j.jessica.lee's Profile
Best Almond Croissant in Manhattan?
My new favorite bakery (especially for all things croissant related) has to be Dominique Ansel. I go to Paris almost every year and it is the closest we get to that here in New York, IMHO. Mille Feuille comes a very close second. I'm also enjoying La Bergamote quite a bit but it's not quite like MF or DA.
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Dominique Ansel Bakery
189 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
Birthday dinner tonight at Babbo, rate my planned selections
Was just there two nights ago. No schiacciata, unfortunately. We had the pineapple crostata with rum zabaglione and ricotta salata that was out of this world. The fig and apple budino was just okay. There was a delicious sounding banana upside down cake and of course there is the oft raved about pistachio chocolate semifreddo. But get the crostata for sure!
American Globs
Yes, I also like American Globs the best! I had it the last time I was there and it was amazing. Crunchy, salty, big chunks of pretzel with the chocolate and the ice cream. Heavenly! I think I'm going to do this with regular ice cream too. And maybe with those Trader Joe's PB pretzels.... :)
Need help finding a Fun Brunch Spot!
Has anyone tried the Black Pudding Clafoutis at Minetta? We had the Baked Ham in Hay and Shirred Eggs last time and I was thinking about what else I should try. Kathryn? :)
Recommendations for a coffee date spot in Lincoln Square/Columbus Circle area?
You could also consider Le Pain Quotidien on 65th and Broadway or Bouchon's enclosed cafe area (not the bakery) in the Time Warner Center.
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Bouchon Bakery
10 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10019
Lunch at Marea - possibly best meal of 2011 (with photos)
Yes, I appreciate that. After my first visit to Marea, I was so disappointed and underwhelmed that I thought I would never return. However, after reading a few rave reports (much like yours) and after doing some homework, I went back with my sister earlier this year and had a fantastic meal. At Marea, I think one has to be very careful ordering. It is not the type of place where you can order basically anything off the menu and have a great meal. My standout dishes there have been the Astice and Polipo appetizers, the rigatoni with seppia, fusilli with bone marrow, and the bomboloni. I stay away from the mains, unfortunately - as RGR said, if a seafood-centric restaurant cannot prepare seafood to the highest caliber.....
When Marea gets it right, it's truly stunning and fantastic. When they don't, it really feels like a slap in the face, especially when you're paying that much.
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Marea
240 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019
Undecided between Prune, The Dutch and Otto; Koreatown Question and Market Question
I agree, Cheeryvisage, and love your posts and pictures.
However, if I were left to a hard choice between the two, I would say without a doubt, go for Ma Peche.
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Ma Peche
15 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019
momofuku: fried chicken or whole duck...which one?
Actually, they have the Duck Ssam platter for lunch on the weekends. I was there a month ago and had it. It comes with rice, lettuce, pickles, and the chive pancakes. It's more expensive than the weekday platter, but slightly bigger.
Dell'Anima, A Voce, Ciano?
Hey steak!
I agree. I've always left A Voce underwhelmed. The one thing I do love there is the bomboloni filled with cream. Ridiculously delicious!
I've been to Ciano once and really liked it, though it didn't blow me away. A tad precious, but lovely nonetheless. I tried a bunch of the pastas and thought the cortecce was great - I think it's on the market menu. Also liked the meatballs, of course.
I've never been to dell'anima and am also very interested in going. Looks cute and the menu sounds wonderful.
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Ciano
45 E 22nd St, New York, NY 10010
A Voce
10 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019
Is Per Se and EMP in one day a horrible waste?
Ha! But you have an appetite and stomach capacity of epic proportions! :) However, in all seriousness, with the right kind of preparation, even with someone as small as I, I think it could be very possible. Good suggestion with the in between run, Kathryn.
5 days in NYC coming up. Review our eating itinerary?
I know you already got a reservation for Babbo, but in case of future visits, I have to say I adore the pasta at Maialino for their absolute wizardry with simplicity. I also love Scarpetta. Enjoy your trip!
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Babbo
110 Waverly Pl, New York, NY 10011
Scarpetta
355 West 14th Street, New York, NY 10014
Maialino
2 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10010
5 days in NYC coming up. Review our eating itinerary?
