Comestiblog

Restaurant Weeks in July 2009

2009-07-12T12:28:34-04:00

Summer 2009 restaurant weeks kick off today in NYC and Providence, Rhode Island.

Storm These Bastille Day Comestevents 2009

2009-07-12T09:49:07-04:00

Liberté, Égalité, and Fraternité will be celebrated slightly early again in Gotham this year. Most events take place Sunday, 12 July 2009.

Comestevents for July 4th Weekend, 2009

2009-07-04T15:14:22-04:00

If a cookout or picnic is not on your schedule for this Independence Day weekend, you may wish to try one of these food-related events.

Dine Richly at Pó Brooklyn

2009-07-04T13:16:58-04:00

Pó Brooklyn was launched in 2007 following the success of Mario Batali's original Pó trattoria in the West Village; it has been on my radar ever since. A friend's recommendation, nay, insistence, compelled me to try the Smith Street edition during Dine-In Brooklyn 2009. My meal was excellent in nearly every respect. Lacking any hint of mass production, each dish looked and tasted as though...

Saint Germain: Germanely French in Bay Ridge

2009-06-21T16:41:25-04:00

While Jerome Vidy's bistro fare at Saint Germain on Third Avenue in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn is unlikely to win awards for creativity, it is fairly reliable and tasty. When last I dined in this spot, it was called Provence en Boîte. Although owners Jean-Jacques and Leslie Bernat have since packed up and relocated their Provençal "box" to Boerum Hill, this space retained its Gallic flavor when it...

The Scoop on Jacques Torres' Ice Cream

2009-06-10T15:17:25-04:00

The sign outside Jacques Torres' latest venture was too inviting to ignore: "Come In! Try Our Ice Cream," it beckoned. Inspired by the success of their ice cream sandwiches over the past four years, Jacques Torres and his partner Ken Goto opened an ice cream parlor adjacent to their chocolate factory on Water Street in D.U.M.B.O. The new shop began dishing up its frozen wares on Saturday, 30...

Comestevents for June 5-7, 2009

2009-06-05T23:56:45-04:00

Comestible events this weekend for New York and beyond.

National Doughnut Day—Free Doughnuts!

2009-06-05T14:18:49-04:00

Every year, the first Friday in June designates National Doughnut Day. This holiday originated in 1938 with the Chicago Salvation Army to help feed the hungry during the Great Depression, as well as to honor the Salvation Army's female-volunteer "Lassies" of World War I. Often using helmets as cookware, the Lassies prepared thousands of doughnuts for American infantrymen—or doughboys—behind the...

Hot Dog! Childhood Memories of Verona Park

2009-06-01T22:34:38-04:00

Of all the things that had not changed at the Verona Park Boathouse was the concession stand and the superior hot dog that it offers. When I was a lad, the snack bar was situated inside the boathouse. One could eat inside, or enjoy the food outside on the deck overlooking the lake. Today the concession stand faces out to the deck, and the boathouse interior is closed. It was a very busy day,...

The Lillet-tini, Lillet Martini, Ohranj Martini, etc.

2009-05-25T23:59:08-04:00

The Lillet-tini. Perhaps it wasn't the best choice of names, but it remains an undeniably delicious drink.

Bánh Mì Comes to Amherst!

2009-05-25T23:17:45-04:00

Having been quite disappointed with the mediocrity of Boston's putative best, I was highly skeptical of what Amherst's Miss Saigon had to offer. That skepticism was quickly dispelled with the first bite, however. Miss Saigon's version of the bánh mì sandwich is quite tasty. A crusty baguette, pâté schmear, meat, cilantro, julienned carrots and daikon, onions, jalapeños, and sliced cucumber are...

Foodbuzz Extravaganza at David Burke Townhouse

2009-05-20T15:46:08-04:00

To celebrate its millionth post, Foodbuzz threw a bash fit for a millionaire on Tuesday, 12 May 2009, at David Burke Townhouse on Manhattan's East Side. If David Burke, one of this year's inductees into the James Beard Foundation's Who’s Who of Food and Beverage in America and 2009 chef/innovator honoree by the Nation's Restaurant News MenuMasters was out to impress a bunch of foodists, he...

A Margarita for Cinco de Mayo

2009-05-05T00:01:00-04:00

Margarita recipe. The best Margaritas are made with tequila, triple sec, and fresh lime juice. Using high-quality ingredients may cost a little more, but the results are worth every penny. Begin with a superior tequila—never settle for anything made with less than 100% blue agave (Mexican law mandates at least 51% agave; no such minimum exists for domestic "tequilas"). Cointreau, a liqueur...

