Friday, February 26, 2016

Morimoto - NYC




Spicy King Crab


Had a so-so meal but I would definitely give this a solid 4 stars.

Is this place beautiful? Abso-freakin-lutely! The decor is truly gorgeous. The wait staff and hostesses were very friendly and we were seated immediately which I liked (I hate when restaurants make you go to the bar and then as soon as you order a drink, your table is magically ready) although they did try to seat us in the area when you first walk in to the left which is like COMPLETELY out of the main dining room and just a weird seating area in general. I felt like saying nuh uh! No one puts baby in the corner! All kidding aside, that is really how I felt.

We ordered MANY dishes so I will break it down by what we ate:
+ Spicy king crab - A must order. As in, you MUST order this. Did ya hear me?
- Tuna pizza - Very bland. I have had this dish at many different restaurants and I can say this is something I would definitely not order again.
- Seafood 'to ban yaki' with sweet prawns, scallops, king crab, bok choy,
manila clams,oyster mushrooms,citrus butter - Sounds out of this world, right? No. This was also sooooo bland. We even had to tell the restaurant how bland it was. For $37, definitely not worth it. The waiter did take this off of our bill and the manager also stopped by to say she was sorry that we did not enjoy it. I really was surprised at that because usually at the trendy restaurants no one is ever aware there is even a manger working (they never personally stop by tables). Definitely a plus!
+ Sushi - We ordered sushi by the piece and they had my favorite; kinmedai. Wooohoooo!
+ Milk chocolate key lime pie with chocolate crunch, key lime mousse, frozen raspberry meringue - I actually usually HATE key lime pie. I just never really ever was a fan of this dessert in general. However, when you let your guest choose dessert, you cannot pick what they order. In this case, my friend picked the milk chocolate key lime pie. IT WAS PHENOMENAL. It was one of the best desserts I've ever had in my life. YOU MUST ORDER THIS. Again, did ya hear me? Must must must must!

All & all, the food was really mixed. Some dishes I loved, some I really didn't enjoy. It is a nicer step up in terms of trendy restaurants and although I consider this a fusion restaurant, the sushi was pretty good. I will have to come back and try their omakase sushi.

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Stanton Social - NYC

Chicken Taquitos


FBdfdsDJHBsdfdgHSBGHSFSBFhbdhfbdshfbdsfvghfhsbfsv!!! OMG IT'S THAT GOOD.

I remember coming to Stanton Social when I was literally 17 years old. I know I don't look 100 years old, but I'm a lot older than 17. This place is like an ancient gold-mine for Manhattan standards. I have some really fond memories here as this place was such a huge "scene" to go to over the years. I've been here for literally any type of event that you could think of.

Ambiance: Trendy. Great music (all were Kygo remixes). 

I like to go to these trendy type places a few times in a short span of time as I know how these type of restaurants can be hit or miss sometimes. I went to Stanton Social as I was getting my hair done near the restaurant and it popped up on Yelp as being close by. We opted for the tasting menu which they offer on some days (can't remember which days but I assume weekdays?)

Tasting menu:
+++ Crispy Barrio-Style Chicken Taquitos with roasted guajillo sauce, avocado, creme - I was confused by the description as to exactly what this dish is but it's basically these balls filled with chicken, sauce that's a bit spicy, and avocado (drizzled with some creme). These are gherbfhjsbfbfhjbhbsdd good! So so so so so tasty. One of the best things on the menu, for sure.
+++ Chicken and waffles - I don't think I've ever had grilled chicken with waffles. I've only had the fried stuff which makes me feel like I'm going to have a heart attack shortly after. I believe that Stanton Social used to offer this dish fried but times are changing my friends! They offer chicken and waffles with brick GRILLED chicken. They don't overdo it on the sauce (maple syrup with a hint of balsamic) and this dish is absolute perfection. If you plan on having this dish,

BE
PREPARED.

You will literally come back two more times within the same week to eat this heavenly dish again (true story, happened to me). I literally ate at Stanton Social three times in one week because I was so obsessed with this dish (and I'm going there this week again). I just can't get enough of it!!!! Someone please help me! Is there a chicken and waffles Stanton Social rehab?
+++ Warm donuts with various dipping sauces - Self explanatory. If you need me to explain how good this dish is, please stop reading Yelp reviews.

+++ Lobster roll - Amazing. Usually lobster rolls are drenched with tartar sauce and/or mayo. Yuck. Who wants anything drenched in sauce? Not me. This is a perfect blend of lobster and sauce. It's seriously delish! 
+ Red snapper tacos - I've tried these before and thought they were meh. I've had some pretty awesome tacos in the same style before and I just didn't feel like this was a really strong dish on the menu. It's not that these aren't good, it's just that they aren't the best thing on the menu.

