Rays Picks NYC – Page 17

Montreal, Canada Trip 2012

Being from New York City where different types of cuisine is available, it’s hard to satisfy a New York City diner. Yet, I’m always willing to try food from different parts of the globe. After my trip to Barcelona, Spain last April I wanted to go to Europe again before the summer was over, but decided to postpone till next year. A friend of mine recommended Montreal, Canada and since it is so close to New York City it was an ideal place to spend the weekend. So I did.

Montreal has a European feel, where the French accent is evident throughout the city. Though their cuisine dominates the gastronomic scene, it does make me wonder why the Michelin Guide was not published here. Who knows?

The weekend that I spent in Montreal I had some memorable dishes as well as some forgettable ones. There were some places that I would go back to and recommend, like AIX Du Cuisine Terrior. I enjoyed my fine dining experience here and also the great drinks and delicious food at the trendy Bar and Boeuf Bistro Gourmand.

I had my first ever escargot at Alexandere et Fils . The snails were cooked in garlic butter sauce and served without the shell. The snail has a calamari texture, rubbery but easy to break down. Combine that with the garlic butter it was very good. It took for me to go to Canada to try this dish when it is available here in NYC.

There was so much said about how good Montreal’s bagels were, better than New York City bagels! Being a New Yorker, our bagel is the best bagel in the world! A friend (who was born and raised in Montreal) recommended Fairmont bagel, but due to time constraints I never had a chance to go. Although it does seem like all the bagels are similar in taste and texture in this city. I had a bagel at Coin Delices Du Monde in Old Montreal. The bagels here were smaller and softer than in New York. It was good and tasty and I can’t really compare the two since I like them both. I’m just used to the good old NYC bagel. Their croissants were freshly baked straight out of the oven and every bite was tremendously amazing.

The rooftop lounge, Terrasse Nelligan at Hotel Nelligan, is a nice way to have a night cap or end the day after a long walk around Old Montreal. I enjoyed the view of the St. Lawrence River as well as the Basillica of Notre Dame while I consumed a bottle of MTL, a locally brewed beer. This light beer was perfect for a nice summer afternoon relaxation drink.

The “Chicken Lasagna” at Café Via Crescent in Downtown Montreal was another first. It caught my eyes while looking at their menu. The dish was creative, made with chicken, spinach and cheese layered with lasagna without tomato sauce but rather with chicken stock. It was tasty and had a similar texture and taste to chicken noodle soup but better. They also served Olive oil with Jalapenos with their bread. That’s another first and it has a lot of kick to it, perfect for lovers of spicy food.

You can’t visit Montreal and not have their national food, “The Poutine”. I asked the staff at the hotel where I was staying, “Where can I find the best poutine in the city?”. I was surprised by his answer, that I can have it anywhere throughout the city. When he says anywhere, he means it. Even Dairy Queen had it on their menu. So I stopped by La Belle Province on Peel St. in downtown, the first place I saw that serves the dish. Poutine consists of French fries, gravy and cheese curds, it’s basically a heart attack on a plate! The saltiness of the gravy, combined with the grease from the fries and richness of the cheese makes poutine and ideal drunk food. Even better than pizza.

The dining atmosphere in Montreal is also different from the US. The service and hospitality that I experienced was subpar and consistent to all the establishments that I visited. It was lacking the warmth that I was accustomed to in New York City restaurants. The 15% percent gratuity is somewhat required at the end of every meal and the servers will let you know that service was not included on the bill.

Montreal possessed some very good restaurants and exceptional dishes that tourists can enjoy while visiting this beautiful city. It’s a certified foodie town.

Alexandre et Fils, 1454 Peel Street Montreal, QC H3A 1T5, Canada (514) 288-5105

Coin Delices Du Monde, 109-111 de la Commune West, Montreal, QC H2X 2C7 Canada (514) 995 1312

Terrasse Nelligan (Hotel Nelligan), 106 Rue Saint Paul Ouest Montreal, QC H2Y 1Z3, Canada (514) 788-2040

Cafe Via Crescent, 1418 Crescent Street Montreal, QC H3G 2B6, Canada (514) 843-3896

La Belle Province, 1216 rue Peel, Montréal, QC H3B 2T6 Canada Phone: 514-878-8020

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2013 New York City Michelin Guide

The big news this year is that Tribeca newcomer Atera scored a coveted two-star rating, and Blanca, Cafe China, The Nomad, Torrisi Italian Specialties, Lan Sheng, and Hakkasan debuted with one star each. There was no change in the top tier: Brooklyn Fare, Daniel, Le Bernardin, Masa, EMP, Per Se, and Jean Georges all have three stars. And somehow, as always, Gordon Ramsay at the London and Gilt still have their two stars.

