Ellen's Stardust Diner

To wind down my adventures through NYC, I decided to head over to a place that was animated, fun and entertaining. Where can you find the next big Broadway star singing "Mama Mia" while playing drums on your head with a pack of straws? If you guessed Ellen's Stardust Diner, then you're right. Founded in 1987 and located in the heart of Times Square at 1650 Broadway,  it is the place to go to liven your spirits and enjoy a good time surrounded by an ever popular singing wait staff. They are quite impressive! As a matter of fact, just about every month a couple of them actually go on to perform in Broadway shows.


I do have to give you one caveat. Come here for the fun - not for the food. Other than the burger, which is probably your best choice, I haven't sampled anything spectacular on their menu. Serving primarily comfort food, the names of the dishes are as original as the diner itself, but don't expect to be wowed in taste.





As you walk into the retro-styled diner, you'll find the wait staff dressed in impromptu costumes and singing both oldies as well as current top hits. They stand on counters behind you, sit next to you, and even pick some brave volunteers to participate in the fun. Personally, I had my head used as a snare drum to the tune of  a Jersey Boys single.  I loved it!

Empanada Sampler

We started off with the Empanada Sampler, which were homemade beef and chicken empanadas, served with mild and spicy dipping sauces. The menu described them as "Peruvian" style but I'm not really sure what that meant. They were average and nothing to write home about. I'd say of the two, I probably preferred the meat, but the filling wasn't too seasoned in either one.

Be Bop a Lula Burger

We then ordered the Be Bop a Lula Burger, a thick patty served on a homemade bun and topped with American Cheese, bacon, grilled onions, sauteed mushrooms, lettuce and tomatoes. It came with a side of crispy and delicious waffle fries and a pickle.  Things momentarily looked up in the culinary department. The patty was juicy and flavorful and the toppings went well together.

Meatloaf

I became bold and decided I wanted to sample some more of their comfort food. I saw the Meatloaf on their menu and it was described as "the best in town". Smothered in "Mom's gravy", it was served with mashed potatoes and the night's vegetables. Since I was singing and taking a musical stroll through the 80's, I figured, let's do it. The minute the plate I arrived, I knew I was in for a disappointment. The meatloaf looked so tough, I was hesitant to try it. I did and unfortunately, I was right. It was overcooked and dry, with very little flavor. I ate about half and just settled for the mashed potatoes and vegetables. I definitely would not order the meatloaf here again and I would venture to say it is not the best in town.


We decided to pass on the dessert this time, although I have to say I've eaten dessert here before and it's been good. We focused on enjoying the fun and the singers and bypass any more food. Despite the less-than-fantastic cuisine, I find Ellen's Stardust Diner is a must-try at least once when you're in New York simply for the experience. Stick to the burgers or maybe some desserts if you're looking to have a better meal as you kick back with the musical antics.  If nothing else, you'll walk out giddy and humming familiar tunes after spending some time in the 1950's-themed diner filled with wall-to-wall nostalgic memorabilia. For more information, you can contact them at (212) 956-5151 or visit them online at http://www.ellensstardustdiner.com/.

Read More

EDGE Steak & Bar - Brunch

About a month ago, I wrote a post on a somewhat new but increasingly popular restaurant in the Four Seasons Hotel in Brickell: EDGE Steak & Bar, located at 1435 Brickell Avenue. I had an incredible dinner adventure there, and was looking forward to returning to try their Sunday Brunch; a lavish buffet-style brunch promising a whimsical twist on the food truck frenzy. How, you ask? In addition to the traditional brunch offerings, such as omelette and carving stations, there would also be innovative stops simulating food trucks serving Mexican favorites, Cuban must-haves and Peruvian seafood. The brunch also included unlimited Mimosas and Build-Your-Own Bloody Marys. While I love all kinds of Sunday Brunches, I am a devoted fan of buffet brunches, because you can sample a wider selection of items for one price. Back to EDGE I went...

