After a full week of "at home" dining we broke out with an active week of dinners and lunches, a number of which were either at Asian restaurants or had an Asian touch.
Last Saturday, with another couple, we went to a very crowed "China Gourmet", Erie Ave. in East Hyde Park. The owner and manager Tinley Moy was in China with his wife and new baby. The whole operation showed his absence. The staff was stretched and therefore the service and food was not up to their usual standard. I ordered "Mediterranean Sea Bass" which turned out to be Bronzini. Instead of the pan seared, as offered, it came extremely well fried. The table shared two side orders of vegetables, a mixture of bean sprouts and scallions and another plate of Szechwan Green Beans. Both dishes were only luke warm but the tender beans were well prepared, if under seasoned, in my opinion. Others had Walleye and one order of Shrimp Kung Po. The meal was acceptable but not outstanding and as the crowd thinned the service improved.
Sunday it was back to "Seasons 52" the new eatery in the Rookwood Exchange, next to the still unfinished Marriott. It is currently being mobbed, as the "new kid on the block" We had a booth in the bar which turned out to have live music, a distraction for us elderly. The food, as before is good and ample and my Curried Grouper" had a definite Asian taste. To keep to their promise of 475 calories, maximum, in each dish most items are served either fairly bare or on beds of vegetables, this was the case with the fish. The dish turned out to be very satisfactory. Marilyn had a fillet, cooked perfectly. Both the meat and the mashed potato's on which it sat, she reported were flavorful. I indulged in several glasses of wine which increased the calorie count and the bill total.
Monday night we joined another couple at "Sweet Basil" in the strip center just off Buttermilk Pike, in Northern KY. "Sweet Basil" web site give direction using the "Outback Steak House" sign as a landmark. If you go to the website your will see that the menu is extensive and quite reasonable in price. Being a store front restaurant don't go for ambiance but rather for value. My "Hawaiian Sushi Roll", yes they do have a sushi bar, was tasty but I couldn't get away from the cream cheese used to meld the ingredient. The other three had Pad Thai, not an adventurous trio.
The other Asian was "Suzie Wong" at DeSalles Corner( Madison and Woodburn). There at lunch today I had a large serving of chicken and Szechwan green beans, these season with red pepper flakes. A good helping of brown rice helped "sop up" the additional sauce. It was more than enough and quite reasonable at $5.95.
I shouldn't leave without mentioning the fried smelts at "The Anchor" 1401 Race St. an unusual item on a Cincinnati menu as well as a hugh meal at "Bonefish Grill" Madison and Edwards Road last night which finished a full week back in the swing. Last nights meal started with the standard Bombay and a table order of Bang Bang Shrimp( a "come on" special on Wednesday nights) followed by Imperial (stuffed) Wolf Fish and ended with their outstanding warm Brownie accompanied by a ball of Vanilla Ice Cream.
Time to head home for small meals and a weight reduction program.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Monday, February 11, 2013
Italian at home and out
I usually don't write up private parties but since a "Party of Note" (PON), to support the Symphony (CSO), is open to everyone I'll report on a PON which we held last night, at our home. Joining us as co-host was Pat Gaito, an excellent Italian cook, and so the meal, as you will see, was built on that premise. Pat prepared al the food, except dessert, while Marilyn and I provided back up support preparing everything from tables and chairs to plates, bowels and silverware. On each table we placed an array of wine, Gavi (white), Chianti Classico and Nebbiola. We had decided to do individual servings of all food, plated, but family style wine.
Pats' first course was an Antipasto; of bib lettuce covered with roasted red peppers( drizzled with olive oil), squares of Parmesan Reggiano, triangles of Gorgonzola and an olive salad made from marinated black olives and grain infused with herbs and spices. Then on to Pat's specialty; an eggplant Napoleon( two slices of eggplant, covered with Pancho Bread crumbs and baked until the inside was soft but the outside crisp. The middle layer, like an Oreo, was white Ricotta whipped and mixed with Parmesan, herbs and black pepper. This whole item, when assembled, is put back in the over and when golden brown topped with home made tomato sauce ( outstanding)
The Main course was Braciola, cooked in tomato sauce, Torcetti ( twisted pasta pieces), and encased Italian sausage, again brazed in the tomato sauce. All is served hot with some of the sauce ladled on to the pasta. Each table had their own bowl of grated cheese and a separate bowl of red pepper flakes, for those who like things hot. For dessert we had gone to "Skirtz and Johnston", at Finley Market, for delicious Cannoli and tasty stuffed, miniature Macaroons.
