Penelope…. Homestyle cooking at it’s best

You feel right at home when you walk in for a meal at Penelope. The décor is reminiscent of your grandma’s old kitchen and dining room; and the food is no different. The menu is somewhat limited, but I’m confident there is something for everyone. This past Saturday was my second time going there for brunch, and I have ordered the same thing twice. It was almost impossible to justify ordering something different than the Nutella French toast so I conceded and the sweet and savory dish made the decision for me. There is a brunch price-fix ($14) which includes you choice of coffee/tea, juice or an apple cider mimosa. Penelope is very popular for brunch so you have to get there early to avoid waiting in a very long line. I would suggest any time before 10:00AM should ensure you a spot with a reasonable wait. My dining partner and I decided to get a coffee at the local coffee shop and sit on the bench outside of Penelope while we waited. Arrive after 10am, and you could be taking the risk of waiting on Lexington Avenue for close to an hour.

Nutella French toast

Three slices of French toast filled with chocolate hazelnut filling, topped with powered sugar, and accompanied by a plentiful side of fresh fruit… what gets better than that? With Italian sesame seeded bread as the base for this dish, it had no flaws. The bread was soft and fluffy and savory without the chocolate. It alone would have been a solid French toast offering. This French toast however was filled with an unforgettable chocolate filling which drizzled out with each bite. My palate was overwhelmed with delight at the savory French toast flavors that were balanced with the sweet hazel nutty chocolate. The powered sugar was a nice touch adding some extra sweetness. I sparingly used the maple syrup on the table, as to not overpower the toast with syrupy flavors. I was also very impressed with the overflowing side of fresh berries and honeydew.

Salmon Wrapped Poached Eggs

The Salmon poached eggs were soft and runny… in a good way! They came served over a large piece of black seeded bread that alone would’ve been delicious. The eggs were topped with a generous portion of salty but not too salty smoked salmon and drizzled sparingly with a “green goddess” dressing that complimented all of the tastes and flavors throughout the dish. If you like eggs and nova—this is definitely the dish for you. It was served with a side salad which was boring consisting of simply lettuce and cranberries. Although the dressing was nice, if you can substitute sides, I would.

We also ordered a side of chicken apple sausage, which usually is a favorite of mine, but unfortunately, the portion was very small and just wasn’t that great. All in all, Penelope is a great brunch place which you should add to your cycle, especially if you live in the area. The service has been consistently great each time, the food always comes out promptly and I never feel rushed by the servers.

	Restaurant Review Rating Scale
			Total Points Available
Food	8.5		10
Service	8.5		10
Ambiance	8.5		10
Bang for the Buck	7.5		10
Overall	8.5		10
	41.5		50

Penelope ($$)
American (Traditional), Desserts & Bakeries
159 Lexington Ave (At 30th St) New York 10016

http://www.menupages.com/restaurantdetails.asp?areaId=6&restaurantId=6198

Helpful Lunch Post

Put down the chips and pick up some crisps…….

Tired of the same old greasy potato chips? Well, I have the perfect alternative to your hunger woes. Glenny’s Soy Crisps. You have probably seen their colorful bags stuffed on the bottom shelf at the local deli or behind the cool ranch Doritos. My personal favorite is Olive oil, garlic and Feta cheese flavor.

Glenny's low-fat, low-calorie, and high-fiber snacks are the perfect choice for any diet. Absolutely addicting Mediterranean flavors. The rich combination of some of my favorite ingredients without the unnecessary calories of regular potato chips is very satisfying. They also have 14g of soy protein vs. 2g of fat per serving. Swap this healthy snack with cheetos and I am sure you will be hooked. Other flavors include: Lightly salted, Apple Cinnamon, BBQ, Cool Ranch, etc. Prices for the crisps range from $1.50 to $2.25 depending on the deli or supermarket. No one ever said it was cheap to eat healthy. In case you were curious, the J spot just figured out how to use the “Add Picture” function.

Philly Restaurant Review #1

Figs……… “I dig the Figs”

11/29/2008

I spent the last weekend in Philly and had the opportunity to try two great restaurants while I was in town. Friday night, I went to the new Stephen Starr restaurant, Parc. It was incredible, and I highly recommended checking it out at some point. On Saturday, I went to Figs, a Mediterranean BYOB located in the Art Museum district. I’d prefer to blog about Figs, because Parc gets enough press on its own because of the well established track record Stephen Starr has in the Philadelphia area.

