Joanie's Profile
Food Network Star, Episode 3 - Chopped Lite (SPOILER)
I didn't see the separate thread for this episode. My comment was the fact that 30 min to see the ingredients, come up with the plan, cook and esp. plate for NINE people seems completely unfair. Getting three plates ready is next to impossible on the regular Chopped shows, 9 is nuts.
Food Network Star
Thanks for linking.
So did anyone talk about who got sent home last time? That poor guy (Josh?) just never got his act together with his disjointed presentations and lack of presence even tho he was supposedly a "rock star". And I thought it was really unfair to have to prepare 9 plates for the Chopped challenges, in 30 min. The normal show is only 3, that's crazy.
Around the World in 80 Plates [Split from Top Chef thread]
I had to watch this episode when I saw they'd be in Barcelona since I was just there 3 weeks ago. And I agree, Chevin is the reason to watch cuz he's such a douche. I think Chaz and his temper will be the main focus next but who knows. I do have to watch one more time after being in Marrakech 2 years ago, hopefully they stay out of any other cities I care about (not that they show *that* much related to the city).
Food Network Star
Finally someone talking about the actual episode. And I totally agree, i was reminded of an SNL skit when Jimmy Smits was host and his fellow newscasters were over pronouncing the Spanish words for his benefit. I was laughing.
Also surprised how the dude w/ the bow tie was universally loved last week and now they say it all feels forced like he's doing a motivational speech. What was the big difference (except he wasn't into pickles).
And to address a comment from before, I wonder why there are only two judges. Do't you need an odd # on things like this.
Barcelona and Valencia wrap up (long)
This is pretty long and I'm sure I'm still forgetting stuff but wanted to get this posted since I've been back for 2 weeks. Not as successful as many other visitors but some good stuff. We started with a side trip to Pineda de Mar, just an hour north of Bracelona. So many beautiful beaches on the ride up (and surprisingly, naked men) and in the town itself of course. Checked into the Stella & Spa (which had a great breakfast) and walked over to Restaurant Diagonal for their lunch for 11€. T was very happy with his stuffed pepper, paella and beer, I wasn't so lucky. Fish soup was fine, sardines were tasty but so bony and I didn't know if there was an easier way to eat them (pic below), they looked mangled. Some cake dessert was just okay but the service was very sweet explaining everything to us, even tho we were the only two non Spanish speaking people in there. That evening was a relaxing drink at Moloko on the beach (the first of many mojitos), chicken and beef doners from Estrella de Mar and pool at the Dutch bar Eet Café Soestdijk. Hit the flea market after breakfast, wandered around and another set menu at Marisqueria where I asked for tostada con tun & anchoas but got fried calçot which I was happy to try (had never heard of them til reading this board) but I didn't know what I was eating til after the fact and re-reading the menu. Not sure how they completely misunderstood my speaking and pointing. Then I got fish a la Valencia expecting a white fish with an interesting sauce but was served more whole fish, fried this time and less bony but not as tasty. Crème brulee was good although a bit too bruleed, really needed to know Spanish there. A drink that nite at the Aqua Promenade whose bartender was a bore, another more exciting doner at La Casa del Kebab then a music festival at the Hotel Koppers which was fun.
No sunny day to waste time til our train so a quick flea mkt, cafe con leche at Can Comas and on to Valencia (via Barcelona). Hotel Venecia was a great location, walked up to try Bar Pilar but it was too crowded so we got a drink at a bar in the square closeby where I got my only Sangria of the trip (could never figure out the name, had a cool cellar vibe) then yummy food at Escalones de la Lonia, split croquettes, grilled squid and a pork and egg dish. Plans were foiled when we discovered the subway closes at 10:30 even on a Sat. Next morning we hit the flea market, grabbed random food and yet another doner (my last) at Amigo then hit a couple rock bars. Saw the big market (pic), Museo de Bellas Artes and stopped for a relaxing lunch (w/ free wi fi) at Pan de Queso where 6.50€ got you a choice of fresh roll w/ cheese and another item, choice of croquette, a big glass of wine (or beer or soda) and a coffee. This is not a deal you'd find in Boston. The guy working there was very nice, the sun was shining on the patio, it was good. Also really enjoyed the bakery Moltto in the Plaza de la Reina, great choice of baked goods, sandwiches and empanadas.
