Richelle's Profile
dinner for 30 people in two days
Sounds good to me, along the lines of ham, there could be roast pork. or any other meat to be slices and served.
Good luck!
Any experience with dehydrating shallots or onions? Or any ideas what to do with A LOT of onions/ shallots?
Hi there!
I would freeze them, either blanching them beforehand or not.
dinner for 30 people in two days
How about a dish like paëlla? Serve that with fresh bread and a salade and its great.
Too with a paëlla, the guests get to watch and help, get them involved and most enjoy it. Since there is meat, chicken and fish, there is something for everyone.
Else, I would say, keep it simple and fresh, there is so much coming from the farmers market, it is a great time of the year to be cooking!
Exquisite lunch at Cyrus
I am glad to see some of you agree and some of you disagree, it is always interesting to hear other peoples experiences.
I am going back in 2 weeks, with my friend, I hope for lunch, on Oct. 4th or 5th.
Stay tuned!
Exquisite lunch at Cyrus
I had heard only good things about Cyrus and did so look forward to my time there.
First, Healdsburg is gorgeous and I would stay there a few nights and never get bored, though might gain a few pounds. Pfffft, would be worth the longer workouts.
We arrived there not knowing what to expect and how scrumptious it is to be offered champagne and caviar first thing! I did have champagne and truly enjoyed it, though no caviar this time around, I do plan on it next time around!
We chose the 5-course menu, and it was a treat to be able to substitute plates from the vegetarian 5-course tasting menu, which we did.
I want to mention service and décor, which both really take the cake. The service is so much fun, I was always pleasantly surprise, never felt overwhelmed, always on point and with good humor and smiles. I could tell that everyone enjoyed the sommelier also, as I stuck to champagne, I did not have the chance to deal with him much, too bad for me, but planning on it next time again.
The whole event starts with canapés, unexpected and fun, as the cuisine leans towards molecular with an Asian influence, the bites we had were quite good, the two that really stood out for me was the infused blueberry and a miso and mushroom soup served in a miniature bowl.
Then came the amuse-bouche, which again, just appears and wowed me in the sense of an intense awakening of the taste buds.
By then, I was excited about our plates to come and the gazpacho was memorable, full of flavors, cool, but not cold, something to really enjoy, eating it slowly is a prerequisite as the serving is not large.
I think my best dish of the day was the Foie Gras Torchon with cherry, pistachio and ginger; it is a must for any foie gras lover. There are only two other instances in which I was so enamored with foie gras, it was perfectly silken, it was heaven in my mouth and I could have had a whole meal of it too!
Between two dishes came a palate cleansing sorbet popsicle, readying us for the main meal ahead. I had the Kurobuto Tenderloin with black-eyed peas and potato, persillade. The meal itself was beautifully presented, as a matter of fact, each dish served was a feast for the eyes, and if one eats with their eyes first, it is going to be a happy day. The dish was also quite delicious, the meat tender and persillade perfectly delicious as an accompaniment.
As for desserts, There was a few options, one of my companions had the Thai Coffee,it is sumptuous with many layers of sweet and savory, creamy and satisfying after such a beautiful meal. For myself, I was offered the cheese tray, it is a very Europeen thing to do, but one I really enjoy and when I had seen the tray slip past to other customers, I was craving it before the meal ended. There was a good variety to choose from, goat, to cheddars, ash rind and blue cheeses. I had three of them, and with them comes a tray of the most exquisite crackers and toasted bread, also with it is a fruit compote that marries
However at Cyrus, it does not stop there, there is too the tray of mignardises that is brought over and we get to pick a few for ourselves, almost as if to keep the experience going just a bit longer, each of the tiny pieces of sweet perfection made in house, it was hard to resist, and we did not, we did enjoy them, as the time seem to slow to a stop and there was only the sensations having had a wonderful meal, at a beautiful place and setting, and now savoring the last moments of such.