Yes, please do not go to Haru. I would feel horribly if you spent a meal there during your trip! If for lunch, Yasuda has a nice prix fixe set at lunch. Kathryn also recommended 15 East's lunch deal on another thread and I agree. For dinner, Kanoyama is great and has a wider selection of cooked dishes and also more variety in sushi snd rolls so there is something for everyone. Ushiwakamaru - I have heard good things, never been. This place is much more strictly sushi and sashimi, FYI.
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15 East
15 East 15th Street, New York, NY 10003
Sushi Yasuda
204 E 43rd St, New York, NY 10017
Kanoyama
175 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
5 days in NYC coming up. Review our eating itinerary?
Hi macaronette!
If that is the case, I have other recs for you. However, I also want to know what kind of sushi experience you are looking for. Do you like the fusion roll, tempura, spicy roll kind of sushi place? Or are you looking for a traditional nigiri, focus on fish, classic kind of place? And what sort of budget are you looking for for lunch? Which neighborhood were you planning to be at that point?
Help- Great Birthday Cake needed ASAP
Oh if you can get a cake from Two Little Red Hens, that would be amazing. It is one of my favorite bakeries in the city and their cakes are really moist, comforting, flavorful, etc. You won't be disappointed. It's everything a birthday cake should be and more. Nothing too complicated but done at the highest level.
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Two Little Red Hens
1652 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028
Treating my mother to her first trip to Europe/Italy - but where??
Reports are above, johannabanana! Enjoy!!! We had the most memorable trip. :)
The roller coaster that was Le Bernardin- A mini novel
I agree with the service at Bar Room. Your phrase describes it perfectly - "left a lot to be desired". It's not awful service, but certainly not exemplary.
JJL SF 2011 (report as I go)
I've loved reading all of your reports as well, grayelf!! I'm headed up your way this summer, so I'll have to pick your brain for some good eats! :)
JJL SF 2011 (report as I go)
Oh, I just meant that I didn't have enough meals left to be able to fit Plum into a regular meal slot! Such high praise makes me excited to try this when I come back!
JJL SF 2011 (report as I go)
YES, Vallarta!! I need to go there!! What would you suggest ordering if I just got ONE taco? Thanks for your recs!
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Vallarta Restaurant
14366 E 14th St, San Leandro, CA 94578
JJL SF 2011 (report as I go)
Thanks! Good idea. We'll see how early I get up tomorrow. :)
JJL SF 2011 (report as I go)
So to continue.....
FARALLON was a fun night out. I had a good time with my friend and we did the 5-course tasting with the wine pairings. The wine pours were generous and interesting and definitely contributed to the fun. The room is a sight to behold and we were seated in a corner, so had a nice vantage point from which to view the dining room. Certainly not a destination place in terms of food, but it is nice for an evening out. Not to say that the food is bad, because it was good, but nothing destination-worthy.
TERZO was a great neighborhood spot. I liked the ambiance there - cozy, homey, yet with good energy. We got the roasted beets with labneh, mint, pistachios - nice golden beets, mint was prominent, very refreshing, slightly sweet for my taste, pistachios could have used a few more seconds roasting; hummus and house-made pita - signature dish, hummus had great velvety texture but could have used perhaps a little more lemon juice for acidity and brightness, pita was stretchy and comforting, but a bit heavy-handed with the oil - definitely not a fluffy pita; arugula salad with mountain gorgonzola, dried figs - very delicious, unusual type of arugula with wider leaves, lovely cheese and figs, just enough dressing, just lovely; meatballs with polenta - a really well done meatball, rich but so light, I understand why it's a signature - tomato sauce was perhaps just a tad too bright, but overall a great dish; penne with sausage and greens - well done classic, hearty, comforting; montana skirt steak with green garlic bread pudding and brussels sprouts - steak was grilled very well, the bread pudding was fantastic, brussels sprouts could have been done better. Overall, a nice neighborhood place with cozy food!
LA TAQUERIA - I stopped by on the way home. I wanted to go to Taqueria Vallarta, but it was too far for me at that time of night and I was also really tired. I got the carne asada and it was delicious. The tortillas were really good, though I do agree with the SeriousEats post saying that it could use a bit more charring. I will definitely have to try the Vallarta taco.
