Friday Night we went to Trattoria L'incontro (http://www.trattorialincontro.com/) in Astoria with Joe and Denise and Monica and Tom. We had reservations for 7pm and our table was ready when we arrived. They had beautiful cherry blossom stalks in large vases by the front entrance. The main dining room had large artwork on the walls and a tiled floor. The service was terrific. We shared several appetizers: Fried calamari, a salad of calamari with white beans and red onions, a salad with raspberry vinaigrette and goat cheese, a pizza with mushrooms and a stuffed artichoke. All except the artichoke were served by a waiter and divided evenly over each of our plates.
For dinner: Joe and Tom had a pasta special of shrimp and scallops (maybe). Monica had a pasta special also. Denise had a pasta special with lobster and broccoli rabe. Michael had linguine with white clams. I had escarole with white beans that was an appetizer, but certainly enough for my main dish. All our dinners were great!
The waiter, from Kosovo we learned, recited a list of about 25 specials that were not on the menu, from appetizers and salads to pasta, meat and fish dishes. He had an amazing memory and we tested it with questions :)
We shared 3 bottles of wine and had candles (with NO SINGING PLEASE) in our two desserts of lemon cheesecake and tiramisu.
Great company, great food. This is a definite repeat! Thanks again Joe for the selection and Happy Birthday to Denise and Monica.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
Spring on Sunday
It will be the first day of Spring 2011 on Sunday March 20. I have seen the forsythia buds and I am ready for warm weather!! I am making a prediction that warm weather (expect for today) is not yet here. Don't put away your winter coats yet.
Since yesterday was St. Patrick's Day I decided to make corned beef, even though Michael doesn't like it (he did eat it, however). It was mildly successful with the addition of baked potatoes and sauteed broccoli. We each had a beer :) Michael had an Innis & Gunn and I had (no it wasn't Coors Light, I know I fooled you all) Red Stripe.
Jesse came home last night and even though I am under strict instructions not to write about him or even mention his name on this blog, I just wanted (needed) to say that I am thrilled to see his face!
Wednesday night, Michael and I went to Dani's and believe it or not they had no eggplant. I always get their eggplant casserole, and now I had to switch dinners...so I had my second staple Baked stuffed shells. Apparently, unbeknownst to me, there has been a freeze of sorts in Mexico and the eggplant is not growing. Who knew?
Tonight we are going to Tratttoria L'incontro in Astoria with Joe and Denise and Monica and Tom. We are celebrating Denise's and Monica's 50th birthdays (well that's out there now-sorry). I have heard about this restaurant from Jennie and from Jill, all good things, so I am excited to see for myself. Thanks to Joe for choosing the restaurant!
Tomorrow night, we are meeting Glenn and Eileen and Debbie and Joe at Scotto's in Westbury. We were fans of Scotto's restaurant when Michael lived in Great Neck (about a hundred years ago) and we were also married at their Westbury Manor. They don't take reservations for under 7 people, which pissed me off, but we decided to meet at the bar and drink until a table was ready. And that was no problem :)
Have a nice weekend!!
Since yesterday was St. Patrick's Day I decided to make corned beef, even though Michael doesn't like it (he did eat it, however). It was mildly successful with the addition of baked potatoes and sauteed broccoli. We each had a beer :) Michael had an Innis & Gunn and I had (no it wasn't Coors Light, I know I fooled you all) Red Stripe.
Jesse came home last night and even though I am under strict instructions not to write about him or even mention his name on this blog, I just wanted (needed) to say that I am thrilled to see his face!
Wednesday night, Michael and I went to Dani's and believe it or not they had no eggplant. I always get their eggplant casserole, and now I had to switch dinners...so I had my second staple Baked stuffed shells. Apparently, unbeknownst to me, there has been a freeze of sorts in Mexico and the eggplant is not growing. Who knew?
Tonight we are going to Tratttoria L'incontro in Astoria with Joe and Denise and Monica and Tom. We are celebrating Denise's and Monica's 50th birthdays (well that's out there now-sorry). I have heard about this restaurant from Jennie and from Jill, all good things, so I am excited to see for myself. Thanks to Joe for choosing the restaurant!
