The Shepherd and The Knucklehead in Hoboken, NJ
We were going for BBQ at The Smokin' Barrel, when we realized that this place closed. It was replaced few months later by The Shepherd and The Knucklehead, a pub and steakhouse that opened seventeen years ago in Haledon, NJ and chose Hoboken for their second location. I was curious to know where their name is coming from and their website gave a pretty complete explanation:
The Shepherd and The Knucklehead in Hoboken, NJ
We were going for BBQ at The Smokin' Barrel, when we realized that this place closed. It was replaced few months later by The Shepherd and The Knucklehead, a pub and steakhouse that opened seventeen years ago in Haledon, NJ and chose Hoboken for their second location. I was curious to know where their name is coming from and their website gave a pretty complete explanation:
Perhaps you’re asking: Where did our name come from? The Shepherd & the
Knucklehead is a novel published in 2001. It delves into the subject of the duality in man. The responsible (Shepherd) and the irresponsible (Knucklehead) represent the mental tug of war going on inside each of our minds, bodies, and souls. The main character, Oliver Wendell Tweed (a compilation of Oliver Wendell Holmes and Boss Tweed—in other words, a mix of purity and greed) is on a search for the meaning of this duality in each of us. Along for the journey is his sock monkey and constant companion, Francis Bacon. Interestingly enough, Oliver owns a pub near a university and implores emerging philosopher-students to develop both sides of their brain so they can ensure balance in their lives.
As we entered, I noticed that the decor did not change much from the previous restaurant, although some of the cowboys artifacts disappeared.
Dining room at The Shepherd and The Knucklehead in Hoboken, NJ
Dining room at The Shepherd and The Knucklehead in Hoboken, NJ
Dining room at The Shepherd and The Knucklehead in Hoboken, NJ
Bar area at The Shepherd and The Knucklehead in Hoboken, NJ
I was intrigued by their qualification as a steakhouse and so, we decided to order steaks. Of course, when seeing the prices, I knew that it would not be the best quality, but who knows: I might have a surprise. Jodi went for the filet mignon, ordered medium.
Filet mignon at The Shepherd and The Knucklehead in Hoboken, NJ
Filet mignon at The Shepherd and The Knucklehead in Hoboken, NJ
I went for the porterhouse for one, medium-rare.
Porterhouse at The Shepherd and The Knucklehead in Hoboken, NJ
Re-fired porterhouse at The Shepherd and The Knucklehead in Hoboken, NJ
When the meat came, I immediately noticed that they switched the temperature, Jodi having her steak cooked medium-rare and mine being cooked medium. We decided to send it back to the kitchen. I admit that they managed the issue very well, the owner, and even the Chef apologizing for the mishap. I should mention that this post is long overdue and that dinner took place a couple of weeks after they opened, the staff still being in training. After few minutes, our steaks came back, with the correct temperature. They were decent, the filet mignon being better than the porterhouse. With it, we got to try the mac and cheese that was good, but could have been creamier, as well as some delicious fries that were skin on, slightly crispy.
Because of the issue with the steaks, they offered us the dessert and we chose the tiramisu. Unfortunately, it seemed to have been frozen or at least was kept at a very low temperature...
Tiramisu at The Shepherd and The Knucklehead in Hoboken, NJ
So, dinner was not great, and we decided to go back for brunch. As they did not have a brunch menu yet, we ended up with mostly bar food. The giant German pretzel was delicious. We got it with the cheddar dipping sauce that was optional. Too bad they did not give more of that sauce considering that it costed an additional $3.
German pretzel at The Shepherd and The Knucklehead in Hoboken, NJ
German pretzel at The Shepherd and The Knucklehead in Hoboken, NJ
I then tried the buffalo chicken spring rolls that were served with a blue cheese dressing. Quite good I would say.
Buffalo chicken spring rolls at The Shepherd and The Knucklehead in Hoboken, NJ
Buffalo chicken spring rolls at The Shepherd and The Knucklehead in Hoboken, NJ
Next was the lobster bisque that was made with sherry, lump crab meat and shallots; it came with some bread. It was just fine, missing a bit of taste.
Lobster bisque at The Shepherd and The Knucklehead in Hoboken, NJ
Bread at The Shepherd and The Knucklehead in Hoboken, NJ
Jodi went for the ahi tuna salad that was pretty good, the seared tuna being well cooked, with a sesame crust that was delicious.
