TracyGeo's Profile
New Haven - Prepared Food
I'll be in downtown New Haven for a late afternoon appointment and want to pick up something tasty to take home and heat up for dinner. Suggestions?
"Dish" restaurant in Black Rock
Sorry -- the link above to Dish's website no longer works. Here's the correct URL: http://www.dishsupperclub.com/
"Dish" restaurant in Black Rock
Here's a link to my "review" of Helados Vazquez: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/555688
"Dish" restaurant in Black Rock
Yes -- it's close to Helados Vazquez -- and I agree, HV is terrific! We also went there for a delicious and very reasonably priced dinner (we brought in our own beer). The gelato is great too.
I need to get back to Dish for dinner one of these days. I'm sure the breakfasts must be great too. What do they serve?
Black Rock - Bridgeport, CT
I've also found the pizza in the Black Rock area to be disappointing. Luigi's and the Apizza Center, to me, are okay but not great. For a while I like Giove's, but now I'm tired of that too.
Christmas Eve Dinner -- Upper West Side
We're looking for restaurant recommendations for visitors from Argentina who will be in the city on Christmas Eve. There will be four adults and two small children (4 and 6), so nothing too fancy or trendy, but definitely a nice place with a festive holiday feel. What do you all suggest?
Black Rock - Bridgeport, CT
More people talking about Helados Vazquez:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/541512
Black Rock - Bridgeport, CT
(I just posted this on the TriState Region board -- thought I'd repeat it here since it's relevant)
Helados Vazquez - another original in Black Rock
We tried this new gelateria on Fairfield Avenue in Black Rock this weekend and highly recommend it. The name and sign out front are a bit misleading, as Helados Vazquez is more than just an ice cream place, and only somewhat Latin in its ambiance and menu.
They had about 20 different flavors of delicious gelato made with fresh ingredients such as peaches, mangoes and lemons. We liked the yogurt gelato which they served with a little fresh berry sauce on top. Pistachio gelato was also very good. Other flavors included: coconut, strawberry, passion fruit, tiramisu, pineapple and hazelnut-chocolate (I'm sure I'm forgetting quite a few).
There were three lunch/dinner meal specials which were a good value at about $8 to $9 each. We tried the tamales and the pork ribs in salsa verde, both of which were excellent. The meals came with a variety of side dishes, including: rice, black beans, avocado, plaintains, corn salad and homemade jalapeno bread with hot sauce on the side. Everything was yummy. Since they don't have their liquor license yet, they were happy to let us bring in our own beer.
Everything is made on the premises with high-quality ingredients and the husband-wife team who run the place are very friendly. Helados Vazquez is two doors down from the new Ash Creek Saloon location (where the Black Rock Castle used to be). The owners have done a great job of fixing up the building and you can see on display some of the unusual items they found inside the walls when they renovated.
A great addition to the neighborhood! Try it and tell us what you think!
Black Rock - Bridgeport, CT
I'd love to see more discussion on this board of the unique dining options in Black Rock.
We tried The Field after several different friends gave it high marks. We enjoyed it the first time. We split a salad to start and then each ordered a different fish dish. Everything was good, if not particularly memorable. The second time we decided to make a meal out of appetizers as there were many tempting choices on the menu. This was a better way to go, we thought. There was a lamb dish that was very tasty and the portion was so generous it might as well have been an entree. We especially liked the tuna tartare. I just checked their menu, though, and neither of those items items are on it now -- hopefully they will return in the fall.
I haven't tried Viale or Cafe Tavolini -- would be interested to hear from someone who has.
I'm also curious about Baxter's at the Bitter End. I've heard their food is a lot better than one might think. Not just bar food:
http://www.ctnow.com/dining/105784,0,156660.venue
http://www.baxtersofblackrock.com/
Helados Vazquez - another original in Black Rock
We tried this new gelateria on Fairfield Avenue in Black Rock this weekend and highly recommend it. The name and sign out front are a bit misleading, as Helados Vazquez is more than just an ice cream place, and only somewhat Latin in its ambiance and menu.
They had about 20 different flavors of delicious gelato made with fresh ingredients such as peaches, mangoes and lemons. We liked the yogurt gelato which they served with a little fresh berry sauce on top. Pistachio gelato was also very good. Other flavors included: coconut, strawberry, passion fruit, tiramisu, pineapple and hazelnut-chocolate (I'm sure I'm forgetting quite a few).
There were three lunch/dinner meal specials which were a good value at about $8 to $9 each. We tried the tamales and the pork ribs in salsa verde, both of which were excellent. The meals came with a variety of side dishes, including: rice, black beans, avocado, plaintains, corn salad and homemade jalapeno bread with hot sauce on the side. Everything was yummy. Since they don't have their liquor license yet, they were happy to let us bring in our own beer.
Everything is made on the premises with high-quality ingredients and the husband-wife team who run the place are very friendly. Helados Vazquez is two doors down from the new Ash Creek Saloon location (where the Black Rock Castle used to be). The owners have done a great job of fixing up the building and you can see on display some of the unusual items they found inside the walls when they renovated.
A great addition to the neighborhood! Try it and tell us what you think!
Alternatives to "The Pantry" in Fairfield
Terra Brasilis sounds intriguing. Will have to check it out. Any dishes you recommend?
