Sushi Nirvana: The Faux-hattanite goes to California!

My taste buds are in withdrawal. They are mourning the loss of California cuisine, in particular a little place in Huntington Beach that I visited on the 4^th of July which made the fireworks pale in comparison. People, I have found sushi nirvana and its name is Sushi on Fire.

This place was crowded and I hear it’s always like that. You had the diehard sushi fans at the bar, the couples feeding each other with chopsticks out on a date, and, of course, the ‘noisy Americans’ in the back corner doing sake bombs. Then there’s Big Mama flitting around making sure everyone in enjoying themselves and that the group in the back isn’t getting too rowdy.

We sat at the bar so we could see the sushi artists at work. The first thing I noticed was the large jar of wasabi to my left which patrons could dig into to get their spicy fix. The menu is overwhelming. Whatever you’re in the mood for sushi-wise SOF’s chefs will be able to quench your hunger. We started out with the Halloween roll (shrimp tempura and crab salad, topped w/ tuna, avocado, spicy crab mix, and eel sauce) and the Black Dragon roll (California roll, topped w/ BBQ eel). The first bite set my mouth on fire, pun intended. Quality ingredients and excellent pairing came together in an explosion of flavor.

I had thought the Halloween roll was my favorite until my mate convinced me that the next course should be the New York New York roll. A New York inspired roll for the Faux-hattanite; a more perfect combination could not be had (unless you count the ingredients that combined to form this succulent roll). The New York Now York contains shrimp tempura, crab mix, topped w/ seared filet mignon with ponzu sauce. And the best part? Being at the bar, we could see the chefs searing the filet mignon on top of the roll with crème brulee torches. Now I’ve had cooked meat in sushi before and I usually find it nothing to write home (or here) about. It’s often the main ingredient of such a roll and can be paired with ingredients that don’t necessarily enhance its flavor. I also find that the sauces other places may use tend to mask the taste of the roll altogether. However, the New York New York was perfection. The meat was not too chewy and worked in a way that it enhanced the roll and combined with the light ponzu sauce to transcend sushi as we know it. Visually the filet is the main component, but texturally and taste-wise it complemented the shrimp and crab. The overall taste is hard to convey, I can only liken it to a comfort food that fills you with a sense of warmth and completeness. It’s definitely something you must try if you are in the LA area.

By the time I was done with the New York New York I was feeling quite satiated, but my still-hungry companion ordered the Spicy Girl roll (shrimp tempura and spicy crab mix with masago outside), and with a name like that how could I refuse. Although not my favorite, it was a good way to end the meal and ended up turning into a competition to see if I could fit a whole piece in my mouth (1-1).

A truly spectacular dinner followed up by hundreds of fireworks (both legal and illegal), traditional bloody marys, and a few games of billiards made for a 4^th of July to remember. The only downside is that my new favorite restaurant is on the opposite side of the country and I don’t even want to think about what the delivery charge on 2,788 miles would be. Until next time California.

x,

Chace

Blind Barbers, Fresh Marshmallows & Boating

Recently Hilton gave me a free one night stay and I chose to take the girls on an overnight to NYC. Saying that we had a fabulous time is quite the understatement.

The night started out with a quick dinner at Q2, a Thai restaurant on 9th Ave between 52nd & 53rd St. While I don't love their pad thai, I do order their crab croquettes every time I stop by. Plus, if you order three appetizers they give you a glass of wine on the house.

After gussying up we headed down to Jade Bar at the Gramercy Park Hotel (21st St. & Lexington). The drinks are a bit pricy, but it's worth trying at least one of their cleverly crafted concoctions. I had the Lavender & Cucumber Fizz and would trek downtown for it any time. The atmosphere is dark and intimate. It's not a large bar.

Once I finished my delicious drink we headed to a dive bar, whose name I cannot remember, to ask some locals where we could find some decent dancing in the area. Two games of pool and several cake shots later we ended up at The Blind Barber. Everything about this place captured my heart. The barber shop/bar is on 10th St. & Avenue B and is reminiscent of the Roaring Twenties. The bouncer that night was a tall (and imposing!) man with an eye patch who you DO NOT want to mess with. I saw a few people try to sneak in a side door and he was on them in seconds. Once he gives you the okay you are guided through a small, tiled, traditional barber shop into a back room that is the bar and dancing area. We were their on the Sunday before Memorial Day and it was crowded. The bar was very dark and had a fun atmosphere. I would have preferred a different DJ, but I didn't stop dancing the entire time we were there. There were a few leather & wooded booths and a small back area for a more privet feel. I just stuck to dancing and didn't sample the drinks, but I know I will have to next time. Apparently the Blind Barber house special is the Sweeney Todd (who didn't see that coming?), which is comprised of whiskey, an egg white, honey syrup and lemon juice! They are open daily 6pm - 4am except Sundays.

After a raucous night, which ended up with me falling asleep in the shower, we wanted a calm and relaxing Monday.