Ahi tuna salad at The Shepherd and The Knucklehead in Hoboken, NJ
So, overall, I was not that impressed by The Shepherd and The Knucklehead. It is a bar, so I was not expecting a spectacular meal. However, places like Hudson Tavern are far better. Would I go back? Maybe in few months, after they fix the kinks in the kitchen...
Enjoy (...)!
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Cheese fondue at Kashkaval Garden in Hell's Kitchen
It has been a while since we went for fondue at Kashkaval, a restaurant in Hell's Kitchen that takes its name from a sheep's milk Bulgarian cheese. I admit that I thought it was closed as, end of 2013, they announced that their landlord would not renew their lease and that they were launching a petition. I guess it worked out as this place is still there, although very different: it used to be a marketplace selling awesome cheeses, with a tiny dining room in the back. Now, this is a restaurant only and it is fairly big.
Kashkaval Garden in Hell's Kitchen
It has been a while since we went for fondue at Kashkaval, a restaurant in Hell's Kitchen that takes its name from a sheep's milk Bulgarian cheese. I admit that I thought it was closed as, end of 2013, they announced that their landlord would not renew their lease and that they were launching a petition. I guess it worked out as this place is still there, although very different: it used to be a marketplace selling awesome cheeses, with a tiny dining room in the back. Now, this is a restaurant only and it is fairly big.
Bar area at Kashkaval Garden in Hell's Kitchen
Dining room at Kashkaval Garden in Hell's Kitchen
We were there during Happy Hour, so I got a nice glass of Sauvignon Blanc for just $8, perfect to go with fondue (we say that it is not good to drink water when eating fondue, but it might be just to entice people to drink wine...).
Glass of Sauvignon Blanc at Kashkaval Garden in Hell's Kitchen
What is great with their menu is that they offer fondue per person with no minimum, contrary to a lot of restaurants where there needs to be a minimum of two persons per order. So, we decided to get two different ones:
Cheese fondue at Kashkaval Garden in Hell's Kitchen
Heating element for fondue at Kashkaval Garden in Hell's Kitchen
The Kashkaval made with Bulgarian Kashkaval cheese:
Kashkaval fondue at Kashkaval Garden in Hell's Kitchen
Kashkaval fondue at Kashkaval Garden in Hell's Kitchen
The truffle fondue made with gruyere, truffle peelings and truffle oil:
Truffle fondue at Kashkaval Garden in Hell's Kitchen
Truffle fondue at Kashkaval Garden in Hell's Kitchen
With the fondue, we only went for the bread (you can get meat or vegetables) and I liked the fact that there was lots of it so you do not have to ask for it as you eat. Between the two fondue, I admit that I preferred the truffle one that was delicious and truly had small pieces of truffle in it. I definitely recommend it.
Bread for fondue at Kashkaval Garden in Hell's Kitchen
This was a nice dinner and we left full, without having dessert. It is true that, when you see the portion, you think that it would not be enough, but it is. I will definitely go back to Kashkaval Garden for some more fondue: it is a great place.
Enjoy (I did)!
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Mexican food at Tehuitzingo in Hell's Kitchen
I think I probably would have never gone to Tehuitzingo if it was not a suggestion from one of my blog readers who always had great comments or suggestions to my posts. Yes, from the outside, you just see the name, Tehuitzingo Deli and Grocery and would never guess that this place serves great food at reasonable prices, using fresh ingredients. I mean, I had to verify again on my phone the name of address and, when confirmed, entered in that small place.
Tehuitzingo in Hell's Kitchen
I think I probably would have never gone to Tehuitzingo if it was not a suggestion from one of my blog readers who always had great comments or suggestions to my posts. Yes, from the outside, you just see the name, Tehuitzingo Deli and Grocery and would never guess that this place serves great food at reasonable prices, using fresh ingredients. I mean, I had to verify again on my phone the name of address and, when confirmed, entered in that small place.
Dining room at Tehuitzingo in Hell's Kitchen
Right there, you see their market, selling a bunch of Mexican products, from hot sauce to tortillas or candy.
Market at Tehuitzingo in Hell's Kitchen
Then, in the back, is the counter where you will order your food. We were the only ones, early last Saturday, the city still recovering from the first snow of the season. After we ordered, we sat on the stools, decorated with roosters, and did not wait long before our food came.
Counter at Tehuitzingo in Hell's Kitchen
Stool decorated with roosters at Tehuitzingo in Hell's Kitchen
We started off with a side of guacamole and chips. Pretty good, although not the best guacamole ever, the tortilla chips seem to be homemade.
