Gramercy Tavern

This past week I was fortunate enough to go to Gramercy Tavern for lunch. On this beautiful spring day light poured in the front windows illuminating the front room and the floral arrangements that adorned the table welcoming guests into the space. Passing a wood burning stove and chefs hard at work we were led to our table in the back.

Because I was at work I decided alcohol was not a good idea to have at lunch. I drank a drink called 'The Big Easy', the non-alcoholic version of the Orange Blossom (Sparkling Wine, St. Germain Elderflower, Orange Bitters). Mine had club soda, orange blossom water, a sugar cube and then something else I cannot remember.

First course was Apple Salad (Radicchio, Hazelnuts and Cider Vinaigrette). It was a wonderful combination of zesty, citrusy, and almost a little spicy - which normally I don't like - but was delicious. For my second course I had Braised Lamb Shoulder (Heirloom Beans, Wild Mushrooms and Brussels Sprouts). This was pure bliss. Delicious. The meat fell off onto my fork and quickly into my mouth. While I was distracted by this medley of food the waiters synchronized their movements to create a seamless transition from one course to the next. Sometimes I did feel was waited a little too long for our waiter to return but I figure that with a group of 6 it's expected to take a while to do anything.

Finally, my favorite course. Dessert. Warm Chocolate Bread Pudding with Cacao Nib Ice Cream. I did have a twinge of regret when my friend decided on the Peanut Butter Semifreddo and Chocolate Macaroon. He did let me try it and now I have an excuse to return have one all to myself. My new addiction is salted caramel - on anything - and the peanut butter semifreddo had a lovely pool sitting in the center calling my name.We also got the cookie platter. I would skip that next time.

Overall the Gramercy Tavern was a very pleasant experience which I hope to relive in the near future.

Peanut butter, Banana, and Cinnamon Sandwich

This sandwich is the sandwich that I ate everyday in the dining hall for lunch senior year of college. This past week I ate it every day for lunch. Some things never change. For the sake of sandwiches everywhere, please try this delicious combination.

2 slices of bread (whole wheat preferably)
As much peanut butter as you want
1 banana sliced into disks
Sprinkle of cinnamon

I usually toast the bread first, then apply peanut butter to both sides, lay down banana slices and then sprinkle cinnamon on top. Best served with a cold, crisp glass of 2% milk.

Brie, Pear, and Fig Spread Panini

I just had the most delicious dinner.

Gather ingredients:
1 wedge of brie cheese
1 pear
1 loaf of panini bread (got a pack of 4 of them from Whole Foods)
2 Tbsp of fig spread
2 pats of butter (Pat is my by far my favorite food measurement. How can you not smile when one is asked for a 'pat' of butter?)
Sprinkle of ground cinnamon

Cut bread in half. Spread fig spread on both sides of bread. Slice pear and cover one half of bread with slices. Cut brie into thin strips and lay on top of pear. Place other slice of bread on top and spread butter on top. Drop other pat of butter into a hot pan. Place sandwich on pan, non-buttered side down. Take a heavy pan covered with aluminum foil and place on top to achieve grilling of sandwich. After about 2-3 min. check for light brown coloring and flip replacing heavy pan on top. Remove when lightly browned and sprinkle cinnamon. Cut diagonally and enjoy!

Using a cast iron pan to press down on my sandwich creating an impromptu panini press.

Morimoto

Morimoto was the restaurant of choice this month for S and I as we attempt to conquer all of the delicious locations in NYC.

We arrived early when the restaurant was empty. This is wonderful because we were able to fully appreciate the interesting architecture that housed this restaurant. Smooth lines and calm colors occupy the base blending into a ripple affect made by white curtains that covered the ceiling. The overall ambiance was a chic, calm, cool feel.

I drank a gin, soda, shiso, and mint cocktail. It was strong. Definitely worth the price. Our menu went like this (and no, we did not indulge in sushi because we wanted to experience other dishes):
Cold Appetizer - Toro Tartare (Osetra caviar, cereme fraiche, wasabi, dashi-soy) Pictured Left
Hot Appetizer - House Smoked Salmon Ravioli (Japanese sweet yams, salmon roe, yuzu gelee)
- The sweet yams were in the form of foam encompassing the ravioli which I thought was an interesting approach to another form of a sauce. My partner found it nauseating so I was forced to eat her portion too. 
Noodles - Udon (three chilled noodles, fresh grated ginger, sesame, shiso)
- The most difficult dish to eat. Every utensil on the table was used in an attempt to get the noodles on the fork, dipped in the sauce, and into my mouth. Fail.
Main - Roasted Ocean Trout (turnip, miso, truffle, crispy prosciutto)
- We were warned by our waiter that the Ocean Trout resembles salmon (or sarmon). A little on the dry side, but delicious all the same.
Market Vegetable Side - Brussel Sprouts
- Probably our favorite food of the meal.

We shared all 5 dishes and unfortunately did not feel satisfied or full at the conclusion of the meal. Because of this we walked over to Chelsea Market and indulged in a piece of cake and a cookie from Amy's Bread. S and I concluded that we would not return for another meal but perhaps to sit at the long bar in the basement and sip on another strong cocktail. The noise level was not too loud, as the restaurant filled we did not have to yell to hear each other.

We would also return for the bathroom. Each stall has a beautiful backdrop from floor to ceiling of a mirrored piece of art that seems to extend to an unknown point. Ladies, the toilets are, well...traditional Japanese toilets leaving you feeling more refreshed then when you entered.

Poached Eggs

Just poached my first egg following these instructions. I was inspired by this recipe I found today - Seared Scallions with Poached Eggs. It was a little tasteless eating the egg alone but I look forward to adding poached eggs to my toast and salads.

Baby Bo's and Bare Burger

Baby Bo's
627 2nd Ave, New York NY 10016
Three suizza enchiladas with rice and beans with a frozen strawberry margarita.
  
Bare Burger
33-21  31st Ave, Astoria, NY 11106
Pesto Red Pepper Burger: smoked mozzarella, roasted red peppers, baby spinach and bareburger pesto mayo with a peanut butter milkshake.

Roasted Chicken, Eggplant and Sweet Potato

Tonight I attempted to spend a little more then 15 minutes on dinner. Here's the menu - all purchased at Trader Joe's.
Chicken Breast with Red Pepper Strips, Red Onion and Egg Plant Slices. All roasted in the oven with salt, pepper, and rosemary at 350 for 40 minutes and topped with torn Basil. On the side I microwaved a little Sweet Potato for 8 minutes and put butter and sour cream inside.
Yum.
Again, I believe we get our best ideas from friends who have tried these recipes and can attest to their deliciousness levels and time spent cooking/preparing. Hopefully you can take part of this and change up your dinner routine a little bit.