Figs is a favorite among locals in the area. The flavors are Moroccan influenced, the menu is a Mediterranean mix, and the atmosphere is both intimate and energetic. I got the sense that it’s a family run business because the family feeling extended to the patrons and the chef even came to our table to see how our meal was going. The waitresses wore the traditional Moroccan gowns; and were extremely knowledgeable and helpful when it came to choosing our entrees. Within minutes of being seated someone came to our table to cork our bottle of wine – we didn’t even have to ask. Even more impressive was that they didn’t write down each of our orders and still managed to get everything right.

APPETIZERS

Bread with white bean dip

This was Figs version of “bread for the table.” Complimentary fresh bread with a bowl of white bean dip went pretty fast at our table. The white bean dip had a very genuine flavor, and a distinguishable brown color. Don’t be hesitant to give it a try.

Baked Brie in clay pot

This had my name written all over it. The brie was bubbling when it hit the table so immediately everyone started digging right in. Honey, lavender and toasted almonds were melted on top of the brie, adding extra sweet and salty flavors to the strong and stinky cheese. The Brie was accompanied by triangular baked pita bread circling the plate, which was perfect for dipping. I highly recommend this dish to share. It was a nice twist on the traditional baked brie served wrapped in Philo Dough.

Spinach, pinenut and feta cheese philo triangles

You might as well call me Popeye, because I love spinach and subconsciously order it every time I see it on any menu. With that being said, when you combine it with feta cheese and pineuts, it’s impossible to resist. The presentation on this one was pretty cool, as two squares of spinach wrapped in philo dough were place atop a yogurt tzatziki sauce. Each square was enough for two people, so we split each one up to share. The spinach squares were great, but I wasn’t crazy about the sauce, it overwhelmed the plate and didn’t have enough of a punch. However, this would not stop me from ordering this dish again when I go back.

ENTREES

Crispy duck breast

A plentiful serving of sliced duck overloaded my plate. Each piece lightly crisped and covered in an apple cider honey fig glaze. None of the duck was overly fatty (not Steve Weiner) but had a tender consistency. Each piece had a thin flavor layer of fat- that was not overwhelming and was a huge compliment to the taste of the meat. Usually, I am hesitant to order duck as it is a very fatty meat, but that was not the case at Figs. This dish also came with Fruit bread pudding and sautéed spinach. The fruit bread pudding was luke warm when served to me, but the flavors were still there. If executed well, I think it would have complimented the sweet glaze sauce from the duck very nicely. For someone who cooks sautéed spinach pretty regularly, I feel I can comment on Figs attempt at one of my favorite dishes. They took the spinach out of the pan way too early, as some of the spinach still had its original color and texture from when it was in the package. Other than that, the spinach was good (not great), loaded with garlic and hints of extra virgin olive oil. I might try a new dish on my next visit.

Salmon topped with crab meat

My dining partner, who will continue to remain nameless (not sure how much longer) ordered this, so obviously I had to take a few bites. The dish arrived as A nice piece of salmon topped with a scoop of lump crab meat served atop mashed potatoes with a side of asparagus. The proteins of the dish were very good- the salmon was cooked perfectly and the crab added a nice flavor contrast without overpowering the dish. I did not care for the mashed potatoes – which were not as smooth or hot as I would have liked and the asparagus was not as plentiful. That being said, I did not feel shortchanged by this dish. The fish was a nice size and I enjoyed the flavors.

Figs is a great place to try, especially if you are sick of the same old places in Rittenhouse square or Olde city. Just remember two things before you go. 1) Its cash only. (2) its pronounced Figs, not Fags as Fred Bloom initially thought.

