Sottocasa 10-28-2011

Location: 298 Atlantic Ave. BK

Time: 7pm

Feelings: Sottocasa, the new Neapolitan pizzeria in Cobble Hill serves perhaps the best pizza in the city. You can taste their amazingly addictive pizza if you can get through their incredibly annoying and busy phone line. Ordering a delivery from them is like a 13 year old girl calling a radio station for Def Leppard concert tickets and a backstage pass back in the 80's. On a Friday night, RB called, called and called (for about 20 minutes straight). Finally he got through to place an order. If you are not too lazy or not tied to a baby at home, I would strongly encourage you avoid the hassle and head to the restaurant on Atlantic Avenue for dine in or take out.

I am not a big pizza person after my pancreatitis experience, but Sottocasa's pizza is so tantalizing it deserves its own category. Our "Verdure" ($15 tomatoes, mozzarella, eggplant, radicchio, mushroom, caramelized onion) was a perfect combination of fresh flavors and textures. The crust was chewy with a mochi-like texture, and the slightly charred layer of crust created a perfect sweet bitterness to the rest of the flavor. The earthiness of the vegetables was the star of the dish while the crispy texture of radicchio shined through.

When we finished the pizza, RB and I actually wept and held each other. We wanted more Sottocasa. Alas, when we called back to order two days later, we gave up after 40 minutes of trying. So be careful before you try their pizza and know what you are getting yourself into.

Halloween Treats! 10-30-2011

Feelings: If you are looking for tasty, devilish night treats for Halloween tomorrow, head down to Key Foods and pick up a can of 24oz Coors and a pint of Ben & Jerry's. It'll total $6.66! Don't ask me how I know.

Moo Burger Not Opened For Lunch! 10-29-2011

Location: 240 Court St. BK

People: RB, CK and myself

Feelings: I got ready on Saturday morning to go to the new organic burger joint, Moo Burger on Court Street. I purposely arranged to get there during CK's nap time so we could fully enjoy their much anticipated fried pickles, zucchini fries and pumpkin milkshake without having to cope with CK's grabby hands. Unfortunately this was during the freak snow storm in October. We walked over, covered in the mixture of snow, rain and gross wetness. When we got there, we were welcomed by a sign that read, "Lunch service starts on Nov. 1."

Bouchon Bakery Cafe Columbus Circle 10-07-2011

Location: 10 Columbus Circle

Time: 12:30pm

People: FA and myself

Feelings: I often go to Bouchon Bakery for occasional macarons or sandwiches, but I have never dined at their cafe, located in Times Warner Center just below Per Se (another Thomas Keller's venture). Of course Bouchon is not nearly as expensive as Per Se, but most of the lunch dishes such as quiche, salads and soup are all around $15-$20. The desserts go up around $10--quite a high price for a place that is supposed to be Mr. Keller's affordable restaurant project. The cafe does not take any reservations, so make sure to go a bit early since it gets rather crowded during the lunch hour with business lunch crowds and tourists alike.

My salmon tartare salad was fresh and carefully executed, but it was on a smaller side, and the bread was ridiculously hard to the point it was inedible. The server said it was supposed to be hard, but I don't think I was ready to lose another tooth.

For dessert, Chocolate Bouchons ($8.75, three small dark chocolate brownies with hazelnut praline ice cream, praline cremeux & shortbread crumble) was decadently rich and satisfying. I was thankful that the portion of the salad was so small that I could enjoy the dessert fully. If you always wanted to have a scrumptious dessert for lunch, Bouchon Bakery would be an ideal spot.

I personally prefer their quick and easy (and cheaper) take out bakery section with an ample dessert selection, but the cafe of Bouchon Bakery provides a solid experience with an exceptional, almost robotic service and light fare.

'wichcraft @ The Tunnel 10-12-2011

Location: 269 11th Ave.

Time: 12pm

People: AP and myself

Feelings: It is important for me to find someone I can connect with at work. After all, I spend half of my days in the office. Although I am saddened by the recent departure of our coworker, FF, I still have my dear AP with whom I share my daily coffee.

