3 July 2014 Down to the Bone Lives Again

Down to the Bone Lives Again

July 3, 2014 By

Wild Bills and DecorWhen Jeff Feldstein opted not to renew his Down to the Bone (DTTB) lease in Stanhope, I was crushed. I’d been a huge fan of what Jeff was doing (see previous post) on Lake Lackawanna and was devastated to see the only solid barbecue restaurant in our neck of the woods close down. Would I miss the some of the riffraff that frequented and worked at the popular restaurant? No. Would I miss good barbecue and Jeff’s enthusiasm for guest service? Absolutely.

A few weeks ago, what do I see being added to The Clubhouse Gold Center sign? A DTTB sign!!! Jeff’s back and even closer to my home (dangerous). He’s got a top notch crew and a prime location on Route 10 in Randolph.

Pulled Pork

Pulled Pork

I caught up with Jeff when I visited for lunch over the weekend and learned he has a new cook who puts a new spin on DTTB’s menu offering with southeast barbecue flavors. We ordered two lunch sandwiches, the Pulled Pork PULL-WICH ($10) and the Jersey Burger ($9). To say the portions are generous would be an understatement. The pulled pork is lightly drizzled with DTTB’s Sweet Heat barbecue sauce then topped with a hefty portion of sweet and tangy coleslaw. The sandwich is served on a perfectly-soft Hawaiian roll with handmade seasoned chips. When I asked Jeff if the chips were housemade, he told me “why buy when you can make them in-house way better?” – I agree completely. The burger was also sizeable and since it was the Jersey version, the lean ground beef was topped with Taylor ham and served on a pretzel roll. The burger is juicy and flavorful, a winner.

On our next lunch visit, we’ll be sampling the Morning After Burger topped with a sunny side up egg, bacon and potatoes. At Jeff’s recommendation, we’ll also try the brisket sandwich.

Jersey Burger

Jersey Burger

While DTTB is a BYO and guests are welcomed to bring beer or wine, I was introduced to the Wild Bill’s Ole Fashioned Soda Pop line of handcrafted sodas while ordering. I opted for the Sarsaparilla flavor and it was outstanding.

I’m looking forward to stopping in for dinner soon to get reacquainted with DTTB’s outstanding ribs and barbecue chicken…and yes, the Italian specialties Jeff tells me I must try. I might actually have DTTB deliver to my home as it now offers delivery service.

DTTB offers catering services also, so if you planned a 4th of July party and need grub, give Jeff a ring.

If you’re in northern New Jersey, make a point to visit Jeff and the team at DTTB.

Down to the Bone – 1594 Route 10, Randolph, NJ. 973-252-4BBQ.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
25 June 2014 A Chef, a Blogger and a Photographer Walk Into Atera…

A Chef, a Blogger and a Photographer Walk Into Atera…

June 25, 2014 By
Dining Room

Dining Room Photo credit: Eat with Dan

A few weeks back, I dined (experienced) Atera with fellow foodies – a classically-trained chef and a food photographer. I say ‘experience’ as it was just that, from booking a reservation a month in advance to being warmly-greeted in the small foyer, to being led to the dining room, to being seated at the chef’s counter to the ordering and the food itself – wow, just wow.

Atera, located in the Tribeca neighborhood of Manhattan, is the brainchild of Chef Matthew Lightner and his team. Nebraska-born Lightner is a Western Culinary Institute-graduate who staged at Noma in Copenhagen and reshaped the fine dining scene in Portland, Oregon.

Toasted Grain Broth

Toasted Grain Broth Photo credit: Eat with Dan

The wine program is attentive with a great selection of half bottles that lend themselves perfectly to a tasting menu. We opted for the 2011 Chablis, Domaine William Fèvre, Vaillons, 1er Cru, a beautiful young wine with great minerality, light fruit and fresh citrus notes. My party agreed that with the imaginative food being served that wine took a significant backseat – something I have not experienced often during a luxurious meal.