Kajitsu was dropped from two stars to one, and Veritas, Laut, and Marc Forgione were all axed from the list. Also, the currently-shuttered Picholine retains its star. See the full list below.(Eater.com)

Three Stars:
Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare
Daniel
Eleven Madison Park
Jean Georges
Le Bernardin
Masa
Per Se

Two Stars:
Atera
Corton
Gilt
Gordon Ramsay at the London
Marea
Momofuku Ko
Soto

One Star:
Adour
Ai Fiori
Aldea
Annisa
Aquavit
Aureole
A Voce Columbus
A Voce Madison
Blanca
Blue Hill
Bouley
The Breslin
Brushstroke
Cafe Boulud
Café China
Casa Mono
Danji
Danny Brown Wine Bar & Kitchen
Del Posto
Dovetail
Dressler
15 East
Gotham Bar and Grill
Gramercy Tavern
Hakkasan
Jewel Bako
Jungsik
Junoon
Kajitsu
Kyo Ya
Lan Sheng
Minetta Tavern
The Modern
The Nomad
Oceana
Peter Luger
Picholine (CURRENTLY CLOSED)
Public
Rosanjin
Rouge Tomate
Saul
Seasonal
Spotted Pig
Sushi Azabu
Sushi of Gari
Tamarind Tribeca
Tori Shin
Torrisi Italian Specialties
Tulsi
Wallse
Wd~50

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be mature. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a therapy set to treat few ailments. What do you have to consider about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you must ask your pharmacist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In complement, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are ordinarily able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may include erectile malfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other humanity even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Three Stars

Synopsis:

Three Stars depicts the daily drama of life in the world’s finest restaurants including exclusive interviews and intimate access to some of the world’s most talented chefs as they work in their gastronomic laboratories, hunt for exquisite ingredients in local markets and gather rare edible plants along rough coastlines. Hachmeister’s camera reveals the kitchen rituals of these culinary mavericks, probing their varying food philosophies that embrace the highest convictions on molecular gastronomy and innovation alongside the exaltation and embodiment of local ingredient sourcing and traditional cuisine. The Chefs include Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Chef of Jean George in New York; Rene Redzepi, Chef of Noma in Copenhagen, Denmark; Yannick Alleno, Chef of Le Meurice in Paris; Nadia Santini, Chef of Dal Pescatore in Runate, Italy; Olivier Roellinger, Chef of Les Maisons de Bricourt in Cancale, France; Sergio Herman, Chef of Oud Sluis in Sluis, the Netherlands; Sven Elverfeld, Chef of Aqua in Wolfsburg, Germany; Juan Mari and Elena Arzak, Chefs of Arzak in San Sebastian, Spain; and, Hideki Ishikawa, Chef of Ishikawa in Tokyo. Watch in wonder as these culinary masters perform such gastronomical feats as the deconstruction of a raspberry, the delicate assembly of caviar blinis with salmon cream, decrusting rhubarb baked in a sugar cylinder with the blow of a hammer and the perfecting of a quintessential handmade pasta. With access to the vision, craft and kitchens of some of the most revered chefs in Europe, and with commentary from the powers that be at the Michelen Guide, Three Stars is a non plus ultra cinematic foodie fantasy experience.
(Article Credits)

For on the film visit the home page here.

The film is currently playing at Quad Cinema thru Thursday September 27. For showtimes click here

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be considered. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a medication preassigned to treat few ailments. What do you have to consider about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you should ask your pharmacist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In addition, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are as a rule able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may switch on erectile malfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other folk even if their state appears to be the same as yours.

2012 NYC Vendy Award Finalist: Uncle Gussy’s Traditional Greek Cuisine

I was glad to see that Uncle Gussy Traditional Greek Cuisine was voted one of the 2012 NYC Vendy Award Finalists. They have the best chicken over rice that I’ve tasted in New York City. To try it for yourself, Uncle Gussy’s truck is located at the corner of 51st and Park Ave. Monday thru Friday. A piece of advice, get there before 12pm or you will wait in line.