But even when we thought we were done, given to us in a gift box was a chocolate pastry to enjoy later. Which I did. Yum.
Toqué! is Beautiful!
Toqué! was just a beautiful experience, the restaurant itself is lovely, as is the staff and ambiance. I felt special just being in the restaurant.
But let's talk food!
I started with a dry martini and yes, it was a good martini, not too small or large and perfectly cold.
We were served a teaser of rutabaga foam with vanilla butter, now, there is nothing sexy about anything made with rutabaga except when served at Toque! I felt I could have eaten a large bowl of it and it was gone too quickly.
For the appetizers, we chose the oysters and the foie gras, the oysters themselves were not as yummy as I know they could been there was none of the briny water in the shell itself and the accompanying sauce did not save them. But the terrine de foie gras was the pièce de résistance. Foie gras is one of the foods I always have when available and this one takes the cake, served with an apple salad, slightly tangy and sweet, I could not get enough of that dish and wished I had ordered that instead of the oysters.
For the mains I really enjoyed the duck magret served with polenta and fennel, I have not had fennel often and enjoyed how it played with the duck and polenta. The polenta itself seemed a bit black and overcooked, but it was still savory if a tad dry. All in all, I cleaned up the plate as it was all too scrumptious. The other main was the cavatelli with foie gras shavings, wild mushrooms and white truffle oil, their cavatelli is pasta made from ricotta which I did not previously know, it is like gnocchi without the heaviness, the flavours of this dish was nothing like my own dish, it was earthier and beautifully perfumed and light. The portions at Toqué! are perfect, not leaving us overly stuffed.
Following such, we enjoyed a bit of cheese with the last of our wine then coffee and dessert, we chose the pear dessert, it was different and easy to enjoy and finish our meal with.
Their wine list is varied and interesting, the wine we were served went with all of our dishes, the wine itself seemed to bloom during the evening and it was hard to leave even a few sips in our glasses.
All in all, I know I shall return with my friends, not to critique food, but to enjoy a few hours of excellent food, wine, service and ambiance.
An excellant evening at Cava
I had read about Cava, from En Route to the Gazette.
And finally, I had the opportunity to have supper there this week.
I went with one other person and we were determined to stick to Greek food. While Milos is Island Greek with a strong penchant on seafood and fish, Cava takes its menu from the mainland and it is more about meat than seafood.
Every item on the menu seemed to bring a little bit of Greece into the restaurant, speaking of the restaurant, to step inside is to be taken cared of, spoiled, every one in the restaurant, patrons and staff included were happy, relaxed, the atmosphere is enveloping and would make anyone benefit from just being there. From the bar area to the half open kitchen, the dark rich colours and meat aging display, it was enchanting.
As for the staff, they are not only attentive and smart, they actually listen when you speak and really seek to make your evening enjoyable, there are two staff members per table and so the service remains flawless and beautiful.
We did not wish to have a whole bottle of wine and opted to match our courses with different wines, the wine list is imported and delightful, there is no lack of choice, price wise or by the glass. We were served a teaser before even getting out appetizers, a tiny espresso cup of something wonderful, we scarfed it down and wished there was more. (Having been to three amazing restos in two days, I am struggling to remember what I had when, thankfully, I am writing about Cava now, else I would not be able to remember at all!)
The two appetizers were first a feta fondue served with cherry tomatoes and herbs, it was a bit overly hot for my guest, and I would have to agree, as for my own, I had beet and feta salad, oh yum, talk about joy. The beets were al dente, if such can be applied to beet and the cheese with herbs was just so beautiful, it was a large appetizer, and no regrets, there was not a crumb left on my plate.
As for the entrees, I had the filet mignon, a beautiful piece of succulent meat, served with a few perfectly grilled asparagus, my knife slid through the meat, and with the balsamic reduction sauce, it all melded perfectly. My guest had the veal shoulder and orzo slowly cooked in a clay pot, dry goat cheese shavings, what an exquisite dish!