If you missed this dinner try to get on board a PON in the future.
Tuesday night we went, with a friend to "Abigail Street", Vine St.( next to the "Senate", OTR) The 3 of us split 4 "small plates"; a rough ground country pate, outstanding Gnocchi sauteed with asparagus tips, sliced mushrooms and onions in a light butter sauce, lightly dressed red and golden beets with nut pieces and several lamb sliders( ground seasoned lamb on small individual buns). "Abigail Street is our favorite in the new Gateway district.
The the next night, with a group of 6, we had our first meal at "Seasons 52" 3819 Edwards Road, Norwood, OH 45209, next to the Marriott, being built in Rookwood Exchange. "Seasons 52" is part of a large chain, I believe, originating in Florida. All items, on the menu, are advertised as have 475 calories, or less. After my "Bombay"( 250 calories) I ordered a Mediterranean Flatbread, for the table. Extremely thin crisp base with cheese,, herbs, tomato and gyro meat as a covering.
My main course was a Tuna Crunch Salad, extremely large portion, made with chopped Romaine, slivered almonds and seared tuna pieces( rare). It was very good but I had to struggle to finish. Marilyn had a Field Green side salad, which she shared with others, who were enthusiastic, and Grilled Trout, again a very full portion.
The restaurant opened just last week and there were a few serving details still to be worked out, but the food was good, plentiful, and we will return.
Pats' first course was an Antipasto; of bib lettuce covered with roasted red peppers( drizzled with olive oil), squares of Parmesan Reggiano, triangles of Gorgonzola and an olive salad made from marinated black olives and grain infused with herbs and spices. Then on to Pat's specialty; an eggplant Napoleon( two slices of eggplant, covered with Pancho Bread crumbs and baked until the inside was soft but the outside crisp. The middle layer, like an Oreo, was white Ricotta whipped and mixed with Parmesan, herbs and black pepper. This whole item, when assembled, is put back in the over and when golden brown topped with home made tomato sauce ( outstanding)
The Main course was Braciola, cooked in tomato sauce, Torcetti ( twisted pasta pieces), and encased Italian sausage, again brazed in the tomato sauce. All is served hot with some of the sauce ladled on to the pasta. Each table had their own bowl of grated cheese and a separate bowl of red pepper flakes, for those who like things hot. For dessert we had gone to "Skirtz and Johnston", at Finley Market, for delicious Cannoli and tasty stuffed, miniature Macaroons.
If you missed this dinner try to get on board a PON in the future.
Tuesday night we went, with a friend to "Abigail Street", Vine St.( next to the "Senate", OTR) The 3 of us split 4 "small plates"; a rough ground country pate, outstanding Gnocchi sauteed with asparagus tips, sliced mushrooms and onions in a light butter sauce, lightly dressed red and golden beets with nut pieces and several lamb sliders( ground seasoned lamb on small individual buns). "Abigail Street is our favorite in the new Gateway district.
The the next night, with a group of 6, we had our first meal at "Seasons 52" 3819 Edwards Road, Norwood, OH 45209, next to the Marriott, being built in Rookwood Exchange. "Seasons 52" is part of a large chain, I believe, originating in Florida. All items, on the menu, are advertised as have 475 calories, or less. After my "Bombay"( 250 calories) I ordered a Mediterranean Flatbread, for the table. Extremely thin crisp base with cheese,, herbs, tomato and gyro meat as a covering.
My main course was a Tuna Crunch Salad, extremely large portion, made with chopped Romaine, slivered almonds and seared tuna pieces( rare). It was very good but I had to struggle to finish. Marilyn had a Field Green side salad, which she shared with others, who were enthusiastic, and Grilled Trout, again a very full portion.
