Tag Archives: Food

May 18, 2010 · 11:38 am

Going Back to the Old Country @ The New Yasmeen Bakery

Hot, Oven-Fresh Meat and Spinach Pies

I’ve never been to Lebanon, but fortunately Dearborn, MI, which is only about 20 minutes from where I grew up, is home to the largest Lebanese population outside of Lebanon. That means deliciously authentic and fresh Lebanese treats are never too far away and always on the agenda when I make a trip home to Michigan. If you’re inspired by the newest Miss USA, Lebanese-American Rima Fakih, or just want to try some of the best Lebanese baked goods I have ever had, you don’t have to get on a plane to get onboard.

While you can’t enjoy the piping hot meat or spinach pies that come out fresh from the wood burning ovens, you can place an order for some of Dearborn’s New Yasmeen Bakery specialties online, including their fresh pita bread {this is the real stuff people, not the thick dry pita you find at the grocery store} or sweet baked goods, like Baklava or Date Maamoul. Of course if you happen to be traveling to the Detroit area, I highly recommend a trip to the bakery to pick up those meat/spinach pies or some hummus that comes out so smooth and creamy, it’s hard to be convinced its made only from chick peas, lemon, garlic and tahini. Or pick up some fresh za’atar bread for something truly unique {hot oven-fresh flat bread topped with olive oil and za’atar spice which is a combination of dried thyme, oregano, marjaram and toasted sesame seeds}. At the very least, check out New Yasmeen’s website to learn about the legend of how this amazing bakery came to be, or just for a few laughs if you watch the brief cartoon of a camel teaching you how authentic pita bread is made {watch here}. Whatever it takes!

The Skim: Having a difficult time finding better hummus than pre-packed Sabra at your local grocery store? Visiting Detroit and looking for good local eats? It may seem like a stretch on your culinary palate, but you will not be disappointed by the amazing Lebanese food coming out of the New Yasmeen Bakery. {13900 W. Warren, Dearborn, MI 48126}

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May 6, 2010 · 12:53 pm

Love, Love Shabu Shabu: Fun to Say and Eat

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I relived my trip to Japan last night with a visit to Shabu Tatsu, one of the most authentic Japanese meals I have had in NYC. For those who think only of sushi or ramen when you hear the words Japanese cuisine, it’s time to expand your horizons to the wonderful world of Shabu Shabu — aka Japanese fondue {x10}. At the center of your table you get a pot of boiling clear broth in which you cook paper thin slices of beautifully marbled premium rib eye, a mound of fresh veg and hand pulled noodles. Everything cooks rather quickly, so it’s best to add a few things at a time and when they’re done dip them in one or both of the soy and sesame sauces served on the side. I like to to dip each piece and lay it on top of my bowl of rice before eating it. The result: beefy, brothy, veggie, saucy goodness soaked up by each white fluffy grain — the well deserved reward after all that hard work slaving over a hot pot with your chops. The upside to all this is that for $24/peep you get all the fixins’, plus that Japanese salad that we all love {you know, the one with the carrot-ginger dressing}, ice cream and hot tea. And if you’re really lucky, like we were, and show up on Japanese Boys Day, you get some lucky red beans and rice cakes. mmmm.

The Skim: Forget the california roll and venture out for some of the finer features of Japanese cuisine at Shabu Tatsu. Whether you go with the Shabu Shabu, Sukiyaki {Shabu Shabu ingredients pan-seared in a sweet soy sauce} or Yakiniku {Japanese BBQ}, you will not be disappointed. It’s great for a group or a hands-on date {I’m talkin’ about the food}, but like many Japanese things it’s small, so go early or willing to wait. {216 E. 10th Street, btw 1st/2nd Aves.}

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May 5, 2010 · 2:06 pm

Wilfie & Nell: Not Your Grandpa’s Watering Hole

Wilfie & Nell

It’s only fitting that I eventually give a nod to my favorite watering hole. I know what you’re thinking — “Your favorite??? Tell me more!” Wilfie & Nell is built on the sentimental charm of being named after the grandparents of Irish owners and brothers, Mark and Simon Gibson {who wouldn’t want to love grandparents named Wilfie & Nell!}. Both Dubliners can often be found stationed behind the bar, pulling from a lovely selection of brews, generous wine pours or a creative list of house crafted cocktails. Might I suggest the Hot Toddy on a cold winter’s night? And what better to go with your soul-warming cocktail than a dish from their limited, but perfectly delicious Irish menu {oxymoron part deux}. Two favorites of mine: The Berkshire Pork Sliders and the Grilled Cheese, both of which are served with a side of whole grain mustard {gold star ingredient to any good dish} and McClures pickles that have just enough spicy kick to them to perpetuate the cocktail consumption. The key to all of their dishes is fresh, local ingredients and tapas-sized portions that allows you to delicately hold your mini slider in one hand while giving a wave to the eligible looking group of guys {or girls} that just sidled up to the bar.

