Restaurant experiment: Chez Fonfon

Chez Fonfon

2007 11^th Avenue South between 20^th Street South and Richard Arrington Junior Boulevard

Birmingham, AL 35205

205-939-3221

http://fonfonbham.com

I was excited to try my first Frank Stitt restaurant after learning that he’s basically the kingpin of Birmingham fine dining.  The Highlands Bar and Grill is on my list, but that necessitates a special occasion.

Although this was certainly a special occasion in itself, as Brother was in town.  We eschewed the pay lot by the restaurant for street parking about a block down.  There was an attendant in the lot but he didn’t give us any guff.  Despite being nearly 1:30 PM (curse you, 280 lunch traffic), the dining room was practically full.  A cordial host seated us at a table towards the back.  The crowd was mixed: older, younger, but more on the professional side.

It was sweet to possess a four person table to ourselves.  Chez Fonfon is one of the most attractive restaurants I’ve been to in Birmingham, with bright windows and wood accents.  And a general historical feeling.  Our waiter was attentive enough though his attentions waned a bit during the end of our meal.  Server fatigue I suppose.

The menus were dated a few days earlier from our dining date.  There was a wide range of items to fit all price points, from sandwiches to fish.  I ordered the Hamburger Fonfon ($13.50) while Brother ordered the Croque Monsieur ($10.75).  Hamburger Fonfon is a misnomer because there is cheese atop the burger, a little something French called Comté.  It turns out that this was the common cheese of the restaurant, as it is also used for the Croque.  It’s somewhat pungent but otherwise not very sharp.  A good melted cheese as it looked right at home laying on the beef.  The patty was quite peppery, black peppery.  And it seemed to be ever pepperier as I ate towards the middle of the circle.  The burger came with lettuce and pickled onions, but no tomato.  Ketchup was served on the side, along with the house Dijon aioli.  That went well with the frites which were crunched to perfection.  Delish.

I couldn’t resist dessert.  Two words: gingerbread cheesecake.  Not having seen a cake such as described before, I was eager to try it.  There was no price on the menu, but it ended up being $7.50 for a fair-sized slice.  The cake came with a cheery gingerbread man.  The cheesecake was incredibly rich and gingerbready.  Freakin’ delicious.  The crust also deserved special note since it contained what I took to be pecans.

Brother and I left Fonfon, satistifed.  Now I really can’t wait to try Bottega and Highlands Bar and Grill.

Restaurant experiment: Atmosphere French Restaurant

Atmosphere French Restaurant

1620 Piedmont Avenue at East Morningside Drive

Atlanta, GA 30324

678-702-1620

http://www.atmospherebistro.com

Dave suggested we check out the atmosphere at Atmosphere, which was highly recommended to him by a colleague.  I was totally down with that since hey, it’s French food.  I made a reservation on OpenTable, and even though we were running late, the staff were very gracious and didn’t give us grief when we updated them with our whereabouts.

The parking situation is not wonderful, since it’s complimentary valet.  I don’t like valet in any form.  Parking nearby is not available, though you could go down to Monroe and find some spots there, then walk up.

There’s seating outside, though since it was a little nippy that evening, no one was dining under the stars.  Though I’m not sure how appealing it would be to eat by busy Piedmont Avenue.  Hmm.  Anyway, Atmosphere is in an old house that is super cute.  There are little rooms which have tables, and the bar is right at the entryway with the hostess stand.  I didn’t see all of the rooms since we were in the living room area, but I’m sure they were all adorable.

There is no tasting menu at Atmosphere, though there is a prix fixe sometimes (not during the weekends).  Our waiter had a habit of appearing too early to take our orders.  While we were slow to select, the kitchen was closing down, so he was just making sure to get everything in on time.  Since both of us were actually more entranced by the appetizers than the mains, we ended up ordering a couple of the former and one of the latter.

Here is the terrine de lapin maison ($9), “house made rabbit terrine served with cornichons.”  The terrine went perfectly with the free piping hot French bread served beforehand.  Strong flavors were enhanced with the mustard.  How can you resist tiny pickles?

Next up was the escargots Atmosphere ($11), which was a signature dish of the restaurant and basically snails baked in garlic butter.  That’s usually how the escargots are prepared…I wonder if they are ever made without garlic butter?  Whoa, so garlicky!  This reminds me of the time I was walking down the sidewalk and my feet crunched over lots of snail shells.