The restaurant opened just last week and there were a few serving details still to be worked out, but the food was good, plentiful, and we will return.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Visitors
What do you do when visitors come to town? Our son and his wife from Mendocino came for a weekend to see us, visit his sister and see what Cincinnati had to offer on one of the coldest weekends of the winter. Since this Blog is about "Eating Out" that what I'll review; you can go elsewhere to see what the Art Museum, Dead Sea Scrolls and the Cincinnati Symphony have to offer.
The first night 6 of us were off to "Nectar Restaurant" 1000 Delta Ave. 45208. I have written many times about Julie Francis and her wonderful touch with flavors and local grown items. It's always a pleasure to taste what she prepares. That evening the emphasis was on Lamb, which three of the party had for their main course. It was slices from the roasted lamb shoulder and served with a natural juice, slightly flavored, on a bed of polenta and leaf spinach. Another, of our group, chose the sweet potato filled Gnocchi in a vegetable reduction with Italian spices. Marilyn satisfied herself with pan fried chicken thighs( mashed potato's plus greens) while I had two starters; Shrimp Kim Chi Pancake and a house made Tamale stuffed with Feta and Black Beans and covered with a slightly spicy tomato salsa. I forgot to mention that Julie sent a plate of deep fried cheese risotto balls to go along with our opening drinks.
Dessert was a chocolate pound cake accompanied by Coffee Gelato. Welcome to Mount Lookout Square.
The next day featured Breakfast at home( scrambled eggs and onions, bacon, Shadeau bread Pecan rolls), lunch at Costco( 20 or more samples being offered) where we purchased our Super Bowl dinner, Chicken Pot Pie, and tasted most of the offerings, concentration on Pizza.
Saturday night before the CSO the 6 of us had an early dinner at "Enoteca Emilia" 2038 Madison Road 45208 (eating out in the area) 513-834-5773. The Chef has changed and I found the food more to my liking, as the salt has been modified in most dishes. The six of us had 12 dishes sampling everything from Salads( Caesar), Ferro and Beets and stuffed figs to Ricotta Fritters, for dessert. I had the sole special which I found on the bland side, but that was the direction I pointed myself in for the evening( without much success), and Roasted Cauliflower, which circled the table several times. There were three pasta dishes, Garganelli( with Mushrooms), Black Pepper Noodles with Bolognese and Eggplant Stuffed Ravioli. Proteins were chicken, shrimp and Calamari. Much tasting and enjoyment.
Before the "big game" it was brunch( noon) at "Otto's"521 Main St. Covington, KY 859-491-6678. This time we were seven( our son-in-laws Mother joined) but managed to order 8 main courses. Our Mendocino offspring always thinks he is about to go food less. I'll have his second entree for breakfast tomorrow.
Among the dishes were several "Benedict Otto's", poached egg on smoked salmon laying on a grits cake and covered with Hollandaise, Chicken Salad, Carnitas( pulled, roast pork) Fried green Tomato's( you know how I feel) their breakfast Casserole( eggs, sausage, potato's and cheese) baked with a golden crust. Coffee, conversation and a visit from the kitchen staff completed our "pregame show".
The first night 6 of us were off to "Nectar Restaurant" 1000 Delta Ave. 45208. I have written many times about Julie Francis and her wonderful touch with flavors and local grown items. It's always a pleasure to taste what she prepares. That evening the emphasis was on Lamb, which three of the party had for their main course. It was slices from the roasted lamb shoulder and served with a natural juice, slightly flavored, on a bed of polenta and leaf spinach. Another, of our group, chose the sweet potato filled Gnocchi in a vegetable reduction with Italian spices. Marilyn satisfied herself with pan fried chicken thighs( mashed potato's plus greens) while I had two starters; Shrimp Kim Chi Pancake and a house made Tamale stuffed with Feta and Black Beans and covered with a slightly spicy tomato salsa. I forgot to mention that Julie sent a plate of deep fried cheese risotto balls to go along with our opening drinks.
Dessert was a chocolate pound cake accompanied by Coffee Gelato. Welcome to Mount Lookout Square.
