ktc 4: beef bourguignon

jane

My Dad popped by yesterday to take a look at the new digs and to treat his first born to a little pre-birthday dinner. Not. Too. Shabby. So I decided to check out Jane over on W. Houston, the famed brunch spot with the perpetually incessant line every Saturday and Sunday afternoon. But since it was a rainy, and albeit dreary Sunday, we had absolutely no trouble walking right in for an early dinner.

The restaurant is surprisingly large inside. Dark wood paneling, budding tree branches placed throughout the restaurant in over sized vessels, large pieces of modern art along the back wall. Not at all what I would have pictured but it was very nice, nonetheless. Cozy and warm, with the friendliest of staff.

As per usual, I had obviously pre-read the menu online days prior so I had a feel for what I was going to order. The lamb ravioli was the first thing that caught my eye but when we had finally gotten there on Sunday, I found myself leaning towards the Salmon-Avocado Tartare. But as soon as our waiter came by, we were alerted that there would be no salmon tonight. And with that, my decision was made.

A glass of dry rose was my aperitif of choice. Although it was far from spring-like weather outside, something about a glass of rose puts me in spring mode no matter what the temperature outside.

Lamb ravioli with mint, French Feta, and a Cabernet sauce was quickly placed in front of me.

Absolutely delightful. The pasta had a serious chew to it and inside these lovely little pockets was a filling of shredded, tender lamb infused with fresh mint. The Cabernet sauce, which at first glance, sounded rather daunting, was actually a very nice accompaniment; slightly smokey and seriously smooth. The French Feta was a fantastic salty bite: a cross between feta and goat cheese, with a much softer mouth feel than that of Greek Feta.

My Dad went with the Grilled Chicken Salad with roasted corn, grape tomatoes, bacon, avocado, and blue cheese. And while it might sound like your run of the mill, Cobb Salad, it was actually really very good. The lemony red wine vinaigrette made the salad pop and all of the flavors played off of one another.

Was it mind-blowing food? Perhaps not entirely. But it was perfectly yummy and the right kind of ambiance. I doubt I'll be waiting in their one hour minimum wait for brunch on the weekends, but I'll definitely be back for a lovely supper on a weeknight to try their Toasted Ricotta Gnocchi with Truffle Oil. And hey, maybe the Salmon-Avocado Tartare.

Because once I've got something in my head, we all know, this girl's gotta see it to fruition. And fast.

Jane

100 W. Houston (nr. Thompson St.)

kiss the cook 3

Tzatziki Sauce
Recipe courtesy of Kiira Leess

1 hot house or english cucumber peeled, seeded, and finely chopped
3 cloves of garlic, grated or finely chopped
1 small lemon, juiced
1 large container of faye or greek yogurt
2 Tbs. olive oil
3 Tbs. fresh dill, finely chopped
2 Tbs. fresh mint, finely chopped
salt and pepper

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Taste for seasoning. Chill before serving.

Beet Salad with Orange, Goat Cheese, and Mint
Recipes courtesy of Kiira Leess

3 cans of whole beets, cut into 1/8ths
2 oranges (zest from one, then segment both and chop)
1 small red onion, finely diced
1 small log of goat cheese, crumbled
handful of fresh mint, finely diced
3 Tbsp. olive oil
salt and pepper

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Taste for seasoning.

Zucchini Ribbon Salad with Salsa Verde and Golden Raisins
Recipes courtesy of Kiira Leess

3 zucchinis, cut into long ribbons using a peeler or mandolin
1/3 cup golden raisins
1 small bunch of mint, finely chopped
1 small bunch of parsley, finely chopped
3 cloves of garlic, grated or finely chopped
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. anchovy paste
¼ cup olive oil
1 Tbsp. vinegar (red wine vinegar or white balsamic)
salt and pepper

To make the salsa verde, combine all of the herbs in a small bowl with the garlic, Dijon, anchovy paste, and vinegar. Slowly stir in the olive oil. Taste for seasoning.

Quickly cook the zucchini (one minute max) over high heat in a little bit of olive oil. Remove from pan and put into a large bowl. Add in the golden raisins and all of the salsa verde. Toss to combine and taste for seasoning.

kiss the cook coming soon

KTC take 3 was filmed yesterday afternoon and will be posted soon! Stay tuned!

