16 – Morcilla

Posted in Pittsburgh by Mary Lynne Kupchella

We loved everything about Morcilla except the noise level. The lighting was not conducive to photography but these dishes were far far better than they may look here. I thought that we would be taking much of the “All of the Meats,” and enormous platter of charcuterie, with us but we finished it all. Absolutely fantastic. As were the gin & tonics. Working my way through the Bon Appetit best new restaurant’s list never disappoints.

Sardinas Picantonas – preserved sardines in hot sauce

Who Cooks for You Farm “Rocky Balboa” Salad – smoked goat cheese, asian pear, toasted pistachio, concord grape vinaigrette

All of the Meats

Churro de Calabaza – roasted pumpkin churro, tomato membrillo, manchego, vadouvan curry

Cordero En Morena – Jamison farm spiced lamb meatballs, sumac yogurt, golden raisin and leek escabeche

30Jul2016

Charleston, SC – 6/12/16 – Two Boroughs Larder

Posted in Charleston by Mary Lynne Kupchella

It is incredibly sad to be writing this on the day that Two Boroughs Larder is closing. I suppose it is fitting that this was my last meal of a great birthday weekend. I am happy to have visited once and can’t wait to see where Josh Keeler ends up.

TBL charcuterie – pickles, mustard, country bread
Seasonal lettuce – benne seed tahini, meyer lemon, bread crumb

Confit new potato – slow roasted carrot, bordelaise, shallot

Carbonara – bucatini, Neuske’s, english pea, calabrian chile, mint

17Jul2016

Charleston, SC – 6/9/16 – Artisan Meat Share, the Darling Oyster Bar and the Gin Joint

Posted in Charleston by Mary Lynne Kupchella

Artisan Meat Share
I am not sure that there could have been a more perfect birthday lunch. I could eat pickles, peas and any sort of charcuterie every day and it would never get old and these versions were fantastic. Midway through dinner I was kicking myself for not just coming back here!

Charcuterie

Pea and peanut salad, green goddess dressing
Bread and butter pickles

Darling Oyster Bar
I should have known better than to pick a relatively new spot for my birthday dinner. I think Darling Oyster Bar has potential and I can’t say that we disliked anything. However the tuna poke was completely devoid of any flavor and the grapes a strange component. But one of my biggest pet peeves transpired when the majority of these dishes were brought at one time and wouldn’t fit on our small 2-top table. I did not care at all in what order these items arrived. However there is no excuse for a server not being able to course them out. I shouldn’t have to juggle plates and inhale last bites just to make room on the table.

Shrimp cocktail

Hush Puppies – Geechie Boy corn meal, sorghum butter

Tuna Poke – white grapes, shoyu, sesame seed

Shrimp & Grits – cheddar grits, crispy brussels, country ham, fennel

Snapper Ceviche – fennel, Cara Cara orange, lime, coriander