I Just Want To Eat! 1/24/20 I Just Want To Eat! 1/24/20

Lunch at Red Farm

It’s been a while we went to Red Farm, the inventive Chinese restaurant located in the West Village and decided to check it out for Veterans’ Day as I had the day off. Good idea as the place was barely filled at the time we went.

This is a one of a kind restaurant for sure and its menu is quite overwhelming, but in a good way: well presented with the dumpling section highlighted, it is just that there are so many mouth watering dishes that you just want to order everything! The dim sum are for sure a must have and I could not not try their pan fried lamb dumplings that were superb and a change from the classic pork dumpling, the lamb elevating the dish.

Pan fried lamb dumplings at Red Farm in NYC, NY

But do not miss their vegetable and mushroom spring rolls that are quite tasty, very crunchy and slightly greasy, with a presentation that cannot go unnoticed.

Vegetable and mushroom spring rolls at Red Farm in NYC, NY

We also shared their soft and crunchy vegetable fried rice that was not boring at all and was packed in flavor, also slightly greasy as you would expect fried rice to be.

Vegetable fried rice at Red Farm in NYC, NY

We also had their Long Life Noodles, Chanterelles and Shiitake mushrooms that was really good.

Long Life Noodles, Chanterelles & Shiitakes at Red Farm in NYC, NY

I should mention that with my meal I tried their Thai basil lemonade that was quite refreshing.

Thai basil lemonade at Red Farm in NYC, NY

Last was their key lime pie that is one of the best I had: it had the right balance of tartness and sweetness. Another must have!

Red Farm does not disappoint for sure and I regret I let that much time pass between two visits.

Enjoy (I did)!

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Red Farm - 529 Hudson Street, New York 10014

I Just Want To Eat! 1/22/20 I Just Want To Eat! 1/22/20

Benno, Michelin Star in NYC, NY

When I read the paper from Pete Wells in the New York Times about Benno, it made me laugh: it represents why when people call me a food critic I cringe. No, I am not a critic just somebody who loves to eat and share his experience. Critics are often too elitist and disconnected from what the masses like, expecting perfection from start to finish when what one may call a perfect meal can differ from my own appreciation. Here is an excerpt from Pete Wells, New York Times:

“Dated was the word one friend used after going to Benno, and if you’ve eaten there, too, you’ll know why. It’s as if the past 15 years in food never happened. The menu seems to be stuck in some time between 1994, when Thomas Keller bought the French Laundry, and 2004, when he opened Per Se with a young Jonathan Benno leading the kitchen.”

I might not be a millennial but still, I did not find Benno dated. Located in The Evelyn Hotel, the eponymous restaurant of Chef Jonathan Benno received a coveted Michelin Star this year and, after dining there, I find it well deserved: excellent service and great food are the perfect combination for a meal in an Art Deco dining room with an impressive skylight, in a setting that does not feel stuffy at all.

The menu, with French and Italian inspired dishes would satisfy both vegetarian and non-vegetarian Diners, with a little edge for the latter. Here is what we had:

As usual, I looked for a whisky cocktail and ended up with the Irish Breakfast, an interesting take on Irish Whisky made with coffee bean-infused Powers Irish Whisky Gold, Aberna Amaro Siciliano and walnut bitters. For Jodi, it was moktail called the Citrus Blossom, made of orange blossom water, grapefruit juice and fresh mint.

Irish breakfast cocktail at Benno in NYC, NY

Citrus blossom moktail at Benno in NYC, NY

At that point, they brought us some pretzel bread with honey mustard butter that was an interesting fusion of bread and butter, and pretzel and mustard, the honey mustard taste being predominant over the creaminess of the butter.

Honey mustard butter at Benno in NYC, NY

They then offered an amuse, vegetarian for Jodi and non-vegetarian for me. For Jodi, it was golden beets and radishes, and for me golden trout and caviar. The presentation was beautiful and a good way to introduce what was coming next.

Golden beets and radishes amuse at Benno in NYC, NY

Golden trout and caviar at Benno in NYC, NY

The menu is split between snacks, appetizers, pasta and risottos, and mains. So at first, Jodi wanted to go directly with her main but I persuaded her to get falafel that was one of the snacks as otherwise she would have to just watch me eat my appetizer...There were 6 falafel that were accompanied by hummus and babaganouj, all quite good.