That nite was supposed to be our nicer meal so we headed first for a nicer drink and ended up at DB Drinking & Fooding on c/ Almirante Cadarso. Bar Code was the original destination but this place across the street looked so old and opulent, we had to go in. The girl said mojitos were her specialty so we had yet another (I didn't have a proper martini or other cocktail the whole trip). Dinner at La Mala Vida on c/ Conde de Altea was not good for me. T. was happy with his veal, they didn't have Serrano ham for him to start and suggested patatas brava which I thought were just fair. My lamb was a huge disappointment, very salty and tiny little chops with barely any meat, a pain in the ass more than anything else. Super nice server who had lived in Boston and gave T an after dinner drink on the house. Last nite we got a drink and played pinball at the bar Glop then decent salad and pizza at La Vita e Bella around the corner from the hotel. With another nice server who gave T another after dinner drink on the house. Damn, why was I not drinking?
Took the train to Barcelona on Wed., Tom didn't feel well but rallied that nite starting with drinks at Rockarolla where nice people worked (but drinks surprisingly cost more than 'nicer' places). We grabbed what we thought would be a cheap sandwich/pizza slice but this place on the Rambla was a bad deal. Ended at Hell Awaits, lots of metalheads there after a show. Thurs. wandered down to Barceloneta and lunch outdoors at Cavamar, a 3 course meal for about 12€ which was pretty good all around and couldn't beat the location and weather. That nite was the "travel agent" dinner which I had posted about looking for suggestions. We first went to the apartment of a friend of a friend where some Dutch people were also visiting, that was nice, a stop for a quick drink at Mussol on Diagonal, a pretty modern restaurant where the bartender was super nice and a short hop to Hisop which was a great meal.. As I'd mentioned, I had hoped for a bubbling atmosphere at this meal but that wasn't happening (which I knew). However, the service was great, professional but friendly. We ordered a la carte and they bring out couple tastes to start, razor clams and a whitefish w/ strawberry sauce which sounds weird but was very tasty. We split the app of grilled squid and blood sausage (pic), very nice. I got lamb again and other than being rarer than I like (but I know it's the way people like to serve it), really liked it. T enjoyed his veal (again). We had a mojito sorbet before dessert of chocolate and bread ice cream and beer and foam. It's not on their online menu and I obviously don't remember specifics but all those flavors were in one dessert and worked relatively well. I thought the woodwork had an Ikea feel to it but overall, really enjoyed the meal (although T said he could go for a doner). About 110€ including one wine, two beers and a port. We walked down to the bar Barbara Ann to end the nite.
We got a drink on the roof of the Barcelo Hotel then tried to eat at Bar Ramon but even tho only about 4 people were seated at 9:30, they couldn't take us so we missed that universally recommended place. We walked around and ended up at a dive for a huge mojito (and only 3.50) then came upon Can Lluis on Reina Amalia where we had a pretty nice meal with a home cooked feel. T started with Serrano ham then grilled mussels, I had a nice sautéed fish w/ grilled veggies dish. Got a bomba and croquette at one stall at the market with a nice guy working but the pinxo of sausage and bread one day (displayed like a bouquet) may have made me sick, or the package of fruit for one euro. I felt kind of miserable the last 12 hrs in town so no last meal in Barcelona and had to drag myself out to do anything, ended up at the bar Crusader listening to metal music with the bartender and one other guy there. The whole trip, I felt like I barely enjoyed the tapas experience plus I tried for sangria a couple more times but they wouldn't serve it in a glass and when I was on my own, I didn't want to order a half carafe. Grabbed various gelatos and pastries throughout, but it wasn't quite the food revelation that most people have.