The next day featured Breakfast at home( scrambled eggs and onions, bacon, Shadeau bread Pecan rolls), lunch at Costco( 20 or more samples being offered) where we purchased our Super Bowl dinner, Chicken Pot Pie, and tasted most of the offerings, concentration on Pizza.
Saturday night before the CSO the 6 of us had an early dinner at "Enoteca Emilia" 2038 Madison Road 45208 (eating out in the area) 513-834-5773. The Chef has changed and I found the food more to my liking, as the salt has been modified in most dishes. The six of us had 12 dishes sampling everything from Salads( Caesar), Ferro and Beets and stuffed figs to Ricotta Fritters, for dessert. I had the sole special which I found on the bland side, but that was the direction I pointed myself in for the evening( without much success), and Roasted Cauliflower, which circled the table several times. There were three pasta dishes, Garganelli( with Mushrooms), Black Pepper Noodles with Bolognese and Eggplant Stuffed Ravioli. Proteins were chicken, shrimp and Calamari. Much tasting and enjoyment.
Before the "big game" it was brunch( noon) at "Otto's"521 Main St. Covington, KY 859-491-6678. This time we were seven( our son-in-laws Mother joined) but managed to order 8 main courses. Our Mendocino offspring always thinks he is about to go food less. I'll have his second entree for breakfast tomorrow.
Among the dishes were several "Benedict Otto's", poached egg on smoked salmon laying on a grits cake and covered with Hollandaise, Chicken Salad, Carnitas( pulled, roast pork) Fried green Tomato's( you know how I feel) their breakfast Casserole( eggs, sausage, potato's and cheese) baked with a golden crust. Coffee, conversation and a visit from the kitchen staff completed our "pregame show".
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
A hit
Last night 3 of us went to the new( opened Dec 7) wine bar and light fare "Unwind", 3435 Michigan Ave Cincinnati 45208 ( just around the corner and up the block from the Fire House on Hyde Park Square) phone 321-9463. It was terrific.
The place, which formerly housed a garage, has been transformed into a very welcoming wine bar and lounge. Tables and comfortable chairs are mixed with sofas and easy chairs. A large fireplace, (with flame) and a bar with extensive selections dominate the main room. It is a more home like treatment than I have seen elsewhere. We settled for a table as we intended to sample several of the "small plates".
Our friend, a wine merchant, started with a 6 oz pour of Syrah, wine is offered in either a 3 oz pour, a 6 oz or by the bottle. There are also soft drinks and a limited selection of "spirits", I began with a Gruner Vetliner( 3 oz) while Marilyn had a diet Coke. Later in the evening our friend switched to Malbec and I to Barberra.
Our food selections were an order each of the flat bread presentations, Margharita and Pesto, both were excellent. Cooked perfectly with a very thin crust and toppings well flavored. We also enjoyed a presentation of Camembert( medium soft) served with thick, poached pear slices, and an Arugula Salad with Pistachio's and Blueberries. A beautiful presentation and quite pleasing. The Parmesan/ Artichoke dip came steaming hot, as it should, accompanied with French bread toast. To my taste it was on the salty side( I try to restrict salt intake, mostly unsuccessfully) but quite enjoyable. Lastly we had an order of Roasted Red Pepper Humus served with warmed Pita triangles.
The evening was pleasant, relaxing and calls for a return visit.
So what else have we done, since last posting. Friday night it was off to "downtown" and "Jean Robert's Table" 713 Vine Street (513) 621-4777. Full but not overflowing. We probably should go more than we do as the food is uniformly interesting and well prepared while the atmosphere remains an informal, up scale Bistro. Greeted by Lu we were seated promptly and served well, even though we arrived just after a group of 45 had been seated. I almost always start with a "Bombay on the rocks" and that evening was no exception. My "Shrimp Salad" turned out to be mostly marinated red cabbage and other vegetables, shredded, and topped with a sliced Shrimp and dressing. Not what I expected but very good. My main course was Salmon( medium rare, done but juicy) topping a mixturee of Brussels Sprouts, Mushrooms layered with a cheese and breadcrumb dressing. Beurre Blanc Sauce topped the whole. The fish, done perfectly, and the base made a wonderful combination. The other man and I split a bottle of Gruner Vetliner, I'm in a narrow white wine channel, at the moment. The table split a Sticky Pudding dessert to end an eventful evening.
