Goodbye 2009...Hello 2010!

2009 proved to be a great year for the foodie chick. I met a few awesome chefs like Cat Cora, Marcus Samuelsson, Sara Moulton, and Wolfgang Puck. I went to several foodie events like the Big Apple BBQ, NY Mag's Taste, and the Village Voice Taste. I dined at a number of wonderful places and also some places I wish I could ask for a food refund!

The creation of my blog was something I always wanted to do. About 99% of my readers like what I have to say and read me when I post. There are a few who have not embraced the foodie chick but as my mom says, you can't please everyone. So here is my toast goodbye to 2009!

Best meal in 2009: The River Cafe in London. Not only was the company top rate, the food and ambiance was awesome. Every bite of my meal was amazing and I am hot to trot to return.

Most over-priced meal of 2009: Per se in NYC. The good thing is that I wasn't paying and was someone's guest. The service was a 10 for sure. I could have fallen out of my chair and someone would have been there to help me immediately. The food was good, don't get me wrong, but $245 per person is outrageous. Sorry Thomas Keller.

Best cheap eat of 2009: Super Duper Weenie in CT. I am really not a hot dog kind of gal but the whole presentation of the dogs and the delicious fries that accompany them was perfect. Runner up cheap eat would be The Red Onion cafe in Vero Beach that serves the best, most unique sandwiches ever.

Best Pizza of 2009: House Pizzeria in Austin. Their potato, goat cheese pizza is to die for. A recent review in Bon Appetit magazine confirms what I already know. Total YUM!

Honorable mentions in 2009:

The Grey Horse Tavern, Bayport, NY: farm fresh deliciousness here!

Akasha, Culver City, CA: really good new American food and I can say this after my boss and I both fell ill after our meal. Try it!

Corsino, NYC: small Italian plate heaven.

The Tides, Vero Beach: one of my favorites. The fresh fish is delicious.

Grand Harbor Beach Club, Vero Beach: new menu, new chef has made this a great lunch spot.

As for home cookin' in 2009, a shout out to Sarah Bloodsworth for her meatloaf. AMAZING. I have the recipe if anyone wants it:) Also, a shout out to Erica Schmidt for her basil shrimp pasta. What an easy yet delicious dish.

I am not a dessert person but if I had to call out something I would say the Crumbs cupcakes Peter and I feasted on this past summer. We had red velvet with a cream cheese frosting and then a pumpkin/chocolate that was amazing.

Well foodie friends, off to 2010! Here is what you can look forward to:

-Recipes that are healthy yet tasty

-Cooking gadgets

-Video chats with chefs

-New travels!

Cheers and as Julia Child would say, Bon Appetit!!

Ay Jalisco: La Comida Era Mala

For my readers that don't speak Spanish (I don't either), la comida era mala means the food was bad. Over the Thanksgiving holiday, my family visited one of the Ay Jalisco Mexican restaurants in our town. I had actually been asking to go here for years but my mother refused claiming it was run by a Chinese family that knew nothing about Mexican food. I have no earthly idea where she got that from but suffice to say, she changed her mind when she heard a neighbor rave about the food. The restaurant was designed to look like a mariachi band gone wild. Lots of flare and color all over. I liked it. We were seated in a cozy booth toward the back of the restaurant near the kitchen. Our server immediately came over and greeted us and gave us menus and the obligatory chips and salsa. The chips were great. Crispy and just enough salt. The salsa was spicy but could have been chunkier and less soupy. We all ordered something different. Mom tried the chicken fajitas. Karin had the veggie burrito and I ordered the skirt steak tacos. My tacos were served on a plate with refried beans, guacamole, and rice. The steak was really fatty and not at all what I expected. The corn tortillas broke apart so I couldn't really eat them as tacos. The rice was really cold and the guacamole was so so. Karin said her burrito was OK. Passable but nothing she would jump up and down for at all. Mom's chicken fajitas looked great but they were drenched in oil and were lukewarm.

I really had high hopes since there are several locations and they always seem crowded. Perhaps the one at Miracle Mile just isn't a good one? I guess I will just have to cook Mexican food in Vero for now :) Luckily, I have Penzey spices to help me!

Bottom line: Skip Ay Jalisco at Miracle Mile. If anyone tries another location and likes it, please let me know. For now, I will stick to cooking Mexican food myself when I visit!

