the girls did visit "The Gap" on Thanksgiving afternoon but I feel their purchases assured the parent corporation only that three more people graced one of their establishments. On the other hand the expenditures for food, both in home and out took on a much larger boost to the economy, yet no TV cameras were present near us, nor as far as I know at any grocery store or restaurant. Maybe I just missed it.
Not counting the Thanksgiving dinner, largely catered at our son-in-laws mothers condo, containing all the requisites, plus wine and other items we managed in just 48 hours to leave the Cincinnati economy enhanced by about $400, most with items not prepared in our kitchen.

"Finley Market" between Race St and Elm St, north of Liberty St. was only in partial operation Friday. Maybe the merchants not present were out buying flat screen TV's.
As I have mentioned before "Finley Market" has grown to be an interesting place for lunch or "carry out". A new addition, since Oct 7, is the "Fresh Table", a large, attractive stall near the Race St. door. They seem to offer 20 to 30 prepared items, all attractive, fresh and possibly organic, and I would guess well prepared, the ones we had were. Our group sampled a Greek Pasta salad, curried chicken salad, grilled shrimp dusted with jerk seasoning, Gravlax and bread pudding. This did not touch the surface as I remember seeing in the cases other salads, vegetables, several pot pies, pasta dishes, grilled meats( beef tenderloin and possibly pork) and on and on. Well worth a visit. The Greek stand provided large Gyro's, easily enough for two unless you have an gargantuan appetite, and several salads. We did not have any of their various humus spreads nor other cold dishes( stuffed grape leaves, spicy cabbage etc). They also have an array of desserts.
This trip we past up "Silvergades"( deli sandwiches), the Belgium Waffle stand, the new Vietnamese Restaurant, Skertz and Johnson, Big Mikes and other who were open, but you get the idea. When the place is in full operation it is a wonderful destination.

We waited till Friday to decide whether to eat out or at home, that night. Not a good idea on any weekend. Marilyn had made her "French Cracker Pie", a family favorite, so when we decided, Friday morning, that 7 of us wanted to "eat out", at 7 PM no less, it was not a hard choice to ask "Otto's" to accommodate us on short notice and with our own dessert. They came through, as usual, with the small kitchen kitchen turning out delicious food to each of our specifications. Unfortunately we are like most and tweak the menu items to our own liking. It's nice to have friends in the business, and I have the feeling that most placeses are accommodating to their regular customers, if possible. The special last night at "Otto's" was flank steak which Marilyn reported was delicious, my salmon couldn't have been better. The pie served us, a piece for the kitchen and an inquisitive table next to ours.
I have to start accounting for our expenditures at other than markets places and eateries to see if we can do something to help the balance of trade and the unemployment figures, although the hospitality business certainly has to count.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Single Names

I know that we seem to go to chef run restaurants and I have become aware that many have a single name, often part or in whole connected with the owner.
This past week we have been to several: Terry's( real name Terry's Turf Club), Hugo's, Tano's, Senate and Otto's.

Most Cincinnatians know that "Terry's Turf Club" on Eastern Ave. has become the hot "dive" for burgers and fries, but let me add that they have some very interesting other offerings.
Monday night I had a pork loin sandwich( a pork chop minus the bone) with a whipped goat cheese and large grilled pimento slice placed strategically on top. I only wish it had stayed in place, then I could have come away with less sticky fingers and a cleaner shirt. The whole thing was on a bun liberally doused with a red pepper fresh tomato puree, house made, not ketchup, spicier and thiner. A great combination but bring your own utensils and bib, or a clean bath towel. Certainly something delicious and different.

"Tano's" 204 West Loveland Ave 45140 (513) 683-8266 was just as good the second time as it had been the first. It's a long drive( 17 miles each way) for us but once there it is pleasant and the food and service very good. "Bombay" was exceptionally reasonable( poor English but good price), as I imagine most of the spirits are; while Marilyn and I were overjoyed when the "wedge" came divided in 4 nice sized crisp, firm pieces. It made sharing a joy.
For my main course I had Fluke, blackened and grilled perfectly, moist and firm. The fish rested on a bed of sauteed spinach and was surrounded with black beans and rice. A full meal which complimented the tacos consumed at lunch the day before. I am sure I mention before that the service was not only attentive but interested in us as customers. Thursday night Tano( the last part of his first name) stoped by several times to answer questions and see that we were pleased.

