Pot Pies

Well, this week, being that I was home sick , gave me an excuse to cook. So, Tuesday evening, my homemade deep dish chicken pot pie. I posted my recipe on my facebook page & got numerous comments. Then, coincidentally, the Food Network did a similar recipe the very next day, but instead of my putt pastry crust, he (GUY) used an herb crust Then, last night, since I was still home sick, I made four cheese mac & cheese, turned up a few notches with a dash of cayenne, nutmeg & using huge over sized rigatoni. I served it with my chicken milanese with a tri color salad on top with sliced cherry tomatoes & red onion.

Today, as I am still home, bored , I cleaned out my freezer and found some fish stock & some frozen lobster meat, so Lobster pot pie- I was inspired by Michael Mina!

Tonight, Ina Garten (Barefoot Contessa) also made hers! How funny! Interestingly, she also uses frozen peas & frozen pearl onions but no carrots & she added fennel.

Tis the season for comfort foods!!!

Dining in Atlantic City- The Borgata

The Borgata in Atlantic City is a great hotel with both the original Borgata & the Newer Water Club.

It has many great dining choices. There is the Old Homestead- the second of this venue- the first is over 100 years old in Soho. A huge "scene" at the bar, but good steaks.

There is also Wolfgang Puck - also very good (he happens to be one of my favorite chefs) Fornelletto- good Italian food but extremely noisy and usually quite crowded , Bobby Flay who used to be on of my favorites but after meeting him after years of following him on the Food Network, and all his shows, I finally met him at the Wine & Food Show in South Beach last year & he was the LEAST friendly chef there. But, I do still like his restaurant at the Borgata, while I am not a huge fan of his NYC places. Then, there is Seablue- a Michael Mina dining experience.

Wonderful. He has many other places, as you will see in my older posts, and this place is consistently excellent.

Do try & go there if you are ever in AC. as it is well worth the trip! SO fabulous. The lobster pot pie is huge and just sensational and although try t make it a rule never to order the same thing each time I go to a place I love, I couldn't help myself- the dover sole coated in phyllo flakes that resemble panko bread crumbs, garnished served with leaves of brussel sprouts and topped with crabmeat atop a potato puree. OMG!

4 Nights of Fine Dining

This is a busy time of year so I have not had a chance to talk about the last 4 nights of dining out.

Wednesday night- Mio Posto- already on my blog & still y choice for outstanding for Family style Italian cuisine on long island. Wednesday we has a stuffed artichoke- excellent, zuppa de' clams over linguine and then the Veal Eggplant- tender medallions of veal topped with proscuitto and mozzarella melted to perfection served with burnt broccoli & garlic- YUM!!!!!

Thursday= Sugo- a great urban bistro in Long Beach where the menu changes constantly & very creatively I had two of their nighty specials- (I always prefer the specials) The appetizer were three plump lightly fried oysters topped with caviar & served in large oyster shells on to of baby arugula- outstanding!.

Next, the short ribs over roasted butternut squash- incredible Low & slow, fork tender huge colossal Flintstone size rib served over a large roasted buttery piece of butternut & acorn squash . Just mouth watering!! Sugo also offers , in addition to their nightly specials, a prix fixe Mon- Thursday- a great deal!!!

Friday- Bella Note in Bellmore- a local favorite- great chops, sauteed and grilled fish, and pasta dishes, all served in a a warm friendly atmosphere.

Saturday- Uncle Jack's Steakhouse in Manhattan, They have 3 locations- one ins Queens, one on the upper east side & the one I love the best, on 9th Ave between 34 & 35th st.

A beautiful steakhouse- magnificently decorated for the holidays, with two levels and the most fabulous dry aged steaks & chops, seafood & seafood towers, wagu kobe steaks, and delicious and large sides that serve 2-3 people, and a fantastic wine list. I recently sent some people here & they just loved it!!! They were lucky enough to dine in one of the drawing rooms upstairs! Downstairs, in additon to the large bar & bistro high tops for non reservations the dining room is large & lovely and there is a private presidential suite/room as well for a large party.

The Oysters (both raw & rockafeller with a twist- goat cheese instead of traditional bechamel) were outstanding as well as the caesar salad served n a chilled plate, which I love and think should be a MUST for all restaurants, and then, the porterhouse, cooked perfectly and the sides which were all wonderful- a loaded baked potato, creamed spinach and sauteed broccoli

(The mud pie for dessert wasn't bad either!)

Good Eating for the Holidays!

Well, lots of traveling this time of year so lots of new places to report:

In Atlantic City, at the fabulous Borgata, Seablue- Michael Mina, one of my favorites all over the country but really spectacular!!! After eating at one of his places in Vegas a short month ago, I just had to go back to his place in AC. WOW!! so worth it & please do see my post from November. Michael Mina is an amazing Chef and restauranteur!

Going back there for XMAS! Can't wait!

Next- Florida- Many great places but a few of my favorites:

At the Hard Rock in Hollywood, is Council Oak. A true Steak house with aged steaks, a butcher shop behind a huge glass window to view what you select & you can watch them before it goes to the kitchen, from the bone in cowboy ribeye to the porterhouse to the incredible filet mignon and huge veal chops to phenomenal salads, sides, and a great wine list.

In Mizner park, Truluck's a seafood crab & steak house with a cool hot Miami like vibe, hoping bar and great food. The chocolate bag- an eye-popping dessert with a large chocolate bag filled with fresh whipped cream, berries and a light moist angel food like yellow cake- just decadent!

On Atlantic Ave. in Delray Beach the Atlantic Grill inside the SEAGATE Hotel- a beautiful restaurant with a large open kitchen and grill, banquets and tables, a hot crowd of both "Floridians and Tourists", a large trendy bar and a great menu of fresh fish, including sushi grade tuna, branzino, dover sole, swordfish, trout and more! The sides were fabulous and the desserts- amazing!

In Ft.Lauderdale- Casa d'Angelo- a lovely romantic and very beautiful restaurant with authentic Italian cuisine with a TUSCAN feel- all pastas are made on the premises and one of the best veal chops ever!!!

Post Thanksgiving- The Hamptons & Beyond

Well, while out in the Hampton's for a few days during the holiday , and after eating a few (ore than a few) leftovers the day after, that next evening, we dined at Pierre's= one f my favorites iin Bridgehampton.

The owner, Pierre, is always at the front door to greet his patrons.

A warm french bistro, with great ambiance, a lively bar and wonderful food such as authentic escargot, foie gras, seared duck breast, coq au vin, braised lamb shank with root vegetables, , boulliabaisse, dover sole, and the like.

He recently opened his own bakery directly next door, after years of having some of the best desserts and baked goods ever and people always wanting to take them home! Great idea!

The next day a drive over to Sag Harbor for a fabulous breakfast at a local place in town with homemade baked goods, wonderful french toast and 7 types of pancakes, and then the ferry over to Shelter Island for a lite lunch, and then on to the Ferry to Orient Point for the last leg of our trip to MGM at Foxwoods. Dinner was at one of my most favorite places for steak- Craftsteak, owned by damed chef Tom Colicchio, known for his grass and corn fed melt in your mouth huge steaks, including Wagyu beef, porterhouse, filet mignon, hanger steak, ribeye, rack of lamb, and more.

The sides are always seasonal- sweet roasted corn, brussel sprouts, fingerling sweet potatoes , a fabulous cauliflower gratin, yukon gold puree huge texas style onion rings, fresh asparagus, mac & cheese, sauteed or creamed spinach and an assortment of wood mushrooms, that are fantastic! Actually, they offer seven , yes (7) types of potatoes, four types of mushrooms and so much more.

The also happen to have one of the best roast chickens ever!!! Occasionally, they offer (during the week) the entire chicken for two, served with amazing seasonal vegetables, all in a sizzling copper pan. Just great.

Next day, lunch at Cedars in Foxwoods- a great casual place for lunch with a huge menu and then a great dining room open for dinner, also with American Classic cuisine, huge aged steaks & fresh seafood.

David Burke also has a resturaant calledPrime with meats literally handpicked at a farm house in Kentucky, dry aged on premises in a salt tiled room. If you have never had one of these, I strongly suggest you do- his restaurant in NYC has one and they are well worth the price! Incredible! (plus, his cheesecake lollypops for dessert are to die for!) OMG!

Al Dente and Altastrada are the Italian places at MGM & Foxwoods, respectively, wonderful pasta and veal dishes classic Southern and Tuscan cuisine and both excellent.

Are you full yet?? Always room for a slice of JUNIOR's famous cheesecake- either at their kiosk or their restaurant at MGM- OMG! Six types of cheesecake, but the devils food cake with huge layers of cheesecake in between is beyond words!!!

Thanksgiving

One of my most favorite holidays- the smells, tastes & aromas!! The Best!

Turkey w/ Ciabatta bread stuffing with wild mushrooms,vidalia onions, sausage & toasted sage

Corn Pudding

Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Puree in Puff Pastry w/ Glazed Pecans

Cauliflower Gratin

Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Crispy Shallots

Cranberry Compote

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

YUM!!!!!

Trattoria L'incontra

Well, just when I thought I have been to and tried every wonderful Italian restaurant in the tri state area, another one falls into my lap.

A good friend suggested for her birthday that we try a place one of her friends frequent in Astoria, Queens. Trattoria L'incontra. located on 31 st in Astoria.

The decor is quite contemporary- high ceilings cobblestone tile floors, huge hand painted murals of scenes from Italy adorn the walls, a large brick oven for their "Le Pizze", their 11 Individual Pizzas, fireplace and two large rooms in the main dining room and a lounge area with a wine bar directly across the street for overflow & those without reservation. **YOU MUST have one!

Vincent ("cousin Vinnie" as he is known to frequent diners, is the Maitre' D & a superb knowledgable director of this bustling very busy place.

He recites the more than 40, yes, 40 specials, so don't even bother reading their large menu, unless you feel you must, The specials are the way to go.

More than 12 appetizers, 12 pastas, and numerous entrees.

We left our decisions in his hands for the appetziers & pasta & seleceted our entrees.