Mimosas and Bloody Marys

Jumbo Shrimp

East Coast Oysters

I was excited the moment we arrived; spotting the large table right in front of the entrance, where a great number of the buffet items were aesthetically placed. Being the seafood lover that I am, I instantaneously went to look for the Peruvian Seafood Station mentioned on their website, where I would find the shrimp, oysters, crab claws and ahi tuna tartare. I noticed there wasn't a specific station for the seafood per se, but rather platters with these items were placed on the main table. The Jumbo Shrimp and Shucked East Coast Oysters were the first to call my name. I piled some of those on my plate and went to town. They were very good. The shrimp were plump, juicy and tender and the oysters were somewhat salty with a soft texture and a slightly bitter finish. I then looked around for their Ahi Tuna Tartare, since you know me and my love for the Chicken of the Sea. Unfortunately, I never found it. I did find the crab claws but I honestly wasn't thrilled about them.  They were Jonah crab claws and I am not particularly fond of those, as they are not as meaty or flavorful as their counterparts.

Jonah Crab Claws

Whole Red Snapper

Signature House Kettle Chips

Still having a world of choices to explore, I continued sampling the items beautifully displayed on the main table. From the delicious variety of Antipasti, to the Savory Cheeses and the Sweet Pea Parmesan Bruschettas, it was a whirlwind of titillating deliciousness. Continuing over to the Hot Food Station I picked up some Crispy Local Whole Red Snapper with Florida Mango Salsa. Scrumptious! The Carving Station also offered the Chef's prime choice cut of the week, along with their famous Cutting Edge Rub. I tried some Mini EDGE Burgers with their signature House Kettle Chips, which took me back to my outstanding first visit there.

Say hello to my little friend...

Viva La Mexico! Station

Cuban Food Truck Station

What made this brunch unique to me, though, was the originality of their stations. They have two fun ones that I've never seen in any other brunch. The Viva La Mexico! station decorated like a Mexican food truck and featuring Tacos with all the fixings; and the Cuban Food Truck, showcasing....are you a ready...a Roast Suckling Pig.  That was impressive! Not only because it looked awesome, but because it was perfectly roasted - and if you're Cuban or love Cuban food, you know what I mean: juicy and flavorful on the inside, with a crispy skin on the outside. I thought it was Noche Buena in July. I can tell you that when I posted the picture of the suckling pig on my Facebook page, I got a lot of responses asking me if the pig was a regular item on the Sunday Brunch menu; even from out-of-towners planning on visiting Miami.

Seafood Paella

Cotton Candy! Frozen Yogurt!

Wanting to sample more, I tried the Seafood Paella. It was fantastic; standing out with its juicy layer of flavors and medley of seafood. Over on the other side, chefs were preparing omelettes, and there was an array of fresh fruit to select from. By the way, they have a lot of options available for the little guys, so you don't have to leave them at home. There is a special menu for kids offering all of their favorites along with a fun station where the young (and young at heart) can grab cotton candy, frozen yogurt or lemonade.

Red Velvet Shortcake

Old Fashioned Chocolate Cake

Dessert Table

Finally, I made my way over to the desserts. I could feel the sugar rush just from looking at them. Needless to say I tried quite a few and my favorites were the Old Fashioned Chocolate Cake (Is that a surprise?) the Flan Floating Island, and the Original Tres Leches. 

We really enjoyed trying out the brunch at EDGE Steak & Bar. Chef Aaron Brooks' talented and dedicated hand was evident in the dishes and they really went a cut above to make the presentation unique. This time around, the service wasn't as memorable as the last time but the elegant ambiance of the place still shone through.

For more information on the Sunday Brunch at EDGE, you can contact them at 305-381-3190 or visit them online at http://www.edgerestaurantmiami.com/menus/sunday_brunch/.

Read More

Zen Sai

There's a new kid in town, and its name is Zen Sai! I have always had an affinity with Japanese Cuisine and even transformed a room in my house into a sushi room; complete with an Asian theme and all. Imagine my excitement when I was invited to preview the entire menu at a new Izakaya opening in the Essex House Hotel in South Beach. The restaurant, appropriately named Zen Sai, (which means hors d'oeuvre in Japanese), is located at 1001 Collins Avenue.



From the moment I walked in, I was enthralled by the outdoor dining area. Featuring a small pool in the center, the endearing oasis is surrounded by candle lit tables and chairs, providing a romantic, tranquil setting. Inside, Zen Sai's cozy ambiance is perfect for a nice drink after work while sharing some small plates with friends.

