OUD HOLLAND - Amsterdam

Oud Holland (Old Holland) is a few blocks off Damrak in Dam Square. Oud Holland is located in a 2 ½ story house built in 1649. Yes, 1649. This house became a café in the late 19th century. It was THE place to meet for editors and journalists on Holland’s “Fleet Street” in the 1920’s. The very comfortable and charming space has flocked paper on the upper ½ of the walls and wood paneled lower walls, with beautiful Dutch antiques throughout. The wooden tables are covered in bright red table clothes with red & white checkered cloth napkins.

For my starter, I chose the Kippe/Groenstesoep (Chicken Soup). The clear chicken broth had the most intense chicken flavor with just a hint of bay leaves. The tidbits of potato, carrot and chicken breast were not overcooked – still slightly chewy. The slivers of white onion, celery, & bits of parsley enhanced this incredible soup that was served in a large metal soup cup.

I had the Ptuttelpot (Beef Stew) as my main dish. The large pieces of beef simmer for 8 hours prior to serving. Chunks of carrot and onion, bay leaves and chives are added near the end of the “simmer” creating a thick, very satisfying meal. The beef stew is served in a large flat metal bowl-like plate with a mound of coarsely mashed potatoes. This incredible stew is served with a side of slightly sweet carrot balls in a light butter sauce as well as a side of steamed brussel sprouts tossed in butter and a hint of garlic. The veggies are to be eaten as sides and not combined with the stew.

A small metal bowl of slightly tart applesauce that comes as another side with the stew is the perfect end to this fantastic meal. This amazing stew & sides are only 16,40 EUR (approx $21 USD).

Geyser, the café’s house cat, quietly moves among the diners for some TLC. Believe me, this cat is not deprived of attention! No… he is not a tabletop jumper.

As I was eating my way through Amsterdam I quickly learned that if you want to add a tip to your card, you need to let your server know up front or leave money on the table. Adding it when you sign the receipt is not an option at any of the eateries where I dined. Another learning I had is that soda refills are not free and often cost 2,50 EUR (approx $3.20 USD) each.

Robert, my extremely friendly server, was always ready to answer a question or provide a suggestion in perfect English with a very sexy accent and a huge smile!

I asked 2 different hotel concierges for their recommendation of a great local café serving outstanding Dutch food – both told me to try Oud Holland. I agree!

Mmm, Mmm, Mmm…

$$
++++
✦✦✦

Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+

Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!

Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”

MANNEKEN PIS - Amsterdam

Manneken Pis has a small location on Damrak (the main street) approximately 3 blocks from Centraal Station in the Dam Square (downtown) area. There is no seating, just a walk-up window. But this does not detour those in the ever present quick-moving line to look elsewhere for their french fry fix. The white lab coat adorned staff are very efficient and friendly.

The menu is short - 3 sizes of fresh cut/fresh fried fries, shakes and ice cream. Period. The fries are reasonably priced, from $3.25 - $5.50. They also offer 17 regular dipping sauces and 5 special dipping sauces, ranging in price from .75 - .95 for each sauce. Not being fluent in Dutch, I asked a local next to me in line for a recommendation. Without a doubt, he indicated the mayo/green peppercorn was the best - a very smooth, slightly peppery mayo. I agree; it was fantastic. After receiving my order, I joined the rest on the sidewalk devouring their cones of french fry bliss.

The small fry I ordered was served in a paper cone; the sauce was plopped on the top. My fries were incredible - crisp with fluffy white centers! Remember to grab a tiny wooden fork & several napkins.

There is a large sign proclaiming Manneken Pis has been vote "#1 Holland Fries" for several years. Not once did I walk by during this visit to Amsterdam did I not see a line. The other fry shops in the area can't make the same claim!

Mmm, Mmm, Mmm...

$
++++
✦✦✦

Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+

Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!

Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”

AL ARGENTINO STEAKHOUSE – Amsterdam

Al Argentino is located on a tiny side street (Zeedijk 29A) two blocks from Dam Square in central Amsterdam. The street is so narrow that 5 bikers could not ride side by side in the same direction. A short 5-minute walk down Damrak from Centraal Station (train station) takes you to this square bustling with locals and tourists. The square was created in the 13th century when a dam was built around the Amstel River to prevent the Zuiderzee Sea from flooding the city. Hence the name Amsterdam. In Dam Square and on the surrounding streets, there are food stalls, restaurants and shops galore, as well as the Amsterdam Diamond center.

