City Lobster & Steak

On my second adventure biting through the Big Apple, I decided I wanted to check out a good seafood place. I preferred something close to the Times Square area, so after looking around for a bit, I found the perfect restaurant: City Lobster, located at 121 W. 49 Street, between 6th and 7th, in New York, New York. City Lobster is perfectly situated between Times Square and Rockefeller, making it a great spot to dine in either before or after catching a Broadway show. Before I go on with the restaurant, I do have to give you a tip. Although NYC is known as the "City That Never Sleeps", it does, and quite early on the weekdays. If you're planning to go see a Broadway musical on a weekday or a Sunday, make sure you have dinner before the show. Many restaurants close at 10:00 p.m.  and shows can run past 9:30. This one in particular closes at 11:00 pm on the weekdays, so you want to check all the restaurants' individual hours of operation when planning your night. You don't want to be all dressed up with nowhere to go.

Oysters & Crabmeat Rockefeller

Crispy "Point Judith" Calamari

Back to City Lobster... The place is spacious and it wasn't overly full. It has a dining area to the left, the raw bar section in the center, and a bar and lounge to the right of the entrance. I was enthralled that it featured a large selection of delicacies such as Live North Atlantic Lobsters, fresh Alaskan King Crab Legs, and authentic Maryland Lump Crab Cakes as well as a full raw bar with an assortment of Oysters from the East and West coasts. When the server came, he presented us with several menus. Their regular menu, a Restaurant Week Menu and a Spring 2012 Prix-Fixe Menu. We ordered primarily from the last one, adding a few items from the regular menu.   I hadn't had oysters in a while so the minute I saw Baked Mid-Atlantic Oysters & Crabmeat Rockefeller, I knew what I was starting with. They were divine! Three oysters were topped with spinach, a savory crabmeat blend and a cheesy sauce. I probably could order a whole batch of this and eat it as an entrée. Next, we ordered the Crispy "Point Judith" Calamari.  Point Judith, Rhode Island has the largest squid-fishing fleet on the East Coast and is the hub of the squid business in the United States. I can see why. These were excellent. Sometimes calamari can be rubbery if not done well, but these were perfect. They were crispy on the outside and tasty with a soft, slightly chewy texture inside. We actually ordered a second round.

North Atlantic Salmon with Horseradish Crust

Maryland Lump Crabcakes

The first entree we tried was the North Atlantic Salmon with Horseradish Crust. It was delicious. The salmon was moist and flaky and had a buttery taste that was heightened by the horseradish crust. It sat atop a Maine crabmeat beurre fondue and was served with asparagus. We also had the Maryland Lump Crabcakes, which we heard were very popular. Definitely another hit! The seasoning was amazing; bringing out the natural sweetness of the crab, and the chipotle aioli dipping sauce had a welcoming kick to it. The two crabcakes were served with southern corn and sun-cured cranberry relish.

Alaskan King Crab Legs

Seafood Risotto

We looked at the table next to us and saw they ordered king crab legs. They looked fierce! Exchanging glances, we just knew we had to try them.  We asked the waiter for the 20 oz Alaskan King Crab Legs and a side of  their Seafood Risotto. The steamed Alaskan King Crab Legs were colossal and impressive. I loved dipping the succulent, sweet meat  in the warm garlic butter. The Seafood Risotto was rich, creamy and full of flavor. The medley of seafood and saffron came together nicely, and we were fighting for each spoonful.

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

Creme Brulee Cheesecake

Finally time for dessert. With our prixe-fixe menu, we had several options. We chose the Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie, served a-la-mode with Vanilla Ice-Cream, and the Genuine "Creme Brulee" Cheesecake. Both desserts were good but not out of this world. The Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie was interesting, with the chocolate adding a new flavor to the traditional take. We found the Creme Brulee Cheesecake was also original; having a smooth, creamy texture.

The service at City Lobster was very good and we enjoyed ourselves. There will definitely be another adventure here on a future trip to NYC. For more information, you can call them at 212-354-1717 or visit them online at http://www.citylobster.com/.

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New Shake Shack in Coral Gables

Talk about coming a long way! What started out as a hot dog cart in Madison Square Park in New York City back in 2001 has evolved into a “burger legend” if you will; with over 14 locations nationwide and two in the Middle East. Best news for us is Shake Shack just opened a brand new location this past Sunday July 15^th in Coral Gables, at 1450 South Dixie Highway(US1). With one location already open on Lincoln Road, those on the west end of town can now enjoy some shack at whim.

