Ember Room - Photo Essay

I love having friends who work in food journalism because I get to go to restaurant menu tasting events. Love it! My friend Will who works with The Daily Meal as a recipe editor and invited me last night to a menu tasting at the Ember Room in Hell's Kitchen, NYC. Chef Pongtawat "Ian" Chalermkittichai invited a few publications to come taste their new menu items. Despite having just arrived back in New York after a visit to Thailand and waking up super early to do a morning show on CBS, Chef Ian was gracious, welcoming and nice enough to by our table a few times to talk about his food and travels. Ember Room is not his first restaurant in the city, his first restaurant, self-titled Kittichai, is actually one of my favorite places in the city so I had high hopes for the food. I certainly wasn't disappointed. 

 Crispy Rock Corn Shrimp - tempura battered shrimp, roasted melting eggplant, sweet tamarind dressing, shredded hard-boiled egg

 Thai Tacos - shredded chicken, bean sprouts, chives, peanut, tofu, coconut, sweet chili sauce

 “Yum Hoi” Pomelo Scallops - seared “diver” scallops, chili jam glaze, pomelo salad, roasted pepper-lime dressing

 Koi Tuna Tartare - fresh tuna, roasted ground rice, crispy tortillas, chili-lime dressing

 Had Yai Volcano Chicken - oven-roasted turmeric-coconut marinated chicken, green chili sauce (IT'S ON FIRE!)

 Korean BBQ-Beef Fried Rice - wok-fried rice, kimchee, bbq beef, topped with raw egg.

 Crispy Whole Striped Bass - whole fish, sweet/sour/spicy sauce, crispy basil 

 Red Curry Crispy Duck - lychee, pineapple, cherry tomato, eggplant

 Mango with Sticky Rice & Toasted Coconut Ice Cream

 Pandan Pot de Crème with Waffle and Pandan Ice Cream

Picnic Garden - Korean BBQ Buffet

 

La Biblioteca

By 4:00pm on any given weekday I'm just about ready to leave work and the first thing on my mind is.... happy hour. Where is the best place around here to meet up with a friend for a quick drink and small bite of food before heading home and relaxing? It's a weekday so you can't stay out too late with work in the morning. Working in midtown manhattan means there are a lot of nice restaurants around and plenty of bar choices but not necessarily good happy hour options that have good drinks and food at a reasonable price.

I have a few favorites but my top-choice at the moment is a little basement bar, La Biblioteca. It's a discreet little bar tucked underneath Zengo that specializes in tequila. Anyone who knows me at all knows tequila is NOT my drink of choice, but the seductive charm of this place is undeniable. The dim lighting, the plush leather chairs. The antique shelves full of labeled tequila that composes their 'library' and even the 'librarian' of their collection, a leggy blond who knows more about tequila than I would ever want to. Their short happy hour menu keeps me happy and satisfied after a long day at work.
 

 Library Cards

Tequila Lockers for those who buy bottles - free storage until your next visit

 Mahi Mahi Tacos - 2 for $5 during happy hour

 Tuesday Tequila Tastings - every week a different distillery

Muk Eun Ji

As seen through my recipes, a love all my food with a little spice. I have to say that there aren't any cuisines that master the art of spiciness better than Asian cuisines and Korean food is among the best along with Thai, Vietnamese, Sichuan and others. Whenever I feel the least bit poorly I know that a hot bowl of spicy broth, chili noodles, or hot pepper fried rice will clear up all my issues. 

I was feeling a severe need for spicy food all of last week and finally on friday that need was satisfied. I got off early from work because of 'Good Friday' and headed to the Korea-Town neighborhood of New York on 32nd St between 5th and 6th Avenues.

“Muk Eun Ji,” one of over 400 different kinds of Korean kimchi, gets the title when kimchi is fermented over a year at the minimum. This Korean traditional aged kimchi, has fed since ancient generations till now with its unique and rich flavor which is almost addictive once tasted. At Muk Eun Ji restaurant in the K-town  neighborhood of NYC, one can experience the authentic Korean aged kimchi that the restaurant is named after. They directly and exclusively imported from Jinan Maisan in South Korea. We got there around 2pm so it was still their lunch special hour.

 Ban Chan - Korean Appetizers

Seafood Soondubu

 Kimchi Jjigae

Signature Kimchi Stews using Muk Eun Ji 

With plenty of options for under $10, I wanted to order everything on the menu. Will definitely have to come back for their JjamPong (spicy seafood noodle soup) and JajangMyeon (Noodles in Black Bean Pork Sauce) combo. Also after staring at what other tables were trying their kimchi stews using the Muk Eun Ji is very popular as well as Korean BBQ options. So many things to eat, so little time...

Nice Matin

After a day at the museums or central park, your legs are usually tired and your belly is ready for some FOOD! A great French restaurant on the upper west side to take a break and have a nice meal is Nice Matin just blocks from the Natural History Museum. With the weather warming up, I'll be spending a lot more time in that neighborhood so expect more posts! I recalled a great night I spent here with friends last summer for restaurant week.  It would be a great place for a date night and there are larger tables for groups. It gets a little noisy with all the chatter but its a lively place and I would recommend it for those in the area.

Sweet Corn Risotto

Seared Ahi Tuna Steak and Grape Caper Compote on a bed of Heirloom Tomatoes

Rhubarb Strawberry Crisp topped with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Veselka

My favorite movie about New York City before I moved east was definitely Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist. A quintessential coming-of-age movie that is as much about the city as it is about the characters. The perspective of the shots, how New York looks from the inside of a taxi cab or conversations on a sidewalk with endless people passing by, make the city as much a character as Kat Dennings or Michael Cera.

The city gives the characters a whooping before all conflicts come to a resolution... where? Veselka Restaurant (where the story was originally penned) on the corner of 9th and 2nd. This eastern European diner, open 24 hours a day, is cranking out great breakfast foods as well as Ukrainian specialties like pierogis and borscht. 

On my visit, I obviously had to get what Norah got! "Another meat plate! Keep them coming!"

MEAT PLATE $13.95 - 2 Meat, 2 Potato Pierogi; 1 Meat Stuffed Cabbage w/ sour cream, beet & horseradish salad, caramelized onions

The meat plate was very delicious, especially after a late night. Meaty stuffed cabbage and pierogis smothered in sour cream, spicy beet spread and caramelized onions really hit the spot on a late sunday breakfast. While everyone around us enjoyed french toast and pancakes, three messy haired smudged eyed girls stuffed their face with protein, carbs, and cream.

 Matzoh Ball Soup & Ukrainian Borscht

Each plate comes with salad and soup; I had the borscht because of my obsession with beets. No brainer in my opinion. My friend had the matzoh ball soup which I thought wasn't as good as Katz's Delicatessen matzoh ball soup but still tasty. Veselka and another famous greasy diner, Eisenberg's Sandwich Shop in the Flatiron district, both use chicken stock as the base to their matzoh ball soup. Katz's uses a darker beef stock I believe. I prefer the heavy stock with my fluffy light matzoh balls.

Winegasm

My "go-to" bar in the neighborhood of Astoria, Queens - Winegasm. This quaint little bar which seats about 25 people has an note-worthy selection of wines from all around the world. Their staff is knowledgeable and enjoy conversing and educating their customers. Their candle-lit cozy atmosphere is perfect for dates and the long bar-height table in the middle of the bar is perfect for larger groups.

 Cucumber Martini

They also have a very classic cocktail list; sidecars and vesper martinis included. Their new chef, Brian, hails from a two-Michelin star restaurant and has transformed their menu. Some of my favorites off the menu: Chicken liver pate, chick pea fries, cheese fondue, mushroom panini, and many more. Happy hour at my local watering hold is until 8:00pm and they also have a great prix-fixe three-course menu during that time for only $19. MUST TRY IF YOU'RE EVER IN ASTORIA!

Ippudo

Ippudo. Momofuku. The rivalry between these two restaurants is legendary. Whenever you talk to someone in New York City about ramen, one of these restaurants will be mentioned. We got to Ippudo ten minutes before they opened and there was already a line of people waiting outside. My expectations at that point went up 100% because if people are willing to wait outside a restaurant on a freezing Sunday morning hours before the Superbowl (when the NY Giants are actually playing in) it must be pretty freaking good.I knew this place was popular but I had no idea the hype around Ippudo vs Momofuku was so intense. I swear I even got a couple side glances when I asked my friend if Momofuku was better.

 Hitari Pork Buns

Shiromaru Chaschu Ramen

I thought the pork buns were phenomenal! Thick juicy pork belly slices with crisp lettuce and spicy mayo. The ramen soup was nice and savory without being overly salty (a common downfall with ramen broth). My friend's spicy soup was a little more to my taste and her noodles were normal thickness. I orderedAkamaru Modern had thinner noodles. Not my favorite but still good. The main reason I decided on this bowl of ramen was their signature "Umami Dama" paste they top the bowl with. It was a cross between miso and chinese bean paste. An additional seasoned soft bowled egg made this a pretty tasty bowl of soup noodles.

 

"Umami Dama" paste & soft-boiled egg

 

 Akamaru Modern Ramen

Now I just have to try Momofuku (post to follow soon) and finally put this rivalry to rest. :)

DiWine

Brunch is a beautiful thing. All you can drink brunch is probably the reason why I love New York so much. I usually have brunch in Manhattan but this past weekend was my lazy, stay in my pajamas and do nothing weekend. But my friend dragged me out of my comfy fleece pajamas and to the a local restaurant around the corner from my apartment, DiWine. Lo and behold! Brunch special! For $15 dollars you can get an entree with a cup of coffee and a drink. If you want it to be endless mimosas, bellinis and bloody marys add an extra $7 only!

 Capricossa Pizza - Pepperocini, Eggs, Mushroom, and Mozzarella

I think we all know which option I choose but I was amazed at how good their pizza was. They have a wood burning brick oven in the back that gets the dough crisp on the bottom but still chewy goodness in the middle. And with V-day on the way, the made my eggs into the shape of a heart!

 Banana Bread French Toast - Maple Roasted Bananas, Strawberries, and Crème Fraiche

My friend had the banana bread french toast which I stole a bite of and it was so good! How have I never thought of making french toast with banana bread before? What made it so perfect for my taste? No raisins! I absolutely do not like raisins in bread and it was this dense banana bread with no raisins and plenty of walnuts for texture. But the most amazing part of that dish was the citrus creme fraiche that came with it. Amazing! Good to know that I don't HAVE to head into the city for a good brunch. Well done DiWine. I will definitely be back.

Otafuku

Are you in the East Village and need a snack? Have a craving for something Japanese? Otafuku is the place to visit. This hole-in-the-wall joint, nestled between two bars, makes delicious takoyaki (octopus balls), a popular street snack in Japan. The store is tiny (probably only 70 square feet) and the standing room for customers is about 20 square feet. Put in your order, take a number and wait for savory little balls of heaven to be placed in your hands.

These octopus balls are made in a special takoyaki tray which is a griddle that has holes in it to cook and form the snack-sized balls. The batter is put into the holes; as they cook, octopus is placed into the batter along with pickled ginger, scallions, and sometimes bits of fried tempera batter. Then a little more batter is place on top of it and they are flipped over so the other side can continue cooking into the form of a ball. The result is this creamy seafood ball of deliciousness which is then topped with a takoyaki sauce (similar to teriyaki or eel sauce) then Japanese mayonnaise, seaweed flakes and katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes). To me, the spicier the better, so I add a blog of sriracha on the side.

For $5 dollars, you get SIX golf ball sized takoyaki with all the bells and whistles. It's a deal that can't be passed up when you're in the east village!

One if by Land, Two if by Sea - Restaurant Week

Behold! Another restaurant week adventure! My goal for this restaurant week season was to go somewhere every week. Though is wasn't properly spaced out, I did get to go to four restaurants that were participating in this winter's restaurant week. Though I was really excited for Cafe Boulud, I have heard so many good things about One if by Land; I was glad to finally have the chance to go.

Many have said that One if by Land is the most romantic restaurant in New York City, I'm not a fan of absolutes but I will say that it was very comfortable and their candlelit tables gave the meal a certain ambiance. The room was mostly tables of two, though there were a few larger tables that came to enjoy restaurant week in a group. Since Sarah and I both had lighter entrees we paired our meal with a great German white wine. Riesling-Kabinett is a dryer version of a typically sweet wine. It was really delicious and went wonderfully with our food. Slam Dunk! 

Prinzsalm Riesling-Kabinett 2007

 Amuse Bouche - Aerated Celery Root Puree topped with Green Apple and Champagne Vinegar Meringue

 Honey-Jalapeno Butter & Roasted Red Pepper Butter for bread

Roasted Bartlett Pear with Maytag Blue Cheese, Endive & ‘Trail Mix’

 Chestnut Tagliatelle with Venison Ragout & Pecorino Ginepro

 Hake in Japanese Pine Broth, Shitake Mushrooms, Ginger Sticky Rice & a (perfectly) Steamed Egg

 Beech Mushroom Risotto with Castelmagno, Superfino Carnarolli & Chervil Oil

 Maple Ice Cream Sundae with Caramel Popcorn, Bacon-Infused Chocolate Sauce & Candied Bacon

 Complimentary Petits Fours at the end of our meal

Normally a meal at this restaurant would run you $80 dollars and though the restaurant week menu is more limited than the normal prix-fixe menu, the options were still delicious and I was completely satisfied (if not stuffed) by the end of dinner.