It was all outstanding!! To start, in addition to 2 bottles of wonderful Brunello Wines, (that Vinnie recommended) we had the burrata with proscuitto (burrata is a combination of cows & sheeps milk mozzarella imported from Italy-melt in your mouth delicious .

Next, the carmelized fig and arugula salad- oh my!! And then, one of my all time favorites, stuffed zucchini blossoms- just spectacular!!

Next, the pasta.

He chose for us, the homemade tagalatelli with sun dried ZUCCHINI- yes, Imported from Italy and tossed with crumbled sweet sausage in a light tomato sauce- excellent. Next our entrees. Two of us had the veal chop special- a rib sauteed with wild mushrooms and served with sauteed escarole and julienne slices of potato- wonderful in a light but rich brown sauce.

The others were the DOver sole- served with the entire skeleton of the bone sitting on top of the fish with tiny fresh herbs adorning each spiney bone- fantastic! The other was also a special- the grouper stuffed with marscapone and spinach- and the freshest,greenest green beans lightly sauteed in garlic and oil. wow!!!!

Dessert was also wonderful and a must try, The tiramisu was baked to perfection and well as the Chestnut layered mousse cake.

This is a MUST go!!!!! A winner!!!!

Besito

Located in West Hartford, Conn, Huntington & Roslyn, NY Besito is trendy Mexican Kitchen and Agava Lounge with authentic cuisine.

I love this place.It is a wonderful place for both lunch & dinner.

The table side Guacamole is outstanding- you choose mild, medium or hot.

The home made tomato salsa that is given to you with the house chips complimentary is equally excellent- full of fresh chunks of roasted tomatoes fresh cilantro & spices.

The tortilla soup is among my favorites- a soup with fresh avocado, pulled chicken, queso, chopped cilantro and toasted pasilla chili is so good!

The empanadas, quesadillas and taquitos are all outstanding & delicious.

All the entrees are served with the house rice and frijoles negro (back been puree) Wonderful!

My favorite lunch salad is the Ensalada con Jaiba- a salad of fresh chopped assorted greens, 4 mini crispy crab cakes, roasted sweet corn and julienne slices of jicama in an avocado & green chili vinaigrette. SO great!

Dinners is excellent with several fresh fish selections, such as roasted wild salmon, red snapper in a vera cruz sauce with olives and capers, and an seared blue corn and crab crusted grouper, just to name a few, meats including braised shirt ribs, filet mignon, yucatan spiced chicken and so much more! The poblano peppers filled with wild mushrooms, baby spinach & goat cheese topped with pine nuts an salsa fabulous!! I almost always order that for dinner.

The desserts are worth the calories!! The homemade sponge cake soaked in three types of milk topped with fresh whipped cream & berries is a Not to be missed and the holiday pumpkin flan is out of this world!

Recipes

Well, Thanksgiving is approaching and so many of my friends, family & colleagues are being to call for ideas for the holidays.

I have many favorites for this time of year- of course, I LOVE a traditional Roast Turkey with all the trimmings, but I know my friends & family LOVE new ideas for the side dishes that accompany it, so Butternut Squash soup topped with Creme fraiche & fresh chives , roasted brussel sprouts with crispy shallots in balsamic syrup, corn pudding, cauliflower gratin, I do six different types of stuffings and potato dishes, and many more, so feel free to ask ila!!!

Michael Mina

Well, just when I thought I have eaten the best meal ever- another one comes around.

I was in Vegas last week at the Bellagio, but was unable to dine at Michael Mina's place as I already had all my dinner reservations booked and was so dissapointed after reading his menu & taking a peak at his restaurant in our hotel- just beautiful!!

So, this week, I went to his restaurant the Borgata Hotel in AC & it was just incredible!!

The place itself is called Seablue & aptly named. Contemporary seafood restaurant, surrounded by large glass windows of lovely serene fish swimming about in the glass enclosed tanks in areas all around the entire restaurant. The rest of the decor is quite magnificent, inviting and hip.

I was so tempted to have the lobster pot pie, but was a little embarrassed, as it was (is) HUGE!! I supposed, really meant for to to share- an enormous puff pastry top with the most delectabile

filling inside (from what ALL the people around me were saying) It just looked outstanding! Next time for sure!!!

His other signature dish" is his phyllo crusted Dover sole, which was beyond off the hook! But, less me disgress.

He offers a tasting menu , with or without a wine pairing and it includes his famous cookbook. quite lovely & very tempting, but my guest and I decided to do our "own thing" and after some very nice wine, we ordered our appetizers. The tuna tartare was the most sensational, melt in your mouth large portion, served with a small quail egg on top, pine nuts, diced japanese daikon radish and large warm toast points. Just amazing!

Next- the chef sent over a 'little treat" with his compliments- Hamachi- the thinest translucent piece of sushi I have ever eaten, topped with thin sliced of avocado, shaved hearts of palm, and thin slices of jalapeno in a light grapefruit viniagrette- it was beyond words.

My dover came, served with phyllo that has been dried, places in a food processor to make a dust and then encrusted onto the moist fish to give it just the perfect crunch, served on top of crab mashed potatoes, and sprinkled with delicious brussel spouts leaves. OMG.

My guest had the other 'special"that evening which was roast chicken- with half of the chicken pureed into a mousse and then filled and stuffed into the rest of the chicken, and sliced with crispy skin, served over polenta in a brown forester sauce with lots of mushrooms. It was beyond spectacular & delicious, to the point where we were making sounds!! The sides-

in describable but I will try.

The roasted carmelized brussel sprouts with a hint of rich balsamic glaze, raisins, capers and gooseberries. Phenomenal! The other- one of my favorites- Gigante beans, large white beans, simmered with broccoli rabe in spicy olive oil. Just wonderful.

The desserts were just mind blowing. We had the chocolate trio- A slice of opera cake topped with a quenelle of chocolate sorbet, 2 mini mini thin chocolate chip cookie wafers, a cu of chocolate pudding with whipped cream and a chocolate molten cake, that was rich dense and so damn good- what else can I say!!

Michael MIna- no wonder you have 16 Restaurants!! My next trip back to San Fran , I will make it my business to go to the Westin, in addition to all his other places in Detroit, Vegas, Miami, Scottsdale, Georgetown, (just to name a few) plus his Bourbon Bar Burgers in three locations.

OUTSTANDING!!!!!

Vegas

Sorry I have been away for a while- traveling.

Although they say "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas" in this case, not true/

I need to let you know how fabulous the restaurants are there!! We had 3 excellent meals (Joe's Stone Crabs in Caesars, Raos in MGM, Prime in the Bellagio- very very good) & one OUTSTANDING ONE! Beyond exceptional!

Aureole.

I have been to the restaurant in Manhattan.- Of Charlie Palmer fame. Excellent- top to top marks. However, I have to say our meal in Vegas at the spectacular Mandalay Bay Hotel was just incredible!

First, the decor is magnificent- rich woods, warm decor, large glass windows facing the swans swimming around in the pools,with amazing views from everywhere.

The wine list is on an I PAD, which I happen to love. I have seen this a few places recently- just a great idea and so much easier than navigating a huge leather bound book! The list is endless- white, reds, roses, champagne, all regions and fabulous. We ordered an outstanding cabernet from Sonoma. Wonderful, rich, warm ,velvety and worth every penny.

Next, they offer either a 5 course tasting with or without a wine pairing, or from the menu @ $85.pp which we decided to do and it included an appetizer and an entree ,with unlimited delicious sides , two of which were the best I have EVER tasted- ever!

( parmesan dusted french fries, fried just to a lightly golden brown,completely greaseless, and just perfect!! Next, the roasted sweet corn with fava beans and pancetta in a light cream sauce- most definitely the best and sweetest corn dish either of us ever ate!!!_ OMG! OMG!

The caesar salad came with the chilled crisp romaine leaves standing straight up wrapped in a giant parmesan crouton, served with white anchovies around the rim. The cosmopolitan of tuna tartar and thin slices of lobster with avocado had the most flavorful vinaigrette . Just sensational on every level.

The chef was kind enough to send over a few "tastings" prior to our dinner- an oyster topped with a dollop of caviar, a bit of a lobster spring roll, a mini grilled ham & cheese sandwich, among others, which were outstanding!

I was torn between the giant langostinos (giant prawns) served over the risotto with shaved white truffles , the duck breast or the fish . I chose the fish- a seared sea bass , which was so moist, pure white, with layers of flavors and just perfectly cooked. My husband had the veal loin- it didn't require a knife to cut it- it just melted in your mouth!

We were too full for dessert, but they sent over some truffles, which they also sell by the piece or the box, and the guests at the tables surrounding us had the most magnificent looking desserts! Multi color & flavor fruit sorbets, a molten chocolate cake that looked sinful and I could hear the ooos & aaahhs from their table!.

The staff - impeccable. Attentive, knowledgable and wonderful. Never did we move without our napkins being folded, our wine being re filled and poured after a few sips, beautiful silverware replaced after every course, and the entire experience was one of the best I have ever had!

I had the pleasure of meeting the chef and got a tour of the kitchen- WOW!! That is all I can say. Just the most memorable dining experience and I will return !!!!

Steak Houses

Ye, I have listed many of my favorite Steak places, but I would like to add two more:

Prime in Huntington, NY - beautiful water views with huge floor to ceiling windows, warm soft beige interiors with marble, 2 decks, dockside dining, and a fabulous menu of steaks, chops, seafood, sushi , great sides & desserts!! Spectcaular in the warmer months but a great place anytime, with a cool lounge - large flat screens,a fireplace for Football lovers and just a really wonderful place to dine.

Del Frisco- Double Eagle Steakhouse in Manhattan

I love this place. A cool NY City vibe, wonderful views of the street of New York, including Radio City and a multi-level steak restaurant on 6th Ave and 50th with wine cellars, private rooms, and an amazing staff of wine sommeliers, experienced young hip wait staff and one of the most incredible steaks I have ever had. The sides are also just as amazing with traditional cream spinach , loaded baked potatoes, jumbo sauteed mushrooms, and a cauliflower and brie gratin that was just mind bowing!