Food Network Star
I assumed it was a 2 hr premier episode and the rest would be an hour, is that not right? Can't take another 2 hr show (embarrassingly watching Celeb Apprentice and can't wait for it to be over). I too thought no real villains which I appreciated. The rock dude was annoying but not mean. The team aspect is okay but I kind of like the old way better. I don't watch enough of the other shows to have recognized anyone (never even heard of 24 hr whatever) but in these days of Chiclets for teeth (and unreal expectations), that kid Justin needs an appt with the Zoom whitener.
Around the World in 80 Plates [Split from Top Chef thread]
At least the one guy (who the gals liked and the guys didn't) said he was paying attention knowing he'd probably have to cook some stuff. The guy with the big nostrils was annoying as all get out as was the Boston dude. I'm so glad I don't have to add another show to the rotation. If it's convenient, I might turn it on but probably will just see what you guys have to say.
Donuts
I wanted to report back that the trip to Greenpoint was totally worth it for Peter Pan. I just wish I wasn't so rushed in line so I could really peruse the selection. Got an amazing sour cream donut and an okay red velvet one. I'm more of a traditional donut gal and as much as I love red velvet stuff, the donut wasn't so exciting, gave half of it to a guy spare changing down the street. Esp. since I'd decided to stop into Baker's Dozen across the street and got a life changing egg bagel w/ light scallion cream cheese. This was one mighty fine bagel that I unfortunately left half behind in the subway but Greenpoint is on the agenda for the next trip, will add those Polish bakeries to the itinerary.
Lisbon trip report (long)
I'm going to comment on your report since people don't really use the boards here the way they do in Boston and NYC. Unfortunately when I went to Lisbon (and Lagos) in 1995, I wasn't as obsessed a food person so didn't eat anything special or memorable. Jealous that you're going back so soon, Oct. is a great time to be there.
Do they take walk-ins at Tickets/41 degrees?
Since 41 Degrees seems a long shot when we arrive May 2, what other higher end bars do people suggest for Barcelona (or Valencia)? Some place that's super old and luxurious, or super new and cool, or just making the most interesting drinks in town? I've got a lot of rock bars on my list but nothing besides 41 Degrees and Xix Bar for other bars. Thanks.
Tapas on Valencia - open on a Sunday?
Anyone have good Sunday night suggestions 2 months later? Thanks.
Good combination of food and atmosphere in VAL and/or BCN
No one has a thought on this? I did make a res at Hisop on Thurs. May 3, which may or may not fit the specifications but sounds like it'll be good. Would be curious about a nice and fun place in Valencia earlier in the week or another Barcelona spot. Thanks.
Trip Report - Barcelona
I've tried calling our hotels reservations twice and it's been closed both on Good Friday and whatever they call Easter Monday (Easter Monday perhaps?). I remember everything shut down Easter weekend years ago in Berlin of all places, these folks take Easter seriously. Glad to hear about HIsop in any case, got a res there for our fancy dinner out on May 3.
Good combination of food and atmosphere in VAL and/or BCN
This is kind of a spinoff from the $$$ in Valencia thread:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/785066
I'm looking for a great meal that doesn't cost an arm and a leg as my payback for being the travel agent on this trip. I'll be traveling with a male friend but there's no romance involved, thus we'd like a place that's fun, exciting, hip, whatever. Just so it's not all quiet with the two of us gazing into each other's eyes. We'll be in Valencia April 30-May 2 then Barcelona until May 6. I sent an email to Hisop in Barcelona to try to get a reservation but couldn't quite tell from their site if they fit the atmosphere, prices weren't too insane. I'm not super into molecular gastronomy but it might be nice if there were an option or two. Just want well made food with a wow factor in a lively environment. I'm moving late on this so obviously a place we can get into 3 or 4 weeks out.
Oh and are there any other great bars besides 41 Degrees if that's impossible to get into? Thanks.