The chef’s tasting menu features 20+ perfectly-executed bites that leave diners surprised, in awe and smiling. The care in preparation, execution and service is simply stellar and warrants the $195 price tag associated with the tasting. The open kitchen, nearly steps away from our seats, provided a glimpse into the level of details and meticulousness that goes into each dish. The kitchen team encompassed many players perfectly in-sync with each other reminiscing of a well-choreographed staged production.

Hushpuppy. Photo credit: Eat with Dan

Hushpuppy.
Photo credit: Eat with Dan

For the sake of keeping my recap less superfluous that it would be if each masterly-crafted bite was individually-detailed, I will share some highlights.

Toasted Grain Broth with guanciale and winter greens – this was the amuse-bouche and the earthy, deeply-flavored broth set the tone for the rest of the meal.

Hushpuppy with smoked yolk and pickled corn – innocent in appearance but once bitten into, the smoked yolk is mind-altering. Perhaps the bite of the evening.

Lobster Roll on meringues – getting this clever take on the New England favorite was like being handed cotton candy as a 5-year old. Made us smile in delight.

Pig’s Blood Flatbread with marrow and vinegar – crunchy, velvety and rich with a touch of acidity – sinfully delicious. Perhaps the bite of the evening – yes, I have said this already.

Lobster Rolls Photo credit: Eat with Dan

Lobster Rolls
Photo credit: Eat with Dan

Sorbet of lime, grapefruit, blood orange and mandarin – perfect transition from savory to sweet and simply stunning on the plate.

One might think that with a meal of this caliber, bread would not be a focus, but it was. Various breads and butters were served throughout the meal that reinforced the attention to detail Atera provides.

Our group had many close-your-eyes-and-emit-a-small-moan moments during the dinner. The chef in our party gave us an insider’s view into the possible techniques used to prepare each dish which made our meal even more enjoyable.

Sorbets Photo credit: Eat with Dan

Sorbets
Photo credit: Eat with Dan

The three of us have been to many outstanding restaurants and have enjoyed countless spectacular meals but Atera holds a special place at the very apex of the list. Chef Lightner and his team deserve all the accolades they are garnering since the opening of Atera. We cannot wait to see what comes next for this talented visionary in the future.

Atera – 77 Worth Street, New York, NY 10013. 212-226-1444.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
13 June 2014 Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque Comes to New Jersey

Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque Comes to New Jersey

June 13, 2014 By

Mighty QuinnsBy the time I visited Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque in Clifton a few weeks ago, it seemed like everyone in north New Jersey had been talking about the recent opening of the place. The popular New York barbecue restaurant makes its New Jersey home in the space occupied until recently by Corner Bakery in the hectic shopping center – Promenade Shops at Clifton.

The expansive, slightly industrial in style restaurant offers customers a view of the lively chopping/serving area as they order and pick up their food, cafeteria-style. The attractive restaurant is a significant departure from the humble food cart that housed the original Mighty Quinn’s that I enjoyed at Brooklyn’s Smorgasburg.

Brisket

Brisket

As diners make their way through the food line, the first ‘station’ they encounter is the meat station with its mouthwatering selections – pulled pork, brisket, smoked sausage, spare ribs, burnt ends, half chicken and Brontosaurus rib. All meats are available in a small or large portion. Our group opted for small portions so we could order a variety of meats to share. We selected burnt ends (crispy, charred brisket ends), brisket, pulled pork, sausage and Brontosaurus rib. The agreement at our table was that the brisket, slow-cooked for 18-24 hours, was some of the best we’ve had with tender, dreamily fatty, fall-apart meat. The pork was moist and savory/sweet with just a bit of sauce coating it. The sausage was our least favorite with a beyond “snappy” casing that we’ll pass on during future visits. As the name implies, the Brontosaurus rib was simply outrageous with a short rib bone measuring roughly 12 inches and scrumptious meat that could easily feed a family of four. The brisket, sausage, burnt ends and pulled pork can be ordered as a sandwich or “naked”.