Which brings me to the other reason that W&N wins the favorite award. The space breeds social interaction with friends and strangers alike. Choose from standing or sitting at the bar, around pillars framed with drink sized ledges or communal tables that line the bar’s perimeter, but regardless of where you camp out, you are inevitably likely to strike up a conversation with other Grandma/pa-loving drinkers looking for a good night out. It’s casual, but lively, and the later you stay, the more likely you are to strike up a conversation from the shear result of rubbing elbows with the group next to you, as the bar tends to stay crowded into the wee hours.

The Skim: If you’re young and single and looking for a good night out, pay a visit to Wilfie & Nell. It’s charming, it’s rustic and most importantly they serve good drinks and Irish grub with the same welcoming friendliness that you would expect across the pond. It’s awfully likely you won’t go home empty handed either if you play your cards right. {228 West 4th St., btw 7 th Ave & West 10th St.}

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April 27, 2010 · 8:37 pm

recipe goodness: roasted chicken salad w/ dried cranberries & sunflower seeds

Roasted Chicken Salad with Dried Cranberries & Sunflower Seeds

What came first, the Chicken or the Egg?

Well in the case of my blog, the egg salad recipe, but I actually created the chicken salad first. This is another great alternative to a boring sammie and I actually recommend you eat it sans bread only because there are so many good flavors you should enjoy!

Roasted Chicken Salad with Dried Cranberries & Sunflower Seeds

3 Chicken Breasts
Dijon Mustard
Sprinkle of Dill
Crank of Black Pepper
1 Stalk Celery
1/4 Cup Dried Cranberries
2 TBS Sunflower Seeds (no shell)
1 TBS Mayo
1 TBS Dijon

Tip: Making with 3-4 chicken breasts will give you enough for 3-5 servings depending on how hungry you are — easy lunch for a few days that week or lunching with the ladies.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Lay the 3 chicken breasts on a cookie sheet with sides.  Spread a thin layer of dijon on both sides of each chicken breast, then sprinkle with dill and crank a little whole black pepper on both sides. Put the chicken in the oven for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes flip each chicken breast and return to the oven for 10 more minutes. Remove and let cool.

Meanwhile, dice celery stalk. When chicken is cool, roughly chop into bite sized pieces and add to the bowl with celery. Add dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, a dollop of mayo and dijon and another crank or two of black pepper. Toss to mix ingredients thoroughly and enjoy. This is another great salad to sprinkle a few radish sprouts on top for an surprising fresh, peppery flavor.

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April 25, 2010 · 2:07 pm

August in April

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You may think I’m talking about all the 70-degree weather we’ve been in having, but in fact I’m referring to dinner at August, a small refuge that satisfies both appetite and ambiance. Both the heated outdoor atrium and the narrow candlelit front room — showcasing a wood-fired oven and reminiscent of an underground wine cellar — provide ideal settings for a memorable meal.

We shared two starters, the first was a Striped Bass Tartar laden with fresh herbs, pistachios and a citrus vinaigrette, which had the perfect contrast of fresh and earthy flavors with a surprising, but subtle chili pepper kick. The second, was what they called an Asparagus Mimosa — I like it already! Farm fresh asparagus tossed in a light dijon sauce and topped with radish shavings, served with an unexpected poached egg custard dusted with bottarga. Mustard is my favorite secret ingredient, so this punchy, peppery, creamy, salty combination is high on my list. For my entree, I went with our waiter’s recommendation and something I would not normally order — Roasted Duck. Served with a ginger cavatelli, rhubarb, and spring onions, I again was overwhelmed by the unique earthy flavors with a pleasantly surprising zest in each bite. As much as I truly enjoyed my dish, I admittedly had a bit of food envy when I tried a bite of the homemade gnocchi served with merguez sausage, spring peas and stinging nettles. Nettle what? Do not be afraid, nettles are a plant with toxic, stinging hairs, which are perfectly edible once cooked. I hope.