The steakhouse has a western ambiance with stressed barn wood, wagon wheels, hides, and wooden tables & chairs. The long narrow dining space has a few tables near the front, a tiny bar that may seat 4 or 5, a partially open kitchen and another small dining space at the rear. Aah, the aroma of the grill caused my tasted buds to jump in anticipation of a great steak dinner.

I began with a hot appetizer – the Empandas de Carne (meat pastries). The 2 piping hot, flaky puffs were filled with minced steak, onion, kalamata olives and a touch of dried red pepper. These tasty puffs arrived resting shredded carrots and red cabbage. Excellent!

For dinner, I ordered Bife de Chorizo (sirloin steak). The slightly charred steak was grilled to perfection and crusted with minced garlic and black pepper. I ordered a side of the Chimmichurri sauce; it did not have enough parsley and garlic and too much onion, red & green pepper for me. The Seasoned Rice was long grain white rice exploding with the flavors of paprika, onion, cumin and flecks of red pepper. I could not resist a side of the Maiz a la Parrilla (grilled corn). The “caramelized” smoky corncob came with melted butter for dipping. A fantastic meal for $29 EUR or approximately $36 USD (food only).

Al Argentino features a short but nice list of wines and liquors from Argentina.

It was very sexy to hear Mathieus, my stunning & very friendly Dutch server, describe the Argentinean dishes. While I was dining, I heard Swedish, German, Chinese, Spanish, English and obviously Dutch – international diners in a very cosmopolitan city. The background music was a relaxing blend of Spanish and English singers.

Walking through the streets surrounding Dam Square, I was surprised by the number of Argentinean and Indonesian restaurants. It seemed like there was one on every block. This is one Argentinean eatery you should not pass by!

Mmm, Mmm…

$$$
++++
✦✦✦

Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+

Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!

Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”

GREENDAYZ COFFEE - Amsterdam

Greendayz Coffee is a bright, contemporary coffee shop, 2 blocks off Damrak at Warmoesstraat 143. Franc, the adorable manager, quickly points out that their menu items are all natural or organic.

During my stay in Amsterdam, I made numerous trips to Greendayz for a caffeine fix. Franc recommended the “Classic Coffee” – a double shot of espresso with a small amount of filtered water. Delicious! This mellow, slightly smoky coffee quickly became my beverage of choice.

My sweet selection was their fantastic mocha chip muffin; it was a baseball-size handful of heaven. This super moist muffin had a subtle espresso flavor and slivers or dark chocolate. The muffin’s crystallized sugar top was incredible. I learned that the addition of a bit of applesauce was their secret to the unbelievably moist muffins. I admit I ate several.

The staff of this very comfortable, welcoming café is quick to answer questions about this amazing city, give directions, and make suggestions to those coming through the door. I always left with a smile and a hot cup of “Classic”!

Mmm, Mmm, Mmm…

$
++++
✦✦✦✦

Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+

Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!

Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”

ARCHIE'S WOK - Puerto Vallarta

Archie’s Wok can be found in Zona Romantica - the older, charming area of Puerto Vallarta, ½ block up from the wooden pier. The restaurant was started over 20 years by Archie, He was director, John Houston's personal chef for almost 8 years while John was living in PV. Archie's widow, Cindy, and family continue to run the eatery. The space is very basic with the expected sprinkling of bright Chinese colors. The dining space is slightly separated by a short set of steps up to the space at the rear of the restaurant. The kitchen is oddly located behind the host station near the front door and first dining area.

I began with the “Spicy Life Salad” – it was great. The thin slices of mixed vegetables were very fresh & crunchy; the light dressing with the right amount of zing was outstanding. A perfect start to what I expected to be a good meal.

