Nov 1
It's a "French-American roadhouse," if there is such a thing. I think
this means serving things like rabbit with grits. Starfoods seems potentially
scene-y, though it was pleasantly low-key during opening week. The Space
Invaders tiles in the bar are cute. In fact, I'd be more likely to stop
back in the bar than the restaurant and I can't say why for sure.
1/2
This is a Portland guy's idea of a date place: one step up from burritos,
but less than $10 per person (assuming you don't order appetizers or
alcohol, which might be a correct assumption). At least that's what Jessica
and I have speculated when thinking back on the guys we're used to. To be
honest, I could see her getting dragged to Moustache well before I would. I
just don't date those kind of guys (pot-smoking, head-in-the-clouds, full of
unrealized dreams, singer/songwriter/artists who say they're going to move
to NYC). I'm at the haggard point in my life where a date should be a date
— thought-out, aiming to impress a little, care-taken, particularly in the
dining choice — I'm fussy about food, alright? I differentiate between
simply going out to eat with a guy and going on a dinner date.
This particular night was just getting something to eat because I was
craving Middle Eastern food, didn't want take-out falafel and Moustache was
nearby. I had a merguez sandwich, James had a lamb "pitza" and then we got
into a fight and I can't even remember what over. He left in such a huff
that he forgot his credit card at the restaurant. See? Moustache is no place
for couples (or couples to be).
MoustachePitza * 265 E. Tenth St., New York, NY
Our third anniversary passed without much fanfare. Same as the second, and
most likely the fourth, if that comes to pass. I'm not sure why that is. At
least the meal was nice. United Noodle has all the makings of return visit:
it's mere blocks from James's apt., fusion-esque, but not out of control
(I'm a sucker for fusion) and reasonably priced.
We started with a tower of wontons with shrimp and an orange citrusy
sauce. I ordered a decidedly non-summery dish of short ribs with
papperadelle. It was wonderfully meaty and anise-scented with sweet cherry
tomatoes and a green (possibly Asian, it wasn't broccoli rabe). I was
actually more enamored of James's shrimp and scallops in what they menu said
was carrot pudding, which was really a rich, creamy, sweet sauce. There
might have even been vanilla in it, I couldn't put my finger on all the
flavors. Luckily, we switched plates at the half-way mark to get a little
variety.
Dinner was topped off with an ubiquitous molten chocolate cake. No big
shakes, but not bad. One of these days I'm going to play stupid and throw a
fit that my cake isn't properly cooked. "Send this back, I'm not paying for
a raw cake!" "If I wanted to eat batter I could do it at home and it save
the $7!" Eh, I don't think I have the nerve.
UnitedNoodle * 349 E. 12th St., New York, NY
I don't know why it took us so long to try this place since I'm a big Thai
fan and it's only a block from James's apt. I've always been scared off by
that row of restaurants along the west side of Third Ave. between 12th and
13th (the only one I've ever tried, Rochjin, just went out of business after
mere months–that space is cursed). It also seemed mildly peculiar that they
have a bar and do a brunch. The assorted appetizer plate was a bit bland, it
looked large and enticing, but flavor was lacking, dipping sauces would've
been a definite plus. But the entrees weren't half bad. The prices were
perhaps a dollar or two more than at competing places, but not completely
outrageous. They're definitely aspiring to more than mere take-out: the
presentation is artfully arranged on large square plates, sprigs of things
sticking out saying take me seriously. Unorthodox items like massaman
avocado show up as a special. We stuck to the familiar and tried a red curry
and a shrimp, ground chicken and basil dish that weren't half-bad. (5/31/02)
I guess we must like Montien since we've been back again in less than a
month. This time: addictive fried squid with sweet chili sauce, panang curry
with pork, and basil chicken. We asked for spice and we got it. It was good
at the time, but was my stomach was feeling it the next day. (6/21/02)
Montien* 90 Third Ave., New York, NY
Ack, red sauce. I'm weird about Italian-American food, but every now and
then I'll concede. Plus, it was a rainy, lazy Friday night and John's is
mere blocks from James's.
With a few of the specials it appeared the chef was attempting to branch
out in odd ways. The bruschetta used guacamole as a base (and was
surprisingly good) and a miso halibut was also offered (didn't take the
bait). The trouble with avoiding red sauce, is that you're generally faced
with lots of white, creamy and fatty alternatives (which I like a little too
much). Regardless, I went the high calorie route. The chicken stuffed with
cheese in a sauce of champagne-glazed mushrooms was downright tasty. I
intended to eat half and save the rest to give my arteries a break, but darn
it if I didn't down the whole portion.
John's Restaurant * 302 E. 12th St., New York, NY
Rochjin means fishball in Thai and last I heard, fishballs were their
specialty. Were is the word here. They didn't have them the night I stopped
in, and I'm under the impression they may have been removed from the menu
permanently.
Regardless, the staff was very eager and helpful, explaining dishes in
detail and apologetic as to the unavailability of the yellowtail snapper
(hence the fishball problem). The food, however, isn't typical pad Thai
joint Thai. It's not fancy fusion Thai either. It's vitrine-topped table,
Frank Sinatra playing Thai. Dishes with names like Chili on the Pond and Taj
Mahal lovers abound.
They're definitely aspiring to something. Hopefully, the past won't be an
indicator–the previous shop selling durian ice cream and pork buns only
lasted about six months. (3/28/02)
*Poor Rochjin. They can now be added to the list of goners. They've been
closed for at least three months now–I don't think they even made it to the
six month mark. (10/2/02)
Rochjin Asian Noodle * 92 Third Ave., New York, NY
1/2
This is a place I've only visited twice, which coincides with my sister's
past two visits to America. She may be vegan, but she loves her junk food in
the way only a Garcia girl can. I suggested Angelica Kitchen this time
'round (though only halfheartedly), and even she wasn't keen on the earthy
prospect. Give me the grease and fakery, right?
Kate's Joint * 58 Ave. B, New York, NY
1/2
First off, I should state that I'm not a big fan of hot dogs. Even at
Nathan's I opt for the cheese fries (love the little plastic red spear). But
since I see hot dogs as one of 2002's big culinary trends, it was my duty to
try at least one of the new kids on the block (Criff Dogs, around the
corner, will have to wait).
The sweet and sour dog with sauerkraut and a tangy onion relish seemed
good enough. We also got a side of cheese fries, not realizing that the
special dogs come with a side of fries anyway. Oh well, a girl can never
have too much starch. Satisfactory, though not stellar. But once again, this
is coming from a non-connoisseur of hot dogs.
Dawgs on Park * 178 7th St., New York, NY
I don't know when they closed since I'm rarely in the East Village anymore.
(11/05)
I've stared at this place's facade what feels like a million times. It's
directly across the street from one of my regular haunts, the creatively
named Bar on A. Even though the word kitchen is in its title, for some
reason it never quite clicked that it was a dining establishment. It's right
next to Brownies and used to be…I'm not sure what it used to be, but I
don't think it was a restaurant.
So, it never occurred to me to check it out until I heard they did a
good, non-mobbed brunch. I still haven't gone for breakfast, but it popped
into my head for dinner recently. It turns out that the cuisine is Spanish,
which certainly put James at ease since that's one of his favorites. More
often than not, I'm dragging him to random Asian places with varying degrees
of success.
A (shared) pitcher of sangria and tapas like grilled squid, crab and
shrimp stuffed eggrolls (getting all fusion on me), mussels, clams and
chorizo were good choices. The tapas are available in small and larger
sizes, and entrees like braised lamb and paella are also on the menu.
Now I've got to see about that brunch. (12/20/01)
Never sit in a back garden in 90 degree weather, no matter how pretty it
looks, no matter that nary a single person is sitting inside. We attempted a
brunch in the blistering heat, and while the food was fine, the seating
arrangement may have not been the wisest. I'll never understand all those al
fresco dining fanatics. (6/30/02)
My first low carb meal in public. What with the bread basket and free
flowing wine, it was tough to sit empty handed drinking tap water. I was
able to survive on chorizo, mussels, endive and machengo cheese. It didn't
kill me. (1/9/03)
Alphabet Kitchen * 171 Ave. A, New York, NY
Sometimes you just feel like you're eating a meal with another person, and
sometimes you feel like you're on a date. With its teetering on hip,
bistro-but-not, relaxed vibe, Euzkadi certainly ventures into date
territory.
Things started off well with the complimentary olive (and anchovy?)
tapenade with crusty bread (that's replenished without asking. Why are
restaurants so sparing with the starches these days? If I were counting
carbs, I wouldn't be dining out in the first place). A mussel appetizer,
stuffed, bacon-wrapped trout and rabbit with roasted potatoes, prunes, the
odd lardon and a red wine sauce soon followed. Everything was much to my
liking: rich flavors, sweet and savory, autumnal to a tee. With a shared
quince tart and bottle of wine, the meal was rounded out satisfyingly.
The evening was a happy accident. I was originally looking for the
Indonesian a few doors down when I got waylaid by this place. Sometimes
ignoring my usual single-mindedness pays off.
Euzkadi* 108 E. Fourth St., New York, NY
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