15
Jan

Little Beet Table – NYC

Little Beet Table – Gramercy

333 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10010

Date Dined: December 2014

Rating: 7.3

The little beet table just opened its doors about two months ago to their new casual restaurant space on Park Avenue South. The charming little spot features a combination of natural wood furniture and floors and exposed brick walls. The walls are lined with brightly colored graffiti art to add a New York style flair to the country style space. A bonus feature of this restaurant for with dietary restrictions is that it is completely gluten free. While I personally cannot get enough gluten into my body but would barely have noticed this feature had I not learned about it prior to the meal.

The original little Beet (the Table’s fast casual older sibling) was founded by chef Franklin Becker – most recently veteran corporate chef of EMM group (CATCH, Lexington Brass, Abe & Arthurs). After Becker was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in his late 20s, he was inspired to change his cooking style to create flavorful food with healthier ingredients.

After walked by Little Beet Table numerous times and hearing rave reviews about the Little Beet, I finally made it for dinner on Thursday night. We sat down and ordered a bottle of Malbec (the cheapest bottle on the menu but quite good) to start us off.

We started with a prosciutto flatbread with mozzarella, tomato, arugula and pecorino. The best way to describe this is as if you made a flatbread using mazo. This made it slightly difficult to eat as the bread part crumbled while the prosciutto stayed intact while stray bits of pecorino and arugula fell off the top. However, it was flavorful.

Flatbread

Prosciutto Flatbread

We also had the roasted carrots with whipped ricotta, sumac and pistachios. The dish featured a variety of colors – traditional orange, deep purple and also white carrots. They were tender and meaty and slightly spicy which paired perfectly with the creamy ricotta and nutty pistachios.

Roasted Carrots

Roasted Carrots

We also had the signature grilled beets which are served with Greek yogurt and a sweet pumpkin seed almond granola. The beets were so sweet this could have almost been a breakfast dish paired with little bits of crunch and the creamy yogurt.

Grilled Beets

Grilled Beets

The burger was a big selling point when we looked at the menu – a healthy restaurant that still serves a big juicy burger. The meat was incredibly juicy and served on a “free” bun that tasted kind of like a Pillsbury biscuit. On top was a generous serving of white NY state cheddar, lots of smokey bacon, sweet roasted tomato, potato crunch and relish that tasted like a combination of onion and ground up cornichon pickles. To top it off a bright pink “special sauce” to drizzle over every bite. This with side of Brussels sprouts is a perfect main.

LBT Burger

LBT Burger

The Little Beet Table is the perfect spot for a warm and cozy meal that is bursting with flavor – and when you leave you don’t have to feel too guilty.

 

Filed Under: Burgers, Casual, Healthy Tags: , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment
02
Jan

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone!

2014 was filled with incredible food and travel but got a little bit crazy so I ended up not writing as much as I would have liked to. In 2015 I resolve to write much more often and keep working on the ever growing Instagram! There are still a number of restaurants that I would like to write about despite having dined there a few months ago so stay tuned for more posts!

I wish everyone an even more adventurous and delicious 2015!

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21
Oct

Egg Shop – NYC

EGG SHOP – NOLITA

151 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012

Rating: 6.7

Date Dined: October 2014

Photo Credit: www.observer.com

Photo Credit: www.observer.com

The egg. It is the perfect food. It is nourishing and filling. It can be prepared in so many different ways on its own or as a substantial garnish on anything from a burger to a ramen soup. If the egg is prepared properly the yolk can make a sauce when pierced. The egg is prevalent in the cuisine of all cultures in various forms and fashions. Now Egg Shop has come along to devote an entire menu and pay homage to this glorious food.

Located in Nolita with a white neon sign above, Egg Shop is a cleaned up version of a hole in the wall diner.

I met my friend for a late Saturday brunch and we sat by the open front enjoying some of the fresh early fall air. We ordered two egg dishes and a biscuit to share.

The biscuit is large and crumbly – crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside served with a honey butter.

Biscuit with honey butter

Biscuit with honey butter

The Spandex is a nice healthy option on the menu – a poached egg atop miso quinoa, crisp farm greens, creamy avocado and some shavings of pickled carrot to add some contrast of flavor.