The Shrimp cocktail was perfect with three dipping sauces, not just cocktail sauce. Salads are wonderful and interesting as well. The wine list is enormous, but not difficult to navigate and lots of price points.

I highly recommend this place & suggest reservations on weekends as it is in a heavily tourist- traffic area, but elegant, sophisticated and well worth every penny & every bite!

Brunch in NYC- downtown

Bobby Flay, of the Food Network, recently did a Throw Down with this place down on Clinton St between E. Houston & Stanton) for their famous blueberry pancakes.

Delicious!! Yesterday, I have their Huevos rancheros- spectacular!! 2 Sunny side eggs ( & I don't even normally eat eggs!) with red beans, fabulous guacamole, jalapeno sour cream, salsa picante and topped with pepper jack cheese on top of a flour tortilla. Amazing! ( I added a side of chorizo sausage) from the wonderful list of side dishes to make it even better! So good.

The potato pancakes are also incredibly good- topped with lemon creme fraiche, smoked salmon chopped hard boiled eggs & dill.

Their brichoe frenc toast & their pancakes- al of them, are servd with warm maple butter and their baked goods- OMG!!

We were lucky as it was a weekday, so the line was minimal, but beware- the weekends are a good 1 & 1/2 -2 hour wait- but SO WORTH IT!!

The also serve lunch and dinner and Sunday brunch hours have been extended from 9AM to 4 PM.

Also, The Cupping Room on West Broadway off Broome in Soho- a must stop as well. Open 24 hours a day, their brunches are so fabulous with both regular and whole wheat pancakes & waffles and I must admit- their stuffed french toast, with cream cheese, granola, nuts & raisins rivals mine!!

Spadaro- New Rochelle

For those of you who follow me on a regular basis, you saw my post from JULY about Spadaro- a unique, one o a kind italian restaurant in New Rochelle.

I am sort of embarrassed to say that I have been there TWICE this week! The place is jut amazing!! NO menu- she just feeds you & feeds you feeds you!

Saturday night, we came with friends (A MUST for the amount of food!)

We began with her famous 14 dish antipasto- spicy beans, mussels n garlic & oil, proscuitto de parma, 2 kinds of salami, 3 hard cheeses, olives, broccoli rabe , sauteed string beans, buffalo mozzarella, parmesean reggiano and more! Its beyond the most amazing spread you have ever seen.

Then, the pasta. Buccatini with monk fish in a spicy red sauce & then, orrachetti (little ears) with octopus, cherry tomatoes and garlic. Fantastic! The, the main course- we chose the Swordfish- the moistest, most delicious piece of fresh fish with lemon, extra virgin olive oil and fresh herbs- melted in our mouths!

Then, a wonderful crisp cold salad of raddichio, fennel, arugula and romaine served with grilled baby lamb chops!! Then of course the homemade cheesecake- to die for.

My friends from Long Island have already made plans to go back & bring their families!

So, back last night with friends from New Jersey, who were have been raving about this place to them forever.

We opted instead last night to not do the entire 14 dish antipasto & just "pick & choose" a few items- a new spicy bean dish with pancetta, eggplant parmigiana (not breaded or fried -incredibly good, and plates of sliced smoked italian meats & cheese with the grilled garlic rubbed thick tuscan bread. Then after enjoying a wonderful bottle of wine, we had the homemade paparadella pasta (long ribbons of pasta) with hearty bolognese sauce and the most sensational tortelloni I have ever eaten- - LARGE fluffy pillows of homemade pasta stuffed with arugula, parmesan, and walnuts served in a creamy walnut gorgonzola sauce- OMG! Sheer heaven!

Next, the Whole Branzino, (my all time favorite fish) simply grilled, de boned and served with fresh lemon and garlic, and the Bisteca steak- a huge piece of grilled meat on the bone, tender and medium rare, served again with a wonderful fresh salad. Dessert- of course, we had to have the cheesecake- its a must, but also had the homemade tiramisu- an eye rolling experience for sure!!

This place is the BEST!!

Hotels & Wineries

San Francisco - I have stayed at the Mandarin Oriental- spectacular views, luxurious rooms- wonderful but in the financial district so a little off the beat & path but I would go back there anytime! A 4 star luxury Hotel with a "boutique" feel.

The Four Seasons, beautiful & in a GREAT location- large, full hotel amenities, great health club, etc. I also would return.

The Fairmont- I booked this for this trip as friends were joining us and had never been there or stayed there. This is the quintessential SF hotel- High up on the hill- where the 70's TV SHow "HOTEL" with James Brolin & Connie Selleca was filmed & mimicked.

Just old world charm,elegant, magnificent surroundings. My ONLY complaints about this beautiful spot was that they charge for internet service, and I found this to be a bit offensive when you are spending that kind of money for a hotel, and they charge you for headsets & water in the health club. The Four Seasons gives it complimentary, as do most.

This is not a Budget Motor Inn or Motel 6- so, that said, all else was wonderful. The rooms were lovely, large and very nice amenities.

The Clift- A very upscale, trendy, funky boutique hotel on Geary Street. Also a charge for internet, but a very fun place, with a lounge & bar with music all night- a fabulous bar menu for late night- unusual items and great & very creative speciality drinks. We spent our last night there after returning from Napa. They have a very lovely breakfast buffet- especially on Sundays.

Napa- A slice of Heaven.

I have stayed at the Villagio in Yountville, which is just one of the most magnificent places. There is also the Calistoga- luxurious, but way more money- I mean, pricey. However, this trip, every place I called was booked!! So, the Villagio was kind enough to recommend a place that would be "similar" in style, price, and surroundings. It was the Harvest Inn in St. Helena.

A beautiful 4 Diamond resort in the Heart of Napa Valley. The rooms are all furnished with large stone fireplaces- & they light them for you each evening when you return. Very romantic. There is a bottle of wine waiting for you as well. Complimentary.

2 Lovely pools- hot tubs, outdoor bars filled with chilled water bottles, fresh towels, a bar serving wine (of course- It's Napa!) and in the early evening, they host a wine & cheese reception, with tastings from local vineyards. Very nice. Large rooms- very nice amenities.

Just wonderful, relaxing, and a definite place to return to.

All the wineries are all along the way and it is almost directly across from V. Sattui- one of my favorite spots to stop- a large picnic area- gourmet deli, cheese shop and vineyard- all rolled into one, with large grills outside grilling oysters, portobello mushrooms to serve with fresh mozzarella & roasted organic tomatoes with 90 year old old balsamic on their crusty grilled bread, a pizza station, ribs, sliced italian cured meats, and so much more. Just incredible & delicious!

This is a great place for lunch. Many of the wineries do not allow food to be brought in, so check. There is also the Oakville Grocer- a smaller spot- strictly a gourmet deli & cheese store, but V. Satuii is a must stop! The do tastings as well and also have a tour of their barrels . Very interesting & very good!

San Fran & Napa

A note about Crustacesan- just to be fair.

They are known for their Dungeness Crabs & Garlic Noodles. They are actually coked in a "secret kitchen" in a separate area of the restaurant. Pretty cool. The wait staff must sign waivers of secrecy. The noodles were incredible.

One other side note: Boulette Larder : My husband ordered, in addition to the smoked salmon, the spicy fried rice with scrambled eggs- beyond words!! They had pork belly meat, shitake mushrooms and cabbage. I know it sounds strange, but they were unique, just delicious and perfectly cooked and served along with toasted bread with Italian fruit jam and sweet butter to compliment the spiciness of the eggs. Magnificent!

Okay- Napa. After Thomas Keller helped put Napa on the map with his very upscale restaurant French Laundry in Yountville and Chef Michael Chiarello opened Napa Style, the others followed suit. Dining in Napa is just wonderful.

My first stop for dinner- Mustard's. They pride themselves by calling Mustard's a "deluxe truck stop classic" . There for 27 years , with local celebrities dining there on a regular basis, including Tom Seaver (Mets) and Rusty Staub of MLB fame.

The Onion Rings- sliced beyond paper thin, piled high, crispy, not greasy served with the house made tomato apple ketchup is a great starter.

The serrano ham, also sliced translucently thin, served wit grilled figs over garden picked arugula- amazing!!

I had the Three Green Salad with Maytag blue cheese and spiced pistachio nuts. Yum. From their wood burning grill are selections including the Fresh Fish of the Day, and The Ever popular Seafood Tostada (also changes daily), BBQ Ribs, Hanger Steak, Don Watson Lamb, Sonoma Rabbit, Roasted Lemon & Garlic Chicken, and so much more.

Sides include Cheddar-Jalapeno Corn stix with farm honey butter, 3 cheese mac & cheese, grilled sweet potatoes (which I had luckily) with tomatillo-avocado salsa & creme fraiche- OMG!

Now, since I recognized a certain former MLB layer at the bar, the manager was so impressed, he sent over the most unbelievably amazing lemon-lime merangue pie. Normally, I must admit, I only eat chocolate, but I finished the entire thing! It was about 12-14" high, with a buttery graham cracker crust, lemon filling & the topping was just eye rolling good! This place is a MUST go!!

By the way, the wine list has a great cover- "WAT TOO MANY WINES" which is true- clever, and filled with 'all the wine that is fit to drink' from all over the Napa Valley and beyond.

Lunch the next day was a find- Gott's.

This place appears to be a burger drive in joint. It is Most definitely NOT. Taking old classics and using artisanal ingredients, this place is a MUST stop! I had one of the best Gazpacho's ever! There are 10 different burgers, hot dogs, fries with many toppings, salads including a great Cobb, Ahi Tuna burgers, shrimp tacos, Calamari , fish & chips, and so much more. Then, of course, are the shakes. not just your ordinary ones , like vanilla or chocolate.(they do has those also) but, they have blueberry, espresso bean, white pistachio, vanilla bean, mint chip, etc. There is a long list of wines and beers as well. Now, where can you find a burger joint with all that, plus picnic tables, long bars with stools, and lines that are miles long but go quickly and efficiently & the food is INCREDIBLE! (they now have 2 other locations in the area) A fun place!!

Cole's Chop House- Always a great place to dine- lovely sophiticated surroundings, classic good steaks & chops.

