Arcane

Last Thursday night I went with Barbara, Paul, Jackie, Andrew, Kenny and Joyce to see Katie play acoustic guitar and sing at a special lesbian night at the Alphabet Lounge.  Afterwards we went to eat dinner at Arcane (http://www.arcanebistro.com/Arcane/Main.html) on Avenue C, across the street from the Alphabet Lounge.

They were very accommodating when we first told them our party would be 12 people, they actually moved a couple from their seats for us. Then when we were ultimately only 7, they were gracious about it. They bill themselves as Creole-Caribbean-French.  I can see why, but I did not find their food selection to be out of the ordinary.  Their website mentions conch, for instance, and there wasn't any on the menu. I understand that their menu changes not only seasonally, but with what's freshest and most available.  We had:  Sweet potato soup (not really sweet potato-y, but with a hint of spice); salad with shrimp and avocado (no flavor at all); french fries (really good); beef empanadas (they liked them, but nothing special-should have been more impressive-not like Tower Isles) although the spicy sauce accompanying them was really good; Chicken was good and fresh shucked oysters were a BIG hit.  Nothing to write home about, but nothing to complain about either.

As always, the company makes the meal!!!

Lately I have been cooking:  Garlic soup with homemade croutons; Tortellini soup with spinach; Broiled shrimp with horseradish sauce; The Best Blueberry Pancakes (recipe to follow). 

We've also been to Dani's for dinner and Fairway for shopping.

Tonight begins my Christmas season.  I have already hung the stockings, put out the electric candles on the windowsill (just 3, 1 in each window in the living room) and addressed and stamped our Christmas cards.  Tonight Barbara and I and maybe Jennie, will go to Bryant Park at 42nd Street to browse the many quaint gift kiosks that they put up every year around this time.  The skaters are on the ice and Christmas is in the air.  Afterwards, we go to Grand Central to their Holiday boutique-also very nice, interesting gifts.  Then dinner, of course, anywhere we end up.  Each year is different, but this annual trek is one of my favorites!

Buttermilk Pancakes 

2 cups flour

¼ cup sugar

2 & ¼ teasp. Baking powder

½ teasp. Baking soda

½ teasp. Salt

2 eggs

2 cups buttermilk

¼ cup melted butter

(blueberries if you want) 

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and soda, and salt.

Beat eggs with buttermilk and butter.

Combine wet and dry into lumpy batter. 

Fry in butter. Add blueberries to pancakes just after pouring onto pan, sprinkle a few.

 

Mangia!