The Spandex

The Spandex

The El Camino is a bit more indulgent with a poached egg and avocado over a pile of tender, melt in your mouth carnitas brightened up with chopped tomatoes and cilantro and some tortilla steips for crunch.

The El Camino

The El Camino

Egg shop is the perfect spot to enjoy this versatile food at any time of day.

Egg Shaped salt and pepper shakers

Egg Shaped salt and pepper shakers

 

Filed Under: Brunch, Casual, Cheap Eats, Healthy Tags: , , , , , , , Leave a comment
29
Aug

Rosé All Day

Rosé All Day

As the summer winds down with Labor Day rapidly approaching this weekend, I wanted to do a recap of my favorite rosés of the summer. Rosé has become increasingly popular in the past few years, so much so in fact, that the New York Post just published an article on a serious shortage looming in the Hamptons. Rosé exports from the Provençal region to the US increased 40% Year-over-year from 2013. Why? Americans have finally caught on to something the French have known for years – rosé is simply the finest summer beverage.

My go-to for the past two summers has been Miraval. This Provençal wine not only looks sleek and beautiful in its bottle, but it is easily drinkable. Many rosés are too sweet or too tart and this blend of Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah and Rolle is smooth, medium-bodied and dry.  An interesting fact of note that I recently learned about the vineyard itself is that it is the original recording site of Pink Floyd’s “The Wall”. More recently, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie bought the vineyard and were married on the grounds. Miraval is perfect with heartier fish dishes and Mediterranean flavors. Miraval usually retails for about $25/bottle.

miraval-rose

A recent find that will absolutely be making its way into my regular rosé rotation is Mirabeau Pure. Mirabeau Pure is the newest wine from the Mirabeau vineyard. Also from Côtes de Provence, but from some of the highest altitudes in the region, this elegant ultra-pale rose is light and refreshing with fragrant hints of fruit. It is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Vermentino which scored 90 points in Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. I highly recommend trying this beautiful wine which is perfect for a light poolside lunch or to start off the evening cocktail hour. Visit this website to order (~$22/bottle) – www.garyswine.com

Mirabeau wine

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For a slightly bolder flavor with higher acidity but still with a light body, Domaine Vacheron Sancerre Rosé is another new favorite. This Sancerre is purely pinot noir with medium intensity and goes phenomenally well with fresh flavors – tomato basil salad, fresh cheeses and bright herbaceous dishes. Domaine Vacheron retails for about $29/bottle.

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Cheers!

Filed Under: Drinks Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment
15
Jul

Claudette – NYC

CLAUDETTE – NYC

24 5th Avenue (9th Street), New York, NY 10011

Date Dined: June 2014

Rating: 7.7

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Claudette is one of the hottest openings of the summer. On the train out of the city Saturday I overheard a conversation about how constantly booked it is, and rightfully so! This Provençale restaurant is the sister restaurant of the also ever-popular Rosemary’s.  However, I thought that the execution at Claudette was far superior.

The charming, airy space is decorated as if you stepped into the family room of a home in the south of France, emitting a casual, rustic elegance – bookshelves on one wall, a charming bar, baskets and batik fabrics, and neutral tones throughout.

Photo courtesy: www.claudettenyc.com

Photo courtesy: www.claudettenyc.com

Photo courtesy: www.claudettenyc.com

Photo courtesy: www.claudettenyc.com

Koren Grieveson is a James Beard award-winning chef from Chicago who has created a menu of light and flavorful dishes ideal for sharing. The food is French with some inspiration from North Africa and the Middle East. According to the restaurant, the name Claudette comes from the 91-year old mother of Guy Sammut, owner (with his wife) of two restaurants and a hotel in Loumarin which the owners happened to stumble upon. So impressed with their experience, they named the restaurant after Guy’s mother.

The menu is especially perfect for warm weather because it incorporates fresh vegetables, meats and fish with lots of spices but nothing heavy, creamy or very cheesy.

Our meal began with the truffle hummus which is served with warm fennel flatbread that is almost like a crispy roti.  I love anything with truffle and this was very good.

Truffle Hummus

Truffle Hummus

Next were the spring peas and radish with ras el hanout vinaigrette. Ras el hanout is the most ubiquitous spice mix in Morocco so this dish brought me straight back to those memories.