Figs

2501 Meredith St
Philadelphia, PA 19130-2421
Phone: (215) 978-8440

	Restaurant Review Rating Scale
			Total Points Available
Food	8.5		10
Service	9		10
Ambiance	9		10
Bang for the Buck	8		10
Overall	8.5		10
	43		50

Perry St- NYC Restuarant Review #13

Perry St……… “Perfection, well just about”

Taking full advantage of Open Table’s Appetite stimulus plan (Restaurant Week), my dining guest and I ventured west, very far west to find this gem. Perry St. is located on the West Side Highway, hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the West Village streets. At first glance, you might miss the sleek entrance, but just look for the exclusive condos on Hudson Street to guide you. Perry St is one of the many Jean-Georges restaurants around the city. After loving Nougatine this summer (the restaurant that was the catalyst for this blog), Perry St catapulted itself to the top of my long list of go-to places. There were two choices for each course so my dining partner and I decided to order the entire menu, the best move we could have possibly made. As there are a lot of dishes to write about, I’m going to jump right in….

APPETIZERS

Sweet potato soup with melted parmesan

Sent out as a palate cleanser, I was extremely pleased with the purpose of this dish. It was extremely cold out, so this warm, comfy soup was a perfect intro to the meal that was to come. At first, my taste buds were conflicted, but as I kept sipping (and slurping) I wanted more than what was in the little dish. Scents of the fresh and stinky (in a good way) Paremesean Reggiano cheese filled my airwaves. The strong but not overpowering taste of the cheese paired beautifully with sweet and subtle tastes of the sweet potato and cracked pepper. By mere appearance one would not think to order this dish but it's certainly a must have, which is perhaps why the chef prepared it as an amouse bouche.

Roasted Beets and Fresh Ricotta, wasabi and Shiso

Whenever I hear the word Beets, I immediately think of Dwight Scrute and then chuckle to myself; it’s quite amusing. Not until The Office – Season 2 did I actually try beets for the first time. With that being said I have become a huge fan of beet salads and was extremely happy when I saw this dish offered. The texture of the beets had the softness of a pear, exploding with sweet sensual flavors. The cheese was condensed to a foamy texture; mixed with a creamy wasabi, enhancing the flavors even more so and adding just enough kick. The beets were perfectly placed on the plate in a circle with a hole in the middle; a hole that was filled with walnut bits and cranberries. The entire circle was topped with the aforementioned cheese. Every bite blended together perfectly never overwhelming the palate.

Artic Char Sashimi, lemon, olive oil and crispy skin

I must admit, this was my first time eating artic char, and it certainly won't be my last. Presented beautifully as five to six small slices of sashimi, each piece came sprinkled with small crispy rings of skin to add some crunch to each bite. Although subtle, the crispy skin added just the right amount of crunchiness to each soft bite of sashimi. The texture couldn’t have been more perfect. The sashimi was not fishy or tough. The citrus flavors were light, but consistent throughout every bite. This dish had tremendous balance.

Slowly cooked Cod, Aromatic Black Beans with Sake and Ginger

This dish contained some very interesting flavors and spices that aroused some of my more creative taste buds. For instance, the mixture of black beans, along with avocado went beautifully with the full flavors of the cod by adding a fruity and saucy base to the spice blend. The ginger and anise flavors that lightly crusted the soft flaky fish were a good balance to the fish’s airiness. The spices gave the fish an interesting kick that kept me wanting more. Even if you aren’t a fan of the flavors, you can appreciate the thoughtful blends of spices and textures the chef put into this dish.

Grilled Hanger Steak, smoked paprika, butternut squash, caramelized Brussels sprouts

When it arrived at the table I didn’t want to ruin the perfection before me (considered taking a picture but felt it was a bit inappropriate). I continued staring a bit longer until I was finally ready to dig in. Flavors were bursting from all directions on this one. The steak was cooked to my liking, medium rare, and covered in a dry smoky paprika and anise flavor. The dish was topped with a lightly fried onion ring that did not leave you with feelings of greasiness. The steak was skillfully and beautifully presented with a smoky butternut squash. The brussel sprouts were soft, nicely browned on the outside and endless in flavor. I had a hard time parting with this dish and giving half to my significant other, but since part of our dining plan was to split everything, I was true to my word.

Overall, Perry St was an incredible dining experience. I was probably most impressed with the presentation of each course, which really portrayed the true skill that was coming from the kitchen. Each dish could be on the cover for any culinary book. The ambiance, the service, and the food were the closest thing to perfection that I have found on my food journey through New York City.

