Hill Country Recession Special

All you can eat Pork Ribs and Lean Brisket for $25 sounds like a steal doesn’t it? It is… if you get there before 8pm. Hill Country has started a new Monday Night ritual, a Recession Special as they are so fondly calling it. Unfortunately, if you get there later in the night they seem to run out of all of the good stuff! Still, as long as the company is good, the food is good and it’s certainly worth a shot. I would go back on a regular night at Hill Country to give the restaurant a fair shake. It’s hard when you are trying to feed so many mouths but they ran out of food last Monday and should’ve prepared themselves. When you offer all you can eat… It should be just that – all you can eat—not all you can eat except…

Delicious Sides: Bourbon Mashed Sweet Potatoes
German Potatoes
4 Cheese Mac and Cheese
Baked Beans
Chili
Green Bean Casserole
Cucumber Salad
All were very tasty .. and abundant!

Meats; We got tastings off..
Pork Ribs
Lean Brisket
Sausage
Bbq Chicken
Moist Brisket

Les Halles.......The epitome of traditional French cuisine.

One by one and week by week we are slowing crossing places off our “must go” list of restaurants in New York City. Friday night we were able to cross off a huge Matzah ball by finally dining at the legendary French Brasserie, Les Halles. Known more popularly for its superstar chef Anthony Bourdain whose career has catapulted since putting Les Halles on the map, the joint still puts on an exceptional French bistro experience (even when he’s not in the kitchen). This place was buzzing with authentic Parisian flare, from the enormous faded white light bulbs, to the old fashioned French advertisements, to the tableside preparation of freshly made steak tartare, this place had it all. In addition to the great food, I was lucky enough to be joined by two other avid “foodies”; my favorite dining partner Hillary and my roommate Matt both who share the same passion with food as I do. All three of us had wanted to try Les Halles for quite some time, so we went in with very high expectations.

APPETIZERS

Escargots

Six eloquently placed baby snails smothered in garlic and butter…..is there anything better? Honestly? I would still consider myself an amateur when it comes to Escargot, but nevertheless, these slimy gross little creatures were damn tasty. Matt walked into Les Halles an Escargot virgin and left without his E-Card. Watching his first experience was like watching an animal planet special on Bears letting their cubs hunt in the wild for the first time.

Saumon D’Ecosse Fumé

This dish reminded me of being home in Lower Merion eating brunch at my synagogue with all the old Jews. Four healthy slivers of Scottish Smoked Salmon (Lox for us Jews) served with sliced onions, sour cream, lettuce and a homemade potato pancake. The lox was thinly sliced, nicely salted and up to my usual lox standards for a Sunday morning brunch delicacy. However, the potato pancake was a bland and not crispy like my Mom’s Latkes that I have become so accustomed to over the years. This dish was my least favorite of the night, because it lacked in the “WOW” department. I would not order it again; why come to a top notch, well-known, French bistro to get a fancified version of bagels and lox.

Steak Tartare

Prepared tableside with all the necessary fixings: onions, capers, anchovies, hot sauce, mustard, garlic, salt & pepper and an egg. Our waitress rolled out a little cart and made the sauce right in front of our eyes. Her hand was like a human blender, moving so quickly it started to become blurry. Not sure if she was that fast or it was the red wine was kicking in. If I had to wager, I bet she gives a mean hand job…but back to the tartare. Served on the plate was a huge portion of raw Grade-A meat, more than enough for an appetizer portion. Although the mixings proved to be a bit overpowering, this was an enjoyable starter.

ENTREES

Filet De Boeuf Béarnaise

The epitome of traditional French cuisine. To me, there was no other option on the menu. I went back and forth in my head between a few dishes, but eventually I came to my senses. Advice: always go with your gut. A perfect piece of filet served with a side of homemade béarnaise sauce and pommes frites (French fries). The steak was cooked to perfection, medium rare, just how I like it. No special seasoning other than salt and pepper, not dressed up in butter or oil like some steakhouses like to do. The meat was soft and so easy to cut through. Every bite just melted away in my mouth. As the meal progressed, I began rationing off portions of the steak in fear that it would soon be gone. I cherished every single morsel of this steak, leaving nothing to waste. The highlight dish of the evening.

Demi Canard Rôti, Sauce Grenadeet Gratin de Navet

(½ roasted duck, pomegranate sauce, turnip & potato gratin)

I was coaxed into the duck, but I went willingly. I love duck- so my expectations were high- and when my boyfriend suggested we split the two items that he wanted, choosing to receive the “better” of the two as his main, I did not argue. Believing there was no way this French Bistro could mess up a classical French Dish- I was confident in my decision; I take full responsibility for this dish’s presence on our table. The flavors were all there- it wasn’t too sweet and flavor wise, I was beyond pleased. However, as any duck eater knows- the skin must be crispy and the fat mostly melted away (or easily scrapable). Upon first bite, the dish was… chewy. The skin lacked any crispiness and the fat was thick and not easily removable. The duck must not have been cooked long enough or in the proper way. Disappointment.