I can not say the same for the Chicken & Almond entrée I ordered for dinner. The abundance of larger-than-necessary chunks of celery and onion left little room for anything else. The 4 tidbits of chicken breast I found buried among the carrot, jicama, onion, mushroom & celery had a steamed texture – certainly not seared in a wok. The light sauce attempting to hold this dish together lacked flavor and failed. I should have ordered another salad & skipped the chicken entrée.

The restaurant was surprisingly busy; it maybe that many of the dinner guests (tourists) find it a “safe” choice. Not in my opinion – there is a plethora of reasonable priced dining options in PV... keeping walking.

Mmm...

$$
++
✦

Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+

Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!

Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”

HACIENDA SAN ANGEL – Puerto Vallarta

Hacienda San Angel is a collection of villas at the base of the Sierra Madre Mountains overlooking Banderas Bay. These amazing villas create 14 elegant suites impeccably restored with exquisite antiques and all the modern amenities you would expect to find in a member of "Small Luxury Hotels of the World." The immaculate gardens, 3 pristine pools and a roof-top jacuzzi are a breathtaking treat. No detail too insignificant - the hand soap in the restroom near the breakfast terrace resembles individual yellow rose petals! This eden is hidden behind very high walls running along a narrow cobblestone street tucked in the hill above the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Friends from the States flew in to spend some time with me in my corner of paradise! This would be my second visit to the property; I knew they would be impressed with this incredible collection of villas. It was only in the last 2+ years that the restaurant was opened to the public. Until then, you needed to be an overnight guest of the villa to dine.

It had sporadically rained the hour before our reservation at 8p. We were asked to wait in a large antique filled living room. When we arrived, I was surprised that our table was not ready. After a 15-minutes wait, we were taken to the 2nd floor terrace dining room believing our table was ready. At this point, I learned our table was still on the exposed terrace. It needed to be reset under the extended roof. We were left to stand among diners as the staff readied our table.

We arrived to find an elegant outdoor dining room of guests from around the world. I could easily hear 4 or 5 different languages being spoken as I walked through the dining terrace. When we were taken to our table, our chairs were still wet. This was very awkward. I would have expected, at least, the offer of a beverage while we waited for the second time.

We began with a wonderful bottle (actually 2) of a Mexican cab-merlot from the Casa Madero vineyards. Slightly sweet with a hint of black cherry. Soon after a basket of fresh, hot bread arrived... the anticipation began to build.

I began with the Lobster salad & grilled watermelon – the petite mound of greens mixed with shredded lobster hid a center of chopped lobster. The thin slice of watermelon was sprinkled with paprika and quickly grilled. Simply divine! For my next course, I chose the shrimp coconut soup. The pureed shrimp and light coconut milk base had a single scrumptious shrimp dumpling in the center of the bowl.

For my entrée, I selected the Angus filet mignon, cooked to perfection! The slightly charred filet accompanied a stacked serving of sautéed spinach leaves and paper thin slices of roasted garlic resting on thin slices of white fingerling potatoes. This is the first and only time I have found individuals leaves of sautéed spinach to be painstakingly stacked prior to serving. A port reduction sauce and a poblano chili sauce were artistically placed on my plate. Superb!

For dessert, I had the crème brulee with a slightly sweet wild berry sauce; again a gorgeous presentation of a creamy delight!

My friends and I agree; the meal was incredible.

Our table was the last to leave. I found it odd and rude to have had the wonderful background music disappear and the staff resetting the dining room and moving furniture while we finished a dinner that was close to $400 USD. Apparently, the owner with her incredible attention to detail was not on the property this evening. Yes, I will return, but with different expectations.

Mmm, Mmm, Mmm...

http://www.haciendasanangel.com/

$$$$$
+++++
✦✦✦

Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+

Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!

Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”

TAQUERIA LA HACIENDA - Minneapolis

Taqueria La Hacienda is located in the Mercado Central on East Lake Street in Minneapolis. The Mercado Central is a large warehouse-like space converted into a busy 'plaza' of individually owned tiny businesses featuring perfumes, Latin music & DVDs, clothing, magazines & newspapers, imported Mexican food stuffs, and most importantly numerous food counters serving authentic Mexican cuisine!

The menu includes tacos, burritos, combination plates, quesadillas and various sides; all are homemade from family recipes.