The beautiful thing about that night was when our servers offered us extra time between courses so we had time to digest and finish our wines before the next course.
I rarely have dessert, I rather enjoy a cheese course, however, being that we were in a Greek restaurant, I was told of the Svigous with Kaimaki ice cream and sour cherry compote, it was a dessert for the Gods, and the portion is large, but oh so easy to eat, all of it, down to the last swipe of the spoon. It was gone, having chosen Samos as our dessert wine, it was a beautiful marriage, put to bed with a cup of Greek coffee, my thought of Greek coffee? Why did I not know it existed before today? I do plan on returning, over and over again.
Cava is the place to go, to enjoy, to sit back and be taken cared of, to be pampered and let yourself travel to Greece.
Thank you Vasilli and cie.....
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al dente
Montreal, Canada, Montreal, QC , CA
Cava Spiliadis
5357 Av Du Parc, Montreal, QC H2V4G9, CA
EUROPEA
This was for lunch and what a wonderful lunch it was.
The place was busy with beautiful people, most dressed in business attire.
We were well attended throughout lunch, the service impeccable.
As for the food itself, we went for the table d'hôte.
We were served a teaser as it was called, a perfectly flavored bisque, buttery and perfectly seasoned.
Following such, we were served out appetizers, yum. A potage butternut and mussel, again, so creamy without the heaviness. And than the foie gras plate, a perfect nugget of the rich foie gras served with a fruit compote, the only thing that surprised me a bit on the foie gras was that it was cold enough I could not spread it on the thin crouton served with it, but we did clear our plates.
I was really excited by then to receive our main plates and than again, everything was so beautiful, for myself, I had the rabbit confit, the meat was not dark as I often see, but so fall off the bone tender! The accompaniments were all as delicious as nothing was left on the plate. And than the short rib served over a few perfectly braised vegetables. That rib looked as if it came from a dinosaur, large, thick and the glaze dark and savory, all in all, it was mind altering experience.
I know now that I have waited too long to go to Europea and plan on returning with a few of my friends I know will really enjoy it as much I did.
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Europea
1227, rue de la Montagne, Montreal, QC H3G1Z2, CA
Michelin *** in the province?
I agree, I would go for regional before the stars.
Good points!
Michelin *** in the province?
I am surprised Toqué! is not mentioned more often.
There is Graziella, of course Milo, and le Club Chasse et Peche. (And many more)
One way or the other from L'Épicier to XO, there is awesome dining to be had in Montreal!
San Francisco is hard to match I have to admit, I absolutely love going there and the surrounding Marin County Area! But we do really well for ourselves and more than well, Montreal is a gem when it comes to great dining.
Grand Padano with Blue Cheese undertones?
I have discovered grana pandano only this last year, getting it at Costco when it runs out of Parmesan, I have never noticed a blue cheese smell or aged smell. Perhaps it was indeed going bad.
Better luck next time!
Lao menu at Bangkok Golden in Falls Church - Report
I want to thank the Washington Chowhounders for inviting me along! What a memorable experience, first having the chance of meeting other chowhounders and then eating Laotian food! It was a first for me and I was happy if at times careful of trying out the new foods.
Like the others, I really enjoyed the Rice Paste Wrap, the wonderful crunch and flavours in the Nam Khao, then indeed the dipping sauce for this dish, (grilled chicken), Ping Gai, was complex and yumilicious!. I loved the Koi Pa for its bright flavours and the Pon pa was really one of the greatest surprises. The Som Pa was also quite good, and with all these new flavors and heat, if I had blocked sinuses, it would have cured that!
Again, thank you for inviting me...It was most excellant!
In a bind, and hurry, help!
To reply to my own query, here is where we went and how it went.
Someone mentioned Papa-Razzi and we managed to get a reservation.