On my side, I went for the steak tartare, that was topped with sunny side up quail egg and seasoned with capers, cornichons, birds beak peppers, espelette crisp. Pretty classic and good, with a nice kick and acidity.

For the entrees, Jodi ordered the tagliatelle with white truffle and stracciatella cheese. Elegant and decadent dish for sure, it was sublime and they surely were not cheap with the truffle that they shaved at the table.

Tagliatelle with white truffle at Benno in NYC, NY

For me, I had difficulties to make up my mind as so many dishes looked very good. I finally settled for the duck prepared 3 ways: seared duck breast, duck sausage and foie gras. I simply loved it: each way the duck was cooked was delicious and delicate with the seared foie gras being my favorite. It was lying on top of lentils that were also good.

For dessert, knowing that Jodi is vegetarian, they graciously told her which desserts were vegetarian as many had gelatine in them. I thought that was a nice attention. So we decided to go for the apple cider rum baba. But this one was original, the baba sitting on top of an apple tatin, like a fusion of two of my favorite desserts.

So, overall, it was a great dinner: the food was delicious and the service very hospitable. Sorry Pete Wells, I will have to once again disagree with you: Benno deserves a visit and its Michelin Star.

Enjoy (I did)!

If you like this post, the photos or the blog, please feel free to share it or post a comment. Merci!

Benno - 7 E 27th St, New York, NY 10016

Jean-Philippe Gerbi 1/20/20 Jean-Philippe Gerbi 1/20/20

Asset on the Upper West Side

I was recently invited at Asset on the Upper West Side to try their brunch. This Modern American restaurant that serves a cuisine with Mediterranean influences is the result of the collaboration of Larry Bellone and Will Tracy, the owners of Tessa, a place on Amsterdam Avenue that I discovered few years ago (Asset is in fact Tessa spelled backward). With its industrial feel and stunning horseshoe staircase, Asset has a beautiful decor from the same architect who designed Tessa. I particularly like the booths in the back that give an intimate feel to a meal.

Please note that the meal was complimentary. However, the opinions expressed in my blog are 100% my own!

Bar area at Asset on the Upper West Side

Dining room at Asset on the Upper West Side

Menu wise, for brunch, they have classics: eggs, sandwiches, waffles and pancakes are the main highlights, with a nice selection of vegetarian dishes. Anyway, they can accommodate you if you fill like having a dish without meat (not the burger of course), like they did for the avocado toast that is normally made with smoked salmon, trout caviar and radish. Quite good, I for sure appreciate the fact that the bread was not too thick, so there was a good balance with the avocado and could be cut easily.

Avocado toast at Asset on the Upper West Side

Another vegetarian dish is the vegetable scramble that is made with tomato and mushroom: the eggs were quite good, smooth and not overcooked.

Vegetable omelet at Asset on the Upper West Side

For non-vegetarian, I suggest their signature burger, composed of two patties smothered by sharp cheddar and caramelized onion. It was delicious, although I would have preferred a different kind of bread, this one being a bit dry for my taste. The meat was juicy and tasty (I hate when there is too much seasoning and you cannot taste the meat), and I loved the sweetness that the caramelized onions gave. It was served with a pickle and some French fries that were skin on and slightly crispy.

For drinks, while Jodi got an English breakfast tea, I decided to go with an Irish coffee that is a good brunch drink: well it is coffee, right?

English breakfast tea at Asset on the Upper West Side

Irish coffee at Asset on the Upper West Side

Last was dessert and we finished with a sublime homemade banana baked Alaska. Often, I see passion fruit baked Alaska that are not really my favorite, but I admit that this one was one of the best I had. Not too sweet, it was made with a banana mango sorbet and had dulce de leche in it. I highly recommend it!

Baked Alaska at Asset on the Upper West Side

We left Asset full and glad we got the opportunity to try this place: the food was great and they had a nice and relaxing atmosphere. I will have to go back for dinner...

Enjoy (I did)!

