Foodie NYC Restaurant Notebook: April 2007

Some recent restaurant thoughts and experiences to share with you.....

Public - A recent dinner at Public was one of my culinary highlights over the past few months.  I love the wine list at Public.  Open minded diners can explore a range of Pinots from New Zealand, many of which are affordable and very tasty.  An appetizer of foie gras with a corn pancake and black vinegar, blueberry reduction was simply outstanding.  A snail and oxtail ravioli entree really blew me away - huge, rich, smoky flavors made for an excellent pairing with the NZ Pinots. Getting back to Public for brunch is at the top of my to do list.

Mercadito - I live a few blocks away from Mercadito and tend to pop in for the beer batter fish tacos frequently.  But recently we went for dinner and covered much more of the menu.  I am a passionate lover of ceviche.  Without doubt, I'd say the best ceviches I've had to date were from Chef Douglas Rodriguez when he has at his peak years ago at Patria, OLA, etc (what's he up to, btw?).  The three ceviches I had at Mercadito were of that quality.  Perfectly balanced, well-textured and barely cooked fish made for explosively fresh tastes and textures.  "Flavor bombs" were how these ceviches were described at the table.  A large, whole grilled red snapper entree was also perfectly moist and char grilled. 

The New Version of Jack's Luxury Oyster Bar - I'd been to the original Jack's just once.  I loved it and as you can see, it inspired one of my better culinary efforts a few years ago.  The new version of Jack's is almost like a mini version of Degustation, but with a few tables around the bar.  In two visits over the past few months, I've been nothing short of impressed with the food at the new Jack's.  A butter poached lobster dish was rich, tender and luxurious, while a simple spaetzle truffle mac and cheese dish was homey and satisfying.  A lobster profiterole dish was great on one occasion and only good on the next.  The new Jack's is flying under the radar as Degustation is (deservedly so) getting much of the buzz within the Lamb empire.

Minca - This place can be called Momofuku lite, in my opinion.  Lite in the sense that menu is not as varied, they don't have those amazing pork buns and don't feature Berkshire pork like Momofuku.  Otherwise, the ramen and noodle based dishes are just excellent.  The shrimp gyoza are absolutely cravable.  Sitting at the bar, you are right next to the guy preparing your ramen and it's certainly a site worth watching.  I frequently head here for a solo dinner, as there's a decent amount of cooking entertainment to fend off boredom.

Koca Lounge - Really great drinks are being made at Koca Lounge.  I had a super soju martini infused with chili.  Ceratinly one of the more memorable and inspiring drinks I've had recently, though I suspect it's too spicy for 75% of the population.  The taro fries are a reason to visit this restaurant as well - they are literally addictive and phenominal.   We had a hot pot with perfectly flavored broths, accompanied by very high quality dippings like thinly sliced rib eye, large prestine shrimp and a wealth of vibrant veggies.   I wonder how the restaurant will do in the warm months considering the hot pot theme, but I hope this place can hang in there. 

Osteria del Circo - I can't tell you how impressed I was with the passion of Mauro Maccioni, one of the owners of the restaurant and the Le Cirque empire.  Yes, I read the Amateur Gourmet experience which slightly confirmed some of the stereotypes I'd formed against the Le Cirque restaurants in the past.  I went to Osteria with an open mind, however, and was overwhelmed by the passion Mauro has for the authentic, traditional cuisine of his heritage.  He brings back little treats from his excursions to Italy that are worth calling him over to discuss - all you have to do is express interest.  There is little doubt that he'll go back to the kitchen and craft you something special. After a dialogue with Mauro about the salumi I experienced in Tuscany, he arranged serving a slice from the very shop I visited in Chianti, which they happen to carry for personal consumption in the restaurant.  It's refreshing to see someone this passionate and open to sharing his culture and food with customers. 

Comments

[Gladys]

This entry alone is a good enough reason to live in New York.

[mike]

great post, joe. will check out minca for sure.

[Steamy Kitchen]

One of Public's former sous chefs is now working at my friend's restaurant - last month I came in and told him "Foie Gras please. Nothing else. just the F.G." - he made me F.G. with blueberry reduction and it was SO @#!>!@% amazing. Now I know where he got that combo!

[laptop battery]

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[John Smith]

An excellent restaurant to hang out!!