Friday lunch, OTR (over the Rhine) at "Senate" 1212 Vine St 45202 (513) 421-2020 took us back to a place we had not been for several months. The menu has changed slightly( probably seasonal availability of items) but they still feature gourmet street food, plus mussels, and their $9 to $12 all beef hot dogs. If you are watching your weight don't have any but the croque madam, a hot dog with bechamel and cheese sauce plus a poached egg looked wicked and probably overly filling. Our guest licked her lips often.
I was proud of myself settling for the Bangkok Dog which included shaved raw carrots and chopped scallions on a soft bun with peanut and Wasabi sauce, spicy and very good.
Marilyn had a very creamy mushroom soup heavy in mushroom flavor from several types well chopped and sauteed prior to adding to the stock."Senate" remains popular with an interesting crowd both at lunch , dinner and late into the evening.

"Hugo" was mentioned in my previous posting and "Otto's",( our home away from home) both Friday night and for Brunch today, Sunday, has been in so many of these reports that to write more boarders on excessive repetition. So hit a single named place or start calling your favorite by your own, one name, abbreviation.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Catching up

There is no way that I can put detailed comments on all the places we have been since we returned from the East, Oct 28 and Chicago, Nov. 7. Nor even mention them all. Therefore this is a poor attempt to list some that seem to me to have something new or slightly different to report.
In Chicago we have found a new, to us, Rib place in the Northern suburb of Highland Park, IL. I'm sure anyone really interested can use the web to get location and all the other info one might desire, on this or any place I mention.
"Ravinia Grill", Highland Park IL, competes favorably with any ribs, pork( baby back) or beef, that we have had anywhere. Everyone has his or her favorite but we were partial to "Walt's Hitching Post"( Wilder KY) and felt a loss when they went out of business. "Ravinia" has taken there place, and may be better, but over 300 miles is a long drive for a wonderful rib dinner.
"The Precinct", just down the hill, at Delta and Columbia Parkway, continues to be our neighborhood restaurant and our personal top "Jeff Ruby" establishment. Over solicitous servers and hosts, not withstanding, the food is great and they are overly kind to "small spenders".(If you order very lightly, or split a small amount remember your server works for a living and lives off tips. The average cover in an upscale steak house is well over $50 a head.)
"La Mexicana" 642 Manmouth St. Newport KY 41071 (859) 261-6112 is probably the closest to real Mexican food around the area, except for a Mexican family home cooked dinner. The small soft Taco's come with about 15 different choices of ingredients. Even though it often makes my companions turn a bright green I usually have tripe, tongue or some other exotic, to most, meat. I have not been overly enamored of their tamales, to much corn meal to little stuffing and flavor. Be careful of the red hot sauce unless you really like "heat"
"Pelican's Reef" Beachmont Ave in Anderson Township besides have interesting( especially the "specials") well cooked and presented seafood's have at least 3 great homemade desserts. Key Lime Pie, Peanut butter Pie with chocolate topping and an eclair cake( to me it is like Boston Cream Pie) all made either "in house" or by a friend and delivered daily. I have not been in the habit of saving room for dessert, there, but that is about to change. The "Reef" remains very reasonable and extreemly pleasent and friendly.
"Jean Robert's Table" 713 Vine St. (513) 621-4777 remains the "hot spot" with the local, eating out crowd. We have been there on both a Saturday night and a Wednesday, at about an hour later. Saturday at 8:30 was a mad house, Wednesday at 9:30 was excellent. Prompt but not obtrusive service, very reasonably priced libations and food served hot and prepared beautifully, to order. As the floor management says, "everyone and their friends want to come on Saturday night, so don't if you can help it". I doubt that one has to be as late as 9:30 on a week night to be seated promptly and served attentively.
"Hugo" 3235a Madison Road (513) 321-4846. Remains a quiet, pleasant environment, at least during the week. I hope they make, it but their pricing seems to be on the high end for the portions and selections. The are attentive and there are no complaints on the food preparation but to me the value is not as great as other places we choose., and the menu is not "that" outstanding.
We have been to "La Poste"( which took over "Tinks" space), at 3410 Telford, Clifton several times and have been please with service and food. The mushroom Ravioli, Cheese Fritters, rack of Lamb and good sized salads are worth a mention and a try.
I believe that this sort of sizes up some of the spots we have hit in the last few weeks. A couple were for lunch but most have been evenings out with friends. Waist line not withstanding I'll post more as we get back into our routine. Good to be home.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