Spring Pea and Radishes

Spring Pea and Radishes

We also had the courgette strings with roasted tomato, anchovy and basil. Basically a lighter version of pasta, these zucchini strings were packed with salty herbaceous flavor.

Courgette

Courgette

The charred baby octopus with chickpea, harissa and parsley were mildly spicy, nicely seasoned, and tender.

Charred Baby Octopus

Charred Baby Octopus

The warm lamb salad with asparagus and frisee salad is light yet filling with tender bits of lamb, potato and dressed in a sherry vinaigrette.

Warm Lamb Salad

Warm Lamb Salad

The wrapped red snapper was delicious – seasoned with chermoula and fennel and wrapped in fine sheets of eggplant and topped with crispy eggplant chips.

Snapper

Snapper

Finally we finished with the ratatouille tarte with a buttery pâte brisée crust. This really should have come earlier in the meal because we were so full by the time it arrived. The crust was buttery and crisp with the sweet filling of tomato-ey stewed vegtables inside.

Ratatouille

Ratatouille

I highly recommend Claudette for a light and yet satisfying meal in a casual, elegant ambiance.

Filed Under: Casual, Date Spot, Healthy, Seafood Tags: , , , , , , , , Leave a comment
12
Jul

Amanyara – Turks & Caicos

AMANYARA – TURKS & CAICOS

Northwest Point, Providenciales

Date Dined: May 2014

Rating: 9.6

Amanyara Reflecting Pool

Amanyara Reflecting Pool

Located in one of the more secluded parts of Providenciales, Amanyara is a spectacular resort that we saved for the last night of our vacation as the “grand finale”. The resort embraces the pristine untouched beauty of the island and the architecture is very understated using mostly simple lines of wood and stone to allow the surrounding natural elements to shine. It has the grace and symmetry of a structure one might find in the Far East.

After a seemingly endless (25 minute) drive through narrow, sandy dirt roads and lush greenery, the first view upon entering the resport is absolutely breathtaking. A reflection pond surrounded by mahogany trees, and some artistically planted in the water itself, allows the main central bar to reflect a perfect mirror image.

View of the Infinity Pool

View of the Infinity Pool

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Ceiling of the Round Bar

Ceiling of the Round Bar

View from Inside the Round Bar

View from Inside the Round Bar

 

I chose to arrive at sunset to capture what would surely be a dramatic setting. No matter which direction you turned the view was gorgeous. After wandering around the property we settled in for cocktails by the infinity pool. The waiter asked if I liked mojitos, to which I promptly replied “yes, of course,” to which he responded, “well, here we make ours with champagne.” I knew that this was going to be an experience and a meal to remember.

Infinity Pool

Infinity Pool

Champagne Mojito

Champagne Mojito

THEPICURIST, slightly over-sunned

THEPICURIST, slightly over-sunned

Sunset

Sunset

As we enjoyed our cocktails the sky gradually changed colors making for endless panoramic photo opportunities. We were then given the choice for dinner to sit either on the ocean cliff- side, the beautiful air-conditioned dining room or on the romantic, glowing reflection pond. We chose to sit on the terrace overlooking the ocean lit only by the blazing torches lining the terrace.

Torch-lined Terrace

Torch-lined Terrace

What followed next was one of the best meals I have had in a long time.  We started with an amuse bouche of melon with cured ham and a hint of yuzu. The combination was magnificent. Refreshing, tangy, salty.

Amuse Bouche - "Prosciutto and Melon"

Amuse Bouche – “Prosciutto and Melon”

We then had the artichoke salad with crispy salsify, sunchokes, morel mushrooms and truffle mayonnaise. Fresh crisp vegetables mixed with some cooked vegetables highlighted by the truffle.

Artichoke Salad

Artichoke Salad

Our second appetizer was a seared scallop with palm heart, wild galangal (blue ginger) and Thai peso. The scallops were perfectly tender with bright flavors of ginger and garlic.

Scallops

Scallops

Typically I prefer appetizers to entrees but here the mains really stole the show. We chose the Kaeng Luang which was a beautifully tender swordfish in a sweet and slightly spicy yellow curry with palm heart, cherry tomato and chayote topped with basil. The curry had layers upon layers of flavor and meaty swordfish was able to stand up to the bold sauce.  I sopped up every last bit with jasmine rice.