For lunch, I chose the soft tacos and rice. The 2 al pastor (Mexican style barbecued pork cooked on a gyro stick) and 1 pollo (chicken) tacos were handfuls of perfection. The tidbits of chicken and the thin strips of pork were moist & exploding with flavor. The pork had slightly charred edges. The over-flowing al pastor and pollo tacos were topped with diced white onion and chopped cilantro. I also had the rice. This fluffy side was gently seasoned with tomato sauce, garlic, onion and oil. The tacos are just like the tacos offered by many of the street vendors you would find in any Mexican town!

Taqueria La Hacienda has a large selection of Mexican sodas, jamaica and horchata. I had the Mexican Coca Cola (sweeter than the Coke sold in the USA) with my meal.

A stroll through the Mercado quickly "transports" me to one of the many pueblos with a bustling plaza in Mexico!

Mmm, Mmm, Mmm...

$
++++
✦✦✦✦

$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+

Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!

Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”

KITTICHAI - New York City (SoHo)

Kittichai is located on the 1^st level of the Thompson Hotel in the ever trendy SoHo area of one of the greatest cities in the world.

This incredible eatery is a very modern, sophisticated space of wood, water & orchids. The dining room surrounds a square reflection pool of floating orchids. Individual orchid blooms are suspended above the pool. The subtle and artistic lighting add a beautiful elegant touch.

My friends, Julie and Raja, and I selected the 9 course tasting menu.

Our feast included:

• fishcakes with cucumber & red onion chutney;

• “Meing” tuna tartare served in limestone tartlets with peanuts, ginger, lime and a sweet chili sauce;

• Northern Thai beef salad with very thin slices of very lean beef, Chinese long beans and roasted sticky rice powder;

• crispy whole fish resting in a very light ginger curry sauce;

• a salad of pan-seared hake dtom yum and Shanghai shoots and basil;

• sautéed gai-lan in lemon grass and chicken stock with garlic and ginger (baby bok choy, orange peppers and tomatoes);

• sliced grilled chicken breast rubbed with bird eye chili and Chinese long beans and cilantro;

• pineapple braised short ribs with a delicate green curry sauce, Thai eggplant and sweet basil. This delicacy was served over fluffy steamed jasmine rice.
  

Finally for dessert, we had a flourless Valrhona chocolate cake wrapped in a banana leaf with a fresh cream & vanilla bean mousse. Our second dessert was the banana spring rolls – a translucent spring roll dough wrapped around bananas with cored out centers filled with chocolate and nuts – complete with a dollop of burnt honey ice cream and dusted with course granules of brunt sugar.

One word – SPECTACULAR !

The restaurant offers a full menu and bar, as well as, another tasting menu with 13 courses. The extremely friendly & accommodating staff were invisibly perfect from the moment we entered the restaurant! At $69 per person, the tasting menu is a wonderful way to experience the magic coming from the kitchen of Kittichai.

Mmm, Mmm, Mmm...

www.kittichairestaurant.com

$$$
+++++
✦✦✦✦

$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+

Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!

Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”

THE COFFEE SHOP & BAR – New York City (Union Square)

The Coffee Shop is a classic American diner with a Brazilian twist. This loud, bright diner serves a sprinkling of expected diner fare but the focus is on Brazilian cuisine. It is open 23 hours per day for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Julie and I had spent most of the day walking and window shopping our way through on the the greatest cities. We needed a break; I remembered a recommendation from friends and found ourselves with a short wait for a table at Coffee Shop in Union Square.

It was only appropriate we start our lunch with caiprinhas – the classic Brazilian concoction of rum & lime. We decided to order several dishes and share. We started with the chilled carrot and ginger soup. We actually had 2 orders of the Pao de Queijo; the bite size pieces of Romano cheese bread gently baked to a delicate crusty outside and a slightly undercooked gooey center. These were truly cheesy puffs of heaven!

Pastels de Cameron were mouthwatering Bahian dumplings filled with tidbits of shrimp, celery & onion. The “centerpiece” of our lunch was the Sopa de Peixe Bahia – seafood chowder with a very light, fresh tomato seafood stock. The large soap bowl had a mound of carrots, tomatoes, green peppers, grilled tuna, shrimp, crab, skin-on white potatoes, corn, celery, cilantro and garlic. These al dente tidbits were swimming in a delicate tomato fish stock. Yumm!