INCANTO was very good. My friends had the Foie Gras/Trotters appetizer and they graciously let me have a bite - it was the highlight of the meal. Rich, meaty, sticky, crunch from the bread, smooth silkiness of the foie, carnal chew of the trotters - really a knockout dish and definitely a must-order. I had two half orders of pasta - spaghettini with cured tuna heart and egg yolk and parsley, and the hay trippoline with tripe. The spaghettini was cooked al dente, but I felt like there were two aspects that totally took over the dish and also conflicted with one another. There was way too much parsley and the tuna heart, being so salty, was put on much too liberally. I was quite disappointed with the dish. The trippoline was better - I love tripe! But yet again, the tomato sauce was a bit one-dimensional and the pasta was cooked a bit too long for my liking. Our server was lovely, though. My friend got the pork cheeks with polenta - the pork was wonderful! My other friend also had the trippoline and got an order of the sanguinaccio with farro - this was really great. Overall, it was a good experience and I loved being with my friends. I like the space and neighborhood and thought the food was good, but would, hands down, return to La Ciccia. Which I will do next week!
BOB'S DONUTS - after dinner, we drove over to Bob's and I went a little crazy. I got an apple fritter, chocolate glazed, maple glazed cake, and a chocolate glazed long john. Other than the long john, they were literally minutes out of the fryer. I brought them home for my other friends and I ate the equivalent of three of them. These donuts are truly the best I've ever had and probably up there in terms of my favorite sweets. The crust is always spot on for me, even when not just out of the fryer. The first apple fritter I had two years ago was way too sweet, but this one was just sweet enough and the texture was to die for. The crust on the outside was thick and crunchy, leading to the pillowy interior. I did think, though, that I could have used some more apples. The maple cake was also just spectacular. All of them were to die for. I can't believe I ate three of them. :)
ARIZMENDI - I had the cherry corn scone again and it is every bit as wonderful as I remember. The crunchiness of the corn is addictive. Then the wonderful chew of the cherries and the nice, cornbread-y texture. I love this scone and have made it from the recipe a few times. This is one of the greats!
Much more eating to come, but I think I may have to take it easy today and do a lot more walking! :) As always, thank you for your help. Saturday is a toss-up between doing Roli Roti porchetta sandwich or going to Canteen for the souffle pancake. Any definitive opinions? :)
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La Ciccia
291 30th Street, San Francisco, CA 94131
Taqueria Vallarta
3033 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Roli Roti
, Hayward, CA
Vallarta Restaurant
14366 E 14th St, San Leandro, CA 94578
JJL SF 2011 (report as I go)
Thanks, daveena! I have read many of your posts as well and agree that we have similar likes and dislikes. Too bad I don't have time for either place this time, but they are DEFINITELY on my list for next time. :)
Canteen: Still My Favorite Brunch
Oh boy - I'm hopefully headed there this weekend for brunch. I am pretty set on ordering the souffle pancake, but now I hear everyone talking about the blueberry french toast! Can someone who's had both please describe both dishes in a bit more detail?
If I go around 12:30 or 1 on Saturday or Sunday, how bad is the wait?
Thanks!
JJL SF 2011 (report as I go)
Hello everyone,
I've gotten a running start so far and there's much more eating to come. I thought I might report on this thread as I go, so it won't be a massive project all at once.
Just a note: I'm having a blast! :)
HUMPHREY SLOCOMBE: I took a nap after I arrived and then decided to walk around the Mission a bit before dinner. I stopped by and tried a taste of Black Sesame and also their Vietnamese Coffee, but decided on a scoop of Secret Breakfast. I really liked the strength of the bourbon flavor as well as the crunch from the cornflakes, but I must say that, as many others have pointed out, the texture of the ice cream itself isn't as good as BiRite. It's a tad icy, not quite as rich-tasting, and perhaps served a bit too cold. But I enjoyed it nonetheless.
PIZZERIA DELFINA: My friends decided they wanted to go to PD as it was closest to us. I went 45 minutes early and our table opened up 5 minutes after my friends arrived. Perfect timing. My friends being also vegetarian, I was unable to order any of the meaty options. We got the Insalata Tricolore, Burrata, Broccoli Raab Pizza (with ), and a Margherita Pizza. I did not have the highest expectations going in, but it was really great! The freshness of the salad was amazing. The burrata was burrata - how can you go wrong? It wasn't the best burrata I've had, though. Both the pies were really great, flavorwise, and the crust was really nice. I think I prefer Motorino's crust (NYC), but all these arguments about the crust and what's "authentic" (I have no idea what is really authentic anyway) all come down to what an individual likes. Regardless, it was great - I would return!
