Thursday, May 26, 2005
after the concert....
After the Rush Hour Classics concert at the Belding Theater in Hartford tonight, we went to the Mozicatto Caffé on Franklin Avenue. This caffé is a legend and I have tried to visit there with the D's [JD & BD] before but to no avail. Tonight it was open [even though we had to travel through a DUI and seatbelt stop].
We all had Cappuccinos and desserts: Straciattella gelato, Carrot Cake and a Napoleon [thought he was French?].
The winner was the Cappuccino!
We all had Cappuccinos and desserts: Straciattella gelato, Carrot Cake and a Napoleon [thought he was French?].
The winner was the Cappuccino!
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
just an antipasto......
Having had lunch today at Johnny Rockets, I certainly didn't need anything more to eat. But KF, younger son, called and said let's meet for dinner so.........
Went to Franco's on Route 372 in Cromwell, just down the street from the house. He had the special: French Onion Soup, Chicken and Shrimp Balsamico over Angel Hair pasta. It was aswim with plenty of chicken breast, jumbo shrimp, peppers, onions and mushrooms.
I ordered a small Antipasto. It was the usual iceberg lettuce layer covered with sliced green peppers, sliced onions, black olives, sliced hardboiled egg, cheese and rolls of meat: chicken, ham and pepperoni. There was Italian dressing on the side. The portion was 'gigundo' [new word] and most of it is back home in the 'fridge waiting to be served for several lunches.
The winner [aside from the Balsamico special] was the hardboiled egg [haven't had one of those in a long while].
The loser was the dressing for the antipasto which was rather tasteless and never seemed to stay mixed.
Went to Franco's on Route 372 in Cromwell, just down the street from the house. He had the special: French Onion Soup, Chicken and Shrimp Balsamico over Angel Hair pasta. It was aswim with plenty of chicken breast, jumbo shrimp, peppers, onions and mushrooms.
I ordered a small Antipasto. It was the usual iceberg lettuce layer covered with sliced green peppers, sliced onions, black olives, sliced hardboiled egg, cheese and rolls of meat: chicken, ham and pepperoni. There was Italian dressing on the side. The portion was 'gigundo' [new word] and most of it is back home in the 'fridge waiting to be served for several lunches.
The winner [aside from the Balsamico special] was the hardboiled egg [haven't had one of those in a long while].
The loser was the dressing for the antipasto which was rather tasteless and never seemed to stay mixed.
1/2 fries and 1/2 rings
It wasn't a gym day and there were no painters or contractors scheduled AND it was raining, so a perfect excuse to go the Casino for lunch www.mohegansun.com and try to win a little money. The lunch was accomplished at Johnny Rockets www.johnnyrockets.com but the money part wasn't.
Sat at the counter and started with an order of 1/2 fries and 1/2 rings: decent french fries and good crunchy onion rings with ranch dressing to dip them in. Had a Barq's Root Beer with unlimited refills. The Original Hamburger [add a slice of Cheddar please] was the choice of entree and was simply a good ole 50's hamburger with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles and drippy sauce. The whole deal came to $10.31 [they forgot to charge for the cheddar] and a $2 tip made up for any loss at the slots.
The winner was the atmosphere; the waiter gave me a nickel to play the jukebox.
Sat at the counter and started with an order of 1/2 fries and 1/2 rings: decent french fries and good crunchy onion rings with ranch dressing to dip them in. Had a Barq's Root Beer with unlimited refills. The Original Hamburger [add a slice of Cheddar please] was the choice of entree and was simply a good ole 50's hamburger with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles and drippy sauce. The whole deal came to $10.31 [they forgot to charge for the cheddar] and a $2 tip made up for any loss at the slots.
The winner was the atmosphere; the waiter gave me a nickel to play the jukebox.
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Gala Birthday* @Pastis
French meets Asian or East meets West
Sake** & Wine Dinner
Pastis Restaurant, Hartford, CT
www.pastisbistro.com
First Course
Kumomoto Oysters with a cucumber rice wine salad and mirin mignonette
Sake Junmai Tentaka Kuni (Hawk in the Heavens)
The Oysters were fantastic and so fresh and were a great start to a great meal.
