MonkeySeeMonkeyEats's Profile
How to "split" a check equitably?
Ive had the same issues -- cash has worked well for me!
Maialino - Anyone been?
I went with 4 friends this past wednesday and i feel pretty much the same way NYAngeleno does. We also enjoyed the bread basket - though they served complimentary guanciale pecorino rolls...think cinnamon bun but savory. AMAZING! Had the Octopus/potato appetizer...overcooked and simply a sleeper of a dish. The lamb sweetbreads were few and not particularly well cooked or seasoned. The batter seemed to overwhelm the sweetbread, however, the heirloom cauliflower was a perfect match for the batter. Had the carbonara (eh), amatriciana (yum!!), and raviolo al uovo (i was hoping for more runny egg yolk and less cheesy filling). The texture was there with the pastas however, nice and al dente tho some at the table felt it was undercooked. I guess i like a bite. We did get the maialino al forno. First off, this is NOT for 2. Its def for 2-5! I love suckling pig and its a tradition (cuban) for my family every Christmas. It was very well done and served with potatoes cooked in the piggy fat - beautifully carmelized. I noticed the other girls at the table taking the shoulder meat and leaving the bones behind! Eat the bones - there is not only amazingly juicy, flavorful dark meat, but also succulent marrow! On to dessert! we ordered the tartufo - good if you are like me and enjoy chocolate ice cream covering in a chocolate coating w/ a few brandied cherries in the center. Olive oil cake served with orange mascarpone cheese - good...but abraco olive oil cake has spoiled me for life. and the best part of the night (right along with the guanciale rolls) was the sformato di ricotta served with figs, buckwheat honey from the beekeeper (sells at u sq. market), and a touch of balsamic. the texture was soooo creamy and decadent - but light in our full bellies.
All in all - i MAY go again sometime, but would prob opt for otto or lupa instead. The space is nicely done - and you can see the dessert, bread, and salumi stations which is a plus!
Hope this helps you decide!
If you would like to see some pics from our night, check out my friend Tran's blog:
http://foodactually.blogspot.com/2009/11/piggies-sformato-and-sauces-galore.html
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Maialino
2 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10010
Momofuku Milk Bar Review
I agree. really cute video! all the puppy love yelling at the end was a highlight! sugar by the spoonful = happy kids...and adults! Make more videos!
Cook in St. Helena
Cook is excellent. I was there 2 nights ago. I had the risotto of the day w fennel crusted cod and my friend had the fazzoleti bolognese. Both dishes were spot on - esp the risotto. We may try to squeeze in another meal tonight before driving down to Carmel. great prices - friendly service.
TOP "essential" New York Restaurants $ to $$$$
I second that bobjbkln!!! share a sandwich....theyre generous...esp if you tip the dude a buck or 2.
TOP "essential" New York Restaurants $ to $$$$
Whoa great post! i signed up for Chow just to say i cant wait for your reviews post-trip. That said, Im in love with shanghai cafe for soup dumplings. Never been to Joe's shanghai cause the line can be lame-o! Ippudo is better than Momo Noodle, IMO.
Degustation is one of my faves - $50 tasting menu is a bargain BUT after per se i doubt it would seem all that.
What about Tailor in SoHo? Molecular Gastro joint (chef worked at WD50 before).
Katz's is delish - pastrami, BRISKET!, reuben, and perfectly snappy hot dogs. I live down the street and im still not sick of it. You can fit it in...just dont forget to pack a wheelbarrow in ur suitcase.
PS yasuda does remind me of japan (kyubei...anyone?)
