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markabauman

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Everything posted by markabauman

  1. Has anyone been to Moro's Table in Auburn? I believe the chef used to be at Mirbeau, in nearby Skaneatles, where we will be in August. No menu on website.
  2. Some friends who sell sheep milk cheese and do some selling of lamb meat were searching for some pimenton d'espellette to make merguez. Tried every spice shop in NYC without luck and spoke with a wholesaler of French products in NJ. Apparently a bit of it was held up in customs somewhere and combined with what was apparently a low crop of the peppers this year, made availability very difficult. This was a couple of weeks ago; don't know what the current situation is.
  3. Thanks; that's what I thought. I have had the KA roller attachment for a number of years and it's great. Most likely for the types of shapes it makes I'd probably just go buy some quality artisanal Italian pasta anyway.
  4. Has anyone seen or used the apparently new KitchenAid tubular pasta maker (not the old extruder which doubled with the meat grinder attachment)? Saw it featured in La Cucina Italiana magazine. I use both a hand-crank and have used the KitchenAid roller/cutter, which is very useful, especially when making pasta by yourself. This new attachment looks intriguing, considering the types of pasta it purports to make, but I have always been a bit skeptical regarding extruders, also considering the shapes it makes are not, at least to me, the types of shape that lend themselves to the application of fresh egg dough.
  5. Not sure there's anything really new or different from last year. Top choices might include: Beekman Street Bistro, Max London's, Chianti, WineBar.
  6. That's correct. That incident was at Fiamma. As mentioned, I didn't complain or make a stink about it- that's not my style. At least at Marea, it appeared that the presented the whole fish prior to cooking, then they presented the filets at service, which would be fine.
  7. A recent posting on another Cape May thread: A quick recounting of our recent week in Cape May: As mentioned, we did a little non-cooking "cooking" in our B & B. We can use their refrigerator to store some food/wine, etc. but not their stove, etc. Our room was on the second floor, with a private porch overlooking the beach and ocean and had an inside and outside table, so we prepped inside and ate outside. Got some excellent smoked fish from the Lobster House (mackerel, blue and salmon). Also some jumbo lump crabmeat, cooked shrimp and lobster for salads, cocktail, etc. Also got some fresh scallops for making ceviche (lime, onion, jalapeno, tomato, cilantro, etc.). As far as restaurants- we, as always, had a great, inexpensive meal at Luisa's. Had wanted to go to Union Park, where we had an excellent meal last year, and other guests this year recommended, but we ran out of time. Had another excellent meal at The Black Duck- the chef formerly cooked at Union Park. Had some excellent seafood apps and a decent thin crust pizza at Lucky Bone's. Jumping place that has become a favorite with locals and tourists. Some other foodie friends reported a great meal at La Verandah in the Hotel Alcott. Always under the radar, we may try it next year. Chef at the Peter Shields has left and the former sous chef is now in charge. Didn't hear good things-despite the beautiful setting. Prices are high and some people reported a little disappointment. Gecko good as always for southwestern. Went one morning to the zoo (our second trip and an incredible surprise as to how good a zoo it is-not just for kids) and it was suggested by some locals from the B & B (who I thought might have known better) that we try Tokyo Sushi in Rio Grande for lunch as they said the people who work there were Japanese. Well, it turns out they are mostly Chinese. Regardless, it was quite decent. Speaking of sushi, we were told that the Harbor View, just a little ways on the road to Wildwood, had a real Japanese itamae, and that the sushi was very good there. I am a little skeptical sometimes of places that have wonderful views of the water, etc. Sometimes the food is inversely proportional to the view quality. Actually, again, we were pleasantly surprised. The chef was, indeed, Japanese, and the sushi was very good. Beautiful day to sit by the water as well. There was a lot of buzz about a new chef who moved down who is now in charge of the Ebbitt Room. Did not get a chance to check it out. Some folks at the B & B enjoyed the old standard, the Washington Inn, for a special occasion. Did not consider 410 Bank St. this year. Was for many years one of our top favorites. Used to dream about their crawfish bisque all winter long. Really enjoyed it, but the last couple of visits left us feeling that it was a lot of money for what we got; sauces a little too rich, and the service a little indifferent and the seating a little crowded. Still very popular, however. Some friends enjoyed the Blue Pig-we didn't go, however. Nice outdoor patio- bring bug repellant. Had a very nice late lunch at the Pier House- former location of the Water's Edge. Excellent wine list (one of the few non-BYOB's we went to). Owner/chef George (CIA-trained), whom we met is Greek and lots of nice culinary touches evident. That's about it for now; if I remember anything else, I'll report back. We've already made our reservations for next year.
  8. By chance, has anyone who has been to Marea ordered the "whole fish", which they price by the pound? A few years back when Michael White was still at Fiamma, we ordered the "whole roast branzino". The fish came out headless. When I expressed disappointment to the server (I would hardly call it a complaint) that the head was not present for the visual presentation, for the tender morsels to be found in the cheeks, and that it had been presented as "whole", the server said "Our typical customer doesn't want to see the head, so the chef just automatically removes it" With a shrug of the shoulders, the server turned and walked away. Just wondering if it's any different now.
  9. I also was going to provide the link and the recommendation to Carol Murphy Clyne's school, but suzilightning beat me to it! I also took their Spanish class at CIA and thought the teaching was excellent.
  10. Don't know if this is current information: Gertrude's restaurant
  11. If it's the same place/people- George and his brother may have a couple of places. Their upscale restaurant, Pier House, is actually attached to and adjacent to La Mer. This was the site of the other restaurant, The Water's Edge.
  12. I am totally a-morel. How about Fairway in Paramus?
  13. One of the disappointments was going to the West Cape May Farmers Market, which is held on Tuesdays from 3-7 PM, last Tuesday in June until September. We've stopped at a couple of local farmstands over the years- blueberries, Jersey tomatoes, etc. and was hoping for a good market. Turns out it was much more of a flea market with just a couple of prepared food vendors and just two produce vendors without a whole lot more. We have so much more in the Albany-Troy-Schenectady-Saratoga area. On the other hand, the restaurants don't seem to have a problem getting good produce. And, of course, what I wouldn't give to have the availability of fresh fish that they have there.
  14. A quick recounting of our recent week in Cape May: As mentioned, we did a little non-cooking "cooking" in our B & B. We can use their refrigerator to store some food/wine, etc. but not their stove, etc. Our room was on the second floor, with a private porch overlooking the beach and ocean and had an inside and outside table, so we prepped inside and ate outside. Got some excellent smoked fish from the Lobster House (mackerel, blue and salmon). Also some jumbo lump crabmeat, cooked shrimp and lobster for salads, cocktail, etc. Also got some fresh scallops for making ceviche (lime, onion, jalapeno, tomato, cilantro, etc.). As far as restaurants- we, as always, had a great, inexpensive meal at Luisa's. Had wanted to go to Union Park, where we had an excellent meal last year, and other guests this year recommended, but we ran out of time. Had another excellent meal at The Black Duck- the chef formerly cooked at Union Park. Had some excellent seafood apps and a decent thin crust pizza at Lucky Bone's. Jumping place that has become a favorite with locals and tourists. Some other foodie friends reported a great meal at La Verandah in the Hotel Alcott. Always under the radar, we may try it next year. Chef at the Peter Shields has left and the former sous chef is now in charge. Didn't hear good things-despite the beautiful setting. Prices are high and some people reported a little disappointment. Gecko good as always for southwestern. Went one morning to the zoo (our second trip and an incredible surprise as to how good a zoo it is-not just for kids) and it was suggested by some locals from the B & B (who I thought might have known better) that we try Tokyo Sushi in Rio Grande for lunch as they said the people who work there were Japanese. Well, it turns out they are mostly Chinese. Regardless, it was quite decent. Speaking of sushi, we were told that the Harbor View, just a little ways on the road to Wildwood, had a real Japanese itamae, and that the sushi was very good there. I am a little skeptical sometimes of places that have wonderful views of the water, etc. Sometimes the food is inversely proportional to the view quality. Actually, again, we were pleasantly surprised. The chef was, indeed, Japanese, and the sushi was very good. Beautiful day to sit by the water as well. There was a lot of buzz about a new chef who moved down who is now in charge of the Ebbitt Room. Did not get a chance to check it out. Some folks at the B & B enjoyed the old standard, the Washington Inn, for a special occasion. Did not consider 410 Bank St. this year. Was for many years one of our top favorites. Used to dream about their crawfish bisque all winter long. Really enjoyed it, but the last couple of visits left us feeling that it was a lot of money for what we got; sauces a little too rich, and the service a little indifferent and the seating a little crowded. Still very popular, however. Some friends enjoyed the Blue Pig-we didn't go, however. Nice outdoor patio- bring bug repellant. Had a very nice late lunch at the Pier House- former location of the Water's Edge. Excellent wine list (one of the few non-BYOB's we went to). Owner/chef George (CIA-trained), whom we met is Greek and lots of nice culinary touches evident. That's about it for now; if I remember anything else, I'll report back. We've already made our reservations for next year.
  15. As mentioned, we do not frequent the LH restaurant. We don't seem to have trouble securing a reservation at Louisa's, if you know how their system works (call Tuesday at 4 for a week at a time). The B & B we stay at is usually helpful in getting reservations there and elsewhere. A number of CM places (not Louisa's, however) are now on OpenTable.
  16. Will be there for a week, starting a week from today. First thing we do when we check in to our B & B is check with our friends there as to the current state of the restaurant scene, so I'll try to report back. Anticipate likely going to Louisa's, possibly to Lucky Bones (salad/pizza, maybe fish), Gecko's for Southwestern, Lobster House fish market (not the restaurant)- we have eating facilities, but not cooking facilities where we stay- usually get cooked shrimp and some scallops or other fresh fish and make ceviche, maybe go next door to the Peter Shield's Inn. Apparently the chef from the now-closed popular Sea Salt restaurant in Stone Harbor is now cooking at the Ebbitt Room and that might be a possibility. Had a decent dinner last year at Union Park-will check it out again and decide. Should be able to report before you go.
  17. Despite the downturn in the economy and the difficulties facing the restaurant industry, there have been a number of recent openings in Saratoga Springs. A branch of the popular El Mexicano restaurant from Hudson Falls has just opened in the spot formerly occupied by Chianti on South Broadway. I've been to the HF branch a couple of times and have enjoyed their food. There are now quite a few Mexican restaurants in Saratoga, but I do believe they will do well. 8 Tables has opened in the location formerly occupied by Lanci's. Just looked at the menu online, looks like an eclectic mix. Chef is the original one from Dine. Sabina's wood-fired pizza opened in the old spot long-held by Bruno's. Harvest & Hearth is probably better, but Sabina's location across from the track will help. Heard that Springwater may re-open with different people. Lots of rumors, but nothing confirmed regarding who will take over the Chez Sophie spot. The people who run Bellini's in Clifton Park are supposedly opening another Italian restaurant (but not another Bellini's) in the new Hampton Inn near the police station. Might be delayed by the slow construction pace/sale of the high-end condos behind the Hampton. If you are coming for track season, it might be worth your while to take a trip down to Albany to check out the eponymous Dale Miller restaurant.
  18. Don't look for Chez Sophie if you stop in Saratoga Springs; it's closing at the end of the month. Consider Max London's or Chianti instead.
  19. Docsconz could most likely answer more definitively, but I would think so, as SlowFood Saratoga will be having a dinner meeting tomorrow evening, which, unfortunately, I cannot attend.
  20. I'd nominate FG or Docsconz, but they're both too recognizable.....
  21. You might want to consider the Institute of Culinary Education: Essentials of Italian Cooking
  22. Sad to see reported today the closing of the Springwater Bistro on Union Avenue near the track. Was once great, reports lately indicated a quick decline. Second restaurant closing in Saratoga in a couple of weeks (Lime Restaurant a few weeks ago). Nothing like the closings in NYC, but still unfortunate to see anyone anywhere go out of business, still knowing the odds. Springwater Bistro closing
  23. On a brief trip this past weekend from NY to Scottsdale, I took my mother, sister and brother-in-law to Andreoli for lunch. Everyone loved it. The place is literally right around the corner from where my mother lives, and despite my sister living in AZ since the '70's, none of them knew about this place. Thanks to eGullet for my reading about and discovering the market. They'll be back and so will I on my next trip out there. Further proof of the value of eGullet!
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