AP and I have what seems to be an annual ritual. Before heading to our conference at Javits Center, we grab a quick bite at 'wichcraft in the Tunnel in West Chelsea. The legendary Tunnel in Terminal Stores is now a beautiful industrial space filled with boutique post houses and design studios. The streets were filled with beautiful art industry people, and just being in the vicinity is a wonderful little break from homely Midtown.

What's different about this year is that 'wichcraft decided to add the dreadful calorie information on their menu. I had no idea that sandwiches had so many calories--they look so sensible yet contain near 700-900 calories! Thankfully, my obsession of root vegetables triggered me to order "roasted squash, parsnip and beets" salad ($8.96, 439 cal, with sage, pumpkin seeds and organic mixed greens) instead. The salad was a perfect dish for the fall. The flavorful squash and earthy beets along with pumpkin seeds created a perfect fall flavor in my mouth. If you are health conscious and don't want to touch any pumpkin desserts, I would recommend ordering this for your Halloween lunch.

So next time when you need to trek to Javits Center, why not stop by at the Tunnel and reminisce the good ol' 90's mega club days? Oh good ol' Manhattan, it was vibrant and happening--now filled with salad, banks and conferences.

Ben & Jerry's Schweddy Balls 10-14-2011

Feelings: I finally got a hold of Ben & Jerry's controversial new flavor, Schweddy Balls. This limited edition flavor pays homage to Alec Baldwin's character, Pete Schweddy, on SNL from the late 90's. On the skit, he would say, "Nobody can resist my Schweddy balls," referring to the holiday treats he makes such as cheese balls, rum balls, and other famous Schweddy balls. I am more into Larry David and Mr. Show and not much of a fan of SNL, but I certainly could not resist myself from picking up Schweddy Balls.

Apparently, a conservative parent group called "One Million Moms" is threatening to boycott this new ice cream flavor with a double entendre. I am sure the kids of these one million moms will have a bright future in banking and live in suburbs with a white SUV blasting U2 with two kids and a dog all due to their parents protecting them from Schweddy Balls. I usually enjoy Ben & Jerry's, but this Schweddy Balls was rather bland and unexciting. The ice cream was consisted of vanilla ice cream with a hint of rum with fudge covered rum balls and milk chocolate malt balls. I felt it needed to have stronger rum flavor or some sort of swirls in the vanilla ice cream.

Unfortunately, the glory of Schweddy did not live up to its name in the ice cream form. I somehow feel I can resist these Schweddy Balls. I will now go back to Phish Food, AmeriCone Dream and TJ's peanut butter cup ice cream.

Duane Reade Yogurt 10-18-2011

Feelings: I just ate yogurt from Duane Reade on 50th and Broadway, and I am still alive. Just so you know. I don't think I would want to try their sushi, however.

IGK --International Gourmet Kitchen 10-14-2011

Location: 505 8th Ave.

Time: 12:30pm

Feelings: I usually have a difficult time finding lunch after sample sales in garment district, and most of the time I find myself at Macaron Cafe. After finding out about a new lunch spot, cutely named "IGK" International Gourmet Kitchen, I decided to walk over to 8th Avenue.

The name, IGK is perhaps a bit misleading. It gives an impression of a modern food court like Food Gallery 32 and Eaterly, but what it really is just another deli with more Asian options. In that sense, it's somewhat similar to Cafe Duke, but IGK is more reasonable, spacious and clean, and they carry pho! I must have overheard at least two businessmen asking, "What's P-H-O?"

A sudden outbreak of a 102 degree fever and a severe sore throat last week left me weak, and all I could think of eating was my number one comfort food -- ramen. My fried tofu ramen ($6.95) was more Korean style with a bit of spiciness and egg drop. The noodles were a bit overcooked, but it was overall hearty and filling. It would be a perfect bowl of deli ramen for a brisk day to come.

IGK also offers other Asian treats like pad thai, yakisoba, and curry rice as well as your standard deli options such as salad and sandwiches. I actually even saw burritos near the entrance, so I suppose this place really is an international gourmet kitchen after all.