And just to warm you up, here you go.

despana to go!

So Despana Market, has just revealed their delivery menu! And even though there's a $20 minimum, I have a feeling I won't have a problem convincing any of my friends to go in on an order with me.

Check out the Despana sandwich: Serrano ham, creamy goat cheese, garlic spread, served warm.

So much for my carb-intake reduction plan for this week. FML.

little tokyo

Let me preface this by saying, I love sushi. Like really, really, really love sushi. As in I wake up craving sushi and could eat it every day for lunch and/or dinner for a week straight and not bat an eye. As in Jeremy Piven and I may soon share more in common than I'd like to think. That said, Little Tokyo in Norwalk, CT, is, in every way, my heaven.

Henry, the Manager and THE MAN, the myth, the legend, stops at nothing to ensure everyone who walks into his quaint Japanese haven, has the most memorable of meals and is treated with service you'd expect at the finest of restaurants. And he smiles, smiles, smiles, all the way through. Henry, I believe, has found the key to happiness.

And that key, is the freshest most sublime fish I've ever encountered.

Now every Friday night, my mom and her closest friends can be found at Little Tokyo. And as a commuter, before I made the move into the city, you could find me there too. It literally pains me to be so far away from it now, but it is understood that whenever Kiira is home, at least (at LEAST) one night is spent at Little Tokyo so that I can have my temporary fix. I believe they call this addiction.

After we're seated, we don't even have to order anymore. Henry knows exactly what each of us likes and then throws in a few surprises that based upon our likes, he knows we will love.

Plate after plate of delectable raw treats are ushered to our table. This Friday it started with a spicy seafood salad: shredded crab tossed with matchsticks of cucumber and dressed with a spicy mayo dressing and garnished with tobiko. Thin slices of fluke danced along the edge of the plate, dressed with a sweet but light soy-based sauce and shaved pieces of scallion. Perfectly balanced, beautifully presented, it was gone before I could snap a picture. Next came fresh tuna, covered in a spicy (TOO SPICY) rub and quickly seared on all sides before sliced, drizzled with a spicy mayo, and set down at our table. While the initial bite was soft and melt-in-your-mouth, it quickly became an emergency heat situation. My mother and my wimpy palettes couldn't really stand the heat. But delicious, nonetheless. The showstopping platter of sushi came next.

Oh. My. God.

Salmon, tuna, and white tuna nigiri sushi, two raw oysters topped with a spicy soy sauce, scallions, and tobiko. The most unbelievably tender pieces of Alaskan King Crab that I have ever encountered in all my 23 (almost 24) years. You didn't even need to chew. It just melted away into a briny, oceanic flavor that was superior to any lobster I've ever had. And of course, a Love Roll. Which my dear Henry knows (without me even having to say) that I cannot leave without having. Spicy white tuna with avocado inside, with a spicy crab salad with crunchies on top.

I couldn't stop.

And then there was more.

Henry's prized specialty: Lobster Cantonese Style. A whole lobster, chopped into pieces, shell on, is quickly cooked in a ridiculously hot wok with slivers of ginger, and a whole bunch of scallions, some sort of sweet sauce that I can't quite decipher but I don't even care. This thing is border line obscene. And I worry even mentioning this in a public arena as he only makes a couple a night and God forbid the next time I go in and he's sold out of them.

There will be trouble.

The point is, this place puts out incredible food and I have yet to find a place in the city that can live up to it. Honestly. And yes, it's Henry, it's Nancy (our adorable waitress), it's the sushi guys, it's friends, it's family but really? It's the food.

It's the freaking food.

Little Tokyo

120 New Canaan Ave.

Norwalk, CT, 06850

203-849-8686

boqueria to go

Well lookie here, Boqueria Soho is now offering lunch to go! Which means you can enjoy Serrano on Catalan Tomato or Duck Confit with Fig and Tetilla Cheese as a quick grab and go lunch any day of the week. The sandwiches will change monthly, ensuring no lunchtime banalities here.