Full selection of their sushi rolls

Selection of Japanese Beers

I was very impressed with all the dishes that were served for us to sample. From the delicious sushi rolls, to the robata-grilled items, the food was superb. And it doesn't end there. Zen Sai also features a vast selection of fine sakes, and specialty sake cocktails that are phenomenal.  For beer connoiseurs, they also offer Japanese beers. I especially enjoyed the way the staff described each ingredient in the cocktails, and offered suggestions for pairings with the food. They were very knowledgeable and made you feel at home. Impeccable service, great food and awesome drinks...I see the beginning of a beautiful thing.

Sake Selections

Warrior

Since I was able to sample the entire food and cocktail menu. I'll give you a visual tour of some of the items and let you know which were my favorite along the way. A warning before you continue..by the time you finish this post, you will be extremely hungry! I'll start with the drinks. Of the sakes, the one I sampled before I moved on to the cocktails was the Haiku, a semi-dry sake with flavors of gardenia, lavender and apple. It was not too sweet and I find it would pair very well with the rock shrimp from their menu.

Lychee Martini Sample

Selection of Cocktails

Because I personally prefer cocktails, I decided to concentrate on their Signature Cocktails by sampling them all. (Don't judge me.)  My two favorite were the Lychee Martini and the Kimono. The Lychee Martini was made with Kumosabe Nigori sake, Finlandia vodka, house-infused lychee syrup, simple syrup and lemon juice. It was the best! The cocktail is sweet, fragrant and comes with a lychee inside. The Kimono was just as outstanding and refreshing. It was also made with Kumosabe Nigori sake, and then a splash of Grey Goose Vodka, yuzu juice, watermelon juice, basil, agave nectar, lemon juice and a watermelon slice.

Now on to the best part (I am the "Food"aholic after all). May the food porn marathon begin:

Shishito Peppers

Fried Bok Choy

Shishito Peppers with Ginger Soy Sauce (Left) - Fun fact! 1 in 10 are spicy. Fried Bok Choy with soy sauce and toasted garlic (Right) -They tasted like potato chips! I can eat these while sitting in front of the T.V. Definite favorite!


      

Edamame

Squid Jerky

Squid Jerky with Garlic aioli (Left) - Have to chew these a bit. Edamame with Sea Salt and Ginger Soy Sauce (Right) - Not too salty.

Asian Green Salad

Octopus Salad

Asian Green Salad with Miso soy mustard vinaigrette (Left) - Loved the walnuts and the dressing. Octopus Salad (Right) - The yuzu juice brought out the flavors of all the ingredients and gave it a kick.

Spicy Rock Shrimp

Yellowtail Jalapeno

Spicy Rock Shrimp with Serrano aioli and Japanese Worcestershire (Left) - These were sweet and left your mouth on fire. Another favorite! Yellowtail Jalapeno with Citrus jalapeno soy sauce (Right) - They were flavorful, meaty and also had a kick.

Ribeye

Pork Belly

Ribeye with Yakitori Sauce (Left) - Well seasoned and juicy. Pork Belly with black bean sauce (Right) - Outrageously good! A favorite all the way, it also comes as a slider.

Salmon

Black Cod

Black Cod with sweet yuzu miso sauce. (Left) - Amazing taste! Tender, flaky fish blew me away. Salmon with Yakitori Sauce (Right) -The Yakitori glaze gave the salmon a sweet, enticing allure.

Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Shrimp

Bacon Wrapped Scallops
(Left)- Great combination of smoky bacon with mildly sweet scallop. Shrimp (Right) - They were marinated in cilantro and garlic and then grilled.

Six different sushi rolls

Prosciutto Roll

Zen Sai Rolls: (Left)- My two favorites were the Spicy Tuna and the BBQ Eel. There is also a Boston Roll which is vegetarian. Prosciutto Roll (Right)  - The taste of the prosciutto and goat cheese went well with the truffle oil and balsamic vinegar.

A return visit to Zen Sai is a definite must. It is truly a great place to relax and enjoy the Miami Beach vibe. For more information, you can visit Zen Sai online at http://www.zensaisobe.com/.

Read More