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Asset - 329 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023

Jean-Philippe Gerbi 1/17/20 Jean-Philippe Gerbi 1/17/20

Nusr-Et Steakhouse without Saltbae

It is not my first time at Nusr-Et, the Eponymous restaurant of fame Chef better known as Saltbae made famous by his exaggerated gesture when putting salt on meat, the salt dropping on his forearm into the meat (not so sanitary). The place was quite busy for a Tuesday evening with few large tables and even with a reservation, we were invited to wait at the bar until our table (that was not occupied finally, would be ready. A good trick from restaurants to have you order drinks. 10 minutes after the time of the reservation, we finally got seated. Yes, crowded and not so loud at the beginning despite the presence of a …

The food there is mainly for non-vegetarians with few salads and sides for vegetarians: the star there is meat, the Chef being a butcher originally. They even have a $1,000 gold coated Wagyu tomahawk that I consider a shame personally.

Lots of people come to Nusr-Et to see the Chef do his moves and either take a photo or a video of him, but he is not always there (the best way to know is to check his Instagram), so they amped up a bit the way they prepare or serve the food by having the staff make their own gestures, with the same spirit. When the guy prepared the steak tartare table side, I admit that I was really impressed by his knife skills: he cut the piece of filet mignon at such speed! It is a quite good tartare in fact, where they add Dijon mustard, shallots, cognac, capers, chili sauce and crispy shredded potato for an added texture.

Steak tartare station at Nusr-Et Steakhouse in NYC. NY

Steak tartare at Nusr-Et Steakhouse in NYC. NY

The steak of course is the main attraction: seeing them cutting the tomahaw (aka Saltbae tomahawk) is always entertaining and as you expect you get the weird salt pouring at the end, the person doing it Probably thinking for few seconds that he or she will have a moment of fame. Pricey, the tomahawk is good though: tender, juicy, nicely charred, they will cook it medium rare unless you ask otherwise.

Tomahawk at Nusr-Et Steakhouse in NYC. NY

Wit it, the perfect sides are the fries and the sautéed mushrooms.

Sauteed mushrooms at Nusr-Et Steakhouse in NYC. NY

Then you cannot leave without dessert: their baklava served with goat milk ice cream is one of the best I ever had, perfect with a Turkish coffee.

Baklava at Nusr-Et Steakhouse in NYC. NY

Turkish coffee at Nusr-Et Steakhouse in NYC. NY

You may wonder what I drank with my meal: the Saltbae old fashioned (nothing special there, not even a bacon rub but good) and a glass of red wine, “Red blend Murrieta’s Well The Spur, Livermore, California”. They do have Turkish wine that I was curious to try but not by the glass...

Saltbae old fashioned at Nusr-Et Steakhouse in NYC. NY

Red wine, “Red blend Murrieta’s Well The Spur, Livermore, California” at Nusr-Et Steakhouse in NYC. NY

So yes, Nusr-Et is a bit of a scene and gimmicky but at least the food is delicious. This is a good place to go if you do not like Broadway shows but are looking for an evening of entertainment!!!

Enjoy (I did)!

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Nusr-Et - 60 W 53rd Street, New York 10019

Jean-Philippe Gerbi 1/15/20 Jean-Philippe Gerbi 1/15/20

Fantastic Hot Chocolate at Mariebelle

There are few things I am looking forward to eat during the cold days: cheese fondue, raclette, cassoulet, ramen and hot cocoa. And as we were looking for a new place for hot cocoa, we found Mariebelle in Soho. As you enter, you first see the elegant shop where they sell all sorts of chocolates and then, in the back, is the Cacao Bar, a small room that was packed. Too packed in fact and they should probably remove few tables so you are not literally back to back with the party behind you. We also saw a group of six women who were trying to get high tea in a very uncomfortable setting, the tables being too small for that.

For hot chocolate, they have three main selections: dark, milk and white. I admit that I only tried the latter at the regretted Voges but prefer either a light dark like the Aztec that is made with 65% cocoa and that they distributed shots of, or milk, knowing that having a side of whipped cream helps reduce the sweetness and darkness of a hot chocolate and adjust in a way to your preference. In each section, they propose a nice number of choices with even a dairy free called Mestizo and you can have a small cup (4oz) or a large cup (8oz). So, Jodi has a small cup of milk chocolate (38%), while I had a larger version with hazelnut. Interestingly, hers was richer and sweeter than mine and I wondered if it was because we got the same amount of cocoa but I had more milk, hence diluting it a bit. Still, I found both hot cocoa delicious: they are like melted chocolate in a cup! Rich and yes, slightly sweet, the one with hazelnut was my favorite.