One $$$ meal in Barcelona: Gelonch? Cinc Sentis? Hisop? Commerc24?
No one has any thoughts on this? I'd love to hear too.
VALENCIA- brief report 2/11
Hi Erica, I'm re-reading various Barcelona and Valencia reports since I'll be there in 3 weeks. I'll be owed a "travel agent" dinner for doing the planning and wondered if Ca Sento would fit the bill. Your meal was only 104 euro for 2 people? Are things served a la carte or is it a tasting menu? I took a look at their site (http://www.casento.net) but there were no prices and my Spanish is minimal at best. It seems great (except for one very disappointing review on Trip Adv) but we usually look for something a little more upbeat shall we say. Do you have a thought on a nicer but lively place in Valencia (or BCN) that's a bit more expensive but doesn't break the bank (entrees about $26-38USD)? Thanks.
New York eating with 10yr old
I think a burger at Shake Shack in Madison Sq. Park would be fun for 10 year old. And lunch at Grand Central Oyster Bar would impress her. Going to Soho would be fun, I've enjoyed lunch at Bistro Les Amis on Spring St. The Chelsea Market with the various bakeries and vendors would be interesting. Grabbing a bagel would be easy and cheap for breakfast and of course there's a ton of cupcake places that you'll stumble upon.
Rambling NYC weekend report
Had some things not come thru in various ways during my 3 nites in NYC but still managed to eat too much. It's harder when bopping around town on your own not able to split things (a girl can only eat so much). Dropped off my stuff at the downtown Marriott (more activity there than I thought with the 9/11 Museum, W Hotel, a decent 24 hour deli, etc) and went to the Union Sq. market for a cider donut (this trip was a bit of a donut quest). I don't know if it was from Treehouse Farms but I should have known to pass, it had been sitting for a while and wasn't too exciting. Then went over to Nam Pung where someone recommended the pork belly sandwich over the mackerel. It was good but WAY more meat than I had planned on, I managed to stuff it all in (pic below). Hoped to hit a happy hour but even tho Merc Bar advertised one somewhere in my research, they weren't doing it and I was too thirsty anyway so grabbed a soda and got ready for dinner at Bistro Cassis (Columbus @70th). Just had a nice frisee aux lardons salad w/ a poached egg (and lots of great baguette w/ both butter and paté) plus a crème brulee for dessert. Friends enjoyed their trout, coquille St. Jacques and burger (entrees $24-33). Pretty authentic bistro feel including kind of brusque service and a cursory "We have chardonnay, merlot" etc. with no other info, not so helpful since there was no menu for wines by the glass. Ended the nite at Mercury Bar and a little tapas place on 1st Ave.
Sat. I first went to the East Village because Wonder City on E. 10th was supposed to have great donuts but now they're a juice bar, sigh. So I headed out to Greenpoint and Peter Pan Bakery. The only bummer was that I didn't want to hold up the line so I didn't get a great look at everything they had but that was an impressive bunch of donuts. Chose glazed sour cream and red velvet. Loved the sour cream but red velvet wasn't my favorite, gave half of it to some crusty punk spare changing in a nice way ("Is this red velvet? Right on!"). I wish I could have taken advantage of more Polish stuff in the area but went across the street to Baker's Dozen where I got a transcendent egg bagel w/ lite scallion cream cheese (see pic). This was so good but what do I do? Leave half of it on the subway bench (I almost got off at the next stop to retrieve it). That misstep tho allowed me to stuff in an Asia Dog at the Brooklyn Flea at Hanson Place. Got the Vietnamese style one cuz I couldn't take more pork belly and it was fine but somehow I expected more, $4.50 (see photo).
