cscott4313's Profile
Venice: The Great Binge of '09
Anything out of that kitchen is fantastic. The risotto...I can only imagine. I'm still enthralled with the white truffle taglialini I had at Alle Testiere a year ago, and a perfect risotto would require the same attention to detail and delicate sense of balance. Ugh...unforgettable. Can't thank you enough for the recommendation, Joe. The place encapsultes the essence of Venice at its finest.
What bourbon are you drinking these days?
Tim, read your post regarding the Old Fashioned and couldn't resist. My dad's been piouring and drinking them my whole life, but I've never had a better Old Fashioned Sweet than at "Off the Record" in the Hay Adams Hotel, Washington D.C. Make sure John pours it for you. Go on a Friday or Saturday night. Low lit, rich red wallpaper and dark wood; wall sconces of gold and crystal--just unbelieveable with that drink in hand. Be warned, the Hay Adams is under construction until October, 2010. But by all means, if you can make it afterwards you will not regret it. And for a next stop (if you're so inclined), The Round Robin at the Willard for Mint Juleps.
Bourbon Whisky Tasting and Ranking Results... also Bourbon & Coke taste ratings
Tell me about this Pappy Van Winkle's 23. I love Woodford for midrange and value, but Blanton's is my tried and true favorite. Also, I've been reading about a Bourbon called Bookers--quite powerful stuff from what a gather. Has anyone tried it? How does it stack up?
The Search for Fresh Pasta and Bread (Milwaukee)
I’m on the hunt for an Italian grocery with fresh-made, eggy pasta—tagliatelli, taglialini, gnocci, etc—and a bakery with great bread. I’d love to find a french bakery with croissants, peasant loaves, olive batard, raisin-walnut bread, and baguettes. Still stuck on the european diet, I’m afraid. If anyone knows of a place around Milwaukee (or anywhere in Wisconsin for that matter) it would be much appreciated.
Venice: The Great Binge of '09
Alle Testiere (barring the 5th course extra dish of white truffle taglialini and the two cookbooks, but counting the two bottles of wine) was 240 euros. I would go again no questions asked - unbelievable. Il Redotto was a steal - counting primi, secundi, dolche, and a modest bottle of wine (35), the meal was 160 with service.
Both of these amounts account for two people.
Venice: The Great Binge of '09
Dear Joe,
I cannot thank you enough for your culinary guidance regarding my recent stay in Venice – it’s narrow, cobbled streets, winding canals and sun-stained Campo San Marco will forever be inseparable from my experiences at Alle Testire and Il Ridotto. Both restaurants were unforgettable, though unforgettable for distinctly different reasons.
Alle Testire, unpretentious in its ambiance and culinary intention, delivers truly transcendent dishes by balancing the freshest seasonal and local ingredients with perfect execution and a conservative culinary ethic—breaking from the essence of traditional Venetian cuisine only in the event of outstanding culinary inspiration. Consequently, the kitchen produced a life-changing white truffle taglialini (made unforgettable by the incredible depth only white truffles could afford, a hint of garlic and perfectly eggy, rustic taglialini, flawlessly prepared to al dente) next to a inspirational pumpkin and ricotta tortellini with sardines and tender artichokes (an ambitious pairing that worked marvelously). The John Dory was succulent, citrusy and wonderfully Mediterranean; the oysters were saline yet sweet, bathed in a rich but not-too-heavy white wine and olive oil sauce and served with perfectly tangy, oven-roasted cherry tomatoes. The tiramisu, traditionally prepared, was magnificent—weightless and just chilled with impossibly saturated ladyfingers and an impeccable balance of espresso and cocoa. Moreover, the wines we selected (a honey-toned white with hints of pear and pepper and, later, a pino-like local red with a prolonged, deep finish) with the help of the knowledgeable wait staff paired excellently with our montage of dishes. What an unbelievable restaurant—I will surely return!