"Maialino" and "Union Square Cafe"

The last two nights in New York City we treated ourselves to two different restaurants, both part of the Union Square Hospitality Group. As many of you, who know us, know we have a very special feeling for not only Danny Meyer, the founder, but for all of those who join him making the word HOSPITALITY have special meaning.

Our evening at "Maialino", Gramercy Park Hotel, 2 Lexington Ave, NYC was EXCEPTIONAL. Nothing about the food, service, hospitality or ambiance was standard. Everyone from the Director of Service to the bussers made our 3 hours of dining OUTSTANDING. If there was a 6 star rating for a restaurant "Maialino", that night, certainly won it, in our book.
We arrived promptly for our 7 PM reservation( make them well in advance) and were seated immediately. The room was busy with a contented hum and fully staffed so that everyone received the proper attention. Our attractive, knowledgeable server, Genesa, greeted us and took our drink order. "Maialino" not only offers wine by the glass and bottle but also a carafe, 1 and 1/2 glasses, and a half glass pour. Since they did not offer Bombay I ordered a glass and a half of Barbera, as did the others. The drinks arrived promptly followed by the Director of Service who apologized for the lack of Bombay and offered to see if another Bar in the hotel had some. Within minutes my "old stand-by" arrived. That's Hospitality!!
Explaining the menu took a couple of minutes as we had many questions and Genesa not only answered all but made suggestions as to house special items. We started our meal with Fig Crostini, thin slices of figs on a creamy cheese spread mounted on crisp toast and drizzled with honey(yummy) and an order of fried beets, crisp on the outside and warm and tender through out, new to us and delicious. For my first course I had Trippa(Tripe) in a perfectly seasoned tomato sauce. I am a Tripe lover and scourer menus for this offering.
Next came a small order of firm and tender Porchini Mushrooms, for the table and also individual helpings of Rissoto covered with white truffels( it wasn't a cheap evening, but worth every cent).
We split several dishes, Carciofini( fried, baby, artichokes) and several pasta's ranging from Carbonara and Malfatti to a large Ravioli filled with a light creamy sauce with spinach and herbs and a poached egg which, of course, spread when the pasta was cut. Paul( I believe) the wine Steward stoped by and give us each a small pour of a excellent, light Gattinaro( 100% Nebbiola). An perfect compliment to the Pasta's and us.
We needed dessert, like a nutritional supplement, but had two, for the three of us, a lovely Chocolate concoction and a Pine Nut Tart.
I know that I have failed to mention some of the people who helped, from the line cooks to the food delivery staff, but everyone and everything just fit together for perfection.

"Union Square Cafe" 21 East 16th St. NYC (212-243-4020) is our personal "home away from home" on the New York restaurant scene. We have been going there since they opened, 25 years ago. The night following "Maialino" they had a hard act to follow. Not only had we been "blown away" but as you can imagine were still stuffed. The cousin and her friend who had been with us at "North" joined us for this final evening and so we were 5 in all.
Bombay is on the premises and as usual that's where I started. I love their mixed bib, red leaf and shaved Gruyere salad and have a hard time ordering anything else, for my salad course. Others had tuna tartare, a tomato and bread soup (wonderful tomato flavor) an apple salad( slices caramelized and crisp greens) and a pasta which seemed reminiscent of German Spaetzele with a wonder butter, cream and Herb sauce.
We shared an excellent dish of small pasta clouds stuffed with mushrooms and possibly a liver paste, terrific. My main course was a grilled juicy red Snapper accompanied by a slaw of shredded carrots, golden raisins and pine nuts, also terrific. Others also had Snapper, Scallops, Swordfish and Venison.
For dessert we shared an order of Brioche French toast and a plate of chocolate goodies the latter compliments of the staff.
As I said "Union Square Cafe" is a standby for us and the only disappointment that evening was that things did not seem to function quite as well as they have in the past. I'm sure part was our euphoria from the night before.