Tomorrow night, we are meeting Glenn and Eileen and Debbie and Joe at Scotto's in Westbury. We were fans of Scotto's restaurant when Michael lived in Great Neck (about a hundred years ago) and we were also married at their Westbury Manor. They don't take reservations for under 7 people, which pissed me off, but we decided to meet at the bar and drink until a table was ready. And that was no problem :)
Have a nice weekend!!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Pros and Cons
I have found that no matter where we eat out, there are pros and cons to the adventure. It is possible, although, I have no actual memory of this, that there have been occasions when there were only pros. Only cons, I am aware of, unfortunately. Maybe I am overly particular...scrutinize details...OCD...whatever!
Last night Michael and I went to Pomme Cafe (www.pommecafeny.com) in Astoria. We discovered it while walking after dinner last weekend at Cronin & Phelan, an Irish Pub nearby. Aesthetically speaking the restaurant is very pleasing. Prior reviews I've come across state that the service leaves much to be desired. We did not necessarily find this to be true. The hostess was lovely and accommodating. Our table had a reserved sign on it (I made the reservation through www.opentable.com). She also checked on us, and, I noticed, other diners, throughout the evening. The waitress was fine as well. I DO NOT like that the bus boys (men) who clear your dirty dishes, ALSO pour water and ALSO deliver your dinner (presumably on clean dishes) with the same un-washed hands.
About the food: We shared onion soup (totally fine) and a cheese board with Parmesan (WAY too salty), smoked Gouda (just like you get at the supermarket) and goat cheese (same supermarket). It also came with toast points (fine), seedless grapes (also fine), sliced green apple (same), a few slices of rolled up soppresatta and get this: grape jelly (maybe Welch's, maybe Smucker's).
Moving on to dinner: I had their homemade goat cheese ravioli with sun dried tomatoes in a Parmesan cream sauce and Michael ordered their steak au poivre-sans peppercorns, sans brandy, sans heavy cream...Odd, no? Why do they bother calling it au poivre, when there's no evidence they even know what that means? So we asked? The answer: We used to serve it that way, but no one liked it, so now the steak is plain and there is a peppercorn sauce on the side. Peppercorn sauce on the side? Try weak, thin brown water with very little pepper.
Did we stay for dessert? No. Are you surprised?
Here's the funny thing-I wouldn't be adverse to going back. The soup was good.
Last night Michael and I went to Pomme Cafe (www.pommecafeny.com) in Astoria. We discovered it while walking after dinner last weekend at Cronin & Phelan, an Irish Pub nearby. Aesthetically speaking the restaurant is very pleasing. Prior reviews I've come across state that the service leaves much to be desired. We did not necessarily find this to be true. The hostess was lovely and accommodating. Our table had a reserved sign on it (I made the reservation through www.opentable.com). She also checked on us, and, I noticed, other diners, throughout the evening. The waitress was fine as well. I DO NOT like that the bus boys (men) who clear your dirty dishes, ALSO pour water and ALSO deliver your dinner (presumably on clean dishes) with the same un-washed hands.
About the food: We shared onion soup (totally fine) and a cheese board with Parmesan (WAY too salty), smoked Gouda (just like you get at the supermarket) and goat cheese (same supermarket). It also came with toast points (fine), seedless grapes (also fine), sliced green apple (same), a few slices of rolled up soppresatta and get this: grape jelly (maybe Welch's, maybe Smucker's).
Moving on to dinner: I had their homemade goat cheese ravioli with sun dried tomatoes in a Parmesan cream sauce and Michael ordered their steak au poivre-sans peppercorns, sans brandy, sans heavy cream...Odd, no? Why do they bother calling it au poivre, when there's no evidence they even know what that means? So we asked? The answer: We used to serve it that way, but no one liked it, so now the steak is plain and there is a peppercorn sauce on the side. Peppercorn sauce on the side? Try weak, thin brown water with very little pepper.
Did we stay for dessert? No. Are you surprised?
Here's the funny thing-I wouldn't be adverse to going back. The soup was good.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Zagat Voting
So I have been voting in the Zagat New York City Restaurant survey for several years now. I am not sure if any of my comments have actually made it into print. But I am not concerned. Either way, I am sent a new free Restaurant Guide every year just for putting in my two cents.