Go for the incredible, reasonably priced Brazilian food & the eye candy! The elevated noise level makes conversation both with your dining companion and wait staff can be challenging.

Mmm... Mmm...

$$
++++
✦✦✦

$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+

Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!

Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”

CAFE OLIVER - Minneapolis

Cafe Oliver recently took over Acadia Cafe's former space near downtown. Cafe Oliver has a lot of charm for a small neighborhood cafe - exposed brick, high ceilings, lots of seating, a small stage, and works of local artists on the walls. The menu is fairly short featuring salads, sandwiches, sweets and fair trade coffee. You will also find a nice list of fair trade wines by the glass and bottle. On Sundays & Mondays, bottles of wine are half priced!

Neil and I needed a late dinner so we chose the "new kid on the block." We started off with chips 'n salsa, described as "homemade salsa with the crispiest chips". The homemade salsa tasted very similar to bottled Pace & tortilla chips that were a day beyond crispy.

I had the turkey club sandwich on grilled Tuscan bread. The 2 slices of turkey had the texture of pressed turkey breast, the 2 translucent slices of bacon missed their mark, the slice of Swiss cheese was too small for the bread, and finally it needed more of the herbed mayo. Very disappointing. A handful of crumbled BBQ kettle potato chips came with the sandwich. BBQ chips... why? This was an odd match.

When the music is playing, it provides a nice background to conversation. While we were eating, there were 2 periods of 5-7 minutes of no music. I found this to be odd during our 1 hour visit.

Cafe Oliver has potential. Until the sandwiches become something to brag about, I recommend stopping at Jimmy John's (across the street) for your sandwich where you get 3 times the meat and fixings for about $6. Take your sandwich over to Cafe Oliver's and uncork a good wine at a great price!

$
++++
✦✦

$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+

Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!

Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”

ALAMBRES MEXICAN GRILL - San Diego

Alambres Mexican Grill has a comfortable little space along Fifth Avenue in the Gaslamp Quarter - a restored Victorian Historic area in downtown San Diego.

David & I needed a break from our walking tour and settled into a sidewalk table for some libations and nibbles. Joseph immediately appeared and told us that the Saturday Happy Hour specials were mojitos and margaritas for $4. Sign us up!

We order a round of mojitos... not stopping with one. We arrived at the start of Happy Hour so Joseph was both the waiter and bartender. He made the best mojitos I've have had in a very long time - the perfect blend of rum, mint, lime & sugar.

A cheese quesadilla arrived between rounds of our mojitos - a warm, slightly crispy tortilla filled with gooey cheese. Not wanting to stop with the quesadilla, we ordered the nachos. Joseph returned with a platter and a mound of homemade chips, melted cheese, onions and beans. The nachos were accompanied by a quartet of salsas - pico de gallo, tomatillo, mole and, my favorite, a wonderfully smoky chipotle.

Aah, the ideal ingredients for a relaxing afternoon break - mojitos, a good friend, sidewalk eye candy & sunny skies of San Diego!

Mmm, Mmm...

http://www.alambres.net/

$$
++++
✦✦✦

$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+

Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!

Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”

HASH HOUSE A GO GO - San Diego

Hash House a Go Go is in the Hillcrest area of San Diego. This was my friend, David's first trip to San Diego. During the flight, we created a list of dining must-do's. Hash House was on the list.

According to the Hash House menu, they present "twisted farm food." Very true! The 'farm house' or dining area is a funky collection of iron chairs, galvanized steel chair rails, various sized tables topped with tiny bouquets of wheat shafts, and an odd assortment of farm memorabilia. Hash House also offers fresh juices and strong coffee to accompany your feast. Try the expresso - delizioso!

Past dining experiences at Hash House reminded me that I wouldn't leave the least bit hungry. The over-sized portions can be as intimidating as the platters the breakfast is served on. David and I split the House Hash of chunks of roasted chicken, onions, asparagus, potatoes, bits of garlic and rosemary - an amazing combination of flavor! The hash also comes with 2 eggs and a fluffy biscuit. A bit of butter on the biscuit is simple perfection! Our side of cinnamon wheat toast melted in our mouths.