And so the trip East ends. The drive home, 13 hours, from mid-town Manhattan to our front door, went smoothly and I don't need to Blog about "Cracker Barrel" or the "Waffle House".

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Armonk and the "Big Apple"

Steve Mancini, an alumni of USHG( Union Square Hospitality Group) and partners have open a new restaurant in Armonk NY, suburban NYC. "North" 386 Main St. Armonk NY 10504 (914)-273-8686 is the new "hot spot" in this area. it is fairly small with a bar and tables on the first floor( very noisy), swinging, and a somewhat quieter, but still active, dinning area on the second.
Reservations are taken 30 days in advance and are a necessity.
Five us ventured from Mamarineck to Armonk on Friday Oct 22 to try out this, slightly connected, Danny Meyer outpost, in a small strip mall on a quiet downtown suburban street.
The parking lot was full as was the restaurant when we arrived for our 6:30 seating.
We found the food "upscale" and fully priced, while the service was pleasant, attentive but at times slow. They are in their third month of operation and still have a few kinks to smooth out.
The table started with a bottle of Cinquante Viognier, as the other couple, cousins, enjoy white over red. I followed with a mixed beet salad, red, golden and purple all sliced or cubed and placed on a base of goat cheese and shredded greens. Next came both Mussel Flat bread, excellent with plenty of whole fresh mussels prepared in a slightly spicy butter sauce and then grilled and an accompanying mushroom flat bread, same preparation but in a much milder butter sauce.
My main course was a brazed short rib( I miss the "bone in", an attempt at easier handling by the guest) which was surrounded by a smattering of vegetables, also brazed. I found it tasty but slightly stringy. Others had Tuna Tartare, Orrechiette, Swordfish and Scallops for their maim courses.
Our Granddaughter and my cousin lead us to the outstanding desserts: "Chocolate Chip Skillet", with Vanilla Ice Cream, Fig Tart and a Brownie Skillet with Chocolate Ice Cream( have some chocolate). The skillets come to the table HOT with the dough that has been cooked therein steaming. Obviously the Ice Cream doesn't stay firm long.
Our meal ended with a small bottle of Ice Wine, from Long Island, a gift from Steve, who had been the wine director at both "Maialino" and "Union Square Cafe"more on both of those in a future posting. Too much food but a terrific show of this new places ability.

Into the city and Saturday night at "Sandro's" 306 East 81st St (212-288-7374). Marilyn had found a squib in a magazine recommending this place as Mimi Sheridan's favorite neighborhood Italian spot. She was not mistaken. That night there were 4 of us; Granddaughter, who had been with us since Boston, and our hostess for the 4 nights we spent in the city.
"Sandro's" is an expensive, small, bustling neighborhood establishment with very few tourists and a center aisle hardly large enough to accommodate the Huge Chef, owner. He rules the roost
The clientele seems to stretch from business to "mob" but all are welcome and treated as guests.
From the 15 to 20 "specials", ( they present a printed menu) we all chose our dinner.
We started with a Montpulician( rich red Barbera) after which came a beautiful platter of fresh tomato crostini's, compliments of the Chef and a small bowel of spicy peppers also with his compliments.
Two each divided a first course, Marilyn and GD a Tropea Salad( tomato's, cucumbers , peppers and cheese) while I, and our other guest, had a delicious Polpo( Grilled Octopus and firm potato's marinated in oil and spices). I was the only carnivore ordering a perfectly grilled, bone in, veal chop, which was absolutely delicious. The other three each chose "house made" Pastas which floated off the plate. One each, Pennette( butter and cheese), Fettucine( Bolognese) and Papardelle( a ragu of wild boar), the later the most interesting to me, as I sampled all, everyone excellent.
At this point, as plates were being cleared the Chef commanded that we be served "Grapa".
To rerun his favor we ordered Fragole Balsamic, a vanilla Gelato covered with fresh berries and a Balsamic reduction. Wow.

