Where to Eat 2011 by Adam Platt of NY Magazine.
Have you dined at any of these establishments? http://bit.ly/f5pOBz
27 December 2010 
Where to Eat 2011
December 27, 2010 By
9 December 2010 
My Pinot Moment – Compliments of Tantara Winery
December 9, 2010 By
This post is my contribution to “Pinot Moment” as created by Evening Land Vineyards. The purpose of this December 9th, 2010 social media event (#pinotmoment) is to get a flock of Pinot Noir fans to share their “Pinot Moment”, or the wine that got them hooked on this finicky, yet pretty darn perfect grape.
2005 Tantara Pinot Noir
For me, this wine is the 2005 Tantara Solomon Hills Vineyard Pinot Noir. I’m a veteran of the travel industry, professionally, and as such, my business often takes me to Las Vegas. Those trips west from the east coast are brutal: 3-hour time change, long tradeshow hours and late nights of entertaining clients. In the fall of 2006, my team and I attended a conference at Mandalay Bay. To me, a perk of being in that nutty town is the ever expanding list of top notch restaurants. One of my favorites place to entertain is Alain Ducasse’s Mix atop THEhotel at Mandalay Bay. Completely black lounge and perfectly contrasting white restaurant on the 64th floor of the golden tower offers the most incredible view of the Strip while catering to foodies.
On that particular November evening, we were completely drained of all energy from the long 2-day tradeshow and were looking forward to a nice meal and a good glass or three. I was handed the wine list and decided on a predictable Pinot Noir that I’d enjoyed a few times. The sommelier asked if I’d be open to trying a new wine that he found particularly interesting that I might not find back in New Jersey. He was so adamant about this selection that I agreed to sample it. When he poured me a sip, the color of the wine was deep purple and somehow mesmerizing. My first sniff caused me to close my eyes and the first taste was pure velvet perfection. I wondered if I was simply tired, hungry and thirsty or if this wine was this fabulous, so had my team sample it. My PR person actually said “Oh my god” and said it might be the best Pinot she’d had. Needless to say, the sommelier got a fat tip from me and I got a great Pinot tip from him.
The sommelier was right, for a while, I wasn’t able to find Tantara in New Jersey. A clever friend of mine got a California wine store to ship me a bottle for my birthday (not kosher in NJ) and I was later able to find it at one local store.
This, was my “Pinot Moment” and started my love for the grape. Can’t wait to read everyone’s stories about my favorite varietal.
Cheers,
Veronique
12 October 2010 
Big Fat Chinese Wedding
October 12, 2010 By
Last weekend, I attended the wedding reception of two dear friends, Danny and Melissa. They held their reception in New York’s Chinatown at award-winning restaurant, Royal Seafood on Mott Street.
First, I’ve never been to a Chinese reception, so this was an event I’d anticipated for a few weeks. The banquet room was decked out in red and gold to accommodate over 250 guests. The room was buzzing with the bride’s Irish family and the groom’s Chinese family and we were made to feel very welcomed to this special event.
For those of you who know me or have read me, you know I can’t allow the food not to be front and center in this post, so here it is. Ten fabulous courses, creatively prepared and served by a team who knows what it’s doing. Luckily for me, I was joined at my table by two former co-workers who are Chinese, so customs and traditions were shared along the way, and very much appreciated. Some thoughts and photos about the food:
Course 1: A platter of various meats and fish: pork belly, conch, jellyfish and cured meats. Absolutely divine!
Course 2: Lobster, lettuce and melon ‘salad’ with tons of eggy mayo. How great a combination is that!?
Course 3: Egg rolls and fritters filled with sweet egg custard. These ain’t your local Chinese restaurant’s egg rolls!
Course 4: HUGE t-bone steak cooked to perfection (if your perfection is medium-rare) with a flavorful sauce.
Course 5: Seafood soup that’s accompanied by a tangy vinegar.
Course 6: Deep-fried pork. Need I say more???!
Course 7: Perfectly moist, lacquered skin chicken. Were the Pringles only served to the American tables?
Course 8: Whole Chinese bass deboned and filleted tableside. Can’t possibly have more food!