3 Cheers for Corsino

I hit the new restaurant jackpot a few Friday night's ago. I went to a place called Corsino that is owned by the guy who did 'inoteca and 'ino. I can't remember the last time I was so excited by a restaurant! Not only was my company top notch, but I also got 1,000 points on Open Table! The West Village location makes for a cozy spot on a chilly Friday night. We started with a glass of Montepulciano while perusing the menu. We decided to order a medley of things and share. First to the table was the assortment of crostini. We had the brussel sprouts and pecorino, the butternut squash and garlic, ricotta and honey, shrimp and arugula, and basil pesto. As I learned that evening, a crostino is a smaller slice of bread that is crispy. We liked all of them but my favorite was the brussel sprout and pecorino. I thought the pecorino would be grated into the brussels but in fact it was under everything. Lovely! We then feasted on baked ricotta with toasted ciabatta. A nice mid course before our cheese plate. Cheese is always a treat indeed. We ordered a selection of Italian cheeses that were served with a spicy jam. While I love cheese, I think I could have skipped this course and ordered more crostino! The superstar of the meal was hands down the Heritage Brisket Meatballs with tomato and pecorino. 3 GIANT meatballs that were just taking a nice tomato bath waiting to be forked by me! As a compliment to the GIANT meatballs, we ordered a side of their brussel sprouts and butternut squash. Both lovely but if I had to pick I would go with the brussels!

Bottom line: Corsino is such a nice addition to my rolodex of restaurants. I love everything about the place. The value, the food, the atmosphere. Everything gets a 10 from me. Families will be comfortable too as the back part of the restaurant has several 10 person tables. Foodie Chick readers, I highly, highly, highly recommend.

www.corsinocantina.com

I Love America's Steel City

My parents are both from Pittsburgh,Pa. I was born there and lived in the North part of the city till I was about 5. The city was built by my great grandparents. I think everyone my age can say their elders had a hand in shaping Pittsburgh. The city is a true melting pot of different people and cultures. While my parents loved their steel city, they had one too many winters and decided it was time to hit the road and go South. Fortunately, my grandparents and cousins remained in Pittsburgh so I had the opportunity several times a year to go back and see them. My grandparents took great care of me and my younger brother Fritz when we came for the summer. My gram cooked 5 nights a week with Friday and Sunday's off. She was such a funny cook. She was a product of the great depression so we never bought anything without a coupon and she recycled every Ziploc bag 3-4 times before it was so gross looking I had to pitch it or fear being poisoned. Once when my gram was not feeling well she asked me to stop at the store and buy a few things. I came home and handed her the receipt and change. She told me I paid too much for the tuna and I bought the wrong mayo. So, we got in the car and headed back to the store and she returned these items. I was mortified. Absolutely mortified. I said, "gram, you are so cheap. It's less than a dollar that you will save buying the other brand." She fired back telling me a dollar is a dollar and we are getting it back. When I was 15 I didn't really appreciate this at all. 20 years later, I get it. I wouldn't do it but I understand:) I digress....

I recently went to my city of birth to see my cousins Liz and Rachel. Liz is a mom who has two kids, Jack and Sam, that I adore. I picked Halloween weekend on purpose as I wanted to trick-or-treat with all the kids. I also picked this weekend as it was my cousin Rachel's 39th birthday. In celebration of her big day, we went to a wonderful little bistro called the Point Brugge Cafe. Nestled in a little neighborhood on the East side of the city, Point Brugge serves up inventive fare in a cozy little brownstone. We started with pomme frites with a basil mayo that was to die for. Delicious with a capital D! We also ordered their crab cake to share that was paired with a spicy tartar. Also, awesome. I ordered the cuban sandwich as my entree. Can't say I was a fan. The sandwich was not pressed enough and I expected more garlic in the mayo. I was disappointed but relieved when my cousin Liz gave me a piece of bread to soak in her mussel pot. She made the best order of us all with the red curry and cilantro mussels. The sauce for the mussels was dynamite. I would go back there just for it! The birthday girl had a grilled cheese with red pepper that was tasty and my cousin Noel had a pesto shrimp sandwich that was lovely. I think I had bad order luck. But....we toasted Rachel with some champers so all was just peachy.

Bottom line: Check out Point Brugge for their good beer list and yummy pomme frites. Stay away from the cuban sandwich my friends. Go for the mussels and ask for extra bread!!

www.pointbrugge.com

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

I have been MIA way too long. Good reasons though: 1) I was swamped at work and couldn't bear to turn on my computer at home after a long day at the office. 2) Because I was "over" eating out so much and had to take a break and 3) my wallet needed some relief!

Now, the show must go on!