Pomme de Terre, Not Ordinaire

2009-04-21T23:27:31-04:00

A few years ago, a good French bistro like Pomme de Terre would have seemed unthinkable in this part of Ditmas Park, Brooklyn. It still appears somewhat improbable today. For instance, the nearby Newkirk Avenue BMT station has no fewer than two transit cops present at any given time. And while undergoing its transformation from seedy grocery to upscale eatery, this space suffered numerous acts...

Happy Birthday, Comestiblog!

2009-04-09T12:05:14-04:00

The plastic corks are popping and the André Cold Duck is flowing to celebrate Comestiblog's ignominious first anniversary. It is hard to fathom why the weblog of comestibles, eating, drinking, and dubious taste was permitted to endure an entire year—or, for that matter, why it was allowed to begin in the first place! There's really no excuse. During the past 12 months, the curious ruminations...

Tanoreen is Moving

2009-03-30T23:32:04-04:00

Tanoreen, the popular Bay Ridge, Brooklyn restaurant, is moving to 7523 Third Avenue to usher in its second decade. Within the next two months, Rawia Bishara's "Middle Eastern cuisine with Mediterranean aromas" will be served in the dining room vacated a year ago by the venerable Mr. Tang (whose take-out branch continues to operate next door.)

The Patois of New York

2009-03-30T14:36:59-04:00

On Wednesday, 25 March 2009, Patois made its debut on Mulberry Street in Manhattan's Little Italy. Although the new digs are brighter and cleaner than the recently abandoned ones in Carroll Gardens, they somehow lack that je ne sais quoi. Nevertheless, "the food is the same," I'm reassured.

Eat: WFC Restaurant Showcase

2009-03-25T15:55:00-04:00

On Thursday, 26 March 2009, sample signature dishes from the World Financial Center's eclectic array of restaurants for $1 to $5. Choices range "from mini-burgers and pork dumplings to silky gelato and crème brûlée."

Dine-In Brooklyn 2009

2009-03-21T22:49:07-04:00

Dine-In Brooklyn 2009. From 23 March through 2 April, over 200 Brooklyn eateries will offer three-course lunches or dinners for $23 (excluding taxes, beverages, and gratuities). In addition, some 20 restaurants will serve two meals at the aforementioned fixed price. That's one of the best dining bargains anywhere.

F. Martinella Open House

2009-03-19T22:57:28-04:00

This weekend starts a little early at F. Martinella on Court Street in Downtown Brooklyn. Although this retro-themed deli opened in November, its coming-out party takes place today through Sunday (19-22 March) in the form of a Grand Open House. Enjoy food samples, cooking demonstrations, prizes, and much more.

That's the Way the Paraskavedekatriaphobia Crumbles

2009-03-13T00:21:52-04:00

Fortune cookies, those little curved biscuits containing printed slips of pseudo-Sino wisdom, are typically served together with the check at Chinese restaurants around the world—except, however, in China. If they're not Chinese, whence do these cookies hail? Their true origins may be somewhat surprising.

Where's the Beef? At Louis' Lunch in New Haven!

2009-03-09T17:43:22-04:00

Louis Lunch, New Haven: the first hamburger? The legend of Louis' Lunch in New Haven, Connecticut begins in 1895 with a lunch wagon from which Louis Lassen served steak sandwiches to factory workers. Not wanting to waste the trimmings, he ground and broiled the leftover meat. Initially, he served it as a patty, on a platter, together with a slice of onion and home fries. One day, however, a...

Drinks at Pat O'Brien's

2009-02-28T23:35:37-05:00

Pat O'Brien's in New Orleans is the home of the world-famous Hurricane—a fruity rum concoction that originated here in the early 1940s. In truth, the cocktail isn't all that potent, but it is insidious. Follow the advice of Pat O'Brien's motto: Have Fun!

Dinner at Mulate's

2009-02-27T00:00:06-05:00

A group of colleagues introduced me to Mulate's Restaurant in New Orleans 14 years ago while we were in town for a convention—I've been a fan of "the original Cajun restaurant" ever since. This place sets the standard for Cajun cooking. From the gumbo to the alligator to the catfish to the crawfish to the jambalaya, Mulate's is the real deal.