Aztec hot chocolate at Mariebelle in Soho

Milk hot chocolate at Mariebelle in Soho

Hazelnut hot milk chocolate at Mariebelle in Soho

We also got their chocolate chip cookie that was sublime: served hot, it was chewy, slightly crunchy on the outside with tons of chocolate inside (it was as if there was more chocolate than dough). Quite rich, I am glad we only had this with the hot cocoa (I was going to order a bunch of things but Jodi who is the voice of reason -do not tell her- stopped me).

Chocolate chip cookie at Mariebelle in Soho

Definitely, Mariebelle is with Jacques Torres, one of my favorites for hot chocolate. This is worth a visit!

Enjoy (I did)!

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Mariebelle - 484 Broome Street, New York 10013

Jean-Philippe Gerbi 1/13/20 Jean-Philippe Gerbi 1/13/20

Disappointing brunch at Black Barn

After the succulent dinner we had at Black Barn, north of Madison Square Park, we were really excited to go back there for brunch. Unfortunately, it did not go as planned, the food being good but the service horrible: my drink took forever to come and we had to wait 45 minutes between the moment we finished our appetizer and the entrees, inquiring twice about our order without any feedback from the staff who never checked with us if everything was ok or if we needed anything. And it was not just for us as the tables nearby seemed to have had the same issue. No, it seems the staff was more occupied with taking care of a private party and setting up a large table than with the people seated.

Waffle croque madame at Black Barn in NYC

Jodi was luckier with her frittata that had spinach and mushroom but too little of goat cheese.

Fortunately the appetizer was awesome: it was the chocolate babka coffee cake that they make in house. Chocolatey, flakey and buttery, it is so good, perfect to share. They also brought us some delicious corn muffins, on the house (not because of the issues with the service: everyone had them).

Chocolate babka coffee cake at Black Barn in NYC

With our meal, we got some drinks: tea for Jodi and for me, I do not recall what it had besides cold brew and whisky.

So yes, we were really disappointed. I do not know if it is because they were short in staff or had too many large tables, but it was a striking difference with the dinner we had there. Maybe in fact I should stick to dinner there...

Enjoy (...)!

If you like this post, the photos or the blog, please feel free to share it or post a comment. Merci!

Black Barn- 19 East 26th Street, NY 10010

Jean-Philippe Gerbi 1/10/20 Jean-Philippe Gerbi 1/10/20

BBQ at Mason Jar

I was craving BBQ and planned to go to a place on the Upper West Side (no, not Dinaosaur) but we finally changed course and looked up places Midtown. That is how we ended up at Mason Jar. BBQ, Bourbon and Beer are the three main items they serve there, but, although I love whisky and they have a wide selection, I was not in the mood for it. No, I wanted BBQ and Jodi who is vegetarian was a good sport about it (well as long as there is something on the menu for her: we both have to eat!). And there was: it did not take her long to decide to go there, especially after she saw the giant pretzel they have for appetizer. Served with a cheese sauce and some mustard, it was piping hot, but still a great way to start. The pretzel seemed to be freshly made, delightfully soft with the perfect amount of salt on it (no, a mouthful of salt is not good).

Then, for her entree, Jodi chose their Aztec bowl that was composed of rice, black beans, mixed greens, cheddar cheese, cherry tomatoes, jalapenos (she asked without) and avocado.

On my side, I opted for the BBQ tasting platter that was made of half rack of ribs, 6 oz brisket and 6 shredded pork. It was served with any 2 sides, so I picked the fries and the Mac and cheese. The meat was just ok: the brisket was good at first, the top being deliciously fatty and slightly burnt, but the bottom dry and tough. The ribs were unfortunately not falling of the bone and a bit dry and the pork was a bit boring…

At least the fries were good and so was the creamy Mac and cheese.

So, overall, I was a bit disappointed by Mason Jar: the food was just ok for me and I had much better BBQ in the New York, Hometown BBQ in Brooklyn being on top.

