Life Tastes Good

Manish and I celebrated 14 years of marriage on May 26th! We visited two amazing hot spots, an here is our story….

Despite a hot and sweaty trip in (don’t ask!) I was greeted by Manish at one of the most unassuming venues in Manhattan. On the Lower East Side is a hot dog joint (more like a hot dog dive) and upon descending the stairs into said “hole,” you hang a left and push open the telephone booth. You then call the hostess on the opposite side of this mysterious booth, and VOILA! You are in PDT (stands for “Please Don’t Tell.”) Reservations at this speakeasy are highly recommended, but then again you might get lucky if you get there exactly at 6pm on an off night. As I mentioned before, I had experienced quite the nasty trip into Manhattan that evening, so seeing Manish sitting at the bar with that adorable grin on his face made every hassle worthwhile. I knew that I chose the perfect venue to begin our evening’s adventure.

Don’t bother going to PDT if you are not going to try one of their signature cocktails. The bartenders are geniuses, creating the most balanced concoctions I’ve ever consumed. I ordered the Aztec Mule (or something like that) which from the description sounded like a refreshing drink containing the likes of top of the line tequila, cucumbers, ginger, and fresh squeezed fruit juices. It was divine. Not at all sweet (which I LOVED) and just the right amount of zing and heat (they garnished it with a sprinkle of cayenne.) Manish ordered the Benton’s Old Fashioned – a harmonious blend of bacon infused whiskey, maple syrup, and bitters. Oh, and if you are as much of a geek as I am about ice cubes, you would be in heaven here! Perfect little cubes were either placed in the chilled glasses, or they were tapped and broken slightly, or if you had Manish’s drink, the cubes themselves were extra large (size of a fist,) and they fit the double old fashioned glass perfectly.

We then walked a few blocks to our dining destination. Degustation was the venue, and the ten course tasting menu was the plan (they also offer a five course tasting menu.) We were not only wowed by the meal, but also by the fact that we had the best seats in the house! The final prep station, where two of the many talented kitchen staff were diligently “creating,” was smack dab in front of us. I highly recommend getting a set around the open kitchen and doing one of the tastings. I remember that midway through the course, Manish and I were “arguing” about what one of the ingredients was that the prep cooks were plating. I thought that it was a chive blossom, and Manish thought it was some sort of celery. The talented one looked at us, and said, “Spring onion blossom and Celery root.”

On a side note, the wine list was OK… A few great bottles amongst a bunch of stuff that I personally found to be way overpriced. We decided to order by the glass, but nothing really stood out for us. We did take some photos here and there, but only with our cell phones, so the quality was quite compromised. The courses were executed with refinement and elegance, I just wish that it lasted longer (as soon as we finished one dish, the next course was brought to us.) I guess then again we could have slowed down a bit instead of quickly shoveling in every last morsel… Here is the rundown…

Ham and Apple Croquettes; Spanish Tortilla (amuse bouche)
Razor Clams with Bacon and Oyster Foam
Asparagus, Morel, and Strawberry Salad with Pea Puree ( we were the first ones to try this!)
Monkfish liver with white radish and dashi broth
Seared Skate with dehydrated pea crust, and clam broth
Terrine of Rabbit
Crispy Duck Confit with Scallions and Balsamic reduction (our favorite!)
Rare Wagyu Beef “Cheese-steak”
Duck Egg Custard (in the egg shell) with maple syrup and lamb bacon
Juicy tangerines with raspberry gelee and “pop-rocks”
Can’t remember the name of this last dessert – but it was a bread pudding with a caramel bruleed topping with fresh citrus fruit on the side. DELICIOUS – to die for!

Amuse Bouche

Razor Clams with Bacon

Crispy Duck Confit

Caramelized Bread Pudding

Fourteen years hasn’t changed us at all! We enjoyed the evening thoroughly – and the best part is we enjoyed it together. I wouldn’t have changed a single thing about our date night, and I can’t wait til our next one! Lots of love to you, MKB!! xoxoxo

I was accompanied by Manish, Jigna, and Piyush; and we all share similar sentiments about our incredible meal at Elements in Princeton.