The staff is very friendly and quick to suggest a favorite if you're are undecided. The low ceilings significantly increase the noise level. You will have a hard time hearing your dining companion. Go for the food, energy and people watching; you can always chat later... Remember to bring a huge appetite.

Mmm, Mmm...

http://www.hashhouseagogo.com/

$$
++++
✦✦✦

$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+

Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!

Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”

AROMA KITCHEN & WINEBAR - New York City - Bowery area

Aroma Kitchen & Winebar is a small, relaxed restaurant with seating for approximately 26 including the intimate bar area. Those diners fortunate to get seat will be treated to an incredible meal of very fresh ingredients delivering intense flavors throughout their dining experience. The long narrow space of color, high ceilings and dark woods create a very comfortable ambiance. You will be surprised how quickly 2 hours will disappear. This evening my dear friend, Sean, and I were treated to the soothing sounds of Daniel; he is a superb acoustic guitar player from Argentina. His rhythms were the perfect background with volume allowing conversation without yelling!

We ordered from their Sunday evening 3-course Prix Fixe menu. For $29, that's right, $29, you can choose from 5 appetizers, 5 entrees and 3 desserts. For an additional $8, you can enjoy a glass of house red or white with your meal. I began with the Caesar salad - a generous serving of greens, croutons, parmigiano reggiano, anchovy, & a very smooth Caesar dressing (homemade, of course). This satisfying starter was topped with a poached egg. The egg provided a delicate balance to the anchovy draped across the top of the salad.

My entree was the Whole Wheat Penne with roasted artichokes. The organic pasta was perfectly cooked, accompanied by cherry tomatoes and toasted pine nuts. This bowl of heaven was lightly tossed in a pureed artichoke sauce of artichokes, onion, celery and thyme. All of this goodness was dusted with fresh grated parmigiano reggiano.

For dessert, Sean & I, ordered the Gianduja Panna Cotta and Vanilla Bread Pudding. The lighter-than-air panna cotta was delicately flavored with Italian chocolate and hazelnuts resting on a bed of lightly sweetened graham cracker crumbs nestled next to a dollop of decadently smooth hazelnut gelato (nocciola gelato).

The vanilla bread pudding was a sinful blend of Italian bread, golden raisins, and a very smooth warm chocolate sauce drizzled over the plate. You have the option of dipping your bites of sin in the very fresh vanilla bean ice cream (correctly referred to as stracciatella gelato) with bits of chocolate chips. We could not decide which was our favorite. Make it easy; order both!

The very visible & friendly owners, Alexandra & Vito, move among the tables ensuring all their guests have a memorable evening. This neighborhood gem was named to the "Sexiest Wine Lists of NY" in January '08 and CitySearch's "Best Romantic Bar" in '06.

Mmm, Mmm, Mmm...

http://www.aromanyc.com

$$
++++
✦✦✦✦

$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+

Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!

Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”

HACIENDA SAN ANGEL - Puerto Vallarta

Hacienda San Angel is a collection of villas at the base of the Sierra Madre Mountains overlooking Banderas Bay. These villas create 14 elegant suites impeccably restored with exquisite antiques and all the modern amenities you would expect to find in a member of "Small Luxury Hotels of the World." The immaculate gardens, 3 pristine pools and a roof-top jacuzzi are a breathtaking treat. No detail too insignificant - the hand soap in the restroom near the breakfast terrace resembles individual yellow rose petals! This eden is hidden behind very high walls running along a narrow cobblestone street tucked in the hill above the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

My friends, Jose and Johnny, surprised me with a sunrise breakfast on my birthday. We sat on the large terrace with postcard views of the bay. Paradise . . .

The breakfast menu is short and varied. Breakfast began with small slices of toasted french bread and homemade jams and a large glass of fresh squeezed orange juice. I selected an omelet; the large, fluffy omelet was filled with sauteed mushrooms, smoky ham & gooey Swiss cheese. The smooth, dark roasted coffee was some of the best I have had. Scrumptious!

From the moment we rang the door bell to our departure 2 hours later, our service was second to none. Invisibly perfect!