Feast your eyes on foie gras, or rather foie gras poêllé (market price).  The menu describes this appetizer as “a classic French Delicacy. Seared duck Foie Gras served with Brioche toasted bread.  Apple Compote and red Port reduction.”  Scrumptious fatty delight!  The star of the show, and by show, I mean meal.  Truly.  Bonus points for the presentation too.  Swirly!

What resembles pepperoni is actually carpaccio de boeuf.  I believe this was the large portion ($14).  The microtome-cut slices of beef swam in a bath of olive oil, topped by shards of Parmesan.  I would have toned down the oil some; the boeuf was getting sort of lost.

And now a main course.  Dave and I both agreed that we were not bowled over by the duck, two legs of the confit de canard ($28).  It was perfectly fine but missing something.  I prefer my duck skin crispy, and it wasn’t so crunchy here.  However, the green beans and potatoes were delights.  The beans especially were fresh and springy.

For dessert, Dave ordered the chocolate lava cake with creme anglaise and I went with the creme brulee (both $7).  Divine!  I was more partial to the creme brulee but you can’t go wrong sweets-wise here, it appears.

The bottom line is that New York French restaurants have spoiled us.  Everything was solid but not mind-blowing.  Atmosphere does the French standards well and at a non-scary prices.  The clientele looked like families (parents with adult children), old pals, couples, and even a bachelorette party was in attendance.  Can’t go wrong here.

Restaurant experiment: Minetta Tavern

Minetta Tavern

113 MacDougal Street between Bleecker and West 3^rd Streets

New York, NY 10012

212-475-3850

http://minettatavern.com

Since Leslie left me a voicemail months ago raving about the burger at Minetta Tavern, I couldn’t wait to lay my mitts on one such beef delight.  Another acquaintance had also extolled the virtues of the burger.  Combined with the fact that it has a Michelin star, I knew I had found the perfect location for my birthday dinner.

The reservation process was actually not as grueling as I had anticipated.  I called up in the morning 30 days  before my desired date, wasn’t placed on hold for an eternity, and I was able to get the day I wanted, all for under 3 minutes.  Not bad at all.  Well, you were given early dinner times but as a plebian, I could not expect more.

Dave and I arrived early and ordered drinks at the bar.  Even though it was before 5:30, the bar was suitably busy.  He got the blood and sand (some whiskey, vermouth, cherry, and orange brew), and I had the Hemingway daiquiri, consisting of rum, maraschino liqueur, and fresh grapefruit juice.  Unfortunately, the bartender left a gooey residue on the glass, so the martini glass kept sticking to the table, and my fingers were glued to the stem.  I’d call the drink a miss, a little too rummy for me.

We were initially seated at a table right by the women’s restroom and the area where the servers hang out and pick up plates from the kitchen.  Dave requested a different table, and then we were moved elsewhere to our relief.  Our waitress was a bespectacled brunette with an animated yet hipster attitude.  Dave asked if she were an actress, and she said no and may have slightly been annoyed at that query.  But she said she gets that a lot.

We went a little nuts with the appetizers which looking back, may not have been the smoothest move since I was too full for the burger.  Anyway, we got a prawn salad and one of the specials, pure foie gras.  We only got four triangles for the foie gras but luckily there was a bunch of free bread left over from earlier.  The prawn salad was fine but nothing remarkable.  If we didn’t get it, I would have been able to cope.

 

 

Though the presentation was a little canine (Stacy had told me that Blue Hill serves bone marrow this way, sliced lengthwise), the roasted bone marrow ($15) was definitely one of the superstars of the meal.  The marrow came with baguette soldiers and shallot confit.  The bread was garlic-fied and toasty which of course wins points in my book.  The marrow was quite hot and rich, oily but superb.  Salty but amazing.

I had requested the burger medium (hurriedly after I accidentally blurted our “medium well” and got a Look from the waitress), but it looked more on the rare side of things but that was more acceptable here at Minetta Tavern than some sketchy burger place elsewhere.  Minetta Tavern’s crown jewel, the Black Label Burger ($26) is pretty fantastic.  Described as “selection of prime dry-aged beef cuts with caramelized onions and pommes frites,” the burger delivers.  Though I would have preferred cheese and raw onions, I guess Minetta Tavern just doesn’t swing that way.  I’ll admit I was too full and slightly freaked out about the rareness of the burger, which sort of distracted from the experience, but I would give it another whirl and not eat appetizers beforehand to be fair.  The pommes frites were A-OK!

