The Green Goddess- French Quarter (New Orleans, USA)

Looking for a ‘healthier’  restaurant option in the French Quarter, we made our way to the Green Goddess for lunch. It is tucked in the exchange alley and is easy to miss if you are not looking for it. The restaurant itself is small and a bit stuffy with an area in the back corridor of what seems like the entrance of a residential building/law firm.

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The service was good. But then again, we were the only ones there when we arrived. The menus is simple with a variety of veggie options for those vegetarians that have a hard time finding food in the French Quarter.  Neither the Count or I are vegetarians and therefore opted for the Grilled Pork and Shrimp Bahn Mi and the Cuban Sandwich. While waiting for our lunch to arrive I was becoming more and more skeptical as the place really did not seem clean. I’m sure if I snuck in the back I would find enough to turn me off. But what you can’t see doesnt hurt you…. I guess. Perhaps the grimy state of the restaurant goes with the hippie-vegan/veggie vibe that is their claim to fame.  But I’ve been to many vegetarian/vegan restaurants that are clean and awesome. So I’m not really sure.

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All my worries went away once the food arrived. Both sandwiches were delicious and the portions were huge. While the food was good, I expect a little more than just good food when I dine out including consistent service, clean and hygienic environment, which I think this spot lacks. If hygiene doesn’t concern you then the food will more than satisfy you.

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Dinner at Dickie Brennan’s new Tableau- French Quarter (New Orleans, USA)

On the corner of Chartres and St. Peter Streets in the French Quarter, the new Dickie Brennan restaurant has opened sharing the space with the beloved Le Petit Theatre. The new restaurant, Tableau, is a wonderful addition to the Brennan restaurant family. Walking in to the restaurant, you can still smell the fresh paint, giving it that crisp, new, clean look and feel. The three story, seven dining room restaurant got its inspiration from the last Spanish governor occupying the land.   A grand staircase spans three stories of the restaurant, connecting private dining rooms, balcony dining with a view of Jackson Square and courtyard seating, for an authentic New Orleans dining experience. The tall white walls and black wrought iron chandeliers give it a grandiose feel yet the service and ambiance is not stuffy or pretentious. Mr. Dickie Brennan himself even walked around all tables introducing himself and making sure we enjoyed our meal. What a nice and humble man he was.

The menu, developed by Chef Ben Thibodeaux, showcases regional ingredients and classic French Creole dishes with a unique twist. The cuisine is sophisticated, yet true to tradition, with great depth of flavor. We started our night with glasses of Brennan’s Chardonnay, a smooth, buttery white that the our entire table enjoyed. Next, came the Creole French Onion Soup– one of my favorite dishes. It was a delicious treat and definitely one of the best I’ve had. Caramelized sweet onions in a veal stock mixed with andouille, spiked with local beer and topped with a cheesy gruyére crouton. Delicious!

1-_DSC0557 For our main entrees, our table ordered the Creole Courtbouillon and the Roasted Duck.  The roasted duck breast and thigh was braised in a Bourbon-cherry duck jus. The flavors strong and rich.

3-_DSC0564  The Courtbouillon is a traditional New Orleans seafood stew with gulf fish, shrimp, oysters and crab-meat in a rich broth served with popcorn rice. If you love seafood it is a great option as it is a large serving of a variety of seafood in a rich broth. It can definitely be shared by two.

4-_DSC0568 Dessert consisted of the Praline Monkey Bread Pudding and Hot Chocolate Pot de Creme. The deconstructed biscuit bread pudding was beautifully presented, mixed with brown sugar and pecans served wit a side of vanilla ice cream and butterscotch sauce. Delicious.

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The pod de creme consisted of dark chocolate custard infused with cayenne pepper, topped with house-made marshmallow fluff and caramelized cocoa nibs. I loved it and highly recommend readers to not miss out on this one. 
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Overall, we had a lovely time at Tableau. Everything from the attentive service to the decor and delicious menu was perfect. What a great addition to the New Orleans dining scene!