Although Il Ridotto shares Alle Testiere’s preoccupation with the freshest seasonal ingredients, it breaks from Alle Testiere in its propensity for culinary experimentation over traditionalism. The restaurant’s sheik interior and modern, artistic glassware reflect this experimentalist orientation. Accordingly, Il Ridotto introduces its patrons to a bread assortment that pushes the envelope of traditional Venetian cooking (the crostini were traditional and the best I’ve had, albeit nestled next to cinnamon, nutmeg-clove, and other nontraditional breads). Afterward, the kitchen produced a wonderfully innovative whitefish and prawn risotto (the risotto rice deliberately undercooked, ever so slightly, to juxtapose the silky whitefish and buttery prawns); tender beef cheeks with potato puree and hot cinnamon drizzle (the cheeks, so tender you could separate them with a spoon, paired astonishingly well with the cinnamon drizzle); rich duck ragout with eggy tagliatelli (the most traditional of the dishes I tried at Il Ridotto, despite its subtle hints of cinnamon and nutmeg); and succulent sea bass with sweet, rustic mustard, onion quarters, basil and a salty, granular potato composition to balance the textures and tastes of the other elements (though the fish was perfectly prepared, the slightly caramelized onion quarters contributed an unexpected flavor to the dish that seemed oddly out of place). Most distinctive of Il Ridotto’s experimental culinary orientation was their take on tiramisu—what an unbelievably delicious and creative composition. Served in a heavy-bottomed glass, layers of espresso drenched ladyfingers (so, so delicate, dense and saturated) and a supremely rich combination of mascarpone, egg and heavy cream sit atop a thin base of caramelized cognac. Above all the layers is a dusting of sweet cocoa, a touch of melted chocolate, and surprisingly, rough crumbles of meringue that inspire a wonderful, light crunch in contrast with the heavy, creamy texture of the tiramisu. Simply outstanding! I will definitely revisit.
While in Venice I also tried Fiaschetteria Toscana for dinner. Though the food was not bad, no dish was inspiring (even the famous chianina bisteka Florentina), and because of the prices demanded, I found this largely unacceptable. I will not be returning. Close to 250 euros for two, not including the wine, could be put to much better use at Alle Testire. That said, Alle Testiere was an unbelievable restaurant, delivering superb food and a wonderful culinary experience. It was certainly my best meal in Venice.
Venice: The Great Binge of '09
Thanks so much Joe I'll be sure to write back with some reviews and hopefully some good stories!
Venice: The Great Binge of '09
Joe, In accordance with the long list of worthy praise above, I truly appreciate your passion for food and your enthusiasm for sharing this passion with others. I will be travelling to Venice in two weeks and hope to use your suggestions as a sort of culinary roadmap. As I will only be there for three nights – that’s three dinners and two lunches – would I be right to infer your suggestions of Il Refolo, Alle Testiere, Il Ridotto, and Fiaschetteria Toscana? Moreover, do you think I could still make reservations at these places? Love to hear your opinion about the questions above and anything else you might have to say – after all, it will be my first time to Venice. Thanks.
Italian, French and Fusion in London
I will be living in London for the next couple months and am looking for some great Italian, French and Fusion (French-Japanese or the like) places for a higher-end lunch or dinner with friends (40₤ pp before the wine). Though ambiance is important, food quality is the priority. Additionally, any recommendations for more modest tasting menus (50₤ range) would be greatly appreciated. I am living in central London but am willing to travel anywhere around the city for some great food. Cheers.
Makin' Ribs; Need a Finger-Lickin'-Good Sauce Recipe!
A buddy and I are gonna cook up some pork ribs this weekend and are trying to branch out from the same old sauce recipe. We're lookin' for somethin' with molasses and a kick (preferably). Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.
North End lunch spot?
If you're in the mood for some tortellini alfredo, try Bella Vista on Hanover Street. Amazingly rich, buttery alfredo with perfectly textured noodles and a light dusting of parsley. Also, the terimisu is amazing (they sprinkle some grnulated sugar on top to give the moist-weightless dish the slightest sweet crunch). Fantastic. Say hi to Lucia for me.
First Anniversary Celebration Recs
Second to the Hamersley's suggestion. Excellent food and environment for a romantic dinner, especially for the price. Try the Summer Pre-fix selection ($39 -- a pre-course of pates, a main of either grilled bluefish or succulent strip steak, and a to die for chocolate mousse cake). Additionally, try the duck confit pre-course, and be sure to order their seasoned goat cheese with salted marcona almonds, cracked black pepper and thyme scented honey.
From Montreal to Boston...
This should get you started. I’ve been compiling a restaurant list for some time and these are the recent standouts. Best wishes in your travels and culinary experiences!