Enjoy (...)!

If you like this post, the photos or the blog, please feel free to share it or post a comment. Merci!

Mason Jar - 43 E 30th Street, New York 10016

I Just Want To Eat! 1/8/20 I Just Want To Eat! 1/8/20

Bellwether in Long Island City

We have been going to Long Island City quite often, Jodi has her painting studio there and I admit that we found quite a few little gems, my favorite, not so little, being M Wells Steakhouse. So, on a Friday evening, we decided to go to Bellwether, a restaurant that has been on our list for a while, that serves seasonal dishes. The place was so packed that our table was not ready on time for our reservation, the manager apologizing profusely to us.

Dining room at Bellwether in Long Island City

The large menu was mouth watering and it took me a bit of time to choose. Here is what we had:
As a cocktail, I ordered the Wombat, made with rye, smoked maple syrup, ginger and lemon. Nice and refreshing, citrusy with a very slight sweetness.

The Wombat cocktail at Bellwether in Long Island City

Jodi went for a pear and lemon soda, pear drinks being so good but rarely offered.

Pear and lemon soda at Bellwether in Long Island City

We then ordered their Parker House Rolls: in the past, I was a bit annoyed that restaurant would make you pay for bread, because, coming from France, I consider that any meal should be accompanied by a bread basket. But a blog reader made a comment one time that made me think: do you prefer a free low quality bread basket or pay a little for some delicious bread (in this case $6)? I’ll go for the latter. And for sure, we did not regret it: these rolls are so good, with or without butter.

Parker rolls at Bellwether in Long Island City

As an appetizer, we chose the burrata salad that had figs, fava beans and greens. That was a good start: the burrata was perfectly creamy on the inside and soft on the outside.

Burrata salad at Bellwether in Long Island City

Then we both had pasta that I believe they make in house. Jodi chose the butternut squash agnolotti that were served with brown butter and Parmesan, but asked not to have any pecans. That dish was superb: the butternut squash had that sweetness that paired well with the nuttiness of the brown butter.

Butternut squash agnolotti at Bellwether in Long Island City

On my side, I was set on the lamb neck pappardelle that was equally amazing: the braised lamb was delicious and gave to this dish a comforting feel. There also, they put some fava beans.

Lamb neck pappardelle at Bellwether in Long Island City

Dessert was the final nail on a fantastic meal: we had the warm sticky toffee cake. Moist, we probably scooped too quickly the delicious caramel sauce that bathed the cake...

Sticky toffee cake at Bellwether in Long Island City

So, as you can see, we had a great meal at Bellwether. I wonder now how their brunch is...I will have to check it out!
Enjoy (I did)!
If you like this post, the photos or the blog, please feel free to share it or post a comment. Merci!

Bellwether -47-25 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11101

Jean-Philippe Gerbi 1/6/20 Jean-Philippe Gerbi 1/6/20

Excellent Dumpling House in Chelsea

We were in Chelsea looking for a restaurant when we stumbled upon Excellent Dumpling House. With the word dumpling in its name, it did not take long for us to decide to eat there, focusing exclusively on their dim sum section. As we entered, we thought we would not be able to get a table as it was packed with one very large table making so much noise that when they left, we felt some sort of relief. I should mention that at some point, a woman sitting next to us as the waiter if their soups contained MSG as she is allergic: the waiter responded affirmatively but told her that they could make a soup without MSG if she’d like, invitation that she declined. As she left, …

Anyway, we decided to order few dishes, some vegetarian and some non-vegetarian. Here is what we tried:

Pork soup dumplings: there were six of them that I found delicious, nicely fatty.

Pork soup dumplings at Excellent Dumpling House in Chelsea

Crab and shrimp dumplings: I was looking for my usual shrimp dumplings but as they did not have it, I opted for this. I did not regret it: the shell was perfectly made, slightly sticky, not too thick, with a nice filling that tasted mainly shrimp.

Crab and shrimp dumplings at Excellent Dumpling House in Chelsea

Vegetable dumplings: Jodi wanted them fried rather than steamed. They were good, but I admit that I tried only one as I already had lot of food to eat.

Vegetable dumplings at Excellent Dumpling House in Chelsea

Scallion pancakes: a must have when having Chinese food. It was superb: delightfully greasy and slightly crispy.