Not that anyone was concerned about that.

alidoro

As I gleefully settle into my new apartment in Soho, I was shockingly up and at 'em early this past Saturday morning. As I strolled down Spring Street towards Broadway, I popped my head into Dean and Deluca for a much needed large iced coffee. Perusing through the stores, icy caffeinated beverage in hand, I couldn't help but feel transported. I felt like I was living abroad again, unknown and free in a city with infinite possibilities. Oh, and H&M, Zara, and Mango.

Anyhow, after my morning of indulgent retail therapy, I had rightfully so built up quite an appetite. And before I allowed myself to order the mixed baby greens with avocado from Cubana Cafe for the fourth time in one week, I decided to walk one block over to Sullivan St. for a taste of something I'd been waiting for. An Alidoro sandwich.

Alidoro is a tiny, little famed Italian sandwich shop with a big, huge following. As I naively entered on Saturday afternoon, I was somewhat prepared for the "Sandwich Nazi." I had been forewarned that there was no funny business to be had here. Read the menu, know your order, no questions, no add-on's, no substitutions. Signs everywhere to remind you of what you can and cannot do (which teeters towards obnoxious if you ask me). Additionally, this one man show means you will wait and you will not complain about said wait. With about three or four people ahead of me in line, I patiently waited (meaning played Brickbreaker by my lonesome) for a good 20 minutes before facing the scary man (I kid. Sort of). The two older men in front of me, clearly Italian, got the sandwich man jovially speaking Italian, cracking jokes, laughing, smiling.

"Hey," I thought, "he might not be so bad."

Kiira's up.

His face turns stone cold. Eyes look at me with an impatient, "Yes?" No more Mr. Nice Italian Guy.

I immediately spit out my order making sure to pronounce everyword impeccably, even adding in the type of bread I wanted without him having to ask.

The Alidoro. The sandwich shop's namesake.

"Ha. There." I thought.

As soon as I got over copping a 'tude just to prove no point whatsoever, I watched the master at work. Paper-thin slices of smoked chicken breast were meticulously sliced and gingerly laid on the long, crusty Italian baguette. Next came thick, hand cut pieces of Buffalo Mozzerella and a generous pile of fresh baby arugula. Spoonfulls of his spectacular and famous dressing were drizzled over the bread and the arugula, then topped, wrapped up in aluminum foil and tossed into a paperbag, waiting on the sidelines, ready, attentive.

One diet coke and I was on my way, back to my new home to dig in to this massive sandwich. And after the four flights of stairs, I had earned it. Simple but fantastic. Clean flavors that matched up perfectly together: the smoky chicken with the creamy mozzerella, punched up with the peppery arugula and the bright vinaigrette. One half for lunch and the other for dinner. It was a whole day's worth of delicious food that I could not conjure up one bad thing to say about. Except of course for the attitude-inducing mastermind.

But I can get over that. Because I'm pretty sure, in some ways, we were one and the same.

Alidoro

105 Sullivan St. (nr. Spring St.)

casa havana

Finding the "perfect" restaurant for a large Birthday dinner is always an ordeal. It has to be the right balance of affordability (mostly on the drinks end) and, well, yumminess. So when my beautiful friend and blogger of Kiss and Type, Arax, had a 24th birthday rapidly approaching, she enlisted me in her search for the dinner destination.

Hmmm.

What's a reasonably-priced restaurant that could seat 15 on a Saturday night that's below midtown?

I started to rack my brain. Where could we go?! With four days to go, this was going to be a challenge.

Then, it occurred to me: Casa Havana. An inexpensive little Cuban restaurant/diner located right in Chelsea. With dishes at around $10 and under and $5 mojitos...Bingo. And what was even better was that the birthday girl and I had already had lunch here the week before! And my pernil sandwich (shredded roasted pork, onions, mayo on cuban bread, lightly pressed) and her avocado salad with black beans and rice had really kinda thrilled us. We kept looking back at each other and saying, "Wait, this is like really, really good."

Now, I warn you, if your birthday boy or girl is ambiance-crazy, this is probably not the place for you. However, the crowd we were rolling with (well, most of them anyways) were not this type. It's kitschy in a good way and we may or may not have been the only "gringos" in the joint but it only added to our experience. Festive, fun, and fantastic food...