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Leziz Turkish Cuisine- South Street (Philadelphia, USA)

One thing I love about Philadelphia’s dining scene is the wide range of restaurants you can find. On any given night you can choose from anything from Vietnamese, Korean to Turkish. With Turkey on our mind (given our talk of travels to Turkey) we found the best rated Turkish BYOB restaurant in Philadelphia and headed over. It was a Wednesday night and the restaurant was quiet. We were one of only two patrons there but this didn’t take away from the environment. Turkish music played in the background while a large framed photo of Ataturk greeted diners.

Dinner consisted of a combination kabob platter, Turkish pizza and several bowls of thick yogurt. I once had the Turkish pizza in a restaurant in New York and quickly fell in love. It has very distinct flavors and is unlike any other pizza making it uniquely Turkish. The doughy bread is slathered with generous amounts of flavorful spiced meat and tomatoes topped with garden herbs. The dish is served in three. The combination kabob platter was just the right choice for us as it gave us a variety of each kabob: chicken, iskandar, and lamb on top of their house red rice with a side of necessary yogurt dip. Overall, the food was not only delicious but cost less than $30.  On the weekends I’m also told that they have live belly dancing entertainment and hookah.

 

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Dinner at Daniel Boulud’s ‘Boulud Sud’- UWS (New York City, USA)

On a cold, rainy sunday evening this spring, the Count and I headed to Boulud Sud to celebrate our one year anniversary. It was to be the first Daniel Boulud dining experience for me and I was giddy at the thought.

We were warmly greeted by the hostess and promptly taken to our seat walking through the crowds of diners filling every seat in the large dining area. It was also our fist time dining on the Upper West Side which had a notably different and older crowd than the one we are use to seeing downtown. The beige paneled walls were covered with photographs inspired by impressionist painters, tables placed close to one another and covered in white linens giving an overall Mediterranean vibe.

The menu was broken down into three sections and subsections ranging in Mediterranean flavors from Sardinia, Greece, Tunisia, Morocco to Lebanon: ‘From the Garden’, ‘From the Sea’, and ‘From the Farm’. [See Menu].

The menu favored sharing many of the small plate dishes while ordering one larger entree to share.  The first item that was brought out to us was a complimentary stack of crispy roman style artichoke hearts with a side of creamy aioli dipping sauce. The dish can be found under the subsection portion which includes a variety of Mediterranean mezzes (like the hummus and cauliflower tabbouleh). And while our taste buds were adjusting to the range of textures and flavors we were served one after another amazing plates. Some of the most notables of the night included the steak tartar which was possibly the most exquisite and distinctly Middle Eastern tasting piece of raw meat I’ve yet to taste.

The House-made Greek version of Taramasalata consisted of a smoked cod roe dip served with the most delicious dill covered potato chips. It was a delightful little treat and a great presentation of the traditional Taramasalata. For those who have a soft spot for sea urchins, the Sea Urchin and Crab Tartine should not be missed. Tender pieces of crab topped with sea urchin were served on tiny pieces of rye bread. Next on our list of orders for the night was the Octopus A la Plancha, grilled pieces of octopus served in a bed of almonds and arugula; the Lemon Saffron Linguini and Gambas al Ajillo.

From the farm side of the menu we ordered the Arabic Lamb Flatbread and were also served with the Harissa Spiced Beef Tartare. Both were quite exquisite. I guess I’m a big fan of the ‘harissa spice’ as this dish really did it for me.

The best part of the meal had to be the Grapefruit Givre served to us as a complimentary anniversary treat. The icy treat was made with grapefruit sorbet, and a topping of spun sesame halvah. It was so beautiful presented. The flavors were so intricate and so complex. I am certain I will never taste anything quite like it anywhere else.

Overall, I could not think of a better place than Boulud Sud to have spent our anniversary. The over the top service and friendly staff, and the amazing culinary experience made for the most perfect evening. After having the Boulud experience I’m afraid I will never be able to dine at another restaurant ever again… for my expectations have now raised dramatically.