Here is an image of Dave’s Filet Mignon au Roquefort ($40).  After he placed his order with our waitress, she asked, “It’s wrapped in bacon.  Is that going to be okay?”  Heck yes!  Bacon, cheese, and beef?  Perfect!  He had nothing but raves for this hearty delight.

Despite not being able to consume all my beef, I was in the mood for dessert.  It’s lighter, I swear!  Who could resist the dessert menu anyway?  Plus, it didn’t help that the dessert tray was nestled by the wall adjacent to me.  Tempting.  We settled on sharing the Chocolate Dacquoise ($9), “rich chocolate ganache layered with hazelnut meringue.”  Stellar!  What a way to end the meal.  Loved the cocoa powder on the top.  Perfect.

The only downside (other that not enjoying the Black Label Burger properly) was that I didn’t see anyone famous.  Sob.  And I keep surreptitiously glancing around the dining room too.  That’s life.  And there were lots of kids eating, weird.  But yes, Minetta Tavern: grand birthday dinner!

Restaurant experiment: La Baraka

La Baraka

255-09 Northern Boulevard between Glenwood and Morgan Streets

Little Neck, NY 11362

718-428-1461

http://labarakarest.com

To celebrate me accomplishing something, Dave and I went to La Baraka for their “Twilight Menu” which goes from 5pm to 6:45pm on Sundays through Fridays and to 6:15pm on Saturdays.  La Baraka is a French restaurant with north African influences, according to its Zagat writeup and its website.  The place has been around for over 30 years which means it can’t be all that bad.

Anyway, the Twilight Menu is pound for pound, an amazing value.  It is $26.95 (more with certain dishes and less if you forego an entree) for salad, appetizer, entree, dessert, and coffee/tea.  And the portions are huge!  I’d say that if you were to dine of this in Manhattan, you’d easily pay twice as much, if not more.

Zagat puts La Baraka in the “Gracious Hosts” category, and I’ll wholeheartedly agree that Lucette the hostess is quite sweet and welcoming.  I assume her husband told us about the specials and took down our orders.  The decor is a bit French grandma, with old movie posters and a grandfather clock, but it’s warm and welcoming.

The salads were fine, with cold lettuce, and we both had blue cheese dressing; the other options were vinaigrette and Russian.  The complimentary bread consisted of baby baguettes, which I’m totally a sucker for, anywhere, anyplace.  Just too cute! 

For the appetizers, Dave went with the pate du jour, and I picked out the quiche lorraine.  Wow, the pate was the size of a small novel.  Whoa.  The quiche was cozy eating for a chilly winter evening.   Mmm, hammy pie.

Mains-wise, I decided on the coquille Saint-Jacques.  I didn’t know what it was, but the menu told me that it contained scallops, shrimps, and crab meat.  It pretty much had me at those things, love shellfish.  Dave opted for the canard à l’orange, which was half a duck roasted, brushed with orange sauce ($4 supplement).  The coquille was served in a scallop shell which would probably be the size of a grapefruit slice.  Thanks to the internet, I now know that coquille means shell.  A coquille St.-Jacques is a seafood bake in a slightly creamy sauce.  Oh, what a great meal for a winter’s eve!  There were carrots, rice, and a stuffed tomato on the side, but they were all wingmen to the coquille.

Even though I was a stuffed turkey at the conclusion of the meal, I forged on ahead with dessert because hey, it’s dessert.  My ultimate pick was the chocolate mousse, mousse au chocolat, because it wasn’t too heavy and chocolate is usually a safe bet.  The treat was actually smaller than I had been led to believe, given the enormity of the previous dishes.  It came in a wee parfait glass and went down easy: a whipped choco-delight.  Never fear, Dave’s creme caramel custard was on the large size.

La Baraka’s Twilight Menu is where it’s at, seriously.  Best deal in northeastern Queens!  I feel like I’m part of Lucette and Jean Luc’s family now.

Restaurant experiment: db Bistro Moderne

db Bistro Moderne

55 West 44th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues

New York, NY 10036

212-391-2400

http://www.danielnyc.com/dbbistro.html

If you enter db Bistro Moderne from the street (it’s attached to a hotel), be sure to not be confused like me and believe that the waiters station is the reception/check in area.  That place is in the middle of the restaurant.  Huh.