Guacamole and chips at Tehuitzingo in Hell's Kitchen
Guacamole at Tehuitzingo in Hell's Kitchen
Tortilla chips at Tehuitzingo in Hell's Kitchen
Then, we got quesadillas. Cheese for Jodi:
Cheese quesadilla at Tehuitzingo in Hell's Kitchen
Cheese and chicken for me. It was made with a tortilla folded over Oaxaca cheese. I loved it: the tortilla itself was delicious, filled with lots of cheese, and the chicken very good, well cooked, not dry at all.
Chicken quesadilla at Tehuitzingo in Hell's Kitchen
We also had tacos pescado, made with tilapia fish. It was just ok, the tacos being bland and in need of hot sauce...
Pescado tacos at Tehuitzingo in Hell's Kitchen
Pescado taco at Tehuitzingo in Hell's Kitchen
Overall, we had a nice unexpected lunch at Tehuitzingo Deli and Grocery. The food is good
And cheap. It is definitely a place I would go back to.
Enjoy (I did)!
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Great dinner at The Wayfarer, Midtown Manhattan
Opened beginning of 2014 at the corner of 57th Street and 6th Avenue, The Wayfarer defines itself as a purveyor of classic American cuisine. I like the atmosphere of the place that is cozy and modern, with great music in the background and a nice vibe. I should mention that the service was really good: efficient and courteous.
The Wayfarer in NYC, NY
Opened beginning of 2014 at the corner of 57th Street and 6th Avenue, The Wayfarer defines itself as a purveyor of classic American cuisine. I like the atmosphere of the place that is cozy and modern, with great music in the background and a nice vibe. I should mention that the service was really good: efficient and courteous.
Dining room at The Wayfarer in NYC, NY
Dining room at The Wayfarer in NYC, NY
And the food! Simply delicious, from seafood to meat, without forgetting desserts, it showcases quite creative dishes. For instance, they have fried chicken rolls that were a very interesting combination, that definitely worked. With it, I also tried the spicy tuna roll that was made with big eye tuna.
Fried chicken and spicy tuna rolls at The Wayfarer in NYC, NY
Fried chicken and spicy tuna rolls at The Wayfarer in NYC, NY
Next was the octopus: well cooked, not rubbery, it had a nice char on the outside.
Charred octopus at The Wayfarer in NYC, NY
The last appetizer I tried was the seafood platter that had lobster, shrimp, clams, oysters, scallops, as well as a nice tuna and salmon tartare. It tasted very fresh and the only thing I would have done is to make the presentation a bit more spectacular, like Mastro's does.
Seafood platter at The Wayfarer in NYC, NY
Seafood platter at The Wayfarer in NYC, NY
Seafood platter at The Wayfarer in NYC, NY
For the entree, I breached my rule that is not to order steak unless I am eating in a steakhouse. Well, I could not resist when I heard their special: a Japanese wyagu ribeye served with bone marrow. This 10oz steak was perfectly cooked, tender and slightly charred. It was fantastic.
Wyagu ribeye at The Wayfarer in NYC, NY
Wyagu ribeye at The Wayfarer in NYC, NY
I also tried the pumpkin gnocchi, made with roasted baby vegetables, hen of the woods, pecorino and sunflower seeds, that were also good.
Pumpkin gnocchi at The Wayfarer in NYC, NY
Pumpkin gnocchi at The Wayfarer in NYC, NY
Last was dessert. And I should say a dessert extravaganza:
Ricotta donuts with a banana foster sauce that were sitting on a crème fraîche crémeux:
Ricotta donuts at The Wayfarer in NYC, NY
Ricotta donuts at The Wayfarer in NYC, NY
A classic maple pecan pie:
Pecan pie at The Wayfarer in NYC, NY
And the ultimate sundae for two that was five scoops of ice cream, hot fudge sauce, caramel sauce, sour cherry sauce, candied walnuts, cookie croutons, rice pearls and marshmallow brûlée.
Classic sundae for two at The Wayfarer in NYC, NY
This was a delicious meal: The Wayfarer is a great place for dinner. I am curious now to see if their brunch is as fantastic as this...So I will have to go back and check this out!
Enjoy (I really did)!