Boston Classic
*Locke-Ober – www.lockeober.com, 3 Winterplace Ave. (617-542-1340)
French
*Craigie on Main – www.craigieonmain.com, Cambridge, 853 Main (617-497-5511)
Lumiére – www.lumiererestaurant.com, 1293 Washington Street, Boston (617-224-9199)
Mistral –www.mistralbistro.com/#start, 223 Columbus Avenue, Boston (617-867-9300)
*Hamersley’s Bistro – www.hamersleysbistro.com, South End, 553 Tremont (617-423-2700)
French/Brasserie
*Eastern Standard – www.easternstandardboston.com, 528 Commonwealth Ave, Kenmore Square, Boston (617-532-9100)
French/Contemporary
*L’Espalier – www.lespalier.com/index.shtml, 774 Boylston Street, Boston (617-262-3023)
*Clío – www.cliorestaurant.com, 370 Commonwealth Ave, Boston (617-536-7200)
*Salts – www.saltsrestaurant.com, 798 Main Street, Cambridge (617-876-8444)
French/Italian
*No. 9 Park – www.no9park.com, Beacon Hill, 9 Park St. (617-742-9991)
French/Japanese – Sushi
*O Ya – www.oyarestaurantboston.com, Near South Station, 9 East St. (617-654-9909)
International
Sonsie – http://sonsieboston.com/flash/, 327 Newbury Street, Boston (617-351-2500)
Italian
*Mama Maria – www.mammamaria.com, 3 North Square, North End (617-523-0077)
*Prezza – www.prezza.com, 24 Fleet Street, North End (617-227-1577)
Italian Contemporary
*BiNA osteria – www.binaboston.com/o-about.html, 581 Washington Street, Boston (617-956-0888)
*Rialto at the Charles Hotel – www.rialto-restaurant.com, 1 Bennett St., Cambridge (617-661-5050)
Italian/Mediterranean
*Sorellina – www.sorellinaboston.com, Copely Square, 1 Hunnington Ave. (617-412-4600)
Mediterranean/Arabic
*Oleana – oleanarestaurant.com, Cambridge, 134 Hampshire St., open after 3:00 PM, (617-661-0505)
Seafood
*Neptune Oyster – www.neptuneoyster.com, 63 Salem Street, North End (617-742-3474)
*B&G Oysters, Lynch’s “Seafood Shack” – www.bandgoysters.com, 550 Tremont (617-423-0550)
Steakhouse (Traditional)
Grill 23 – www.grill23.com, 161 Berkeley Street, Boston (617-542-2255)
Abe & Louie’s – www.abeandlouies.com, 793 Boylston Street, Boston (617-536-6300)
Oak Room – http://theoakroom.com, 138 St. James Avenue, Boston (617-267-5300)
Steakhouse (Untraditional)
Mooo – www.mooorestaurant.com, 15 Beacon Street, Boston (617-670-2515)
KO Prime – www.koprimeboston.com, 90 Tremont Street, Boston (617-772-0202)
best restaurant for pasta?
For a rich, peasant-inspired bolognese, definitely make your way to Prezza -- it's out of this world. While Prezza doesn't boast the North End's most traditional Italian environment, it's perfectly prepared dishes (ranging from the Tagliatelle a la Bolognese and their potato-mushroom ravioli, to their roasted striped bass and bone in beef tenderloin with asiago-potato gratin) and extensive wine list make it an excellent choice for an upscale dining experience. Truly, the best bolognese I've had.
North End Restaurant Week suggestions
Do you have a price range in mind? Both Mama Maria and Prezza are outstanding, but definitely in a higher price bracket than the other options. Mama Maria, if you haven’t been, is a fantastic dining experience (a wonderfully elegant, low lit establishment with fabulous service, and classy clientele). The food is excellently prepared, allowing traditional Italian flavors to shine through in even their most contemporary presentations. Try the rabbit paperdelle or the asparagus and pecorino ravioli for pasta, and any of the mains (especially the lamb or osso bucco). They also do a great sirloin carpaccio. If you're in the mood for bolognese, however, Prezza is the hands down favorite – never had anything like it. It is certainly not a traditional Italian setting, but the array of delectable dishes and hard-to-find wines provides a unique and must try culinary experience. As Prezza will not be participating in RW, I’d go for Mama Maria if you are looking for the higher end experience. Still at the higher end but not quite as financially straining are Marco and Maurizio’s. Marco’s salads and seafood dished are wonderful, and Maurizio’s ravioli di funghi al pesto is great (unfortunately, the gnocchi wasn’t as spectacular). Be ready for a more cramped seating environment at Maurizio’s. For the most bang for your buck (and the best tortellini alfredo in town), head to Bella Vista on Hanover St. Try their calamari – nothing fancy, but fresh, deep fried and paired with a perfectly traditional red sauce – and be sure to order the tiramisu – the only rendition I’ve had with a sprinkle of sugar atop the whipped cream to give the weightless and succulent dish a hint of texture. Best of luck and be sure to post about the dinner experience.