I really enjoyed the experience. The appetizers we chose were caprese and the other prosciutto and mozzarella, the latter being the best as the tomatoes in the caprese were tasteless, the mozzarella remaining delicious as was the prosciutto.
The plates chosen for mains are rissotto with scallops, penne with pomodoro and polpetti, and ravioli.
The ravioli was eaten and fine, the penne plate with pomodoro was bland and the meatballs felt spongy, which is too bad as they were supposedly made with quality meat.
The rissoto with was delicious, even though I was surprised it was served in a standard plate and not the usual center/bowl type plate.
The wine, a Nero D'avolo 2008, was quite a good deal.
It came to dessert in no time and those wowed us, two of them, a bowl of three gelatos. sumptuous! The other was brownies and and gelato, the bowl so large was so large, it was impossible to finish, though I think some might.
The tiramisu was so so, not in the league of the other desserts.
They served a good espresso, the service was attentive and charming, nothing more.
Papa-Razzi is what you could expect of a decent chain restaurant and on a night like this one, a fine place to go. No regrets.
In a bind, and hurry, help!
Hello my Washingtonian Chowhounders,
Our plans are changed for tonight and I need a new place to go, good food, not overpriced, perhaps Italian, (Always love a great risotto), else, give me your best.
We want to head to Mama's Organ in Adam's Morgan afterwards, so if any of you know a place that would be around that area, I would be thrilled!
Thanks in advance!
A tourist comes to Montreal..... Scenario
Even though all cities have an Italian Quarter, I would bring them to the most excellant Primo & Secondo or Lucca. Even Cafe Via Dante is superb in serving Northern Italian.
Other favorites for me recently have been Le Pois Penché, and though La Queue de Cheval is overpriced, for lunch the prices are quite good and the food delicious.
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Le Pois Penché
1230 de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal, QC H3G 1M2, CA
Cafe Via Dante
251 Rue Dante, Montreal, QC H2S1K3, CA
Siroc and Filomena's
Good idea Elyssa! I shall indeed remember that!
As for the gnocchi, thanks for the heads up, I am always looking for the perfect dish.
Pazo -- whoa, that was awful
I do feel bad because the place is so beautiful and the potential is there.
Siroc and Filomena's
I in fact did go to both on this short trip to Washington.
SIroc I had gone too earlier this week, alone to dine, it was a beautiful place to people watch, read and eat fantastically well.
This time around at Siroc, I was not alone and did enjoy it twice as much, as mentioned elsewhere, the food surpasses Filomena's to the point, I would not place them in the same category at all.
The two appetizers I did get to taste was the beef rolls and shrimp which were served beautifully, which always seems to help, the visual aspect of a dish causing the mouth to water and crave even before it has been tasted.
I was not disappointed and not once did I have to salt which to mean says a lot.
The entrees were as delicious, one being the veal ossu bucco and the beef tenderloin. I should have had the pasta on hindsight, but I had thought that I was saving my pasta night for Filomena. Both entrees were awesome, both plates were cleaned off, the garlic potato puree so tasty and smooth, every mouthful a pleasure. The meat of both entrees were fork tender. I have to say that Siroc is becoming a favorite for myself.
I have to add that being able to have one or two glasses of wine with any meal is a plus and I welcome this change in restaurants, as a bottle can be too much on any given night when working the next day. :)
As for Fliomena's. I think this is one restaurant that all should at least go to a few times, also it is probably a great place to bring visitors, work groups and such, the pace is awesome, the decor enticing and the ambiance lively.
The service was also faultless.
For the appetizer, as I was trying to eat lightly before the pasta dish, I had the caprese and that did not disappoint, though the serving was large enough for two. This should have been a warning as the main meal was large enough to feed three! My own main was gnocchi with their homemade bolognese, the gnocchi was good, if somewhat heavy and large, I usually have my gnocchi with either Gigi or Romanella with a piquante olive oil, so this was a definite change for me. I ate about 1/8 of my plate. That makes me sad, it was good, but heavy and too large.