After hitting the Hell's Kitchen flea and wading thru St. Patty's dorks, I stopped in the jammed Eataly to take a look. It wasn't as crowded in the back so I continued my carbo load w/ half of a large onion foccacia at the bread place but again, something seemed missing. I asked a guy going thru the trash if he wanted the other half and he goes "No thanks I just ate", haha. I left it with some passed out guy on Broadway. Night time food was more successful with a nice grapefruit gin martini and red wine at Temple Bar on Lafayette (decided to go there rather than Thom Bar) and for $12 a pop, a relative deal. We had a great dinner at Lupa splitting an app of octopus with Swiss chard that was really yummy as was the Bavette cacio & pepe. Friend also wanted to try the charred mackerel app which was surprisingly bland but her chicken was great (sitting all lonely on the plate tho), about $110 w/ two wines, coffee, tax & tip. Besides the waiter recommending the most expensive glass of white, we had good service and a fun time, capped off at my favorite rock bar, Motor City on Ludlow.
Sun. I went to Abraco's on E. 7th for the ricotta fritters but another disappointment, they don't make them anymore. She said it's been 2 years so wherever I read that info is outdated. Tried the olive oil cake which was fine. Then over to Xi'an Famous Foods on St. Mark's where I thought I'd go for noodles rather than the lamb burger. Got a spicy pork noodle dish and the noodles were nice (and crazy long) but the pork was all ground and not in overly huge quantities. I didn't bother trying to give the rest of that meal away. I did get one more sweet, a raspberry rugelach at Pinisi Bakery on E. 4th which I thought was quite good. Wandered down to the LES and went to the Essex St Market but alas, Shopsin's was closing up and no donuts for me. Just wasn't my weekend. Walked thru Chinatown and got an iced tea in the Seaport on my way back downtown. Then the ride out to Forest Hills for dinner at Danny Brown's which is a nice space and my friend tells me not typical for Forest Hills. Unfortunately the bread basket wasn't so fresh. My duck was tasty ($27), friends had mixed greens & carbonara and roast skate. Split buttermilk pannacotta and a red wine poached pear. It was all fine but again, I expected more.
My last morning in town I made my way to Odessa on Ave A which I hadn't been to in about 5 years. I couldn't do the combo plate so got 5 various pierogi which hit the spot. I went over to Baohaus on E. 14th hoping they'd be open early to take a home a bun w/ beef cheek but no such luck. Got a good choc chip cookie from Birdbath Bakery on 1st Ave instead and packed up my stuff to head to the bus. But not before hitting at least one Halal cart on 7th Ave and 49th St. for a lamb gyro which made for a good Tues. lunch. I also hit 9th St. for an orange butter cookie at Amy's Bread and City Sandwich for their roast beef w/ broccoli rabe sandwich. The bread was great but the meat wasn't so flavorful, and not much more exciting w/ wasabi mayo the next day. I was sad not to get a soufflé at Capsouto Freres or even one burger. I was even sadder when the Megabus pulled over on the Mass Pike about 55 miles from Boston where we sat for 2.5 hrs til I was lucky enough to catch a ride with someone. So a few things didn't work out but overall, a good time. Thanks for the cocktail info, lots more places to get to next time.
Donuts
Thanks for the info. Union Sq. Mkt won't be out of the way for me since I'm staying in Man. whereas traveling around Brooklyn is, but Peter Pan sounded worth it (as did Wonder City in the EV). I guess the other question is which is easiest to get to if I go to Dough, PP or 7th Ave.? And which has the most other interesting stuff in the hood? My Brooklyn knowledge is limited. (Or maybe I just need to bop down to Ally's from Boston one of these days, or Kane's in nearby Saugus.)
Donuts
This is a very helpful thread since I'm on a donut quest this coming weekend (see list below). I love a good cake donut with a slightly greasy crispy exterior, bonus points for maple frosted or sour cream. If anyone is familiar with Ally's in N. Kingstown RI, Top Pot in Seattle, fresh cider donuts, or the tons of mom & pop shops in LA, that's what I'm looking for. And a real shop as opposed to a brunch place serving donuts. I wasn't thrilled with my one time at Doughnut Plant, don't care about crazy flavors. What's worth going out of my way for? I'm staying down by Wall St. so looking for the easiest Brooklyn places to check out. Thanks.