Second Course
Spicy Tuna Roll
Toro Sashimi with seaweed salad
&
White Tuna Sushi over napa cabbage slaw
Sake Junmai Ginjo Mantensei (Star-Filled Sky)
This course was overwhelming; the three types of tuna were matched perfectly. Teak chopsticks had been provided and this course was an experience in itself.
Third Course
Asian Dim Sum:
Vegetable spring roll, pork & lime dumpling and shrimp tempura
Sake Tokubetsu Junmai Ama no To (Heaven’s Door)
This was my favorite course; each item was perched on a different salad. The spring roll was sublime.
Fourth Course
Eel & Potato Terrine with eel glaze and micro tatsoi
S.A. Prum Riesling “Essence” Mosel-Saar-Ruwer , 2003
The terrine was wrapped in Nori which bound it together while adding another texture and flavor. The Riesling was our transition wine and did well between the Sake and the Reds to follow.
Fifth Course
Pan Seared Japanese Hamachi with rock shrimp fried rice & sweet ponzu sauce
Archery Summit Pinot Noir “Premier Cuvee” Willamette Valley, 2002
The Hamachi was very meaty and needed the red wine. The Ponzu sauce coated the top of the fish and blended well with the Fried Rice.
Sixth Course
BBQ Wild Boar Spare Ribs over baby bok choy
Turnbull Wine Cellars Syrah Oakville, 2002
Another favorite course as the Ribs were delicious and had been cooked in an Asian Barbecue sauce for five hours. The Syrah [one of my favorite wines] held up well against the strength of the meat.
Seventh Course
Kobe Beef & Braised Cheeks over herb roasted potatoes and
celery carrot mousseline with red wine demi reduction
Swanson Vineyards Merlot Napa, 2001
This was American Kobe Beef and I didn't know this even existed. The difference in texture of the beef and the cheeks was very interesting. Even though I am not a Merlot fan, this was a good mix of tastes.
Dessert
Chocolate Sushi Roll
Ramos Pinto Reserva Port “Collector”
A heavy but delicious way to end such a meal. The Sushi roll was chocolate encased in a coconut blend; very rich. The Port was superb.
blognotes:
*There were three of us at this wonderful dinner which also celebrated the birthday of JD. The other two were, of course, BD [her husband] and me [Ol' Mofongoman]. We sat at a table for 10 with another table for 5 next to us; total of 15 diners only. The Chef, Manager and Wine Merchant helped us all through the dinner with a great presentation concerning the sakes, wines and the food. Most of the guests were restaurant people: owners, chefs and gourmands. It was an easy crowd to be with. All in all, an expensive and delicious repast; well worth the money!
**for more info on sake http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sake
Sake** & Wine Dinner
Pastis Restaurant, Hartford, CT
www.pastisbistro.com
First Course
Kumomoto Oysters with a cucumber rice wine salad and mirin mignonette
Sake Junmai Tentaka Kuni (Hawk in the Heavens)
The Oysters were fantastic and so fresh and were a great start to a great meal.
Second Course
Spicy Tuna Roll
Toro Sashimi with seaweed salad
&
White Tuna Sushi over napa cabbage slaw
Sake Junmai Ginjo Mantensei (Star-Filled Sky)
This course was overwhelming; the three types of tuna were matched perfectly. Teak chopsticks had been provided and this course was an experience in itself.
Third Course
Asian Dim Sum:
Vegetable spring roll, pork & lime dumpling and shrimp tempura
Sake Tokubetsu Junmai Ama no To (Heaven’s Door)
This was my favorite course; each item was perched on a different salad. The spring roll was sublime.
Fourth Course
Eel & Potato Terrine with eel glaze and micro tatsoi
S.A. Prum Riesling “Essence” Mosel-Saar-Ruwer , 2003
The terrine was wrapped in Nori which bound it together while adding another texture and flavor. The Riesling was our transition wine and did well between the Sake and the Reds to follow.
Fifth Course
Pan Seared Japanese Hamachi with rock shrimp fried rice & sweet ponzu sauce
Archery Summit Pinot Noir “Premier Cuvee” Willamette Valley, 2002
The Hamachi was very meaty and needed the red wine. The Ponzu sauce coated the top of the fish and blended well with the Fried Rice.
