I Said it Before, And I'll Say it Again

If you live in the Capital Region, and you own a car - you need to get to the Mountain View Brasserie - no excuses..
Possibly one of the best restaurants in the Northeast is a mere 45 minute ride from Albany - and if you take Route 32 South - bonus! - it's a beautiful ride to boot - you'll meander through gorgeous countryside of southern Albany county and northern Greene County. There are rolling hills, breath-taking views of the Catskill mountains, and farm animals galore. What more could a traveling gourmet ask for but to see a glimpse of what they may well be eating before they even reach their dining destination?

I'll keep this review short, as I did review it in length last year - and I am happy to report that the high standards have not been compromised in the least. Chef Max offers up an inventive but never pretentious menu of seasonal gems like this afternoon's tomato and watermelon gazpacho which I thoroughly enjoyed before my summer meal.
This soup was an amazingly refreshing blend of both sweet and slightly spicy - it was so good, that my companions and I were literally licking our bowls when the waitress came back to clear the table... slightly embarrassing perhaps - but hey - it's probably not the first time she's witnessed such appreciation of something so simple, so perfectly executed.

Onto the main course - what to choose? It all looks good, from options that included roasted shrimp and vegetable risotto, to pork roast with peach and onion marmalade, to salmon with orange and olive butter.. But I finally decide on a lighter dish, given the warm weather, and my goal of losing 5 pounds in the next 2 weeks (ha, wish me luck!). So I choose the broiled scallops over spinach with a warm bacon sherry vinaigrette. I was not disappointed.

The large scallops were perfectly cooked, tender and sweet and not over-seasoned. The warm vinaigrette was a pure pleasure - I would of dipped my fingers in it if it wasn't considered "uncouth".. The main dish was served with a potato gratin on the side that was nicely crisped and browned - very yummy.. And to drink we shared a bottle of chilled rose called Three Saints - lovely, crisp, dry and not sweet at all... and most importantly, a perfect companion to everyone's dinner.

So I was good - I ate about 2/3 of my dinner and brought the rest home - so that I could sample dessert.. I had to.. but I was good - I split it 3 ways, managing the calories while still getting to enjoy a treat that was as expertly made as the rest of the meal - dark chocolate and grand marnier mousse with homemade whipped cream and orange sections. Yet again my dining companions and I found ourselves licking the plate.. hey - it was dark chocolate mousse - you try to restrain yourself..

So as I end this post by saying this is the best, most consistently excellent restaurant in the area - you owe yourself a trip and the chance to discover how hard it really is not to lick your own plate... I dare you..

Sometimes It Is As Good As You Hope It Will Be

There aren't many occasions in life when something happens and it's exactly as you imagine it.. as good as you want it to be, and just how you picture it should be...
I was lucky enough to have that happen on my most recent trip back to the motherland - nyc that is..
My sister and I drove down for a long overdue weekend in the city - and even though this was the city where we grew up, we were determined to act like tourists - And we did - fitting as much as we could into 2 days - and at the top of that list was to eat - and eat we did.
Apart from the deceptively "light and harmless" sangria at a tapas bar and cafe near our hotel, the great breakfast at EJ's - where my sister ate almost the entire bowl of homemade raspberry preserves.. and the obligatory nyc bagels - we had one great dinner down on Bleeker street.

The restaurant was traditional Italian - a recommendation from a trusted source - to whom I am indebted. At 262 Bleeker between Morton and Cornelia sits this unassuming little place - called Pesce Pasta Trattoria - simply put: Fish and Pasta.. and I ask you - what could be better than that?

My sister and I know it's going to be a good dining experience as soon as we walk in and smell the seafood, see the red and white checkered tablecloths, the glasses of Chianti on every table and the attentive waitstaff attending to a full house.

We get the last empty table in the place - after we sit down a line starts to form outside this tiny but apparently popular destination - and it looks like a lot of locals are there - always a good sign.

We start out with some decent Italian bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. After perusing the Appetizer menu just for the heck of it - I order what I knew I would - the stuffed artichoke, based again on that good source and his recommendation. It was a meal in itself, delicious and hearty - the artichoke cooked perfectly - nice and tender with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese - I couldn't stop eating it...

My sister smartly ordered the melon and prosciutto - fantastically light and delicious, it was the perfect blend of sweet and salty.

Dinner took more time to decide on... the menu featured mostly seafood dishes, along with the traditional pasta favorites like lasagna, and veal and chicken dishes too. However, I settle on the "right choice" - a special called Frutti Di Mare served over homemade orrechiette pasta -

My sister orders the Veal Picata (she's a veal freak). Our dinners come out and hers is lovely - the veal tender and perfectly cooked, the sauce light and flavorful - she is happy.