Second in the food line is the courtesy pickled add-ons station – red onion, celery, cucumber and chiles. Next is the sides station – vinegar-based or mayonnaise-based coleslaw, barbecued beans with burnt ends, pommes frites, sweet potato casserole with maple and pecans, edamame and sweet pea salad and buttermilk broccoli salad with bacon. Both coleslaws are crisp and fresh, the pickled vegetables are well-seasoned and don’t overpower with strong vinegar. Perfect matches to the fatty meats. The beans are loaded, and I meant loaded, with burnt ends, a great side dish. Another favorite of our group was the sweet potato casserole with its perfect combination of sweet, salty and crunchy. Every small meat order comes with two sides.

Burnt Ends

Burnt Ends

On our visit, the deliciously-described desserts were replaced with craft beers. The craft beer selection is exceptional with various brews by Lagunitas, Founders and New Jersey’s own, River Horse. There are a few wine options but this is clearly not the drink of choice at Mighty Quinn’s.

While I understand from other diners that on certain nights, there’s a queue out the front door with an army of barbecue enthusiasts, on the Monday night we visited, the place was almost empty. It made waiting in line a couple times for seconds and a to-go order that much easier.

I’m looking forward to my next visit to try other dishes like the ribs which appeared tender and finger-licking good. New Jersey finally has solid barbecue option in an attractive space with easy access from Route 3.

Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque – 850 New Jersey 3, Clifton, NJ 07012.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
18 March 2014 Restaurant Latour’s New Chef – Jean Paul Lourdes

Restaurant Latour’s New Chef – Jean Paul Lourdes

March 18, 2014 By
Chef Jean Paul Lourdes

Chef Jean Paul Lourdes

Crystal Springs Resort’s Restaurant Latour has a new chef – Jean Paul Lourdes. Chef Lourdes has broad kitchen experience having cooked in some of the world’s finest kitchens. A New Zealand native, Lourdes was carefully recruited to create a menu featuring food that will complement the wines of Latour’s award-winning cellar.

Having worked at Pierre Gagnaire’s Michelin 3-star restaurant in Paris, Maison Pic in Paris, Joël Robuchon in Tokyo, Tetsuya in Sydney, several Shangri-La Hotels, Nihonryori-Ryugin in Tokyo and having done recipe development at Buddakan and Morimoto, Lourdes’ global experience changes the vibe at Restaurant Latour.

Chef Lourdes has created two tasting menus, a protein-focused “Grazing” and a vegetarian “Farmer’s Feast”, both available as five and seven course options, with or without wine pairings.

Chef Lourdes inspects every ingredient that is sourced daily and creates the day’s menu based on the freshest finds. 

Here is the March Restaurant Latour menu:

alliums / argan oil / barrel aged maple

borage / bonito / black garlic / celeriac

chanterelle / cinnamon / chrysanthemum

cultured cream / dandelion / duck

egyptian chamomile / emerald

earl grey tea / finger lime / fuchsia grapefruit / green-onion / horseradish honey comb / kinome / lavender

licorice / local milk / meyer lemon mushrooms / mexican tarragon

nasturtiums / olive / olive oil

organic hay / penny royal / pepper

pok pok vinegar / radish /root beer

rose apple / russian banana / salsify

succulents / sough dough / scallop

sea bream / salted butter / sheep’s milk

truffle / walnut / whey / yuzu

Restaurant Latour is located at 3 Wild Turkey Road in Hamburg, NJ.  For reservations, classes and more information call 973-827-5996 ext. 3 or visit http://crystalgolfresort.com

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Culinary Travel Tales, Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: , ,
12 February 2014 Eat Shop Kitchen & Bar

Eat Shop Kitchen & Bar

February 12, 2014 By

TapsThe headquarters for my company is in Minneapolis and when I visited last, I tweeted about my upcoming trip, of course. Within a few minutes of my tweet, a restaurant located in the Plymouth suburb tweeted me back to say that I should really come try its duck salad during my visit. I thought “yeah, right, like my co-workers will just drive me there for lunch” and I thanked the person tweeting for the recommendation.