The next evening, after our Granddaughter returned to school in Maine, an arduous journey that took all day Sunday, the three of us again went for dinner in the neighborhood. I have written, previously, about "Atlantic Grill" 1341 3rd Ave (212) 988-9200. this upscale seafood chain has never disappointed us with there good food, service and location, for us, when we're in the city.
Having stuffed myself on the two previous nights I tried to show some restraint. After the Bombay I chose three first courses; a wonderful and interesting Cauliflower soup, with pear croutons, A pear, nut and greens salad and a single crab cake, full of white lump-fin crab meat. The two women shared a Chinese Dumpling appetizer and followed with a grilled snapper, for one and the crab cake(2) dinner, for the other
This left room for one large piece of Molten Chocolate Cake with three forks. A walk home on a beautiful Indian Summer evening competed our first two nights "eating out".

Monday, November 1, 2010

Boston-"Home of the Bean and the Cod"

Unpacked and awaited the arrival of our Granddaughter, this one a Junior at Bates College in Lewiston ME. Since it was her "fall break" she joined us for the next 4 days. Our local(Cambridge) Grandson is a Freshman at Harvard and ostensibly that was the reason for the two days in the Boston area. His home is in the LA area and already he thought the weather was cold, nights in the high 50's during our visit.
Wednesday night 7 of us, 2 grandchildren and a cousins daughter and her two teenagers had a mostly seafood dinner at "Legal Sea Foods"-617-491-9400- in the Charles Hotel just off Harvard Sq. in Cambridge.
Knowing there would be many things to taste I ordered reasonably, Bombay, Lobster Roll, my only dealing with this crustacean on the trip, and an iceberg wedge salad, with the usual bacon bits, tomato's, blue cheese crumbles etc. I was not disappointed with anything nor was I with my tastes of crab cakes( from two of our party), plenty of good lump crab, Baked Scrod( Marilyn's entree), salmon and of course the shared desserts, Chocolate pudding cake and Banana's Foster. My Lobster roll was almost exclusively claw meat and was accompanied on the plate with fried onion rings and very good slaw. There was plenty, as all the items which are served are good sized portions."Legal Sea Food" is a chain, very well run with high quality food and attentive service.

Next morning, after some time at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, we met some of our granddaughter's friends on Newberry St. for lunch and some shopping. The friends had chosen "Sonsie" on Newberry St. and had scoped out a table for 5. I enjoyed a wonderful Butternut Squash soup with plenty of curry and a few other additions, crab, apple slices and mango. This I followed with Cauliflower Pizza, a first. The Cauliflower was sauteed, roasted and flavored with various spices. The pizza also contained thinly sliced prosciutto, tomato's and caramelized onions. It was an interesting combination and I shared several pieces with others. All in all it was a fun and different lunch.

The evening was a special treat. Our grandson had made a reservation at "Craigie on Main" 853 Main St. Cambridge MA, 617-497-5511. His sister had seen a food channel show on this restaurant and he and his Dad had been there for the 6 course tasting menu ( a whole evening).
At Craigie's all the food is cooked to order and the whole menu and experience is well merchandised. That's is not to say that the food and service is not first class, they are, but the selling is fairly obvious.
When Marilyn and GD ordered the "whole roast chicken", a specialty, we were told that it would take approximately 50 minutes, a very good projection. Therefore after a drink we all sampled one order of fried Pig's Tails, small bone in, slightly bar-b-qued, pork pieces which were grill to crisp perfection. For dinner I had the Veal 2 ways, veal tenderloin( slightly chewy) and beautifully prepared sweetbreads( one of my favorite foods). Our granddaughter knew what I would order before I had looked at the menu, I'm that predictable. A side of sauteed Brussels Sprout in butter and herbs completed my main course with enough of the vegetables for all to share. I drank a glass of Gunner Ventliner, as you know Austrian white, which complimented everything. A very satisfying shared berry crisp concluded my intake for the evening.
As mentioned the two women had the whole roast chicken, with Grandson taking home what was left, carcase and all, while for his main item he had the Grilled House bacon burger, he had started with Hiramsa, a sushi grade white fish first course.
The menu has very interesting selections and the wine list also contains unusual items, with prices to match.