Scallion pancakes at Excellent Dumpling House in Chelsea

Vegetable spring roll: good and tasty, deliciously crispy.

Vegetable spring roll at Excellent Dumpling House in Chelsea

Peking duck spring roll: same as above but with the delicious taste of duck.

Peking duck roll at Excellent Dumpling House in Chelsea

So, overall, we had a nice meal there: delicious and not pricey. In fact, if you pay cash, you get 10% that makes it a good deal. So, Excellent Dumpling House is a good place to know if you are in Chelsea and are looking for a Chinese place to eat at.

Enjoy (I did)!

If you like this post, the photos or the blog, please feel free to share it or post a comment. Merci!

Excellent Dumpling House -165 W 23rd St, New York, NY 10011

Jean-Philippe Gerbi 1/4/20 Jean-Philippe Gerbi 1/4/20

Keming, Chinese restaurant in Hoboken

It’s been a while since we wanted to dine at Keming in Hoboken, especially as we saw that they have dim sum. But I admit that I was a bit nervous because lots of Chinese restaurants use MSG and a large amount gives me a terrible headache (cream of tartar helps though). So we decided to go on a Saturday evening. Although it was not crowded, the place filled up quickly.

They have a large menu but we mainly focused on the dim sum. Here is what we tried:…

They have a large menu but we mainly focused on the dim sum. Here is what we tried:

First, they brought to the table some fried noodles with duck sauce that is not served often and that I love (there are never enough of these).

Juicy pork buns: good, delightfully fatty.

Pork soup dumplings at Keming in Hoboken, NJ

Shrimp dumplings: well made, the shell was slightly sticky, as expected and thin, and the filling was perfect.

Shrimp dumplings at Keming in Hoboken, NJ

Scallion pancakes: very hot, they were deliciously greasy.

Scallion pancakes at Keming in Hoboken, NJ

Vegetable dumplings: I admit that I did not like them because they mainly contain spinach but Jodi liked them.

Vegetable dumplings at Keming in Hoboken, NJ

We also shared some vegetable fried rice that was decent, but after having the fried rice at Hao Noodle, I was expecting more.

Vegetable fried rice at Keming in Hoboken, NJ

Overall the food at Keming was good. It is not at the level of some the Chinese restaurants in the City in the same category like Joe Ginger, but still, I liked it and would come back.

Enjoy (I did)!

If you like this post, the photos or the blog, please feel free to share it or post a comment. Merci!

Keming - 1006 Washington St, Hoboken, NJ 07030

Jean-Philippe Gerbi 1/2/20 Jean-Philippe Gerbi 1/2/20

Teppen Ramen Midtown East

I always enjoy a big bowl of ramen during the cold days and we were looking for a new place to go following a fantastic lunch at Ippudo, one if not my favorite ramen place in the city. That is how we ended up at Teppen Ramen, Midtown East. As we arrived, the small place was not that crowded but started to fill up as we ate our soups.

Dining room at Teppen Ramen Midtown East

Jodi being vegetarian went directly for their veggie ramen (Teppen vegetable) made with A soy milk base, fried tofu, salad, bamboo shoots, kikurage mushrooms, onion, sesame, paprika, scallion, spicy oil and black pepper.

Vegetable ramen at Teppen Ramen Midtown East

On my side, I chose their Maji Teppen, a miso based ramen that is limited to 20 bowls a day. Smart on their part to create this sense of uniqueness that pushes patrons to order it. It was made of bean sprouts, grounded pork, leek, bamboo shoots, corn, seasoned boiled egg, braised pork (char siu), sesame, black pepper and red pepper.

Both were served with wavy noodles, but in both cases, there was not enough and the bowls had an overwhelming amount of bean sprouts. Too bad because besides this, the broths were delicious, with some silkiness for the vegetarian one and a nice miso flavor with a very slight spiciness for the specialty one I ate.

Yes, I admit that I was disappointed by Teppen Ramen: their soup needs more noodles and less bean sprouts for me or maybe none.

Enjoy (...)!

If you like this post, the photos or the blog, please feel free to share it or post a comment. Merci!

Teppen Ramen -159 E 55th St, New York, NY 10022