Lunch at Central Grocery

2009-02-25T22:08:37-05:00

Central Grocery Co. in New Orleans, the Muffuletta's putative place of origin, is where the sandwich reaches its acme of perfection. Purportedly, it was created here by Salvatore Lupo in 1906—the year he founded the grocery. Though time seems to have stood still at this Italian-American emporium, its most famous product remains a timeless classic.

Breakfast at Brennan's

2009-02-24T23:01:48-05:00

Breakfast at Brennan's in New Orleans is something everyone should try at least once. Situated in the French Quarter, this lovely dining spot has been a Crescent City phenomenon since 1946. Owen Edward Brennan's elegant namesake evokes images of aristocrats sipping wine and enjoying leisurely breakfasts on the patio.

Laissez les Bon Temps Rouler!

2009-02-24T22:53:12-05:00

The carnival festival that portends the coming of lent is winding down. With celebrations culminating on Mardi Gras (literally, "Fat Tuesday," the eve of Ash Wednesday), I thought I'd share a few of my favorite New Orleans memories with you.

A Taste of Valentine's Day 2009

2009-02-14T11:57:27-05:00

Champagne and chocolate are not necessarily ideal partners, but they're not bad together—especially if both are free. Join Le Dû's Wines from 3:00 P.M. till 6:00 P.M. for a Valentine's Day tasting of Georges Gardet Cuvée Saint Flavy, Henriot Brut Souverain, and Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin 2002, as well as a sampling of the exquisite chocolates of Jacques Torres—all gratis. Not a bad way to set the...

Valentine's Day Sweets for Your Sweetie

2009-02-13T16:14:17-05:00

Sadly, our special seller of sublime sweets shuttered its Manhattan outpost last year. While Fauchon's closing may have left a cavity in the Big Apple, other fine purveyors like La Maison du Chocolat and Jacques Torres have reduced the void with their superb chocolate fillings.

Gut-Wrenching Peanut Butter

2009-02-07T23:29:52-05:00

Latest reports indicate that the peanut butter-borne salmonella outbreak is responsible for 575 illnesses and possibly eight deaths in 43 states. As a result, over 1,550 products have been recalled nationwide. For a list of recalled items, please visit the...

Landry's, Gateway to Tampa

2009-02-05T23:02:52-05:00

Landry's Seafood House specializes in sea fare—with a bayou flair. While dishes featuring catfish, grouper, red snapper, redfish, mahi-mahi, and gulf shrimp showcase the Gulf of Mexico's bounty, toppings such as Pontchartrain, crawfish étouffée, and Acadiana add a savory Louisiana touch. The restaurant's proximity to Tampa International Airport and its lovely waterfront setting make it a...

Not a Super Guide to Tampa

2009-02-02T21:16:22-05:00

The free, passport-sized Zagat guide—From Tailgating to Touchdowns—contains an underwhelming five pages of reviews. Of the 20 restaurants named, more than half belong to a chain and several are situated more than an hour's drive from Tampa. Local flavor seems to have been kept to a minimum. One would think Zagat could have done a little better than this.

Cocoa-Loco at City Bakery

2009-02-01T13:47:35-05:00

City Bakery owner-and-baker Maury Rubin tempts us with daily flavors throughout February at his 17th Annual City Bakery Hot Chocolate Festival. His creative con-cocoa-tions include the Arabian Nights, the Earl Grey Tea, the ever-popular Banana Peel, the Sunken Treasure, the Passion Fruit Cream, the Hot Chocolate A-Go Go, and, on Valentine's Day, the Love Potion.

A Bitch of a Super Bowl Party Wine

2009-01-31T20:08:25-05:00

Selecting the right wine for your Super Bowl party can be (and perhaps should be) a Bitch. This South Aussie red from R Wines is made from 100% Grenache from the Barossa Valley. It's unoaked and, at 15.0% ABV, rather hefty.

Morton's Uncorked

2009-01-29T01:07:33-05:00

Morton's in Brooklyn will offer a complimentary tasting of wines and spirits at the bar from 5:30 P.M. till 8:00 P.M. on 29 & 30 January and again on 5 & 6 February 2009.

Burger-in-Chief

2009-01-20T13:30:32-05:00

Misplaced your invitation to the Inaugural Ball? You could still have a presidential meal at the Wall Street Burger Shoppe. They're offering a special today on their pizza-like Obama Burger—a four-ounce hamburger with marinara sauce, fresh mozzarella, and fresh basil....

Restaurant Weeks in Winter 2009

2009-01-17T11:09:03-05:00

New York and Baltimore host restaurant weeks at the end of January, 2009.

Agave Nectar: Sweet and Low-Glycemic

2009-01-16T14:52:00-05:00

Agave nectar (also called agave syrup) is a low-glycemic alternative to popular sweeteners that elevate blood sugar levels rapidly. The simple sugars inherent in table sugar (sucrose), brown sugar, maple syrup, molasses, honey, and the cheap, ubiquitous high-fructose corn syrup metabolize quickly after ingestion. This can trigger insulin reactions and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes,...

Champagne Taste on a Tap Water Budget

2008-12-26T14:19:34-05:00

Indulge your champagne taste at one or more of these free bubbly tastings: Friday, 26 December: Nicolas Feuillatte tasting at Long's Nicolas Feuillatte represents, in my opinion, one of France's best Champagne values. Sample the Brut (40% Pinot Noir, 20%...

"Seasoned" Greetings

2008-12-25T10:13:56-05:00

Helping the Hungry for the Holidays

2008-12-23T13:17:10-05:00

Since its founding in 1982, City Harvest has dedicated itself to feeding New York City's hungry men, women, and children. Through contributions, food-rescue, distribution, and education, this non-profit organization has helped reduce hunger in our city.

A Gift of Trivia for the Board

2008-12-16T11:29:55-05:00

Foodie Fight is a trivia game that challenges food lovers to flaunt their knowledge of food history, culinary science, celebrity chefs, and exotic cuisine. With more than a thousand questions, there are plenty of servings for everyone.

Angon-izing Over a Decision

2008-12-07T16:12:50-05:00

Angon on the Sixth, the "Indian Culinary Den" on Curry Row in The East Village is attractive, tasteful, and comfortable. I admit to being a sucker for sampler platters—especially when feeling particularly indecisive or unfamiliar with a restaurant's strengths (and weaknesses). Maybe it was a combination thereof that led us to order the ultimate dinner-for-the-irresolute.

Not Ravin' About Cake Man's Red Velvet

2008-12-04T15:32:32-05:00

Not long after he opened Cake Man Raven Confectionery on Fulton Street, Raven Patrick De'Sean Dennis III put a large, red dot—with frosting—on the map in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. His Southern Red Velvet Cake became such a sensation that he began limiting each customer to four slices. Furthermore, whole cakes had to be ordered "at least" a week in advance. In spite of these restrictions (or,...

When You Eat Too Well ...

2008-11-27T21:24:20-05:00

Papaya Enzymes. Unlike an antacid's hampering effects on pepsin (a stomach acid needed to digest protein), the papaya's papain and chymonpapain enzymes promote the digestion of protein. Doesn't it seem more reasonable to aid the digestive process rather than to hinder it?

Texting for Discounts

2008-11-26T17:01:15-05:00

Fight the recession by phone. A new (beta release) service, Lunchtimedeals.com, offers, as the name implies, luncheon discounts at specific restaurants. Coupons are sent by email and can be printed or routed to a cell phone (redeemable by displaying the...

Thanksgiving in a Bottle

2008-11-25T22:05:49-05:00

If your Thanksgiving guest list includes White Zinfandel drinkers, you might consider serving a (non-grape) fruit wine. We found a cute one that seems to have been custom-made for a traditional turkey dinner: Sweetgrass Farm's Cranberry Apple wine. It's low...

No Beaujolais Nouveau Before Its Time

2008-11-19T21:55:04-05:00

While others agonize over selecting the perfect Thanksgiving wine, I prefer to simplify things by serving my seasonal favorite, Beaujolais Nouveau. Clearly, I'm not alone. The so-called first wine, or vin primeur, is so popular that it accounts for roughly...

Stamford's tawa Curries Favor

2008-11-16T01:25:04-05:00

Tawa's recipe for a successful buffet includes fresh ingredients and a limited, but well-chosen, selection of hot dishes. The turnover at lunchtime ensures frequent replenishment of the steam trays so that each dish tastes as though it had been prepared to order.

Light or Dark? White or Red?

2008-11-14T23:57:39-05:00

Still searching for the right wines to accompany your Thanksgiving feast? Perhaps Bottlerocket Wines' Thanksgiving Workshop can help. Ten wines—"from Champagne to Zinfandel, Riesling to Sauternes"—will be paired with tastes of City Bakery's roasted turkey and trimmings, vegetable side dishes,...