One additional note: We went to a retirement party last week at "deSha's" 11320 Montgomery Rd. Cincinnati 45249 (513) 247-9930. I was pleasantly surprised with the menu and the service. Marilyn and I split the lettuce Wedge, a generous portion for each. I followed with Shrimp and Cheese Grits, plenty of shrimp and likewise cheese in the grits. Marilyn had Buttermilk fried chicken which she reported was very satisfactory. It's a long drive but for a neighborhood place, part of a group of management owned restaurants and I'm happy to report they are doing a very nice job.
The place, which formerly housed a garage, has been transformed into a very welcoming wine bar and lounge. Tables and comfortable chairs are mixed with sofas and easy chairs. A large fireplace, (with flame) and a bar with extensive selections dominate the main room. It is a more home like treatment than I have seen elsewhere. We settled for a table as we intended to sample several of the "small plates".
Our friend, a wine merchant, started with a 6 oz pour of Syrah, wine is offered in either a 3 oz pour, a 6 oz or by the bottle. There are also soft drinks and a limited selection of "spirits", I began with a Gruner Vetliner( 3 oz) while Marilyn had a diet Coke. Later in the evening our friend switched to Malbec and I to Barberra.
Our food selections were an order each of the flat bread presentations, Margharita and Pesto, both were excellent. Cooked perfectly with a very thin crust and toppings well flavored. We also enjoyed a presentation of Camembert( medium soft) served with thick, poached pear slices, and an Arugula Salad with Pistachio's and Blueberries. A beautiful presentation and quite pleasing. The Parmesan/ Artichoke dip came steaming hot, as it should, accompanied with French bread toast. To my taste it was on the salty side( I try to restrict salt intake, mostly unsuccessfully) but quite enjoyable. Lastly we had an order of Roasted Red Pepper Humus served with warmed Pita triangles.
The evening was pleasant, relaxing and calls for a return visit.
So what else have we done, since last posting. Friday night it was off to "downtown" and "Jean Robert's Table" 713 Vine Street (513) 621-4777. Full but not overflowing. We probably should go more than we do as the food is uniformly interesting and well prepared while the atmosphere remains an informal, up scale Bistro. Greeted by Lu we were seated promptly and served well, even though we arrived just after a group of 45 had been seated. I almost always start with a "Bombay on the rocks" and that evening was no exception. My "Shrimp Salad" turned out to be mostly marinated red cabbage and other vegetables, shredded, and topped with a sliced Shrimp and dressing. Not what I expected but very good. My main course was Salmon( medium rare, done but juicy) topping a mixturee of Brussels Sprouts, Mushrooms layered with a cheese and breadcrumb dressing. Beurre Blanc Sauce topped the whole. The fish, done perfectly, and the base made a wonderful combination. The other man and I split a bottle of Gruner Vetliner, I'm in a narrow white wine channel, at the moment. The table split a Sticky Pudding dessert to end an eventful evening.
One additional note: We went to a retirement party last week at "deSha's" 11320 Montgomery Rd. Cincinnati 45249 (513) 247-9930. I was pleasantly surprised with the menu and the service. Marilyn and I split the lettuce Wedge, a generous portion for each. I followed with Shrimp and Cheese Grits, plenty of shrimp and likewise cheese in the grits. Marilyn had Buttermilk fried chicken which she reported was very satisfactory. It's a long drive but for a neighborhood place, part of a group of management owned restaurants and I'm happy to report they are doing a very nice job.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Oh,well
Eating out as much as we do not every experience, new or old, will not be top rate. The last couple fit in the "OK" but nothing special category.
A first visit to "Kaze" 1400 Vine Street, Cincinnati 513-218-3432 , Jon Zipperstein's venture into Asian (aimed at Japanese) left me less than egar to return. Although I wish to be a firm supporter of activities that enhance OTR ( Over The Rhine) this restaurant, as it is now, will not be on my "must return list". It is open 7 nights a week, which is certainly in it's favor.