Mushroom Soup

Mushroom Soup

On my second day at the office, the team went out to lunch and to my amazement, the place my colleagues picked was Eat Shop Kitchen & Bar, my Twitter pen pal from earlier in the week! What are the chances that in all of food-friendly Minneapolis, that we’d visit this place, in that suburban town. I tweeted my delight at this good fortune and made my way into one of the neatest restaurants I’ve been to in that foodie town. There were beer taps everywhere, the space was modern yet casual in style with an open kitchen and the menu creative and tempting.

I opted for a soup of the day, mushroom lemongrass, which was bright with lime and lemongrass flavors and generous with wild mushrooms. How could I pass up my earlier recommendation of duck salad? Well, I didn’t. Executive Chef Jeff Anderson’s huge salad was topped with duck confit, duck bacon and a poached egg that had me in foodie seventh heaven.

Duck Salad

Duck Salad

The only thing I was sorry about was having to go back to work without trying the amazing craft beers being poured at this popular restaurant. I’ll definitely be back for that and some of the neat events held at this fun restaurant.

Eat Shop

16605 County Road 24, Plymouth, MN 55447

(763) 270-5929

www.theeatshop.com‎

Filed Under: Culinary Travel Tales, Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,
30 January 2014 Barbuto for the Best Chicken, Ever

Barbuto for the Best Chicken, Ever

January 30, 2014 By
Italian Pancakes

Italian Pancakes

I’d been wanting to eat at Barbuto for a long time and somehow had never made it until last weekend. Barbuto is acclaimed Chef Jonathan Waxman’s restaurant in the West Village. The popular place opened in 2004 and when my party and me visited for lunch, it was abuzz with a mix of young and eclectic and seasoned dining veterans. The place is framed with garage doors that open onto Washington Street during warmer months.

Frittata

Frittata

While I knew I was going to order Chef Waxman’s lauded roast chicken, I perused the interesting brunch menu nonetheless. The food is comforting yet elegant and there are several dishes I’ll be ordering on future visits. My party opted to start its meal with the Bruschetta with a flavorful olive tapenade. The bread is rustic Italian and a combination of crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside. A nice way to kick off our lunch.

One of my guests selected a brunch item, the Frittata with fresh mozzarella and roasted cherry tomatoes. The thing was melty and beautiful with big cheese and tomato flavors. My second guest ordered the Crespella, Italian pancakes served with winter citrus and honey. Now on to the piece de resistance – the JW Chicken with Salsa Verde. We’re talking about a half chicken in pieces with the most incredible crispy skin, moist meat and served topped with a tangy salsa verde that the chicken bathes in. To say this is the best chicken I’ve had at a restaurant, and perhaps ever, would be an understatement. It’s the ultimate comforting dish and has me changing my mind about not ordinarily ordering chicken at restaurants.

Bruschetta

Bruschetta

The wine list encompasses some interesting options and some solid favorites. I sampled some of the wines by the glass, a 2012 Les Vignobles Gueissard Bandol Rosé and. 2012 Nebbiolo Langhe de Forville that were both solid pours.

For a delicious meal at a fun and handsome restaurant, pay Barbuto a visit – you won’t be disappointed.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
26 January 2014 Sunday Brunch at Millie’s Old World Meatballs & Pizza

Sunday Brunch at Millie’s Old World Meatballs & Pizza

January 26, 2014 By
French Toast

French Toast

Last Sunday, I took some out of town friends for lunch (became dinner also) at Millie’s Old World Meatballs & Pizza. If you read my blog regularly and are connected with me on Facebook and Twitter, you know I’m a huge fan of Millie’s and what Chef Peter Martinez is doing there (read previous post here).

Breakfast Pizza

Breakfast Pizza

I’ve spent some time in the past with Millie’s co-owner, Vince Carrabba, and he’s a smart guy who clearly saw an opportunity to serve up brunch to folks with limited options in the Morristown area. The brunch menu offers breakfast-style pizzas paired with French toast made with thick-cut Italian bread. There are three brunch combination options that feed one or two guests. Millie’s is a BYOB and will pour OJ by the glass or pitcher for folks who bring their own bubbly (or not).