Must Try Restaurants Within an Hour of Hanover, NH?
Just had our anniversary dinner at Simon Pierce this past weekend. Again, the service and ambiance was excellent, though the food was not as impressive. My Sirloin was a touch overcooked (though, I prefer a rarer steak than most), and certainly less flavorful than it has been at Canoe Club (Hanover, NH) recently. The "good instead of great" argument aside, we will certainly return, at least for brunch. The Canoe Club (now the "Canoe Club Bistro"), on the other hand, is getting better and better. They consistently impress with their desserts (try the "Apple Galette") and mains, and their truffle fires with garlic aioli are out of this world. Although we see few seasonal changes to their menu, many of their dishes are winners and, with such reasonable prices for the quality, it is hard to opt for Simon Pearce on the regular.
Must Try Restaurants Within an Hour of Hanover, NH?
Sounds great. I'll have to check it out sometime. Thanks.
Must Try Restaurants Within an Hour of Hanover, NH?
I've recently read that Carapaccio closed. That place was really good though so I hope it is not the case. Thanks for the suggestion though.
Elegant But Not Pretentious
I was there last for Easter brunch and had a wonderful rendition of poached eggs -- "Poached Eggs with Morbier Cheese, Smoky Bacon and Spicy Breakfast Sausage on a Toasted English Muffin with Herb Sauce." Simply delicious. Our only (slight) problem was with the wait staff. Otherwise, great location, especially for dinner on a warmer night when the stretch is busy with dinner-going, nicely dressed couples.
Rating Recipes?
I realize this would be a hugely laborious task, but I think chowhounds would really appreciate if the staff rated the recipes that are posted here. I understand the "let the chowhounds rate it" methodology, but I feel that anybody can post a recipe and this would consolidate the posts foodies would pay attention to.
Thanks,
Chuck
Elegant But Not Pretentious
Here's a short list of French places I've put together. Some certainly do not meet the price point, but it'd be worth checking out the websites all the same. Best of luck!
French
*Craigie on Main – www.craigieonmain.com, Cambridge, 853 Main (617-497-5511)
*Lumiére – www.lumiererestaurant.com, 1293 Washington Street, Boston (617-224-9199)
Mistral –www.mistralbistro.com/#start, 223 Columbus Avenue, Boston (617-867-9300)
*Hamersley’s Bistro – www.hamersleysbistro.com, South End, 553 Tremont (617-423-2700)
Aujourd’hui – http://www.fourseasons.com/boston/dining/aujourd_hui.html, 200 Boylston Street, Boston (617-351-2037) (Located on the Second Floor)
Radius – www.radiusrestaurant.com, 8 High Street, Boston (617-426-1234)
Troquet – www.troquetboston.com, (has Wine Bar) 140 Boylston Street, Boston (617-695-9463)
Pigalle – www.pigalleboston.com, 75 Charles Street South, Boston (617-423-4944)
Sel de la Terre – www.seldelaterre.com, 255 State Street, Boston (617-720-1300)
La Voile – www.lavoileboston.net, 259 Newbury Street, Boston (617-587-4200)
Sandrines – www.sandrines.com, 8 Holyoke Street, Cambridge (617-497-5300)
Pierrot Bistrot – http://pierrotbistrot.com, 272 Cambridge Street, Beacon Hill (617-725-8855)
Petit Robert Bistro – www.petitrobertbistro.com, 468 Commonwealth Ave., Boston (617-375-0699)
French/Brasserie
*Eastern Standard – www.easternstandardboston.com, 528 Commonwealth Ave, Kenmore Square, Boston (617-532-9100)
Aquitane – www.aquitaineboston.com, 569 Tremont Street, Boston (617-424-8577)
Boucheé – www.boucheebrasserie.com, 159 Newbury Street, Boston (617-450-4343)
Brasserie Jo – www.brasseriejoboston.com, 120 Huntington Avenue, Boston (617-425-3240)
Gaslight – www.gaslight560.com, 560 Harrison Avenue, South End (617-422-0224)
French/Contemporary
L’Espalier – www.lespalier.com/index.shtml, 774 Boylston Street, Boston (617-262-3023)
*Clío – www.cliorestaurant.com, 370 Commonwealth Ave, Boston (617-536-7200)
*Salts – www.saltsrestaurant.com, 798 Main Street, Cambridge (617-876-8444)
French/Italian
*No. 9 Park – www.no9park.com, Beacon Hill, 9 Park St. (617-742-9991)
Elegant But Not Pretentious
Third to Hammersley's. Does it fit the price point though? Great food! Also consider Salts and Craigie on Main. Lots of good reviews here on Chow.