Course 9 and 10: Yes, looks like I’ve still got room for lo mein and fried rice.
What an experience. So blessed to have been invited to not only share in this very special day for Danny and Melissa, but also in this foodie dream meal. If you have an opportunity to visit Manhattan’s Chinatown, be sure to stop by Royal Seafood for not only an amazing feast, but a memorable adventure.
Royal Seafood Restaurant
103 Mott St, New York, NY 10013 (between Canal and Hester)
1 September 2010 
Restaurant Michael – Old School Atmosphere, New School Food
September 1, 2010 By
I was told about Michael by a Twitter follower who was outraged that I’d eaten at my hotel’s mediocre restaurant while I could have been dining at this great dining establishment in the vicinity of my Chicago North Shore office. I was touched that a local foodie would go out of his way to recommend Michael, so I quickly booked a table and I’ve enjoyed dining at this fine restaurant several times since then when in town.
Restaurant Michael Interior
Culinary Institute of America-trained chef Michael Lachowicz, of Les Deux Gros fame, prepares “his version of unpretentious fine French food in a casually elegant setting” at Restaurant Michael which he opened in Winnetka, IL in 2005. Michael is a warm, comfortable space catering to the upscale crowd of this affluent Chicago North Shore neighborhood. The staff is led by an old school maitre d’ who knows his loyal clients and makes newcomers feel welcomed. The wait staff is attentive and knows the menu and wine list well enough to make helpful recommendations.
While the atmosphere is appealing, guests are here for chef Lachowicz’s fabulous food. Fresh, quality ingredients meet the skillful hand of a classically-trained chef. The menu features a three ($48), four ($54) and seven ($65)-course prix fixe menu and the staff gladly offers to accommodate a three-course menu encompassing two starters and an entrée instead of the common starter-entrée-dessert combination.
Foie Gras Starter
On my two recent visits, some must-try starters were the pan roasted jumbo diver scallop with baby spinach, brie and tarragon corn blinis, the sautéed medallion of Hudson Valley foie gras over foie gras strudel, and the paté of squab & chicken liver mousse with dried garlic sausage. All were masterly prepared and beautifully presented.
Some winning entrees to consider are the wild Japanese black cod over roasted beet risotto with saffron sauce, the baby Australian lamb chops and osso bucco ravioli over mission fig and exotic mushrooms and the beef tenderloin “Rossini” with foie gras medallion over Madeira sauce. How amazing are those descriptions? Just a tad less amazing than how they actually taste.
Desserts range from the artisanal cheese plate (good choice), the Tahitian vanilla bean duo of panna cotta and crème brulée and the warm, fallen chocolate soufflé.
The wine list features some old favorites but also offers creative alternatives for the more adventurous patrons. There are several options of wine by the glass.
For social media conscious diners can follow Michael on Twitter, like Michael on Facebook or sign up for Michael’s newsletter at www.restaurantmichael.com.
Hours of Operation: Lunch: Thursday – Friday: 11:30am – 2:30pm
Dinner: Monday – Thursday: 5:30pm – 10:30pm, Friday – Saturday: 5:30pm – 11:30pm, Sunday: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
64 Green Bay Road
Winnetka, IL 60093
(847) 441-3100
19 August 2010 
Watch Out Bergen County – Here Comes Smashburger Hackensack
August 19, 2010 By
Yes, I’ve written about Smashburger in the past (http://bit.ly/bOgEKa) but I’m excited about the latest opening of the Hackensack location in Bergen County, NJ. Here are three things to note about the newest outpost:
Smashburger Hackensack
First, the space is large and hip and is located in the upscale Shops at Riverside. Eat a burger and work it off shopping – priceless.
Second, the staff is uber helpful and upbeat which adds to the positive vibe of the restaurant.
Third, and most important, is that the food, even on the busy pre-opening night I visited, was fresh and tasty. These are truly the best fast food burgers around and perhaps the best burgers I’ve had: Juicy, messy with tons of beefy flavor. The eggy buns are super, the sides are atypical (fries tossed in garlic and rosemary olive oil, fried pickles and carrot/asparagus ‘veggie frites’ to name a few) and Smashburger offers freshly tossed salads and outstanding chicken sandwiches.