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Malaysian Food at Penang- Chinatown (Philadelphia, USA)

Whenever feeling like good Asian food, we head to Philadelphia’s Chinatown where the possibilities are endless. From dim sum to Korean BBQ there is a range of choices to choose from. With friends in town this week, we decided to try Malaysian. Friends had just returned from a two year backpacking journey in Asia including Malaysia and were keen to relive the Malaysian food experience in Philadelphia.

There are several Malaysian food restaurants in Chinatown but we chose to go to Penang given the more modern and industrial look of the restaurant. Yes, decor does lure us in sometimes. the restaurant was packed on a Wednesday night which is always a good sign of good food to come.  And so we left it to our backpacking friends to choose from the endless list of options.

As always, the meal started off with two orders of the Roti Canai: delicious crispy layers of bread served alongside a bowl of fragrant yellow chicken potato curry. This dish proved to me my favorite of the evening. I will be going back just to have their Roti Canai.

Next came an order of the Aby Oyster omelet, a large plate of omelet with generous layers of baby oysters. It was pretty delicious. I’ve never had eggs and oysters together before and have to say that it is a great mix.

The Penang Poh Piah, a favorite amongst our Malaysian food specialists lived up to their standards. What was it? A steamed spring roll stuffed with jicama, fried tofu, egg and bean sprouts covered in a sweet sauce. I personally was not a big fan of the spongy roll, yet everyone else at the table really enjoyed it.

Two orders of noodle dishes made their way to our table. The first was the Mee Siam, a rice vermicelli stir-fry with tofu, shrimp and bean sprouts in a thai chili sauce, grounded peanuts and sliced hard boiled eggs on top. One word: delicious. The Chow Kueh Teow was recommended by our server as the second noodle dish. It consisted of stir fried flat rice noodles with fresh shrimp, bean sprouts, eggs in a soy and chili paste sauce.

Yes, there was more. In fairness, we were a party of 5…all hungry…all big foodies. The next two dishes were my favorites (besides the Roti Canai). The Nasi Lemak was so delicious filled with bursting flavors. A dish consisting of coconut rice served with curried chicken and hard boiled eggs. The soupy Curry mee with Young Tau Foo was a spicy and aromatic blend of lemon grass coconut curry broth with vegetables, tofu, minced shrimp and fish. If you love soups, this dish should not be missed.

Dinner at Penang was cheap, delicious and different. After dining here, Malaysian food has been added to my list of favorite foods.

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Roti Canai

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Penang Poh Piah

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Dinner at Audrey Claire- Rittenhouse Square (Philadelphia, USA)

Audrey Claire is one of the most charming BYO restaurants in Philadelphia located on the character filled corner of Spruce and 20th. The Mediterranean decor of white washed walls and apple motifs give it just the right touch. The menu is phenomenal with some great options to choose from. We went on a week night, a party of 5, and were surprised to be seated right away. Usually there is a minimum 2 hour line up on the weekends. Yet, I learned that reservations are taken during weekday hours (so make sure to get those reservations in before you go).

Our meal started with an order of the antipasti sampler, a wide tray of fresh grilled vegetables, mozzerella, olives and more. Usually a plate of grilled veggies does not excite me but this dish was so tasty. Each vegetable was grilled to perfection covered in buttery goodness.  Next came the watermelon, feta and arugula starter. What a treat on a hot day in Philadelphia. It was the perfect combination of sweet and savory and something I’m used to having at home. It is a staple summer dish in my motherland.

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Next came the sizzling fried Greek haloumi cheese on a sweet layer of whole fig jam sprinkled with candied figs. Again, a mix of salty pieces of haloumi cheese mixed with the sweet aromatic flavors of the jam compote made for a perfect combination.

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For our main course, we ordered the feta crusted rack of baby lamb, oysters, crab terrine and grilled octopus salad.

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The grilled octopus was served on a bed of salad, tossed with olive oil, feta and lemon. The octopus itself was extremely tender and cooked to perfection.The rack of lamb was also a big hit with tender pieces of lamb meat in a feta and garlic crust served with a  side of green beans and couscous.