Now, lets not forget the winery's. Next Post.

Northern California

Well,, after being back almost a week, I have caught up wit all my work & now, I can tell you about all the places I was in when I went to San Francisco, Sausalito & NAPA.

Of course, San Fran to me means Gary Danko's restaurant. Just a one of a kind gorgeous, fabulous place for a special dinner. See my post for that separately.

So, that said, San Fran & Sausalito was:

Piccolo Teatro- a little Italian Bistro with great Sandwiches, Salads, Pasta and Entrees including Rabbit, Fish, and Steak. This place was once (a long time ago) a Speak easy & possibly a Bordello frequented by nobles.

Next, Crustasean. Now, I will say that the one in Los Angeles (Beverly Hills) to be exact) is a much different venue - decor wise. More contemporary- glass floor with fish swimming beneath you, etc. but the menu is the same.

However, I will say that I was a bit disappointed- not in the food, for the most part, but for the fact that the waitress should have informed my friends & I of how LARGE the Dungeness crabs were, (HUHE actually) as we really would have done with 2 for the 4 of us, since we had already ordered 4 appetizers- all of those were wonderful. The dumplings, the ravioli, the giant "drunken" prawns and the lobster salad with wild field greens, fennel and a thai ginger dressing- all excellent.I think they felt badly, as they sent over a delicious baked alaska for dessert, on the house.

On the border of San Fran & Sausalito- at the Ferry Building- Boulette Larder- a wonderful unique spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The menu changes daily and the place is just fantastic. Dining outside on a perfect morning , I had poached eggs with organic chick peas- outrageous. The rest of my crew had the cured smoked salmon, sliced paper thin, over whole wheat crispy wafers, capers, cream cheese, organic tomatoes & onions & just mouth watering. The french press coffee was also excellent.

Of course, we did go back to Dotties on morning as well. You will my July Post- this place is NOT to be missed!! Ignore the location & the lines- all worth the wait!!!

Napa:

What can you say about a place that is 8o degrees most of the time, has clear crystal blue skies, vineyards every 20 feet and marvelous places to eat!

See my next post- coming later on this week.

I left my Heart- at Gary Danko's in San Francisco

I returned last night from one of my favorite vacation spots in all of the US- Northern California & my most favorite restaurant there- Gary Danko.

I have lots to write about but this one post and sensational dinner could not wait.

The decor- the food- the service- Outstanding on every level.

Upon our arrival (we took friends this time), we entered the sleek contemporary space with our taste buds already salivating from anticipation.

Just as beautiful as always, with gorgeous vibrant flowers, candles, a bustling bar and its incredibly attentive staff, who then ushered us to our table to begin our gastronomic tasting.

As I mentioned in my July post, this is a unique dining experience with a choice of 3 , 4 or 5 courses- and YOU get to customize & select all the items, from appetizers to the fish course, to the Meat & Game entrees, to the Artisan cheese course and finally, last, but certainly not least, the dessert course.

I promised my self I would choose new items this time around, even though I was dying to re-order what I had in July.

After we were seated, the manager, over hearing we were there to celebrate my birthday sent over a lovely Rose' Champagne with their compliments. Ice cold, pink, bubbly and just fantastic!!! Then, as always, they bring over a "Chef's Complimentary" hor d'ourve, and then, to my surprise, they also sent over a perfectly cooked mini buckwheat blini, topped with melt in your mouth smoked salmon and topped with my all time favorite- CAVIAR!! Happy Birthday to ME!!

The four of us began with the following appetizers: the glazed Oyters with Osetra Caviar, Zucchini pearls and lettuce cream, the Seared Foie Gras with Carmelized red onions and peaches, the lobster salad with avocado, roasted heirloom tomatoes, shaved fennel in a tarragon meyer lemon vinaigrette, and the Sweet Corn Soup with Dungeness crab, creme' fraiche and a chive biscuit.

The next course- Fish & Seafood.

I promised a reader & avid follower I would NOT have the Branzino, but it is just SO good, I couldn't help myself! It was perfectly seared, atop Sorrel Gnocchi, Romano Beans & Fried Capers- OMG! The other three had the Roast Maine Lobster over Potato Puree with corn & chanterelle mushrooms, the Seared Sea Scallops with a zucchini-basil puree, tomato fondue, haricot verts and asian mushrooms, and pan Seared Tuna with Couscous, fennel, olives in a saffron orange emulsion.

Got your attention so far?

Meat & Game course-

My husband had the most outrageous Herb Crusted Loin of Lamb- pink and tender with a Tian of Vegetables and polenta, on my recommendation, my friend has the foie gras stuffed Quail, with mushrooms, cornbread pudding, with a bean and tomato corn relish, her husband had the Braised Veal Breast with Pistachio Crusted Sweetbreads, leeks & chanterelle mushrooms, and I had the Filet of Beef with Yukon Gold Potatoes, Zucchini, mushrooms, chard and a tomato & eggplant confit.

Next, 2 of us had the cheese cart- just fantastic and then, of course......... DESSERT.

I just had to have the baked chocolate souffle- served with two sauces that are poured table side by their wonderful and top notch staff. The other desserts were the Trio of Creme Brulee, A Lemon Souffle Cake with a Creme fraiche Panna Cotta and Raspberry Sorbet.

Then, they always send over a tray of amazing cookies , truffles, and chocolate sensations for all guests.

As you leave, they give you a lovely departing treat- that evening, it was a banana pudding cake.

I can't wait to go back!!!!!

Off to Northern CA

Well, this is it for a week as I am off to one of my most favorite places ever- San Francisco & Napa so lots to come next week!!

Parkside

Parkside Restaurant in Queens has been a landmark for more than 30 years.

A huge celebrity haunt, with traditional Italian Fare.

The food is wonderful- great service and a nice old world style atmosphere.

Be prepared to wait if you don't have a reservation or you can "tip" the Maitre' D & not have to wait as long. This is just the way it is.

Great fish, veal and chicken dishes, sensational pastas, and all the typical Italian dishes- fried calamari, baked clams, spedini, fresh mozzarella & roasted peppers, and more.

Always a treat

Peter Lugers

What can you say abut a restaurant that has been around since the 1800's.

Although they have a place in Great neck, to me, Broklyn is the lace.

Last night, I dined in the Willamburg location, and as usual- superb.

The jumbo shrimp cocktail is outstanding!! Huge, perfectly cooked & chilled to perfection. Next, the salads, which are all good- mixed, caesar, or the standard- large sliced ripe tomatoes & onions with their famed Peter Luger sauce.

Of course, they have many items for entrees, but the STEAKs are the way to go. ALl of them are just melt in your mouth tender- cooked with the best char on the outside & pink in the center-(if that's how you like it) Sides of course are their sensational home fries, baked potatoes, frencf fries, creamed spinach & more.

Then, there is dessert- chocolate mousse cake, (my favorite) deep dish apple pie, pecan pie, (also amazing!) and more- all served with the house "shlag"- homemade whipped cream- rich, dense & sinful. Mounds of it. Oh my!!

No cappuccino here- only the real deal- Coffee.

Jackson Hole

I love Burgers. One of my indulgences is a cheeseburger at Jackson Hole.

While there are many burger joints all over, including Five Guys , which is VERY good (great fries!) to me, there is nothing that compares to JH's burgers!! Just the way they cook them is so great.

Where else can you get 26 - yes, 26 types of burgers!!!!

I mean they have the regular cheese burgers- swiss, cheddar, monterey jack, blue cheese, mozzarella, & of course, american cheese, but in addition to chili burgers, pizza burgers, bacon,mexican, southwestern and santa fe, (just to name a few) they also have incredible combinations with guacamole, portabello mushrooms, goat cheese, blue cheese, bbq and so much more!!

They are big, juicy & delicious!!

The rest of the menu 'ain't bad either! Huge fabulous omelettes- again, numerous choices of fillings & great desserts!

Do enjoy!! They have several locations!!!

Dinosaur BBQ

In the four years my daughter attended Syracuse University, and then my step son as well, I never got to the Dinosaur BBQ.

It was always a madhouse & a scene as it would either be Parent's Weekend or a Sorority Weekend & mobbed with people, so when we heard that they had a place up in Harlem on

W 125th st. we were interested,, but still never went.

Now, I LOVE the Food Network & The Travel Channel. I watch Man vs Food & just love the host, Adam Richman. The show is Great. However, when you watch these shows, you get hungry!! Truly!! LOL

So, , the other day, before I was on my way upstate for the weekend, we were watching "The Best of " & also, BBQ Paradise & it was all about BBQ! The next thing I knew, we were in the car on our way to Harlem.

It was great!!! The place is so much fun- buzzing with people & the smells are fantastic!! This is the real deal- a true rib joint.

Now, I have tried many rib places and never was a big fan, although I do like Smokin' Al's- however- this place is 100o notches above that and the rest!!!

To- the best BBQ sauce I ever had!! They also have Texas BBQ Brisket, Pulled pork, and other items such as Burgers, Churrasco Chicken Breasts done numerous ways start, we had the Fried Green Tomatoes - delicious with a buttermilk dip. Next, the ribs & chicken, which were outstanding!! They were meaty , juicy & beyond amazing!! There is also a nice selection of meats- Beef ribs, rib eyes, skirt steak and a couple of fish items.

All this served with 2 sides of your choice and a large piece of cornbread .

The sides are incredible as well. BBQ Baked Beans, BBQ Fried Rice, Mac & Cheese, Corn, Cole Slaw, Syracuse Salt Potatoes, Veggies, and much more!!!

The Desserts- OH MY!!

Needless to say, any diet goes down the tubes here, but so worth it!

Travel, Food & Fun

Well, these past several days (& last weekend) I have been on the run. Lots of fun & interesting places!

Last week, I was at one of my favorite & FUN places- TJK's. This fabulous spot is on the service road of the Horace Harding Expressway (in between Little Neck & Douglaston)

when you first walk in,, you would think it is an Asian-Fusion restaurant as all the staff & owners are Asian- except for one waiter. However, the menu is sensational unique- creative & delicious. The place is filled with hundreds of different mirrors in every size & shape and the bar also serves as the place to watch the magnificent & spectacular desserts being made to order.