The menu has several divisions from "Share" thru Grille, Soup and Salads to "Main" and Sushi Rolls. There are very few items that do not have an Asian twist. There is also a side list of Nigiri and Sashimi.
Marilyn and I started by splitting an order of NIKU Sliders, Beef Short Ribs, Cucumber Kimchi( mild) and Korean BBQ. The two small buns contained a good amount of well prepared beef with little Kimchi but an appropriate amount of sauce. We both agreed that this was the best dish of the evening.I followed with a Kaze Salad; field greens, cucumber, Avocado, green onion, radish, topped with lotus root chips. The salad came so lightly dressed that I asked for another portion of dressing. My last dish was was "The Drop Kick" Sushi Roll; 5 small pieces of Tampura Fried Striped Bass with house made Kimchi and a Japanese mustard sauce. I expected some "kick" but was disappointed in both amount and flavor.
Marilyn, had a Yuko Salad, mescalin greens, arugula, blood orange and radish sprouts; the light ginger dressing did not bother her. She also ordered a Momo grill, two skewers, each, with a bite or two of chicken thigh marinated in a Saam sauce and Japanese honey mustard. She said that they were tasty but hardly enough to even slightly satisfy.
We will not rush back but both hope that they get enough "feed back" to rethink their menu and portion size. Maybe it's just the age difference but I hardly believe it is.
The other night out was a return to "M" now referred to as "M.Wood Fire Oven" at 3514 Erie Ave 45208 (513) 386-7783. This is our third visit and my feelings continue to go up and down.
Splitting a salad( Caesar) still gives one enough, if you are looking at it as a starter. Since we had had drinks and appetizer's at home, we continued splitting a Pizza, which still, unfortunately, lacks sufficient topping to cover all the dough, and and excellent ramekin of Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Pine Nuts, bread crumbs and a very pleasant cream sauce. This served very hot was the hit of the evening. Our service was slow with the salad coming very promptly but a good half hour, or more, wait, for the rest of our dinner. It was a very cold night and possibly the Glacieral pace can somewhat be attributed to the weather.
A first visit to "Kaze" 1400 Vine Street, Cincinnati 513-218-3432 , Jon Zipperstein's venture into Asian (aimed at Japanese) left me less than egar to return. Although I wish to be a firm supporter of activities that enhance OTR ( Over The Rhine) this restaurant, as it is now, will not be on my "must return list". It is open 7 nights a week, which is certainly in it's favor.
The menu has several divisions from "Share" thru Grille, Soup and Salads to "Main" and Sushi Rolls. There are very few items that do not have an Asian twist. There is also a side list of Nigiri and Sashimi.
Marilyn and I started by splitting an order of NIKU Sliders, Beef Short Ribs, Cucumber Kimchi( mild) and Korean BBQ. The two small buns contained a good amount of well prepared beef with little Kimchi but an appropriate amount of sauce. We both agreed that this was the best dish of the evening.I followed with a Kaze Salad; field greens, cucumber, Avocado, green onion, radish, topped with lotus root chips. The salad came so lightly dressed that I asked for another portion of dressing. My last dish was was "The Drop Kick" Sushi Roll; 5 small pieces of Tampura Fried Striped Bass with house made Kimchi and a Japanese mustard sauce. I expected some "kick" but was disappointed in both amount and flavor.
Marilyn, had a Yuko Salad, mescalin greens, arugula, blood orange and radish sprouts; the light ginger dressing did not bother her. She also ordered a Momo grill, two skewers, each, with a bite or two of chicken thigh marinated in a Saam sauce and Japanese honey mustard. She said that they were tasty but hardly enough to even slightly satisfy.
We will not rush back but both hope that they get enough "feed back" to rethink their menu and portion size. Maybe it's just the age difference but I hardly believe it is.
The other night out was a return to "M" now referred to as "M.Wood Fire Oven" at 3514 Erie Ave 45208 (513) 386-7783. This is our third visit and my feelings continue to go up and down.