If all that complex flavor talk scares you {and it shouldn’t}, then check out their casual ‘Pies & Peronis’ Sunday night dinners — featuring a selection of Old World Style pizzas from the wood burning oven, served with a bucket of Peronis for $25. Sounds like a perfect diversion from the fast approaching Monday morning blues.

The Skim: Beyond the A+ atmosphere, the menu contributes some very unique, but simple, fresh flavor combinations that makes August worth coming back to…in May, June, July or any other month. {359 Bleeker Street btw Charles & West 10th}


8.ate@eight Favor8 Seal of Approval

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April 23, 2010 · 5:12 pm

Bocca di Bacco: I say PotaTO, You say PoTATo

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I can’t seem to keep the “o” and “a” straight, but when I get it right, I have to say Bocca di Bacco has a nice ring to it — particularly when coming from the attractive, thickly accented Italian bartender serving my drink. I found myself in uncharted waters again last night — second visit to midtown in two weeks, second time I was pleasantly surprised.

Two large front windows welcome skeptical Ninth Ave. passersby to explore the midtown gem. Brightly lit and perfect for street viewing on a spring day, the bar is a great afternoon or early evening stop to grab a drink, sit back and watch. What’s on tap? The options here are only limited if you are a beer drinker: Peroni vs. 40 wines. 40 wines on tap, you say? Yes, the future of wines by the glass cleverly borrows from the old keg of beer contraption to remove oxygen, protect the open bottle and seamlessly pour your grape of choice without the risk of 40 open bottles going bad before midtowners can fully imbibe each selection. Brilliant.

With such an enticing bar setup, it seemed only right to give the Bocca di Bacco menu a shot. A quick accented chat with my bartender and I was armed with his top suggestions — one he said I could not miss was the Grilled Octopus. The Octopus was grilled perfectly and served over a bed of celery and potato. With such a successful seafood starter, I decided to stick with the theme for my entree and got the generously portioned grilled branzino with broccoli rabe and herbed potatoes. This may have been one of the few times I went to an Italian restaurant and didn’t even think of getting the pasta, but there were plenty of enticing options on that part of the menu too.

The Skim: You’re going to midtown to see a show or just got swept up in the sea of tourists and are looking for a reprieve to grab a glass of vino or a delicious bite to eat? Look no further, Bocca di Bacco is both a worthy wine bar and delicious restaurant, that is actually reasonably priced given the neighborhood. Bon Appetito! {828 9th Ave btw. 54th & 55th St}

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April 21, 2010 · 10:14 am

5 & Dime: 10 oz. at Five Napkin Burger, that is

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There is a burger revolution going on, and rightly so. Simple or fancy, there is nothing quite as delicious as a well prepared burger. So it was only a matter of time before I paid a visit to the recently opened Five Napkin Burger on the Upper West Side. Let’s start out by saying they threw every thing on the menu but the kitchen sink, so if for some odd reason you are going to a burger joint and are not in the mood for a burger, you could try the sushi, vietnamese spring rolls, hot wings or Kobe beef foot long, among other unexpected menu items. But let’s just say you do what you’re supposed to do and you start with a stack of cornmeal crusted onion rings followed by the Original 5 Napkin Burger, well then you’ll understand why it requires 5 napkins.

The Original is 10 oz of ground chuck (that means good and juicy thanks to the high fat content) topped with caramelized onions, gruyere cheese, rosemary aioli on a soft white roll — all served with a side of fries (ok, so the onion rings weren’t necessary, but I would trade them for the fries any day.) So that’s 1 napkin for the juicy burger, 1 napkin for the sweet stacked sauteed onions, 1 napkin for the gruyere cheese oozing from beneath the bun, 1 napkin for the aioli generously slathered atop the cheese, dripping from the sides down your arm and 1 napkin for the well-fried onion rings and fries. All to be washed down with a namesake brew.