Our day started with lunch at one of my FAVORITE restaurants, Jean Georges in the Trump Tower at Columbus Circle. Reservations are a must and their are two dining areas with different menus so be specific. We went to the back dining area where we ordered off the Tastes of Spring prix fixe menu. Before our meal appeared we were presented with a tasting of three amuse-bouche: a watercress soup, yellowfin tuna (I believe) with a melon sauce, and fresh mozzarella with strawberry & balsamic. I ordered the Crispy Crab with Pink Peppercorn Mustard and Exotic Fruits as the first course. The crab was fresh and chunky, pairing perfectly with the mustard while the fruit gave you a sweet finish. One of the reasons I love Jean Georges so much is because of their sauces, mustards, and anything else they wish to put over the main "meat" of the dish. Every sauce I've had has been an explosion of flavor and has me wishing Jean George would come out with a cookbook purely for sauces. For the main course I had the Crispy Sweet breads, Glazed Maitake Mushroom, Spring Onions and Hibiscus Jam. Once again, my favorite part was the jam. It was sweet and tart, paired with very flavorful veal sweetbreads. By the time we had finished all our food we were convinced we couldn't eat anymore so we decided to skip dessert,...but then they brought out their version of petit fours: miniature coconut-strawberry macaroons with strawberry jelly, homemade vanilla bean marshmallows, and an assortment of chocolates. The marshmallows tasted as if you were biting into a pillow or perhaps a cloud. I look forward to going back and trying more off of their menu.

We burned off our meal at the Central Park Boathouse where we rented a rowboat and traversed the man-made lake. It was a great day to be outside, getting a tan and spotting turtles. A trip to NYC is never complete without some shopping and a walk around town. Overall it was one of the best trips I've had with the girls and I can't wait to plan our next one!

x,
Chace

Food on the Go

I've always meant to go to Pret A Manger, but I didn't make it until this past weekend when my friend and I were going on a pilgrimage to Boston. We were taking a bus up so we decided to grab some breakfast and lunch there in case we got stuck in traffic. It ended up being so good that when we came home a few days later we went back and grabbed another sandwich!

I love the amount of options and diversity I am provided with daily, but ocassionally I want something simple. Pret A Manger, which means 'take to eat' or 'take out', provides simple, healthy and delicious alternatives to the fast food options we usually turn to when we are in a bind. All their sandwiches and salads are fresh and incorporate "real" ingredients.

I had the cilantro shrimp wrap...twice. I would definitely recommend it again. Shrimp can be iffy, but theirs was delicious in a light mayo and surrounded by lettuce and big sprigs of cilantro. I also got an egg, tomato and cheese sandwich for breakfast. It was the perfect way to start my morning.

Their restaurant design also falls in line with their "simple" agenda, providing a large space to order and look at the sandwich offerings and a small seating area.

x,

Chace

I Live in a Snow Globe

I absolutely love Manhattan when it's snowing. And when it's bright out. Even when it rains. And (to rip off a recent ad in Bon Apetit) even in a type of weather that's yet to be created.

When the snow is swirling 'round and I don't feel like being cold I love to sit in any one of the little eateries, grab a treat, and watch the world pretend it's a snow globe.

One of the best places to watch the world go by (because it's right across from where I fence) is Le Pain Quotidien (58th St. & 7th Ave). Their specialties include a number of spreads or food items to put on their bread. My favorites are the berry spread and their delicious chocolate spread. They also have a number of tempting desserts including a tangy lemon tart. Just thinking about it is making my mouth water.

x,
Chace

Tea-riffic!

One of my favorite things to do in the winter is to buy a hot chocolate or a tea and walk down 5th avenue. The lights and decoration all look so beautiful. It's even better when it's snowing!

I've become a denizen at Argo Tea up on Broadway and 58th. They have everything to satiate a tea lover's cravings (with the exception of tapioca bubbles for their bubble tea). Their decor is very coffee house and simple. I'm a big fan of the giant glass cup-like containers they use to hold their brewed tea. The best part about Argo is that not only do they sell tea drinks, but they also sell loose leaf tea and tea inspired goodies. I always try to grab a Spinach Pine Nut Quiche or one of their salads on my way home from practice.

My usual order:
White tea coconut bubble tea with soy milk

x,
Chace

The Tantalizing Smell of Calories

Bit of a hiatus. I had to graduate, celebrate my 21st, and trek out west to Wisconsin. Regardless of where I am though, I can always hear the city calling me home.

My mum is working in the city all this week so to cut down on transportation cost I'm staying with her at the Hilton on 53rd and 6th. Being here, especially on this particular corner in midtown, there is one thing I cannot escape from...Halal carts.

Ah, the good old Halal cart. You can smell them from a dozen blocks away and when you're hungry that scent is downright tantallizing! Every time I go for a jaunt I seem to notice more and more of them poping out of the pavement like daisys. That lamb or chicken (or both) laid out on a bed of lettuce and rice smothered with white sauce is a dagger to any diet. But who can resist...

Regardless, the best one is on 53rd and 6th (or so said this teammate of mine I used to know). Now you have to know which side of the street to go on because there are two carts: Amazing Halal Cart of the Divine Deliciousness and its eveil twin, Cart of the Tourist. The one you want to go to is on the south-east side of the block. On the weekends a line a block long will develop, but it's definitely worth the wait, but be careful, your stomach can only take so much!

x,
Chace

The Pursuit for the Perfect Cupcake

When you're craving something you have to fulfill that desire or else you will go "pregnant woman mad." Whenever I'm out and end up near the Village I begin to crave the delectable treats from Magnolia Bakery. The other night I was out with some of my teammates and I led the charge to this late night eatery.

Everyone is going to tell you that their cupcakes are the best things they have to offer, but that is simply not the case. The first thing I ever had at Magnolia was a gargantuan slice of their famous Icebox cake. A friend from high school had told me about this treat so on a trip to the city I took my dad there. One word: Delicious!

The other night I decided to branch out and try the banana pudding. Campbel's has nothing on Magnolia because their stuff is mmmm mmmm good! It was too good to eat all at once so I got it to go, but I lost it halfway through the night.

The best things about Magnolia Bakery are its hours of operation and its multiple locations, although I'm always going to wish they were open 24 hours.

x,
Chace