Recent Posts

Burgers, California, Fast Food

In and Out Burger

I decided to try some California heath food. This is my first time at an In and Out burger so I did some research and ordered off menu items. I had the Double-Double Animal burger and Animal fries. The burger was excellent nice combination of toppings, condiments and meat. Crunchy and delicious. Fries were fresh and hot , I wouldn’t recommend the Animal fries it’s a bit much.

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Food, New York NY, NYC eats

Union Square Cafe , NYC

Our first visit to the “New” Union Square Cafe…I wish it were still the old USC !! It has a very corporate vibe to it unlike the warmer local cafe of days past. They have insituted a non-tipping policy which has some advantges to the employees but certainly the extra wages are pasted along to the consumer in the pricing. We sat at the bar on a very slow afternoon and service was just OK, friendly but not very professional.

We had an excellent: Fritto Misto at 24 dollars:
Calamari, Oysters, Asparagus, Peppers.

We also tried 3 Pastas:(prices are for full orders, half and mid course sizes available):

Pappardelle 37 dollars
Cacciatore Ragu, Castelvetrano Olives, Pecorino Romano

Ricotta Gnocchi 33 dollars
Tomato Basil Passatina, Pecorino

Tagliatelle 35 dollars
Snow Peas, Pea Leaves, Lemon Ricotta

All the pastas dishes were good but not nothing worthy of returning for. These are not Marea or Babbo level pastas.

Dessert: Stores Pavlova was sick in the best way !!!

Beverage Program is huge: they have a great selection of local beers and creative cocktail program as well. The house wine list is poor to say the least I couldn’t find a wine that I would drink at the 25 dollar a glass and below level. The wines and cocktails are designed to max out the profits per square foot. Certainly nice for a special occasion but the pricing would wear on you if you frequented the place.

The scores are Service 7/10, Food 7.5/10 and value 7/10.

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New York NY, NYC eats

Le Bernardin NYC

Le Bernardin has been around the NYC dining scene for decades. It’s a seafood based restaurant with a meat and vegetable dish thrown in for those guest that come with the seafood lovers. If your not a seafood fan there are much better options at other resteraunts.  Proper attire is required in the dining room (jackets for gentlemen).  We had the Chef’s tasting menu at $225 dollars per head with the wine pairings for an additional $145 each.  This does not include coffee which is $5 per cup, rather petty after ordering a $740 dollar meal.

Each and every course was plated beautifully and was of the highest quality available for the season. The salmon was farmed this time of year, personally I would rather have skip it and had something else wild had I noticed beforehand. The preparation was excellent however it was not flawless; the Dove Sole was overcooked. The wine pairings where very nice with familiar quality labels.

Le Bernardin is a special place that I would recomend to any seafood lover. The dining room is elegant and pace of service very relaxed so it’s perfect for couples.

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Asian, NYC eats, Thai

Somtum Der LES NYC

Very authenic Northeastern Thai food on the LES in NYC. I was delighted by the flavors as well as the moderate prices of both food and wine….I would highly reccomend SOMTUM DER to anyone that enjoys Thai food.

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Food, Italian, New York NY, NYC eats

Morini Ristorante , UES NYC

We are big fans of Marea so we decided to try the Chef’s other retaraunt during restraint week.  Once we got the food we really enjoyed our meal. The pasta was classic MW excellence ! The only problem with Morini is the hostess and coat check people. They seem to want to turn customers away at the door. We had a reservation and were greeted by a hostess throwing down a bar menu and say this is all we have now.  When I was given a chance to speak and explained we have a reservation. She huffed off and returned several minutes later to seat us upstairs.  Once seated the service was average however the food was very good. The appetizer: calamari alla piastra, creamy fregola, manila clams, spiced mollica was very unique and tasted excellent, we both wanted more. Our pasta course was riccioli: handmade pasta curls, carbonara, rock shrimp, pancetta, pecorino this was a typical Michael White fresh pasta dish we enjoyed the dishes however didn’t enjoy the pancetta.  Dessert was a beautiful TORTA DI CIOCCOLATA;
chocolate cake, espresso mascarpone mousse, milk chocolate ganache. It tasted as good as it looks.  We were both generally happy with the food and after being contacted by the management about the service issues, we will give it another try soon.

