Sunday, October 31, 2010

Per Se (French)

Michelin 3 stars, Thomas Keller's very 1st restaurant in New York

Located on 4th fl in Time Warner building, currently Per Se has just add lunch menu to their service, only open on Fri, Sat and Sunday.. 5 courses for $175 prix fixe (gratitude is included)
Friend Jany came visit and has requested to go back again... this is probably the most expensive lunch I ever spent so far.. 
This classic french restaurant, oversee the entire Columbus Circle and Central Park South, a perfect place for our girls' luncheon gathering on sunday noon..
dinner prix fixe $275


here is what I had on 10/31/2010

Amuse Bouche

  • Salmon Rillette  



  • puff bakery



1st Course
  • Tartar of Atlantic Fluke w cauliflower, green pistachios and apricots "en Vierge" (sauce made from olive oil, lemon juice etc)


2st Course
  • Maine Sea Urchin w buckwheat capellini, matsutake mushrooms and black winter truffle emulsion
3nd Course
  • Columbia River Sturgeon " Schnitzle", this might sounds weird to have fish prepped in german way... but it taste quit good.. crispy Spatzle,  caramelized savoy cabbage, macoun apples and caper brown butter



4rd Course
  • Degustation of Broken Arrow Ranch's Venison w sweet potato confit, honey poached cranberries and "Sauce Poivrade" (A sauce made of beef stock, vinegar, onions, & carrots)




5th Course DESSERT!!!! so nice of them to give each of us different dessert to try out instead of only one on the prix fixe
  • "M&M'S" pretzel chips, candied peanuts, madagascar vanilla mousse and mast brother's chocolate ice cream
  • "Tropical Tea" passionfruit-chocolate cremeux, earl grey genoise, passionfruit mousse and earl grey ice cream (this got our best vote!!!1)
  • "Toffee Apple" apple "creme patissiere, caramel jelly, poached snow apples, root beer soda and caramel ice cream
  • "PB & J" peanut parfait, crystallized lemon verbena, toasted virginia peanuts and concord grape sherbet

and FINAL... tons tons of Mignardises....


note: we are also very impressed with its service would definitely give extra tips to the server even the price is including gratitude already... also, feel free to order wide selection of tea and coffee.. it's also including in the price..

good to have you back Jany..... :)




Category: French 
10 Columbus Cir
(between Broadway & W Central Park)
New YorkNY 10019
Neighborhoods: Hell's Kitchen, Midtown West
(212) 823-9335



Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Russel Wright Center

Russel Wright, the industrial designer who brought hight-style dinnerware to the postwar masses, was so tuned in to nature's palette, he transformed the color scheme of the rooms in Manitoga, his private house and studio, to match the change of season all the way down to draperies.
A faithful restoration of this mid-century studio, an hour north of New York City in the river town of Garrison, has been completed. Boulders, birch bark, and other natural accents once again harmonize with surrounding woods and waterfall of the renowned artist's 75 acre spread.


Manitoga, Rte 9D
Garrison, NY
tel: 845 424 3812
http://www.russelwrightcenter.org/redesign/index.html

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Brussels Sprouts

  • For Brussels sprouts
  • 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved lengthwise
  • 3 tablespoons canola oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • For dressing
  • 1/4 cup Asian fish sauce (preferably Tiparos brand)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped mint
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro stems
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 (1 1/2-inch) fresh red Thai chile, thinly sliced crosswise, including seeds. (I used dried and halved the amount.)

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F with a rack in the upper third of the oven. Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts, toss with oil, and roast, cut side down on baking sheet, for 20-35 minutes, depending on size and desired taste. They should brown but remain somewhat firm.
  2. Meanwhile, stir together the ingredients for the dressing in a small bowl.
  3. When sprouts are done, transfer to a serving bowl and add just enough dressing to coat. Top with more chopped mint or cilantro


Monday, October 25, 2010

The Adore (French/ Japanese Cafe)

This Japanese/ French tea house has been my favorite since school time.. always sneak down for a cup of coffee and croissant during class break...
In a sunny afternoon, got a table next to the window, heart warming sun shine lightly touching your face. It has been more than 12 years.. still loving this intimate setting cafe, which consistently serving quality sandwiches and pastries... good place to get away from noisy city life and find yourself a peaceful mind here...


Categories: FrenchJapaneseBakeries 
17 E 13th St
(between 5th Ave & University Pl)
New YorkNY 10003
(212) 243-8742

Eataly (Italian)

spotted.... MB in the store


wow wow wow... this is a mega food court/ supermarket/ cafe all in one store... co-owner Mario Batali brought this Italian market in to New York... it's a fantastic concept for the big apple..


when you first walk in from 5ave entrance, you will find gelato stand, coffee bar, dessert bar and some imported snack stuffs and further in will see few food court sections which are specialized in fish, pasta/ pizza, vegetable and meat, each one occupied its own corner... and.... you can't leave out the salumi/ prosciutto/ cheese bar, enjoy the fresh cut meats and pair with imported wine for a quick meal, like how Italian do...

besides the eating sections, there are also supermarket/ bookstore/ supplies area which are featuring italian specialty and design for customer to purchase.

with all the fancy ideas, the food itself also have "fancy price".. it's pretty much the same price tag as regular restaurants.. so far, i had their fish and pasta.. do sustain MB standard, but i would still prefer to pay that price in a good service 
restaurants....what do you think?

ps. suggest to give yourself  1/2 or an hr table waiting time.. go early to put your name down and walk around the market while you are waiting..



Category: Italian
200 5th Ave
New YorkNY 10010
Neighborhood: Flatiron



Thursday, October 21, 2010

Sushi of Gari (Japanese)

This is my #1 sushi/ sashimi restaurant in New York... of course there are other good ones, but Gari is always my first choice when it comes to sushi under higher budget condition...:p


If you are looking for ordinary sushi/sashimi don't come to this place.. check out my other posting for better reference. I would totally recommend their Omakase, with fresh daily catch, each pieces are specially prepared or paired with different ingredient/ sauce, really enhance the taste flavor.


staff services are very friendly, not like some japanese restaurants wouldn't let customer substitute things you don't like.. 
currently they have 3 locations, would not suggest to go UWS, stick with original store on UES. Reservation recommend.

Categories: Sushi BarsJapanese
402 E 78th St
(between 1st Ave & York Ave)
New YorkNY 10021
(212) 517-5340