The menu is very eclectic. They have great appetizers- all served on towers- crab cakes, calamari, mini spicy tuna tacos, mini ribs ,etc.

The entrees consist of light & heavy options- meaning, you can order a fabulous salad or sandwich, or you can get one of their many incredible grilled fish selections, pork chops, chicken dishes, a grilled rib eye with chimmichurri, and pastas, including one of my favorites- a farfalle (bow tie) pasta in a light broth with shrimp & lots of shitake mushrooms- wonderful!!!

Now- dessert. Among the many amazing feast for the eyes as well as the stomach choices- are one of the most beautiful items- "Sammy's Surprise". OMG!! It begins with a pastry that is sliced in half & either filled with FRESH whipped cream, Ice cream or fresh custard. Then, it looks like a salad on top, when , in reality, it is julienne sliced granny smith apples, peaches, strawberries & bananas all shredded on top & then, more whipped cream!

ALL the ice cream concoctions are fabulous- the sundaes, the banana split, etc. & all the cakes are mouth watering as well.

Paddy McGees

Situated on Barnum Island in Island Park, NY are several Seafood restaurants & fun places to eat while dining on the water in the good ole' summertime. (almost over sadly)

Coyote Grill- a tapas style indoor/outdoor sleek contemporary water side bar & restaurant, with great Paella offered three ways, lots of great appetizers, sliders, chorizo sausage, guacamole, and much more.

There is Monterey Bay- a very very large bar which attracts an interesting crowd and has a very casual menu including mussels, peel & eat shrimp, sandwiches, burgers, and more. There is Jordan's- the BEST place for Lobster- either raw to cook on your own in lots of sizes, a large array of fabulous side dishes in their lovely clear & clean display cases, or lobsters steamed or broiled to order, to either eat there, inside or at a picnic table in the patio/courtyard, or to bring home, They have clams, and a large assortment of fresh fish & seafood as well. Always FRESH & excellent. They also have a freezer case that has both baked clams, king crab legs, escargot and many more items to bring home.

Then there is Paddy McGees, which has been there for a long time and offers lunch & dinner, 7 days a week and a large Sunday Buffet Brunch.

I have never been a fan for dinner there- I have tried it a few times and was very never impressed. The bar is always very crowded & very noisy.

However, I do like lunch there very much.

The menu is quite nice- great salads, soups, entrees, and of course, Lobster.

Today, while dining with a friend, we both had wonderful salads.

I had the mesclun greens with glazed pecans, thinly sliced red onions, fresh sliced strawberries and large moist strips of grilled chicken (you can also have grilled shrimp or skirt steak) with a raspberry vinaigrette.

My friend had the Mediterranean salad chock full of feta cheese, olives, crisp greens, grilled shrimp and sweet plump cherry tomatoes.

Their giant crispy tall thin breadsticks served in a tall vase are the best!!!

The people at the next table had the grilled fish entrees, which looked great- especially the salmon and the Dorado, as well as the Lobster, which they offer as a special w/ corn on the cob & salad.

Enjoy what is left of the summer while you can!

Zucchini Blossoms

Every so often I get the chance to cook . Yes, believe it or not, I do!!

While I was out east this past weekend, I stopped at a Farmer's Market & found one of my favorite but scarce items- zucchini flowers.

These delicate lovely flowers grow when you grow zucchini in your garden, and most people unknowingly, throw them out- but don't!! If you ever see them for sale, , anywhere, as they are perishable and have short lived season, buy them & try stuffing them & sauteeing or lightly frying them- unbelievably delicious !!

I have tried making them several ways- stuffed with crabmeat & marscapone, goat cheese with sundried tomatoes, chopped meat with ricotta, and many other variations, but since I had some sausage, mushrooms & fresh mozzarella in the house, this is how I made them.

Basically, anything you like will work well as long as it had a bit of a creamy/cheesey base to hold it all together.

6 Zucchini Blossoms

1/4 cup grated parmesan reggiano

1/4 cup diced mozzarella

2 sweet italian sausage links (or turkey or chicken sausage) cooked lightly until crumbled & drained

1/2 teaspoon fresh chopped flat leaf parsley

1 garlic clove- crushed

1/2 shallot- diced

4 large mushrooms- diced

flour

1 egg- beaten

seasoned breadcrumbs

olive oil or vegetable oil

Take the zucchini Flowers and dust with flour.

Dice mushrooms, shallots, garlic & parsley & saute' with crumbled sausage meat in oil until lightly sweated. Add diced mozzarella cheese & parmesan cheese. Cool and stuff into blossoms. Lightly dust with flour, dip in beaten egg, roll gently in seasoned bread crumbs and lightly fry or saute' in oil until golden brown.

Serve with a good tomato sauce as a dipping sauce. Serves 2-3

YUM YUM YUM!!!! Make a fabulous first course, appetizer, hor d', etc.

The Harvest- Montauk , NY

I love The Harvest.

I have been dining there for years but when I re married several years ago, that is where we had our reception. It is on Fort Pond in Montauk, and just a beautiful setting with the most amazing food.

Now, they have a couple of sister restaurants as well- one is also in Montauk- East by Northeast- more of a large seafood place, and the other one is called Harvest on the Hudson- a spectacular place sitting directly on the Hudson located in Hastings on the Hudson (obviously) This place is just gorgeous- with vegetables gardens to stroll thru while you are waiting for a table or just to walk thru & have a drink at the magnificent bar or the patio tables before going into the floor to ceiling glass and rich wood dining room.

There are tables, booths & drawing rooms. A great place for a special occasion. The menu is very unique and the food is to notch.

Now, Montauk. Situated facing Fort Pond, not far from the middle of town, is this lovely hidden treasure. The menu is mostly family style- large salads and appetizers that feed 2 -3, and the lamb ribs are a must!! OMG!!! When I had my wedding reception there, we were able to customize the menu a bit, and my family says they still dream about the tuna tartar on endive leaves and the lamb ribs . They are melt in your mouth (yes, a bit messy) good!

The fish dishes serve two, and last night we had the whole red snapper- quickly flash fried & then baked in the oven in a Thai Ginger Sauce that was heavenly, served over a bed of colorful veggies- that appeared to look like pasta- long thin strands of julienned zucchini, carrots, and scallions, and we also ordered a side of fresh baby spinach sauteed with mushrooms & shallots- fantastic!! The grilled salmon, lobster and mussels are also quite delicious, as is the steak.

The chocolate torte is to die for- a large slice of dense, rich & dark rich chocolate torte with a ganache top. So good. The table next to us got the ice cream sandwich- 3 huge squares of lightly baked filo dough ,layered and sandwiched in between vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and fresh berries- it looked incredible- what more could you ask for??

RARE-650 Syosset

AFter going thru alot of differem restaurants at this location in Syosset, including Sagamore Steak House, (fiar at best) they finally got it right!!

Rare 650 is a sleek, beautiful upscale restaurant with multi indoor & outdoor dining areas, a cool lounge, gorgeous bar & a very eclectic menu, featuring perfectly aged charred steaks, whole fish, and amazing sushi, made to order.

As we were seated, the wine list was presented to us and the specials were recited.

My only complaint at most laces are when they don;t mention prices of the items. Now, in all fairness, they did tell us the lobsters were $24 per lb., but never mentioned the other specials by price, so , although we already all anticipated an expensive but great dinner, we were a bit surprised at the "special salad" being $24 or the soup for $14.

Now, mind you, the salad was incredibly filled with lots of huge chunks of fresh moist lump crabmeat and full of shaved fennel & endive, it was excellent! The corn & crab chowder was exceptional as well.

We ordered a few sushi rolls and also the "house special" and they were gigantic rolls, and absolutely spectacular- the soft shell crab & spicy tuna with avocado was beyond sensational, and the house roll was also just as good, with tuna, crab, mango and avocado with the most outrageous sauce. It does take the sushi chef a while so be prepared to wait a while, but well worth it when it arrives.

The steaks were outrageously delicious!! (charred perfectly on the outside and cooked to perfection on the inside) The whole Branzino was mouth watering. The side dishes were the perfect compliment, and lots to choose from. The mushrooms were sauteed whole and tender, the creamed spinach was not overloaded in cream, with just a hint of nutmeg , the fresh asparagus was peeled, bright green and crisp , and the home fries and the jumbo baked potato were also great.

Dessert- many choices and we were a group of 8, so we selected 2- the Chocolate WOW- a huge slice of chocolate mousse cake topped with rich ganache and lots of whipped cream, and the banana split- a very large bowl, with sliced bananas, scoops of Haagan Daz Ice Cream, fresh berries and more!!

This is a MUST go!!! (be prepared to pay$$$) but so well worth it for a wonderful dining experience! *Reservations are a must as well.

Frost restaurant

Hidden away in a little neighborhood in Greenpoint in Brooklyn is a little treasure called Frost.

A small cozy local Italian restaurant that seems to get mostly "local" people on a regular basis, but I try to get there at least once a month or so, as do many others, I would imagine, as I fantasize about their linguine in white clam sauce.

The food is really authentic and the prices are quite reasonable.

The linguine in white clam sauce is one of the best I have ever had- chock full of meaty clams in a broth that makes you beg for a large spoon at the end (if you are not using one to twirl your

pasta)

The veal chops are enormous, wonderfully seasoned and cooked to perfection with loads of fresh mushrooms, and onions & peppers, if so you so desire. The chicken dishes, as well as many of the fish and pasta dishes are so terrific that it is worth going a little out of your way to find this place, especially for the traditional Sunday italian pasta dishes.

Commentary on my Chinese Food Post

I received alot of e mails from many 'private' followers on my blog @ askila@gmail.com regarding my commentary on Chinese restaurants.

Most were pretty funny but a few were insulted that I find most Long Island Asian restaurants fair to mediocre, and listed their favorites. I must say- I HAVE been to ALL those you listed & recommended, and still find them "fair" at best, but I thank you & do suggest you try Pearl's if you don't want to go into Manhattan or spend that much for Asian food. although I doubt you will find jumbo Grand Marnier Shrimp anywhere like in Phillippe. Its exceptional.