 

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Food, New York NY, Uncategorized

Lavo NYC

We had a fun night at Lavo !! It’s a large and loud room. Food is average with a few fun items to share like the Basket Ball sized Meatball and huge 20 Layer Cake. Eggplant part was not bad. The vegetable sides had so much sodium my blood pressure spited just short of a stroke…..LOL  Drink and food prices aren’t not bad for NYC it’s not Kansas…Service was actually pretty good for such an active place.

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B&B, Italian, Italy, Tuscan

Villa di Piazzano

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When I asked Lori what she wanted for her birthday this year she said she’d like to go to Tuscany and visit our friends at the Villa di Piazzano. We’ve been to the Villa many times and always return because to leave the Villa is like leaving relatives behind in Tuscany. Many places can offer a nice room but few can make you feel like family. The Villa itself is a virtual landmark with a long and rich history. The Wimpole family has managed to upgrade and modernize the Villa in tasteful manner adding all the modern amenities you would expect but still maintaining the “Old World” charm. They have recently added a new Sommelier and do wine tastings in the afternoon. We always are sure to dine at least one evening at the Villa with our friend the bubbly Chef Gabriella. Well I can go on forever with our pauses for the Villa but as they say “TRY IT YOU”LL LIKE IT”.

 

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Food, French Food, New York NY

Daniel, NYC

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We celebrated our 15th anniversary at Daniel. After consulting my friend and fellow food Blogger Michael T, we decided on Daniel.
We both ordered the Mayfair Tasting menu which was actually supplemented by a surprise extra course.
The food and service were all outstanding. The uni served with the oysters was my favorite dish if it’s possible to choose a favorite almost like choosing your favorite child.
The wines were expertly paired by a very professional sommelier.
After dinner we had the honor to be invited into the kitchen to meet Chef Eddy Leroux.
We both enjoyed the evening and can’t wait to return.
Do put Daniel on your “to do” list, you won’t be disappointed.

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Uncategorized

Spring, Paris

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One of my favorites in Paris: DO NOT MISS SPRING

Here are the details of our lunch
Apetizer:
Crème fraîche de Normandie, onions pickles, Banka Truit’eggs
Fried black sausage form Pays basque, apple compote, mustard sauce with lime and cream
Vegetable broth with leeks and smoked potatoes

Starter:
Maquereau Tataki, mustard shoots, dill, apple juice vinaigrette and buckweat

Main Course:
Lamb saddle from Lozère, olives from Kalamata, sheep milk yogurt & herbs, celery purée & chips, watercress, pigeon juice
& lamb neck with raisins de corinthe

Dessert:
Vacherin : vanillia ice cream, meringue & passion fruit
Chocolate tart
Pineapple & litchees salad with lime
Mango with crispy honey & pistachio.

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Brunello, Italian, Italy, Tuscan

Ristorante Walter Redaelli, Bettolle, Tuscany, Italy

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Back home on the ranch in the Cortona area of Tuscany, we decided to try some new places.  We had a conversation with Alessandra the owner of Villa di Piazzano inquiring about any new and exciting restaurants in the area.  She recommended Walter Redaelli.  Coincidentally, we ran into her and her family two days later having dinner at Walter Redaelli.  We had dinner and lunch at Walter the same day.  We liked it so much at lunch we had to try a dinner. Walter uses only the finest locally sourced in season products.  Once the bread basket arrived we knew we were in for something special.  The wine list was excellent with many of my favorite local wines including a reasonably priced Brunello by the glass.  They had the largest Brunello glass we have ever seen.  The pasta course consisted of the most wonderful fluffy mushroom and truffle gnocchi topped with a Gorgonzola sauce.  We also had the Pici which is a hand rolled pasta served in southern Tuscany. The Pici was prepared with artichokes and a tiny bits of Cinta Sense bacon (local bacon).  It was delicately flavored to perfection with parsley from the garden and pecorino cheese.  The Primi was the most amazing Beef Carpaccio with a bit of arugula and cheese dressed with a balsamic reduction.  We also had a wonderful Salmon Carpiccio with artichokes. In the evening we had a special stewed neck of beef that cut with a fork and melted in your mouth.  Deserts were amazing !!  Prior to desert we had a tasting of several local chocolates.  Of course we finished with a bit of local desert wine… This is truly a fine dining experience in Tuscany!!  You cannot go wrong with anything on the menu.  We can’t wait to return in the Spring and try the seasonal specials.