I was excited to try db Bistro Moderne so that I could knock another Daniel Boulud restaurant off my list and also try their famous gourmet burger.  So when Stacy and I were going to a concert nearby, I suggested we dine here pre-theater.  Sounded good to both of us.  db is quite the place for pre-theater, being stuffed to the gills and then emptying out close to 8pm.  I arrived early and was able to be seated in our reserved tight table in the corner.  Yes, the tables were a little too close for comfort.  The dining room is definitely more theatrical, with red and splashes of life with huge flower paintings on the walls.

Our waiter was kind but I noticed he was reading the specials from a pad and writing them down on said paid.  The complimentary bread basket was too charming, including homemade pretzels and even a baby baguette!  How adorable.

A bonus treat was eggplant spread and olive tapenade.  Yes, I love extras.

I knew exactly what I wanted and only glanced at the menu along with Stacy.  The burger for me, my one and only.

THE ORIGINAL db BURGER
Sirloin Burger Filled with Braised Short Ribs & Foie Gras
Served on a Parmesan Bun
Pommes FritesorPommes Soufflées
32.

There’s also this, but it’s for another time.  $150 burger?!?!

db BURGER ROYALE
With Layered Shaved Black Truffles
75. / 150.

I requested it medium and it came out more like medium rare.  I was a little dejected that this fancypants burger did not come with cheese; the parmesan bun does not count.  It kind of failed at containing its mega contents though.  Not quite up to the task.  Double bun?  Due to the ribs and foie gras, there’s a bit of a wet texture.  The foie gras gets kind of lost in the shuffle.  Yummy burger but I’ll still take my comfort cheeseburgers burgers anyday.

The frites were crunchy and generous.  A side tray of three different dipping options was co-presented with the burger: ketchup, horseradish mayo, and mustard.  The mustard was too cutting for me, and the horseradish mayo ended up being my fave which was odd since I don’t really like horseradish too much.  The same taste was in the burger.

Stacy had the black truffle raviole which she heartily approved of.  I thought it was tops though was a smaller portion than could be.

Though I was quite full with the beastly burger, I decided to go for dessert alongside Stacy.  This is what I ordered:

CITRUS VACHERIN
Chilled Tangerine Soup, White Chocolate Chantilly
Meyer Lemon Sorbet, Blood Orange Ice Cream

A vacherin is a meringue cake crust.  I must say that the flavors in this dessert are incredible!  So strong, so citrus, so fresh.  Yummmmmm.  The Meyer lemon sorbet particularly was lip pursing sour, just the way I like it.  The tangerine soup made me think of warm breezes and flowers and sunshine.

DB is not superfancyelegant but a fine dining choice if you’re in the area, with diverse menu of excellent items for not nutty prices.  They also serve lunch and breakfast.  Next up someday: Daniel & DBGB!

Restaurant experiment: La Mangeoire

La Mangeoire

1008 Second Avenue between 53rd and 54th Streets

New York, NY 10022

212-759-7086

http://www.lamangeoire.com

Stacy and I elected to leave happy hour at a nearby Irish pub and grab some grub.  We settled on La Mangeoire since we were in a French mood, and it wasn’t too far away.  Thanks, Urbanspoon.

It wasn’t insanely packed, though I’m sure the nasty piles of slush out were encouraging holing up and ordering delivery.  La Mangeoire has about three dining rooms.  If you’re in middle age or older, you’ll fit right in.  The interior has kind of a rustic old French farm feeling.  Before I forget, I must say that the restroom sink’s faucet is pretty killer: a colorful tube with a stainless steel top which slides left to right to release water.  Sweet.

Stacy and I both chose the dinner prix fixe menu which wasn’t a terrible deal at $29.  Here’s what I got.

Assortment of Homemade Patés
Country Style, Duck Rillette & Liver Mousse, Garnished with Celery Remoulade

I also must note that were was complimentary bread served with olive oil, anchovy oil/paste, and wee olives.  The anchovy oil was my favorite.  The pate assortment was not bad.  A quick Google search tells me that “country style” means chunky pate.  Huh.  The duck rillette, I assume, was another chunkier item, while the liver mousse, I assume, was the silky one.  These pates were served with a ramekin of reddish mustard filled with mustard seeds.  Now, I’m not a mustard fan in general, but I really was a follower of this special sort of mustard.  Pleasing sharp taste, vinegary, but not spicy.

Niçoise Style Beef Stew
Chunks of Beef Simmered in a Red Wine, Tomato & Black Olive Sauce
Served with Mashed Potatoes

A little more sel was needed in the stew.  Stacy concluded as well that her coq au vin needed some of the good old sodium chloride as well.  Once tossed in, the stew was much more satisfying.  The meat was quite soft.  I could taste the olives in the sauce.