After drooling with envy while watching Arax eat her avocado salad and rice and beans (believe me, I'm the last person to order all vegetarian), I knew that I had to have a taste for myself this time around (read: I love Arax but she's no food-sharer). So that's exactly what I did. Along with an octopus salad/ceviche. And what a spread it was! The black beans were exploding with flavor and cooked to the perfect doneness. The white rice too, which I know sounds mundane, was done to an ideal fluffiness and when mixed with the thick, starchy, and aromatic beans was pure and simple done right. The avocado salad was a chunk of iceberg lettuce with half an avocado sliced on top, fresh tomato, and sliced white onion. Served along with red wine vinegar and some olive oil. While this sounds like nothing special, when eaten along with the rice and beans and the octopus salad, it all just melded into one, I'll say it again, perfect bite. The octopus salad was more of a ceviche: extraordinarily tender pieces of octopus (not at all chewy) were tossed in lime juice, olive oil, garlic, GARLIC, diced white onion, chili peppers, and green olives. Really clean flavors yet really complex at the same time. I absolutely ended up mixing it all up on one plate so that I could enjoy all three of them on my fork and into my mouth at once.

My fellow celebrators ordered a mix of different things as well and there were very few complaints, if any, heard round the table. The rounds of margaritas, mojitos, and buckets of Coronitas only added to the experience (Though, I should note, don't come here for the cocktails. Stick with Cervezas.) Oh, and lots 'o laughter added up to a fabulous evening with fabulous friends.

I've never really been one for Cuban food, never been something I've ever gravitated towards, but I couldn't be happier I've been indulging in it as of late. Perhaps it's my yearning for warmer weather because the flavors, sentiments, and sounds of Cuban cuisine really do take you away to a warmer place. It's an instant get-away any day of the week.

So, Happy Birthday again to my sweet Arax (24 is most definitely sexy) and as for the rest of you, hop on the plane, err subway, for a midweek vacation of your own. You won't be sorry you did.

Casa Havana
180 8th Ave. (nr. 20th St.)

best.lunch.ever

Ok, so I know I've been preaching (actually, I hope I haven't been preaching) about how important it is to BYOL but I'm slightly embarrassed to say that I have been breaking my own rule lately. But before you write me off as a hypocritical liar, hear me out. I am amidst a move. Most of my kitchen has been packed up in boxes. This means my life (pots, pans, knives, microplanes), literally, is in boxes.

I digress.

Today has been an odd day. I rolled out of bed and did not allow myself to properly wake up before I left for work. All day I've felt off. Still in REM mode or something. Not really sure where I am. And three different people on three different occasions have asked me if I'm alright. I don't have an answer to that question.

So I decided to throw all caution to the wind and let myself order whatever the H I wanted for lunch. And what I wanted was something slightly greasy, cheesy, and warm. The answer? The best Cuban sandwich EVER.

I ran -- no, at a sloth-like pace I walked -- downstairs to Ruthy's Bakery (located in Chelsea Market). A deli I typically brush off as, well, bad. Never been satisfied with anything I've ever ordered there. But for whatever reason, I decided to give their Cuban sandwich a try. The menu promised me a hot sandwich with ham, pickles, and mojo sauce. Interesting. I think I must have blacked out at the counter because before I knew it, I was unwrapping a hot sandwich that was soon going to make me yell, "AYE PAPI!"

AYE PAPI.

Let me walk you through this. A long, soft, hoagie roll (but more of a cross between a baguette and a hoagie roll) filled with fresh, REAL ham, gooey, melted American cheese, homemade pickles, pickled jalapenos, and a mojo sauce (garlic, herbs, olive oil, damn). With each bite, I kept looking around, making sure no one was about to swoop in and steal my heavenly discovery. I was hoarding.

Authentic Cuban? Well, heck no. Pork? No. Swiss Cheese? Nada. Mustard? Not a drop. But delicious, decadent, and divine? Si! Si! Si! I'm almost upset for unearthing this sandwich because I fear it will become an awfully bad and convenient habit.