The Skim: Come hungry or ready to share. Five Napkin Burger is a great stop if you want to step it up on an american classic. The generous size and rich toppings provide the perfect excuse to order a few things and share with friends. Of course if you want to stake claim to your own dish, you certainly won’t be disappointed or hungry! {2315 Broadway @ 84th Street, aka Edgar Allen Poe Way — hopefully no allusions to “The Premature Burial”}

More on The Great Burger Debate:
recipe goodness :: bison, a better burger worth biting into
 It’s All About the Bun @ Zaitzeff

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April 18, 2010 · 11:47 pm

barmarche: Some Clever Crudites

Crispy Bass Taquitos with Apple Cider Slaw

I like when a restaurant departs from the expected bread basket and welcomes you with an atypical hunger diversion. barmarche, a cozy little candlelit cove on the corner of Spring and Elizabeth, does just that with their homemade hummus, carrot and celery sticks placed generously on your table with a bottle of NY’s finest before you even have a chance to glance at the menu. Pleasantly, I was not full before my meal arrived, so could thoroughly enjoy the delightfully fresh Lime Bass Taquitos with Apple Cider Slaw. Two thumbs up for the fish tacos. Other dishes worth trying: Truffle Shrimp Risotto, Bresoala & Arugula Salad and I’m told they do a mean burger.

The Skim: If you’re looking for a great date place or night out with a small group of friends, barmarche has a good vibe for a relaxed, intimate meal — velvet curtains, antiques gracing the walls, generous candlelight and a menu with latin flare. Eating with your hands can’t be bad on a date, right? {14 Spring Street @ Elizabeth}

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April 15, 2010 · 4:00 pm

Nothing says Warm Weather Like a “Gut Biergarten”

Loreley Biergarten

Something goes off in my head when the weatherman says 70 and sunny. First thought: all is right in the world. Second thought: outdoor drinks. I find that I’m always trying to come up with good places to grab a beer under the summer blue skies. Loreley, on Rivington, is just the place to keep on that list. Good German beers, good german food {oxymoron?} and yes, an outdoor biergarten fully equipped with communal wood tables and Christmas lights to provide an atmosphere conducive to meeting new people {read: cute beer-drinking boys and a select few highly qualified beer-drinking girls} or gathering with a large group of friends. The menu boasts standard fare such as Bratwurst, Schnitzel and oven-fresh pretzels — all good compliments to a 1 Liter mass stein of your favorite draft {0.5 liters available for the dainty at heart}.

The Skim: Come out from the dark, brick-walled bars you’ve been hiding in all winter — air out your drinking shoes and head to Loreley for a fresh-air brew and brat. Ein bier bitte. {7 Rivington between Bowery and Chrystie}

Good Beer? Tell Me More!:
8.ate@eight #3: Went Whole Hog and Hog Wild @ the Big Southern BBQ
Mission Dolores {Accomplished}: Great New Brooklyn Beer Garden
Not so Standard Biergarten
Do This!: Summer Cheese and Beer Extravaganza

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April 13, 2010 · 10:27 am

Music and Mozz @ the Beechman Theater

Canteen @ The Laurie Beechman Theater

Last night I went to The Laurie Beechman Theater located in the basement of the West Bank Cafe on 42nd and 9th Avenue to see Canteen, directed by up-and-coming composer Dylan Glatthorn. This is a great venue to add to your list when you’re looking for an inexpensive night out with a little entertainment and a good bite to eat. In addition to the minimal $10 cover for the show, the venue requires a $15 food/drink minimum, so naturally I took the opportunity to check out the menu and was pleasantly surprised!

Wild Mushroom Risotto Balls! “Stinky Brooklyn” Cheese Plate! Black Pepper Tagliatelle with Duck Confit! This is not your normal Time’s Square sub-par restaurant catering to tourists willing to overpay for bad food. I opted for the Mozzarella and Basil Panini served on Rosemary Focaccia with a side spinach salad served with toasted pine nuts. Simple, but delicious. The friends I was with went straight for dessert, so I also tried a bite of their Chocolate Mousse and Peanut Butter Cake with Banana Fritters. Is there really a more perfect flavor combination? I think not.

The Skim: Even if you just go for the food, you will not be disappointed. But be sure to keep an eye out for shows like Canteen — a hilarious spin on current radio favorites, performed by 5 members of the American army trying not to go crazy. From WW2, these men and women’s only way to stay in touch with themselves is to keep performing as if they were back on the USO! Good food and good times. {407 W. 42nd St / just West of 9th Ave}

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