Yellow Curry Swordfish

Yellow Curry Swordfish

I couldn’t decide which fish I liked better between the swordfish and the Japanese inspired braised black cod with pickled baby vegetables. The cod was so deeply marinated that the sweet miso flavors permeated the entire fish. It was so tender that is flaked apart at the lightest touch of a fork.  I never wanted it to end.

Japanese Black Cod

Japanese Black Cod

For dessert the waiter recommended the almond ice cream “rocks” with fresh berries, vanilla yogurt and honey tea. These were little cakes of ice cream coated in a crunchy crust.  Almost like a mini ice cream éclair with almonds.

Ice Cream Rocks

Ice Cream Rocks

The house made coffee ice cream was a bit of a cop out in terms of dessert selection but was absolutely delicious nonetheless.

Coffee Ice Cream

Coffee Ice Cream

If you are traveling to Turks & Caicos I highly recommend working a visit to the Amanyara resort into your schedule. The service, food and scenery are spectacular and well worth the trip. Amanyara is on m EPIC Picks list for one of the best meals I have had.

Filed Under: Amazing Views, EPIC PICKS, Outdoor Seating, Romantic, Seafood, Travel Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment
03
Jul

Coyaba – Turks & Caicos

COYABA – TURKS & CAICOS

Bonaventure Crescent, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands

Date Dined: May 2014

Rating:8.5

Photo courtesy:

Photo courtesy: www.puddingandlace.blogspot.com

Coyaba was the least “Caribbean” restaurant we dined at while in Turks & Caicos, however, the food was also some of the best. The word “Coyaba” is an Arawak Indian term mean “heavenly”. And it certainly is heavenly. The outdoor tables are situated in a sort of open-air gazebo amidst trees and flowers with twinkling white lights to create the feel of a hidden garden. Coyaba, and Chef/Owner Paul Newman have received some serious acclaim from the likes of Caribbean Travel and Leisure magazine where it ranks in the top 5 of the best restaurants.

If you or your dinner companion is into smoking cigars this is also the place for you as they offer a wide variety on the menu.

We sat down at a little table surrounded by trees covered in twinkling white lights which cast a warm glow throughout.

Photo courtesy: www.wherewhenhow.com

Photo courtesy: www.wherewhenhow.com

I started with the bay scallop ceviche with hijike seaweed salad, spiced marie rose, tobiko caviars, and crisp ginger. This dish was not only beautiful in its preparation but the flavors and textures made each bite pop.

Bay scallop ceviche

Bay scallop ceviche

My entrée was far from Caribbean but pretty outstanding – veal osso bucco tortellonis with marcona almonds, stilton foam, saute dasheen broth and natural jus. The pasta was very thin so the focus was on the stuffing of the tortelloni and the layers of broth and this very heavy sounding dish was actually very light and refined.

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Osso bucco tortellonis

Visit Coyaba for some of the best cuisine in the Caribbean in a very charming, warm and intimate setting.

Filed Under: Date Spot, Outdoor Seating, Romantic, Seafood, Travel Tags: , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment
01
Jun

Gansevoort Cocktails – TCI

GANSEVOORT HOTEL COCKTAILS – TURKS & CAICOS

Lower Bight Road, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands

Scenery Rating: 9.5

Date Visited: May 2014

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Whenever I travel I try to visit as many hotels and restaurants as possible. I like to get an idea of their ambiance and what they actually look like as compared with photos online.

We decided to take a break from the direct heat of the sun to have a midday cocktail at the Gansevoort.

The main entrance of the hotel is spectacular with a view that extends through the main pool area all the way to the beach and crystal blue waters. The architecture is much more modern, Miami-style with lots of clean white lines, wood and glass. The architecture is softened by wooden arbors of fuschia colored bougainvillea and swaying palm trees.

If you do not stay at the Gansevoort on your trip, it is worth it to stop by for a cocktail and check out the grand entrance.