 

Walter Redaelli

53040 Bettolle –
Sinalunga (Siena)
Via XXI Aprile, 10
Tel. / Fax 0577 623447
cell: 335 397648

 

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Florida, French Food, Palm Beach

Brule Bistro, Delray Beach Florida

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We decided to have dinner out locally in Delray Beach this evening. Brule Bistro has gone through a major renovation the past year.  It was previously a self serve lunch and to-go place. Now it is a full service Bistro.  Overall the food was pretty good.  The wine list was adequate although the servers really have not had any formal wine training which is to be expected at a small establishment.  The Zucchini blossom tasted great however arrived at the table a little on the cool side.  The Salad with goat cheese was good but a little bit of a cliche.  I had the Tile fish special with lobster risotto and wine sauce reduction.  The fish was  excellent and cooked to perfection.  The risotto was good however the wine sauce was a bit overpowering. Lori had the Diver Scallops which she loved I tasted them and they were ok, a bit over seared their not supposed to be “Southern Fried” Scallops.  To the chef’s credit they were not overcooked in the middle and still remained tender.  For desert we had banana bread pudding with Bourbon ice cream it’s excellent!  We will definitely return and recommend you give it a try.  This is about as good as it gets in Delray Beach.

 Brule Bistro
200 NE 2nd Ave # 108Delray Beach, FL 33444‎

(561) 274-2046brulebistro.com

 

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Italian, Italy, Roma, Rome, Rome eats

Pizzarium, Rome Italy

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Owner/Chef Gabreile Bonci wrote the book on Pizza. They use only the finest ingredients for his creative toppings. This is a small local take-out pizza shop that you may eat in standing up. The pizza is great and the assortment is very special.

Located in a neighborhood that is about a 1/2 mile from the Vatican which is rarely traveled by tourists you will have to go a bit out of your way but it’s worth it.

Pizzarium

via della Meloria 43, 00136 Rome, Italy
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B&B, Italian, Italy, restaurant, Tuscan

Ristorante Babette, Tuscany, Castiglion Fiorentino, Italy

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Prior to our visit to Tuscany we had discussed some new restaurants in the area with our local friends Bianca and Enzo. They had mentioned a place had opened but they have not tried it yet.  So prior to leaving Lori decided we are all going to Babette.  Locate in the Casale di Brolio outside the small town of Castiglion Fiorentino. This is remotely located but the roads are good and it’s easy to find.

We arrived at Babette and it was a very quite evening because of the rain and the time of year, Tuscany really starts to slowdown in October.  It’s an attractive place with clean Tuscan appearance.  We started the meal with an amazing amusebouche of foie gras.  It was nice to have four of us dining so we had a chance try many dishes.  Our appetizer was scallops that were perfectly seared and presented with several sauces. I’m not sure how I felt about the Foie and scallop combination.  The Pasta course was Pici a local hand rolled thick spaghetti with Wild Boar ragu its was excellent and on my list of must have again dishes.   I had a really interesting suckling pig in a Chocolate sauce, Lori had a perfectly prepared Sea Bream, Bianca an amazing Monk Fish and Enzo his standard Beef Fillet which was so tender no knife was required.

We did of course save room for desert, this is a good plan!!  The deserts were on par with any Michelin 3 star restaurant.  The presentations were amazing and they tasted even better than they looked.  The Tiramisu was absolutely the best!!  Perhaps my favorite all time desert!