Abraco's Ricotta Fritters: 86 E. 7th,; Babycakes 248 Broome, vegan donuts; Balthazar: 80 Spring, nut topped; Bouchon: 10 Columbus Circlejam donuts; Dough: 305 Franklin Ave. @Lafayette, Brook; Peels: 325 Bowery, on Sunday; Peter Pan: 727 Manhattan Ave., Brook, glazed; Pies n Thighs: 166 S. 4th St. Brook, TreeLicious-Union Sq mkt, cider; Shopsin's: Essex St Mkt Stall 16, 120 Essex St., Wonder City: 277 E. 10th @Ave A, 7thAve. Donuts bet 8 and 9th,
Manhattan trip report
That's some impressive eating, how long were you there? I hope to pack it in for my 3 days this weekend.
Top Chef Texas Finale Part 2 - Ep. #17 - 02/29/12 (Spoilers)
Haha, i didn't realize they were all P's til just now. But the Portlands are BIG food towns and I figured Pittsburgh had to have a couple. I just get sick of Chicago and Calif. all the time. We'll see what happens next time around, if anyone's still watching.
Tribeca brunch or lunch?
I don't see it anymore. FW means the original post saying it wasn't good last time, which was posted before 10 hrs ago (now 9:18 EST Fri., don't forget to set your clocks ahead tomorrow). I'm curious about this thread now since I pricelined the Marriott downtown and will be somewhat in the area. But i guess this isn't where people were talking about the souffles at Capsouto Freres. Can't keep track.
Top Chef Texas Finale Part 2 - Ep. #17 - 02/29/12 (Spoilers)
I think next season they shouldn't pile on tons of chefs from one city. Why do we never see anyone from Phoenix, Portland (Maine and Oregon), Pittsburgh, Philly, etc.?
Top Chef Texas Finale Part 2 - Ep. #17 - 02/29/12 (Spoilers)
Oh man, I've cried at Staples commercials before and menopause had nothing to do with it (when the husband told his teacher wife they didn't have the money to buy school supplies for her students then she caught him in there buying some for her). Sun. morning NFL countdown with the token heart wrenching story, Friday Night Lights and Parenthood almost every week, embarrassing.
But back to the main crier, I didn't think Sara behaved badly at the end of the finale.
Top Chef Texas -- Reunion
I'm not sure there were that many more interesting parts. Chris Malibu likes how he looks, Paul is happy his parents are finally proud of him, Grayson said outrageous things, yawn.
Cocktails before Lupa
Foodwhisperer, is it surprising that Victor's is still around cuz it's not good? Looking for non Italian actually hoping that Cassis does the trick.
Cocktails before Lupa
I went to the Gansevoort bar probably 6 years ago. Thom sounds okay, Plunge is maybe a little too groovy for me. Lots to choose from now, maybe I'll go with Temple, but It's so hard to find the perfect combination of good drinks in a nice atmosphere, lively but not jammed, drinks that don't cost $18, etc.
Back to the W. 65th question, anyone have info on Bistro Cassis, Victor's or Pasha?
http://www.bistrocassis.com/cassisnyc/menus.php
http://www.victorscafe.com/index2.html
http://www.pashanewyork.com/
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Bistro Cassis
225 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023
Pasha
70 West 71st Street, New York, NY 10023
Victor's Cafe
236 West 52nd Street, New York, NY 10019
Cocktails before Lupa
Yeah weird is the wrong word. Yelp had one review saying it was boring and one saying it smelled like Chinese food. It does have a nice look in the photos. Like I said, hoping to find a perfect combination of being able to sit but in an upbeat and fun place which I know is tough on a Sat. at 9PM.
Cocktails before Lupa
Yeah sorry, the handicapped accessible is just for the Lincoln/W66th dinner. Stairs all other times are fine. Is Temple Bar just kind of a weird place?
Thanks for the breakfast link.