The other plate I tasted was the seafood festival plate served on black pasta, unfortunately the pasta was overcooked, that is not good, the seafood was ok, but bland and again, the serving so large, only half was eaten. Dommage. (too bad)
The best part was dessert, the tiramisu. It is light, flavourful and worth the trip.
What I saw that all patrons loved was that at the end of each meal, the waiter comes over with a decanter of amaretto or sambuca and sets the decanter on the table with glasses for the patrons to enjoy. Quite fun, but I was too full to take advantage. ((Also, I rather like a good grappa, not amaretto nor sambuca...lol)). Having said all that, I can assure you, everyone around us seemed quite happy with their generous servings, and so, perhaps it is just moi.
I do look forward to returning and experiencing more of Washington, so till December!
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Siroc Restaurant
915 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005
Pazo -- whoa, that was awful
LOL...No indeed, if I had had working internet and done my research as I usually do, I would not have gone!
It was suggested by the Innkeeper. :(
Pazo -- whoa, that was awful
This is November, a year later, an update of sorts.
I am from Montreal where tapa restaurants are coming up and wowing us with small exquisite portions of impeccable foods. Not all are great, but for instant, Pintxo is a must if you go to Montreal and enjoy tapas.
I was sor of expecting this at Pazo which was highly recommended.
Pazo looks so wonderful when you step inside, the decor is fantabulous.
The service was also quick and pleasant which we appreciated. Be warned, though this is a tapas restaurant, the servings are large and three tapas can be too much.
Unfortunately, the food leaves to be desired, let's start with the swordfish, two generous pieces, but lacking any seasoning, the zuchini cakes were actually one of the fair dishes, though a bit of lemon would have worked wonders and again, under seasoned. The best of them all was the ceviche.Kudos! the seafood tender, yummy and perfectly seasoned. My eating partner also had the mushrooms, the portion was large, as were the mushrooms, but lacking in taste and tasting too much like the grill, I was not surprised to see the plate go back half eaten.
The catallan pizza was also yummy, worst was the potato cakes with ham, I am afraid it looks as if they were bought frozen and dumped in the fryer. after one and a half, I could not force myself to eat them. The other over fried food was the crab, the dough was deeply fried and the crab tasteless. I felt bad for our server, she was so pleasant.
Our wines were however quite good and the glassware beautiful, I always appreciate being served wine in a Riedel glass even if I am not buying a whole bottle.
This place was hopping, the lounge area with the sofas just look so inviting, once there you want the food to be as delicious as the place, I really hope admin looks into this uneven preparation of food and seriously look into rethinking their food. SO much promise, not much delivery, quel dommage!
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Pazo Restaurant
1425 Aliceanna St, Baltimore, MD 21201
J&G Steakhouse - lunch
Hello Woodleyparkhound,
My days in Washington were too short unfortunately and the only other restaurant I enjoyed was Filomena's, I wasn't sure it was a Washington institution or not, but after having walked passed the pasta making lady, I knew I had to go. Will try to write more about it on a separate thread since this one is on J&G Steakhouse.
Ciao!
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J&G Steakhouse
515 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
J&G Steakhouse - lunch
A beautiful day in Washington, election day no less. A Montreal foodie enjoying your city!
I too went to J&G for lunch as I was needing a break from enjoying the architectural beauty around me. I decided to head there on impulse and have no regret.
I was not completely alone, I had a wonderful book with me, Three Cups of Tea, but still, eating on your own is always a challenge and some tend to place you at the back near the kitchen door. UGH.
But I was given a wonderful table at the window, among the busy diners and appreciated the gesture, the service was awesome with not one but two servers making sure everything remained perfect. I went for the butternut squash soup, it was creamy beyond any cream soup I had in a long time, thickened with creme fresh instead of flour, the texture was satiny, it was served over mushrooms and cubed squash, I nearly licked the bowl clean, and though there was salt on the table, it is a first for me not to have used it at all during my meal, at all.