My name is Kiira and I already have a problem.

sunday dinner at boqueria

Boqueria is now serving up $35 Sunday dinners. Starting this Sunday, anchovy frisee salad, Ben Eggleston's suckling pig, dessert, and wine or sangria will be the spread. Not a bad deal. Not a bad deal at all.

Boqueria Soho
171 Spring St.

Boqueria Flatiron
53 W19th St.

boqueria

For the last 14+ months I've been living in the city, I have been incessantly reminding myself that I need to go to Boqueria. It's true. Seamus Mullen's tapas restaurant has been at the top of my "To Eat" list for THAT long and just this past Saturday afternoon, I was able to finally check it off.

Strolling down Thompson Street with my sister Hanna and her boyfriend, we tried popping our heads into Snack, a tiny little Greek restaurant, for lunch but were unable to immediately sit. So we decided to walk around the corner and see if anything else sparked our interest. Hanna looked up and innocently said, "What's Boqueria?" My eyes widened. I stopped dead in my tracks.

"Oh my God. Boqueria."

And with that, we were in, being whisked to a table in the back, facing the open kitchen, me ranting all the way about how long I've been waiting to come here, how talented the chef was, blah, blah, blah. My lunch companions most likely rolling their eyes. But, alas. I had arrived. I was to eat at Boqueria. I was to eat at Boqueria today. Finally.

The decor in this restaurant is fantastic. Wood paneling all over the walls make the interior incredibly warm and inviting. The light fixtures were fabulous too. And the open kitchen in the back, sealed the deal. High tables with cream colored leather booth seating made for an intimate environment. A really, really great looking place.

After being walked through the menu by our devastatingly adorable Spanish waiter, we decided to split five or six tapas. And a fruit-laden (read: blood orange) red sangria to sip my way through them.

First came the complimentary grilled bread, Pan con Tomate. A classic Spanish style bruschetta of grilled bread, rubbed with garlic and tomato and finished with some salt. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this. Simple, rustic, crunchy goodness. Next was fried quail eggs with chorizo on toast (Cojonudo). Two tiny little sunny side up eggs sitting pretty on petite rounds of toast, sneakily hiding the gems of sautéed chorizo. This, is truly the breakfast of champions. A glorious translation of sausage and eggs. Thinly sliced melt-in-your-mouth Serrano ham was served on more pieces of the Pan con Tomate followed by a trio of perfectly fried croquettes: mushroom, salt cod, and suckling pig. The mushroom croquettes were studded with truffles and each bite was explosive with the earthy, concentrated mushroom flavor. The suckling pig was served a top a purée of dried fruit (what tasted like prune perhaps?) and the salt cod was joined by a bright, lemony aioli. Smoky brussels sprouts pan roasted with salty little chorizo lardons were served still sizzling (Hanna's favorite). And the final wooden cutting board that was ushered to our table was grilled lamb marinated in lemon and cumin with a salsa verde generously spooned on top. It was this last little morsel that shot me straight to the moon. The most tender, juicy and slightly smokey piece of meat I think that I have ever had. And the salsa verde of thyme, rosemary, garlic, citrus, and olive oil just put it over the top. Lamb just owns me. And has for quite some time. (My mother loves to tell the story of how I would shake, literally shake, in my high chair when she'd put lamb in front of me. Looks like I still do now.)

All three of us were smiling the entire way through this wonderful little meal; our stomachs perfectly and comfortably full. The food was nothing shy of delicious and absolutely appropriately priced. Lunch for three came out to about $50. And while we could have easily gotten a slice of Ben's Famous Pizza and munched on benches in front of Vesuvio Park, don't you always secretly want to impress your family? Or at least prove to the Bostoners that NYC is, in fact, the superior city.

Love you, Hans.

Boqueria Soho

171 Spring Street

http://www.boquerianyc.com/

kefi

So Frank Bruni just gave Michael Psilakis's Kefi a one-star review. Hmph. Psilkais is, of course, the mastermind behind Anthos and Mia Dona and Kefi was his more approachable, less expensive version of Greek cuisine that was relocated to a new home on the Upper West Side. We all know my love, adoration, and respect towards Anthos (which Bruni has also shared) which is why I am slightly saddened and selfishly appreciative of his review (read: no long post review waits).