I had an absolutely AMAZING dinner at Keste. For those that read other food blogs and follow the local restaurant beat, you will know that Keste was rated the #1 pizza place in NYC. If I told you I knew Keste was awesome before NYC did you all wouldn't believe me. But I knew months before that Keste was the pizza destination of Manhattan. All thanks to my cousin Liz from Pittsburgh. As it turns out, the owner of Keste is a man named Roberto Caporuscio who hails from a town outside Naples. Roberto moved to Pittsburgh years ago and opened up a shop in Bellevue, PA. My cousin Liz found Roberto's place and instantly became hooked. So when Roberto decided to pack up and head for the big apple, he naturally emailed his best customers and told them to come see him on Bleecker street. Naturally, Liz forwarded his email to me and then I was in the know! My mom recently came to see me and we went to Keste for dinner one evening. There were a few of us and we all ordered different pizza's. In hindsight, I think my friend Alicia had the best looking pizza--and I know it was tasty as she didn't share a bite!!! Below is her sausage and broccoli rabe pizza that was cooked to perfection:

Bottom line: Keste is a great deal in our city. Cheap wine and delicious pizza. Great for kids! They don't take reservations so make sure you are OK waiting!

www.kestepizzeria.com

Top 5 Cheap Eats in NYC

Cheap and New York City don't really work in a sentence. If you said this to a random person on the street, they would probably laugh deep from their belly and think you were crazy. But here is the thing foodie chick readers, cheap DOES exist in Gotham. Let me clarify my idea of cheap. Buffets don't count. They are a big NO in my book. Yes cheap, but scary and gross. Also, I am not going to count the endless array of cheap salad shops, chipotles, pret a mangers, etc, etc, etc. They don't count in my book. Here is how I define cheap: delicious food with good ingredients and a nice wine list all under $25 bucks per person for dinner. This can be accomplished! I assure you! Here is my current list of cheap eats:

1) 'INO --> I have been coming here since they opened. Its the kind of place you always want to go back to time and time again. I have taken loads of friends here and even my dear mom who gave it two thumbs up. What I like so much about 'ino, is the hominess of the space, the awesome staff who always remembers me, and the most delicious food. I can't go here without always starting off with a glass of proseco. For $8 bucks a glass that is a steal. Depending on my company, I either have their antipasti plate or their Italian cheeses. Both are served with sullivan street bread and cost $12 bucks. If I don't have antipasti or the cheese, I definitely order bruschetta. Their butternut squash is divine as is their pesto. 1 bruschetta costs $3 bucks. I always order a panini except I doctor it up a little. My favorite is the mozzarella, basil pesto and pepperonata with caramelized onions added. SOOO good. Each panini is only $11 bucks. I am always too full for dessert but they have some very nice options including toasted bread with nutella! So, proseco + 1 bruschetta + a panini = $22 bucks!

www.cafeino.com

2) 'INOTECA --> This is owned by the 'ino people. I remember when I was at 'ino and they told me they were opening this place. I thought they were brilliant to do so. Considered one of the first restaurants that helped make the LES a dining destination, 'inoteca has been packing them in night after night. One of my favorite dishes, a shaved brussel sprout salad, is currently off the menu but I am hopeful it will return soon. When it was on the menu, it was around $8 bucks. 'Inoteca also serves proseco that is a must for anyone who likes the bubbly. My absolute favorite item on the menu is the "lasagnette di melanzane". Basically, this lasagna has no noodles and is made of eggplant and has onions, tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and parmesan cheese. I must tell you all that nobody makes a better melanzane in the city. I have ordered at many other fine establishments and have been utterly disappointed. Gemma to name one place that massacred such a lovely dish. 'Inoteca charges $12 bucks this entree. Ok, so I am a little over the budget with my order here. Proseco + brussel sprout salad + lasagna = $32 bucks. If I didn't have the bubbly I would be on the mark with a buck to spare! I have been here so many times that I have ordered practically everything on the menu. My other favs include their meatballs, the wagu beef panini, bruschettas, rice balls, mozzarella in carrozza, brick chicken, and their beet salad. You won't be disappointed here at all. Go at off times as prime time dining can make you wait a long time for a table.

www.inotecanyc.com

3) Alta --> I wish I could take complete credit for finding this place. But I can't. My friend Laura is responsible for finding this cozy hidden restaurant tucked in an adorable West Village townhouse. The menu is comprised of small plates that range from duck to pizza to cheese to potatoes. There is probably something on the menu for everyone. What is best is to go with a big group of people so you can try a bunch of different things. My absolute favorite is none other than the crispy brussel sprouts with fuji apples, crème fraiche, and pistachio nuts. I also love the fried goat cheese in lavender honey, the catalonian flatbread with mushrooms and cheese, the bacon wrapped dates and olives, and the Ricotta Parmesan Gnocchi. The wine list is equally impressive with lots of choices that don't break the bank. Depending on what you order, you could keep it at $25 or you might go a little over but it is well worth it. It should come as no surprise that I am a huge Top Chef fan and recently I saw Padma dining at Alta! Unlike 'Ino and 'Inoteca, Alta takes reservations and is GREAT for a group of people. Be warned that they only take cash and American Express!

