Fishtail, Top Chef Ed Cotton. Fellow Masshole. Perfection.

I have been anticipating eating Chef Cotton’s food again sooooo bad… SO happy to be in NYC again.. one of these days we’ll both be in Boston at the same time to chill

Me and J have been avoiding seafood since I was SUPER SUPER looking forward to eating at Ed’s new gig. SOOOO…. after work I got all did up and obviously over underdressed for the occasion.

All black.. with red shoes. <3

AHHHH… FINALLY <3 FISHTAIL

Bread. and Butter. SOOO GOOD we got more… no really, we did… you’ll see soon.

We got a Brut Cava, YUM…. and was ready to eat.

I went to pee [TMI] and saw Ed along the way so he waited for me to bring us back the Amuse Bouche.

FUCKING AMAZING.

And then came our oysters. Half East Coast, Half West Coast.  I got the third East and J got the third West. AHHH we fit together so perfect.  Nothing but a little lemon. SO HAPPY.

Cheers Babe <3

Moooooooore… yummy dishes from Ed.

Avocado. Yes. Yumminess. Yes. Happy. Yes.

I think this was when I tweeted about how orgasmic his food was so far.

And then came this:

Baked stuffed clams with house made sweet Chinese duck sausage and baby cilantro

LIFE. FUCKING. CHANGING.

Haha yep, Chef instagrammed it and it went into our bellies. SO. FUCKING. GOOD. PUT IT ON THE MENU NOW. I think we said that to Ed after dinner too.

More cornbread!!! told ya we got more… FUCKING LOVE THE CRUST

We shared a Roasted Monkfish Tail… which was a good idea since we both didn’t realize how big it would be.

They split it up for us and gave us a foursome of sauces:

Ok I don’t remember EXACTLY what they were per-say I know there was a Curry and a Wasabi…. buttttt….. anyways they were delicious HAHHAHA – I’m guessing

WASABI-YUZU VINAIGRETTE

TANGY TOMATO GINGER

BROWN BUTTER HOLLANDAISE

RED CURRY-COCONUT

AND Chef sent out some sides for us…

we got sides of Mushrooms

And Spinach

Yep we licked the plates clean..

AND THEN…. came dessert.. we were super full but we couldn’t resist trying the Warm Apple Tart
vanilla bean ice cream / salted caramel sauce / apple chip and they surprised us with some cheesecake pops.. a David Burke speciality.

Warm Apple Tart. soooo GOOD.

Cheesecake Pops with Bubblegum Whipped Cream

We are happy and full.

Thanks Chef. Do the FOB SIGN WiTH ME DAMMIT!!!!

YAYYYYYYYYYYYYY Chef Fobbed with me :] Love you and see you soon Ed. Thanks for another ammmmmmmmaaaaazing meal. So memorable and fantastic. J and I went home and promptly passed out from food coma [for once not from booze] and it was all we could talk about the next day [the food]

Best Worst Idea sort of Pizza on a Sunday Night: Habaneros Part 1 of 4

… we had leftovers of pizza dough from the last time I was in town so after getting some fresh vegetables at a local market in Brooklyn.. [after J's weekly Bocce game]

so after tons of crap beer and a delicious brunch at Colonie before the game [which I'll blog about later] we set out to make another pizza… and Tuscan Kale chips [the non-curly kind]

Kale chips, successful. Just EVOO and sea salt baked in a tray til almost burnt and crisp.

[sorry no picture]

The pizza was another story.  Successful, but the best worst idea.

Stroke stroke stroke

I took the biggest habanero and minced it up with a few garlic cloves… chopped up a chicken breast and threw it in a skillet.

Within a few minutes.. I know how to make pepper bombs. J was just asking me what wine to drink when he started coughing and I started gagging.

“On the floor the air is fresher” no it wasn’t.

We opened his giant window in his living room and screamed out the window.  We opened his apt door and ran screaming into the hallway gagging.

Half hour later when we were ready to assemble the pizza, his roommate and roommate’s gf came home saying they were gagging off the elevator hahahaha… we said it wasn’t even that bad anymore.

So much pain, but so much to gain.

Super spicy habanero garlic chicken [oh we also diced in a thai chili pepper, green one for color] on a Margherita pizza on whole wheat crust.

Worth it.