Service:
Hit or miss. I came here the first two times and the service was great. On the third time it was absolutely terrible. My only suggestion would be for them to just get their service together a bit more.

All & all, a solid place. Definitely also a place that I would recommend to people visiting from out of town. While it's not specifically a tourist infested place, it's a great place for locals as well as tourists to go.

Alter - Miami


Crab shumai


It's almost painful for me to write this. Why you ask? Because it forces me to reflect upon the fact that Miami has an absolutely awful culinary scene and that the people of Miami don't comprehend what excellent cuisine should entail. People will read this and say NO way! Miami has an awesome culinary scene. Uhhh...no. I'm sorry. Compared to Manhattan and even LA, Miami is pretty far behind but has so much potential. 

Why are there not restaurants like Alter on every block? 

Why do people flock to Prime 112 and the like? Where the portion size is so big it sends you into cardiac arrest.

I
don't
get
it.

My favorite little gem used to be Shikany. That is now long gone and I've had quite the bone to pick with Miami residents for not supporting such a truly unique culinary experience. What went wrong? Who knows...but Alter seems to have it all together.

Ambiance:
Alter has an artistic yet rustic down to earth vibe. I feel as if the food does't really fit with the ambiance but I think that for Miami you have to play it down because Miami isn't ready for the total package (amazingly high-end decor as well as food). You kind of have to pick one or the other. I get it.

My friend Tim who is a local sommelier recommended that I try Alter and I didn't waste much time. I went for lunch the very next day. I love that Alter offers a prix-fixe menu even for lunch. For $48, I felt like we were getting a deal actually.

Food:
IF YOU DON'T GET THE TASTING MENU,
SHAME
ON
YOU!!!!

+++ Local Crudo with hibiscus ponzu, key lime curd, raw tomato, green apple - Started the meal off on an excellent foot. Extremely light and refreshing but bursting with flavor. I absolutely loved this dish. The plating was SPECTACULAR. Extremely creative and really well done.
+++ Blue crab shumai - with thai green curry, cilantro relish, kumquat, rice crisps - Again another really well plated dish. I seriously didn't want to eat it. So delicious. It melted in my mouth. 
+++ Risotto with royal shrimp, dill, boursin, preserved lemon - I've never had risotto with boursin cheese. Have you? If you haven't, what are you waiting for? I have stomach issues. Without going into much detail, I love risotto... BUT it literally destroys my stomach. It will hurt for like years. Boursin cheese? Light as air. It was so light and definitely the best risotto I've ever had. 
+++ Duck confit with pearl onion kimchi, young cabbage, cashew condiment, black garlic - I personally don't enjoy duck but I still tried it and it was pretty good although I cannot be an accurate judge of this. My friend tried it and loved it/ate my portion and loved it.
+++ Chocolate mousse with mint ice cream, chocolate streusel, hibiscus - Holy s#!T Helllllloo! Gosh this was amazing. I'm a huge chocolate lover AND mint ice cream lover. This sent me into bliss.

Service:
On point. It was lunch and the restaurant is relatively small so I don't think they will have issues as far as the service goes but I was not disappointed. 

For Miami, the food presentation of Alter is literally in its own class/category. There is not one restaurant that has this type of cuisine. None. Not only that, but the food is actually really delicious. The prices are extremely low for what this restaurant delivers and I just truly hope that Miami people will get their acts together and realize this!

Yum!

Sunday, September 13, 2015

The Mark - NYC


Lobster


I'M LITERALLY GOING TO HAVE A PANIC ATTACK DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE MARK IS ONLY 3.5 STARS ON YELP. 

It's times like these I wish I could give a Yelp seminar on what makes a great restaurant. If someone were to ask me what my favorite restaurant is in Manhattan (I eat out LITERALLY every single day and most days, twice a day, usually at top notch restaurants) I would say The Mark. Why you ask? Well let me explain...

ATMOSPHERE
Upper east side traditional with a modern twist. The crowd is definitely the movers and shakers of the Upper East Side. The restaurant oozes modern luxury (the hotel does as well).

SERVICE
The service is always great. Sure maybe there are a few hiccups here and there but honestly nothing to get upset about or notice. The first time I ever came here my friend made a joke about it being a special night or something and the waitress brought over a complementary dessert. It's that small touch that brought me back here a second time with my family and friends.