All in all, I loved everything about Les Halles. The service was top notch, the décor was sheek & genuine and the food was outstanding. It’s extremely impressive when three “foodies” can walk into a restaurant expecting greatness after months of anticipation and walk out almost fully satisfied- with the exception of the duck. I was in awe as we left the Park Avenue bistro; I felt like a tourist in a foreign land, begging to have my picture taken outside the place which I will now compare all future dining experiences to.

	Restaurant Review Rating Scale
			Total Points Available
Food	8.5		10
Service	7.5		10
Ambiance	9.5		10
Bang for the Buck	8		10
Overall	9		10
	42.5		50

411 Park Ave S, New York 10016

(Btwn 28th & 29th St)

Phone: (212) 679-4111

Gramercy Tavern.....Classic American Tavern at its best

With high expectations my date and I met for lunch at this elegant gramercy locale. Restaurant week is one of those rare opportunities where you have the ability to try the best restaurants in NYC for a fraction of the cost; we were not disappointed. Gramercy Tavern is the reason that Restaurant week exists. It’s this kind of place that opens it doors to the less fortunate (or people who don’t wanna spend an arm and a leg to eat a good meal) for two weeks out of year and it lives up to the hype. The restaurant’s décor had a warm and inviting feeling not as uncomfortable and snooty as many top restaurants can come across. The walls were lined with old wood pillars similar to an early American horse stable; Antiques of all kinds were found throughout the historic landmark building.

APPETIZERS

Sunchoke Salad

Apples, Walnuts and Cured Pork

Not what I expected but quite good none-the-less This salad was light and delicious. The pork came sliced thin- almost air like and was sitting a top the salad. The dressing was not overwhelming and blended will with the flavors of the apples and sunchokes and the spiced walnuts added a great kick. I felt good after this dish- not too full but perhaps a little envious of my dining partner who had ordered the Papardelle.

Lamb Pappardelle

Olives, Lemon Confit and Beet Greens

Thick long sheets of al dente pappardelle (AKA Large Fettucine) noodles lay beneath a bed of thinly sliced black olives and lemon confit. This dish easily dwarfed my usual workday lunch of Boars head honey turkey from the Amish Market. The Small pieces of braised lamb rested atop the sheets of the large fettuccine noodles. The light meaty flavors from the lamb contrasted nicely with the rich, full-bodied flavors of the oversized pasta. I would highly recommend getting this dish.

ENTREES

Braised Shoulder of Lamb

Cabbage, Salsify and Turnips

Delicious. I was definitely not the jealous counterpart when this dish arrived at the table. The Lamb came as a circular cut of meat served in the center of a shallow bowl. The cabbage, salsify and turnips surrounded the meat and the plate looked inviting. I did not hesitate, with the first bite the meat fell apart (in a good way). It was soft and tender and the flavors were only enhanced by the sauce and surrounding accoutrements. Both the salisfy and turnips were tasty although the cabbage didn’t do much for the dish. The meat was a decent sized portion only left me wanting more because of how good it actually was (and maybe because I ordered a salad to start). I would go back and order this dish without hesitation.

Roasted Hanger Steak

Braised Flat Iron steak, Black beans and Swiss Chard

I was a little hesitant to order two red meats in one sitting, but I was confident that my arteries could handle such a feat. Hindsight is always 20/20. Immediately, I regretted my decision. I’ll admit when I make a bad decision and this was one of them. The lunch pre fix had tons of great options; all which came flooding back into my head when I took one look at the undercooked hanger steak. Three slices of rare and ultra rare hanger steak staring right up at me, just waiting to be sent back. Unfortunately, I was not man enough on this day and didn’t wanna be “that guy” to complain about every little detail. I managed to eat around the undercooked pieces and still enjoyed the meal.

DESSERT

Warm chocolate bread pudding with Cacao Nib Ice Cream

MMMMMMMAmazing. Warm, gooey, chocolatey and just incredible. A chocolate lovers wet dream. Sweet flavors bursting everywhere on this one. The texture of the bread pudding was mushy and was covered in warm melted chocolate morsels that just melted in your mouth. I am salivating while writing this. This dessert went perfectly with a cup of freshly brewed Ethiopian coffee. However, it may be too rich for just one person, so I would recommend sharing.

Overall, I loved everything about this place (except for the slightly undercooked hanger steak) and would come back whenever I get a chance. It lived up to my expectations and the hype I have been hearing for close to two years. This is the perfect place to go if your family is in town or for a special occasion dinner.

	Restaurant Review Rating Scale
			Total Points Available
Food	9		10
Service	9		10
Ambiance	9.5		10
Bang for the Buck	8		10
Overall	9		10
	44.5		50

42 E. 20th St., New York, NY 10003
nr. Park Ave. South
212-477-0777