For more info on the 2012 NYC Vendy Award Finalists click here

Pio Pio Hell’s Kitchen

Pio Pio Hell’s Kitchen
604 10th Ave
(between 43rd St & 44th St)
New York, NY 10036
(212) 459-2929
Official Site

There are quite a few chain restaurants that started right here in New York City and have become successful locally and nationally, even worldwide. Restaurants like Danny Meyer’s Shake Shack are now all over the country, with one opening in Dubai. Dos Cominos and Sushi Samba. One of my favorite NYC chain restaurants is Pio Pio, a Peruvian restaurant that has branches in Manhattan, Queens, and Bronx.

Chicken is one of my staple proteins (along with fish), it’s simple to cook and it’s also very easy to overcook. At Pio Pio they take pride in their chicken. It’s moist, seasoned perfectly, and full of flavor. The Latin culture has many ways of preparing their chicken, but Pio Pio’s has a distinguishable taste that can only be found here. They also have a green spicy sauce that elevates the flavor to new heights if one enjoys spicy food.

I’ve also had a few of their starter dishes, like Cebiche Limeno. Made with fresh corvina chunks marinated in lime juice and mixed with red onions, and cilantro. It is slightly acidic and is reminiscent of a similar dish that I had in the Phlippines growing up. Also the Calamar Frito (fried calamari) is very tasty as well, fried perfectly so that the calamari is still soft and easy to chew.

Pio Pio has two combos that are great for a group of four, The Matador and Peruvian Combo. For $36 The Matador combo includes a full chicken and comes with rice and beans, tostones, salchipapa, and an avocado salad. The Peruvian combo which includes a full chicken served with an avocado salad and fries with hotdog for only $30. During lunchtime a $10 special is offered. It includes a half chicken and comes with your choice of one side and an avocado salad.

Not only does Pio Pio have great food but they also have a Red Sangria that is by far one of the best, in my opinion as well as my friends that have dined here multiple times, in New York City. The sangria has a rich fruity sweetness that is not overbearing while the alcohol can still be tasted in the background.

Hells Kitchen’s Pio Pio is different from the rest of its other locations. It has a flare of sexiness with the décor and interior that rivals even the trendiest restaurants below 14th street. The restaurant space is massive and has no problem accommodating dinner parties of 8 or more with ease, unlike it’s other locations where the space is limited.

Guests are greeted at the entrance by the host before being lead to their table. There’s a lounge section in the front packed with beautiful people on any given night. The lounge is followed by a long narrow marble bar that leads to the concrete steps downstairs to the dining area which is situated below street level. The high ceilings and walls are covered in tree branches that intertwine within each other. Several communal wooden tables with wooden chairs are spaced perfectly. During dinner service the noise level is amplified in this boxed in dining room, but never the less it’s still a pleasant dining experience along with service that is attentive.

What I love about Pio Pio is the consistency of their food. I know that I will have the same flavor and quality whether I am eating at their Jackson Height location or the one in Hells Kitchen. Their prices are cheap for the quality of food that they serve.

Compared to the Murray Hill location, which I used to frequent, the Hells Kitchen Pio Pio has become my favorite location. The atmosphere takes the dining experience here to another level.

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be elaborate. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a medication prescribed to treat few ailments. What do you have to consider about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you should ask your dispenser about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In complement, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are ordinarily able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may turn on erectile disfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other men even if their status appears to be the same as yours.

How To Separate The Yolk From The Egg Whites

Here’s a cool way how to separate the yolk from the egg whites.

SUAC Restaurant

SAUC Restaurant
Via Laietana 49
08003 Barcelona, Spain
933 21 01 89
Official Site

*This restaurant is now closed

When I was in Barcelona a few months ago I wanted to visit a Michelin Star restaurant, of course I’ve heard all about the great restaurants that the region possessed, like the now closed El Buli and El Celler de Can Roca.The closest restaurant to my hotel was SAUC restaurant at the Ohla Hotel. A one Michelin star restaurant, it is known for its classic Catalonian cuisine prepared with a modern technique by Chef Xavier Franco.

