Monthly Archives: May 2016

Panzano in Chianti – 4/19/16 – Officina Della Bistecca

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I really never thought I would ever make it to the very tiny town of Panzano in Chianti to visit Officina della Bistecca. I have been lucky enough to attend a few events in NYC with Dario Cecchini and had always hoped to make it here, but it just always seemed too far out of the way. Luckily the stars aligned and I found myself here for perhaps the most fun lunch I have ever experienced. I believe I am missing photos of a few courses although the photos do not do this justice in the same way that some of the best bands live do not sound nearly as good recorded. As expected the meat was fantastic and for the first time since arriving in Tuscany several days earlier I came to appreciate Chianti. And if there were no witnesses I would have finished the entire olive oil cake.

Beef tartar
Seared rump carpaccio
Bone-in rib eye or strip steak
Panzanese steak
T-bone or Porterhouse steak
Garden vegetables
special salt
Tuscan beans with evoo
baked potatoes
Chianti “butter”
Tuscan bread
Vittorio’s wine
Evoo cake
Grappa
(Approximate names as the cuts are particular to Tuscany)







Sffh

NYC – 4/14/16 – Ma Peche in the Chambers Hotel lobby

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We had planned to just hang out in the lobby of the Chambers long enough to have a drink while waiting for Ma Peche to open.  But our server was fabulous and our seats quite comfortable so we decided to stay for a few snacks.  One of the few bright spots in midtown and I am guilty of always forgetting about it.

midtown collins – gin, calamansi, elderflower

smoked trout dip, seven spice, chicharron

bbq brisket buns, coleslaw, smoked mayonnaise, pickled jalapeños

broccoli salad, sunflower seeds, miso, lime

Sarasota, FL – 4/2/16 – Pomona Bistro & Wine Bar

Posted in Florida, Sarasota by

Such an unexpectedly great dinner at Pomona Bistro in downtown Sarasota.  I certainly see why some of my family visits regularly.  In certain cities I just don’t expect to find excellent food or service but this meal certainly had both.  And of course the added bonus of my first time having antelope.  I’m not sure why it is not more popular and I don’t think I’ve even seen it on a menu before or I would have ordered it.  A definite treat!

Sea Scallops – Tatsoi-Mizuna salad, blood oranges, avocado

Romaine lettuce, caesar dressing, sunny side up quail eggs surrounded by brioche

Broken Arrow Ranch sous vide antelope, sherry-date sauce, local vegetables

Tart

NYC – 3/29/16 – Bouchon Bakery & Cafe

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On those days when you feel absolutely dreadful chicken soup is an absolute necessity and Bouchon Bakery’s has to be the best in NYC.  A glass of wine, a lovely view and a fantastic salad later the day was much brighter.


Chicken soup

Salmon salad – Scottish salmon, quinoa, market vegetables, hazelnuts, house vinaigrette

Montclair, NJ – 3/28/16 – Luca Roagna Dinner at Laurel & Sage

Posted in Montclair, New Jersey by

I have had a wonderful time at all of the wine dinners I have attended in Montclair organized by local wine shop Amanti Vino. But this one I was definitely most excited about attending having greatly enjoyed quite a few Roagna wines (and my favorite being the Barolo Chianto). Luca Roagna is so energetic and engaging and it was an absolute pleasure to be able to hear him talk about these wines. This was my first visit to Laurel & Sage and I would definitely go back!


Duck confit ravioli – caramelized mushroom, black truffle emulsion
Paired with 2008 Paje & 2010 Paje
Lamb ragu – semolina pappardelle, goat cheese
Paired with 2005 Pira (magnum) and 2010 Pira
Veal chop – panzanella, gorgonzola, foie demi
Paired with 2006 Barolo “Vigna Rionda”

Belgian dark chocolate sampling
Paired with NV Barolo Chianto

NYC – 3/27/16 – Corkbuzz Chelsea

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Perhaps Easter Sunday was not the best time to venture out at all but I thought this would be a safe choice in the otherwise mobbed Chelsea Market and it was fairly empty.  While the food was fine, although not on par with my last visit, it was impossible to get a second glass of wine.  Either you have table service or one has to order at the bar but switches mid-stream are not cool and if you don’t want me to spend any more money, baffling but your loss.

Sopressata

Jasper Hill Blue
Farro & cauliflower salad – sage brown butter, dried cherry, goat cheese, hazelnut, sherry vinaigrette

NYC – 3/26/16 – Cafe Carlyle

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I was going to pretend this whole experience did not happen and not include it on this blog at all. But the show I went to see was fantastic, so thankfully there was something redeeming about Cafe Carlyle other than the entertainment and company. My pre-show cocktail in Bemelmans was perfect, albeit it overpriced. There was a $75 minimum for the show and in retrospect I should have just spent it all on drinks. The shrimp cocktail I ordered was an insulting $28, or $5.60 per shrimp. Yet it seemed a better option than the salads which were nearly as expensive and looked pitiful. My steak frites was overcooked and was an even more insulting $59. At Minetta Tavern the excellent steak frites is currently $36. And even at Balthazar which is too touristy but more classic, the steak frites only comes in at $41. I clearly have no problem spending a lot of money on food but when the price is so completely unjustified based on the food quality and service (which frankly sucked) I can’t help but think of the things I would have rather spent this money on. Its really sad that a NY classic is not even trying.

Sidecar
Jumbo shrimp cocktail
Steak frites – grilled 12 oz. rib eye, julienne fries, chimichurri

NYC – 3/25/25 – La Pecora Bianca

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The service at La Pecora Bianca has come a very long way since opening.  I’m very glad that I gave it another try and I can see this ending up in my regular rotation following workouts in the neighborhood.  I absolutely loved the Cortina cocktail and the bartender was lovely enough to provide me with the recipe.  I have already made it several times at home.

Cortina – Greylock gin, lime, maraschino, fernet branca

Fluke crudo – oro blanco citrus, radish, pink peppercorn

Farro insalate – apple, arugula, goat cheese, pomegranate, pistachio, pickled onions

Cheese