Alternatives to "The Pantry" in Fairfield
Thank you for the suggestions. Amazingly, I have never tried Garelick & Herbs or Villarina's. Both are on my way home from work -- will try one of them tonight!
Alternatives to "The Pantry" in Fairfield
We enjoy the prepared food at The Pantry, but are looking for some variety. It doesn't have to be Pantry-style (whatever that is) -- we also like all types of ethnic food. We frequently get take out from Layla's.
Anywhere in Westport / Fairfield / Black Rock would be convenient for us. Suggestions anyone?
Need UES rec for out-of-towners
For fish, Greek style, I like Ithaka -- 86th Street between 1st and 2nd
And for fish Italian style, you could try Trattoria Pesce Pasta -- 3rd Avenue between 87th and 88th
Both are moderately priced with pleasant, comfortable atmosphere.
There are lots of other good recommendations in this thread: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/510600
Uva review - good food and space, surly service
We ate at Uva Satuday night, sat in the back garden, and found the food, wine and service to be generally very good. Only one complaint ... and it's a big one in my book ...
A server came up to our table towards the end and grabbed away my wine glass before I'd finished the last sip. I immediately protested, said "excuse me!" and tried to get his attention, but he kept on walking. I don't think they were trying to hurry us out of there, because it was early and more than half the tables were empty. Also, we were still eating, and my companion still had wine in his glass (lucky him -- he was allowed to finish it!). I think the guy was just clueless.
To Uva's credit, a couple other servers noticed right away that I was unhappy and asked what was wrong. They appologized for their colleague and brought me another glass with another "sip" in it. It was not the same wine of course (we'd had a bottle), and not nearly as good, but at least they tried ...
Father's Day Brunch in Fairfield County
I just tried to make a reservation for Father’s Day at Splash and they were already booked with a waiting list! Any other ideas for a good brunch in the Norwalk/Westport/Fairfield area?
Fresh anchovies & sardines & smelt
I love the Spanish boquerones I buy online from La Tienda. They are on sale right now, so if you're interested, a good chance to save a few bucks.
http://www.tienda.com/food/boquerones.html
Upper East Side -- Recommendations anyone?
York Grill looks very good. Thanks for the suggestion.
Maruzzella Ristorante
We went recently and loved it. We just had a bottle of wine and appetizers -- beef carpaccio, grilled calamari over mesclun greens, rollatine of eggplant with goat cheese, and a wonderful string bean, potato, tomato, red onion salad. Everything was delicious. Very satisfying and not expensive. Can't wait to go back! I'm curious about the rest of the menu.
Upper East Side -- Recommendations anyone?
Oops, I think the correct spelling is Maruzzella.
Upper East Side -- Recommendations anyone?
We had a nice brunch at Cafe d'Alsace, but y'know brunch is brunch -- fairly predictable. How about their dinner menu? What do you all recommend?
Upper East Side -- Recommendations anyone?
Thank you. Zebu and Firenze both sound great. They are going up to the top of our list. Any suggestions on what to order?
Upper East Side -- Recommendations anyone?
Has anyone else tried Maruzzela Ristorante (1st Avenue between 77th and 78th)? We loved it. We had a bottle of wine and appetizers -- beef carpaccio, grilled calamari over mesclun greens, rollatine of eggplant with goat cheese, and a wonderful string bean, potato, tomato, red onion salad. Everything was delicious. Very satisfying and not expensive. Can't wait to go back! I'm curious about the rest of the menu.
Upper East Side -- Recommendations anyone?
Thanks -- these sound great. Nice variety of cuisines! We're on 87th between 2nd and 3rd, but will go anywhere for a good meal, especially now that the weather is warm and beautiful!
Upper East Side -- Recommendations anyone?
We're fairly new to the area and looking for good places to eat. We've enjoyed Ithaka, Maruzzela and Pio Pio. Need some new suggestions!
Elaine's
I've recently been spending a lot of time in the Upper East Side, just a few blocks from the famous Elaine's. I've never eaten there and it seems like it's not the trendy spot it once was. Has anyone been there lately? Is it worth checking out? Or is it just coasting on its old reputation these days?
"Dish" restaurant in Black Rock
I agree about the cool atmosphere at Dish. They did a great job fixing up the building and I love the decor with original artwork and bright, pleasing colors. The place is a real asset to the neighborhood. I'd hope they succeed. You have to admire them for attempting something so unique.
Sorry to hear they are no longer doing Wednesdays -- I was looking forward to trying that.
Anyone know what they're offering for breakfast?
"Dish" restaurant in Black Rock
Has anyone else tried this restaurant? It's on Fairfield Avenue in the heart of Black Rock (a few doors down from the new Ash Creek Saloon location). It's an unusual concept. Seating is at big tables of 8 people and the fixed price meal is served family style. Friday nights only and you must reserve in advance. We went a few months ago and enjoyed ourselves. The food was very good and the atmosphere was friendly. I see now that they are also doing breakfast daily and a "tapas" night on Wednesdays.
http://www.dishsupperclub.com/index%20page.html
Falafel- Fairfield County?
Here's a link to a recent NYTimes review of Layla's in Fairfield:
http://events.nytimes.com/2007/09/16/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/16qbitect.html?scp=1&sq=falafel+fairfield