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The Kati Roll Company in NYC, NY
One time we were working late, one of my colleagues who is originally from India, ordered some food from The Kati Roll Company. I mean that was a revelation and each bite was so divine that I could hear angels singing on my shoulders. I love that place: the food is not only good, but cheap and, if I could, I would go there on a daily basis! Kati rolls are street food wraps that originated from Kolkata in India. There are many variants, but, at The Kati Roll Company, they are made by wrapping warm paratha, a type of Indian flat bread, around a variety of meats, vegetables and cheese.
The Kati Roll Company in NYC, NY
One time we were working late, one of my colleagues who is originally from India, ordered some food from The Kati Roll Company. I mean that was a revelation and each bite was so divine that I could hear angels singing on my shoulders. I love that place: the food is not only good, but cheap and, if I could, I would go there on a daily basis! Kati rolls are street food wraps that originated from Kolkata in India. There are many variants, but, at The Kati Roll Company, they are made by wrapping warm paratha, a type of Indian flat bread, around a variety of meats, vegetables and cheese.
Waiting online to order at The Kati Roll Company in NYC, NY
Waiting online to order at The Kati Roll Company in NYC, NY
But beware: this place can turn to a madhouse, packed with hungry patrons avid to get a wonderful bite. In fact, we went at different times and, as you can see, it goes from quiet to crazy. The best time to go is before 6pm for sure...I love the decor with its yellowish walls that seem rundown, with Bollywood (the Indian Cinema Mecca) posters all over.
Dining room at The Kati Roll Company in NYC, NY
Dining room at The Kati Roll Company in NYC, NY
Bollywood posters at The Kati Roll Company in NYC, NY
Bollywood posters at The Kati Roll Company in NYC, NY
Here is what we ate:
Order at The Kati Roll Company in NYC, NY
Order at The Kati Roll Company in NYC, NY
Jodi always went for the chana masala, a vegetarian dish made with chickpeas that they enhanced with lime, cilantro, chutney and pickled onions. Very good, but make sure you ask for not spicy.
Chana nasal Kati roll at The Kati Roll Company in NYC, NY
Chana masala Kati roll at The Kati Roll Company in NYC, NY
The shami kebab that is minced lamb kabab blended with chickpeas and eggs. Pretty good: I love the taste of lamb, so I was in heaven. A bit spicy though...
Shami kebab Kati roll at The Kati Roll Company in NYC, NY
Shami kebab Kati roll at The Kati Roll Company in NYC, NY
And then their best seller: the chicken Tikka Kati roll. Very good and tasty.
Chicken tikka Kati roll at The Kati Roll Company in NYC, NY
Chicken Tikka Kati roll at The Kati Roll Company in NYC, NY
With my meal, I went for a mango lassi, one of my favorite Indian drinks, that was delicious and perfect to soothe my mouth as the spiciness built up.
Mango lassi at The Kati Roll Company in NYC, NY
I am a big fan of The Kati Roll Company: their rolls are amazing, the bread being delicious and slightly crispy, and the filling very tasty. This is definitely a place I recommend for cheap eats. The only negative is that they do not serve dessert...yet!
Enjoy (I did)!
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Eataly Nutella Bar in NYC, NY
I finally made it to the Nutella bar at Eataly, the fantastic market place located close to the Flatiron. And I did not regret it! If you are a Nutella lover, this place is for you and, for sure, you will not know what to get, the choices all looking good.
Facade of Eataly Nutella Bar in NYC, NY
I finally made it to the Nutella bar at Eataly, the fantastic market place located close to the Flatiron. And I did not regret it! If you are a Nutella lover, this place is for you and, for sure, you will not know what to get, the choices all looking good.
Sign from Eataly Nutella Bar in NYC, NY
Eataly Nutella Bar in NYC, NY
I was there after lunch and so got my espresso (I am addicted to coffee). But it was not your regular espresso: it was topped with a delicious homemade whipped cream and some Nutella.
Espresso con Nutella at Eataly Nutella Bar in NYC, NY
Espresso con Nutella at Eataly Nutella Bar in NYC, NY
With it, I chose the bombolone, an Italian beignet that was also filled with a generous amount of Nutella (although there is never enough). It was a large beignet, well made, being not heavy and airy.
Nutella bombolone at Eataly Nutella Bar in NYC, NY
Nutella bombolone at Eataly Nutella Bar in NYC, NY
Nutella bombolone at Eataly Nutella Bar in NYC, NY
For a first visit there, it was great, but I wonder why I did not come before to Eataly Nutella!
Enjoy (I did)!