Campagnola

Camagnola, on 1st Ave & 73rd. St , sister restaurant to Ecco (downtown on Chambers St.)

is in my top 25 of my top 100 in NYC.

While a bit on the expensive side, the food is wonderful, and the wine list is top notch.

When you sit, they give you a nice plate of large pieces of Parmeggiano Reggiano, salami, olives, and another great cheese whose names escapes me for the moment with wonderful crusty tuscan bread.

Last night, we started with the "pasta sampler" as an appetizer- 4 perfectly cooked al dente' pastas- mushroom ravioli with a wild mushroom sauce, gnocchi in a creamy pesto, mini penne rigati in a light pink sauce & fusilli in a zesty pommodoro sauce. Spectacular!

The whole Dover sole as an entree was fabulous, as was the whole grilled Branzino.

My guests had the chicken paillard which was topped with a fresh arugula, red onions & large chunks of fresh sweet tomatoes. The vegetables choices are broccoli rabe, of course, sauteed spinach or broccoli in garlic & oil.

We had already had ( I am embarrassed to say) eater earlier in the evening, prior to arriving here, some appetizers & drinks at a local Mexican joint, so we were a bit full and opted against dessert, but they are beyond heavenly.

Reservations are a MUST on Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings or almost any evening after 8PM, but we got there at 6, so we were good to go!! A must if you like good Italian and don't mind spending a bit more for top quality traditional cuisine and fine wine.

Chinese Food

Okay- here is my take on this subject. I am a huge snob when it comes to Chinese food. I admit it. Keep in mind, this is just MY opinion, but there are really no great chinese restaurants on Long Island, with the exception of two.

Now, remember, I am a Jewish girl ,so I grew up on Chinese food- as Billy Crystal once said in his fabulous show "700 Sundays" : "Jews eat Chinese food on Sunday- its written in the Talmud"

Growing up, when most of my friends & neighbors were going to the local chinese restaurant on Sundays for combination plates of egg rolls, spare ribs & fried rice, or chicken chow mein and egg foo young (whatever that might be), my Dad ,who was also a HUGE SNOB when it came to chinese food, would drive us to the Five Towns to Hewlett where we would have "special" soup-not your ordinary wonton soup- this came in a large bowl with loads of wontons and greens of course, but also gigantic shrimp, chunks of lobster, sliced roast pork, sliced chicken, and tons & vegetables . By now you can tell we were not Kosher.

Anyway, then we would have jumbo butterflied shrimp wrapped in bacon , sizzling sirloin steak & whole lobster cantonese with "special fried rice"

So, that said, I was never a fan of take out or local joints, although throughout the years, many many people have told me & tried to convince me of this place or that place they they say is great- I have tried most- not true. They are all basically the same typical cuisine.

If you are willing to venture into Manhattan for the BEST Chinese food-hands down- ( and I don't mean Chinatown- that is a different story) then do go to Phillipe ( my #1 Favorite on the upper east side) followed by Shun Lee Palace, and then Mr. Chow).

This is the real deal- superb cuisine and any different choices on the menu which you can decided for your self or, if you are a bit more daring, they will ask you want you like or don't like & bring you dinner- lots & lots of incredible items! A bit pricey but Outstanding!!

However, if you chose to stay here on the Island, and want the BEST- then go to Manhasset on Northern Blvd. to 'Pearls'- the closest you will ever get to top notch Asian cuisine here on LI. The food is really sensational. Truly wonderful.

The place is very pretty- a sushi bar in front, a large dining room and another large room in the back either for a private party or overflow on a busy night & when you go with large group, you get a lazy susan in the center of the table to make sharing much simpler.

Now, on the South Shore, there is Wild Ginger, which recently opened in Rockville Center after being so succesful in Great Neck.It is not as good as Pearl's or even similar in style, but very good, and far superior from ANY place here- no matter what anyone says or thinks- again, in my opinion.

Jimmy Hays in Island Park- again

Well, by now you can tell I am a carnivor. I love meat. What can I say. I love having dinner at Jimmy Hays, and while I almost always opt for the dining room as I enjoy sitting at a table for my dinner, last night the place was beyond mobbed with a large private party in the smaller dining room, so the place was overflowing & the entire restaurant was madness!

However, we did get 2 seats at the bar & enjoyed a wonderful dinner.

The bar menu consists of 10 items all priced at $15.00

Veal Meatball Sliders in a savory sauce are sensational & delicious!

There is a wonderful Crab cake sandwich, a tender Filet Mignon on Garlic Bread with melted cheese, and a chunky luscious Lobster Club just to name a few. The burger is enormous and juicy as well.

There is also a cold seafood selection that you may have as a tower of three or individual.

We opted for the regular menu and had perfectly tender baked clams & a jumbo shrimp cocktail to start and then shared a steak dinner which comes with a huge baked potato and a nice house salad.

The creamed spinach is additional, but so worth it!

There is always music on Friday evenings and 2 nice size flat screens at the bar for those who want to watch golf or baseball, and there are three booths as well in the bar area, if you are lucky enough to get one!

They only take reservations for 6 or more, so do allow a little time to wait for a table but the wait is never terrible and so well worth it.

Greek Delight in Merrick/Bellmore-NOT RECOMMENDED!!!!

OK, so here is the story.

As many of you know, I eat out (DINE) out- 6-7 night s a week. Truly, it does get to be a bit much sometimes, having large meals every evening, (not to mention fattening!) so last night, after having a rather large lunch with a client, and not being very hungry for dinner, I opted to change into some workout clothes & go for a bike ride on the boardwalk.

I still had my nice earrings on from the work day & was still wearing my eye makeup, so I didn't look like a total slob- PLUS, I was wearing some rather nice items from LU LU Athletica- so, I was not in a stretched out worn or torn tee shirt or shabby clothes. (although I wear those too!) (Regardless)

During my ride it started to rain, so I came home & we decided to have a "light bite" & took a ride to Merrick/Bellmore to try a place that opened recently called Greek Delight.

As I walked into the restaurant- small, no big deal, with one large party of 12 with balloons on the table for some sort of celebration, the manager began to shake his head "no". I came up to the bar & said "why are you shaking your head NO- you don't even know what I am going to ask you?" and before I could even ask for a table, he replied "SORRY- I am completely full tonight". I normally would have asked how long a wait for a table, but he was SO rude, it was a moot point.

I could tell that he did not want me there dressed in work out clothes!! (trust me- this place is nothing special- a local JOINT) so as my husband walked in, in his work out shorts,tee & sneakers, the manager continued to shake his head, so we turned around to walk out.

For those of you who remember the movie "Pretty Woman", with Julia Roberts, there is a scene where she is still in her 'hooker' clothes & goes into a fancy boutique on Rodeo Drive to by some clothes & before she can even ask, the manager tells her there is 'nothing in here" for her & asks her to leave.

The next day she returns, dressed to the nines, walks back in, and although they don't recognize her, she tells them who she was yesterday & replies "YOU work on commission, right?You made a BIG mistake- HUGE!! I have to go shopping now!" She walks out. leaving then stunned.

Well, I turned to the manger & said, "We eat out every night of the week- in much nicer places than this & you just made a BIG mistake- huge- we have to go to Il Mulino now! & we walked out! LOL

We ended up having a very wonderful salad at Blue Moon in Rockville Center- a casual restaurant with a pizzeria on the other side and wonderful good comfort italian food.

It was a perfect evening.

La Piccolo Luguria

A charming continental Italian restaurant on Shore Rd. in Port Washington is my go to place for a romantic dinner for two or with some friends when we are in the mood for something a little special.

The ambiance is lovely- hand painted murals of scenes from italy adorn the walls., and carts with antipasto and desserts are on view and tempting from the moment you enter the dining space just past the bar.

Its not a very large venue but not too small and several tables have a water view across the street. It does get an older crowd most evenings.

The cuisine is superb with lots of novel ingredients .

The specials are recited (without notes) and there are MANY! You must listen carefully and pay attention to the long list of items! It is endless!!

The food is of the highest quality and the wine list is absolutely phenomenal.

Last night I had the stuffed zucchini blossoms with marscapone cheese and crabmeat and the rack of lamb was cooked to perfection. The Branzino was perfectly grilled with extra virgin olive oil, lots of thin slices of fresh garlic, and fresh lemon - just heavenly.

The last time I was there I had sweetbreads and the most delicious veal paillard with caper berries and baby arugula I ever ate!

All the pasta is made on the premises and there are many incredible creative pasta dishes that are awesome!

It is not inexpensive, but well worth it for a special occasion or a night out for a spectacular meal.

The desserts are just wonderful, and the staff is very attentive, friendly and very Italian.

Mangia!

Cheap Eats

Many of you private followers- those who choose NOT to be listed with your name as a "follower " & not logged in, have commented that I seem to only frequent "expensive" venues with "fancy ambiance".

Let me state, categorically, not true.

Yes, I do dine in nice places, but I have no problem going to a dive- In fact, search for them. I am not a big "diner" fan, but drives in dives, anytime!!

I saw & heard about Ted's, so since I am a big fan of Jackson Hole's burgers, I figured, why not? The place is not a dive, per se,, but small & luncheonette in feel- the steaming process is a riot! They built these 2 small metal cabinets that sit on the on the counter and the burgers are formed almost like mini meat loaves, in square pans & then placed into the cabinet for a minute or two to steam & cook. Then, places on a large bun with lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mustard, raw or sauteed onions & pickles (you can choose more or less of any condiment)

They are moist, juicy & cheap! $3.95 for a burger- $4.95 for a cheeseburger

Yum!!

(the potatoes were a disappointment however- soggy home fries- no crispy French fries to my dismay

Oh well!! In Meriden, Conn on Broad Street- if you are traveling home form Mohegan Sun or Foxwoods, MGM Grand or where ever you may be!

a fun stop!

SUGO Cafe- Long Beach, NY

There are hundreds of eateries, restaurants & cafes from Point Lookout to Atlantic Beach, with Long Beach in the middle, going from the East end to the West.