I will be returning to this hidden gem in November. I won't be staying at this property on my upcoming visit; however, I will be surprising friends flying in to visit me with dinner timed to experience the magical sunsets of Puerto Vallarta.

http://www.haciendasanangel.com/

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$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+

Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!

Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”

RICH TO RICHES - New York City - SoHo

Rice to Riches is in a chic, futuristic space in SoHo popping with bright colors. Rice to Riches has only one item on their menu - rice pudding. You will find not one but 17 year-round flavors plus another 5 seasonal flavors depending on the time of the year. There are also 10 topping for your bowl of rich and creamy bliss. Your bowl of bliss is so worth the wait; on my previous visits, the line to order has extended out their door & down the sidewalk.

Today, my chosen bowl of bliss was "Sex, Drugs, & Rocky Road" - a deep, dark chocolate pudding with tidbits of nuts... 8 ounces of decadence! Some of their creative flavors include: Understanding Vanilla, Chocolate Chip Flirt, Take Me To Tiramisu, Don Cappuccino and Rest in Peach.

"Think again if your image of Rice Pudding is a simple milk and rice dessert." - Associated Press

There are 5 serving sizes ranging from 6 ounces to 80 ounces. Shipping is available to conveniently satisfy your new found 'addiction'.

"Heaven's version of comfort food." - Daily Candy

http://www.ricetoriches.com

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Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+

Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!

Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”

VLADA - New York City - Upper West Side

Vlada's home is a fantastic garden level lounge on the upper west side of Manhattan. Vlada has light wood-paneled walls with a gentle curve continuing to create a beautiful wooden ceiling. The amazing audio system delivers great sounds enabling easy conversation with your friends.

The bar has a frosty platform running its entire length to keep your favorite libation perfectly chilled! This very comfortable and welcoming space has leather chairs and tiny tables creating intimate areas of conversation.

Stopping in for one will easily turn into 2 or 3. Excellent cocktails + delicious eye candy + friendly staff = perfect evening out in of the the most exciting cities!

http://www.vladabar.com/

$$
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Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+

Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!

Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”

PALOMINO – Minneapolis

Palomino has long been a favorite of mine. The large comfortable dining room and separate bar frequented by the bold & beautiful overlook a portion of the theatre district in downtown Minneapolis.

The extensive Mediterranean inspired menu includes 36 special cocktails, 60 reds priced from $24 - $275, 45 whites from $28 - $175, and 28 wines by the glass. The wine flights of 3 – 2 oz pours selected from a very nice list of Riesling, chardonnay, syrah & cab sauvignons are from $12 - $18. This is a great opportunity to try something different.

My libation for the evening was the Ginger Peartini; a delicious combination of Grey Goose La Poire, triple sec, ginger liquor and fresh lime sour. Very tasty.

I began with the Portobello Mushroom soup – a luscious velvety blend of fresh Portobello and crimini mushrooms, caramelized onions, leeks, a touch of cayenne, in a light sherry cream base. Simply the best mushroom soup I can remember eating! My entrée of choice was the Chicken Piccata. A large, moist split chicken breast rests on a creamy mound of whipped potatoes. The delicate lemon sauce sprinkled with capers pulls this fantastic dish together.

The entire friendly staff, from the hostess to the bus person, all want you to have a great dining experience. I always do!

Mmm... Mmm... Mmm...

www.palomino.com

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Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+

Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!

Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”

RESTAURANT MIAMI - Minneapolis

Restaurant Miami is a funky, 80’s inspired eatery and bar on Lake Street in Minneapolis. The restaurant is dressed in the once very popular mint green, pale blue and pink. You will find palm trees of rope lighting, a jukebox, & Miami Vice playing on the flat screen behind the large bar. In the VIP section, there is a large sofa and chairs, low tables and a thick floor rug. The bottle service is very reasonable. The bathrooms each have their own flat screen; the inside of the bathroom door offers a space to leave your favorite, tasteful ‘prose’. One of the best I found was “I only drink on 2 occasions – when I am thirsty and when I’m not!”