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5-IMG_0963 The Prince Edward Island mussels were served in a large bowl in a spicy chili flaked broth. Make sure to dip your bread in the broth and make good use of the aromatic flavors. 4-IMG_0958Overall, our party of 5 was very impressed with every single dish we ordered. The ambiance, attentive service and amazing food made it a perfect meal for our out of town guests. It’s no wonder that people wait hours to be seated at this little neighborhood gem.

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Brunch at the Mad Batter (Cape May, USA)

On the latest trip to Cape May (see Foodie’s Guide to Cape May) we had lunch at the recommended Mad Batter. The restaurant is located in one of the charming, quaint and cozy victorian houses on Jackson street which is also home to the Carroll Villa Hotel. We went after the brunch rush with the restaurant half empty. Yet our server seemed rushed and rude. Her attitude however, did not ruin our meal which started off with the one of the tastiest bloody marys I’ve had to date, it was followed by several rounds of lime margaritas. Our meal consisted of the lobster egg benedict, hamburger served with a slice of camembert cheese and fries, blackened fish sandwich, and crab meat omelet.  The lobster benedict was really delicious with generous pieces of fresh lobster topped with hollandaise sauce on two pieces of english muffin. The only complaint at the table was the blackened fish which was too dry and flavorless. Ending the meal with bellies full, we all left feeling quite satisfied. Overall, a great brunch spot if you can get past the service.

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Power Lunch at Rouge- Rittenhouse Square (Philadelphia, USA)

Okay, so I finally went to Rouge but didn’t have the burger. Some say it is the best burger in town. I can’t attest to the burger but having the Nicoise salad and a side of french fries I am sure the burger is delicious too. My meal was really tasty and the ambiance was even better. There is no better place to be on a sunny spring afternoon than in one of the many restaurants lining Rittenhouse Park. Having a drink while watching the stylish Philadelphia clads walk by is a perfect way to spend the day. The restaurant is also quite the scene once the sun sets being one of the hottest spots in town to see and be seen.

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Bibou-rilliance- Bella Vista (Philadelphia, USA)

Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve  died and gone to heaven. At least, that is how I felt after dining at Chef Pierre Calmels’ Bibou– the tiny 30 seat French BYOB in Bella Vista. Reservations at Bibou are hard to come by considering I have been trying to go since my arrival on the doorsteps of Philadelphia last summer. After having dined there shoulder to shoulder with other diners I learned that most at the restaurant are die hard regulars and usually make their reservations for their next meal on a weekly or monthly basis. It’s no wonder the restaurant is always full (word to the wise: make your reservations well in advance).

Chef Pierre Calmels is no stranger to the Philadelphia dining scene. He was the long time executive chef of the renowned Le Bef-Fin mentoring some of Philadelphia’s finest chefs. Prior to which he worked in some of the best kitchens in the country including those of Daniel Bouloud and under Georges Perrier at Le Bec-Fin. He opened Bibou in 2009 and immediately gained loyalist amongst the city’s gourmands.

The menu changes often to offer the freshest seasonal ingredients and innovative dishes. Yet, some dishes are staples. This includes the ever tender and flavorful escargot. On first thought, one might not think twice about ordering escargot, especially those who are put off by images of snails. Yet the escargot at Bibou proved to be quite extraordinary. Perhaps it the fact that the snails are slow poached and cooled gradually in the most flavorful broth made up of butter, beef stock, mousseron mushrooms and fresh garbanzo beans. Eaten with a side of french bread, these snails were to die for.

A seasonal dish which was appetizing and visually stimulating was the soft-shell crab. A crispy and tender crab presented itself to me covered in chopped tomatos and a citrusy based sauce.  The dish is offered as an appetizer or an entree and was an instant hit.  Next was the country paté dish- a delicious slab of mixed meat with sundried tomatos, dried apricot and rosemary; with a cassis reduction. For those who love a good paté, here is a warning: this dish will leave you wanting more and will remain with you and your taste-buds for days to come. In fact, it’s been a week since our visit to Bibou and I have been dreaming of this plate ever since. It is not to be missed. 