Higher end burgers in Milw.
Haha Solly's (A.K.A would you like a burger with your butter) is a once in a lifetime experience. Either A) You eat it to say you tried it because everyone in Milwaukee thinks of the burger as a mascot, or B) you die of a heart attack on your way out the door from your newly skyrocketed cholestorol levels.
Best Ceasar in Boston?
Ha anyone been to The Castle lately? Is it worth the checkbook dent?
Good Eats In Milwaukee?
Made with clamato juice and beer (among other things), a bloddy mary is turned into a "red sky." Wonderful drink, but in no way native to Milwaukee. I recently saw them being served in Puerto Vallarta (obviously, called "rojo cielo" there). On a seperate note, I have heard roomers of some bloddy mary's being served with sausage sticks in them, along with the cellery and whatever. Only in Milwaukee could you find this haha.
Traveling to Milwaukee, need a good dining option
For a hot spot, try:
For Pacific Rim and some outrageously tasty and inventive sushi, try Saki-tumi on Milwaukee Street. Expect a young, lively and talkative crowd (early 20s to early 30s), especially on Friday and Saturday nights. If you're into the sushi rolls, make sure to try the Godzilla Maki – famous among young, chick Milwaukeeans. We also love the Tempura green beans, and everything tempura for that matter. Great trendy place within the mid to upper price range bracket. (http://www.sake-milwaukee.com/)
For local, fresh ingredients, try Roots in the growing North End area of Milwaukee. Try their dining room for a more elegant experience, or the “Roots Cellar” for a more casual, but still great dining experience. Again, this spot is trendy but without the young party crowd (still, expect young professionals, especially on a nice night when you can enjoy drinks and food on their wonderful terrace overlooking the Milwaukee skyline). This place is high on the board of those restaurants helping to define contemporary Milwaukee flavor. (http://www.rootsmilwaukee.com/)
For chick, French cuisine, try Coquette Cafe in the Third Ward. With head chef Sanford D'Amato at its helm (yes, the head chef at Milwaukee's Sanford, irrefutably one of Milwaukee's finest restaurants), the low-lit restaurant turns out some great cuisine at reasonable prices and attracts a younger crowd, usually couples. Great for a later-night, or even romantic dinner. Never the less, very acceptable for a business meal. (http://www.coquettecafe.com/)
For higher-end French cuisine at a Milwaukee foodie destination (yet still bringing in a younger, albeit well-heeled crowd), try Lake Park Bistro on Milwaukee's Northeast Side. This restaurant is one of my favorites – timelessly elegant in setting (the building is an architectural gem with a great view of the lake to boot), and nationally renowned for its food. In 2008, Head Chef Adam Seigel won the James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Midwest. This is an amazing restaurant, and a must try at some time or another. Higher price range. (http://www.lakeparkbistro.com/)
For a lively, urban and trendy scene, try Elsa's. There, you’ll find Gourmet burgers, inventive, chick salads, modern decor, and a very talkative, young crowd. Young professionals and fashionably dressed city dwellers who like to make a splash in the social scene come for the bar and the food. This place is louder, be warned, but a very trendy Milwaukee spot that would be worth a shot if you've got the energy. Upper-mid price range. (http://www.elsas.com/)
For a relatively undiscovered spot (except by locals and Milwaukee foodies) that boasts the best Italian cuisine I’ve had in Milwaukee, try Sala da Pranzo on Milwaukee’s Northeast Side. The gnocchi noodles are made in-house and are exceptional in texture and taste – better than any I’ve had in Boston’s North End – and what’s more, the prices are very reasonable! Candle lit, traditional yet chick, great wines and wonderful foods, (you’ll even love the warm, crusty bread and olive oil with parmesan reggiano that comes before you order) this restaurant provides a wonderfully memorable dining experience. Mid to upper-mid price range depending on the wine, and how many bottles make their way to your table. (http://www.sala-dapranzo.com/)
Higher end burgers in Milw.
I believe so, though I haven't been there in a while. I remember the bun being excellent -- a shiny, crisp and golden-brown exterior with a weightless center, all toasted just before being introduced to the juicy meat patty and condiments. I am a strong believer that a bun (among other things, obviously) can make or break a burger.