I do not doubt nor question Bruni's authority and opinion on the place but I will undoubtedly be critiquing Kefi on my own. Not only is it the kind of food I love and often crave but it's created and imagined by a chef I have a huge amount of respect (ahem, crush) for.

The Flat Pasta with Pulled Braised Rabbit and Graviera Cheese ($11.95), the Braised Lamb Shank with Orzo ($15.95), and the Pork Souvlaki with Tzatziki and Pita Bread ($13.95) all spark my interest for obvious reasons. Straightforward? Yes. But there's always something to be said about classic dishes done impeccably well by a reliable, well-seasoned, and inventive Chef Psilakis.

Kefi might be a bit of trek uptown but it's one I'll gladly take. One star, no star, or five.

Kefi
505 Columbus Ave. (b/w 84th and 85th streets)

dogmatic gourmet sausage systems

Now, everyday when lunchtime rolls around, I entertain the idea of actually leaving Chelsea Market and venturing outside for a special treat. Perhaps taking the short stroll over to Bonsignour and treating myself to my favorite warm goat cheese salad and a side of John Krasinski. But, no. It has become increasingly rare that I ever leave this building until I'm dragging myself home at the end of the day.

However, when I heard about a little place called the Dogmatic Gourmet Sausage Systems over in the Union Square area, I literally flew out of my cubicle, pressed the elevator down button so aggressively, so many times I feared I'd get stuck between the 2nd and 1st floors, and booked it across town. Needless to say, by the time I got there after the 5 avenue block dash, I was panting in my order.

Dogmatic Sausage was once a food cart that gained such a loyal following, they decided to open up shop in a tiny little space on E17th St. The sausages (which btw, are hormone, nitrate, and antibiotic FREE) come in beef, chicken, lamb, pork, and turkey (or asparagus spears for you veg-heads) and are inserted into a warm, hollowed out mini baguette courtesy of Pain D'Avignon and are then joined by the sauce of your choice: Cheddar Jalapeno, Horseradish Mustard, Truffle Gruyere, Chimichurri, Sun Dried Tomato Feta, or Mint Yogurt.

On this particular day, I went for the chicken sausage with the Chimichurri sauce and let me just say, I think it lasted half an avenue block on my trek back to the office. To my credit, they do run on the fairly small side, but the flavor and texture from this thing kind of kicked my butt. And I'm not even a huge sausage fan (yeah, I get it)! The casing-free sausage was smokey and salty and the chimichurri was so bright, tangy, vibrant, and pungent from the garlic and herbs (parsley, garlic, lime, and perhaps some mint) that it just made you smile with every bite. And when you get to the bottom of the perfectly crunchy yet soft baguette, you're left with a sausage-less bite. No complaints here. Just a little nub of bread appropriately drenched with the garlicky herb sauce. With Diet Coke in hand, I think I may or may not have floated back to work with a stupid grin on my face.

If you're in the area, grab a dog. At $4.50 a pop they're a pretty great lunch (or quick dinner) deal and the flavor combinations this place is rocking are pretty sophisticated.

Hey, Michelle.

Dogmatic Gourmet Sausage System
26 E17th St.
http://eatdogmatic.com/

fat hippo

So a new restaurant has just opened up down on the LES called Fat Hippo (ehh, on the name) and I'm absolutely loving the way this place looks. The decor is totally minimalistic done right. It's sexy, chic, and cozy all at the same time. Hello, date night. Or, let's be honest here, girls night out. Grub Street was the first to post its menu this afternoon and it looks especially promising. Especially the house cured salmon with apple fennel salad and potato latkes, the shrimp ceviche, and the duck cuban. The prices are decidedly reasonable and dare I say cheap but, the real kicker? Until they get their beer and wine license, it's BYOB. And, there just happens to be a liquor store right across the street. Mmm. Perfection.