We sampled the wood-fired pizza with house-made Mozzarella, Parmigiano Reggiano, home fries and eggs and the French toast. The breakfast pizza topped with scrambled eggs might appear a bit odd at first, but it makes perfect sense as the crust serves as the “toast” and the homefries under the eggs are a perfect match. The French toast are on crusty, hearty bread and served with syrup – a sweet contrast to the savory pizza.

Sausage Pizza

Sausage Pizza

While the breakfast items were delectable, we couldn’t pass up standard menu items like the fresh Mozzarella with Prosciutto, meatballs in Vodka sauce and a couple pizzas – the coal-fired Sweet Sausage Pizza and the wood-fired Fresh Basil Pie. The sausage pizza was topped with sausage, sweet peppers, tomatoes sautéed in garlic, homemade Mozzarella and basil leaves. The crust from the coal oven is crispy and beautifully-charred and the toppings work in perfect harmony. The white pizza with garlic-infused olive oil and fresh Mozzarella has basil leaves that get crispy from the 90-second visit in the wood oven – a sure winner.

The Sunday brunch is served from 11.30AM until 3PM and the a la carte menu is also available during that time. Grab some friends, family and a bottle of Prosecco and make your way to Millie’s for a fun and delicious Sunday brunch.

60 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960. 973-267-9616.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
24 January 2014 Recap – Escape Best of the Jersey Seashore Charity Dinner

Recap – Escape Best of the Jersey Seashore Charity Dinner

January 24, 2014 By
Scallops

Scallops

Every month, Escape in Montclair hosts charity wine dinners to benefit cancer research in New Jersey. The January charity wine dinner was last week and featured amazing food Escape Chef Bryan Gregg and acclaimed Chef Anthony Bucco of The Ryland Inn. This month’s event benefited the Carol G Simon Cancer Center of Morristown and 50% of the evening’s proceeds were donated. The co-hosted showcased the Best of the Jersey Seashore. Here’s the menu and wines that were served:

Amuse-Bouche

Jersey Oyster Crème, Pine Needles, Horseradish – Chef Gregg

1st Course

Fluke Crudo, Roots, Mustard– Chef Bucco

Cava Compliments of The Ryland Inn

2nd Course

Scallop, Smoked Pear, Chestnut, Acorn Squash – Chef Gregg

2012 Wilde Farm Wines Pinot Noir Donnelly Creek Vineyard

Oyster

Oyster

3rd Course

Skate Wing Roulade, Almonds, Greens – Chef Bucco

2012 Wilde Farm Wines Chardonnay Brosseau Vineyard Chalone

4th Course

Tuna, Quail Egg, Curly Mustard, Mushroom Dashi – Chef Gregg

2012 Wilde Farm Wines Heritage Bedrock Vineyard

5th Course

”Apple & Spices” – Chef Bucco

Tokaji Compliments of The Ryland Inn

Skate

Skate

The next event was announced already and will take place at Escape on 2/26 at 7pm and will be co-hosted by one of my favorite New Jersey chefs, Thomas Ciszak of Chakra in Paramus. The February event will again raise money for the Carol G Simon Cancer Center of Morristown and I’m looking forward to sampling with these two chefs have in store for us. Seating is limited and a table can be reserved by calling Escape at 973-744-0712.

Cheers,

Filed Under: Food & Wine Events, Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
5 January 2014 Butcher & the Boar – Minneapolis

Butcher & the Boar – Minneapolis

January 5, 2014 By
Green Chorizo

Green Chorizo

One great perk of being a frequent traveler is having the opportunity to dine at amazing restaurants. While making the trek to Minneapolis to my company’s headquarters in the winter isn’t exactly optimal, it recently allowed me to discover one of my favorite restaurants of 2013 – Butcher & the Boar.

