Tag Archives: review

Where to Eat Right Now: Talde

9 May

After hearing raving reviews for weeks, rumors of two hour waits, and the infamous Hawaiian Bread Buns, fellow blogger Dara and I dined at Talde. If you haven’t heard about it, it’s an Asian-American restaurant and bar from Chef Dale Talde, David Massoni, and John Bush of Thistle Hill Tavern.

I admit. We were a little star-struck by Dale Talde. “Should we say hi?” we whispered, but rather than being like “Oh hey D! (we’re that close) What’s goin’ on?”, We decided to order cocktails and pour over the menu.

Perilla Leaf Mojito

I loved the Perilla Leaf Mojito, a mix of denizen white rum, perilla leaf, fresh lime, lemon-lime bitters, and white sugar. Then we went all out with the small plates, opting for an octopus salad, Hawaiian Bread Buns, the whole fish (it’s very whole) and a side of pea pods. You know those meals that you think about for days later? This was one of them. Especially the whole fish. I don’t really know what kind of fish it was, but it was banana leaf roasted with turmeric and tomato.

We couldn’t resist the dessert, just because it was the oddest combination ever: shaved ice, banana, pineapple, bubble tea, vanilla, and Captain Crunch cereal. The dish was served in a giant bowl with two spoons, and oddly, it was kind of addicting.

Here’s my advice: When you go, get the fish. Try the dessert, whatever it may be. And tell D I say hey.

5 Reasons to Try Isa

26 Jan

photo via Zagat Blog

I ate at new-ish restaurant Isa in Williamsburg last week, and if you haven’t been there yet, I suggest you recommend making a reservation there soon. Need a reason? Here’s five.

1. Orange Wine

I read that Isa was serving up orange wine, along with the more traditional red, white, and rose options, so I had to go for it. What’s orange wine? It’s a dry wine made from white wine grape varieties that have spent some maceration time in contact with the grape skins. It’s not actually made from oranges, but it adds to the dining experience.

2. Uber-Seasonal Menu

The menu at Isa changes everyday, so you never really know what to expect when you arrive for dinner. Be ready to try some unique flavor combinations that you wouldn’t normally see on other menus.

3. It’s that cabin feel

As a New Yorker, you probably don’t get to spend much time in a cabin. Isa has a rustic woodsy look. It’s cozy and warm that makes you feel like you’re camping…. camping in a really beautiful and expensive cabin. Maybe more like an expensive ski lodge then?

4. The bread service

Sure, the bread is not the star of the meal– the appetizers, entrees, and desserts have a leg up on the bread. On the other hand, the bread at Isa is definitely a bonus. It’s baked in house, warm, and addictive. No bread bowl will go empty.

5. The experience

There’s no doubt that Isa is unique. It’s quirky and a little odd– with a menu full of peculiar combinations, like “sardine, skeleton, and olives,” or “spotted prawn with black garlic aioli.” It’s worth giving it a try and checking out the unique menu choices of the day.

Grand Opening of the Dekalb Market

23 Jul

The Dekalb Market just launched this weekend, and of course, I ran down there today to check it out. Housed in a collection of salvaged shipping containers, the market is very similar to the Brooklyn Flea, with a selection of local grab and go foods, designers, artists, and plenty to look at. The difference is that it’s much less crowded (for now), providing a nice alternative for those who don’t want to shuffle through the flea masses.

Another reason to love it? The purpose is to bring together Brooklyn’s community, and provide an economic opportunity for independent entrepreneurs and creative people like makers, artists, farmers, and chefs. Some of the vendors include Pasticcio, Sour Puss Pickles, Robicelli’s, 3rd Ward, and Brooklyn Beats. Because of the heat, I couldn’t help but stop by Nile Valley Eco-Juice and Smoothie Bar for a mango banana smoothie. It was the perfect heat relief remedy. I also spotted some beautiful jewelry, as well as hand-dyed silk clothing and accessories by Katrin Reifeiss.

Check out Dekalb Market soon, located at Flatbush and Willoughby Streets.

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Bad Food, Loud Music, and Cheap Drinks

30 Aug

The one-cubed Hi-C sangria (prettier than it tasted)

I usually wouldn’t waste your time with a post about a restaurant that I don’t like, but I’m so disappointed that I have to vent. Craving guacamole and sangria, I chose Pedro’s Spanish American Restaurant in Dumbo for a sunny afternoon snack. Because the metal outdoor tables were blazing in the hot sun, I sat inside.

The restaurant seemed like it was exactly what I was looking for, large fruity drink selection, lots of cheap cheese and bean filled dishes, and a bright atmosphere. I ordered the fruit sangria– a summer staple– and was brought a warm wine glass filled with a Hi-C-like concoction and one ice cube. Fine, the sangria’s not great, I’ll go for a mojito next time. I asked for nachos and guacamole, and was served two tiny styrofoam bowls and a basket of chips. The “guacamole” was a tasteless green paste and the watery salsa resembled more of juice than a dip. The chips were warm at least, but inconsistent– half encrusted with salt, and half drenched in oil.

If you prefer to not speak with your company when dining, definitely visit Pedro’s. The music was painfully loud; the mariachi tunes pulsated in my ear drums to the point that it seemed like it had to be a cruel joke– but the waitress never popped out with a “just kidding!” In fact, she never really popped out at all. After trying to force myself to enjoy the salty oil triangles dipped in paste, I just wanted to leave, but could not get the waitress to pay attention to me long enough to ask for a check. I was trapped in Pedro’s Hell, dreaming of a chance to get back onto the quiet Dumbo streets.

Because it’s hard for me to dismiss a restaurant completely, I do have to try to be positive with one good feature– cheap drinks. Draft beers are only $4 (a rarity in NYC) and cocktails are around $6 to $7. If you have little affection for your taste buds, you have eardrums of steel, and your wallet is light– vist Pedro’s at 73 Jay Street.

Yes, that's styrofoam.

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