Hope you’re lucky enough to have a locations near you. Visit www.smashburger.com for current and soon-to-open locations.
Disclaimer: I am not being paid to blog, Facebook and Twitter about Smashburger. I simply feel strongly about its product.
20 July 2010 
Upscale Taste Hits Fast Food at Smashburger
July 20, 2010 By
Smashburger Fried Egg Burger
When Smashburger moved into Montclair New Jersey, I just had to see what the hype was all about. Could a fast food joint possibly serve up tasty quality burgers? I soon found out that the answer was: YES! I was hooked from the first juicy bite. The concept is simple: Fresh, never frozen, 100% Angus Beef, smashed, seared and seasoned on the grill.
On a recent visit, I sampled some of the items on a new menu it’s testing and wasn’t disappointed.
Smashburger Beef Chili
First, I tasted the Beefy Chili ($2.59), then I feasted on the Taylor ham, egg and cheese Smashburger ($5.99 for 1/3 pound or $6.99 for 1/2 pound). The chili, which was served with slices of jalapeno peppers, was meaty and rich with chunks of beef instead of the more commonly-served ground meat chili served in the northeast. It was really pretty outstanding and would be perfect ladled atop a Smashdog. The burger’s the true reason for being here and I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into this new twist on the perfectly prepared classic. Smashburger’s managed to take its Certified Angus Beef to the next level by topping it with a generous slice of Taylor ham, a fried egg, American cheese and haystack onions. The juiciness of the meat, the crunch of the onions and the slightly runny egg are a combination that would have even the strictest of herbivores drooling. Smashburger makes some of the best milkshakes ($3.99) I’ve ever had. Haagen-Dazs is the ice cream they use and vanilla, chocolate and strawberry are the flavors they offer. Basics, done well.
Smashburger Milk Shake
Some of the other limited-time menu options being served are the Smashchicken sandwiches ($5.99) (grilled or crispy) and the Smashsalads ($6.99 whole and $4.39 half) (Honey-Mustard, Chicken Caesar or Harvest Chicken).
Did I need to get a couple extra workouts in after eating this meal? Yes. Was it completely worthwhile? Absolutely.
The Denver-based chain hopes to have over 500 franchise locations in the next five years and I’m praying for a location nearer to my home. Are you lucky enough to have a Smashburger location in your neck of the woods? See for yourself: www.smashburger.com
19 June 2010 
Casa Mono – Spanish Tapas and Wine Eden
June 19, 2010 By
Photo by ZagatBuzz
Casa Mono is a cozy Spanish tapas restaurant in Gramercy Park and the brainchild of Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich. The superb cooking is creatively prepared by chef Andy Nusser.
The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive at this restaurant is that the space a small. Not small as in “I’m going to feel claustrophobic and won’t be able to hold a conversation with my dining partner(s)”, small as in “This place is great! I’m going to get to rub elbows with other enthusiastic diners while watching the action in the open kitchen”. The place has so much energy that diners immediately begin to relax upon being seated.
The food at Casa Mono is served tapas-style – small plates meant to be shared among guests. Dining in this manner allows for a completely interactive experience for the diners who can share what they’re tasting while trying several dishes they’d normally not have the opportunity to sample.
The menu at Casa Mon is extensive. There are around 40 tapas to select from, and one sounds more appetizing than the next. Some clear winners are the snapper crudo ($16), the pumpkin and goat cheese croquetas ($9), the soft shell crab with gazpacho dressing ($16), the pulpo with fennel and grapefruit ($13), and the lamb chop with garbanzos and harissa ($16). There are also four strong dishes prepared from whole Hudson pigs that are crowd pleasers: a charcuterie plate ($18), pork belly with salsa Jamaica ($16), pork croquetas with green tomatoes ($15) and the chorizo with spring beans and aged Manchego cheese ($16).