	Restaurant Review Rating Scale
			Total Points Available
Food	9.5		10
Service	9.5		10
Ambiance	10		10
Bang for the Buck	9		10
Overall	9.5		10
	47.5		50

176 Perry St.,

New York, NY 10014 nr. West St.

212-352-1900

http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/perry-street/menus/dinner.html

TOP CHEF

TOP CHEF SEASON 5 PREMEIER IS TONIGHT AT 10PM ON BRAVO.

WATCH IT!!!!

Cavatoppo -NYC Restuarant Review #12

Cavatappo Wine Bar and Grill…..don’t waste your time or money

To be honest, I had high expectations of this place when I walked in the door. It was relatively packed and had a few people waiting in line for a table; which is always a good sign on a Friday night. As my party of six was seated, we were looking forward to a relaxing wine bar atmosphere with some delightful finger foods. To our dismay, the delicious sounding pizza didn’t even compare to DiGiorno, the finger food portions were not so plentiful, and to add insult to injury, the waiter gave me a weird vibe the entire night. He was not knowledgeable about the menu and didn’t live up to my minimal standards for restaurant service. He was unsure about the answer to every question asked, forgot to bring out plates and pushed for one of the more expensive bottles of wine. As I continue to blog, I feel it is my duty to report the good and the BAD dining experiences I encounter That aside, the wine was decently priced and they had a wide variety to pick from. We ordered the 2006 Montepulciano and the Pinot Grigio. On with the review…..

APPETIZERS:

Shrimp and Garlic Pizza

The pizza’s had good intentions with their ambitious sounding toppings. They just simply were not executed well. The shrimp and garlic pizza was a low point. The crust was thick and hard but not crusty. The sauce was dry and you could tell it came right off the grocery store shelf. Huge chunks of roasted garlic were scattered atop the pizza along with little pieces of shrimp. I did not enjoy anything about this pizza and would highly recommend against ordering it. I don’t even know why I am telling you not to order it, because IF you are actually reading this blog post I am guessing you will never step foot in Cavatappo unless you are going for just the wine.

Assorted Italian meat plate

Again, this dish was not up to my standards. I am not a food snob, but when I go out to dinner on a Friday night in arguably the food capital of the world, I expect a little better quality then packaged lunch meat and frozen pizza. The only thing worse would be the packaged lunch meat on top of the frozen pizza which I am sure was an option on the menu.

Assorted Cheese Plate

Our table, full of cheese enthusiasts, chose three cheeses to share: Taleggio (a brie-like cheese), Pecorino, and a Humbolt Fog goat’s cheese. The cheese plate was decent and although I enjoyed the toasted raisin bread that accompanied the dish as it nicely complimented our cheese selection; the preserves that also shared the plate, were less than memorable. Anyone who knows me well knows I enjoy a good piece of cheese. This was probably the highlight of the night, which is sad, because the cheese from some gourmet shop in the city and put on the plate.

Mussels and Calamari

I am grouping these together because I just can’t wait for this review to be over. The mussels themselves had no flavor and were a plastic-like consistency. Each mussel I put in mouth was a struggle to chew; I had no beef with the mussels but each time I ate one they just wanted to fight me.

Calamari is not a hard dish to execute, especially fried calamari. Cavatappo must have missed the Rachel Ray episode on “Do-it-yourself Calamari”. The breading was falling off and lacked the fried flavor I expect from a calamari appetizer. The sauce was cold, and didn’t enhance the dish at all. Although, they were nice enough to include a lemon so we could add some flavor to this awful dish.

There really isn’t much more to say about this place. It may have seemed that I was miserable all night by the way I described the food, but I was actually able to hold in my feelings for the food and have a great time. It was a nice triple date with friends, who will continue to remain nameless, followed by a night out at the Guggenheim for First Friday’s. For those of you not familiar with First Friday’s, I would highly recommend checking it out.

	Restaurant Review Rating Scale
			Total Points Available
Food	4		10
Service	7		10
Ambiance	7		10
Bang for the Buck	7		10
Overall	6		10
	31		50

Cavatappo Wine Bar ($$$)
Italian, Tapas, Other
1728 2nd Ave, New York 10128
At 90th St
Phone: 212-426-0919