Sixth Course
BBQ Wild Boar Spare Ribs over baby bok choy
Turnbull Wine Cellars Syrah Oakville, 2002
Another favorite course as the Ribs were delicious and had been cooked in an Asian Barbecue sauce for five hours. The Syrah [one of my favorite wines] held up well against the strength of the meat.
Seventh Course
Kobe Beef & Braised Cheeks over herb roasted potatoes and
celery carrot mousseline with red wine demi reduction
Swanson Vineyards Merlot Napa, 2001
This was American Kobe Beef and I didn't know this even existed. The difference in texture of the beef and the cheeks was very interesting. Even though I am not a Merlot fan, this was a good mix of tastes.
Dessert
Chocolate Sushi Roll
Ramos Pinto Reserva Port “Collector”
A heavy but delicious way to end such a meal. The Sushi roll was chocolate encased in a coconut blend; very rich. The Port was superb.
blognotes:
*There were three of us at this wonderful dinner which also celebrated the birthday of JD. The other two were, of course, BD [her husband] and me [Ol' Mofongoman]. We sat at a table for 10 with another table for 5 next to us; total of 15 diners only. The Chef, Manager and Wine Merchant helped us all through the dinner with a great presentation concerning the sakes, wines and the food. Most of the guests were restaurant people: owners, chefs and gourmands. It was an easy crowd to be with. All in all, an expensive and delicious repast; well worth the money!
**for more info on sake http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sake
Monday, May 16, 2005
Roxie's is closed........
Went to an Organ Concert with JD and BD at Immanuel Congregational Church on Farmington Avenue in Hartford just across the street from the Mark Twain House. JC and JC were there also.
Wanted to take the D's to Roxie's Gulf Coast Kitchen as we had had such a good meal there a few weeks ago with NO and MR. Drove down Farmington Avenue and turned on Laurel Street [where I grew up] past the closed Mississippi Grille [originally the Aetna Diner] which is morphing into another yuppie something. Good Luck!
When we got to Roxie's there was a big sign on the door: Closed for Business, Thanks to all our Customers. Another good one hits the Hartford dust!
Ended up at Tatry and all three of us had the Polish Platter and then split an order of Cheese Blintzes for dessert. Still good food; please stay open!
Wanted to take the D's to Roxie's Gulf Coast Kitchen as we had had such a good meal there a few weeks ago with NO and MR. Drove down Farmington Avenue and turned on Laurel Street [where I grew up] past the closed Mississippi Grille [originally the Aetna Diner] which is morphing into another yuppie something. Good Luck!
When we got to Roxie's there was a big sign on the door: Closed for Business, Thanks to all our Customers. Another good one hits the Hartford dust!
Ended up at Tatry and all three of us had the Polish Platter and then split an order of Cheese Blintzes for dessert. Still good food; please stay open!
Saturday, May 14, 2005
What! NO Moussaka!
Went to Olympia Diner on the Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT with younger son, KF.
I ordered the Moussaka with a Salad [instead of soup]. The Salad came but the message was: no Moussaka. I settled for a Gyro [lamb and beef combination, cheaters] with the traditional fillings and a culturally suspect Tsatziki Sauce.
KF had a Ham and Cheese Omelet, White Toast, Homefries AND a small stack of Pancakes.
The winner was the Honey Dijon Dressing on the Salad. 'Nuf said.
I ordered the Moussaka with a Salad [instead of soup]. The Salad came but the message was: no Moussaka. I settled for a Gyro [lamb and beef combination, cheaters] with the traditional fillings and a culturally suspect Tsatziki Sauce.
KF had a Ham and Cheese Omelet, White Toast, Homefries AND a small stack of Pancakes.
The winner was the Honey Dijon Dressing on the Salad. 'Nuf said.
Friday, May 13, 2005
cajun music X3
Ate at Mama Roux' in Cromwell twice lately. Both times for breakfast. The first time with B&J. I had the Omelette du Jour which had cheddar and cream cheese with bacon. B had the Fritatta du Jour. Both the omelette and fritatta came with homefries and toast. J had the Maple Pancakes with Pecans and a Maple Sauce.
The next time was with J&W. W had the Eggs Benedict [per usual], J had an Omelette with spinach and stuff [vegetarian style]. I had the Steak and Eggs which had an 8 ounce club steak with a basil cream sauce, roasted asparagus, two scrambled eggs, homefries and toast.
The winner: the Club Steak with the Basil Cream Sauce
Ate here again today [May 13th] with JB and BB [the in-laws?]. I had the Blackened Pork Po'boy with melted Pepperjack Cheese, Onions and Peppers and it came with Sweet Potato Fries. BB the Black and Blue Burger and JB had the soup and 1/2 sandwich: Vegetable Gumbo and Roast Beef on Whole Wheat. No dessert as we were all filled up.
The winner this time: the Po'boy
The next time was with J&W. W had the Eggs Benedict [per usual], J had an Omelette with spinach and stuff [vegetarian style]. I had the Steak and Eggs which had an 8 ounce club steak with a basil cream sauce, roasted asparagus, two scrambled eggs, homefries and toast.
The winner: the Club Steak with the Basil Cream Sauce
Ate here again today [May 13th] with JB and BB [the in-laws?]. I had the Blackened Pork Po'boy with melted Pepperjack Cheese, Onions and Peppers and it came with Sweet Potato Fries. BB the Black and Blue Burger and JB had the soup and 1/2 sandwich: Vegetable Gumbo and Roast Beef on Whole Wheat. No dessert as we were all filled up.
The winner this time: the Po'boy
Sunday, May 08, 2005
¿un bohío de verano?
Mothers' Day at Mohegan Sun Casino at high noon looking for a place to eat; priceless! [and almost impossible also]
Went to the casino www.mohegansun.com alone today to be away from any Mothers' Day celebrations. Was going to eat at Johnny Rockets but the line was too long so found a seat at the bar in the Summer Shack. Looked at the chalkboard specials and thought I was back in Spain [therefore the loose translation of 'bohío de verano' for Summer Shack].
After a Sam Adams Lite and Cornbread freebie I had three Malpeque Oysters from PEI with great sauces with a Salad of iceberg lettuce, marinated red onions and cucumbers in a light dressing. Then followed with chalkboard appetizer special of Jumbo Grilled Sardines with Carmelized Onions and Mixed Olives. ¡Fantastico, a great tapa!
I broke a little more than even on the slot machines so lunch only cost me $15 including the tip. What a day!
Went to the casino www.mohegansun.com alone today to be away from any Mothers' Day celebrations. Was going to eat at Johnny Rockets but the line was too long so found a seat at the bar in the Summer Shack. Looked at the chalkboard specials and thought I was back in Spain [therefore the loose translation of 'bohío de verano' for Summer Shack].
After a Sam Adams Lite and Cornbread freebie I had three Malpeque Oysters from PEI with great sauces with a Salad of iceberg lettuce, marinated red onions and cucumbers in a light dressing. Then followed with chalkboard appetizer special of Jumbo Grilled Sardines with Carmelized Onions and Mixed Olives. ¡Fantastico, a great tapa!
I broke a little more than even on the slot machines so lunch only cost me $15 including the tip. What a day!
Saturday, May 07, 2005
italian ice and three spoons
Took BF and GC to the Wesleyan Potters' Show today and then went on to Iliano's on South Main Street for lunch.
A converted Friendly's with an Italian twist; pizza ovens and all. MiniPizza slices on the table for appetizer, nice touch.
Started with House Salads, two with a [too sour] Vinaigrette and one with Peppercorn dressing. Good warm bread on the table. GC and I each had the Eggplant Parmigiana with sides of Linguini and sauce. BF had the Lasagne. Good sized portions with enough to take home for another lunch [or dinner].
Had a double scoop of Italian Lemon Ice [lemon-flavored, how original!] for dessert with three spoons. It was a little grainier than I am used to.
The winner was the Eggplant Parmigiana, lightly breaded and crispy with a good sauce and lots of cheese.
The loser was the Vinaigrette Salad Dressing.
A converted Friendly's with an Italian twist; pizza ovens and all. MiniPizza slices on the table for appetizer, nice touch.
Started with House Salads, two with a [too sour] Vinaigrette and one with Peppercorn dressing. Good warm bread on the table. GC and I each had the Eggplant Parmigiana with sides of Linguini and sauce. BF had the Lasagne. Good sized portions with enough to take home for another lunch [or dinner].
Had a double scoop of Italian Lemon Ice [lemon-flavored, how original!] for dessert with three spoons. It was a little grainier than I am used to.
The winner was the Eggplant Parmigiana, lightly breaded and crispy with a good sauce and lots of cheese.
The loser was the Vinaigrette Salad Dressing.
Thursday, May 05, 2005
cinco de mayo
Went out with the inlaw gang to Rancho Grande in Cromwell, CT tonight. They had a special Cinco de Mayo menu and live music; guitar and accordion ['Cielito Lindo'].
We started out with Negra Modelo beers and two orders of Guacamole prepared tableside [one picante and one mediano].
Everyone had the Garden Salad with Bleu Cheese dressing except Mofongoman who went for the BlackBean Soup.
JB had the Jumbo Shrimp special, WB had Fajitas, BD had the Puerco Adobo, JD had the Chicken Mole and I had the Chiles Poblano. All of the entrees came with great Rice and Veggies and a splash of Refried Beans.
We came back to the house for dessert and coffee. I had made a French Silk Torte filled with Chocolate Mousse. It turned out real well and JB even asked for the recipe [secret!].
The winner was the Guacamole [and the dessert].
We started out with Negra Modelo beers and two orders of Guacamole prepared tableside [one picante and one mediano].
Everyone had the Garden Salad with Bleu Cheese dressing except Mofongoman who went for the BlackBean Soup.
JB had the Jumbo Shrimp special, WB had Fajitas, BD had the Puerco Adobo, JD had the Chicken Mole and I had the Chiles Poblano. All of the entrees came with great Rice and Veggies and a splash of Refried Beans.
We came back to the house for dessert and coffee. I had made a French Silk Torte filled with Chocolate Mousse. It turned out real well and JB even asked for the recipe [secret!].
The winner was the Guacamole [and the dessert].
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Bienvenue Tim!
Tim Hortons has arrived in Connecticut from Canada! www.timhortons.com It has appeared at 752 East Main Street in Meriden, CT. I went there for lunch today after the Y'smen group with BN and JC. Ordered the Turkey Bacon Big Baguette Combo with Minestrone Soup and a medium Coffee. This all came to $7.75. JC had the Tuna Salad Baguette and BN had the Turkey Bacon Big Baguette also.
The winner was the coffee, THE COFFEE, the coffee!
The winner was the coffee, THE COFFEE, the coffee!
Monday, May 02, 2005
teppanyaki at fujiyama
Went to the new Fujiyama on Washington Street in Middletown for lunch today with younger son, K. We always went there after a Monday's workday at the house when it was the Chinese Buffet. They still have the buffet but have added a whole aisle of raw vegetables, mushrooms, shrimp, beef, chicken, pork and fish. You plate what you want and take it to the Teppanyaki grillman who proceeds to chop, slice, grill and sauce it. What a great addition to the already good and cheap buffet [$5.99].
The winners were [aside from the Teppanyaki] the Hot Sour Soup, Crab Rangoon and the General Tso's Chicken.
The winners were [aside from the Teppanyaki] the Hot Sour Soup, Crab Rangoon and the General Tso's Chicken.
Sunday, May 01, 2005
soup after church...
Do you see a pattern here? After church went to the Atlanta Bread Company in South Windsor at the new Evergreen Mall. http://www.atlantabreadcompany.com/ Accompanied by JD and BD [the lunch gang] after a futile search for their grandson's Tball practice [but that's another story].
JD had the Baked Potato soup, BD had the Gumbo and Mofongoman had the new Shanghai Vegetable soup. Each order came with a roll. The soups were okay [back to Panera next time] and the rolls needed a lot of butter as they were dry.
The winner was the Shanghai Vegetable soup but no culinary awards were bestowed [for $4.75 including a brewed iced tea, you shouldn't complain (but I do)].
JD had the Baked Potato soup, BD had the Gumbo and Mofongoman had the new Shanghai Vegetable soup. Each order came with a roll. The soups were okay [back to Panera next time] and the rolls needed a lot of butter as they were dry.
The winner was the Shanghai Vegetable soup but no culinary awards were bestowed [for $4.75 including a brewed iced tea, you shouldn't complain (but I do)].