Located on the mezzanine of the Ohla Hotel, SAUC is small and has a clean modern décor. The interior is designed with hard wood flooring, a black wall that serves as separator between the kitchen and dining room as well as counter, and it is surrounded by glass windows overlooking the street. While the covered tables and the low ceilings provided a dim lighting giving it an intimate atmosphere. Oddly enough the space and atmosphere reminded me of SHO Shaun Hergatt and Ai Fiori here in New York City.

Now on to the food, I began with an amouse bouche of olives in different textures. The one that left a lasting impression were the black olives that looked and had the texture of a gummy bear but with a black olive taste. My first course was the Spanish mackerel with almond milk poured over it. Surprisingly enough the almond milk and mackerel created a milky fish flavor. The second course, was the potato artichoke with poached egg, it was good but nothing spectacular. The entrée, cod fish with beans was very enjoyable.The salty flavor of the fish was neutralized by the beans when eaten together. To finish the meal I had Milfull and Cream with strawberries for dessert. It was very good, the dessert wasn’t as sweet as I expected and was well balanced. I paired my meal with a handpicked white wine by their sommelier which enhanced each of the flavors in my meal.

SAUC was a good choice to have a Michelin Star meal in Barcelona. The food was very good and the service was not less than spectacular while the setting was subdued and intimate.The question I would like to ask is, can this restaurant be as successful in New York City as it is in Barcelona? New York diners and critics are thorough when it comes to Spanish cuisine, just ask Miguel Romera. Then again Gastroate, on the Upper West Side, has been well received here. There’s only one way to find out and that is to dine there and have your own opinion like I did. In my opinion (SAUC Restaurant) will do very well here in NYC.

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be considered. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a curing prescribed to treat few ailments. What do you have to consider about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you should ask your dispenser about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In complement, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are ordinarily able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may include erectile disfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other folk even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Behind the Kitchen Door Book Trailer

Behind the Kitchen Door: What Every Diner Should Know About the People Who Feed Us is a groundbreaking exploration of the political, economic, and moral implications of eating out. What’s at stake when we choose a restaurant is not only our own health or “foodie” experience, but the health and well-being of the second-largest private sector workforce—the lives of 10 million people, many immigrants, many people of color, who bring passion, tenacity, and important insight into the American dining experience.

Official Website

Quimet Y Quimet

During my week long vacation in Barcelona Spain, I wined and dined myself with some of the freshest seafood that the Mediterranean had to offer. I ate through the tapas bar and drank the wines from the Catalonian Region. Oddly enough, I enjoyed their wine. I wandered around Barcelona and discovered places to eat and towards the end of my trip I asked my hotel concierge for a restaurant recommendation. At first he gave me a list of touristy spots but after I asked him where would he eat if he wanted a very good meal, that’s when he recommended Quimet Y Quimet.

Quimet Y Quimet is a tapas bar that has been run by the Quim family for generations. I was told by one of the staff that the gentleman making the food behind the bar is a fourth generation Quim. The space is small, standing room only, and cubed in with walls full of various wines all the way to ceiling, and a stainless steel bar where guests can park themselves and enjoy their food. Getting to the wooded table in the center of the space can be quite challenging since this place is packed with locals and a few tourists. While some waited outside, sipping their wine, until a space opened up. You will be rubbing elbows, literally, with fellow patrons like I did.

The tapas and montaditos (open face sandwiches) at Quimet Y Quimet are made from the highest quality and most expensive canned seafood’s and meats. I was really impressed at how good the canned foods are, Spain produces some of the best canned foods on the market. The menu is abundant and most of the dishes are priced between 1 to 3.50 Euro and the cheese plates will run around 9 Euro. I had a memorable feast here.Beginning with “olivas rellenas” or stuffed olives. The olives were stuffed with a seafood mixture making it a great starter. Then I had the “Combinado de queso” or cheese combination. I enjoyed the flavor of these Spanish cheeses, from sweet to sour, it was amazing–except of course the goat cheese, just a personal preference.