Splitting a salad( Caesar) still gives one enough, if you are looking at it as a starter. Since we had had drinks and appetizer's at home, we continued splitting a Pizza, which still, unfortunately, lacks sufficient topping to cover all the dough, and and excellent ramekin of Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Pine Nuts, bread crumbs and a very pleasant cream sauce. This served very hot was the hit of the evening. Our service was slow with the salad coming very promptly but a good half hour, or more, wait, for the rest of our dinner. It was a very cold night and possibly the Glacieral pace can somewhat be attributed to the weather.
Friday, January 18, 2013
Empty and Full
This could be a discription on me going to "eat out", sort of a before and after, but in this instance it is a discription of two restaurant's which we enjoyed this week, although a full place is a lot more fun than and empty one.
It's been a long time since we have eaten at "Honey" 4034 Hamilton Ave. Northside (513)541-4300. The chef, Shoshanna has not been present on either of our last two visits and maybe that has something to do with the lack of customers, although the food remains very tasty. The night we were there the 3 of us were the only ones present for the whole evening( creepy)
I had a main course, Potato Gnocchi served in a delightful sauce with Lamb Bacon( firm and salty) and Brussels Sprouts. The combination made a pleasant, filling meal. Marilyn had a Burger and excellent fries while our companion had great looking Beef Short ribs.
Moving on to where the crowds are; "Over the Rhine" on Vine St. we and another couple had dinner at "Abigail Street" 1214 Vine St. (513)421-4040. We arrived at 6:30 and filled one of the remaining 2 empty tables.
The addition of Chef Salazar, formerly with the "Palace", has brought and upgrade to the food which was just fine before he arrived. His imagination and delicate hand with spices made our dinner outstanding. "Abigail Street" is basically "small plate" Mediterranean. The four of us split four different dinner items and one bottle of the "house special" red wine. Starting with the two specials, that evening; Monk Fish grilled and served with chickpeas bathed in a marvelous tomato, eggplant, lemon sauce( with a slight hint of Cayenne) and Pork Kebabs on Israeli Cous-Cous (some oxymoron). The first dish had two small pieces of grilled Monk fish and lots of Chickpeas and sauce while the Pork Kebabs also came with two pieces of Pork on each Kebab( skewer) covered with Pesto and also on the skewer were pieces of red and yellow pepper, tomato and mushroom.
After a pause we moved on to an order of Bouillabaisse, 2 shrimp, 3 mussels and two bit sized pieces of fish in a terrific broth which remained me of the broth on the mussels next door at "The Senate" (same owners). The other dish was grilled Flank Steak, which had been marinated and grilled to perfection ( as ordered, medium rare). It came on a bed of fried, cubed potatoes covered with a tangy yogurt sauce, bring on more. Oh, yes there was a fried egg included with the last dish which we asked for on the side.
Warm Baklava for dessert was just the icing on the cake.
Rave review, well deserved..
It's been a long time since we have eaten at "Honey" 4034 Hamilton Ave. Northside (513)541-4300. The chef, Shoshanna has not been present on either of our last two visits and maybe that has something to do with the lack of customers, although the food remains very tasty. The night we were there the 3 of us were the only ones present for the whole evening( creepy)
I had a main course, Potato Gnocchi served in a delightful sauce with Lamb Bacon( firm and salty) and Brussels Sprouts. The combination made a pleasant, filling meal. Marilyn had a Burger and excellent fries while our companion had great looking Beef Short ribs.
Moving on to where the crowds are; "Over the Rhine" on Vine St. we and another couple had dinner at "Abigail Street" 1214 Vine St. (513)421-4040. We arrived at 6:30 and filled one of the remaining 2 empty tables.
The addition of Chef Salazar, formerly with the "Palace", has brought and upgrade to the food which was just fine before he arrived. His imagination and delicate hand with spices made our dinner outstanding. "Abigail Street" is basically "small plate" Mediterranean. The four of us split four different dinner items and one bottle of the "house special" red wine. Starting with the two specials, that evening; Monk Fish grilled and served with chickpeas bathed in a marvelous tomato, eggplant, lemon sauce( with a slight hint of Cayenne) and Pork Kebabs on Israeli Cous-Cous (some oxymoron). The first dish had two small pieces of grilled Monk fish and lots of Chickpeas and sauce while the Pork Kebabs also came with two pieces of Pork on each Kebab( skewer) covered with Pesto and also on the skewer were pieces of red and yellow pepper, tomato and mushroom.