 

I had the pleasure of visiting Shake Shack last Wednesday, a few days before the Grand Opening, and loved their new place. Conveniently located near the Universityof Miami, this is their largest Shake Shack yet, and it features cool tabletops, built from reclaimed bowling alley lanes in Brooklyn. Where else can you know what your table was before you were eating on it?

Engraved on Table Top

SmokeShack Burger

Cheese Fries

The food is awesome as usual. I indulged in their SmokeShack Burger, a tasty patty topped with applewood smoked bacon, chopped cherry peppers and Shake Sauce. Although I pride myself in being a lady, I must confess I was licking my fingers when I was done. I also had a side of their delicious Crinkle cut Cheese Fries, made from Yukon potatoes and topped with their signature Shack cheddar and American cheese sauce. Can I hear a round of Oh Yeah?

Refreshing Lemonade

Shack-cago Dog

Chocolate Shake Sample

As a very nice server walked up to me and offered me a bite of their Shack-cago Dog, (no that is not a typo), I politely said “Sure”. After all I was getting my vegetable servings for the day, being that it is topped with relish, onion, pickle, tomato and pepper. Finally, I saw them: the Shakes; little mini versions of their famous sweet delights, just waiting for me to pick them up. They were thick, they were rich, and they were good. I won’t even tell you how many of them I had because there are just some things a girl doesn’t share.

No Caption Needed

Plan to stop by soon and get your shake on! For more information, you can call Shake Shack at 786-470-3701 or visit them online at http://www.shakeshack.com/location/coral-gables/.

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Michy's

Michy's

Summertime is here and the heat in Miami makes us crave something refreshing. What can be more refreshing than grapes? When I was invited to a luncheon hosted by the California Table Grapes Commission and featuring a grape-themed menu created by James Beard Award winning Chef Michelle Bernstein, I was excited.  It took place at  Bernstein's signature restaurant Michy's, located at 6927 Biscayne Blvd, in the MiMo District.

View of Dining Room Photo Credit: Anthony Jordon, Jr.

Grape-Themed Menu

The place is charming and decorated in a way that reflects the cheerfulness and energy of its creator. Flowery chairs and glowing lights portray an ambiance where there is more than just cooking going on; but also a sense of warmth and welcome. Michelle Bernstein is a well-known, celebrity chef in Miami that has earned the love and following of the public.  Her vibrant personality and innovative culinary talents have made her a household name. From the TV show she hosts on WPBT Channel 2, Check Please, South Florida, to her multiple restaurant ventures, Bernstein's style is unparalleled.

Chef Michelle Bernstein

Tuna Tartar

Photo Credit: Anthony Jordon, Jr.

I wasn't sure what to expect at first. I really have never cooked an entire meal using grapes as part of the ingredients; but if there was anyone that could pull it off, and pull it off well, it was Bernstein. We started off the adventure with a refreshing drink and some canapes. They were amazing! Each one I tried was as scrumptious as the last. There was a Tuna Tartar on chips that made my head spin. The tuna was fresh, refreshing and melt-in-your-mouth good. I noticed several of us kept a close eye on the tray as the waiters passed by.  And the good news? You can find it on the menu at Michy's. Another summer delight we nibbled on that can be found on their menu was the Watermelon "Greek" Salad with feta cheese. It can be found on their Wednesday menu, featuring Fried Chicken Night.

Watermelon Greek Salad

Jamon Serrano with Burrata

Grilled Pork Tenderloin

The other two canapes,  specially created for the grape-themed luncheon, demonstrated the amazing way Bernstein puts together a dish. They were finger bites of Jamon Serrano with Burrata and Tomato and Grilled Pork Tenderloin served with grape sauce and arugula on a small toast. The grape sauce on all the canapes gave them  a sweet sensation I would never have imagined.

Delicious Canape

White Gazpacho

Pancetta Wrapped Snapper

If you're still feeling the heat wave, then a bowl of White Gazpacho from Michy's will cool you down. This first course was made with a vegetable broth, grapes, cucumbers, fresh herbs, Jerez vinegar and olive oil. Outstanding! You can go have a bowl tonight because it's on the menu. The second course was a special creation by Bernstein: Pancetta Wrapped Snapper;  which was a tender yellowtail snapper filet layered with pancetta, braised with red and green grapes, pressed juice from pure green grapes reduced with shallots, and served on a Roasted Fennel Puree. Wow! It was perfect! With each bite, I savored a complicated mixture of flavors that enticed my palate: from rich and tangy, to sweet and sour.