After my cheese plate, I ordered mostly the montaditos. I tried mainly seafood plates, except for the Pate con Setas which was made with pulled meat topped off with mushroom. The pulled meat was soft and moist while the mushroom was somewhat sautéed and tasted very good. Then the Salmon, yogurt y miel trufada, it is a version of salmon cream cheese in America but instead of cream cheese they use yogurt and top it off with truffle honey. This was the best plate I had. The truffle honey and its distinct sweetness combined with salmon along with the light texture of yogurt was enough to come back to Quimet y Quimet. Next was the “Langostinos Con Piquillo”, the red peppers (which are grown in Spain) along with the caviar is packed with flavor. Then there was the Sardinas Con Erizo, a whole sardine topped off with sea urchin, and the Sardina Ahumada y Tomate Seco, chopped sardines with tomato sauce. Both were amazing.

I left Quimet Y Quimet satisfied; there wasn’t a single dish that I did not like. Their wine list was extensive, but I enjoyed the local white wine that went well with my dishes and it did not disappoint.

The only regret I had on my trip was that I didn’t find out about Quimet Y Quimet earlier. It was the best tapas/ restaurant I had the opportunity to enjoy in Barcelona. It was also a great way to end my trip. If I ever come back to Barcelona, Spain I will definitely try to visit this place again. Hopefully they stay open; then again it has been open for four generations!

Quimet Y Quimet
Carrer del Poeta Cabanyes, 25
08004 Barcelona Spain
934 423 142

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be considered. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a treatment prescribed to treat few ailments. What do you have to consider about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you have to ask your druggist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In addition, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are as a rule able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may turn on erectile dysfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other men even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

est 1986 Wine Bar and Lounge

est. 1986 Wine Bar and Lounge
@ Hotel Stanford
43 W 32nd St
New York, NY 10001
(212) 563-1500
Official Site

On 32nd St, between Broadway and 5th avenue, also known as “Little Korean Way”, is the Hotel Stanford. During the hours of 6pm-2am the hotel opens its doors to everyone for their lounge, est. 1986 Wine Bar and Lounge. This little gem seems out of place, yet it is the perfect spot in an area where you would least expect it to be.

As you walk into the lobby of the hotel you can see the foldout sign with brightly colored chalked writing with the lounges happy hour specials and hours of service written in brightly colored chalk. Continue further inside the hotel until you reach a small set of stairs on the right of the elevator and up the narrow staircase into what is an impressively styled space.

est. 1986 Wine Bar and Lounge is dimly lit. Dark wood bookcases decorate the far right wall as they embrace sleek metallic silver leather sofas and sitting chairs. Matching dark square wooden side and coffee tables accent the sitting area. A communal table is centered in the bar surrounded by high-back cushioned dining chairs and three round laced chandeliers of different sizes hanging above it. To add to the space and decor is a Grand piano near the bar itself on the left. You would think the lounge would be lacking in space to fit anything, but this place is roomy and spacious enough to hold its regulars as well as groups. The wine bar gives an intimate and sophisticated feel with its dim lighting and minimalism, yet it is contemporary enough to keep the atmosphere casual and humorous by placing pictorial drawings with witty sayings along the right side of wall.

Although wine is what est. 1986 Wine Bar and Lounge is best for when coming here—their wine list consists mostly of French wines such as the Malbec and Pinot Noir which you can buy by the glass or bottle—they also serve cocktails and beers, as well as the prerequisite cheese and meat tapas, East-Asian inspired plates, and desserts. A glass of wine runs at an average of $12 but a happy hour special daily from 6PM to 8PM cuts the prices in half. Being a white wine drinker I enjoyed the Château St. Jean Fume Blanc. It has a fruity and acidic taste that is very similar to a Sauvignon Blanc.

On the several occasions that I’ve had the opportunity to visit the lounge, it has never been overly crowded. The noise level is at a minimal and the music is not overpowering throughout the space, allowing patrons to have an intimate conversation. Because of its location, est. 1986 Wine Bar and Lounge attracts mostly the after work crowd that empties out after 7PM to catch their scheduled train at either The Path or Penn Station. It’s a great place to meet up with friends and family for a nice relaxing glass of wine.

Hidden wine bars and lounges are no stranger to New York City as there are quite a few of them and more that I haven’t yet discovered. In the case of est. 1986 Wine Bar and Lounge it was recommend by a friend and I have since enjoyed coming here.

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be mature. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a treatment prescribed to treat few ailments. What do you have to view about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you should ask your pharmacist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In addition, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are mostly able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may include erectile dysfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.