Of all the many places, Sugo is my favorite in Long Beach.

It is more of a Cafe/bistro, although the menu reads like a top notch restaurant.

A nice bar with stools and club type chairs are all around, with candles, chandeliers and funky decor. Really a cool vibe.

The chef, Adam, recently was on the TV Food Network show "Chopped" and his unique and extremely creative dishes on the menu reflect his enormous talent.

Mon- Thursday they offer a 3 course $19 prix fixe dinner with a salad, an entree & dessert.

There are also many other "specials" each night, and Alan the owner walks from table to table, making sure everyone is fed & happy.

Last night, I decided to have one of the "specials"- the Crab Crusted Scallops over mushroom Fontina Ravioli and crispy ipswich clams in a caper tomato sauce. I must admit- I eat almost everything in the world- except for Scallops, but I was with a friend and we thought it sounded so wonderful, I decided to give it a shot & must say, it was fantastic!!! My friend chose another special- the grilled veal chop served atop a bed of mesclun salad dressed with aged balsamic , vine ripened tomatoes and fresh buffalo mozzarella. It was mouth watering good!

The next table tried the Duo- a Pulled pork tostada and a striped bass taco served with a roasted corn tortilla pie- they sound it was outstanding!!

They have a very nice selection of Brick Oven Thin Crispy Pizzas, with lots of interesting toppings, as well as numerous appetizers, fish, meat, chicken and pasta dishes. Among last nights many special appetizers were the Maytag blue cheese stuffed figs and a cold watermelon soup with a hint of orange citrus.

They also recently added a sushi bar which looked so wonderful.

Every few weeks, Alan makes a special evening menu- whether it's a Carribean menu, Texas BBQ, a Hawaiian Luau, etc. There is always something fun and delicious happening there.

Please don't miss Sugo- it's on the main drag- opposite the LIRR on Park Ave.

A must when in Long Beach.

Paris in NY- Benoit

As you walk down West 55t street,you pass the trendy Michaels, known for its pricey lunches, celebrities , fashion & media moguls. One time while dining there, I was seated in between the fashion icon Diane Von Furstenberg & her entrepreneur husband Barry Diller, and on the other side, the news team from NBC.

Down the block as bit is Cafe Milano, a bistro with outdoor seating in the spring & summer. Nice.

In between these two places is BENOIT. For those of you who may remember back in the 60's & 70's, the restaurant Le Cote Basque- this is it, but under new management & totally renovated.

It is like being in Paris- an authentic Parisian bistro/restaurant, & walking in was like stepping onto the Rue de la Pressbourg or standing behind the Palaise Royale in the gorgeous Le Grande Colbert . From the moment you enter, the warm woods, bistro tables, etched glass panels , large booths, beautifully set tables, huge french photos and paintings all over the walls, the all french staff, not snooty, but friendly, warm & inviting, and oh- the food!!!!

For lunch, the offer a very reasonable prix fixe- either 3 or 4 courses-, but the menu is vast and so wonderful. We started with the escargot- cooked to perfection and then had the 3 course lunch, which included several choices to start- I had the gazpacho, and my guest has the mini poached quail egg over field greens.

Next, salmon en croute- for me, baked with julienne vegetables all around the inside of the buttery crusty puff pastry in a light aromatic tarragon cream sauce. My guest has the Vol au Vent- veal, chicken & mushrooms in a puff pastry shell with sweet peas .

Dessert- of this this world!. Not only are they a feast for the eyes, they are incredibly delicious. The cart itself is something to see- a beautiful wood cart with 2 dozen little domes- each housing one of these delectable pastries and sweet petit fours! How to choose!!!

The couple next to us had the Pate' and then the Roast chicken, which looked & smelled amazing!!!

The Tarte Tartin is available for purchase to take home (& so worth it!) and they give you the most mouth watering cookies as you depart this lovely paris bistro on the west side of NYC.

There are several private salons available for a private event- the most stunning rooms, with 19th century antique pieces from Bordeaux.

This is a MUST stop when in Manhattan.

The Hamptons

Summer- It is the best time of the year, especially if you venture out east to the Hamptons.

From Starr Boggs, the Dune Deck or Annona in Westhampton to the Ice Cream parlor in Bridgehampton, to Bobby Vans for Steaks or Fish, to Pierre's on the border of Bridgehampton & Watermill to Southampton 's SILVERS (one of my all time favorites) to East Hampton to the Laundry to The American Hotel in Sag Harbor and so many others all the way to Montauk to the Dave's Grill or my all time favorite all the way out there- The Harvest, there is alot of wonderful dining to do.

In Southampton , a great town with lots & lots of wonderful little boutiques and eateries, there is unique restaurant/bistro called Silvers. A must go.

Garrett, the owner & 3rd generation of this wonderful " Paris-like" bistro, featuring my choice almost every time I am there- the French Picnic- with country pate', brie, grapes and cornichons, all served over a salad along with dijon and whole grain mustard and a crusty baguette. They call is "like dining in Paris without the airfare". I so agree.

If I don't select that as my lunch of choice, and am a big hungrier, I have the enormous hamburger- served on a brioche roll with large slices of farm fresh red ripe tomtates and field greens. The meet is antibiotic and hormone free and is beyond juicy & char gilled to perfection!

The homemade soups- (there are many) are served in large bowls- a bit pricey but a meal in itself, served along side is a large bowl of crusty bread sitting atop extra virgin olive oil, a touch a fresh garlic & parsley- just heavenly. From the lobster bisque with pieces of tender lobster , to the potato leek (so hearty) to the cabbage soup, the clam chowder, and one of my favorites in the fall & winter- his homemade chicken soup- just like MOM used to make.

The sandwiches are all huge- served on thick tuscan bread such as the enormous and incredibly delicious BLT- not your standard one- trust me! and salads are beautiful and full of the highest quality and freshest ingredients including the lobster salad, over baby greens with fresh steamed asparagus in a light vinaigrette, or the fresh mozzarella, tomato & basil salad.

If you have room for dessert, the chocolate pot au creme is to die for, and are many of the others choices.

If there is room at the bar/counter, you may wish to dine more casually there , which many of the locals do, and there is a lovely wine list as well.

This is a must for lunch when you are out east.

Smith & Wollensky- The ultimate steakhouse in NYC

After originally planning on going into Manhattan last night on a gorgeous summer evening and dining "alfresco" at an outdoor patio for Lobster, we drove by one of my favorite NYC Steak 'meateries" - Smith & Wollensky, and happily decided to go there instead.

Steak is something I NEVER get tired of.

There are numerous steak houses in Manhattan, and while I adore a few, this one is on my top 5 in NYC. The Palm cannot hold a candle to this place, sorry to say.

Thee staff is friendly and warm- never snooty or standoff-ish. They make you feel at home. They offer to carve your meat for you, table side, should you so desire, suggest and describe in great detail the evening's specials or offer to help navigate the long wine list, including a page called "The Kitchen Sink", which is a little of every type of wine after you have read pages of specific regions and reds & whites.

This is a carnivore's heaven. In addition to the enormous, thick & juicy perfectly grilled porterhouses, cowboy rib eyes, bone in sirloins, and filet mignon's (the latter crusted with the best blue cheese or topped with crabmeat & asparagus- Oscar style) , they have lobster, whole roasted chicken carved table side, and so many other items.

The beautiful multi-level restaurant has several locations all over the country- but this one is my favorite. (Miami is my second favorite)

To start- the seafood tower is a show in itself- large chilled shiny red lobsters, oysters,

colossal -sized jumbo shrimp and huge chunks of lump crabmeat all nestled in tiered towers over crushed ice, numerous dipping sauces, and lots of slices of fresh lemon is of the highest quality and just so good.

The place is always a buzz- during the day for lunch, its a 'power-suit' scene with lots of regulars, but in the evening, (among the regulars), are tourists, locals, and the like, so the place is filled with a terrific vibe and all the people watching the many carts go sailing by to showcase what other diners have ordered, as there are so many possibilities.

While the "typical" order is a porterhouse steak for 2 or 3 or 4, steak, their world famous hash browns and creamed spinach (which are all wonderful) we choose to go the bone in sirloin route, with some fresh sauteed broccoli a ridiculously huge baked potato, (enough for two) which arrived accompanied by four silver bowls of "potato toppings"- sour cream, of course, fresh chives, fresh crisp pieces of bacon (not "bits" ) and mounds of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.

So, after a great ice cold crispy Caesar salad, (the way a salad should always be served- on chilled plates), and enjoying a wonderful bottle of wine, we had the jumbo shrimp cocktail with two dipping sauces, and then our dinner, which was outstanding.

Unfortunately, we were too full for dessert as they are all decadent, enormous and delicious.

I had just finished drinking the last few sips of my wine, when they sent over "on the house" 2 glasses of the house "RESERVE" for us to enjoy ,which was lovely.

I highly recommend Smith & Wollensky- I promise, you will not be disappointed!!!

Luigi Q

One of my to 50 top suggestions on Long Island- Luigi Q- situated on the border Plainview on South Oyster bay Rd. is a lovely continental restaurant owned & operated by Luigi, a charming Italian gentleman with a small but very friendly & knowledgeable staff of waiters, who bring you cheese, salami, olives, and crusty bread with garlic flavored extra virgin olive oil as you sit down to dine in this cozy place. They have a very nice wine list and a small bar in the front with a flat screen TV for those whose wish to wait at the bar and watch your favorite sport of the season.

Among the many selections on the menu, which include wonderful appetizers, numerous pasta choices, fresh fish, shrimp, veal and chicken dishes are the unique specials, which include paparadelle with braised rabbit, a tender frenched veal chop with mushrooms and cherry peppers, homemade fettuccini with shrimp in a light tomato concasse', seared sushi grade tuna in a sesame crust, and the grilled fish of the day, all served with fresh vegetables and a dollop of creamy potato puree.

Desserts, if you have room, are wonderful and they always served you their homemade biscotti- deliciouso!

Limani

In what used to be a car dealership in Roslyn/Manhasset, NY is Limani- a gorgeous Greek-style restaurant set in the trendy area of Northern Blvd & a stones throw from the premier shopping center- The Americana.