Ok...I know I am a foodie and have travelled quite a bit and been to lot many places but the one city which is always an extension of mine is undoubtedly New York. I am proud to wear my Nike NY cap and cheer my Basketball team without fail. I have been to almost all the food joints, restaurants, pubs and bars located in Manhattan and I must say they all are pretty good considering this age of twittering and Face book wherein if you fail once your name pops up on all the social networking websites with negative comments. This is a welcome change becoz ultimately we the customers become the king as shoddy service or bad quality food can easily land the owners into trouble.

But the one place which has succeeded in amazing me is the newly refurbished Restaurant named Point Break. Formerly named as Nation Restaurant & Bar, Point Break is a new Surf Bar located in the heart of mid-town Manhattan. Now I remember sometime back I had been to this place when it had the old look and feel and I thought ok..seems to be an average place..what's the big deal? But even during my last visit when it was still in its old shape it served me excellent food and the service was razor sharp. So last Saturday when one of my friend threw a party and told me the venue to be a swanky new outlet which he was speaking so highly about I thought ok..let's try this one too. When he told me about the address I wasn't sure it was the same place but when I reached there the whole look and feel from Outside was changed and once I entered in, the earlier known Nation was truly looking like a break from the past and hats off this guy, I don't remember the name of the owner, but he has rightly renamed it as Point Break!! It appeals to the newer generation guys like me. We had a great time there. The menu featured old classics and new additions. I loved the wheel o' shots which made me crazy!! I had the fish tacos which was delicious..yummeee and it has got plenty of room for parties, the DJ that they had was great, excellent sound system as well and the drinks were strong and I had a look at the menu and thought the prices were pretty good.

Guys on top of it the next day when I searched this place on the internet, this restaurant has a Face book page too wherein they post photos and updates of recent happenings/parties and upcoming events/parties/offers too. They tweet also which is really nice thinking by the owner.

Anyways not wanting to sound like a paid blogger I would say as a foodie this restaurant is a nice one and I would not hesitate to give my recommendation for it to my guests coming in from out of town. Go and try once and do not hesitate to leave a comment once you are there. I know I am only going to get thumbs up from you all!!!

Ciao…

John Smith, NYC

[Davis Miller]

Point Break - A Perfect Bar Experience in NYC

A local friend recommended and took my Cali group to this amazing bar. He said that mostly locals came here so I didn't really know what to expect ambiance wise... but screw it, the view at this bar was absolutely breathtaking! No joke. I felt like a celebrity w/ superstar treatment as the staff are friendly and amazing to say the very least.

I don't know who the house DJ was but he definitely was playing music right up my alley. It would've been my dream for people to start dancing, but it's all good.

It's a bit sceney for my taste, but it really didn't bother me much. the bartenders knew their stuff, although their 1st cocktail was a little weak, when he saw i understood cocktails the next 2 were stronger. I also liked that even though the place was really hopping the bartender remembered what i was drinking when i came to order another. (he also understood how good a gin hendricks is, and not to overpower it with the mixer). It was amazing to see their “das boot” which is shaped like a boot filled with beer. Don’t get me wrong, I am not drunk…it’s an actual boot shaped beer container ready to be emptied..try it ..you will love it!! Oh..how can I forget, they even have a wheel o' shots where you just have to spin it and have to drink whatever shot it lands on!! Now call that bar creativity at its best!!!

We ordered the Veal and Fish Tacos. They were delicious. Mm! We ended up asking for spoons to polish off whatever remained in the platter. (Faux pas? Who cares as long as it gets in my tummy.) The fries were crispy, but not overcooked, just the way that I like them.

So take in this scene: You walk in to what seems like an overly crowded place, but soon fine an empty table. Time seems to stop and the only indicator of the night moving on is the moon and your brain cells slowly going to bed forever. The music is not to loud and the people around look good, the only thing left for you to do is to enjoy that drink you paid ridiculously low for and laugh at the joke your co-worker just told.

The vibe of the place just never seems to die out and if you happen to spot some NYC socialite, sports player, or star, don't let it get to you... because for that moment, this night they are no long more important than then you. In fact go up to them and introduce yourself!

All in all just a great place to meet new people, or just have drinks with people you already know. I've been to numerous bars in the city but i would say this place is just great. Very welcoming staff, very laid back ambiance. I’ve been here twice after my first visit with my Cali group . I would say its worth the every penny you spend!!