Afterwards, we went to BIRITE CREAMERY: I got a scoop of ricciacanella (cinnamon with snickerdoodles inside) and Vanilla with PB and something else. I got bananas and a cookie with it as well. :) Delicious as usual. Perfect, creamy texture, so rich, delicious. Ricciacanella has been a choice every single time - I think it may be one of my favorite flavors there, trumping even the salted caramel!
TARTINE BAKERY: I went on Sunday at noon and we waited about fifteen minutes. We got the frangipane croissant (wonderful as always, but this one was a few seconds past done - the first time I've experienced this and now I understand comments where this puts people off), currant scone (not my favorite scone, but very good), and a slice of the new dulce de leche cake - DELICIOUS! Perfect cake texture as usual and wonderful flavor profile. Nothing challenging, but just pure, cozy goodness. I went again the next morning and got the pain au chocolat (perfectly cooked, not too dark, and I got it straight out of the oven - the dark chocolate was melted and just bitter enough - pure perfection!), gougere (delicious! so savory, so decadent, so happy I tried this), and a plain croissant for my friend (again - just out of the oven, perfectly cooked, beautiful butter flavor - the quality of the ingredients really shines here). I returned later that day to pick up a loaf of their Sesame Bread (and preordered my country loaf for pickup later!). That bread is probably my favorite bread of all time, and I have eaten loaves and loaves of all sorts of breads and baguettes in France and Germany. This is so special. I had the country loaf last year and this sesame may be even better. There are sesame seeds within and scattered on top and the nuttiness of the sesame just adds a whole new dimension to the already wonderful flavor profile of the bread. And there is NOTHING like getting a fresh, still-warm loaf and having that strong crackle of the outer crust give way to the springy, almost wet and hearty crumb of the inside. GO get it! If you don't want to wait in line (yes, I'm a NYer, but I REFUSE to say "on line"), order at least three days in advance and pre pay.
PERBACCO: I had a solo dinner here last night. I adore pasta and in NY, my favorites include Scarpetta, the now sadly shuttered Alto, Marea's fusilli with bone marrow, and Maialino. I got a glass of wine and the "tris" - tasting of three pastas. I got TORTELLI DI CIAPINABE PASTA FILLED WITH ROASTED SUNCHOKES SAGE BUTTER HEDGEHOG MUSHROOMS RADICCHIO,
FUSILLI DI ORTICHE – HAND ROLLED NETTLE PASTA / HOLLANDER FARM SQUAB RAGU / BLACK CHANTERELLES, and PAPPARDELLE – WIDE PASTA RIBBONS / SLOW COOKED LAMB SHOULDER RAGU / ARTICHOKES / BLACK OLIVES / MINT. Out of the three, I liked the tortelli the least - nothing about the flavors popped to me and they seemed a little flat. The Ortiche was nicely done, but perhaps a little overcooked for my taste. I liked the squab ragu, though. The Pappardelle was probably my favorite, pasta-wise. The texture was really good. The lamb ragu was too salty, however, and I detected absolutely no mint. Overall, it was a very good meal and a great value at $18 for the three tastes. I wouldn't run back, but I would eat there again.
ANTHONY'S COOKIES: I picked up an oatmeal-cranberry and a chocolate-walnut on the way home. They were nice, but nothing to write home about. The oatmeal, especially, was flat on flavor and didn't have that nice nuttiness that makes an oatmeal cookie so good.
I'm headed to Farallon tonight - a friend is taking me out. Tomorrow will be dinner with friends at Terzo. Thursday is dinner at Incanto. I'm hoping to go to Canteen for brunch on either Saturday or Sunday for that souffle pancake. I wanted to go to Canteen tonight, but my friend really wanted to use his certificate at Farallon. Next week includes a group dinner at both La Ciccia and Atelier Crenn! I also want to try to make time for Dynamo Donuts, Bob's Donuts, and maybe one more visit to both Tartine and BiRite. Any suggestions? Both meals and sweets related?
Any ordering advice for the restaurants on my schedule would be GREATLY appreciated!
Thank you so much as always!!