Chocolate Mousse
Mocha Sauce

Looked like ice cream but wasn’t!  Mmm, definitely the right way to end a meal.  Looking at those faux ice cream mousse balls, I was expecting cold treats, but they weren’t.  They were just rich and dreamy and creamy.

Though I didn’t order from the regular menu, I did approve of how each entree could be served as a small or regular plate.  Our waiter was cordial and service was pretty attentive.  Stacy and I had full stomachs when we made our way to the exit.

Regarding pictures, I’ve got some snaps but hold tight (computer issues).  Update: Yay, added shots on 4/3/10!

Restaurant experiment: The Modern

The Modern

9 West 53rd Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues

New York, NY 10016

212-333-1220

http://www.themodernnyc.com/

The Modern is the Museum of Modern Art‘s fanciest dining option. It’s got two faces: a flashier louder bar/small plates room and then the more formal dining room in the back, where jackets are required for gentlemen, a glass wall faces into the MoMA’s sculpture garden, and rolling chairs are the chairs that you rest yourself in (how very office-like). If you’re a fan of From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler like me, being in an art museum after hours is still a little thrill, despite the MoMA not being the Met.  I was stoked to try The Modern because it has one Michelin star, chef Gabriel Kreuther recently won a James Beard award (Best chef of NYC), and Danny Meyer of Shake Shack and others fame runs the place.

Entering the establishment, the Bar Room was hopping.  And reception didn’t make me feel like garbage for being late. Dave and I were seated at a two top by the windows, in rolly chairs.  He and I decided to get the tasting menu. You basically have only three dinner options: the $88 three course meal, the $125 chef tasting menu, or the $135 seasonal tasting menu. And the cheese cart is an add on, as well as wine parings. Every time a server wheeled the cart of cheese by, I would inhale a whiff of fromage and be in heaven.

The service was spot on, with synchronized movements, knowledge, and efficiency. 

Regarding the bathroom, if you’re using the bathroom sinks, you turn on the sensor with your hand, but don’t forget to turn it off.

Enough fluff, here’s what you came here for.

Amuse bouche

I for the life of me cannot repeat in entirety what the server described these as.  But just look at those silver spoons!  All I can recall is that the circles on the left contain creme fraiche.  Bites of happiness.  And it’s a little out-of-place seeming to eat popcorn at such an upscale place, but if you add porcini, it’s acceptable.

Amuse bouche

There was another one here, and sadly the picture is unacceptable.  I just remember fish eggs on top of something panna cotta-like?  All in a big goblet.  And I can’t neglect mentioning the bread.  I consumed a kalamata roll and a french bun.

Foie Gras Terrine Flavored with Juniper-Marinated Raisins, Pistachio Joconde

I typically love foie gras, but this offering was too salty for me. However, take that with a grain of salt since Dave adored it.  Cute touch with the flower petal atop the raisins.

Tartare of Yellowfin Tuna and Diver Scallops Seasoned with Yellowstone River Caviar

Yes yes yes, this made up for the foie gras.  The dressing was wonderful.  Even now, I still marvel at how thin the cucumbers were sliced.  Impressed I was. 

Ravioli of Escargot with Slow Poached Quail Eggs, Escargot Caviar and Mustard Greens

Normally I don’t think much of snails, but I was swayed with this here dish.  Mmm, buttery goodness.

Maine Lobster “Cappuccino”

I thought this was a funky bold unique success; Dave marked it a miss but did gobble down the lobster pieces at the bottom of the cup. It looks like you’re drinking an Italian coffee beverage, but it’s flavored like the sea.  No picture because it ended up a sea of white.

Chorizo-Crusted Codfish with White Coco Bean Purée and Harissa Oil

No picture because I forgot. I was too preoccupied by all the treats emerging from the kitchen.  I must confess I wasn’t too thrilled with the cod because I find chorizo too spicy for me, but it was prepared perfectly, and I did like the beans and bean paste.

Pennsylvania Duck Breast with Black Trumpet Marmalade, “Fleischschneke”, and Banyuls Jus

The Fleischschneke just looks cool; it’s the swirl in the top left and is duck confit in some noodle-y thing.  There’s a braised apple in the upper right too.  The breakout star here was the duck.  Why do places serve duck right before dessert?  I’m getting full and can’t enjoy the duck as much.  No luck with duck.  Dave gave the thumbs up to the black trumpet marmalade coating the duck pieces.