After a pause we moved on to an order of Bouillabaisse, 2 shrimp, 3 mussels and two bit sized pieces of fish in a terrific broth which remained me of the broth on the mussels next door at "The Senate" (same owners). The other dish was grilled Flank Steak, which had been marinated and grilled to perfection ( as ordered, medium rare). It came on a bed of fried, cubed potatoes covered with a tangy yogurt sauce, bring on more. Oh, yes there was a fried egg included with the last dish which we asked for on the side.
Warm Baklava for dessert was just the icing on the cake.
Rave review, well deserved..
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Taking a risk
For a friends 70th Birthday we alerted Guy Burgess, the terrific chef, at the "Oriental; Wok - Hyde Park" ( Dana and Madison, in the Regency). I really like putting ourselves in his hands and once again he did not disappoint.
I am going to try to discribe the meal, with out any notes or prompting from Guy, so if I use too much Poetic (food) licence please forgive.
After salutations and drinks we started with a first course, which I describe as a boiled and then fried egg. Guy told me that in the preparation he takes the eggs and boils them for exactly 7 minutes and then ices them for an hour to "set the white". After carefully peeling he coats them, sightly, with powdered bread crumbs and stir fries them in the Wok until they have a slightly golden crust. The warm egg is placed on a piece of molded toast and criss-crossed with duck sauce. The toast is surrounded with cooked sliced mushrooms, onions and sprouts and has it's own light sauce. When the egg is cut the yellow is still warm and runny. Some opening dish.
Next came 2 crisp sauteed Soft Shell Crabs on a bed of greens and chopped fruit, with a citrus dressing. The slight saltiness of the crabs made a perfect compliment to the sweet and tangy salad.
Third course consisted of several slices of Duck Brest, pink to brown, which had been grilled to form a slight, crispy coating. On the same plate were cold rice noodles, seasoned with herbs and a few green leaves of Chinese Broccoli.
Finally, and we had asked Guy not to over feed us, or we would still be eating, he produced two steamed and grilled fish, turned inside out and de-boned, covered with a rich sauced of cubed Chinese vegetables and fish stock and possibly a hint of rice wine. The rich sauce is perfect with the white fish and the ginger fried rice that accompanies the seafood.
I can't go there for my 70th, which has passed, but I can hardly wait until we have other friends to entertain.
I am going to try to discribe the meal, with out any notes or prompting from Guy, so if I use too much Poetic (food) licence please forgive.
After salutations and drinks we started with a first course, which I describe as a boiled and then fried egg. Guy told me that in the preparation he takes the eggs and boils them for exactly 7 minutes and then ices them for an hour to "set the white". After carefully peeling he coats them, sightly, with powdered bread crumbs and stir fries them in the Wok until they have a slightly golden crust. The warm egg is placed on a piece of molded toast and criss-crossed with duck sauce. The toast is surrounded with cooked sliced mushrooms, onions and sprouts and has it's own light sauce. When the egg is cut the yellow is still warm and runny. Some opening dish.
Next came 2 crisp sauteed Soft Shell Crabs on a bed of greens and chopped fruit, with a citrus dressing. The slight saltiness of the crabs made a perfect compliment to the sweet and tangy salad.
Third course consisted of several slices of Duck Brest, pink to brown, which had been grilled to form a slight, crispy coating. On the same plate were cold rice noodles, seasoned with herbs and a few green leaves of Chinese Broccoli.
Finally, and we had asked Guy not to over feed us, or we would still be eating, he produced two steamed and grilled fish, turned inside out and de-boned, covered with a rich sauced of cubed Chinese vegetables and fish stock and possibly a hint of rice wine. The rich sauce is perfect with the white fish and the ginger fried rice that accompanies the seafood.
I can't go there for my 70th, which has passed, but I can hardly wait until we have other friends to entertain.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)