Fat Hippo,

71 Clinton St., nr. Rivington St.

212-228-0994

Check out the menu here: http://nymag.com/daily/food/2009/02/a_first_look_at_the_fat_hippo.html

despaña market

Despana Market, located in Soho, means the tastes and flavors of Spain have officially moved in to lower Manhattan (gracias a dios!). The market is jam packed with imported Spanish goodies and boasts a plethora of free samples along the way (lemme hear a serious "psh" to Stew Leonard's and Costco). However, before you go hog wild for the marcona almond and manchego cheese samples, make your way to the back of the store where there's a counter to cozy up to and enjoy authentic Spanish sandwiches (bocadillos and flautas), open-faced sandwiches called pintxos, tortillas, and of course, a wide variety of delectable little tapas. For the time being, it's the closest this working girl's gonna to get to The Boqueria in Barcelona which is why I plan on booking it over there ASAP.

Despaña
408 Broome Street, New York NY 10013

212-219-5050

despananyc.com

recession special: 5 ninth

Image courtesty of The New York Times

Eater.com's Dealfeed is reporting that the Meatpacking's 5 Ninth now has a 4-hour happy hour special that will showcase $3 draft beer and $5 well drinks and wine daily. All that served alongside complimentary homemade pigs-n-blankets? Not too shabby. And, it just happens to be located within stones throw of my office building. Who's in?

5 Ninth
5 Ninth Ave., nr. Gansevoort St.

Deal's good on: Sun-Thurs, 5-9pm

http://www.5ninth.com/5NinthInfo1.Html

Kiss the Cook 2

Scroll down below the Pam Real Thai post for Kiss the Cook 1!

Simple Sangria
Recipe courtesy of Kiira Leess

2 bottles of inexpensive, fruity red wine (i.e. Merlot, Burgandy, etc.)
½ cup Triple Sec (or Cointreau)
1 orange, sliced in rounds
1 lemon, sliced in rounds
2 Granny Smith apples, thinly sliced
¼ cup sugar

In a large pitcher, add the orange and lemon slices and sugar. Using a wooden spoon, mash the oranges and lemons with the sugar, releasing the juices from the fruit and allowing the sugar to dissolve. Add the Triple Sec and stir. Add in apple slices and top with the red wine. Gently stir. Allow the Sangria to rest in the refrigerator for at least two hours (or up to 12) before serving. Serve on ice, scooping some of the fruit out into each glass.

*As much or as little of any kind of fruit may be added to this sangria and it can also be made with white wine. Have at it!

Steak Sandwiches with Arugula Mayo and Smothered Onions
Recipe courtesy of Kiira Leess

1-1/2 lbs. London Broil, sliced against the grain, as thin as possible
1 white onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves of garlic
¼ lb. Monterey Jack Cheese (or America, Swiss, etc.)
1 box of baby arugula
6 soft hoagie rolls
arugula mayo (recipe follows)

Before slicing the steak, place it in the freezer for a half hour or so. This allows you to cut the meat extra thin, without it tearing on you.

Slice the steak as thin as possible against the grain. Season with salt and pepper and set aside. Add some olive oil to a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are slightly translucent and light brown around the edges. Remove from pan and set aside. Add the steak to the pan in batches, cooking only for about 30 seconds per side. Grate in garlic to the pan as the steak cooks for added flavor. When all of the steak has been cooked off, return all of it to the pan and turn the heat off. Immediately cover the steak with the sliced cheese and put the lid on top, allowing the cheese to gently melt. Serve on hoagie rolls with arugula mayo, arugula, and smothered onions.


Arugula Mayo
Recipe courtesy of Kiira Leess

3-4 Tbs. mayonnaise
½ cup finely chopped arugula
1 garlic clove, grated
Juice of half a lime (or lemon)
Salt and Pepper to taste

In a small bowl, combine all ingredients. Cover and chill till ready to use.


“Patatas Bravas”
Recipe courtesy of Kiira Leess

2 cups of leftover mashed potatoes
1 egg
3 green onions, finely chopped
1 Tbs. butter
1 Tbs. olive oil
Salt and Pepper
A few sprigs of cilantro
chipotle aioli (recipe follows)

In a medium-sized bowl, combine all of the ingredients. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and olive oil together. Spoon teaspoon-sized scoops of the potato batter into the pan and allow to cook for two minutes on each side (or until a deep, golden brown). Transfer to a warm plate and top with a small dollop of the chipotle aioli and finish with a cilantro leaf.