They ask that reviewers be as witty as they can be. Sometimes I am and sometimes I am not. For instance: One review was-It's a deli, what'd you expect? Another was-very nice, very cute. Others included comments such as MUST HAVE, THE BEST, QUINTESSENTIAL.
I was happily surprised to have reviewed 24 restaurants in Queens. I didn't even bother with Manhattan or Brooklyn this year.
Our staples are: Dee's on Metropolitan and Barosa on Woodhaven. We have been visiting Astoria more lately and will continue to do so. We are planning on going to Pomme Cafe on Saturday night. And we will be back to Sanford's again too.
Yes, I have also been cooking. Actually more cooking than going out. Last night was chicken sausage with rice and snap peas. Tonight is filet mignon with salad and beets. No plans for the rest of the week. We'll see what happens...
They ask that reviewers be as witty as they can be. Sometimes I am and sometimes I am not. For instance: One review was-It's a deli, what'd you expect? Another was-very nice, very cute. Others included comments such as MUST HAVE, THE BEST, QUINTESSENTIAL.
I was happily surprised to have reviewed 24 restaurants in Queens. I didn't even bother with Manhattan or Brooklyn this year.
Our staples are: Dee's on Metropolitan and Barosa on Woodhaven. We have been visiting Astoria more lately and will continue to do so. We are planning on going to Pomme Cafe on Saturday night. And we will be back to Sanford's again too.
Yes, I have also been cooking. Actually more cooking than going out. Last night was chicken sausage with rice and snap peas. Tonight is filet mignon with salad and beets. No plans for the rest of the week. We'll see what happens...
Sunday, March 6, 2011
A New Irish Pub!
Michael and I found a new (new to us anyway) Irish Pub in Astoria on Saturday Night.
For some odd reason, I have been craving Shepherd's Pie. We looked on line and found pretty favorable reviews for a pub called Cronin & Phelan (38-14 Broadway in Astoria). The outside leaves all to be desired, but the inside is nice. Ceiling fans, tin ceiling, long wooden bar, Irish waitresses and Irish customers and Irish food ie; Shepherd's pie, bangers and mash, etc... The Shepherd's pie was good, we shared French onion soup and Michael had a turkey burger with blue cheese and sauteed onions. The fries were really good, as was Michael's Black and Tan. I had my usual boring Coors Light :). We will be back though. Service was good and the food was good and plentiful.
After dinner we walked a bit and found Cream Bakery (http://www.creambakeryny.com/). Michael had a banana cupcake and we took home 3 others for the Wisners to share (red velvet, carrot cake and chocolate with Oreo cream).
We also passed a place I'd like to try: Pomme Cafe (http://www.pommecafeny.com/). The ambiance and menu look like what you'd expect from a French-styled Brasserie/Patisserie. Elegant, semi-dark, candles on the tables. Maybe next weekend!
For some odd reason, I have been craving Shepherd's Pie. We looked on line and found pretty favorable reviews for a pub called Cronin & Phelan (38-14 Broadway in Astoria). The outside leaves all to be desired, but the inside is nice. Ceiling fans, tin ceiling, long wooden bar, Irish waitresses and Irish customers and Irish food ie; Shepherd's pie, bangers and mash, etc... The Shepherd's pie was good, we shared French onion soup and Michael had a turkey burger with blue cheese and sauteed onions. The fries were really good, as was Michael's Black and Tan. I had my usual boring Coors Light :). We will be back though. Service was good and the food was good and plentiful.
After dinner we walked a bit and found Cream Bakery (http://www.creambakeryny.com/). Michael had a banana cupcake and we took home 3 others for the Wisners to share (red velvet, carrot cake and chocolate with Oreo cream).
We also passed a place I'd like to try: Pomme Cafe (http://www.pommecafeny.com/). The ambiance and menu look like what you'd expect from a French-styled Brasserie/Patisserie. Elegant, semi-dark, candles on the tables. Maybe next weekend!
Monday, February 28, 2011
What Dreams May Come...
I have been planning once again (and who is laughing?).
Monday night is to be: Broiled double thick bone-in center cut loin pork chops smothered in cubanelle and roasted peppers with a bi-color (romaine and radicchio) salad on the side.