Oh and we ended up finding a good wine to go with the pizza :]

Village Yokocho… and more beer…

Friday Night means one thing: NO ALARM CLOCK – hottest words EVA. But that talks for later….. Friday night and J comes home and we decide that Japanese is what’s up.

Time for some yakitori. MMMM St. Marks time.  Which means Village Yokocho.

First thing we did was order a giant pitcher of beer. SO MUCH FOAM.

UMM… I couldn’t resist.

Takoyaki.

Asparagus. Scallions.  Green Pepper.  Mushroom.

Different parts of chicken and beef … and balls :] Oh chicken balls…. ground chicken balls not their “BALLS” durrrr…. that’s at a different place<3

Somehow all the sticks were on my plate. HAHA. Way for J to make me the fattie.

Not enough, we want MORE!!!!!!!!

We need more and more chicken skin…..

MORE chicken skin, alls, shishito peppers and then some…. OH cartiledge

After a delicious dinner.. we headed to the secret yet so known, Angel’s Share but the wait was too long and didn’t seem worth it.  The bathroom was gross and it was freezing in there… So we left….

… and headed to the sure thing: Proletariat

Happy Happy Joy Joy

Valentine’s Day 2013 in Macao

Ok not THAT Macao/澳門/Macau which would have been a bomb ass Vday surprise.

But this one was still on the island of Manhattan.

But anyways… I spent the day laying around, making videos on Social Cam… [okay fine I slept in LATE] and then getting ready for Vday

The only sort of full body shot of my outfit.  I had a cute tube pink dress.

Just to warn you, these are pretty horrible pictures [flash and nonflash GAG]. I need a new phone and a new digi cam.  But anyways… J booked us a table at Macao, another one of his favorite restaurants. I’m not a huge Valentine’s Day person but this was a great one.

So we started off with some… our favorite, pink bubbly!!!!!

[pink bubbles....will make MUCH more sense when I blog about J & I'd adventure in Taiwan... which is still in the process of being written up - here's pictures until then....]

Llopart Brut Cava 2009 Vintage

The brilliant 2009 Brut Reserva Rose sparkling wine was made from an intriguing blend of 60% Monastrell (Mourvedre), 20% Garnacha (Grenache) and 20% Pinot Noir, and was aged 18 months in bottle prior to being released. The fermentation was done in bottle, which is called Methode Champenoise. Fresh strawberry, cherry and blueberry-like aromas jump from the glass of this rose. It possesses impressive purity, effervescence, tiny, well-formed bubbles, good body, a slight austerity, and a dry, surprisingly intense style.

Cheers ❤

Raw Oysters

Delicious as usual. And plus. Vday. Aphrodisiac right?! ;]

Sexy time.

Bacon/Pork Belly Buns
black garlic slaw, spicy housemade ketchup

I love my baos.

Very yummy!!! Delicious soft fluffy bao with nice fatty flavorful pork.  They gave us three and we split the third one :] We’re sappy like that.

My cute date.

We also got  the Mushroom and Truffle Croquettes

DELICIOUS.  Everything you would imagine and more.  A MUST get when you come here……

And then split the Macanese Chili Prawns with Rice…..

AMAAAAAAAAAZING… especially the rice in the sauce afterwards <3 JOY.  We also had a side of DELICIOUS Brussels Sprouts with chili-lime vinaigrette.

Desserts time.

Fried Egg Tart
maple walnut ice cream, cinnamon sugar

Egg Tart. Score. Fried. Score.  Maple Walnut Ice Cream. Score. TRIPLE SCORE!!!!!!!!!!

SUCHHHHH a delicious Valentine’s Day :]

Mayahuel, tequila and beers…

My first trip back to NY in over a year and J picked me up from Penn Station the day before Valentine’s Day, I already found my way to a bar, vodka tonic please, we went back to the apt, drank some delicious wine and headed out to Mayahuel, one of his favorite go-to places. WHAT A CUTE LITTLE PLACE.  I adore the decor here.

We started off with the chips with salsa and guacamole.  While I’ll unshamefully flaunt that I make amazing salsa verde and guacamole – which J agrees with me, they’re red smokeyyyyy salsa was SOOOO FREAKING GOOD.  Time to buy some liquid smoke and try making some :]

J ordered a spicy cocktail.. and I definitely ordered something super strong and yummy….

He got chicken and pork tacos… we both agreed the chicken ones were better, the pork was a bit dry… [which isn't usually the case according to J]

I got the special, a whitefish or some sort of fish ceviche…. there was quinoa, pineapple, sooooo many flavors and textures, sooooo goood….

After a great simple delicious dinner we headed to J’s favorite bar, Proletariat for a few beers :]

<3

Friday 5ive

I haven’t done one of these in awhile… and I was gonna put it on my personal/fashion… but then the first one was food related… hahahah

1. What’s your favorite sandwich?
I love Turkey & Apple Sammies with MUSTARD, Bahn Mi [the classic with headcheese, cold cuts and all that good stuff], Philly Cheesesteak & a classic PB & J…. but my FAVORITE SANDWICH EVER… is from Resto.

Tete de Cochon
I’ve had it two ways. Both both are amazing! Bobby Helen is a FUCKING genius!

1. Very Bahn Mi type…. my “Last Supper Sandwich”

Sriracha, Cilantro, Pickled Red Onion, Pickled Carrot, Charred Bread

2 The other Last Supper sandwich… at brunch

Pastrami Rub, Slaw, Jalapeno Sour Cream, Brioche

Oh his grilled cheese is BOMB too! And yes, filled with thick tasty bacon!

Vermont Cheddar, Gruyere, Bacon, Pork Belly, Greens

2. You have unlimited funds and unlimited space to make your dream abode. What and where is it, and what does it look like? Do you share it with anyone/anything?Travel all over the world with boyfriend :] Like, ALL over, first up is Greece… and then South Africa :] BUT EVERYWHERE!!! Eat, drink, travel <3 BEST LIFE!

3. If you made a movie, what would it be about and who would be in it?
Me, my adventures, growing up, eating, life :] My sucky past choices in relationships HAHAHA… I duno who’d play me tho.. that’s a toughie!!!

4. If you were to start a charity, what would it be for?
Abuse of children.

5. What’s your favorite music video? (Bonus points if you embed/link it.)
UMMMMMMM…DAMN toughie.

Cartman singing Lady GaGa <3

Bunnies in my Tummy…

I like bunnies. I like dressing up as bunnies. If they didn’t smell so bad and poop so much, I’d have pet bunnies. Also no one I live with will let me have bunnies…. so once I finally live in my own place again I’ll have bunnies – it’s been awhile and last time I did I had snakes LOL

The first thing that turned me onto Bunnies? Once again Thanks to the Green City Market Chef’s BBQ in ’09 :] If you haven’t noticed…. Chicago did me good, real good… especially my tummy… and getting fat ;D

Grilled Rabbit Sausage, Relish of Summer Fennel, Pancetta & Mustard Seeds

Crofton On Wells, Chicago

SOOOOO DELICIOUS. Tender. Juicy. Popped in my mouth and slid down my throat… chew chew chew meaty, filling, spiced perfect. I love you. *burp*  Honestly, this one was one of the tastiest sausages I’ve had – and trust me I’ve had a lot of sausages ;] #thatswhatshesaid NO NASTY TALK – it was good. That’s All! The End!

And then it was the first time I cooked bunny.. or helped…

Braised Rabbit a la Dash of Stash

w/ Horseradish Mash & Roasted Carrots

Thanks To Stash, I got got to eat bunny – full, whole, tender..MMM, delicious.  I was scared. I remember trying to bite into a leg and slightly nervous.  The reason why people only eat the legs usually IS because that’s where most of the meat is – AND it’s most tender… the rest of the bunny is scarce in meat, and while still tasty, a bit tougher. STILL. YUM!

NOOOOOOW, one of my favorite dishes EVER AND MY favorite rabbit dish!

Confit Rabbit Risottowith Caramelized Onions, Creme Fraiche and Fontiago Cheese

Solera, Denver

I. DIE. I have wet dreams about this dish. Who would’ve thunk…… DENVER, CO would have the mots AMAZING restaurants and dishes… I can’t even BEGIN to talk about this. It was CREAMY, CHEESY, the BEST risotto I’ve ever eaten, even without fresh white truffles and then some, OMG… better than the best sex you’ve ever had – or maybe I’ve just never had good sex – but this risotto was something that would make you cry and turned on and just….. insane ALL at the same time.

Walnut-Stuffed Gnocchi w/ braised rabbit, onion soubise, appenzeller

Mizuna, Denver

Delicious. Comrfort.