Uncle Zhou 10-11-2011

Location: 83-29 Broadway, Elmhurst, Queens

Time: 7:30pm

People: 19 Ramen and Friends: ALev, JBH, Effie & Matthew, StevenC, JLam from MeSoHungry, Rich & Friend, KarenO, Greg, MGill, Jill, SaSha, MaSha, MerryL, Yasmin, Sekita, RB and myself

Feelings: Head over to the Henan style restaurant, Uncle Zhou (pronounced Joe), located in Elmhurst immediately before all the New York Times readers ruin this place. On this unusually warm Autumn night, this group of R&F regulars devoured the following interesting Henan flavors:

• Sichuan button, also know as sansho in Japan--commonly used spice in authentic Japanese cuisine
  
• Spicy crispy rabbits
• Big tray of chicken
• Lamb dumplings
• Shaved noodles with tomato and egg
• A sixer of BYOB Miller bottles

Organizing our monthly Ramen and Friends outings could always be hectic. Just thinking about the next outing gives me ulcers. The people at most restaurants we visit have difficulty speaking English and aren't used to very large groups. Making reservations can be extremely difficult. But Uncle Zhou made the event easy breezy-- 15 people, "No problem!" More people unexpectedly showed up--"No problem!" JBH accidentally knocked over a table and broke a plate with her bags- "No problem at all!" The service was friendly and accommodating, and our server was very knowledgeable and helpful.

We started off with two cold dishes, sliced tofu skin with vegetables and sweet and sour cucumbers, which were recommended by our lovely server. They were both refreshing and a great way to start off the spicy Henan cuisine to come. Their famous regional delicacy, "Big Tray of Chicken" ($12, big enough for 2-3 people) was extremely well received at our table. Chicken chunks and and pieces of bones along with potatoes ever so gently glazed in what seemed to be the best sauce ever created and piled high with garlic and chili peppers. "The sauce was amazing, and I loved that the potatoes in the dish soaked up the delicious sauce. I would go back just for that dish!" said SaSha. Sekita added, "The big chicken of chicken delivered on its cultish reputation. I wanted to drink up the sauce."

Spicy Crispy Rabbit in Big Tray ($16.95) caused a lot of stirs and palate chaos with the use of Sichuan buttons also known as Sansho in Japan. Sichuan buttons can almost be compared to a hybrid of dried chilies and eating a slice of lemon. I grew up eating Sansho, so it was interesting to see people's reactions. "It gave it that numbing sensation-- very strange," MerryL said. "It was an interesting sensation and my mouth was buzzing," said SaSha. "Even my water had a strange 'sweet' and lemony taste for at least 20 minutes!"

Dial Oil Hand Drawn Noodle ($5) was extremely garlicky, to the point that caused my eyes to tear. Even today my purse smells of the dish, so keep your Chanel at home. MerryL thought it was "very garlicky but nice spice and texture." On the other hand, Tomato and Egg Knife Shaved Noodle ($5) was light and refreshing and similar to Hiyashi Chuka. The noodles were thick, doughy and al dente, and overall it was quite filling.

The Lamb dumplings ($3) were also a big hit. Sekita enjoyed the Middle Eastern seasoning, but JBH felt that there was a bit too much of residual juice inside. The bread of Sesame Pancake with Beef ($2.75) was seasoned with cinnamon, and RB appropriately called them 'meat Cinnabons.'

With the volume and quality of food, we could not believe it was only $10.50 each person. (20% tip included.) I unfortunately woke up with a terrible garlic breath and still tasting a bit of lemon, but my wallet and stomach were quite content from the night before.

Pão de Queijo 10-01-2011

Location: Ditmas/Flatbush in BK

Time: 7:30pm

People: CEbert, his friends, RB, CK and myself

Feelings: I don't know anyone who knows more about culinary cultures than my dear friend CEbert. I have gotten countless tips on hole in the wall restaurants from him. He is well traveled, cultured, intelligent beyond anyone's belief, and above all, he has a great sense of humor and a kind heart. It is no wonder my mother has had a mad crush on him since they met at RB and my wedding.

After spending the summer on research in Brazil, he came back to Brooklyn to entertain his friends with Feijoada Carioca, the bean stew with pork and rice, which is the Brazil's undisputed national dish. Unfortunately it was long past CK's bedtime and had to miss most of the amazing dishes he created. But we managed to taste pão de queijo, Brazilian cheese bun, also a popular snack in Japan. Many bakeries in Japan including a popular donut chain, Mister Donut carry pão de queijo, and I remember tasting the mochi like chewy texture growing up in Osaka. Some bakeries even offer various flavors such as matcha, chocolate, and bacon.

Pão de queijo is usually made with tapioca flour, so it is a great dish for those who are looking for gluten free bread, however, it is so moist and chewy inside that you wont even think it's bread. With the crispy layer, it is a heavenly, gooey, and addictive ball. It's the kind of a ball anyone would want to be around all the time. So parents, stop going nuts over Ben and Jerry's Schweddy Balls. These are the best balls in town.

Atlantic Antic 10-02-2011

Location: Atlantic Ave., BK

Time: 12pm

People: RB, CK and myself

Feelings: This is my third Atlantic Antic, and while the loud noise coming from the street bothers us all day, every year I get excited about all the culinary possibilities. It seems the block between Henry and Clinton offers the most local vendors including many from Red Hook such as Steve's AUTHENTIC Key Lime Pies and Red Hook Lobster Pound.

The shrimp roll ($8, sweet Maine shrimp tossed in roasted garlic and tarragon mayo, served in a top-split JJ Nissen bun) from the Lobster Pound was fresh, and the portion of shrimp was generous. I was really able to taste the freshness and meatiness of the shrimp since it was not masked by sauce or any other condiments. The bun was buttery and crispy and played a fantastic supporting roll.

While I was finishing up the never ending shrimp, RB devoured a lamb and pork merguez from Brooklyn Bangers, the sausage sandwich venture from Saul Bolton from The Vanderbilt and Saul. Mr. Bolton himself was present at the tent and informed RB that he has a new Italian restaurant opening up on Atlantic between Henry and Clinton, formerly occupied by Mezcal.

Our recent favorite, Catania had a tent and attracted crowds with their superb Sicilian pastries and pizza. The regulars Damascus and Chip Shop were also present, and especially near the Chip Shop beer tent, there were countless number of older guzzler gentlemen rocking to the music. I told CK, please get all the partying done before 30 and avoid this sort of public humiliation. After 30, it just seems a tad sad and desperate. Oh wonderful Atlantic Antic-- you teach us some life lessons while giving us the opportunity for the amazing local culinary adventure.

Bien Cuit 09-24-2011

Location: 120 Smith St.

Time: 4pm

People: RB, CK and myself

Feelings: We have an amazing Italian eatery, Catania, that beautifully crafts decadent Italian pastries and delicious pizza and pasta in the area. But I have not yet found a decent French style bakery until now. The hunt for French bread and coffee is officially over after this great addition to Smith Street.

With an open kitchen and a spacious seating area, Bien Cuit offers pastry, sweet and savory tarts, various bread, pizza and sandwiches. They also carry perhaps the best coffee in the city, Crop to Cup. Their tea and spritzer selection are also impressive. I even tried iced chocolate mint tea, which was refreshingly minty with a hint of chocolate flavor.

My chocolate covered financier was moist and very subtly sweet-- just as I like it. If you fancy more of rich, creamy and sweet pastries that would knock you out after three bites, you might be disappointed by their rather healthy, light fare. The bread is really the star here, so most of their pastries and tarts would be very light and subtle while letting the artistry of the bread or crust shine through.

The prices are not cheap- It's a French bakery in Cobble Hill, so what do you expect? The pastries are from $3.75, and they are on a smaller side. But their pastries and breads are meticulously created with high quality ingredients, and every flavor is memorable... and literally bien cuit!

Atlantic Antic Today! 10-02-2011

Feelings: Atlantic Antic is happening today from 12-6pm. There will be some pop up shops by Uniqlo this year, which should be interesting. See you on Atlantic Avenue!