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Austrian dinner at Blaue Gans in TriBeCa
We heard about Blaue Gans, an Austrian restaurant located in TriBeCa, thanks to our friend Tessa and decided to have dinner there one night, as we were in that area. the place was packed for sure and it had a nice atmosphere, a bit artsy, the posters of various exhibits surely playing a role there.
Blaue Gans in TriBeCa, NYC
We heard about Blaue Gans, an Austrian restaurant located in TriBeCa, thanks to our friend Tessa and decided to have dinner there one night, as we were in that area. the place was packed for sure and it had a nice atmosphere, a bit artsy, the posters of various exhibits surely playing a role there.
Dining room at Blaue Gans in TriBeCa, NYC
I decided to accompany my meal with a glass of Riesling, "Terrassen" Federspiel, Tegenseerhof, Wachau 2014 that was deliciously sweet.
Glass of Riesling at Blaue Gans in TriBeCa, NYC
We started off our meal with the bratwurst, that was served with potatoes, sauerkraut and some horseradish that was delightfully spicy. It was a perfect way to start the meal, the sausage being delicious.
Bratwurst at Blaue Gans in TriBeCa, NYC
Then, Jodi went for the roasted cod, served with carrots and asparagus, and a Riesling sauce. It was a nice presentation, with beautiful colors. The fish was flakey and perfectly cooked.
Roasted cod at Blaue Gans in TriBeCa, NYC
On my side, I went for the beef goulash that was served with peppers and quark spatzle. Nice dish, the spatzle being quite creamy thanks to the quark, I however found the beef a bit gamey...
Beef goulash at Blaue Gans in TriBeCa, NYC
Beef goulash at Blaue Gans in TriBeCa, NYC
Beef goulash at Blaue Gans in TriBeCa, NYC
Last was dessert. We went for the chocolate cake, the Sachertorte. A bit disappointing as I like chocolate cakes really chocolatey...
Sachertorte at Blaue Gans in TriBeCa, NYC
Sachertorte at Blaue Gans in TriBeCa, NYC
Overall, the meal was ok, my favorite being the bratwurst and the fish. I admit that I am a bit on the fence at this point and I am not sure I would go back there. Maybe, maybe not...
Enjoy (...)!
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Chirping Chicken in Hell's Kitchen
When Jodi has something planned for lunch or dinner, and I end up going by myself or with a friend, I always try to find places where the food would be limited for her, like chicken or lobster places. These places can be of various level, from restaurants to take out. This time, I was at Chirping Chicken, a fast casual restaurant with, as of today, four locations in the City. I went to the one in Hell's Kitchen that was not that crowded but seemed to be a spot for police officers.
Chirping Chicken in Hell's Kitchen
When Jodi has something planned for lunch or dinner, and I end up going by myself or with a friend, I always try to find places where the food would be limited for her, like chicken or lobster places. These places can be of various level, from restaurants to take out. This time, I was at Chirping Chicken, a fast casual restaurant with, as of today, four locations in the City. I went to the one in Hell's Kitchen that was not that crowded but seemed to be a spot for police officers.
Dining room at Chirping Chicken in Hell's Kitchen
Dining room at Chirping Chicken in Hell's Kitchen
The dining room looked better than what I expected, filled with large tables. You order at the counter in the back and, if you eat there, you get a number and they will bring the food at your table.
Order number at Chirping Chicken in Hell's Kitchen
I decided to try only chicken, although I saw many other options on their large menu: ribs, shrimp or lamb were some of them. I started first with the chicken wings, small size. I ordered them spicy but was expecting more heat. Otherwise they were good: crispy on the outside, the chicken was well cooked, moist.
Chicken wings at Chirping Chicken in Hell's Kitchen
Next was the 1/4 chicken meal that come with pita, a salad and one side. I admit that I did not really care much about the salad, although it could help me try to justify the fact that it was a healthy dinner...The chicken, charcoal broiled, was pretty good: moist, with a slightly crispy charred skin, there was definitely no need for any sauce with it.
Chicken meal at Chirping Chicken in Hell's Kitchen
Charcoal broiled chicken at Chirping Chicken in Hell's Kitchen
The side however was disappointing. I ordered the Mac and Cheese that was like plastic! I should have gone for mash potatoes, corn or beans...
Mac and Cheese at Chirping Chicken in Hell's Kitchen
Overall it was ok. I mean, it is not pricey and you get what you pay for. Would I go back? Not sure: the city has so much to offer. And in the same area, Sticky's Finger Joint across the street is a better choice.
Enjoy (I did)!
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