From the clever Scarface list of libations, I first selected the “That Piece of Chit” with peach vodka, pomegranate syrup, triple sec and lime juice. It was a bit too sweet for me, but I couldn’t resist trying simply because of the name. I chose “Her Womb is so Polluted” as my second libation. This is a tall combination of blackberry vodka, cointreau, chambord and lime juice. Excellent!

For starters, Raed & I selected the Peanut Butter Chicken – a tasty plate of 6 skewers of chicken marinated in citrus juices & soy. The peanut dipping sauce is wonderful, with just a bit of heat. Our second starter was a basket of extra crispy tater tots. These crispy potato nuggets were the perfect starter with our tall & very strong libations.

Our dinner selections were the Pesto Penne with grilled chicken and the Orange Ginger Chicken. The al dente pasta’s light pesto sauce of basil, olive oil, a generous amount of parmesan and pine nuts topped with split cherry tomatoes was delicious. The fresh basil & parm jumped off the fork. The Orange Ginger Chicken was a large bowl of pea pods, baby corn, mushrooms, peppers, and grilled chicken. The sauce pulling this together was of orange juice, ginger and chilis. I would have preferred a sauce with a bit more zing; it was too mild for me. Thumbs up to our favorite – the Pesto Penne!

The generous servings left neither of us room for dessert. Next time.

Our server, Michelle, was very knowledgeable and extremely cheerful. Both Robert (the owner) and Michelle made certain we had a good time.

Mmm, Mmm…

http://restaurantmiami.us/

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Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+

Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!

Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”

BORDER GRILL – Las Vegas

Border Grill is located in the Mandalay Bay Resort near the Shark Reef attraction. Border Grill is a bright, 2 level urban space with a large patio for those warmer days and a balcony with heaters on the second level for chillier days. The second level is divided into 2 spaces, a comfortable dining room and a vibrant bar. Both levels overlook Mandalay’s “river” and tropical pool area. I sat in the bar for a late lunch.

I selected the Cucumber Mojito. This tasty libation is a combination of homemade cucumber infused vodka, fresh lime juice and soda. It was refreshing but the vodka was lost with much more than a “touch of soda.” I stopped with the one and switched to a cola.

A basket of homemade chips and trio incredible salsas are served with your beverage as you review the mouth-watering menu of modern Mexican dishes. The salsa verde is made with tomatillos & possibly a bit of lime; the salsa rojo is with pureed tomatoes, onion, cilantro, & jalapeños for a bit of heat; my favorite, the chipotle salsa is with smoked jalapeno, tomatoes, onion. Delicious! After commenting on the salsas, my server brought me a fiery 4th salsa – one made with habanera peppers. This one is for the daring. My first basket of chips should not have been served; it was nothing but chip fragments too small for dipping. My second basket was filled with large crispy, warm, salty chips waiting to take a “dip.”

After much deliberation, I chose the Cochinita Pibil (roasted pork) for my lunch. The slow roasted pork has an achiote marinade. I detected the bold flavors of achiote (annatto seeds), chipotle pepper, cumin, cinnamon, & maybe some allspice in the pork. This combination is typically used as a rub for meat. The moist, perfectly roasted chunks of pork accompany black beans, guacamole, pickled red onion and a salsa of plantains & oranges – served on a banana leaf. The chunky guacamole of avocado, fresh lime, onion & cilantro and the side of black beans are simply the best I have eaten in the US. The side of grilled/glazed plantains and oranges were the perfect end to my meal. As much as I wanted to order a dessert, it was not possible after finishing the generous portions on my plate.

Service is slow and inattentive, but friendly when they appear at the table. I actually found the busboys more concerned about me and my meal than my server. This is surprising considering the dining area was at 50% of capacity.

I would return to the “border” but only to the original Border Grill in Santa Monica closer to the owners', Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, home base.

Mmm, Mmm…

http://www.bordergrill.com/BGLV/bglv.htm

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Entrée
$ 10
$$ 20
$$$ 30
$$$$ 40+

Staff
+ Stop bothering me!
++ Anyone here?
+++ Stopped when in the area.
++++ As needed and friendly.
+++++ Invisibly perfect!

Overall
✦ “One visit too many!”
✦✦ “Convince me!”
✦✦✦ “I’ll be back!”
✦✦✦✦ “Same table next week!”