I Just Want To Eat! 12/12/24 I Just Want To Eat! 12/12/24

Long Island Dumplings in NYC

No, Long Island dumplings is not in Long Island but in Manhattan, right next to the 23rd street path station and a couple of blocks from Union Square. This small joint with few tables and a counter to sit, is a nod to their restaurant in Long Island called Long Island Pekin. As you arrive, you order your food on the self-service kiosk, that is sometimes less stressful if you are not sure what to order, allowing you to go back and forth on the menu. So, as their names has “dumplings” in it, we decided to try a bunch, neglecting any soup, noodles or curry dishes they also have on their menu. Of course, I could not not order their crystal shrimp dumplings that I always order in these kinds of places, and they were perfectly made, the thin shell being sticky but not disintegrating as I lifted them with my chopsticks. The rest of our selection was all vegetarian, where they propose some interesting options, like the vegan truffle soup dumplings (xiaolongbao) that were a successful alternative to the classic pork or crab and pork soup dumplings, replacing the meat with dried mushrooms and potato. There, the succulent fattiness that pork ones have is replaced by the taste and aroma of truffle (probably oil and not real truffle). We also got their veggie spring rolls, filled with cabbage, carrot and wood ear mushroom, were slightly greasy as one would expect and really out as just fresh from the fryer, as were the veggie dumplings that we always prefer fried instead of steamed. But, the last dish that came was the most surprising of all (they cook to order, so you get your dishes as they are ready). That last dish was their crispy scallion sticky rice that were sticky rice patties filled with scallion, pickled green veggies and dried mushrooms. The slightly charred patty was crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside, packed in flavor predominantly coming from the scallion. This is a must have!

Spring rolls at Long Island Dumplings in NYC

Crystal shrimp dumplings at Long Island Dumplings in NYC

Vegan truffle soup dumplings at Long Island Dumplings in NYC

Fried veggie dumplings at Long Island Dumplings in NYC

Crispy scallion sticky rice at Long Island Dumplings in NYC

We passed many times in front of Long Island Dumplings and I am glad we stopped by to try it: their dumplings, made to order are simply delicious. This small casual place is perfect if you are craving dim sum or are looking for a quick bite.

Enjoy (I did)!

Long Island Dumplings - 513 6th Ave, New York, NY 10011

I Just Want To Eat! 12/9/24 I Just Want To Eat! 12/9/24

Brunch at Canto on the Upper West Side

Canto, a popular eatery in the West Village, just opened an outpost on the Upper West Side and I was invited to try their brunch in the new space. There, I briefly met with Chef and owner Djamel Omari who crafted an original menu that combines American brunch classics with Italian and Mediterranean dishes…

Please note that the meal was complimentary. However, I was not obliged to post and the opinions expressed in my blog are 100% my own!

Chef Djamel Omari at Canto on the Upper West Side

Here is what I tried:

To start, Jodi got a tea, while I chose their martini espresso, hesitating a bit to try their frozen version, but it was too cold that day for that. I admit that I was relieved when I saw that they did not serve it in a martini glass as I hate those…The martini, made with vodka (you can ask for tequila as well) was good, smooth and well balanced as I like it, the chocolate shavings enhancing a bit more the flavor of the coffee.

Espresso martini at Canto on the Upper West Side

Then, I tried their burger a cheval that looked beautiful with the melted Swiss cheese running down the sides of the thick beef patty that was squeezed between a delicious brioche bun with tomato, pickled onions, lettuce, and a dijonnaise sauce (made with mayonnaise and Dijon mustard) that gave a little French touch to a dish that represents Americana. The burger was pretty good, packed in flavors, with the patty being perfectly cooked medium and juicy. So, this was a regular burger as “a cheval” means that is top with a fried egg, that was a supplement for $1.50, but, considering what we wanted to try, I decided not to add more to an already big burger. I should mention the fries that were just ok for me, preferring thinner and crispier ones.

Jodi got the shakshuka, a mediterranean dish, made with tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, served with two poached eggs and some goat cheese. I simply loved it: comforting, eaten with or without the grilled slices of bread that came with the dish, it had a nice hint of cumin.

Shakshuka at Canto on the Upper West Side

Last, we finished our meal with their waffle all Lombarda that was served with mixed berries, whipped cream, creme patissiere and maple syrup. First, I should mention that they give you a nice amount of cream or syrup, when, usually, we need to ask for more. The creme patissiere was more like a creme anglaise as quite liquid, and balanced well with the sweetness of the syrup. But let’s go back to the waffle: this is a great one: crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, it is one of the best I had in a long time!