FOOD
Here. We. Go!
I really don't enjoy eating at "fusion places" which blend different styles of food together or places that have large menu's. I feel like a restaurant should pick one thing and just be very good at that. Well, 

1- The Mark has a HUGE menu. HUGE. HUGE. HUGE. The Mark has everything from sushi to fresh seafood to steak to pizza, pasta, cheeseburgers, veal, lamb, chicken... do I really have to continue?! You will feel anxiety just reading the menu as the choices are honestly endless.
2- Definitely has a fusion of many different types of cuisine all on one menu. Yet all surprisingly well executed.

+ Seafood platter (small portion) - Absolutely delicious and was an amazing thing for 4 of us to share. I think it's honestly priced lower than it should be for a seafood platter of that size so take advantage of this!
+++ Lobster - ABSOLUTELY the best thing on the menu that I have eaten thus far. While it was plated differently the two times that I dined at The Mark, the flavor was still the same.
+ Lamb - My friend stated that this was one of the best lamb's he has ever had.
+ Crispy sushi - Really great. I was cautious with this dish as I eat sushi as some of the best sushi counters in the world and am extremely picky with raw fish but this was not bad. For a place with such a big menu, I was very surprised at how good this dish was. 
+ Char grilled octopus - Delish

I can't remember the other dishes that I had but those were the ones that really stood out to me.

DESSERT
I'm actually not a  big sweets person. I used to be and then thankfully grew out of that stage (thankfully as in calories-wise). 
+++++ BUTTERSCOTCH PUDDING - Salty, sweet, butterscotchy. Dear Lord! One of the best desserts that I have ever consumed in my entire life. I absolutely adored this.
+ Angel food cake - Delish but not as good as my butterscotch pudding ^
+ Vanilla ice-cream with chocolate sauce - Sounds very simple but this dish had a lot of flavor actually. It comes very nicely presented as well. 
+ Selection of sorbets - Also very well plated and tasty.

I am a HUGE fan and will definitely make this a regular spot.

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Chefs Club by Food & Wine - NYC

Pavlova with rhubarb sorbet and strawberries


I have no idea how I found out about this glorious restaurant, but I did. I think I was actually searching through yelp, desperate to find something new that I had never heard of. I wanted to make a last minute Saturday evening reservation and of course everywhere was booked, well, everywhere except for Chefs Club by F&W.

DECOR
Amazing. Extremely modern and well done. It's modern with just a touch of romantic vibes.


FOOD
I've dined here twice so far and while the second time wasn't AS good as the first, the food was still very good.

+ Fluke crude - Absolutely delicious... light, refreshing, well-plated goodness
++++ SCALLOPS with quinoa and I believe sunflower seeds - BEST DISH ON THE MENU++++
FILET MIGNON with black trumpet mushrooms and onion glaze - Holy flavor overload! MUST ORDER.
++++ CHILLED PEA SOUP with espellette croutons, pea cream, and pickled pearl onions - While people tend to stay away from peas, trust me, this is one pea dish that is a must order!
- Johnny Cake - Out of all the particularly unique and flavorful dishes, I found this to be lacking in flavor compared to the other dishes


DESSERT
Seriously, the dessert takes the cake (ha ha - pun intended).
+++++++++ PAVLOVA with rhubarb sorbet and strawberries - 4 words


ARE YOU JOKING ME?!

STOP IT.

Okay that was 6 words. If you eat at Chefs Club and don't order this dessert, then you didn't truly dine at Chefs Club by F&W.

The End.

Sunday, June 14, 2015

The Clocktower restaurant in The Edition Hotel - NYC

Uni risotto

Uhhhh....yes yes and did I mention YES?

Friends of mine were visiting from Miami (where there is also an Edition Hotel) for MDW and informed me that an Edition Hotel opened in NYC recently and that they wanted to have dinner there. I had no expectations and was blown away.

The staff was welcoming, knowledgeable, and actually acted like they enjoyed working there. I hope that over time this won't fade...

+ My water was constantly re-filled throughout the night and the staff seemed on point. 

Ambiance
Dark wood and perfect lighting. Need I say more? Very romantic vibe yet also could see business dinners conducted here. There are two rooms directly next to each other but yet separated so each room feels very intimate. We sat next to Fredrik Eklund (from Million Dollar Listing) so I assume a lot of "celebrities" will be pouring into this hotel.

Wine
+ They have great options for all price points. I was really surprised at the range. I wasn't let down as I had the Austrian wine (Gruner Vetliner, which I seem to find on every menu in NYC which leads me to ask who the hell is their wine rep?!) and it was yummy yet very inexpensive. 

Food
I ordered a salad to start. I can't remember the exact name of the salad and can't seem to find their menu anywhere online but basically it was just a mixed green salad with a light yet fruity vinaigrette dressing. The salad was excellent. I'm not usually a fan of paying a large amount of money to eat lettuce and I seem to always find that the dressing portion applied to salads are either too heavy or too light.
This
was
perfect.