And me? Well I am just ecstatic - by now I'm on my second Chianti facing a platter of what has to be one of the most beautiful dishes that's ever been set in front of me... a melange of mussels, clams, scallops, shrimp, white fish and calamari in a sauce that is light and brothy, bursting with fresh seafood flavors, tomatoes, and I'm guessing a little white wine. The seafood was amazing - and abundant - and never overpowered by the sauce it sat in. And I can honestly say I've never had homemade pasta that tasted so... homemade - It was amazing - taste and texture were perfect. I was, at this point in the meal, about to burst - yet I couldn't stop eating - because I knew, just visiting, that I could not bring any leftovers with me.
And that was the only sad part of the story - Oh well, I'll just have to go back and try again...

Grasshopper – You’ve Won Again

The Grasshopper Roll - That’s one of my stand-by orders at Okinawa – a fresh wonderful specialty sushi roll that combines tuna, crabmeat with cucumber and avocado – okay great – now after writing about it, I’m craving it..

Okinawa is a Chinese/Japanese restaurant in a strip mall on Main Street in Wynantskill. (What is it about strip malls anyway? These days some of the best restaurants can be found there – maybe it’s the appeal of a constant stream of traffic or lower lease costs?)

This friendly, neighborhood place is relaxing and friendly – even if you’ve only been once or twice the staff seem to recognize you – and after 5 or 6 visits – you’re practically one of the family. I’ll be quick to point out that while the staff is friendly and accommodating, if you’re in a rush, this may not be the place for you – although take-out orders always seem to be ready on time.

Most customers I’ve noticed go right for the sushi – it’s fantastic – fresh and beautiful and extremely affordable – Although I have personally sampled the tempura which is crisp and light, never heavy or greasy. Dining companions have also ordered Chinese specialties which seem to please as well.

But if you’re looking to start your meal out with a little something before you dive into a main course, consider the pepper tuna salad – it is peppery – but if you like it hot – you’ll enjoy this light dish of raw tuna sliced over a shredded napa cabbage type of veggie. The quality is unmistakable – and raw fish is hard to prepare if it’s not high quality – there are no sauces or gravies to hide beneath.

A typical sushi meal starts with the obligatory iceberg lettuce salad with orange ginger dressing - and no, I am not complaining... followed by a bowl of miso soup - yummmy. Next, for me it's usually the fantastic Grasshopper roll, or the Triple Roll - on the "Specials" board since the day they opened I think.. Anyway it's a fabulous combination of tuna, white fish and crab... or if I opt for a "regular" roll it's almost always the spicy tuna or the smoked salmon and avocado.
And here's a tip for the drinkers in the group - mixing cocktails is not one of Okinawa's specialties.. they have no bartender, so when you do order a mixed concoction you'll sometimes find the waitstaff consulting the "Cocktail HandBook" .. the good thing about this? They really compensate with their lack of mixology with added alcohol - talk about getting a bang for your buck! Try the MaiTai ... just don't try and drive afterwards..

You just can't go wrong at Okinawa - the prices are so reasonable, the sushi always unbelievably fresh, delicious and beautiful, and the service, although not what I would call "lightning fast", is friendly and accommodating.. Just don't go there on your lunch hour... you'll won't make it back before 2pm..

I Can't Stop Eating This Stuff...

I've been making and eating chile for as long as I can remember - and I make a pretty mean chili too - and not only the traditional variety, but I have recently mastered the controversial white bean and chicken chli ("is it really chili?" chili purests may ask - yes, I say, filled with beans, tomatoes and lots of cumin and coriander...) and I have also perfected the healthy turkey chili ...

But the Green Chili - no - that's over my head I thought - green tomatillos- I can't even usually find these- a variety of chili peppers - and who knows what else.. Sure - it looked and sounded fantastic - but I hadn't yet gotten up the courage - or the energy - to try and create this delicious dish... But aha - I don't have to!

Once in a while, as many people who love to cook know, there comes along a pre-made mix, or sauce, or something, that is as good or better than you could make from scratch - I belive I have stumbled on just such a product...

Cookwell & Company makes a Green Chili Mix that is out of this world - I mean, dream about good - crave night and day good - I want to eat some right now good... Seriously.

I stumbled upon this product at my local Hannaford supermarket, thanks to my parents who first discovered it, in the "International Foods" aisle. Upon inspecting the label I learn the ingedients are all natural and include a variety of green chilies, fire-roasted green tomatillos, lime juice, cilantro, onions, garlic, and some chicken stock.

I simply had it with some seared pork and a little sour cream and was in heaven - the smokiness, the hotness, the flavor just fills your mouth and your whole body - it is sooooo comfort food - I imagine it would also be good with shrimp, chicken, or used a as a sauce over rice or fish. Not only is this stuff tasty beyond belief, turns out there's only 45 calories per serving (as is) and contains almost no fat or carbs... a culinary dream come true.

So if you love Mexican food, and appreciate the subtle flavors that different chili peppers can lend to a dish, go get yourself a jar before I clean out the Hannaford supply.. seriously..

Chez Mike Est Tres Délicieux

Who would guess such a culinary gem would be buried in an East Greenbush shopping plaza? Not me - luckily I found my way to this great new restaurant via my parents - the big guns of local culinary expertise..