So, overall, we had a great meal at Canto, and the walk we had after was needed! I’ll have to go back to try their dinner menu that is all Italian, besides the burger, and try that time their desserts as their limoncello cheesecake or basil creme brulee sound interesting!

Enjoy (I did)!

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

Canto - 2014 Broadway, New York, NY 10023

Sponsored post: Leerdammer cheese celebrates 50 years!

I Just Want To Eat! 12/7/24 I Just Want To Eat! 12/7/24

Skinner's Loft in Jersey City, NJ

Skinner’s Loft in Jersey City is a true find. Located few steps from the Grove St Path station, this unassuming place boasts a terrific menu. We went there over a period of time, trying their brunch and dinner, always leaving satisfied after a nice meal. For brunch, I loved their croque monsieur, where the black forrest ham was smothered with a nice amount of gruyere cheese, before being squeezed between two slices of country bread and again topped with cheese. There is never too much cheese for sure! Interestingly, it was not served with a salad but with cole slaw. Jodi tried their mushroom and spinach omelet that was also good, not overcooked (I like my eggs runny by the way) and served with some crunchy home fries. I accompanied my lunch with a beer, the Founders Breakfast Stout that was quite refreshing on a hot summer day.

Croque Monsieur at Skinner's Loft in Jersey City, NJ

Founders Breakfast Stout at Skinner's Loft in Jersey City, NJ

Mushroom and spinach omelet at Skinner's Loft in Jersey City, NJ

For dinner, we had their arancini, made with ricotta and parmesan. These were crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, served with a roasted pepper coulis that added a sweet and smokey flavor. I also liked their grilled oysters that were simply made with a garlic and herb butter. I wish more restaurants would serve oysters that way.

Arancini at Skinner's Loft in Jersey City, NJ

Grilled oysters at Skinner's Loft in Jersey City, NJ

For the main, I tried their steak frites that was a 13oz NY strip perfectly grilled to a medium rare temperature, served with some parmesan herb fries that were crunchy as I like them. They also have some interesting vegetarian dishes. The roasted cauliflower and its arugula pesto was good, but my favorite was the vegan “scallop” mushroom risotto with asparagus that is the kind of dish where I do not miss any seafood or meat. It was a mushroom fest: porcini, maitake and rumpet gave another dimension to this dish. A must have!

Steak frites at Skinner's Loft in Jersey City, NJ

Roasted cauliflower at Skinner's Loft in Jersey City, NJ

Vegan risotto at Skinner's Loft in Jersey City, NJ

To accompany my meals, I tried some of their cocktails: The Lafayette (same name as my cat, so I had to try it), made with their house infused rosemary gin, lemon juice, orange shrub, egg whites and smash cranberry, and the Rejuvenator, made with plantation rum, poire williams (pear), apple cider vinegar, ginger thyme syrup, and pear nectar. Both were quite good and creative.

Rejuvenator cocktail at Skinner's Loft in Jersey City, NJ

Lafayette cocktail at Skinner's Loft in Jersey City, NJ

For dessert, we tried their bread pudding that was pretty good, not dry, topped with some vanilla ice cream.

Bread pudding at Skinner's Loft in Jersey City, NJ

Overall, we had great meals at Skinner’s Loft. The food there is really good, served in a very relaxed atmosphere. I definitely recommend this place.

Enjoy (I did)!

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

Skinner’s Loft - 146 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07302

I Just Want To Eat! 12/2/24 I Just Want To Eat! 12/2/24

Buc-ee's: come for the brisket, leave with the experience

We were visiting our friends Pam and Pat in Florida, when, as we were talking about lunch, Pat mentioned the brisket sandwich at Buc-ee’s, a chain of gas stations that started in Texas, with an outpost in Daytona Beach. The close to an hour drive, with potentially traffic, was not a deterrent, my love for BBQ being more powerful than the idea of potentially sitting in traffic the day before Thanksgiving…As we drove, I was already checking Buc-ee’s website, trying to figure out what I should try there. Brisket and pulled pork sandwiches were on the menu, so I had no other choice than trying both! As we arrived, there was already a line to pull into the giant parking lot, with people eating in their car or standing in front of their vehicle, holding sandwiches that they devoured without hesitation. You guessed it: there are no tables; you grab your food and eat in our car or next to it, making it a whole experience.

The place in Daytona Beach is huge: a gigantic parking lot with car wash and gas station on one side, and a fairly large store in the back. There, t-shirts, house decorations and various Buc-ee’s souvenirs, sit next to cakes, chocolates, and other kinds of foods, with three main areas of focus: first is their jerky that I did not try (I regret it as I am writing this, ditching the overpriced Amazon merchandise). Then is their fudge that looks amazing and tastes pretty good, especially the praline fudge that was my favorite, over the birthday cake one that Jodi liked.

Jerky at Buc-ee's in Daytona Beach, Florida

Fudge at Buc-ee's in Daytona Beach, Florida

Fudge and chocolates at Buc-ee's in Daytona Beach, Florida

But the main attraction was the brisket and pulled pork sandwiches. In the middle of the station, you can see that brisket with its nice bark being chopped and then smothered with some sweet BBQ sauce before being squeezed between two soft buns and wrapped (no need to wait for your sandwich to be done, they have a bunch ready for grab). As they prepare the sandwiches, you can hear them yelling “Fresh, hot brisket on board!” or “Sauce on the board!”, followed by an acknowledgment from the staff, like you would hear “Oui, Chef” in a fancy restaurant. So, I grabbed a pulled pork sandwich ($7.48) and a chopped brisket sandwich ($8.49). I admit that, although the pulled pork was good, my favorite was the brisket that was so tender, it literally melted in my mouth.

Brisket at Buc-ee's in Daytona Beach, Florida

Chopped brisket sandwich at Buc-ee's in Daytona Beach, Florida

Pulled pork sandwich at Buc-ee's in Daytona Beach, Florida

With it, we tried their Beaver Nuggets that are puffed corn tossed in a mix of butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla, that give it an interesting taste. Crunchy, you need a couple before liking them, the first few being more focussed on trying to figure out what they taste like rather than wondering if you like them or not. Then, they start being a bit addictive…

Beaver nuggets at Buc-ee's in Daytona Beach, Florida

Overall it was fun: the brisket sandwich is definitely something I would get again, but I would go for the XXL that has more brisket in it. Eating this in the back of a car was whole experience, worth the drive.

Enjoy (I did)!

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

Buc-ee’s - 2330 Gateway N Dr, Daytona Beach, FL 32117

I Just Want To Eat! 11/18/24 I Just Want To Eat! 11/18/24

Aragvi, Georgian restaurant in NYC, NY

Meaning “River”, Aragvi refers to a river in Georgia that is popular for kayaking and rafting. It is also a Georgian restaurant located Midtown East, where Chef Mikheil brings authentic recipes to our plates. Of course, when going to Aragvi, you have to try their khachapuri, Georgian cheese bread made famous on instagram, especially the Adjaruli that is an open-faced khachapuri from the Adjara region topped with a cheese blend that will be mixed with butter and egg yolk in a photogenic twirl. But they have others like the Royal Khachapuri that is topped with three huge dumplings filled with lots of cheese, or the Imeruli that is an old Georgian recipe from the Imereti region and that is dough stuffed cheese blend, like a Georgian calzone.

Adjaruli khachapuri at Aragvi, Georgian restaurant in NYC, NY

Royal khachapuri at Aragvi, Georgian restaurant in NYC, NY

Imeruli khachapuri at Aragvi, Georgian restaurant in NYC, NY

Imaruli khachapuri at Aragvi, Georgian restaurant in NYC, NY

We also tried their large dumplings as an appetizer, filled with mushrooms, but I admit that it was a bit disappointing as the shell was too thick. Continuing with cheese appetizers, we got their Aragvi salad that was quite good, topped with a cheese ball, or their Soko Kecze that is baked mushrooms filled with cheese, seasoned with dry mint, and finished with a hint of butter. Good, I would have preferred the mushrooms in smaller pieces. If you do not like cheese, you can get their mushrooms and potatoes that are cooked with garlic and dill, or the Ajapsandali that are oven baked vegetables with greens and tomato sauce.

Aragvi salad at Aragvi, Georgian restaurant in NYC, NY

Khinkali filled with mushrooms at Aragvi, Georgian restaurant in NYC, NY

Soko Kecze at Aragvi, Georgian restaurant in NYC, NY

Ajapsandali at Aragvi, Georgian restaurant in NYC, NY

Potatoes and mushrooms at Aragvi, Georgian restaurant in NYC, NY

They have lots of meat, but lamb being my favorite, I could not not try their drunk lamb that is lamb boiled in beer, cooked with tomato, bell peppers, greens and onion. The dish is cooked in a pot covered with dough that I used to dip in the succulent juice. Their lamb Lula kebab was also really good, a must have if you love this meat.

Drunk lamb at Aragvi, Georgian restaurant in NYC, NY

Lamb lula kebab at Aragvi, Georgian restaurant in NYC, NY

With our meals (we went quite few times), we had some of their drinks. They have homemade lemonade and Jodi tried their lime and mint, as well as their strawberry lemonade that was a bit sweet. On my side, I tried their chacha that is a Georgian brandy; I had it straight, but I admit that I preferred it in a cocktail, like the Vovik that was composed of chacha, gin, watermelon and lemon. This was quite refreshing, as was the Qvevruli that was made with Georgian red wine, blackcurrant puree, lime juice and mint.

Lime and mint lemonade at Aragvi, Georgian restaurant in NYC, NY

Strawberry lemonade at Aragvi, Georgian restaurant in NYC, NY

Vivid cocktail at Aragvi, Georgian restaurant in NYC, NY

Qveruli at Aragvi, Georgian restaurant in NYC, NY

Of course, we had to have desserts. They have baklava or chocolate lava cake, but we wanted to try something a bit different. The first time, we had their honey cake, but I admit that I found it a bit dry. I liked the matsoni that is Georgian yogurt topped with honey and nuts, but my favorite was the Eklerki that are cream-puffs filled with cream and served with ice cream, similar to profiteroles. I also noticed that they serve Turkish coffee, that I love. So, when I asked for it, they brought me some ice cream as well. Apparently, this is the only way they serve it…

Honey cake at Aragvi, Georgian restaurant in NYC, NY

Matsoni at Aragvi, Georgian restaurant in NYC, NY

Eklerki at Aragvi, Georgian restaurant in NYC, NY

Turkish coffee at Aragvi, Georgian restaurant in NYC, NY

We had great meals at Aragvi. I prefer this place over Chama Mama because they have a lot more choice of dishes. If you go there, you must try their khachapuri: it is superb!

Enjoy (I did)!

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

Aragvi - 230 E 44th St, New York, NY 10017

I Just Want To Eat! 11/7/24 I Just Want To Eat! 11/7/24

Wolfgang Steakhouse in Times Square

I should start this post by saying that Wolfgang Steakhouse is not the restaurant of Wolfgang Puck who opened Cut by Wolfgang Puck many years ago. No, this place takes its name from its owner, Wolfgang Zwiener who was a former headwaiter at Peter Luger. There is definitely a big step between working the dining room and the kitchen, and they successfully made it, but I admit that not all locations are equal. However, the one in Times Square is great: the food is consistent and their steak superb. The porterhouse, that comes sizzling or the tomahawk cajun style are both

I should start this post by saying that Wolfgang Steakhouse is not the restaurant of Wolfgang Puck who opened Cut by Wolfgang Puck many years ago. No, this place takes its name from its owner, Wolfgang Zwiener who was a former headwaiter at Peter Luger. There is definitely a big step between working the dining room and the kitchen, and they successfully made it, but I admit that not all locations are equal. However, the one in Times Square is great: the food is consistent and their steak superb. The porterhouse ($69.95 per person), that comes sizzling or the tomahawk cajun style are both tender and juicy, with a nice crust, the butter adding a bit more decadence to it. Surprisingly, the cajun rub did not overpower the tomahawk that was succulent.

Tomahawk cajun style at Wolfgang Steakhouse in Times Square

Tomahawk steak cajun style at Wolfgang Steakhouse in Times Square

Porterhouse at Wolfgang Steakhouse in Times Square

My favorite sides with a steak are the lobster Mac and cheese that is really creamy, and their sautéed mushrooms.

Lobster Mac and cheese at Wolfgang Steakhouse in Times Square

Sautéed mushrooms at Wolfgang Steakhouse in Times Square

But before getting a steak, I always enjoy a crab cake ($29.95), theirs being made with big lump of crab, letting the crustaceans shine and not being overposwered with fillers or celery. Their thick cut of bacon is a bit pricey ($15+ a slice), but delicious with their steak sauce, and I also like their baked clam with a glass of Manhattan ($24) that I asked to get in a whisky glass the last time I went as I hate martini glasses!

Crab cake at Wolfgang Steakhouse in Times Square

Thick slice of bacon at Wolfgang Steakhouse in Times Square

Baked clams at Wolfgang Steakhouse in Times Square

Manhattan at Wolfgang Steakhouse in Times Square

Desserts ($16.95) are not to be ignored: I love their their pecan pie that was deliciously sweet and buttery with a generous amount of crunchy pecans, or their key lime pie, that is served with a homemade whipped cream to cut the sweetness of the pie and its tartness.

Key lime pie at Wolfgang Steakhouse in Times Square

Pecan pie at Wolfgang Steakhouse in Times Square

Wolfgang Steakhouse is one of my favorite steakhouses in New York, but in Times Square: the steaks are of great quality and their food quite consistent. I definitely recommend it!

Enjoy (I did)!

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

Wolfgang Steakhouse Times Square - 250 W 41st St, New York, NY 10036

I Just Want To Eat! 11/4/24 I Just Want To Eat! 11/4/24

Fushimi Times Square

It’s been a while since we went to Fushimi, my first visit being not in Times Square but Brooklyn. So, when they invited us for their first year anniversary, I was quite excited. Located few steps from Port Authority, this place is gorgeous: as you enter, you are right away amazed by their rendition of the Fushimi Inari Taisha, a Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto that is famous for its thousands of red torii gates that create a trail we visited few years back during a memorable trip to Japan. The rest of the restaurant is stunning with a sophisticated urban vibe, blending Japanese minimalism with sleek, contemporary aesthetics, starting with the bar area with its paper cranes or orizuru, that is a powerful symbol in Japan. According to legend, folding 1,000 paper cranes grants you a wish or brings you good luck and long life. This tradition has become a symbol of peace, especially after the story of Sadako Sasaki, a young girl who developed leukemia due to the Hiroshima bombing and sought to fold 1,000 cranes to heal. She didn’t finish before she passed away, but her story inspired many to continue folding cranes as a wish for peace and health.

Talking about the bar, they have a great selection of cocktails. I tried: the lychee martini that was not too sweet, a whisky sour made with Suntori whisky, Masamune (made with Iwai Japanese whisky, Campari, St Germain and orange bitter, The Q (unfiltered sake, St Germain, grenadine and lemon juice).

During their first year celebration, we got to try some bites:

Veggie gyoza:

Pork gyoza:

Tuna

Rock shrimp:

Salmon:

Shrimp cocktail

Shrimp Shumai

Bacon:

Then, we went back for dinner a couple of times. For appetizers, I tried their roasted duck, made with mango, cucumber, lime, mint and an hoisin reduction. This was definitely to share and I simply loved it because the skin on the duck was delightfully crispy and fatty, with the mango and hoisin sauce giving a nice sweetness to it.

Jodi got each time we went their avocado truffle crispy sushi that is a pan seared crispy rice cake, topped with avocado, truffle puree and sweet miso sauce. I admit that this is probably one of the best I ever had! Crunchy as promised and decadent with some truffle that filled my nose as they brought the plate. She also got their avocado roll that is quite basic and we also shared the bang bang broccoli with sweet chili sauce and peanut, but I thought it was just ok. It was crispy, but I did not like the sauce that could have been uniformly spread, by tossing it with the fried broccoli in a bowl. What was amazing though is their charred seasonal mushrooms that is proposed as a side, but could easily be an appetizer (note that they were not that charred, but still good).

Avocado truffle crispy sushi at Fushimi Times Square

Bang bang broccoli at Fushimi Times Square

Charred seasonal mushrooms at Fushimi Times Square

On my side, I tried the roasted Scottish salmon that was good, but not the best I ever had, being slightly overcooked, and the miso chilean seabass roll that was made with crispy sea bass with green apple for freshness and crunch, topped with crunchy sea scallops, sweet aioli and saikyo miso. This was a delicious roll, with an explosion of flavor in each bite.

Miso chilean seabass roll at Fushimi Times Square

Roasted Scottish salmon at Fushimi Times Square

Of course, we had to try their desserts. Their best is the molten cake that was gooey inside and accompanied with an amazing red velvet ice cream. I also liked their mochi ice cream that was a trio composed of vanilla, strawberry and espresso.

I had no idea that Fushimi was in Times Square and was glad that I have been invited so it put it on my map whenever I want to have an elevated Japanese meal. They have great cocktails and interesting dishes that I will continue to discover.

Enjoy (I really did)!

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

Fushimi Times Square - 311 West 43rd St, New York, NY 10036

I Just Want To Eat! 10/18/24 I Just Want To Eat! 10/18/24

My trip to Memphis: Amelia Gene's

Few months ago, we decided to go to Memphis with the most memorable moments being the visit of the Lorraine Hotel and National Civil Rights museum, as well as Graceland, the songs from the Elvis Presley being part of my childhood. We stayed at the Caption by Hyatt Beale Street and had no idea that a not so little gem was standing next to the hotel: Amanda Gene’s, a restaurant where Chef Nate Henssler crafted a contemporary menu inspired by global cuisines. That place, that used...

We started off our meal with some drinks, their cocktail menu being quite interesting and not your classic old fashioned or Manhattan. Some had rosemary, some cauliflower brine and truffle, others raspberry. tea leaf. Jodi went for a spirit free (the Green Gene with lime, apple, cucumber and peach champagne rub), while I chose the Shadow Woman made with bourbon, pear (the deciding factor), honey syrup and lemon.

The Green Gene at Amelia Gene's in Memphis

The Shadow Woman at Amelia Gene's in Memphis

We then proceeded to share their buttermilk biscuits, that came with hot honey butter, fruit preserves and pickled vegetables. I think that was a mistake, not because it was not good, to the contrary! They were delicious, crispy on the outside, but because you could not stop eating these large biscuits and we had more food to come…

Buttermilk biscuit at Amelia Gene's in Memphis

Buttermilk biscuits at Amelia Gene's in Memphis

We then got two bites: the first one was a tiny croissant filled with foie gras and with a touch of raspberry gel. Surely one bite, but, what a bite! The buttery and flakey croissant was just a cover for the foie gras filling to explode in my mouth. The second item was their golden potato fondue made with Tete de Moine cheese and black truffle. This looked quite appetizing, with the shavings of cheese sitting on top of the mashed potatoes, calling for a thorough mix that gave a creamy texture to the dish and freed the delicious aroma of the truffle. A must have!

Golden potato fondue at Amelia Gene's in Memphis

Croissant with foie gras bite at Amelia Gene's in Memphis

Next was their cheese: for $26, we got 5 different kinds:

Bloomy breeze: a brie style blend of fresh milk from Jersey and Holstein cows.
Truffle hive: a Utah cheddar with a truffle rind.
Little Mountain: an Alpine-style cheese from Wisconsin.
Shabby Shoe: a Wisconsin version of a popular French goat cheese (Chabichou).
Point Reyes Blue: a Californian blue cheese.

Cheese selection at Amelia Gene's in Memphis

These platter at Amelia Gene's in Memphis

It’s been a long time we have seen a good cheese selection like this, many restaurant serving low quality cheese, just to have a cheese plate on their menu as it looks fancy and is easy to prepare. The selection at Amanda Gene’s was truly amazing.

We also shared the bucatini with saffron and white tomato: was a succulent dish! The pasta was well cooked, al dente, smothered in a delicate sauce that still allowed to shine.

Bucatini with saffron at Amelia Gene's in Memphis

Of course, we could not leave without dessert and opted for the salted caramel creme brûlée with a cherry sauce and whipped white chocolate. Perfectly made, custardy, it was the best way to end a fantastic meal.

Salted caramel creme brûlée at Amelia Gene's in Memphis

Amelia Gene’s was an incredible find: this place proposes a great menu in a stunning decor, and a relaxed atmosphere. I highly recommend it!

Enjoy (I did)!

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

Amanda Gene’s - 255 S Front St. Memphis, TN 38103

I Just Want To Eat! 10/15/24 I Just Want To Eat! 10/15/24

The Dubai Chocolate: worth the hype?

I admit that I had no idea what the Dubai chocolate was until I read an article in the news about the frenzy that has taken over Tik Tok. So, I decided to try it and went to The Nut Factory who was promoting it. At close to $19 a bar, this chocolate bar, made with Belgian chocolate, pistachio and kataifi is pricey, but so good! Kataifi is used in many desserts, my favorite one being kunefe or knafeh...

I admit that I had no idea what the Dubai chocolate was until I read an article in the news about the frenzy that has taken over Tik Tok. So, I decided to try it and went to The Nuts Factory who was promoting it. At close to $19 a bar, this chocolate bar, made with Belgian chocolate, pistachio and kataifi is pricey, but so good! Kataifi is used in many desserts, my favorite one being kunefe or knafeh, popular in the Middle East, that is made with cheese, pistachio and a sugar syrup. Don’t worry, there is no cheese in this chocolate bar, but the crunch from the kataifi and the creaminess of the filling surely elevates it. Overall not overly sweet, the chocolate is also of good quality, my preference is the white chocolate.

So, yes, it is worth the hype for me! You can find it at The Nuts Factory and Amazon, with prices varying greatly, from $19 to $35!!! Surely not a treat I would have every day.

Enjoy (I did)!

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