Casa Mono Tapas
The snapper crudo is served with micro greens and a tangy dressing that’s worthy of praises. The pumpkin and goat cheese croquetas are fried to a perfect crunchy dark brown exterior and feature a great balance of sweet pumpkin and tart cheese. The soft shell crab has a thicker batter coating similar to English fried fish, that could have been lighter, but was served with a flavorful gazpacho sauce. The pulpo is served with shaved fennel and sections of pink grapefruit and might be the winner at Casa Mono. The baby octopus in this dish are tender and perfectly cooked and pair beautifully with the licorice fennel and the sweetly acidic grapefruit. The lamb chops are expertly cooked to a medium rare and are ultra flavorful due to the addition of harissa. The pork dishes can’t be missed, specially the moist chorizo served with a generous sprinkling of aged Manchego cheese.
There are several desserts offered at Casa Mono like the bread pudding with pear sorbet ($9), the burnt vanilla custard ($9) and the chocolate torte with apricots ($9), but the focus is on savory options at this establishment.
Casa Mono offers an extensive Spanish wine list by the cuartos de vino (small carafe with enough wine for two pours), the copita (smallish Spanish sherry glass) and the bottle. Some recommendations are the 2009 Santiago Ruiz Rias Baixas – a complex Albarino blend perfect for shellfish ($46 for a bottle), 2009 Ameztoi Rubentis Rose Getarioko Txakolina – a great example of Spanish rose ($17 for a cuartos de vino) and the 2009 Pazo Senorans Albarino – a versatile creamy, floral wine ($19 for a cuartos de vino). Sample servings allow diners to try several of the affordable Spanish gems featured on this list.
Casa Mono is a Certified Two Star Green Restaurant in accordance with the Green Restaurant Association’s rigorous guidelines, and a hot spot that foodies shouldn’t miss.
52 IRVING PLACE
NEW YORK CITY 10003
212.253.2773
4 May 2010 
Grateful for Great Grub at Grato
May 4, 2010 By
Grato, part of Harvest Restaurant Group, perfects the art of seasonal Italian cuisine. Much like its next door neighbor, and sister restaurant, Tabor Road Tavern, Grato offers a space that’s warm and inviting while trendy enough to attract Morris County’s bold and beautiful crowd.
I recently had lunch at Grato and as the Italian name suggests, I was “grateful” for the wonderful meal I enjoyed.
Upon sitting at their tables, patrons are greeted by the warm staff with grilled Italian bread and olive oil-drizzled smooth ricotta cheese. The use of ricotta cheese in place of the usual butter is a hint of the fabulous food to come.
For starters, Grato offers a generous salumi plate ($14.95) for sharing that features some very nice options like prosciutto, salami, soppressata, pepperoni along with cannellini beans, olives and Italian cheeses. Another great choice for sharing is the bruschetta plate ($11.95) with a variety of toppings like chick pea and olive pesto, eggplant and ricotta, tomato and mozzarella and my favorite, the chicken liver and pancetta on perfectly grilled Italian bread.
Must-try entrée selections are the veal and ricotta meatballs with bucatini in light tomato sauce ($13.95), Grato’s Cioppino ($14.95), the roast chicken and goat cheese tortelloni in brodo and the delicious paninis.
The veal and ricotta meatballs with bucatini is stellar. The meatballs are perfectly tender, moist and flavorful. The light tomato sauce the meatballs simmer in is an ideal match to the rustic bucatini. The Grato Cioppino features fish and seafood with spicy sausage and is hearty yet light enough for lunch. The roast chicken and goat cheese tortelloni is a fabulous dish and the use of broth instead of the typical sauce is smart. There are seven paninis on the lunch menu ($9.95 – $10.95) and all versions are interesting and delicious. Some of our favorites are the prosciutto and mozzarella on ciabatta ($9.95) and the Grato Grande ($10.95) which is made using prosciutto, salami, ham and provolone. All the sandwiches are served with outstanding house-made Giardiniera, pickled vegetables.
The dinner menu at Grato features many of the lunch options but some additional items like the pork ossobucco ($19.95), the veal chop Milanese ($24.95) and the roasted tilapia and cockles ($19.95).
Grato offers a neat wine list focusing on Italian favorites, and more obscure, interesting options from all over Italy. The restaurant serves over 20 different wines by the glass and many affordable options by the bottle.
Grato is a great place for a romantic night out, a business lunch or any occasion in between. Try it, you’ll be “grateful” you did.