Photo Credit: Anthony Jordon, Jr.

Peanut Butter Panna Cotta

We were all bustling with anticipation as we awaited the third course. Michy's is known for its heart-stopping desserts and the one Bernstein created for this luncheon was no exception. As she told us how she created this heavenly treat, there was a hint of excitement in her voice you hear when someone truly enjoys what they do. "I like the child in me to come out in some dishes", she said, and that's exactly what she did. It was a Peanut Butter Panna Cotta; a custard she created with her own homemade peanut butter that was creamy and delicious, paired with a dark grape gelee prepared with freshly squeezed black grapes, scattered grapes dehydrated into a raisin-like texture (much better than raisins), and a handful of candied corn flakes just for fun! Can you imagine? I know...I want to do it all over again!

Photo Credit: Anthony Jordon, Jr.

When we sat down for our luncheon, Bernstein introduced her menu with the passion she is known for; explaining how she has always loved using grapes in her kitchen. "You can do anything with them - both salty and sweet.  I really can't think of anything you can't do," were not only her words but the theme here as well. I knew there was a lot of nutritional value found in the small fruit, but hadn't realized the exquisite possibilities in cooking with them.

Chef Bernstein presenting her grape-themed menu

When you take a trip down to Michy's you'll find an amazing selection of dishes showcasing her Latin-style infusion of flavors. There is one staple you don't want to miss. I didn't have it in this luncheon but I've indulged before: Jamon Serrano and Blue Cheese Croquetas with Fig Marmalade. They're famous! Don't take my word for it...try them yourselves.

For more information on Michy's, you can call them at 305-759-2001 or visit them online at http://michysmiami.com/

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Buddakan in NYC

Front entry to Buddakan

As I embarked on my culinary journey through two major cities in the northeast, I decided to kick-off my adventure in a trendy, ultra-modern restaurant that I had first seen on the big screen. It was featured in the first full-length movie based on the popular television series about four single ladies who spent six seasons giving us insight into the dating scene in New York: Sex and the City. They shared many of their relationship woes taking a bite out of the Big Apple, just as I was about to do. For those of you who are SATC fans, this is the restaurant where Carrie Bradshaw and Mr. Big had their glamorous wedding rehearsal dinner. In real life, it is Buddakan, located in 75 9th Avenue in New York.

Bar Area

Lounge Area

From the moment you walk through the tall, ornate doors, Buddakan lures you in with its dark-hued, rich Asian decor and its subdued lighting. It serves modern Asian cuisine in a chic, awe-inspiring setting, taking the experience to a whole different level. To the right, several hosts/hostesses check for your reservation and point you to the bustling bar, where a large, mural-like painting engages your attention as you wait to be seated. The decor is upscale and modern, with separate rooms, each emitting a different ambiance. A trendy lounge across from the bar serves as a place to mingle and enjoy a cocktail, while dining booths are lined up against the wall. Walking to the rear room of the restaurant, you will notice a lower level to your left, which houses a large communal table in the center and smaller tables along the wall. The center table is towered by elegant chandeliers, inducing the same mystical decor. This is where the episode of SATC was filmed. It is a beautiful room, perfect for events and gatherings.

Setting for Carrie and Mr. Big's Rehearsal Dinner in SATC

 
We were seated at a corner table in the back room. This room was decorated with dark wooden tables surrounded by red velvet chairs.  The entire place was completely full with what seemed to be a combination of  locals and tourists; completely submersed in the environment. I have to say it took me some time to adjust to the noise level. I don't know if it was the acoustics in the dining area, or that we were sitting around some very loud patrons, but it honestly became bothersome after a while. It was really difficult to maintain a conversation with the person sitting next to you. Fortunately, I either got used to the noise, or some of the loud-mouths left, because after about twenty minutes, it wasn't as pronounced as it was at the beginning.

Reflecting...

Reflection

Buddakan's menu is comprised of plates meant to be shared, including a variety of dim sum, hot and cold appetizers, noodles, rice and different types of meat, seafood and poultry. The dishes are creatively prepared and made with an interesting combination of ingredients. When the waitress came to take our drink orders, I noticed their specialty cocktails were named after Asian influences as well: Tranquility, Fate and Reflection, among others. I decided to order Reflection, which was made with Bacardi Gold, pineapple, apricot and grenadine. I told the waitress I was in the mood for a sweet, refreshing drink, and she suggested I try that one. It was good but not spectacular. I expected it to be sweeter and couldn't taste the pineapple or apricot at all.

