hreisig's Profile
GG's Earth & Surf
Has anyone tried the new locavore cafe in downtown Santa Rosa? The just opened Monday.
They have a fascinating menu, with very low prices for very creative veggie & seafood dishes, but curious what people's experience dining there has been?
Kosher Dry Aged Steaks
T Fusion Steakhouse in Brooklyn also has a dry aged delmonico steak
Most unique ethnic restaurant?
My vote would go for Bukharian kosher places out in Forest Hills. Dishes like no where else in the world, with influences from Persia, western China, Russia, and who knows what else. My favorite is Zhemchuzhina, 64-47 108th St, btu I haven't been tot he others. The waitresses were jsut so sweet and made us all feel so welcome that we go back whenever we can. Check out the discussion:
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/402928
Salute vs. Cheburechnaya?
I went with family to Zhemchuzhina (formerly Shalom, with same phone number) last night and had a wonderful time. We got there at 7, and were alone until others starting coming in at 8. Waitress who spoke English was super friendly. She happily put wine in fridge to cool off a bit - its BYOB, but kosher wines only (we found a nice aussie syrah by Becketts Flats), washed off some plums my aunt brought in for dessert and helped make suggestions. The other waitress was just as nice, but only spoke a few words of English.
Everything was outstanding, and I highly recommend trying the samsa (similar to samosa), norni (?) a cold pasta dish with bits of roast beef and lots of coriander seed, the lamb rib kabobs, and the sweetbreads. Also get some of the excellent cabbage salad and tomatoes and onions, which have a very light but beautifully spicy dressing to cut through the rich meats. All the food was delicious, very inexpensive, and I'm going back soon to try what I didn't have room for.
A great food trip! Thanks everyone!
Salute vs. Cheburechnaya?
Is there a second for Zhemchuzhina? I'm taking some people out for dinner Thursday, and am deciding which to go to: Salut, Zhemchuzhina (formerly Shalom's), or Cheburechnaya.
Is Zhemchuzhina BYOB like Shalom's was?
Also, does anyone know if plov has cilantro in it? I'm one of those people who can't eat cilantro (it's like biting tin foil to me), but heard that the plov is great, although you have to order in advance. But if there's cilantro, I'm screwed. Anyone know how ot say no cilantro in Russian?
Thanks!!!
Don't hate me about my cast iron pans
cast iron can almost always be salvaged. I don't know what you mean by "well done" but if there's stuff stuck to them, heat them up a little bit and scrub them with some kosher salt with a drop of oil. A little patina might come off, but no big deal. I also wash mine in the sink with a little soap and water and a scrubby sponge "gasp" when they're gross, and just dry them right away in a hot oven (I rub a little oil on them first)
Applewood- drinks after?
Cocotte is sorta far from Applewood (at least a 15 min walk). A good place near Applewood is is 12th St Bar & Grill, but the bar sometimes plays obnoixoisly loud music (even when nearly empty). The restaurant is nice and warm though, and they have good deserts.
Bar Toto is also a great italian bar just down the block from Applewood.
Best Croissants in park Slope help
Cousin Johns aren't that great, btu they are cheap. Joyce over in Prospect Heights (on Vanderbilt) are far better, and worth the $2.
Shawarma & Falafel Question
Part of the debate is based on style. Different countries have different recipies with subtle nuances. Sorta like pizza - it ain't the same all over the boot.
My two favorites are probably Chickpea (Israeli style - my israeli ex was very impressed) and Alfanoose (Lebanese - Maiden Lane, near WTC site). If you get the shawarma at Chipea, be sure to hit it with a good shot of "amba", the yellow mango-chutney sauce, sitting on the counters. Its an israeli thing, and goes perfect with the shawarma meat.
Art opening wine
I'd definately head towards the shiraz/viognier combo as opposed to cabernet/chard. Inexpensive cabs can be a bit rough around the edges, which can be off-putting in a cocktail context. You'd want some nice fatty foods to counter-act the tannins there. The shiraz, on the other hand, has more natural sweetness and a gentle spice, which should pair better with the sweet and smoky elements of the food you mentioned. There are often specials on good aussie shiraz that a good merchant should be able to point out to you (make sure she's tried it first!).
The viognier will also have a bit more sweetness that will pair well with the foods above. If you can find the chenin/viognier blend, i'd say go for it. Chenin will have a nice acidity and sweetness to really stand out as a cocktail wine, and will be tasty with some fruit as well.
Trader Joes might have good deals on both, but just be sure to buy a bottle first to try them before plunking down for the whole case.
Wine Pairings for a January 2007 Dinner Party
Carswell, I'm with you all the way on this. For the dessert I'd probably go with a tawny port, as the full red ports might be a little heavy for my taste (I'd drink it with the salad as well - I ain't so stuffy, and the roquefort would pair nicely with the tawny)
Hispanic Sushi Chefs
Yes - definately Geido. They asst sushi chefs are hispanic and have been there for years. They are really great and funny guys who joke with the waitresses in japanese and are beloved by the entire neighborhood crowd (I was there to sing one of them happy birthday along with the whole place on a thursday night).