Tuesday night is to be: Lemon-Rosemary chicken breasts with cauliflower, garlic, oil, hot pepper and bread crumbs on the side.
Wednesay night is to be: Filet Mignon accompanied by broiled brussels sprouts with garlic and bacon.
Thursday night is to be: Chicken breasts roasted with mustard and a side of asparagus.
Friday night I am going out with Jennie and Barbara for Jennie's birthday. Yea, good company and no work :)
xo
Monday night is to be: Broiled double thick bone-in center cut loin pork chops smothered in cubanelle and roasted peppers with a bi-color (romaine and radicchio) salad on the side.
Tuesday night is to be: Lemon-Rosemary chicken breasts with cauliflower, garlic, oil, hot pepper and bread crumbs on the side.
Wednesay night is to be: Filet Mignon accompanied by broiled brussels sprouts with garlic and bacon.
Thursday night is to be: Chicken breasts roasted with mustard and a side of asparagus.
Friday night I am going out with Jennie and Barbara for Jennie's birthday. Yea, good company and no work :)
xo
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Since Valentine's Day...
We had a very nice dinner at Penny and Joe's with Joe and Denise for Post-Valentine's Day...baked salmon and halibut, eggplant rollatini, salad, appetizers, cupcake dessert and good company!
Chrysalis and Ryan visited with us for a few nights. On Saturday, Chrysalis and I observed her good friend Joseph in the Jessup Competition Moot Court. It was wonderful! I loved the banter amongst the judges and the responses and propositions from the "agents" (law school students). Later that night, Michael and I went to Dee's and had our usual-we shared a salad, this time it was tri-color, I had the Olive Delight pizza with kalamata olives and Michael had the rosemary turkey buger with carmelized onions. We shared a bottle of Chianti and also discovered that Dee's has paired up with the Wine Room of Forest Hills to prepare their new wine selections. Very Nice!!
Sunday, pleasantly unexpected, we were invited to Leslie's for Sunday dinner, which, of course, included a BIG pot of gravy with sausage, meatballs and pork. Way Yummy!! Great food and great friends!!
Monday night, as Michael wanted a certain kind of beer to bring to Leslie's ski house this coming weekend, we went to New Hyde Park to pick up Innis & Gunn-Scottish beer, then we went over to Eddie's for pizza. We ran into a friend of Michael's from his childhood, Erika and her family. We sat with them and ate. It was really nice to see them again.
Last night I made Michael wedge salad (iceberg, tomatoes, bacon and blue cheese dressing) along with chicken marsala (diet version-no butter, only olive oil, splash of marsala wine and mushrooms). Tonight's plan (ha) is turkey burgers au poivre and roasted fennel. We'll see...
Chrysalis and Ryan visited with us for a few nights. On Saturday, Chrysalis and I observed her good friend Joseph in the Jessup Competition Moot Court. It was wonderful! I loved the banter amongst the judges and the responses and propositions from the "agents" (law school students). Later that night, Michael and I went to Dee's and had our usual-we shared a salad, this time it was tri-color, I had the Olive Delight pizza with kalamata olives and Michael had the rosemary turkey buger with carmelized onions. We shared a bottle of Chianti and also discovered that Dee's has paired up with the Wine Room of Forest Hills to prepare their new wine selections. Very Nice!!
Sunday, pleasantly unexpected, we were invited to Leslie's for Sunday dinner, which, of course, included a BIG pot of gravy with sausage, meatballs and pork. Way Yummy!! Great food and great friends!!
Monday night, as Michael wanted a certain kind of beer to bring to Leslie's ski house this coming weekend, we went to New Hyde Park to pick up Innis & Gunn-Scottish beer, then we went over to Eddie's for pizza. We ran into a friend of Michael's from his childhood, Erika and her family. We sat with them and ate. It was really nice to see them again.
Last night I made Michael wedge salad (iceberg, tomatoes, bacon and blue cheese dressing) along with chicken marsala (diet version-no butter, only olive oil, splash of marsala wine and mushrooms). Tonight's plan (ha) is turkey burgers au poivre and roasted fennel. We'll see...
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