For those of you that have not been to or heard of Elements, let me start by explaining that this is a restaurant that not only prides itself on the execution of delicious, seasonal, and creative fare… but they strive to (mostly) shop locally for their produce, dairy, and meats… supporting our local farmers. The service is ridiculously professional, by being super friendly and entertaining all the while. Manish and I were lucky to dine there last December, and just last week, we secured a reservation for the 4 of us at the Chefs Table. Here is my recollection of our almost 10 course Omakase style dinner:

Amuse Bouche - Trio of Citrus

Salad of Microgreens; Mixed Greens, and Fluke

A Trio of Amuse… Main theme here being Citrus. Hamachi with meyer lemon vinaigrette; Poached shrimp with citrus soup; potato Salad with citrus

Salad of microgreens and local greens, shaved white asparagus, orange, and local (Jersey shore) fluke

Pea Consomme with fresh Peas and Favas and Speck

Pea consomme with fresh peas, fresh favas, pea shoots, and speck (my favorite of the “vegetable based” courses)

Sea Bass; Sunchoke Puree; Salmon Caviar

Skate; Carrot and Pea Puree

Sea Bass with salmon caviar, apple salad, sunchoke puree, and crispy croutons

Skate with fresh peas, carrot puree, and pea puree

Fresh Ravioli; Jersey Fresh Tomatoes; Basil Oil

Fresh “house made” ravioli with herbed chard ricotta, mozzarella, basil oil, and “Jersey Fresh” tomatoes. Sous Chef Joe Sparatta explained that some of last year’s amazing NJ tomato harvest was canned into what many local shops sell as “Jersey Fresh Tomatoes.” I thought it was last August when I tasted this tomato sauce!! No joke.

Squab, Foie Gras; Bread Pudding

48 Hour Short Ribs; Green Curry; Quail Egg

Squab, savory bread pudding, foie gras, and a sauterne sauce(?) Can someone that I dined with remind me if I remember correctly or not? It was phenomenal… but I can’t remember what the sauce was!! (This was my favorite savory course!)

48 Hour slow cooked Short Ribs with green curry sauce, vegetable slaw, fried quail egg. Such balance!

Pre Dessert

Our “Pre-Dessert” ~ Bacon and Eggs (I was hoping to have this again – YUM!)

Deconstructed Black Forest Cake with a “yodel,” (lol) lambic sorbet (to die for,) drunken cherries, and a mushroom meringue.

Deconstructed Black Forest Cake

(Comment to this post and I’ll respond to you with the vegetarian courses that were offered as well!!)

We ordered some classic cocktails to start, and enjoyed the 2005 Bzikot Puligny Montrachet (Thank, RH!) as well as the 1988 Vieux Telegraph CDP (Thanks, DS!) Both drank beautifully and stood up to the caliber of the food!

Special thanks to Emilia for setting us up at the chefs table at such late notice; to Justin for his impeccable appreciation for what we were hoping to accomplish that evening (you are the best!) And to Chef Joe and Chef Scott for the amazingly creative, seasonal, and delicious meal that we were served.

And of course, the evening was made even more special because we shared it with two people that are so near and dear to us… Cheers guys – here’s to the countless dinners that we shall have in our future together – Love You!

Make your reservation TODAY!!!!

We hosted our dear friends this past weekend to a true New York City Adventure. We ate the best New York style pizza. We saw a Broadway show (Mamma Mia.) We visited FAO Schwarz. We strolled through Central Park. We even explored the Observation deck of the Empire State Building. We absorbed everything “New York” along with the gorgeous weather that we were lucky to have! And to think… this was the first time that our kids stepped into the Empire State Building. I know that as locals, we tend to veer away from “all things tourist-y,” but I have to urge you all to do it once in a while – it was so fun!

Although the weekend focused around kid-friendly environs, we did partake in some memorable dining! Patsy’s Pizzeria greeted us with some delicious creations but it was the hole in the wall across from the Empire State Building that had the mouth watering thin crust NY style pizza that we were all craving! The sign reads “PIZZA” in great big red letters and the place was packed with tourists and homeless folks. It was quite the scene. El Parador was a pleasant surprise. Traditional Mexican fare with a creative twist – and the menu offered something for everyone. The margaritas were to die for and the shot of house made pineapple tequila was divine. We ended our weekend with an indulgent brunch at Big Daddy’s in Gramercy. Endless stacks of pancakes, fluffy eggs, and morning libations filled our bellies and hearts with delight!

the weekend crew just outside Big Daddy's

Manish and I try to do a “Day in Manhattan” for our anniversary each year. We pack the day with visits to wine shops, cheese shops, restaurants, and the occasional overnight stay. This year, maybe I can squeeze in 15 minutes for my new favorite Pizza dive! Thanks to our friends for making this weekend such a  memorable one! And as my girlfriend Alicia would say… “Let’s hear it for New York, New York, New Yooooooork.”