Wine and Headaches
Does anyone know of good solutions to the problem? Does an aspirin or anti-histamine before drinking help (histamine and other allergic reactions can often be blocked, but are harder to treat after symptoms begin)?
Perry Street: marvelous and despicable
I have also been very impressed by the service at Perry St, and found they were very professional but unobtrusive. Maybe you just had a new waiter or a sub who was overstreched by a large table?
Union Square Cafe?
My father is coming into town, and likes the straight forward style of places like Union Square Cafe (as do I). I have reservations there, but the reviews on menupages have been dissing the service recently. My family is a cast of charachters, and somewhere with very understanding professional service is sort of a must if I'm to survive without needing 3 cocktails (I'm sure a few of you know what i mean). I haven't been to Union Square Cafe in a few years, and was curious if its gone downhill, or if people were just kvetching. I had really nice experiances there in the past.
I was also thinking of Perry St., which was wonderful, but it's a little out of the way for transit. The other thought I had was Blue Hill, but i feared it would be too expensive (my father is from out of town, so can get annoyed with high prices for very small portions), but haven't been there yet, so don't know if I'm wrong. Thoughts, suggestions?
Thanks and Happy Holidays!
Lavagna or Five Points for New Years?
The host at Lavagna can be a jerk. I had reservations for 8 for my birthday, and because one woman was running late (she's always very late), they gave away our table rather than seat the 7 that were there. I've worked in the business, and understand not seating incomplete parties in general, but this was absurd. I definately will never go back - they are too many other good places to go instead.
Where can I get Chopped Liver in Detroit?
Zingermans is in Ann Arbor. Great place, if a little expensive, but they have the best quality ingredients anywhere. If you are anywhere near there, just go and order anything. It'll be great.
For Detroit, the best deli is Star Deli on 12 mile and Northwestern (if they're still around, I've been in Ny for a few years). Just carry-out, but great quality corned beef, pastrami, liver, etc.
If you wanted to sit down, Stage Deli on Orchard lake is really good, and their chopped liver is excellent. Very old-school jewish upscale atmosphere too.
Tasting Menu Recommendations?
I'd also highly recommend Perry St. Its a wonderful and informal way to experiance Jean-George, . I haven't been to Nougatine, but had the prix fixe (available all year long) and fell in love. The prix fixre is only 24 for lunch or 35 for dinner, and if you go with someone else, you can try a lot of their menu. Its easier to get reservations there as well. The service was dead on, attentive and friendly but not at all obtrusive.
Good red wine to go with a cheeseboard?
Good ideas - I might suggest a Giagondas or good Cotes du Rhone which would strike at the heart of many of these selections. While I love Burgandies, they might be too light for some of these cheeses, and a Cab might be too heavy (no fruit bombing types). A full bodied valpolecella or a soft primitivo might also be nice.
Ella Valley Winery, Israel
Ella Valley Wines are very good, and great values. I bring their saviougn blanc, which has a bit of muscat, to friends who are neophytes. The little bit of sweetness makes it very easy to drink and shoes them there is wine beyond muscato d'asti! The petite syrah is also very good.
Trader Joes in NYC has been carrying their wines (at a great price), and a bunch of other stores in NYC do as well. See if the Trader Joes near you does as well!
wine with sushi?
I tend to like Burgandies with lots of minerality in them to go with the sea flavors. Chablis is great with oysters, right... and a good minerally pinot noir also works well especially if you prefer darker fish like tuna and salmon. I agree with the comment above on the bubbly to look for a champagne with more pinot over chard content. You don't need too much acid since good sushi is all about subtle flavors. Prosecco would generally be too harsh, but if you find a more subtle one, it's a good value.
Bountiful ceviche?
Flor's kitchen has pretty good ceviche, and really good arepas and empanadas. The prices are very reasonable, and the W. Village place is really charming.
New York Kosher Deli Update
I was glad to see 2nd Ave die. They ran the place into the ground, and the last couple years, charged absurd prices ($22 for a pastrami!), cut the portions way down, and had terrible meat. Good ridance. They were never the same once the sons took over...
The best deli now i think is Essex. There's one downtown (by Battery park) and one on Coney Island in BK. Not great, but reasonable prices for a good (and big) sandwich.
Wine Recommendations
I would agree with rruben1 on the Gan Eden wines. The Syrah is pretty good, and the Orna Chillag is very good (plus its a nice gift, since its a smaller producer and the first female independant winemaker). Tishbi wines are also good, but if you want to spend a little more and get something great for the holidays, get a bottle of the Gan Eden Brut Cuvee (sparkling). Its a rose champagne style, and really fantastic. About $30-36, but one of the better sparkling wines, kosher or not. A great value and holiday gift...