www.altarestaurant.com

4) Kefi --> This Greek taverna made me like Greek food again. There are a lot of high end Greek restaurants in NYC but the cheap options weren't so good until Kefi arrived...or came back depending on how you know the place. The restaurant comes from the dynamo chef Michael Psilakis who has taken our city by storm. His high end Greek restaurant, Anthos, is one of the best in the city. He recently opened a Gastro Pub called Gus & Gabriel on the UWS that needs to work out some kinks still. Kefi on the other hand, is a well oiled machine that cranks out delicious food at the most affordable prices. Opened at a new location on the UWS, Kefi serves Greek food for both lunch and dinner. The Greek salad is delightful. Not your typical take but rather an inventive re-creation that puts the D in Dill. The spread selection includes tzatziki, eggplant, red pepper, and fish roe all served with perfectly baked pita bread. The Chicken Souvlaki sandwich with tzatziki on pita bread is really nice and a good value as it comes with a side Greek salad and chips for $11.95. The sheep's milk ravioli with brown butter is heavenly as is the sheep's milk dumplings with a spicy lamb sausage. All are priced in the low teens. Kefi also serves great fish dishes with lots of fresh herbs like the grilled swordfish with tomato, olives, and cauliflower. On a recent visit I had the hanger steak with broccoli rabe and it was awesome. Perfectly cooked and so full of flavor. The wines by the glass are so reasonable for NYC ---$6 bucks for a nice house red! Kefi is great for all occasions and party sizes. They do take reservations and they are on open table! Kefi will definitely fit in your budget.

www.kefirestaurant.com

5) Otto --> Who doesn't like pizza, cheese, and wine? Otto began the pizza revolution that has taken over NYC and is taking over America. The idea of serving pizza in a nice setting with an extensive wine list was the brainchild of none other than Mario Batali . On many occasions I have popped into Otto and Mr. Orange clogs himself was sitting at a table stuffing a pizza in his mouth. Otto is where I began my love affair with truffle honey and coach triple cream goat's cheese. Otto is also where I have seen tons of celebs like Holly Hunter, Michael Moore, and Spike Jonze. Otto is also very special to me as a dear friend of mine who has since passed away loved it too. My go-to pizza at Otto is the goat cheese with whatever vegetable they are pairing with it. I typically also order some of their cheese so I can get the truffle honey. It's all about the honey! I also like their balsamic marinated brussel sprouts (duh) and their eggplant caponata . If you don't like a pizza on the menu they will make you whatever you like...but I doubt you would have that problem! Otto also serves a few pasta dishes but they are really small servings and haven't been good in the past. Stick with the pizza. Otto takes reservations and can be really busy so book well in advance. Otto also has wine classes that are really fun. Check out their website for more info! The pizzas range between $7 - $14 bucks and all the pastas are around $10 bucks. The starters vary but you can get the brussels for $4 bucks! Otto is definitely affordable and keeping to $25 bucks is easy.

www.ottopizzeria.com

Bottom line: Check out all these places and let me know what you think. I love them all for different reasons. Eating in NYC doesn't have to be so hard! In a few months I will revisit my list and give you an update! Happy [cheap] Eating!

5 min Review: Socarrat Paella Bar

Who would have thought that NYC had its very own paella bar! I certainly did not until my friend Laura suggested it for dinner one eve. Located in Chelsea, Socarrat is a shoe box size restaurant that serves all sorts of tapas items and several different kinds of paella. We started with the pan tomaca (toasted bread, fresh tomato, olive oil), patatas bravas (spicy potatoes, garlic aioli), and a very gooey eggplant dish that jiggled a lot. The pan tomasca was delicious but the portion was minimal. The patatas bravas were also yummy but we didn't get as much as I would have expected for the $. The eggplant salad was just OK. There was no zip which is perhaps why it was a special starter and not a regular on the menu. The centerpiece of the dinner was the paella for three. We played it safe and had the "Paella Socarrat" which featured chicken, fish, beef, shrimp, cuttle fish, green beans, mussels, and cockle clams. When our server presented us with our dinner, she told us to let it sit for 5 minutes so the rice could cook longer. We did and then we dove in head first! My first bite was glorious. A little rice and a piece of shrimp. All seasoned perfectly. The dish was generously salted but not too much. I can't recall the last time I had such good paella! My friend Emily who was with us said that this paella was as good as what she got in Spain this summer!

Bottom line: Definitely worth a visit. The paella is moderately priced but skip the starters as they are definitely over priced. Also, if you go with a group of 4 or more, ask for the front table in the window!

socarratpaellabar.com