A little change from my usual post. No particular dining or tasting experience to convey. Just  the twelve things that made me smile this week (I know – I couldn’t choose JUST ten!) … In no particular order.

1. Anne Burrell’s delicious lamb shank recipe. My absolute favorite to date – and for once, I didn’t change a thing!

2. Chatting with two ladies who are very near and dear to me and being re-assured that a couple of my other dear friends are going to be ok.

3. Trying a new Chenin Blanc and loving it… 2008 Lydie et Thierry Chancelle Saumur Blanc – Stony, citrus, limestone, with a tinge of sweetness. YUM.

4. Thomas Keller’s Oysters and Pearls, Bardolia style. Paired with 2 ridiculous Chablis a couple weeks ago; paired with NV Gatinois Brut Grand Cru this week.

5. Mother-daughter chats with my girls and my “moms.”

6. 2005 Domaine de la Granges des Peres – thank you JS for this incredible wine!

7. Finding Pink Muscat Grapes at Whole Foods, buying two bags, and remembering California… Sigh.

8. Discovering that Kayla’s art gallery will be worth millions some day.

9. Looking forward to having the “girlfriend” relationship with Maya soon. But realizing that ’til that happens, bumpy roads ahead (but cherishing every moment.)

10. 2008 Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet Sevre et Maine Les Gras Moutons - Stony, briny, crisp, and dry. Perfect with raw oysters or sushi!

11. Getting hugs and kisses from many children that I am blessed to have in my life.

12. Being supported by my partner for life. XOXO MB

September has been quite the whirlwind month… The beginning of the fall season has brought with it “back to school” events, long commutes to work, and a cornucopia of delicious produce at the markets! September started off with a bang – Labor Day Weekend. The weather was perfect, and the weekend was jam-packed with activities.

I started the weekend with a girls evening at my friend, Roshni’s home. Tere brought Ami along who was visiting from Michigan, and we had a spectacular evening – eating, drinking, chatting… doing what girls do best! Roshni wowed us with her elegant presentation of herb marinated chicken, roasted mushrooms, and sweet pea risotto. Something she just “threw together.” That’s what you get when you are in the kitchen of an FCI grad!

Saturday brought perfect weather… so Manish and I decided to venture to the Green Market at Union Square. Joining us were our daughters, our nephews, and Jigna and Piyush… it was a family affair! We picnicked afterwards – enjoying fresh breads, cheeses, jams, berries, spicy radishes with fresh churned butter, and cold cuts. My most unusual purchase that day was the rainbow assortment of carrots… white, yellow, orange, and purple. Each hue lent itself a unique flavor.

Sunday night marked a most anticipated evening of fun, laughter, good food, and great libations! Sejal and Reena organized this evening of cocktails and paired foods for some of our closest friends. Sejal and Rick hosted. The weather was perfect. The cocktails were delicious. The food was divine. And that’s about all I remember… The photos that I DO have from the evening are ones that I should not share on this site (lol) But at least let me tell you about the menu… Heirloom Tomato Mojitos; Pumpkin Martinis; Bellinis; Blueberry Thyme Cocktail; Lady Sage; Kachumber Coolers – These were the cocktails that were served. The food was paired along side – we had home-made samosas, wild mushroom popovers, beef and vegetable empanadas, curried paneer in choux puffs, butternut squash and apple soup, quesadillas with salsa verde. All in all – an incredible evening with wonderful friends.

Monday was a lazy day – but we decided to head over to the outlets near the shore (exit 100-ish on the parkway.) By 5pm, the kids were cranky, and Manish and I were about to keel over from hunger pangs. We ventured back to the mysterious Thai restaurant that we visited last year after a family day at the shore. All I remember from last year’s experience was how hungry we were, and how delicious the food tasted. Testing out that theory…. we decided to re-visit. We were seated immediately. I remembered how much I loved the tofu with red curry – so I ordered that again. Seems silly, to order tofu when you are not vegetarian, but I remembered loving it. Delicate yet flavorful, it was the most delicious Thai dish that I had ever tasted. And I have had MANY red curries in my day.  And many of you know that I have TRIED to find a more local Thai place that makes an equal or better dish… but have been unsuccessful. Again – it was SUBLIME. Never, will anyone’s tofu with red curry compare to this one. (Oh and Manish and the girls were thrilled with the food as well…)

It was the perfect weekend, spent with family and good friends, celebrating the end of a lovely summer.

You already know a “few of MY favorite things” but today I wanted to write about one of my favorite people. My daughter to be exact.

I remember when my oldest daughter was five years old… she brought home a picture that she drew in first grade (she was a young first grader.) On the crumpled piece of construction paper was what looked like a triangle with funny shapes on it; some little mounds (I thought maybe rocks); and something that resembled an upside down moon with spiky rectangles on top of it. The title of this masterpiece was “My Favorite Things” written beautifully by her teacher. And then underneath each drawing, my daughter bravely attempted to write the descriptions.

Go figure MY daughter would be the one kid in class whose favorite things all focus around food. But even better were the descriptions. Under the triangle, in her adorably cryptic handwriting, was written “Pizza.” But of course the Z’s were written backwards. Under the mounds was written “Sushi.” Surprisingly no spelling mistakes there. And under the half moon rectangular figure were the words “Ponno Laforo?” Literally with a question mark next to it. When I asked my daughter what that particular phrase meant, she seemed annoyed – as though I should know. And spoke exactly what the letters spelled “Ponno Laforo!”

Hmmm… I thought this was very sweet – she was using her imagination to make up food names. I proceeded to ask her more questions about this mystery meal, sort of playing along. She went on to remind me “It’s fancy mac and cheese, mommy!” Of course… Penne Al Forno! That’s what her third favorite thing was! I then asked (excitedly) how she remembered the real name of this favorite dish… and she simply stated that she remembered that I had called it by that name. I then explained to her that it’s actually just mac and cheese and that her teacher probably would have understood if she said that. But then she retorted “It’s fancy Mac And Cheese, Mommy!”

She is now almost 11 years old, owns 4 cook books, has her own set of bake-ware, watches Top Chef with me, and is a huge help in the kitchen. If she and I are making a meal, I do my best to not “kid-ify” the culinary lingo. She (and most kids in general) are more apt to eating something “different” if they had something to do with the creation of it. An adventurous eater she is not, but she’ll always try something as long as it looks like food. Hopefully she will take the throne as queen foodie of the house one day and teach me a thing or two… I’d love that.

It is Sunday, July 5th 2009. As I begin to write my first entry for my blog, I am wondering why it has taken me so long to do this. Perhaps I can start by saying that I am not a writer. When I was young, I cringed at the idea of writing for my language arts classes. The fact that it took a forceful bribe to get me to read a chapter in a book (any book) reinforces to me that I never had a desire to dabble in the likes of literature.

I am proud to say that since my childhood years, I have become very fond of reading pieces of literature focusing on subjects that are interesting to me. Oh and how that has helped me through the years with my vocabulary and speaking skills. If only my daughters would understand that (but no, they will follow in my footsteps and realize later in life.) I never “brushed up” on my writing skills, but have always admired my family and close friends who have the amazing talent of painting a picture with words on a simple piece of paper.

I am not going to try to make the impossible happen here, folks. I am just going to write about some of my passions. I feel like I have so much to share, and so much to be excited about. If you are reading this, you know me pretty well. I don’t need to go into the details of “who I am” and “why I’m here.” But I will tell you that for years, I have been asked by many friends to start a blog. I never FULLY understood the reason behind doing this. Until recently, someone that I least expected, inspired me to write…

My husband is an amazing man. Of course we have our disagreements, but he is amazing. He is so incredibly smart, such a practical and level headed guy, and so caring. It was about a year ago that he told me that he was not completely satisfied with the direction that his job was taking him and that he wanted to make a change (despite the plummeting economy.) I supported him, because I knew that whatever he put his mind to, he would accomplish.

I won’t say that the last 10 months have been flowers and rainbows. Because they haven’t been. But he has handled every situation and scenario that has been presented to him with such grace and professionalism. I didn’t ask him how he was dealing with the stress – because I myself felt a bit of it as well. Until one day, I read some posts on his blog. I was so inspired. THIS was his therapy. THIS is what kept him going. THIS was his outlet. And the pieces that he wrote were very strong. Some were angry, some were funny, and some were just gosh darn beautiful. My favorite one is titled, Inspiration.

In these last 10 months or so, he decided to spend some free time experimenting with his hobbies. And now he is working again on a project that challenges and excites him. I feel silly saying that I am proud of him… but I’ll say it anyway. I am SO proud of him. I don’t think that I ever gave him the “props” that he deserves for winning in the end. So, here’s to you, sweetheart – I am starting my blog with a huge hats off to you – sort of a dedication. Take it now before I change my mind… xoxo