When in Tuscany or even within a 12 hour flight don’t miss a dinner at Babette. The service was excellent and they do speak English well for those that are concerned.. This is truly fine dining in Tuscany.

Ristorante Babette

Presso Casale di Brolio
Località Brolio, 74
52043 Castiglion Fiorentino (Arezzo)

Tel.: 0575 652054
Fax: 0575 652254

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Avila, restaurant, Spain

El Almacén, Avila, Spain

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On a rather cold day when sightseeing around Avila, Spain we decided to have lunch at El Almacen.  One advantage to going in the winter is that you can go any place you want and not have to deal with crowds.  The staff at most places is a lot friendlier due to the fact they are not so stressed by many tourists. El Almacen has great food and amazing views of the walled city of Avila.  We were lucky enough to meet the Chef that came out personally to say hello to us. The food was all great especially the deserts.  This is a place that should not be passed by when in Avila.

El Almacén
Carretera de Salamanca, 6
05002 Avila, Spain
920 21 10 26

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Spain, Toledo

Restaurante Apotheca, Toledo, Spain

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To say we were pleasantly surprised by Apotheca is an understatement. We were really impressed by the decor, you walk in to a very sexy lounge area then go down the stairs to the wine cellar where the dinner tables are set.  The food is all of the highest quality, creatively prepared and the presentations are on the highest level.  The Chocolate and Foie Terrine was not only beautiful to look at it tasted better than sex…..the Ancovy from Canabrai were really a special treat. Lori had the Monk fish wrapped in bacon and everything is better in bacon!  I had the suckling pig which really was not my favorite.  The deserts were OK, next time I think,  I’ll just have another Foie for desert….LOL  There will be a next time because Lori dreams of the Mazapan of Toledo.  There is a great place for it, I’ll discuss in another post.  Please do visit Apotheca it is a very Special!!

 

Restaurante Apotheca

Toledo – Callejón del Lucio, 3 – TOLEDO Tel: 925 21 23 62 reservas@restauranteapotheca.com

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Asian, Washington DC

PHO DC, Washinton DC

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Locate in the heart of Chinatown, Pho DC produces a very high quality PHO and some great appetizers. The Shrimp wrapped in bacon are a great starter to warm up with prior to the PHO.  This is an attractive clean restaurant to enjoy your traditional PHO with many fresh ingredients. I highly recommend PHO DC.

608 H street NW Washington DC 20001
Tel : 202-506-2888, 202-506-2889
Fax : 202-506-2893
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Florida, restaurant

Max’s Harvest, Delray Beach, Florida

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We had high hopes for Max’s Harvest but it really failed to deliver the goods.  The Pork Belly appetizer was outstanding however the rest of the meal was downhill from there…..The Mac and Cheese failed the “Kraft Test” being that Kraft from the box would have tasted better….The Lobster Shepard’s Pie was very rich, lacked any distinctive flavor and really just wasted a good Lobster.  The deserts were adequate but nothing really outstanding. I must say that the concept of “farm to table” is great it just need a little more refinement.  They are really tiring hard but there is a lack of professionalism in the food and the service.

Max’s Harvest
169 NE 2nd Avenue
Delray Beach, FL 33444
561-381-9970

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Asian, Washington DC

PHO 14, Washington DC

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This is a great spot for an authentic Vietnamese Pho. They have many options including vegetarian and of course several different meaty ones with meaty sides as well… The broth is good and the portion huge. Try the Spring rolls they are great!   That being said this is a great stop for an expensive and hearty meal.

Pho 14
1436 Park Rd NW
(between N 14th St & N Kenyon St)
Washington, DC 20010
Neighborhood: Columbia Heights

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China, Chinese, Washington DC

Full Kee Restaurant, Washington DC

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Full Kee is what you expect to find in any Chinatown in a large metro area such as NY.  The food is all home made and excellent. The Noodle soup with roast pork is amazing! Wonton are made fresh daily and very good. This is a great place for a good and cheap meal.

Full Kee Resteraurant
(202) 371.2233
509 H Street, N. W. Washington, D.C. 20001

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