A really light and refreshing way to start my meal. I would say this is a MUST ORDER.

I followed the salad with the uni risotto despite it being listed as an appetizer. I was still a bit hungry after the salad and risotto but not too bad. I wasn't in the mood for a huge entree and wanted a smaller portion for dinner as I had a late lunch. It was quite tasty and I would definitely order it again. It was a tad too creamy for my taste (I'm lactose intolerant yet still consume a lot of dairy, don't ask) but nonetheless was very good. My friends had the filet mignon (which was cooked perfectly) and the chicken (which she loved).

+ I was impressed with how on point the experience was from start to finish despite it being a brand new restaurant.

I definitely will throw this restaurant into my rotation!

Bohemian - NYC

Whole branzino

I always feel that "hidden" spots never live up to their expectations. I get really high hopes when I hear of a place that is truly hidden. I had been to the Waverly Inn back when you had to literally walk in to make a reservation as the number wasn't posted online, various speakeasies which numbers are not posted online, and well, you get the picture.

A friend of mine from Miami (where I lived for 5 years before moving back to NYC 8 months ago) gave me the number to a place called Bohemian and told me that I "HAD" to try this place out. She said it was one of the best restaurants she's ever been to (and this woman frequents Michelin starred restaurants like it's her job).


That kind of an introduction to Bohemian wasn't taken lightly. I had called many times to make a reservation but nothing seemed to work out (as I generally try to make reservations last minute). I decided to make a plan to visit this place and was able to get a reservation at the bar about a week in advance.


When I walked in, my first reaction was "holy crap this place is tiny" but extremely quaint and cute. I really liked how intimate the vibe was. The Japanese style can be seen throughout, even down to the toilet. I was even sitting near a woman dressed in full Japanese kimono (not one of those sweater type things that are sold at Forever 21 and named "kimono" no no no people, REAL kimono down to the traditional thong shoes with socks on).


Enough with the decor and ambiance... Okay now on to the food...


We didn't opt for the tasting menu as I had a few minor medical issues related to food that week, and really wanted to enjoy the full experience (which I wasn't able to). It's an absolute steal as the tasting menu has their speciality dishes for an insanely reasonable price $55 or $58 (and I'm not talkin' at lunch time). I can't remember the exact price (whoops). Sorry if the $3 difference breaks your budget...


Ok now really on to the food....We ordered a ton (for 2 people).

+ Foie gras soba - This is a must order (like everyone else has stated in their reviews). The whole soba tastes like foie gras and it's truly sensational.

+++ Whole branzino - Houston we have landed! This dish was literally mind-blowing. I think there's still remnants of my brain laying around the restaurant as this was truly the best branzino (and maybe best fish) I've ever had in my life. I mean really people, look at the picture that I posted to Yelp. Doesn't it make you want to eat the photo?!


+ Ratatouille SPECIAL of the day - This was great. It came with a long piece of garlic bread that was absolute perfection. As weird as it sounds, I think the garlic bread made the dish. They brought out the broth to savor before bringing out the actual dish which was unusual but very unique. I liked that touch. The dish itself was very good but being able to savor the broth with a perfectly toasted piece of garlic bread (which I love) was heavenly. Usually garlic bread is downright disgusting in my eyes. It has either too much garlic, is over toasted, or doesn't have enough garlic. No one ever seems to get it. Well, I guess the Japanese can cook garlic bread better than the Italians!


- Japanese mushroom risotto - The only dish of the night that I wasn't too impressed with. It was really heavy and although pretty good, I would skip it. I'm a sucker for risotto and always order it and I wasn't such a huge fan of this one.


++ Toro taku roll - I usually don't like sushi rolls with the seaweed on the outside. I usually like them inside out. However, this roll was exquisite. Extremely tasteful even though I didn't use any soy sauce or add anything to the roll itself. It was my friends favorite dish of the evening.


+ Oysters - I didn't have any but my friend rather enjoyed them (although not a favorite of the evening).


++++ If you don't opt for the tasting menu but still want to try a few things, I would recommend 4 dishes... toro taku roll, branzino, foie gras soba, and then your pick!


This IS one of the best restaurants I've ever had the pleasure of dining in. The staff is very attentive, humble, and down to earth. The food lives up to the extreme expectations that come along with dining in an "exclusively hidden" restaurant. When you call to make a reservation, they WILL ask you the name of the person who you got the number from so don't think that just because you get the number that it's your Willie Wonka golden ticket. If you ever have the opportunity to eat here, DO IT. I don't comprehend why this isn't at least a 2 Michelin star restaurant as this restaurant is much better than some of the 2 Michelin starred restaurants that I've dined in.


Excellent!