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La Ciccia
291 30th Street, San Francisco, CA 94131
Farallon
450 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
Terzo
3011 Steiner St., San Francisco, CA 94123
Atelier Crenn
3127 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94123
JJL returning for another week of great SF eating
Well, I'm beginning with a bang and have dinner plans for tomorrow night. We are trying to figure out whether we should try Canteen, Range, Perbacco/Barbacco, or Delfina/Pizzeria Delfina. As I have nothing of note to do, I volunteered to go half an hour earlier to wait in line until my friends will arrive. Any thoughts if you had to pick one?? This is a case of an embarrassment of riches....
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Delfina Restaurant
3621 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
JJL returning for another week of great SF eating
Yes, I've been to Bob's twice and loved it!
JJL returning for another week of great SF eating
Yes, loved reading your report! It was really helpful in planning. Will be sure to report back on what I eat. :)
I see you're from LA too - will have to find a way to ask you about LA recs, as I will be there for a few days.
JJL returning for another week of great SF eating
Hello again, SF Chowhounders!
Thanks to your amazing advice and help, I have now had two incredible trips out to SF with some seriously awesome food. I'm coming back for more and am leaving tomorrow morning, arriving at 10:30AM! I'll be in town for just over a week and plan to do some damage! I will be staying in the Mission.
Here are places I've visited in the past:
Tartine Bakery - my perennial fave
Bi-Rite Creamery - also a multiple visit place
La Ciccia - a truly fantastic experience, two visits in one week, it was that good
La Boulange - meh
Aziza - not a great experience, just okay
Bob's Donuts - for a NYer, even though we do have a donut revival now, this is so great; LOVE BOB'S
Acme - really like their bread, but Tartine's country loaf is #1 for me
Yank Sing - very good, would love to try other places, like Koi or HKFL
Here are places I am considering for this time:
Canteen - am considering going for both brunch AND dinner; will definitely go ONCE
Humphrey Slocombe - for the Secret Breakfast
Una Pizza Napoletana - didn't get to go in NY, reports seem to be lackluster here - should I try Pizzeria Delfina instead?
Perbacco - I ADORE pasta; from reports, sounds like this is a favorite
Range
Dynamo Donuts - maybe; don't know if I want to go here instead of Bob's, especially as there are so many people who don't think it's worth the hype or money
Piperade
Roli Roti Porchetta Sandwich
I also want to try a good burrito, not interested in having Thai or Burmese or the like this time.
A friend is taking me to Farallon - any recs or advice here?
Two friends want to go out to Incanto - any recs or advice here as well?
Any strong recommendations not on my list?
Is there a way to get to Yountville without a rental car?
Thanks so much everyone! I can't wait to be back!!!
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La Ciccia
291 30th Street, San Francisco, CA 94131
Perbacco
230 California St, San Francisco, CA 94111
Tartine Bakery
600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Bi-Rite Creamery
3692 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Farallon
450 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
Piperade
1015 Battery St., San Francisco, CA 94111
Yank Sing
49 Stevenson St Ste Stlv, San Francisco, CA 94105
Roli Roti
, Hayward, CA
Pizzeria Delfina
2406 California St, San Francisco, CA 94115
Una Pizza Napoletana
200 11th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Bouley for lunch
Oh, so glad you liked Lincoln!!! Can't wait to see the pictures! :)
Great cheap lunch near 66th & Broadway
I second 'wichcraft, though I don't know what your idea of relatively cheap is. The most expensive sandwich will run you just under $10. They are great though. I especially like the roasted pork sandwich. Their pastries are great too! They have veggie options as well. The atrium is a nice place to sit and eat.
Don't forget Grandaisy Bakery on 72nd and Amsterdam. There are two bar stools you can eat at, but it will have to be eaten elsewhere. Their cauliflower pizza, mushroom pizza, and pizza bianca are truly amazing and veggie friendly. Their sandwiches are also delicious. Actually, anything on their bread is going to blow you away. Seriously. I love anything here.
Also don't forget Shake Shack on 77th and Columbus! Not veggie friendly, but one veggie option - Shroom burger!
I would respectfully disagree with the Wok City recommendation. Ollie's .... Also not great. It will do, but not great at all. It does fulfill cheap!
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Grandaisy Bakery
176 W 72nd St, New York, NY 10023
Wok City
153 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10023