High soaring ceilings and a huge, very contemporary space with large columns, sheer white flowing drapes, and 2 large rooms with an additional separate room that is used either for a private event/party or overflow for dining.

Always using the freshest ingredients with a Mediterranean flair, organic vegetables, unusual herbs and spices, the quality is exceptional.

Whole fresh fish are displayed beautifully on ice with all the selections available for the day or evening. Fresh oysters, clams, mussels and lobsters are also displayed and the appetizers read like an encyclopedia- a long interesting list of saganaki, sppanakoita, calamari, octopus, as well as gigantes (large lima beans w/tomatoes & dill - yum), grilled mushrooms, greek spreads such as skordalia, and Tzatziki, etc. and much more.

Dinner is a bit pricey, but quite good, with whole fresh grilled fish, for one or two, shellfish, meats and lots of wonderful sides including yellow, purple and green cauliflower, Greek Fries dusted with oregano and kefalograviera cheese- delicious!

Lunch is the deal of the century, with salads priced the same as one found in a diner, but so far superior, including fresh lump crabmeat with avocado, corn, and heirloom tomatoes, and micro greens with jumbo sauteed shrimp with feta, and a nice assortment of interesting paninis, including grilled chicken served warm with a large marinated grilled portabello mushroom, sliced avocado & eggplant served with greek fries on crusty bread.

Reservations are suggested for dinner on weekends, and the bar is huge & always busy. The do a very lovely brunch on Sundays with omelettes, waffles, eggs made to order and an incredible display of cold items, smoked fish, a large array of salads & baked goods that go from one end of the restaurant to the other.

Bar Frites

Jut when you think the Poole Brothers- Entrepreneurs/ Restauranteurs of Bryant & Cooper in Roslyn, and Toku & Cippolini's at the famed American Shopping Center in Manhasset are thru, another restaurant opens.

Bar Frites in the Wheatley Plaza Shopping Center in Glen Cove. It has the buzz of a Manhattan style Bar/Bistro, yet is is every bit a restaurant on the North Shore.

Featuring "Le Bar A Huitres" (fresh seafood) on plates or in towers, such as oysters, littleneck & cherrystone clams, crabmeat, shrimp & lobster cocktail, a cheese assortment or a charcuterie platter (sausage, ate, etc.) .

There is also a long list of "Hor D'oeuvres", which are great, especially if you just want a "lite" supper, or just out with some friends for drinks. If this is also what you like- Bar Frites is the place, as the Bar is quite a scene!!

Last night, on a lovely summer evening, not wishing something too heavy, it was the perfect choice.

I chose the 'Bar Frites Salad' had lots of vine ripe red and yellow tomatoes, shallots, micro greens, and nice chunks of good french blue cheese in a zesty white balsamic vinaigrette with a bit of orange zest- refreshing, simple & so good.

Along with that, I had the escargot, baked with lots of garlic & parsley butter which was beyond wonderful-perfectly topped with little puffs of pastry for dipping.

My husband selected the grilled Branzino filet (2) which came with a healthy portion of a tri- colored salad dressed every so lightly in a lovely champagne vinaigrette & so delicious.

The have a large assortment of reasonably priced entrees, including fish, chicken, pasta and steaks, fabulous sandwiches including Croque Monsieur (smoked ham & gruyere cheese), sliders, burgers and nightly specials of short ribs, lamb shank, seared scallops and bouillabaisse, (last nights special, which looked amazing!).

They do a Weekend Brunch menu as well.

Definitely worth a stop next time you are shopping during the day & want to stop for lunch or dining out with friends on a summer evening as the outdoor patio is large (and not as noisy as the inside near the bar)

Bon Appetit!

Comfort at MIM's

There is something so comforting about certain foods- Mac & Cheese, Chicken Pot Pie, Meatloaf & Mashed potatoes with gravy, etc.

There is also something comforting about a place that makes you feel that same warm, confortable way.

That is Mim's. They have 2 locations- Syosset & Roslyn.

Over the years, it has developed a more contemporary vibe, but it still feels like "home" whenever I dine there.

As I lived on the North shore for the better part of 20 plus years, Mim's in Syosset became a mainstay in the neighborhood, and part of my two daughter's growing up years. It was the place where families went on Monday nights for " Lots of Pasta" (still do) where you can choose from dozens of different pasta with dozens of different sauces, (all you can eat) with a salad & garlic bread- how good is that? As teenagers, all the nightborhood girls would do their birthdays there, or when the kids returned home from summer camp, it was the first place they wanted to go for the famous Brownie sundae- an incredible fudgey chocolate brownie, topped with scoops of good vanilla ice cream, mounds of fresh whipped cream & and sprinkled with lots of M&M's- OMG!

Well, the menu still contains those good old standards as well as a variety of new and fantastic fresh dishes. An amazing array of pasta dishes- my favorite happens to be the rigatoni with mouth watering sliced skirt steak, portabello mushrooms and fresh spinach in a light creamy gorgonzola sauce- its heaven!

The thin crust pizzas are so good- especially the whole wheat pizza with grilled balsamic vegetables for only $11.00. There are many great salads and great sandwiches and burgers as well.

They have great steaks, including a cowboy rib eye and many fresh fish selections, and since almost everyone wants to eat healthier, in addition to their daily & nightly specials, they have a section of " simply grilled"- fish or meat, with a choice of 2 sides.

In addition to their many homemade desserts , (which still includes the brownie sundae thank goodness!) is the most amazing SMORES! These are not just a smore on a plate- this comes in a large lazy susan with lots of Hershey Bars, Graham crackers, marshmallows & a flame with skewers to roast & toast your marshmallows & place them on top of your square of chocolate & onto your graham cracker- YUM!!!

Rich, the owner, also has a new location in Bayville, Long Island with a similar menu to Mim's, but lots of other fun items as well.

Do go!!! You will feel so good!

ask me

So, many of you - especially my 45 PRIVATE followers not logged in, have been e mailing me at askilablog@gmail.com & asking me questions about restaurants & hotels.

Please post these on my blog so others can see the results as well- this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

top 100- NY dining continued

I knew that if I did this list of the top of my head, a few would 'fall thru the cracks" & they did.

Now, it goes without saying that in addition to Per Se, Il Mulino, and Del Posto in Manhattan, are the famed La Bernardin (Eric Riepert) , Aureole, and Daniel which epitomize the ultimate in elegance, phenomenal food & 5 star service.

These are the top restaurants in NYC, (along with a few others) and while expensive, so very worth it for a special occasion.

I also happen to like One if by Land ,Two if by Sea.

On the Italian/Continental, La Campaneolla on the upper East side- excellent, but reservations are a MUST or you will never get a table- ever.

Now, the ones I forgot on the Island (how could I?) as they are a couple of my faves, are Luigi Q, a wonderful little Italian restaurant on the corner of Woodbury Rd. and South Oyster Bay in Plainview. Luigi is the proprietor and all the ingredients are fresh, made to order and just spectacular. His paparadelle with rabbit is outstanding, as are his fresh grilled whole fish selections, veal chops, marsala, saltimbocco, chicken dishes, and always extraordinary specials.

Also, a great wine list.

Next, is Ciao Bella in Valley Stream. Owned and operated by a husband & wife, Freddy is the chef in the back cooking all fresh pasta, including an incredible black linguine (squid ink) with shrimp in a light garlic sauce- amazing! There are many and savory appetizers, and terrific specials all the time. This place is under the railroad tressel of the LIRR but don't let that deter you!

Not to be missed!!

Tri- States Top 100

There are literally thousands upon thousands of restaurants in the Tri State Area- probably 1000's in this immediate area alone. I have not tried ALL of them, but I have been to many- too many to remember them all, but I will try and list what I consider the standouts- best of the best- approx 25 in the Long Island & surrounding areas- from Queens into Manhattan.

If I think of one that should have been on the list, I will add it later on! There are so many!

Obviously, Manhattan will require its own separate post at another time, but for now, ( a few will sneak in) and I will categorize them- meaning, Italian/Continental, Steak, French, etc. but suffice to say, these are what I consider, in my opinion to be the best, based on food, service and ambiance- and some are just plain fun!

I am not mentioning Asian, as that is in an entire different category, as far as I am concerned, & deserves its own separate post, coming soon. I will also have a separate post for New Jersey & Connecticut, as there are numerous places there that are outstanding & worth the trip!

Please feel free to ask me in detail about any of these if you are interested.

**I am not listing the " Family Style" places, as that was already in a post & in a different category.

Angelinas- Oyster Bay/East Norwich & Syosset- Italian

Ben & Jack's- Steak- NYC

Bevonda- Great Neck- Italian

Branzino- Lynbrook- Continental

Bryant & Coopers- Manhasset/Roslyn- Steak

Burton & Doyle's- Manhasset- Steak

Chez Noelle- Port Washington- French

Craftsteak- Meat Packing & other locations- Steak*

Da Ugo- Rockville Center- Italian/Continental

Dario's- Rockville Center- Continental

Freeman's Alley- Lower Manhattan

The Galleria- Westbury- Italian/Continental

Gemelli's- Babylon- Continental

Il Mulino- (Manhattan only as far as I am concerned) but also in Roslyn/Manhasset*

Il Toscana- Douglaston- Continental-Italian

Limani- Fish- Manhasset/Roslyn

Maroni's- **Unique Italian- Northport**

Nonina-West Islip

Old Homestead- Steaks (several locations but downtown NYC is the best)

Piccolo Liguria- Port Washington- Continental

Piccolo Venezia- Astoria- Continental

Raoul's- Manhattan- French

Rialto- Westbury/Carle Place- Continental

Roberto's- Bronx- Italian *

Rothman's- Steak- East Norwich

Stella's- Floral Park

Tellers- Steak- Islip

TJK-s- Douglaston- *Unique

Vespa- Great Neck/Little Neck Border- Italian

Wolfgangs- Park Ave. NYC- Steak

**Del Posto & Per Se are not in the above list as they are in a totally unique category, unto themselves, but I felt I needed to mention them , as well.

*Feel free to inquire further as it requires further discussion