2230 State Route 10
Morris Plains, NJ 07950
973-267-4006
Lunch: Monday – Saturday: 11:30AM – 4PM and Sunday: 12PM – 4PM
Dinner: Monday – Thursday: 4PM – 10PM, Friday – Saturday: 4PM – 11PM and Sunday: 4PM – 9PM
29 April 2010 
Old Hickory Steakhouse Restaurant – Solid Food, Southern Hospitality
April 29, 2010 By
Old Hickory Steakhouse
Hotel restaurants get a bad rap, oftentimes, it’s well deserved. The case isn’t true for Old Hickory Steakhouse at the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, TN. Set in an antebellum-style mansion, Old Hickory Steakhouse is southern hospitality meets solid food. Upon arriving at the restaurant, I was warmly greeted by the hosts on the front porch of the mansion where white rocking chairs give a hint of the relaxed atmosphere I’m about to experience. The interior of the mansion is richly appointed with dark woods, leather and luxurious area rugs. I was taken outside where every table has a gorgeous view of the indoor river.
The wait staff is simply what you’d expect at a high-end southern steakhouse – warm, welcoming and charming. Freddi was the gentleman helping my party on a recent visit and he was wonderful. The wait staff is mostly male, but to my delight, the sommelier who assisted me with wine selection was a young woman.
The menu, while not extensive, covers more than the basics and features the dishes you want to see of such an establishment. A pleasant surprise to the menu is the selection of artisanal cheeses from around the globe hand-selected by a Maitre Fromager (plate of 3 – $17 and plate of 6 – $30).
Tempting and tasty starters are the Old Hickory iceberg ($8), a half lettuce head with tart blue cheese, bacon and sundried tomatoes, the rich and velvety lobster bisque ($12) and the jumbo lump crab cakes ($15).
As far as entrees are concerned, there should be no questions about trying a steak. The 20-ounce Hickory Char-crusted Kansas City Strip ($44), the 22-ounce cowboy bone-in rib eye steak ($42) and either the corn-fed ($39) or grass-fed ($44) filet mignon. All steaks are served to the perfect doneness and can be paired with flavorful sauces such as the Cabernet reduction, the peppercorn, the Béarnaise and the chimichurri for an additional $2. There are some non-steak items on the menu worth trying like the caramelized salmon with orange reduction ($34) and the diver scallops with a foie gras pinot noir reduction ($38).
Entrees are a la carte and some of the “for the table” sides to consider are the to-die-for garlic truffle ‘mac & cheese’ ($12) and the Marscapone-Creamed Spinach ($9).
In case dinners are still hungry or simply want to satisfy a sweet-tooth, favorites are the Molten Valrhona Chocolate Cake ($12), the crème brulée ($8) or my choice, the plate of three artisanal cheeses ($17).
The wine list is extensive and interesting and offers 32 wines by the glass, 14 “green” wines by the bottle and various wines from around the world.
A neat treat to consider while departing Old Hickory Steakhouse is a stop at the adjacent Library at Old Hickory Steakhouse for a night cap. The comfortable atmosphere will make you glad you did.
Yes, the dining experience at Old Hickory Steakhouse will not be inexpensive, but the food, wine and staff are worth the splurge. Go for a romantic night out, a family celebration or any other special occasion, you won’t be disappointed.
20 April 2010 
Momofuku Noodle Bar Porky Visit
April 20, 2010 By
Even though I’ve worked in Manhattan and visit often during downtime, I’d not had the opportunity to visit David Chang’s Momofuku Noodle Bar.
Momofuku Steamed Pork Belly Buns
Momofuku Ramen with Pork
For those of you in New York City or who visit our fair city, the place is a MUST! Lunch in the trendy hot spot was full of delicious porkyness. I enjoyed the uber popular pork belly steamed buns ($9) as a starter. Are they overrated? No! They are perfectly moist, juicy, fatty (in the most perfect way) and flavorful. As my entree, I greedily slurped the pork shoulder and pork belly Momofuku Ramen noodles ($16) with perfectly runny poached egg!
How would I describe Momofuku Noodle Bar in one word? Heaven!
171 1st Avenue
New York, NY 10003
(212) 777-7773
Recent Comments