After several visits to Chez Mike I have found consistently good and inventive "American" food. Case in point is that most dishes are “slow-cooked” and not merely topped with fancy sauces. Local produce is used and menus are seasonal – Chef Mike Cohen is clearly on top of things.

A summertime visit brought me to the homemade gazpacho topped with rich blue crab meat – this satisfying and flavorful soup was an entrée all on it’s own.

An attempt to eat “healthier” the day after Thanksgiving led me to try the Rice Noodle & Tofu Bowl – a wonderful dish of vegetables in sesame-soy broth with tofu and rice noodles. I had to ferociously fend off my dining companions – some of whom are hard-core carnivores – from stealing my dinner. It’s a good thing that when it comes to food, I am clearly stronger than I appear. The dish seems to be a staple on the menu that does seem to feature regular changes – and thank goodness – it truly was a fulfilling experience for the senses – perfectly balanced – light and healthy yet completely comforting.

Dining companions have sampled everything from the burgers – huge and meaty, to the short ribs – rich and saucy, to the brick pressed roast chicken - moist and homey. And fear not, desserts have not been neglected – there is a chocolate cake on the menu that is well worth trying – although I advise you have people to share it with – it is very rich and chocolatey - just like it should be .

The wine list is also very nice – if I were more of a wine expert I could expound here – I will say I have tried several reds, a cab, a pinot noir and a merlot – all were yummy.

In this age of fast food and chain restaurants it’s so nice to have this choice of fine dining prepared by knowledgeable and caring people – I encourage you to visit and support this noble (and scrumptious) cause for yourself…

I love a chain restaurant?

So chain restaurants are far from what I consider “good dining” – the mere phrase “chain restaurant” conjures up thoughts of pre-frozen, over-salted, under-seasoned and completely unhealthy excuses for food. Entrees we as a public are supposed to be happy with – even excited about if you believe certain advertising campaigns…

This is why this particular piece may be surprising to people – I know it is to myself. But everything I have had at The Cheesecake Factory is good – the ingredients seem to be high quality, and although there is not a whole lot to be considered “healthy” on the menu – there are healthy options that are equally as delicious as the more sinful choices.

The restaurant as a whole is more upscale than most chain restaurants – the décor is extravagant and castle-like. The service I have found to be above average. There is a full bar and an extensive menu – it’s more like a book – complete with a spiral binding – it takes a good 25 minutes to get through – so sit back, order yourself a drink, and read on…

My all time favorite dish is the Seared Tuna Tataki Salad – it is amazingly good – especially for a “healthy” dish. The dinner-sized salad features a mound of mesclin greens in a Wasabi Vinaigrette dressing that is both tangy and sweet, but so light and refreshing I have to stop myself from shoving forkfuls into my mouth... The salad is surrounded by thin slices of seared tuna, the center still raw and incredibly delicious and tender. It is served with a generous helping of sliced pickled ginger, tomatoes and slices of avocado.

And oh yeah, if you happen to like cheesecake, you’re in luck.

Tapas Toujours!

This is the third time I’ve been to Rezaz Enoteca in Asheville, North Carolina – and every time I leave I can’t wait to go again.

I only get to go once a year – and literally all year long I dream about this warm, cozy, relaxed, and authentic wine bar.

My sister lives in Raleigh and during my annual visit she’s nice enough to take me to Asheville – no short trip, we’re talking 4 hours… but so worth it..

So plan our 2 day trip around eating at various restaruants. Rezaz is scheduled for day 2. As the time approaches we get excited - to take the first sip of wine and the first bite of cheese.. we cannot wait...!
So we get there, and as we enter we see our waiter, the same one we’ve always had – a youngish guy who literally ‘flits’ from table to table, black Reeboks sliding on the wood floor for added speed..

We sit at a table near the window and accept the menus - heading right for the Wine by the Glass section. We're both fans of the red - my sister starts with a Rioja, and I with a Sangiovese. Then we get to the tapas.. .ahhh… the tapas...

We choose to go with a “Create Your Own” selection and we choose 8 items (becuase 5 is just not enough). We decide on 2 cheeses served with a house made onion jam – one is a Tallegio that is out of this world, we choose 2 kinds of olives, 2 kinds of smoked meats, including a soppressata and prosciutto, roasted asparagus and Spanish roasted red peppers..

And it’s all served with fresh peasant bread that’s been cubed, drizzled with Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil and warmed up.. omg… I died and went to wine and tapas heaven…

If this is how it’s done in the Mediterranean, then book me a flight – I’m ready to endure this age old tradition.. on a daily basis…

Ahhh..It's Good To Be Back

Sorry for the hiatus...

I mean, it’s not like I’ve stopped eating or anything – god forbid.. I have just been too busy to keep up with blogging about it!

So I will once again try and give this a go – look forward to a few stories about my recent trip down to Ashville, North Carolina with my sister, (hush puppies not included, can you believe it?) as well some updates regarding a few of my local favorites.

So stay tuned my hungry friends…you shall be rewarded...