The bone marrow, another stable Bibou dish, was served in a split bone stuffed with a rather salty mix of bone marrow with toasted bread crumbs and a range of herbs along a side of potatoes.  Being a big fan of anything to do with bone marrow, I loved the buttery and strong marrow flavors of this dish yet found it to be just a tad bit on the salty side.  The Onglet de Boeuf was one of the most tender and meaty hanger steaks I’ve yet to taste served in a green peppercorn sauce with a side of fingerling potatoes and green asparagus. 

Dessert as usual consisted of most of the offerings on the menu: the floating island, dark chocolate tort and lemon souffle glace. All three amazing and perfect. The dark chocolate tort is what every warm chocolate cake should aspire to be: warm, soft texture with just the right amount of sweetness and the taste of bittersweet chocolate. The floating island, a classic french dish that I became quickly addicted to in my years in France was so good that I was tempted to order another. A fluffy, light meringue floating in a sauce of creme anglais made with goat’s milk. And while the two vanished within minutes if not seconds, we contemplated a third. Our server recommended the lemon souffle glace:  An ice-cream like texture with creamy tart lemon flavor served with a berry reduction on the side it did not disappoint.

Our dining experience was so lovely and we were so satisfied that neither of us wanted to leave. We quickly made friends with our neighbors and together revelled in the extraordinary brilliance of Bibou. I only wish they would expand their space so that more diners can have access to Chef Calmel’s magic.

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A Foodie’s Guide to Cape May (Cape May, New Jersey)

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I’ll admit my experience and knowledge about New Jersey was very limited prior to moving to Philadelphia. It mostly involved landing in Newark airport and heading straight to New York trying to dodge Tony Soprano and other New Jersey cliches like MTV’s Jersey Shore and Bravo’s Housewives of New Jersey.  I had no idea that the Jersey Shore would be so alluring and would break all those stereotypes I’d build over the years in my mind (thanks to cable tv).

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Adapting to the culture in Philadelphia, we make it a point to frequent the ‘Shore’ on occasion when we need to get out of town for a quick getaway. And it may come as no surprise that our destination on the Jersey Shore is none other than Cape May: the oldest beachside resort in the country and the southernmost point in New Jersey.  Cape May has stood the test of time, breaking all Jersey stereotypes and making it through stormy weather (of most recent, hurricane Sandy).  This historic seaside resort was settled by wealthy Philadelphia families in the 18th century leading to the Victorian architecture which the town is known for.

Sleep: There are many beautiful Victorian bed and breakfasts to choose from including the Virginia Hotel but if in the mood for complete indulgence the Congress Hall is the hotel of choice. The hotel is set across the street from the beach offering beach cabanas, a pool, yoga classes and stunning views of the sea (not to mention great dining).

Eat: Amongst the many wonderful restaurants where lobster and seafood are a plenty a few stand out. For a fine dining experience, the Ebbit Room at the Virginia Hotel should not be missed.  Other less expensive and delicious choices are Louisa’s Cafe, Tisha’s Cape May and George’s Place. For a good brunch served alongside a perfect Bloody Mary, the Mad Batter restaurant is our go to place.

Sweets: After lunch a stroll through Washington Street is the perfect way to work off the calories unless you have a sweet tooth like me which means you may be in trouble. Each trip is never complete without a trip to the saltwater taffy haven at James Candy Company where you can choose from a range of flavors and pay by scale. Just a few minutes away is the Cape May Popcorn factory where the smell will lure you in before the brilliant yellow and green colored building attracts you visually.  In the summertime, crowds will line up to get their hands on some tasty frozen custard from Kohr’s Brothers. My favorite is the vanilla/orange creamsicle blend. It’s not to be missed. Just off Washington street lies the cutest and tiniest chocolate shop I’ve ever seen. Louisa’s Chocolate Bar is not to be missed if you like gourmet chocolate treats.

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