Co-owner and Chef Jack Riebel earned himself a semi-finalist nod in the 2013 James Beard Award “Best New Restaurants” category and after visiting, I can see why. The space is a mix of chic and barn and features a bustling open kitchen emitting intoxicating grilled meat aromas.

 

Duck Breat

Duck Breat

The menu is meat-filled and makes it difficult for one to decide what to select. The food is described as “Seasonal, Regional, American” and is showcased on the menu in straight-forward categories like “Sausages”, “Meats”, “Waters”, “Snacks, etc. My guest and I knew by watching the grilling station cook flipping sausages that we’d need to try a sausage dish. We shared the Green Chorizo ($12.00) as a starter. The ultra-moist sausage is served with roasted pumpkin, black bean mole, cumin crème fraiche and Cotija cheese. The dish was a clear winner that brought a smile to my face as I enjoyed it with a Surly Furious IPA from nearby Brooklyn Center, MN (check out the stellar craft beer list).

Berkshire Pork Chop

Berkshire Pork Chop

Realizing I wasn’t done with sausage, I opted for the Duck Breast ($38.00) for my entrée. The perfectly-cooked duck is paired with a duck and foie gras sausage, celery and apple butter – simply divine. My guest selected the Double Cut Berkshire Pork Chop ($33.00) which was easily enough for two diners and served with cranberry relish and a pecan gremolata. The pork, while thick and stuffed which can often time be tricky to cook, managed to be a gorgeous pale pink in the center with deep pork flavor.

We didn’t save room for dessert, but on my next visit, I’ll be splurging on a Whiskey & Coke Float with Jim Bean caramel ice cream, Mexican Coca Cola and an oatmeal tuile.

My trips and perhaps the city of Minneapolis won’t be the same after a visit to Butcher & the Boar. The place has made my top five list of best meals in 2013.

1121 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403. 612.238.8888.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Culinary Travel Tales, Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
3 January 2014 The Le Tub Saloon – Hollywood, Florida

The Le Tub Saloon – Hollywood, Florida

January 3, 2014 By

 

Le Tub Tables on the Intracoastal

Le Tub Tables on the Intracoastal

Le Tub has been a Hollywood Beach institution for over 35 years and I’d almost forgotten about it until a fellow food blogger, Nathan of Educated Foodie, reminded me of the casual icon.

I moved to South Florida when I was a young teen and Hollywood Beach was where I hung out. Le Tub was well known to all and offered a great, inexpensive meal in a casual setting right on the intracoastal waterway. Not much has changed since I last visited Le Tub about 20 years ago and I loved that about the place.

My Girlfriends at Le Tub

My Girlfriends at Le Tub

The place is tucked away on A1A with no sign to make it easy for tourists to find it. There’s lush foliage making the front entryway even more difficult to locate. Once patrons arrive, they’re met with a maze of nooks and crannies with outdoor tables and seating areas. It’s sort of a mess in the best possible way. The décor is comprised of bric-a-brac and various items found on the ocean shore that came in from the sea.

What I always enjoyed at Le Tub was the juicy burger that became famous when GQ named it the best burger in the nation in 2006. When I visited a few weeks ago, it was still incredible…plainly served with American cheese, tomato, onion and lettuce on a poppy seed bun. The 13-ounce Sirloin Burger ($11.50 with cheese) is charcoaled to perfection and is juicy and beefy. Simple, satisfying and memorable.

 

Let Tub Sirloin Burger

Let Tub Sirloin Burger

The menu is somewhat limited but the Seafood Salad (small $10 and large $17) and the Greek Salad ($11) are solid options. The small seafood salad is a sizeable portion of fresh seafood coated in herb dressing and served on a bed of lettuce. The Greek salad is enough for two guests and features the typical Feta, tomatoes and olives but also green peppers and anchovies and served with a squeeze bottle of dressing that we squirted on everything – delicious.

Le Tub is the perfect unclassy joint where slightly questionable waitresses are friendly enough and where everyone feels right at home. I’ll never let this much time go by before visiting again.

1100 N Ocean Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33019
(954) 921-9425

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Culinary Travel Tales, Restaurant Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »