Scargo

Thanks for all of the comments. It is (now) back in the oven, covered, with some white wine and water @ 325F. I'll reply as to my results!

No, it was not frozen, just very cold. There was some slushy juice in the bottom of the bag. I keep my meat drawer quite cold. I rinsed it well and it was quite limber.

I do think that what you say has merit. The chicken was near freezing when I got it out, and straight into the oven it went.... If you roast, is it ever OK to add water, at any time? Is there any general rule you can apply to roasting all meats? I braise meats all the time with great success but I am talking roasting... Are you saying flatly, that you should never microwave meats whether it is to cook them or to re-heat them? Can you reheat successfully on low, covered, etc., with no ill effects on tenderness? I confess I have reheated steak and also many dishes containing meats and have not realized that it hurts quality.... (perhaps some with the steak but I heat it very minimally) Usually after I roast a chicken, and serve it once, it goes into other dishes. I do have and use a good electronic thermometer but I feel I know my oven and have successfully cooked so many smaller birds that I don't bother. I like the high heat method because it usually gives me a juicy bird on the inside and crispy-browned on the outside. I think I will use what I have for coq au vin.... What do you think?

Why did the microwave make it tough? I microwave leftovers all the time. I would say that the non-microwaved chicken is not as tough, but it is still tougher than any I can ever remember cooking. Is microwaving any meat, by itself, a no-no?

No, not at all...

I usually buy smaller whole chickens but recently I purchased a five pound bird. It was not called a "boiler" or anything like that. Just a generic "whole chicken" from the Stop n Shop... I roasted it at 425 for at least an hour in a large, open Allclad pot. About 45 minutes into the cooking, I checked it and poured a cup of water into the bottom of the pan. I've never done this before.... I cooked it 15 to 30 minutes more and there was virtually no liquid. On removal, it was very firm and I could not pull a leg off, but the juices were clear in the leg and thigh. Deep in the breast there was still a hint of red. I was in a hurry to serve dinner so I sliced some breast off and put that, with some leg and thigh in a shallow dish and microwaved it fo just one minute on high. This was the toughest bird I have ever come across! The breast meat was barely edible. The thighs were tough as nails! Did I do something wrong? If I boil what I have, at this point, is it likely to become tenderer and worth fooling with? This is so unusual for me that I am confounded about what to do or why it happened....

Occasionally I forget and peer into the oven just as soon as I have opened the door..... Sometimes I wonder why I still have hair on my face or can see! I use peppers a lot and, after all these years, I still manage to have a fiery nostril, eye or worse. I have had heat on my dried-out fingers last for days....

Last night we ate dinner at "Kudeta", at 27 Temple Street, in Downtown New Haven, across from the Criterion Cinemas. That's "coo-day-tah". It has been open about two weeks, according to the waitress. The interior is very chic. There is an area around the sushi bar which is cozier and smaller than the main dining area. I recommend it if you want a more intimate feel. In the sushi bar dining area there is the expected sushi bar, at which you can sit, and about eight, two-top tables, of which four are seperated by red transparent curtains. There are lights above these curtains which change color. This might make you feel you were dining in Las Vegas, with neon lights changing around you if you sit in one of their four nooks. We sat out in the open area in front of the sushi bar. There were several orchids plants on the bar. The've spent a lot on looks and on sound deadening accoutrements in this place! We really enjoyed our meals. I had a total of four different sushi and sashimi and it was all delicious. They have a nice selection. We were given an excellent, free toro tuna tartare with a spicy sauce, nicely decorating the plate, "compliments of the chef". I had the spicy giant prawns in a dark, plum sweetened sauce with jalapenos and loads of garlic. Sorry, I can't remember its name. It came with baby bok choy and rice. Funny, the rice was not quite sticky enough to pick up with chopsticks.... She had two appetizers; the vietnamese spring rolls and a chicken filled pastry (don't remember the name). She was suprised that they were both deep fried. The triangular, chicken-filled pastry ones were tasty. The spring rolls were not impressive. There were about eight small ones and I felt the small amount of contents were overwhelmed by the fried wrapper. The wine selection (by the glass) was very good. I had a Pinot Grigio and a Chardonnay and she had a Shiraz and Cab. They bring the bottles to the table and pour, so you see what you are getting! Service was excellent. The only thing is we dropped $101 for the two of us. That was four glasses of wine, one main entree, two fried appetizers, one sushi roll, and three sashimi orders. Not necessarily a cheap meal but the place is classy and well run. A very impressive beginning! Their website exists in name only, at this point, so you'll just have to go there......

Frank Pepe's: 157 Wooster Street, New Haven, CT. 06511, (203) 865-5762 Serves only pizzas. Italian sausage pizza is famous. The white clam pie, a Pepe's original, uses fresh clams and too, is famous. Sally's Apizza: 237 Wooster Street, New Haven CT. 06511, (203) 624-5271 Modern Apizza, 874 State Street, New Haven, CT 06512, (203) 776-5306 I think that's the well-know, well-established short list. I haven't been to any; I can't stand lines! Sigh!....perhaps one day. You can gorge yourself on pizza information at :The Great New Haven Pizza Debate BTW, "The Guide" is the quintessence of eateries and prepared food markets in the New Haven area. A great restaurant guide; I trust it.

I thought I'd report back on our experience at The Mill on the River... We made a reservation for 11:30AM, when they open. It is a very pretty setting. The first thing I noticed was a plackard on the covered walkway (crossing the stream) that said they were "Zagat rated". We ordered glasses of wine, crab cake and 6 oysters on the half-shell. They were out of the wine I ordered. We felt the crab cake was oily and lacked "crab". The presentation was nice and the cayenne tartar sauce, though very mild, was good. Really, one of the poorest crab cakes I have had in New England! I was not happy with the plump, perfect-sized oysters since four of the six had an off-puting reddish color around the edges and a funny flavor. I now feel sure this was rust from the oyster knife... She had the Spicy Asian Pasta with sautéed chicken, shrimp, baby bok choy, and spinach with a spicy red bean sauce and sesame oil tossed with linguine pasta. It also had yummy porcini mushrooms, not mentioned on the menu. We both thought this dish was excellent. I had the Redfish Nouvelle, their (quote) "signature dish, lightly blackened and topped with shrimp, scallops, and leaf spinach in a Mornay sauce, served with rice pilaf and zesty coleslaw". It actually came with a rice and peas sidedish and no slaw. It was good, but I felt both main entrees spent too long under the heat lamps. Which brings me to a major gripe. We went early. They did come close to filling up inside till about 12:30PM. We could not get our waiter's attention and sat for a long time with empty wine glasses while eating. I was on my way to the bar to "order-it-myself" when he met me midway. We then got our wine and he made an excuse that he had just taken a large order. I don't know whether others feel this is a legitimate reason for poor service or not. Do you not, on occasion, delegate or ask for help? The bill was $74, plus tax and tip. I thought it was good, overall, but not excellent. Though they could have used it on that beautiful Thursday, they did not have any outdoor seating yet available. It got pretty noisy in the main room when they got busy. That, with the slip-ups in food and service, was a bit of a buzz-kill for a "romantic lunch".

John, Pizza, I would agree with....Some can be excellent, taste great and not necessarily put you into coronary distress, but as John Stewart (of the Daily Show) would say...... "hot dogs..... not so much!" I.E., I've basically given up greasy, unhealthy foods...... To each, his own....

Thanks everyone, so much! In my haste to make a decision (and the fact that my GF's birthday was recent) I wanted to take her to a romantic spot so I selected The Mill on the River, in nearby South Windsor (for tomorrow, lunch). Hope I/we won't be disappointed! And no, I don't think I will reconsider hot dogs... What's up with the hot dog fanaticism up here (in the northeast)? It rates up there with pizza. Both are bad for you! Thanks anyway!

I live in the New Haven area of Connecticut and am often in the Hartford area. Usually I'm just passing thru (to the airport or to go skiing). I could/would stop there and eat more often if I knew where to go. I am bummed by the fact that I see very little (on eGullet) about dining in Hartford. I want to eat there and don't know what to try, other than Pastis, near the coliseum, where we have been twice.... We are open to almost any type of food, except hotdogs More towards fine dining is our preference, though we love good BBQ! So what's up with so little info coming out of Hartford? Surely there is some good dining to be had and there's not a ban on talking about it! Come on eGulleters!

I'm not saying I'm satisfied, or have answered my own question but, On the 25th, I purchased an exceptionally good steak at Liuzzi Cheese on State Street in North Haven, CT (between Sackett Pt. and Dixwell Ave.). I did pay $12 plus a pound for it. Dry aged? I didn't ask. Not that I have made a major project out of finding the best beef in the New Haven area, but this was the best I have eaten in three years, whether from a grocer or, any restaurant. It was yummy; grilled over mesquite. BTW, Liuzzi does have great cheeses but I did not care for their "NY" cheesecake, which was an almost pudding-like variety, where all I could taste was sweetened, condensed milk. Sorry for my ignorance, but is NY style supposed to taste like that? I've eaten and made a lot of cheesecake, but never anything like that. Looking at recipes for "classic" NY style, most of them look like what I make, which turns out heavier and is made with eggs and no condensed milk!

I don't know about the Hartford area, though you sound like you're willing to travel.... On the 25th, I purchased an exceptionally good steak at Liuzzi Cheese on State Street in North Haven, CT (between Sackett Pt. and Dixwell Ave.). I did pay $12 plus a pound for it. Dry aged? I didn't ask. Not that I have made a major project out of finding the best beef in the New Haven area, but this was the best I have eaten in three years, whether from a grocer or, any restaurant. It was yummy; grilled over mesquite. BTW, they do have great cheese but I did not care for their "NY" cheesecake, which was the condensed milk, pudding-like variety. I recently posed the same redundant question (including, where's a good meat market) in another thread I started in 2004, where I asked "where to get the good stuff in the New Haven area". It's kind of disappointing the lack of participation at eGullet from the NH area foodies. I know there's some out there! I'm willing to drive a few miles myself, but Hartford's pushing it.

Just saw that Ferraro Foods is having a grand re-opening after modernizing their store. I guess this happened a little while back but now they are announcing it for publicity. Would like to know if this is the best meat market in town or Liuzzi's or??

DeRoses closed a few months back after being open briefly. I now go to Mt. Carmel Wine and Spirits for most of my wine and liquor purchases, though I will go to the Wine Thief if am bored or need a quick fix. I recently had several fish dishes with my Japanese friends, where the fish came from Bud's in Branford. It was all excellent and fresh and I expect these Japanes know their fresh fish....!

I agree with liamdc. There is recent discussion on this. Wouldn't it be better to pickup where it left off and ask if anyone has an update on it? BTW, I thoroughly enjoyed Michael's on the Hill, but it was not in the last year.

I'm no expert either for this area, but I am a skier and have been collecting comments for when I go there next. Here is my list: In Warren: Pitcher Inn Best/closest?Rated one of the best restaurants for wine lovers-Wine Spectator The Common Man the common man - after the Pitcher Inn, the next best upscale spot in the area? Outside Warren: The Millcroft Inn - on hwy 17 - outstanding food with Indian twists - always good - nice wine list Mary's - at Inn at Baldwin Creek, 1868 North Route 116 Bristol, VT - fabulous Single Pebble (in Barre, East of Waitsfield-perhaps a 25 mile drive-you have to go up and around to get to it) Cafe Provence-a somewhat new restaurant in Brandon (even further-30-35 miles S-SW). Owned by Chef Barral, one of the founders of the New England Culinary Institute. "I haven't been there yet but I trust Barral." Many have websites....though I only linked one of them. Please reply back with what your experience was like!

I can report back that Pancho's Cantina was a big hit. Pretty damn good food for being so far from Texas! We must have eaten there five times while attending th Pilot Pen. Also good, in the Westville area, was Golden Seafood. The manager, who very often waited on us, or at least took our orders/makes suggestions was superb in recommendations and quick service. The food was excellent. I had soft-shell crab one day and whole sea bass another day. The calamari was as good as I have ever had. Cooked to perfection-so it was not tough! Portions were large. We also went down to Tandoor for Indian food several times. It turned out not to take that long and they have parking in the back. We ate once in the food court, when time was too tight between matches we wanted to see! I can take that

I've been to Ibiza a few times and cannot fault it and I like its atmosphere. On the expensive side but I suppose you know that. Union League: I say, forget it. I don't think it is romantic or creative and kinda stilted/stuffy and dare I say pretentious place? But I guess it's where you're coming from. I have always enjoyed the romantic, outdoor setting at the Rusty Scupper and the food is good to great (at half the price). The Stillwater Bistro can also be very good, and also has the option of being outside by the river. I like the food. Their downfall is their bread. I've got to tell them about the bread! No problem if you don't like bread, but it makes me wonder what they are thinking, and how good their palates are, when they serve stuff that is like cotton candy! I know you mentioned you wanted a place you hadn't been to so I won't go on. Happy anniversary!

Well, It's time again to ask the perennial question: Where can I eat while at the Pilot Pen, besides the food court (burp ) or the overpriced and mundane (one) restaurant across from the food court? I tried Golden Seafood on Whalley recently. It is just beyond the light at Highway 122 (really a street). It was fantastic! We had soft-shelled crab, vegetable pot stickers and a seafood mix. Service was good. I want to try the Tex-Mex place "Pancho's Cantina", across the street from The Racquet Koop, but haven't yet. Since I am a native Texan, I think I may be disappointed though "The Menu" says it's decent fare. Anyone been there? 500 Blake Street is not open for lunch, anymore..... I am going to try others (as derived from those in "The Menu"- which are in "Westville") in the few remaining day and I will report back.... Can anyone recommend others or any that are in a different direction and yet as close to the Pilot Pen?? Additionally, has anyone tried "tailgating" whle there? I know you can't bring food and drinks in but what about out in the parking lot?

About 20 miles further south on 95 is Le Petit Cafe, a French restaurant in Branford. "The Menu" says Le Petit is worth the drive from anywhere in Connecticut and this is the second year in a row that it heads the top of their list! A 9.6 out of 10.... BTW, for those not familiar, The Menu is a restaurant guide book for the New Haven area (and I think it is great). www.newhavenmenu.com

Ate at Michael's on the Hill in winter of 2004. Was outstanding and very nice atmosphere. Not bad for a romantic evening. Not cheap, so I doubt you will see any kids running around.

Yea, that's REAL casual.... A little too much so for me. I've been there and it is a minimalist kind of place, plus it IS just a hot dog, after all! How do hot dogs and fries rate being on eGullet? (small amount of facetiousness included) I can recommend Scribner's (seafood) Restaurant a few miles to the east. http://www.scribnersrestaurant.com/index.htm 31 Village Road, Woodmont, Connecticut 06460 (203) 878-7019