Chipotle Aioli
Recipe courtesy of Kiira Leess

3 Tbs. mayonnaise
2-1/2 tsp. chipotle in adobo sauce (or to taste)
1 lime, zested and juiced
Salt and Pepper to Taste

In a small bowl, combine all ingredients. Cover and chill till ready to use.

Maple Balsamic Dressing
Recipe courtesy of Tyler Florence

1 small shallot, finely diced
1 tsp. Dijon Mustard
2 tsp. balsamic vinegar
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp. maple syrup
Salt and pepper to taste
Make the dressing by combining the chopped shallot, Dijon and balsamic vinegar in a large mixing bowl. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while you whisk to emulsify. Add the maple syrup and season, to taste, with salt and pepper.

pam real thai

As a Hell's Kitchen Resident (holla HK!), I quickly became familiar with a local Thai restaurant called Pam Real Thai. Ninth Ave between 40th and 55th Streets is literally Little Thai-land. In fact, Pam Real Thai was the first meal I ate as an official NYC resident so I suppose it carries some sentiment in that regard as well. But, hold up for one second?

OMFG.

This place is insane. And crazy authentic (Disclaimer: While I have not yet had the pleasure of traveling to Southeast Asia, I have read on numerous other reviews of this restaurant, Thai people hailing Pam's authenticity. Saying it's not Americanized Thai Pam's serving up. It's Thai Thai.).

Don't come to Pam Real Thai for the ambiance. Unless of course, you're like me, and find something about the no frills joint to be funnily charming and cozy. But for God's sake, come here for the food. It's cheap, too! With most dishes coming in at the $10 and under mark. (Note: cash only)

Thai food is known for its balance of the the "five fundamental flavors": spicy, sour, sweet, salty, and bitter. And as I've said before, any dish that can successfully marry all five of these flavor notes at once will be something special; lively; memorable. It's the reason why I can't go more than two weeks without satisfying my Pam craving. Dangerous, I know.

To start things off, I highly recommend selecting a few appetizers for the table to share. Some highlights include the steamed chive dumplings, the steamed thai dumplings, and pork larb (hot, hot, hot!). While I've yet to try the green papaya salad (I know, how dare I?!), I've heard all good things on that front.

The cheap wine is fine and they're heavy handed pourers but go for a Singha. It'll feel more like you've actually been swept away to Thailand for the night and there's something about the cold, crisp, bubbly brew that goes perfectly with anything on their seriously extensive menu. It cuts through the creamy curries and balances out the sweet dipping sauces.

As far as the mains are concerned, I end up ordering the same dish every time I go. Without fail. I swear, I humor myself sometimes by reading into the menu to see if there's something else that sparks my interest. And while there's tons more that does, I love my red pumpkin curry with shrimp way, way, way too much to not order it. I'm not going to get into it. Just order it. TRY it.

Also tasty is the Pad See Eil: stir fried long flat noodles, with chinese broccoli, meat of your choice, and a sweet soy sauce. Soft, crunchy, sweet, and slightly indulgent. What I would do for chinese broccoli to be available in the regular grocery store! (Reminder to myself: must ask produce guy about this...)

Pam Real Thai's also known for their whole fish entrees served up in a number of different ways with different sauces and accouterments. Again, I still need to try one of these guys! Damn you, coconut curry.

It's just one more reason amongst many to go back. So who's coming with??

Pam Real Thai
404 W. 49th St., nr. 9th Ave.
New York, NY, 10019

Kiss the Cook 1

White Bean Crostini

2 cans of cannolini beans (drained and rinsed)

2 garlic cloves, grated

2 sprigs of rosemary, finely chopped

1 to 1-1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes (or to taste)

1 lemon, zested (+ the juice of half)

3 Tbsp. olive oil

balsamic vinegar to drizzle

salt and pepper to taste

1 french baguette, sliced into rounds, brushed lightly with olive oil and toasted in oven (350 for about 5 minutes)

In a medium-sized bowl, combine all of the ingredients except for the balsamic. Using the back of a spoon, lightly mash the beans while keeping the majority of them whole. Season with salt and pepper and test for seasoning. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of white bean mixutre onto the toasts and finish with a tiny drizzle/drop of balsamic vinegar.