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Filed Under: Amazing Views, Drinks, Outdoor Seating, Seafood, Travel Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment
30
May

Parallel 23 – TCI

PARALLEL 23 – TURKS & CAICOS

Regent Palms, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands

Date Dined: May 2014

Rating: 8.0

Regent Palms - lobby entrance

Photo Courtesy: www.leadersmag.com

The Regent Palms is another beautiful hotel in Providenciales which features a slightly fancier restaurant, Parallel 23. The Palms has a grand and beautiful entrance and the restaurant is situated on an open terrace on the opposite side. The hotel is extremely elegant – all white with pristine landscaping that is romantically lit in the evening.

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We sat down to a quiet dinner on the side terrace and were greeted with a lovely amuse bouche of fruity quinoa in a tumbler made of bamboo.

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Still on a mission to try as many preparations of conch as possible, I ordered the conch three ways. This time the preparations included flavors from around the world. The first was a spring roll filled with conch, lemongrass, ginger and green onion with a citrus ponzu dipping sauce. The second was a ceviche with grapefruit, lychee, mango, and candied jalapeno topped with a lotus root chip. Finally, a Malaysian coconut curried pumpkin soup with toasted coconut and a conch fritter. Each one tasted better than the last!

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In an effort to incorporate some vegetables, we also had a salad with thinly sliced smoked duck, goat cheese dressing, dried cranberries, sweet potato chips and onion marmalade. While perhaps not the most Caribbean dish, this was also very good.

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We had a third appetizer – ahi tuna tartare with miso soy marmalade, cucumber and radish salad and pickled ginger dressing. Again, the fish was incredibly fresh and the Japanese preparation is always a winning combination of flavors.

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We were then given a palate cleansing guava sorbet which was also very refreshing in the Caribean heat.

On to the entrées – you guessed it, more fish!

The first was a Caicos grouper caught that day, served with brown butter sweet corn and fennel succotash, sautéed bok choy, saffron Pernod sauce and tomato confit. The flaky fish fell apart at the touch of the fork.

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I chose another Mahi Mahi dish with more of an Italian preparation. The Mahi was marinated in herbs and then crusted in black olives, capers and sundried tomato, served with roasted new potatoes and Puttanesca sauce. The salty accoutrement worked perfectly with the dense fish.

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After so much food we settled on some homemade ice cream for dessert – dulce de leche and banana.

If you are looking for a more upscale setting to dress up on your vacation, Parallel 23 is the perfect ambiance that offers a more diverse menu.

Photo Courtesy:

Photo Courtesy: www.hauteholidaystravel.com

 

Filed Under: Outdoor Seating, Romantic, Seafood, Travel Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment
29
May

Da Conch Shack – TCI

DA CONCH SHACK – TURKS & CAICOS

Blue Hills Road, Turks & Caicos Islands

Date Dined: May 2014

Rating: 7.0

Scenery Rating: 10!

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Da Conch Shack is a relaxed little restaurant that serves fresh fish, rum punch, and as you can tell by the name – a selection of different conch dishes. It is a place that both locals and tourists alike will frequent to get a good comforting meal. This adorable little compound evokes a seriously relaxed, island-ey vibe. There are several little huts painted turquoise and white shaded by palms with wooden walkways lined with pink conch shells. The view is spectacular and faces a crystal blue cove and Caribbean music plays in the background. On Wednesday nights this is the place to be for live music and dancing.

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We ordered up a small feast but somehow managed to finish it all and still be hungry for dinner.

First up was the cracked conch, which is essentially the same as fried calamari but with conch instead of squid. These are tasty little bites which have more texture and flavor than squid.

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We also had the conch fritters, which were probably the best fritters I have had. Fluffy on the inside and with chunks of conch throughout, dipped in the zesty pink sauce are definitely island comfort food.

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For our entrée we had fish tacos with the catch of the day – grouper – heavily seasoned and blackened. The fish alone is a bit salty but when wrapped in the tortilla with some cole slaw is pretty delicious.

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The jerk chicken wings gave us a taste of their other specialty – jerk seasoning. These tender wings were deeply infused with the jerk spices making them slightly spicy and extra delicious when dipped in yogurt sauce.

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Da Conch Shack should not be missed on your trip to Turks & Caicos!

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Filed Under: Outdoor Seating, Seafood, Travel Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment