I Just Want To Eat! 8/19/22 I Just Want To Eat! 8/19/22

Deep Dish Pizza at Uno Pizzeria and Grill in NYC

We were looking for a place to eat on a Saturday on the Upper East or West side of the city, when I suggested to Jodi to go to Uno Pizzeria and Grill to get some deep dish pizza. I did not even finish my sentence before she said yes, pizza being one of her favorite dishes…Uno is quite known when it comes to Chicago style deep dish pizza as it is said that it is there, in 1943, that Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo, descendant of Neapolitan immigrants, decided to create an Italian-American version of Pizza.

Deep dish pizza is cooked in a pan, and is so thick that it takes a bit of time to cook (Jodi ordered a side house salad while we were waiting). So, the classic one would have the cheese in the bottom, so the cheese would not burn. But we decided to try something different and asked for a four cheese without pesto. Served with diced tomatoes that added some freshness to it, the cheeses were feta, cheddar, pecorino Romano and mozzarella. And there was lots of it! The test with deep dish pizza is to lift the slice up in the air and see the strings of cheese separating from side slices, showcasing the amount of cheese they put there! The crust was quite delicious, crispy and a bit crumbly, not dry probably because of the amount of oil they put in the dough. It is filling for sure but do not go for the 7 inch individual pizza as we did that one time in Chicago and were a bit disappointed as it was a bit dry.

House salad at Uno Pizzeria and Grill in NYC

Four cheese deep dish pizza at Uno Pizzeria and Grill in NYC

Overall, I liked it but if I had to pick a place for deep dish pizza, I would go to Emmet’s downtown NYC: their pizza if far better for me!

Enjoy (I still did)!

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Uno Pizzeria and Grill - 432 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10024

I Just Want To Eat! 8/17/22 I Just Want To Eat! 8/17/22

Deep Dish Pizza at Emmett's in NYC

My favorite spot for deep dish pizza in New York City is Emmett’s a small joint located Downtown Manhattan that we discovered many years ago while watching a food show on TV. There is something about this place that I love: some sort of nostalgia from the decor (love the bar with its bills from all over the world) and run down tables, with a warmth not just from the place but also from its staff that makes you want to go back. Their deep dish pizza is a must have and our favorite is the Cheese Louise that is oozing of cheese and has this incredible caramelized crust that is deliciously crispy and adds some decadence to a pizza that is spectacular. The crispy crust is not dry at all and is topped with a delicious tomato sauce and tons of cheese that will fill you up quickly (it is good for 3 people for sure).

Emmett’s is my favorite spot for deep dish pizza in New York. So, if you are craving Chicago style pizza or never tried it, it is worth a trip downtown!

Enjoy (I did)!

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Emmett’s - 50 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012

I Just Want To Eat! 8/15/22 I Just Want To Eat! 8/15/22

Peter Pan Donut and Pastry Shop in Greenpoint, Brooklyn

Have you ever wonder how donut should be spelled? Is it donut or doughnut? According to grammar.com, “More exactly, "donut" is the US spelling and "doughnut" is the spelling used more frequently in the UK”. Whatever it is, I love doughnuts, cake or yeast, classic or with a twist. So, as we were in Greenpoint, we decided to try Peter Pan Donut and Pastry Shop, a popular place that has fed hungry patrons since the 1950s and was even featured in Spiderman: No Way Home,…

Boston Cream donut at Peter Pan Donut and Pastry Shop in Greenpoint, Brooklyn

French Cruller at Peter Pan Donut and Pastry Shop in Greenpoint, Brooklyn

Toasted Coconut donut at Peter Pan Donut and Pastry Shop in Greenpoint, Brooklyn

Sugar raised donut at Peter Pan Donut and Pastry Shop in Greenpoint, Brooklyn

Jodi usually goes with a coconut one and she liked the toasted coconut one, although then second time we went there, the coating fell a bit apart. On my side, I usually go for a French cruller not because of the fact that it has “French” in the name, but because I love the slightly crispy airy texture and egg like taste it has. Other favorites are sugar donuts and the Boston Cream. The latter was really good, the vanilla custard it was filled in being very good.

These yeast donuts are superb: airy and chewy, and they only cost $1.50! So if you are in the area, stop by!

Enjoy (I did)!

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Peter Pan Donut and Pastry Shop - 727 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222

I Just Want To Eat! 8/12/22 I Just Want To Eat! 8/12/22

The Franklin Fountain Ice Cream Parlor in Philadelphia, PA

Going to The Franklin Fountain in Philadelphia is like stepping in the past to indulge some old time ice cream, with some people thinking that this place has been opened for decades if not centuries, being maybe the oldest ice cream parlor in America where possibly, Benjamin Franklin used to go. It’s true that the owners have done a good job creating a place that truly looks ancient: from the decor to the way staff is dressed (by the way, they call them Jerks with an old meaning that does not mean how we would interpret it today!), and even some old time flavors. But, in fact, The Franklin Fountain opened…

The Franklin Fountain in Philadelphia, PA

The place was packed and we were unlucky to end up right behind a group of 20 people who took forever to order their ice cream! Considering how hot the weather was (close to 100 degrees F), we decided to get a Chinese food take out box rather than a cone, the ice cream melting quite fast and thinking that I would then avoid having some on my shoes, as I usually do when eating a cone…I thought the Chinese takeout box was a fun way to present it rather then the classic cup. Jodi got coconut Ice cream with chocolate sprinkles, while I had butter pecan and a scoop of Hydrox cookie that is the original Oreo. The ice cream was quite good, creamy, my favorite being the butter pecan that had pieces of pecan and some caramel in it. I simply loved it. The Hyrax cookie was good, but I admit that I prefer having it in a milk shake rather than a scoop. The coconut ice cream was not bad, with flakes of coconut, but not the best Jodi ever had, as they could have been heavier on the coconut.

Butter pecan ice cream at The Franklin Fountain in Philadelphia, PA

Coconut ice cream at The Franklin Fountain in Philadelphia, PA

So this time we really enjoyed our ice cream and I have changed my mind about The Franklin Fountain: the ice cream there is quite good and perfect for a hot day. The scoops are big so two is for me the max I could eat, especially as it is rich ice cream. So, yes, I would go 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!

The Franklin Fountain - 116 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

I Just Want To Eat! 8/10/22 I Just Want To Eat! 8/10/22

Cheesesteak at Molly Malloy's in the Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia

Going to Philadelphia, there were few things we wanted to do, one of them was to have a cheesesteak and, our plan was to go to Geno’s, but the 100 degree weather made us want to go indoors. So, I looked up on the internet if there were more choices at the Reading Terminal Market to try something new as last year we went to Carmen’s Famous Hoagie. That is how I found Molly Malloy’s, a pub that sits right in the middle of the market. So, going there had few advantages:

Their cheesesteak, that comes with homemade potato chips (nice touch and well made, deliciously crispy), was made with sliced ribeye, Cooper sharp cheese, and I added onions and mushrooms. If it was not for the seeded roll, I would have loved it: the steak was well cooked, very juicy, mixed with lots of melted cheese, onions for sweetness and mushrooms for a bit of texture and earthiness.

On her side, Jodi got the Spring Vegetable salad that had arugula, spinach, quinoa, crispy onions (lots of it), pineapple, grilled asparagus, scallion with a charred onion balsamic vinaigrette.

Spring veg salad at Molly Malloy's in the Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia

So, overall, it was good, and a good spot for the reasons I mentioned above. It is worth trying, even if I think that it is not the best compared to the more popular Geno’s, Tony Luke’s or Carmen.

Enjoy (I did)!

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Molly Malloy’s - Reading Terminal Market, 1136 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

I Just Want To Eat! 8/8/22 I Just Want To Eat! 8/8/22

Del Frisco’s Grille in Philadelphia

We were looking for a restaurant in Philly’s city center that would be opened after 10pm on a Saturday evening, after an opening at MK Apothecary where Jodi had several paintings. In New York, this task would be easy, with so many choices that your selection would be based on your food craving. Not in Philly. Many restaurants were either already closed or would close at 10pm. I was not really into room service, so we decided to eat at Del Frisco’s Grille that was right next to our hotel. I am not going to lie: there could be worst choices and at first, I was eying their steak section. But, as it was pretty late, I decided to go lighter (dessert included as I admit that I have my own perception of what a light meal is). I chose two appetizers: the jumbo shrimp cocktail with a chipotle cocktail sauce (the chipotle part was very subtle) and a lemon dill aioli (not really a classic aioli), and then the jumbo lump crab cake with a Cajun lobster sauce. I was quite happy with my choice: the jumbo part of both the shrimp and the crab cake was respected, especially in the latter where often, you only have very small pieces of crab that you can barely taste. There, there were nice large pieces of crab meat that were mixed with some sort of mayo and some celery, but not to the point where it overpowered the crab.

Crab cake at Del Frisco’s Grille in Philadelphia

Jumbo Shrimp cocktail at Del Frisco’s Grille in Philadelphia

On her side, Jodi got a burrata and wild mushroom salad that was good.

Burrata salad at Del Frisco’s Grille in Philadelphia

I accompanied my meal with a cocktail: a caramelized fig Manhattan. It was made with Sagamore rye, Liber & Co caramelized fig syrup, Carpano Antica Vermouth and bitters. I loved this version of the Manhattan, the caramelized fig taste really coming through and adding a nice sweetness to the drink. Lucky for me, the bartender made a mistake and prepared two of them: instead of discarding the second, they comped it!

Caramelized fig Manhattan at Del Frisco’s Grille in Philadelphia

Of course we could not leave without dessert and ordered the caramel pot de creme. It was made with salted caramel, butterscotch and whipped cream. Good and not too sweet, but I was looking for a more pronounced salted caramel taste.

Caramel pot de creme at Del Frisco’s Grille in Philadelphia

So, although it would not have been my first choice, Del Frisco’s Grille was pretty good. This is a good place to know for a late dinner in the city center.

Enjoy (I did)!

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

Del Frisco’s Grille - 225 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

I Just Want To Eat! 8/1/22 I Just Want To Eat! 8/1/22

Amazing Dinner at Vetri Cucina in Philadelphia

Each time we go to Philadelphia, we treat ourselves at Vetri cucina, the amazing restaurant of Chef Marc Vetri who is one of Philly’s top chefs. Going to Vetri is such an experience: located in a townhouse, it is as if you were invited to someone’s house. The decor is warm and the perfect setting for an intimate dinner where you will be able to hear your conversation, even if there is music in the background (well, Jodi noticed the music, I did not!).

They offer a four course tasting menu staring with an antipasto, pasta, secondi and dolci (dessert), each section proposing several choices, some vegetarian and some not.

To greet us, they brought us a house cocktail made with Spritz and Prosecco. Light and refreshing on a very hot day. And as it was hot, I decided to accompany my meal with a glass of Rosé, La Spineta Toscana Rosato 2021 “Il rose di Casanova” (from Tuscany).

House cocktail at Vetri Cucina in Philadelphia

Rosé, La Spineta Toscana Rosato 2021 “Il rose di Casanova” at Vetri Cucina in Philadelphia

Before the antipasti, they brought us an amuse-bouche and I admit that the description being so precise, I do not remember what it was! Vegetarian for Jodi: it was a heirloom tomato tart with a roasted pepper that was not hot at all..

Heirloom tomato tart with pepper at Vetri Cucina in Philadelphia

And for me an oyster from Cape May with a mignonette on top that I do not remember how it was made…And there was a little something made with the same kind of pepper Jodi had next to it.

Cape May Oyster at Vetri Cucina in Philadelphia

For her antipasti, Jodi chose the sweet onion crepe, the only appetizer that they kept on the menu for years and that she has each time we dine at Vetri. This is a succulent take on a French onion soup where the onions are cooked for more than 10 hours, giving them that scrumptious sweetness. It is made with truffle and topped with a parmesan fonduta.

Sweet onion crepe at Vetri Cucina in Philadelphia

On my side, I got the grilled octopus that was served with melon, buttermilk, a sumac chili crisp and an 18 year old balsamic vinegar. The octopus was perfectly cooked, nicely charred on the outside and not chewy. I loved the contrast of the buttermilk that counterbalanced the acidity and sweetness of the vinegar, the melon giving a summer touch to the dish.

Grilled octopus at Vetri Cucina in Philadelphia

Next was the pasta course. Jodi ordered the classic split that is composed of two different pasta: a spinach gnocchi with ricotta salata and brown butter, and an almond tortellini with truffle and parmesan. On my side, I got the sheep milk ricotta mezzaluna with chanterelles, cherries and pistachio. They also brought us, compliment of the chef, the pappardelle aglio e olio with zucchini. As the dishes made it to the table, we got the fantastic aroma of the brown butter that just made us want to dig right away. Everything was succulent, the pasta being perfectly made and cooked, even the spinach gnocchi blew me away although I am not a huge fan of spinach. The ricotta mezzaluna was simply delicious, the ricotta not being the most tasteful cheese, but, with the cherries that added some sweetness, the earthiness of the mushrooms and the nuttiness of the pistachio and brown butter, it all balanced quite well. Another favorite was the almond tortellini: I could have had another full dish of it. I loved the little crunch from the small pieces of almond in the filling and there was, again, that use of the brown butter that elevated the dish. Now, when it comes to the pappardelle with zucchini, I admit that I was really surprised at how good it was, admitting that I would have probably never ordered that dish, thinking that there would be big pieces of zucchini mixed with pasta. I was totally wrong: this was amazing, quite comforting in fact.

Split pasta at Vetri Cucina in Philadelphia

Pappardelle aglio e olio with zucchini at Vetri Cucina in Philadelphia

Ricotta mezzaluna with chanterelles, cherries and pistachio at Vetri Cucina in Philadelphia

At that point I started to get full and was glad that I did not indulge too much on their semolina focaccia and sesame sourdough…

For her secondi, Jodi picked the eggplant terrine served with summer squash and castelrosso fonduta (castelrosso is a whole cow’s milk from Piedmont). This was a beautiful dish, colorful. Cooking eggplant, especially the skin is always a challenge as if not done properly, it can taste bitter. So, they blanche the skin so they can use it as a wrapper for the terrine. It was overall good, well made, but what I remember the most is that pickled eggplant that was superb!

Eggplant terrine at Vetri Cucina in Philadelphia

On my side, I got the smoked baby goat with polenta. I was curious to see how that goat would be as, in the past, whenever I had goat, it was tough. At Vetri, depending on the size of the animal, they will smoke it between 2 to 4 hours before braising it. Although I did not really care about the house-milled soft polenta, the goat was amazing: tender, with a crispy skin, not dry at all. This is a must have!

Smoked baby goat at Vetri Cucina in Philadelphia

Before dessert, they brought a palate cleanser. It was a blackberry fool, made with blackberry compote folded with whipped cream and topped with an Arnold Palmer granita made with black tea and lemon.

Blackberry Fool with Arnold Palmer Granita at Vetri Cucina in Philadelphia

I could not wait for my dessert as it was their molten pistachio cake that I had last year. Very soft in the center, it is deliciously buttery and, even Jodi who does not like pistachio loved it. Served with a cherry gelato, it is one of the best desserts I ever had!

Molten pistachio cake at Vetri Cucina in Philadelphia

Jodi got a strawberry polenta short cake that was like a deconstructed version of a short cake. This was superb, but I admit that the surprising component was definitely the olive oil gelato that is a must try if you come across a place that proposes it. It is not that you get a mouthful of olive oil. No, it gives a creamy and rich taste to the gelato.

Strawberry polenta short cake at Vetri Cucina in Philadelphia

We got espresso and tea with our desserts, and, as if we were not already completely full, they brought a small plate with apricot macaron with lavender buttercream, blueberry rye and fudge with walnut.

I just needed a walk after that! Vetri Cucina never disappoints for sure. Not only the food is amazing there, but the service is exceptional, the staff describing each dish in a way that would make you want to try everything. I should point out that the vegetarian dishes are not an afterthought, being as crafted and elegant as the non-vegetarian ones. This is fine dining at its best, where you realize what hospitality means.

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!

Vetri Cucina - 1312 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

I Just Want To Eat! 7/29/22 I Just Want To Eat! 7/29/22

Empyrean Indian Kitchen & Bar in Hoboken, NJ

Indian food is one of these cuisines that we often crave and with the closure of Soul Curry in Hoboken, we did not have much in the city, Karma Cafe not being a favorite. So, when Empyrean Indian Kitchen and Bar opened, we immediately ordered food for delivery and were impressed by the food there. So, it was time for us, many months later, to dine in there and, similar to our deliveries, we did it more than once…The dishes at Empyrean Indian Kitchen and Bar are a festival of flavors whether you want it spicy or mild, vegetarian or non-vegetarian. Every meal starts with the papadum, these crackers served with mint chutney and tamarind sauce. They are great as an aperitif with one of their cocktails. They have a full bar so you can get either a house cocktail like the Gujju Misunderstood Smash that is made with Misunderstood Whisky, cucumber, lime, mint and ginger, or a classic like a whisky sour. Of course, I tried their mango lassi that is usually my go to drink, using it to counteract any spiciness (also because I like it).

Papadam at Empyrean Indian Kitchen & Bar in Hoboken, NJ

Gujju Misunderstood Smash at Empyrean Indian Kitchen & Bar in Hoboken, NJ

Whisky sour at Empyrean Indian Kitchen & Bar in Hoboken, NJ

MAngo lassi at Empyrean Indian Kitchen & Bar in Hoboken, NJ

Our go to appetizer there has always been the samosa that have a nice kick.

Samosa at Empyrean Indian Kitchen & Bar in Hoboken, NJ

For curry, I love their butter chicken and chicken tikka masala (the paneer tikka masala is superb): it is creamy and comforting, the sauce itself being kind of addictive and I could not stop dipping the lachha paratha or butter naan we ordered. But one of my favorites is the lamb korma, that is phenomenal: that cashew sauce is so good! You can decide to have goat instead of lamb, but I admit that in the past, when I tried goat (not there), I found it tough.

Butter chicken at Empyrean Indian Kitchen & Bar in Hoboken, NJ

Paneer tikka masala at Empyrean Indian Kitchen & Bar in Hoboken, NJ

Lamb korma at Empyrean Indian Kitchen & Bar in Hoboken, NJ

Rice at Empyrean Indian Kitchen & Bar in Hoboken, NJ

Lachha paratha at Empyrean Indian Kitchen & Bar in Hoboken, NJ

Butter naan at Empyrean Indian Kitchen & Bar in Hoboken, NJ

We also often ordered their dal makhni that was delightfully creamy. This is a dish I re-discovered while traveling to India few years ago and always order, but more as a side.

Dal Makhni at Empyrean Indian Kitchen & Bar in Hoboken, NJ

For dessert, our go to is always the gulab jamun that are these deep fried milk balls dipped in a sugar syrup.

Gulab jamun at Empyrean Indian Kitchen & Bar in Hoboken, NJ

So, yes, Empyrean Indian Kitchen and Bar is my favorite Indian restaurant in Hoboken, not that there are many, but still: the food there is delicious, comforting and flavorful, with generous portions, so we always have some dishes packed for another meal…

Enjoy (I did)!

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

Empyrean Indian Kitchen & Bar - 20 Hudson Place, Hoboken, NJ 07030

I Just Want To Eat! 7/27/22 I Just Want To Eat! 7/27/22

Le Fanfare in Green Point, Brooklyn

We were in Green Point, Brooklyn on a Sunday, looking for a place for brunch when we stumbled upon Le Fanfare, an Italian restaurant with a neighborhood feel. It was not that crowded when we arrived early, if not for a party in the patio. I immediately loved the decor, designed by Milan artist and architect Giuseppe Amato, that sets this place apart: on the left were wooden booths were we sat; on the right were marble tables for two with the shape of school tables sticked together, dominated by a study lamp. And then in the middle, two communal tables (I was hoping no one had a reservation and would sit next to us…)

Their brunch menu was interesting, with classics like French toast, pancakes or burgers. But not only. For instance, in got their Pane Frattau, a Sardinian flat bread “pizza” as they described it, topped with a marinara sauce, some pecorino and two sunny side up eggs that were perfectly done, the yolk being runny. The “crust”, that was paper thin, had a soft texture, as if undercooked, but in a good way, and I did not need a knife to cut it. Flavor wise, it was very good and comforting.

Pane Frattau at Le Fanfare in Green Point, Brooklyn

Jodi got their avocado toast that was on a multigrain bread a bit too thick to be cut easily with the knife (the usual issue with toast). There were two pieces of bread and they could have gone with just one, doubling the amount of avocado on it. Otherwise, it was good.

Avocado toast at Le Fanfare in Green Point, Brooklyn

For drinks, Jodi got a tea while I sipped an iced coffee. Perfect with the small pieces of coffee cake they brought us while we waited for our dishes.

Iced coffee at Le Fanfare in Green Point, Brooklyn

Coffee cake at Le Fanfare in Green Point, Brooklyn

Overall, it was good and I liked the atmosphere of the place. I will have to go back to try their dinner!

Enjoy (I did)!

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

Le Fanfare - 1103 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222

I Just Want To Eat! 7/25/22 I Just Want To Eat! 7/25/22

Sparks Steakhouse in NYC

Sparks Steakhouse is one of these places that are part of the history of New York, like Keens, Peter Luger or the Old Homestead. Not that it is that old, but it is a major player in the New York food scene, to the point that when it announced in 2017 that it would close its doors because it could not reach an agreement with its landlord, everyone was stunned. Fortunately, they were able to renew their lease and continue operating. Besides for its steaks, Sparks is also known because of the infamous murder in 1985, right in front of the restaurant, of Paul Castellano, the head of the Gambino family that was ordered by John Gotti.

So, I was excited to finally go there, Sparks Steakhouse being on my list forever. Arriving there, you get transported a bit to the past, noticing the tuxedo of the Maître D’ or the heavy decor that old steakhouses used to have: thick carpet, dark setting, masculine feel and tons of paintings along the walls.

Food wise, they are proud to say that, at least for steaks, they did not change their menu for the past 60 years they have been in operation. I admit that I was a bit lost with their menu that just said for instance “steak fromage” or “sliced steak with…”. So they explained that their most popular and recommended cut is their sirloin and then the filet mignon. You can they choose to have it with cheese (the “au fromage” I mentioned before) or with sautéed onions and peppers. They do not have any ribeye or porterhouse and asking feels like you are insulting them (but with an humorous way). They also have an impressive veal chop and lamb. The lamb was pretty good, drenched, nicely fatty, and perfectly cooked medium. The sirloin was good too, but more medium than medium-rare. It was tender and juicy, with a nice crust on the outside.

Lamb and petite sirloin at Sparks Steakhouse in NYC

As far as sides, they have classics, and their hash browns are a must have: crunchy with a delicious burnt crust. Another good option is the sautéed mushrooms.

Sautéed mushrooms at Sparks Steakhouse in NYC

Appetizers seem also to be of the past and pricey for what it is. For example, you get 4 baked clams and 2 shrimp scampi for $27.95! It would be a large shrimp gambas, and a giant clam, I would understand, but no, this was small and not worth the price. The crab meat and scallops was also a let down but better as there was lots of jumbo crab meat, but the Bay scallops were simply bland. Disappointing.

Clams and shrimp scampi at Sparks Steakhouse in NYC

Crab and scallops at Sparks Steakhouse in NYC

I should mention their extensive wine list that is quite impressive. However, I only had a cocktail, a Paper Plane, that was made with bourbon, aperol and amaro.

Paper plane cocktail at Sparks Steakhouse in NYC

Last is desserts. The fact that they have classic is in a way what you would want in a steakhouse and their pecan pie a la mode is superb. However, they are not making it there. They apparently only make the whipped cream. So, why not putting much more on the plate! There was just a little bit there, gone after less than two bites.

Pecan pie a la mode at Sparks Steakhouse in NYC

So, overall, I was not so impressed by Sparks Steakhouse. The meat was good but not at the level of a Peter Luger or Gallagher's, or even Porterhouse that has become my favorite. I guess going there would be more because it is an institution in the city than for its menu.

Enjoy (I still did)!

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

Sparks Steakhouse- 210 E 46th St, New York, NY 10017

I Just Want To Eat! 7/22/22 I Just Want To Eat! 7/22/22

Dim Sum Palace in Midtown West

We were craving Chinese food and had to be midtown, so I thought that Dim Sun Palace would be a good spot for us. But not the location on the Theater District that can be really busy, we went to the one on 56th street. The place was packed, but, fortunately, they have a second floor that was quieter.

Dim Sum Palace offers an extensive menu with not just dim sum, also classics, and I admit that it is a bit overwhelming with so many choices, vegetarian and non-vegetarian. If you want dim sum, you will mark your choice on the printed menu, below the photo of the item (photos are always a good thing in case you are not sure what a dish is).

Of course, a Tsing Tao beer is perfect for dim sum. Light and refreshing.

Sting tao beer at Dim Sum Palace in Midtown West

For dim sum, they have the classics like the crystal shrimp dumplings that were perfect. Their mixed mushroom dumplings were also delicious, the filling being very good, letting the mushrooms be the star of these small pockets without putting things like celery or spinach that would overpower it. Another great dumpling was their shredded roast duck, but I admit that I would have loved some hoisin sauce with it, the sweetness going perfectly with the duck. My least favorite was the soy bean dumpling: I simply did not like the texture.

Shredded duck at Dim Sum Palace in Midtown West

Crystal shrimp dumplings at Dim Sum Palace in Midtown West

Mushroom dumplings at Dim Sum Palace in Midtown West

Soy bean dumplings at Dim Sum Palace in Midtown West

On the crispy side, they offer classics like the scallion pancakes that were nicely crispy and slightly greasy as they should. Or the vegetable spring rolls that always burn your mouth…I also tried their crispy garlic spare ribs that were also very hot, definitely crispy, with a delicious saltiness that enhance the taste of the meat without being too salty, or garlicky.

Crispy garlic spare ribs at Dim Sum Palace in Midtown West

Scallion pancakes at Dim Sum Palace in Midtown West

Vegetable spring rolls at Dim Sum Palace in Midtown West

We finished our meal with their sweet egg yolk steamy buns. I love this dessert: the egg yolk is delightfully sweet, the bun balancing perfectly the sweetness of the filling. This is a must have.

Sweet egg yolk steamy buns at Dim Sum Palace in Midtown West

We did not regret our choice for lunch for sure: Dim Sun Palace is a fantastic spot outside of Chinatown for dim sum. They had a wide variety, for vegetarian and not vegetarian, some dumplings being more sticky than others but still very good. I highly recommend it.

Enjoy (I did)!

Dim Sum Palace - 28 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019

I Just Want To Eat! 7/20/22 I Just Want To Eat! 7/20/22

Cafe China in NYC, NY

I discovered Cafe China several years ago, as I was going through the restaurants in New York with one Michelin Star. At the time, I was not that impressed by the food, but admitted at the time that it might have been because of the choice of dishes we made. So I was curious to see how this would be this time, and admit that this was very good, with a very speedy and courteous service! Here is what we had:…

As a cocktail, I got the Fallen Angels, made with Four Roses bourbon, freshly squeezed lemon juice, homemade grenadine and bitters. This was nicely sweet and not too strong, quite refreshing.

Fallen Angels cocktail at Cafe China in NYC, NY

Vegetable pot stickers with mixed vegetables, shiitake mushrooms and tofu skin: that was really good, with a nice charred crust, and a filling quite tasty.

Vegetable pot stickers at Cafe China in NYC, NY

Crystal shrimp dumplings: prepared with lard, they were pan fried that is the first time I had them like that. I loved it, with a large piece of shrimp inside and the shell crispy.

Crystal shrimp dumplings at Cafe China in NYC, NY

Dan Dan noodles: I love this dish and I know that every family has its own recipe. It was good, but not spicy and I have to say that Hao Noodles set the bar high for me, so I was expecting much more…

Dan Dan noodles at Cafe China in NYC, NY

Eggplant and string beans: this vegetarian dish had a nice kick.

Eggplant and string beans at Cafe China in NYC, NY

Tea smoked duck: this is one of their specialties. The deboned duck was served skin on for crispness, and with some steamed buns. They do not serve them with hoisin sauce (or any sauce) as it would overpower the smokiness of the tea. I thought that it would be dry, but it was not and the duck was delicious, the skin being fatty and sweet.

Tea smoked duck at Cafe China in NYC, NY

We finish the meal with the eight jewel rice pudding, a dessert made with sticky rice, dates, red bean, walnut and lotus seed. This was fantastic! The sticky rice gave a nice texture and was bathed in a delicious sugar syrup.

Eight jewel rice pudding at Cafe China in NYC, NY

So, finally, I tried the two dishes I mentioned in my last visit: the Dan Dan noodles and the tea smoked duck. Both were quite good and, overall, we had a great meal. So, I changed my mind about this place, and I would recommend it.

Enjoy (I did)!

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Cafe China - 59 W 37th St, New York, NY 10018

I Just Want To Eat! 7/18/22 I Just Want To Eat! 7/18/22

Joe's Ginger in Chinatown, NYC

We were craving Chinese food and decided to stop by Chinatown for lunch on a Saturday. Our original target was full with a long wait, so we finally ended up at Joe’s Ginger on Pell Street. The restaurant was a bit busy so I thought that, probably, that little known secret about this place was out: this is the sister restaurant of Joe’s Shanghai, a popular place in tourist guides, made famous by its "Xiao Long Bao", these soup dumplings served either with pork, or with pork and crab meat. So, while people line up at Joe’s Shanghai, you have a better chance to find a spot at Joe’s Ginger. I admit that I hesitated a bit about ordering these soup dumplings, but, Jodi being vegetarian, it would have been all for myself and, although I do not mind that, I wanted to try other things. So we started with classic dumplings like the steamed shrimp Har Gow or crystal shrimp dumplings that I always get when ordering dim sum, the mix mushroom dumplings, and the vegetable dumplings. Perfectly made, these dumplings were quite good, except the mix mushroom one that had a weird taste.

Mix mushroom dumplings at Joe's Ginger in Chinatown, NYC

Vegetable dumplings at Joe's Ginger in Chinatown, NYC

Crystal shrimp dumplings at Joe's Ginger in Chinatown, NYC

Another classic we got was their scallion pancake that was smaller than what I remember. It came straight from the kitchen and was really hot, delightfully greasy and crispy. Delicious!

Scallion pancakes at Joe's Ginger in Chinatown, NYC

One of the dishes I like there is their chicken pan fried noodles, but this time, I decided to try their General Tso’s chicken as it has been a while since I had that dish and was wondering if it was good at Joe’s Ginger. I was not disappointed: this dish was very good, the chicken being slightly crispy and the sauce deliciously sweet and spicy.

General Tso’s chicken at Joe's Ginger in Chinatown, NYC

With my meal, I got a Tsing Tao beer, light and refreshing on a hot day.

Tsing Tao beer at Joe's Ginger in Chinatown, NYC

So, overall, I was quite glad we went to Joe’s Ginger, even if it was not our first choice. The food there is great and comes very quickly. This is a great spot to know in Chinatown and, if you decide to go, make sure you have cash as this is a cash only restaurant.

Enjoy (I did)!

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Joe’s Ginger - 25 Pell St, New York, NY 10013

I Just Want To Eat! 7/15/22 I Just Want To Eat! 7/15/22

Tex-Mex dinner at El Rio Grande, Midtown East

We found El Rio Grande, a Tex-mex restaurant located Midtown East, while looking for Mexican food in that area. Their menu looking pretty good, we decided to give it a try. We went on the Friday before the 4th of July, the place not being that busy, probably because people were traveling. As we entered, we could not miss the over the top decor, with the oversized cowboy boot and the bison with wings that was hanging on top of the bar…

I started the meal with one of their many margaritas and chose a frozen pear margarita, pear being a flavor I love and do not see much on menus. Refreshing for sure on a hot day.

Pear Margarita at El Rio Grande, Midtown East

We then had guacamole, an appetizer we always order if on a menu. Their guac was really good, mild, with nice pieces of avocado in it (I hate guacamole made in a blender, with that soupy texture). And I was surprised by the quantity of it that was a lot.

Guacamole at El Rio Grande, Midtown East

I then got a chicken chimichanga that was topped with adobo sauce and cheese, and served with rice and refried beans. If you never had a chimichanga, think about a deep fried burrito (in fact, it is how it was invented but the origin is still disputed between El Charro in Tucson, Az where a burrito was dropped by accident in a deep fryer and Woody Johnson, founder of Macayo's Mexican Kitchen, who claimed it was an experiment). This was delicious: the tortilla was deliciously crispy without being greasy, and the filling was not dry at all, quite tasty.

Chicken Chimichanga at El Rio Grande, Midtown East

On her side, Jodi got a spinach and mushroom quesadilla that was just ok for me, spinach not really being a favorite food of mine.

Spinach and mushroom quesadilla at El Rio Grande, Midtown East

We finished the meal with churros that were served with a chocolate Bailey’s sauce. They were quite good, crunchy, but I was missing a bit of the texture in the middle, when the center is just cooked.

Overall, El Rio Grande was a surprising find. I thought the meal was pretty good and would not mind going back there to try other dishes.

Enjoy (I did)!

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El Rio Grande - 160 E 38th St, New York, NY 10016

I Just Want To Eat! 7/13/22 I Just Want To Eat! 7/13/22

Dock's Oyster Bar in Midtown East

Located close to Grand Central, Dock’s Oyster Bar is one of those seafood institutions that seafood lovers must visit. This restaurant that boasts an impressive dining room offers an incredible menu where the fruits de mer (seafood in French literally meaning fruits of the sea) are celebrated in various ways: raw, cooked, in sushi or in pasta are few examples. A good way to experience it is by starting with one of their seafood platters. The Royale plateau is perfect for two, but I admit that I could have eaten it on my own, everything tasting deliciously fresh. It is composed of 8 oysters (this time from the west coast (Fanny Bay and Cascadia), 3 littleneck clams, 3 cherrystone clams, 4 jumbo shrimp and 1/2 lb lobster. Double it and you get their Grand Plateau.

For the main, I am not a big fan of their crab cakes, missing the jumbo lump crab meat and lacking a bit of taste, maybe because of the meat they used or too much filler. I am not sure. However, they cook fish perfectly and their Branzino simply pan roasted was superb: not dry, with a crispy skin, it also tasted very fresh. These “simply prepared” dishes as they call them are served with brocoli rabe, roasted fingerling potatoes oven roasted tomato and beurre blanc. I simply loved the entire dish.

Crab cakes at Dock's Oyster Bar in Midtown East

With the meal, you can of course get some wine, but their cocktails are worth a try. The Mr. Boozy with Angel’s Envy Bourbon, Mr. Black cold brew liqueur, Grand Marnier and bitters is strong but refreshing. For a sweeter cocktail, they also have the Blueberry mint sparkling lemonade that is made with vodka (so, no, this is not just a lemonade!).

Mr Boozy cocktail at Dock's Oyster Bar in Midtown East

Sweet mint sparkling lemonade cocktail at Dock's Oyster Bar in Midtown East

Triple chocolate pudding at Dock's Oyster Bar in Midtown East

Then I got dessert: I tried their triple chocolate pudding that was good, but a bit grainy, and their key lime pie that was just ok for me, having better ones while dining in the City.

Key lime pie at Dock's Oyster Bar in Midtown East

Despite that, Dock’s delivered and there is no question this is a place to go if you like seafood.

Enjoy (I did)!

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Dock's Oyster Bar - 633 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10017

I Just Want To Eat! 7/11/22 I Just Want To Eat! 7/11/22

Eleven Madison Park, a vegan experience

When Eleven Madison Park announced that they would switch to a plant-based restaurant, a lot of people could not believe it, thinking that it would be a mistake. I was not one of them. Don’t get me wrong: I am a non-vegetarian, but also appreciate a good vegetarian or vegan meal. I think that there is a place for everybody’s choice and sometimes the label put on something seems to stoke a fire, even in the culinary world. Think about it: a margarita pizza is vegetarian. Would people react the same way if you were asking the to grab a vegetarian pizza rather than just a pizza? I do not think so. There is this sort of stigma around vegetarianism and veganism that will not stop amazing me, me, who is not thinking about giving up eating meat of fish. So, as it was our wedding anniversary, and my wife Jodi being vegetarian, we decided to treat ourselves to a plant based dinner at Eleven Madison Park. We arrived right before they started service for dinner and were able to see the briefing of the staff in the impressive dining room, that finished with everyone shouting “Oui” (yes in French), that is also what they shout in the kitchen when a new order is read.

We started off the meal with a cocktail: the Watermelon (made with orange, elderflower, strawberry and brut rose) for Jodi and Pistachio cocktail for me (made with Bourbon, Palo Cortado Sherry, toasted coconut, coffee, lemon and a banana leaf - no pistachio, so I guess the name came from the color).

Watermelon cocktail at Eleven Madison Park in NYC, NY

Pistachio cocktail at Eleven Madison Park in NYC, NY

Then, the 9 course Spring menu started with asparagus in variations (poached in anise Hyssop, fried - that tempura on seaweed was superb - and steamed - there was a small dumpling in the bottom of the cup, hidden by a disc made of asparagus, that was delicious).

Asparagus tempura at Eleven Madison Park in NYC, NY

Poached asparagus at Eleven Madison Park in NYC, NY

Steamed asparagus at Eleven Madison Park in NYC, NY

Then we got Tonburi that are dried seeds from Japan that are also called “land caviar”. Crunchy, with a taste close to broccoli, it was served with baby lettuce, a horseradish cream and a beautiful radish tostada (you spread the Tonburi on the tostada in fact).

Radish Tostada at Eleven Madison Park in NYC, NY

Tonburi at Eleven Madison Park in NYC, NY

Then it was time to have a glass of wine. I chose a glass of Sauternes from Bordeaux, a Chateau d’Yquem 1997. Sweet, perfect with the vegetables.

Sauternes from Bordeaux, a Chateau d’Yquem 1997 at Eleven Madison Park in NYC, NY

Next was a bread course that was a laminated bread with morel butter. The morel butter was quite good and looked amazing, but I admit that that bread was definitely the star. So I got seconds and refrained myself when they asked if I wanted more! It was crispy on the outside, with a sourdough taste, the center being just underdone but in a good way.

Bread and morel butter at Eleven Madison Park in NYC, NY

Few minutes later came the blistered fava beans served with green chickpeas and sorrel. I loved it, fava beans being one of my favorites, although, not really something I see often on a menu.

Blistered fava bean at Eleven Madison Park in NYC, NY

Blistered fava beans at Eleven Madison Park in NYC, NY

After that, we had peas that were glazed with brown rice, and served with coconut and nepitella, a Mediterranean herb used in Italian cuisine, also known as calamint. This was the only dish that I thought was too salty for me.

Then a cart came on the left side of the table and they prepared the Fresh tofu dish in front of us. They get their fresh tofu from one of the oldest tofu houses in New York City and you could tell it was freshly made: it was silky, literally melting in my mouth. Even ultra soft store bought tofu does not have this texture. They prepared it with artichokes, arugula and green garlic.

Fresh tofu at Eleven Madison Park in NYC, NY

The next dish was Morels, served with braised seitan, spinach and Spring onion. I never liked seitan, but this dish was superb, earthy, with a nice crunch from the seitan.

Morels at Eleven Madison Park in NYC, NY

The last dish before dessert was the squash that was prepared table side. The squash was sitting on a corn masa that gave a nice texture to the perfectly cooked zucchini squash. It was accompanied by a poblano pepper and coriander blooms on top, and they added a roasted pepper jus at the end.

Squash at Eleven Madison Park in NYC, NY

The first dessert was a chamomile ice cream sandwich with fennel pollen.

Chamomile ice cream sandwich at Eleven Madison Park in NYC, NY

The last dish was a variation on strawberry, one being a strawberry on skewer and the other one as an ice cream, with cherry blossom and rose.

Strawberry at Eleven Madison Park in NYC, NY

And they offered us some drinks: apple cider for Jodi and fortified wine with elderflower for me.

Apple cider at Eleven Madison Park in NYC, NY

Fortified wine at Eleven Madison Park in NYC, NY

I should mention our tour of the kitchen: this is a huge place, with north of 50 people in there, very organized, focused on the task assigned to them to such a point that it is pretty quiet in there considering the number of staff. And it is very clean, making me think about the state of my kitchen after I cook...What was great was to see them prepare the cold dishes, using tweezers with such a precision and artistry that I was mesmerized. And, as we were there, they made a gin-rhubarb drink for us (without gin for Jodi), with Brooklyn Gin.

Gin-Rhubarb cocktail at Eleven Madison Park in NYC, NY

Overall we had a great experience at Eleven Madison Park. The new menu is different, quite creative and beautifully plated. At the end of the evening, I was full and did not miss not having any meat of fish. Is it worth the price? Well, it is a bit pricey and I guess you pay for the experience and dining in one of the best restaurants in the world. Know that they change their menu 4 times a year to follow the seasons (but not following the calendar of seasons - for instance, the Summer menu will come on July 12) , so, going several times within the same season, you will probably get the same dishes.

Enjoy (I did)!

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Eleven Madison Park - 11 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010

I Just Want To Eat! 7/9/22 I Just Want To Eat! 7/9/22

Alice's Tea Cup on the Upper-West Side

As Jodi’s friend, Jackie, was visiting for Alaska with her daughter, we ended up at Alice’s Tea Cup on the Upper West Side. It’s been a while since we went to this whimsical place, the last time being for their afternoon tea. As you can guess, the name comes from Alice in Wonderland and, if you did not guess before going, you get a hint as you enter the restaurant, although the first thing you get is the smell of the delicious cookies and scones that they sell.

They are known for tea (they claim to have more than a hundred varieties, and their scones that are spectacular, served with clotted cream and raspberry preserves. My favorite is the plain scone, but their chocolate and coconut was really good. They also use their scones for eggs Benedict and I admit that their salmon Benedict was superb, but quite filling. The salmon sat on a scone and was topped with a perfectly poached egg, covered with rosemary hollandaise sauce. Looking at the photo, you may think that they were served with roasted potatoes and asparagus, but in fact it was roasted pears that I thought was an interesting combination.

Scones at Alice's Tea Cup on the Upper-West Side

Salmon Benedict at Alice's Tea Cup on the Upper-West Side

As far as tea is concerned, I always go for the mint tea, while Jodi goes for the English breakfast. But if you do not like tea, you can have cocktails (there are a few), coffee, milk chocolate, etc.

Moroccan mint tea at Alice's Tea Cup on the Upper-West Side

Whimsical, Alice’s tea cup is the perfect place for kids birthdays, but still welcoming adults for a delicious brunch. I definitely recommend this place that has a delicious menu that will make you think more than twice before ordering a dish with some many mouth watering choices.

Enjoy (I did)!

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Alice’s Tea Cup - 102 W 73rd St, New York, NY 10023

I Just Want To Eat! 7/7/22 I Just Want To Eat! 7/7/22

Cali Burrito at Playa Betty’s

We passed by Playa Betty’s, a restaurant with a beach theme located on the Upper West Side, quite a few times, this place being each time a bit crowded.

So I was curious to see their menu and immediately saw one item that made me want to try it: the Hang 10 burrito that is a Cali burrito. I never had a Cali burrito until I traveled to San Diego and had one at Lucha Libre, one of the known restaurants there. Simply put (and hopefully not insulting anyone), it is a burrito where the rice has been replaced by French fries. It was made with chopped steak, lettuce, Jack cheese, guacamole and sour cream. It was big and really appetizing. The first bite was divine, but the other bites also: you get the crunchiness of the fries, and then an explosion of flavors from the various ingredients that did not overpower at all the meat that was perfectly cooked. I was in heaven!

“Hang 10” Cali burrito at Playa Betty’s on the Upper West Side

We also tried there their guacamole that you build yourself: they bring you all the components needed with some crushed avocado and you decide how you want your guac to be. And if people with you prefer it a different way, no problem: just split the avocado and make your own on your plate. This is a great idea!

Making guacamole at Playa Betty’s on the Upper West Side

Crushed avocado at Playa Betty’s on the Upper West Side

Guacamole at Playa Betty’s on the Upper West Side

They even have vegetarian tacos that Jodi tried. The “ I can hass “ was a delicious beer battered avocado taco, and the shroom asada that was Jodi’s favorite, was made with a grilled portobello mushroom and caramelized onions.

Vegetarian tacos at Playa Betty’s on the Upper West Side

We did not have any dessert because after that burrito, I needed a walk! I did not regret our visit at Playa Betty’s: the food was fun and delicious. I will have to go back and try other dishes there, but an early brunch might be the best time for me as it was quiet!

Enjoy (I did)!

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Playa Betty’s - 320 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10023

I Just Want To Eat! 7/5/22 I Just Want To Eat! 7/5/22

Burger at 10th and Willow Bar and Grill in Hoboken

I recently saw a post from Hoboken Girl saying that the best burger in the city is at 10th and Willow Bar and Grill. So I had to check it out as for me it is between Antique Bar & Bakery and O’Neals, but you never know!
We decided to go on a Sunday for brunch. The place was empty at the time we went and we got the impression they did not care much for us, maybe because we did not order alcohol. Who knows? So it took a while for our order to be placed. We started off with their fried goat cheese balls.

Fried goat cheese balls at 10th and Willow Bar and Grill in Hoboken

For her main, Jodi got their chopped Mediterranean salad that was served with romaine, olives, red onion, tomato, cucumber and pita croutons. Unfortunately, it was over dressed (it was a garlic feta dressing).
Then came my burger. I went for the 10th Street burger that was served with provolone, mushrooms and A1 sauce. When it came, it looked spectacular, the thick patty being smothered by cheese and sauce. But, unfortunately, it was overcooked (I asked for medium, medium rare might have been better), and dry.
I asked for onion rings instead of fries or salad (unbeknownst to me there was a surcharge of $4) and these rings, although large and crispy were not cooked all the way through for some.

Chopped Mediterranean salad at 10th and Willow Bar and Grill in Hoboken

Burget at 10th and Willow Bar and Grill in Hoboken

Onion ring at 10th and Willow Bar and Grill in Hoboken

So overall it was disappointing. I stand by my opinion that is Antique Bar & Bakery and O’Neals have the best burger in town!

Enjoy (…)!

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10th and Willow Bar and Grill - 935 Willow Ave, Hoboken, NJ 07030

I Just Want To Eat! 7/1/22 I Just Want To Eat! 7/1/22

Terra in TriBeCa

Have you ever been to a restaurant and have this feeling that things are not going to go well from the get go? This is what happened when we went for dinner at Terra in TriBeCa, after going to the New York Academy of Art for an exhibit where Jodi had a painting. It started with the host who barely said hello and apparently did not like the fact that I asked for a table that was not next to the sidewalk. Then, a first waiter came and took our order for drinks (I had a Mint Julep), before a second one came for the same thing. When we told…

After my drink came, we got our appetizer, the Melanzane e Caprino that is grilled eggplant with goat cheese and basil. This was good, although the eggplant was too thin, so we could barely taste it.

After waiting for a bit, we got our pasta: fettuccine ai funghi for Jodi, made with wild mushrooms and nowhere to be found truffle oil, and linguine vongole for me. Both pasta dishes were overcooked and bland. They would have brought some parmesan cheese, it would have given some saltiness to it (we just needed to find our waitress), but the fact that it was overcooked ruined a bit the dish. The vongole was also very disappointing and one of the worst I had: the sauce was simply not good, tasteless and there were not that many clams in it.

Fettuccine ai funghi at Terra in TriBeCa

Considering the quality of the food and the wait time, we decided to skip dessert that is exceptional for me as I always like to finish my meal with something sweet. Terra was disappointing and I definitely do not recommend that place.

Enjoy (the post)!

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Terra - 222 W Broadway, New York, NY 10013