You think Chicken Pot Pie is delicious and comforting?! You’ve never had it this way

Rabbit Pot Pie, Fall Vegetables & Sausage on a Stick

Colicchio & Sons, NYC

SO memorable. While the sausage was good the pot pie is forever BURNED into my BRAIN. SOOOO GOOD.  You can get it during Brunch at C&S :]  I daydream about going back but no guy has gone back with me – LAME.  I obviously don’t date enough daring eaters…

Sour Yellow: Steamed Rabbit Leg
Multi-Grain Rice, Eggplant Chutney & Thai Basil

Kinshop, NYC

Chef Dieterle… you are a Top Chef for a good reason, what you make is GOLD. GOLD. This just fell apart and MELTTTTTTTTTTTED….. I can’t even begin to explain how delicious this was… this was the first thing I wanted to order on the menu anyways. AMAAAAZING.

I love Menton for seafood…. and their crossiants… but then their bunny dish? OMFG

No really.

OH. EM. EFFFFFFFFFFFFFF. GEE

Deconstructed Bunny, Rabbit Sausage,Meatball, Kidney, etc

Menton, Boston

All were SOOO succulent, flavorful, not gamey and just OMG… freaking amazing. FUNNILY, the “funkiest” one was the yummiest THE KIDNEY in puff pastry <3 OH.EM.EFF.GEE – GENIUS. Yea and I had like 20 of their croissants :]

And then the last time I had bunny since I’m writing this… My “21st” Birthday ;D

Il Coniglio
Roasted Napa Valley Rabbit Loin wrapped in San Daniele Prosciutto, Polenta ‘sfogliatina’, Roasted Beets, Green Pea Veloute, Rabbit Jus

Circo, Las Vegas

The prosciutto was a bit salty wrapped around it but I ended up just unwrapping and eating the bunny part SOOOOOO GOOD.  The jus and the veloute was amazing. STILL miss my own cooking tho. I’ve only cooked bunny twice, and basically by myself ONCE… braised down and made into a creamy pasta… :] Bunny confit with cream sauce and with delicious tender pastaaaaaa — good right?!  I’ll try to make some soon and make a blog on it :] Play by play on whole bunny!  Hope you enjoyed this and hope you won’t be scared to try a bite of bunny – it literally tastes like chicken. :]

EASTER Lunch at The Modern @ MOMA

Inbetween blogging about all the crazy fun in Chicago the past weekend I realized that I had to hurry up and blog about Easter before I get way too lazy and just pass it over. My food life is just overwhelming lately :] Lots to eat and lots to blog about.

When I was choosing a place for Easter Brunch it came quite easy… after quickly going through a couple of choices… I settled on Cafe Boulud…. until I landed on Modern [see how Modern comes after Boulud in the alphabet... hahaha]

The Legendary Le Cirque

Yep, I had the oppportunity to eat at the legendary Le Cirque. YES, THE Le Cirque…. Now a dinner here is nothing to be messed around with. A dinner here is hardcore. Prepare for one of the most amazing meals of your life [yes yes I know I say that all the time] but this is definitely a great experience. The environment, your surroundings.. the servers, the sommeliers… the people, the decor, even the cute monkeys on the plates [yes they have their own plates]…

Prepare for the best and still be surprised…

A Table at TABLA

The tabla (Hindi: तबला, Tamil: தபேலா, Bangla: তবলা, Nepali: तबला, Urdu: طبلہ tablāfrom Arabic: طبل، طبلة tabl, tabla) is a popular Indian percussion instrument used in the classical, popular and devotional music of the Indian subcontinent and in Hindustani classical music. The instrument consists of a pair of hand drums of contrasting sizes and timbres. The term tabla is derived from an Arabic word, tabl, which simply means “drum.” ^[1]

- Wikipedia

Having had a bit too much fun the night before at Area I didn’t participate in Martini Week last night at Tabla. After an afternoon of apartment hunting in the city we headed over to our reservations at this famous Indian restaurant on Madison Ave [right by the famous Shake Shack]

I had a glass of Riesling while R got his vodka fix with their signature martini

Tablatini – pineapple, lemongrass, lime and Absolut Citron

Fried Chickpeas, Pickled Carrot, the most delicious Indian Spiced  Popcorn