Deviled Tuna Tartare

Spicy Yellowtail Yu Sheng

After looking at the infinite number of items on the menu that looked appealing, we started with one of my all-time must-haves: the Deviled Tuna Tartare, with chili mayonnaise and scallions. While the pieces of tuna were very fresh, they lacked a bit of flavor. The ingredients were layered, not blended, taking away a bit from the potential of the dish. I enjoyed it, but it didn't stand out. Next, we shared the Spicy Yellowtail Yu Sheng with smoked chili and pineapple. This was our least favorite by consensus. To start, the thin slices of raw fish were too small, so while the hint of pineapple added a balance of sweetness to the spicy chili, the taste was lost. I didn't like this dish at all.

Boneless Spare Ribs

General Tso's Dumplings

I knew it had to get better and I'm glad to say in the next choice, it did. We tried the Boneless Spare Ribs, which came with a bit of chinese mustard. Now we're talking. I really wouldn't have guessed this would be my prize winner, but it was. The ribs were tender and moist, and the glaze was delicious. I didn't even need the chinese mustard because they were extremely flavorful on their own. Feeling my excitement return, our next dish was General Tso's Dumplings, with chicken, ginger and garlic. We were somewhat split on this one. Personally, I liked them. I thought the filling was savory and the texture of the wrappers was perfect.

Kung Pao Monkfish

Sweet & Crispy Jumbo Shrimp

Next up, we ordered two fish and two rice dishes. I'll tell you about the fish dishes first. They were both spectacular! The first one was the Sweet & Crispy Jumbo Shrimp. Wow! I was in crustacean heaven! The shrimp were lightly breaded and topped with a citrus salad with bits of radishes that was outrageous. It became another favorite quickly. The second fish dish was the Kung Pao Monkfish. This was phenomenal! The monkfish was drizzled in chili-schezuan sauce, peanuts and topped with bean sprouts. The spicy kick and incredible flavor kept us quiet while we enjoyed it immensely.

Crustacean Heaven Up Close and Personal

Dungeness Crab Sticky Rice

Chinese Sausage Fried Rice

Of the two rice dishes we ordered, one was a hit, and the other one was a split. The one I loved was the Dungeness Crab Sticky Rice, prepared with XO Sauce for a nice burst of flavor, and Chinese broccoli.  It blew me away! The presentation was impressive; served inside the actual shell of a dungeness crab, and the taste was totally succulent. The best sticky rice I've had. We also tried the Chinese Sausage Fried Rice.  It sounded interesting on the menu; coming topped with an egg sunny side up. Again, the presentation was nice but I found it off on taste. It missed the mark for me. It was a bit dry and didn't hold a lot of flavor.

Bittersweet Chocolate Mousse Pave

By this point, I was stuffed but I still wanted to try at least one dessert. I asked the waitress to recommend one she loved and she suggested the Bittersweet Chocolate Mousse Pave. Boy, she was on the money with this one. Delicious layers of chocolate graced the plate on chinese cinnamon hazelnut creme. It was accompanied by a scoop of caramel popcorn sorbet and pieces of caramelized popcorn. Just remembering it is making me salivate. I think I saw fireworks when I put the spoon in my mouth, and it wasn't even the Fourth of July.

I enjoyed my adventure at Buddakan. It is definitely a place you want to try at least once when you come to New York. It exudes the right vibe, the service was good and the menu is quite extensive, giving you plenty of interesting dishes to try. For more information, you can contact Buddakan at 212-989-6699 or visit them online at http://www.buddakannyc.com/.

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The Foodaholic Trivia Contest

Hello everybody! I just held a Trivia Contest on my Facebook page that was a lot of fun! The prize was a $25 Gift Card to a fabulous restaurant: CRAVE in Coral Gables. Participants had to figure out the answer to a trivia question about one of the restaurants I have posted on in my blog. All the guidelines were also posted on my Facebook page. It was great to see so many people participate! Check out the YouTube video I made as I randomly selected the winner from the correct answers. Be sure to follow me on Twitter @mariasgoodtaste and Like my FB page at http://www.facebook.com/Adventuresofthefoodaholic for information on upcoming contests! Bon Apetit!



 

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