I then continued with their crab cake, how different! The pieces of crab were large and instead of fine bread crumbs, it was cubed bread, the flavours were a bit asian and instead of lemon, there was small quarters of grapefruit, and avocado, I was shocked by the flavours which blended beautifully on the palate, accompanied by a perfect glass of chardonnay, this lunch was memorable, so much, I barely read at all which says a lot in my case.
I did not have dessert, but I did have their cappuccino, again, just divine.
I saw that this restaurant does not always have great reviews, but hopes that those that go do speak well if they had good meals, as I know for a fact, it is a lot easier to come up here to write about an unpleasant experience than it is a good one.
On that note, I am seriously enjoying Washington, and the awesome food!
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J&G Steakhouse
515 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
CH from Montreal-Where to go???
Brasserie Beck. Right now, this was so good, the duck ravioli and the mussel and frites! I had the chorizo and fennel, waiting for my cafe latte before heading out to more explorations of your beautiful city.
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Brasserie Beck
1101 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005
CH from Montreal-Where to go???
Thank you, I might try to go there for lunch if they do lunch. We have a personal invite frrom the chef at CityZen tonight, so I think that is just where we may go.
As of now, I have gone to Altiramisu, Blues Alley( what fun!), Cafe Milano, Bistro Francais, Siroc, with only today left, I will simply have to return. I am also hoping if I cannot make it to Dino's to get to Brasserie Beck, either one.
As of yet, Cafe Milano had the best lamb ever, Siroc the best tagliatelle and poached pear, oh that poached pear! Bistro Francais serves a mean gazpacho, perfectly seasoned and for cold soups, that is not easy.
Anyhow, off to breakfast, work, then lunch, Jefferson Memorial ad such!
Ciao!
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CityZen Restaurant
1330 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20024
Brasserie Beck
1101 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005
Cafe Milano
3251 Prospect St NW, Washington, DC 20007
Siroc Restaurant
915 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005
Bistro Francais
3128 M St NW, Washington, DC 20007
CH from Montreal-Where to go???
Hi!
I wll have a better account later of this trip, but had to let you know I am having the best fresh pasta ever. At Siroc, tagliatelle with scallops.
Ciao!
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Siroc Restaurant
915 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005
CH from Montreal-Where to go???
That sounds good,(Obelisk) I am alone on Wednesday for supper..is it a good place to go alone? Unless some CH would join me. heh.
I have reservations for Cafe Milano on Tuesday...and Thursday is still up in the air.
I do plan lunches at the other places you guys gave me. Yay!
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Cafe Milano
3251 Prospect St NW, Washington, DC 20007
CH from Montreal-Where to go???
I shall be there....worry not..checking out martinis! That be Wednesday when I am on my own....should a chowhound come around.
Alright, I am just about to start on reservations....lord, I am excited.
CH from Montreal-Where to go???
Hello everyone and thank you! I am definately going to try out a few, on one eve, I am going to be alone, I would rather not go too far from the Hotel, its either the Mandarin or Palomar, depending on the nights.
I am truly excited to be spending those fine days in your city.
CH from Montreal-Where to go???
lol.....true...spruce beer in a glass bottle is awesome.
Thank you for the advice, I have taken the notes down and will do the research, I just seem to be running out of time.
I wonder if you could mail order spruce beer?
CH from Montreal-Where to go???
Hello fellow CH,
I am a beloved fan of this site and now really need advice as I am going to your lovely city of Washington next week, (staying at the Palomar) and have 4 nights of wow places to go enjoy your food.
I am really wanting to stay away from tourist traps.
I really love Italian, the more authentic (from northern Italy to east, west and south), its all good, as long its delicious and fresh.
We are going to a Jazz supper on Monday.
What else is different, your favortie places, the budget is not limited at all too! Yay for work expenses!
Thank you!