Amuse bouche

Passion fruit gelee? (yellow bottom layer), sour apple granita? (white top), dotted with pomegranate seeds.  One shot was not enough!  I would have preferred a pint glass!  These glasses were pretty rad: circular at the top and oval at the bottom.

Pineapple ‘Chartreuse’ with Fresh Herb Sorbet

Slices of pineapple hugging cream. Dessert B subplot is herb sorbet with a marshmallow ribbon draped on top. Herb ice cream: there’s a reason why Ben and Jerry’s isn’t pushing Smokin’ Herb or somesuch flavor on us–it is not palatable, though Dave would be to differ, saying it grows on you.

Happy birthday polka dotted cake for the birthday lad!

Desserts would not stop coming!  Not pictured are petit fours and a box of chocolates.  The petit fours weren’t really worth mentioning.  One had cilantro, ew.  The server warned me thoughtfully because I stated earlier that I despise that plant.  Blech.

To The Modern: thanks for making me pleased for picking you. What a nearly perfect birthday dinner!

Restaurant experiment: Balthazar

Balthazar

80 Spring Street at Crosby Street

New York, NY 10012

212-965-1414

http://balthazarny.com

Mike and I accidentally stumbled onto Fashion’s Night Out in SoHo, so we were pleased to rack up free items from retailers, mostly bottled beverages.  The plan was to eat at Balthazar after.  Unarmed with no reservation, a scary prospect.  Amazingly we were squeezed in despite a 45 minute wait but had to sit at a miniscule round table in the flow of traffic by the bar.  Oh well.

Balthazar is a sister restaurant to Lucky Strike and Pastis, both other French bistros which I have patronized.  It has some other siblings, but those were of note to me.  This place is also known as a celebrity hotbed though I didn’t see any movie stars.

Mike and I nibbled on the free bread as we perused the menu.  We eventually settled on drinking a bottle of a red blend and sharing two appetizers.  He selected the lobster risotto, and I elected for the chicken liver and foie gras mousse which came with “red onion confit and grilled country bread” ($14).  The onion was nothing super special, but the mousse was all kinds of awesome.  Rich and delightful and melting in the mouth.  Yeah!

Mike’s risotto was strongly lobster-tasting.  The corn was a nice touch for a firmer texture since risotto can get too mushy for me.

We went with the cheeseburgers ($16).  At this point, I was stuffed and could have called it quits right there.  Man, those appetizers were practically entrees in themselves.  But Mike and I persisted.  The fries?  Laura said they were supposed to be the best.  I can’t say I agree with that, and while they were at my desired thickness and crunchiness, they needed more sodium chloride.  But noble effort!  Iceberg lettuce?  Um, okay.  I feel like I can’t fairly judge the burger since I was too full and couldn’t enjoy it as much.  No desserts for us.  I felt like I needed to be rolled out of Balthazar.

Our waitress was a sweetie.  I wasn’t fond of being in the line of fire and was fearing that my wine would be knocked over.  Thankfully no dining malfunctions.  The bathroom has an attendant.  What???  Those tourists are the money shedders I guess.  Who brings a bag from Dylan’s Candy Bar to Balthazar?  Tourist alert!  Next time, Mike and I are ordering the plateaux de fruits de mer.  Two tiers of raw seafood?  I’m there!  And we’ll make a reservation as well.  Too bad we aren’t famous…yet.

Restaurant experiment: Cafe Luxembourg

Cafe Luxembourg

200 West 70th Street at Amsterdam

New York, NY 10023

212-873-7411

http://cafeluxembourg.com/

Whew, thank goodness I made a reservation.  8:30 on a weeknight, and the brasserie Cafe Luxembourg is practically overflowing.  Squeezing by tables…it’s an art form.  Mike and I looked round for celebs, but we didn’t seen any.  Darn.

Decisions, decisions.  I wanted the Luxemburger (Mike stated it should be spelled Luxembourger, hehe) with cheese but I was also swayed by the steak tartare.  What to do?

Mike kindly offered to share entrees so I could have my cake and eat it too, or rather have my burger and eat my tartare too.  Perfect!  to make it semi-French. 

So Mike picked out a bottle of red wine for us to drink while dining.  The complimentary bread was marked by tough crusts which gave your jaws and teeth a workout.  That needs work.

The burger was good but from the land of salt.  You were offered a choice of fries or salad with the burger, and we logically agreed on salad seeing as the tartare came with fries/frites.  The frites were top notch!  Hot, crispy, and salty (not overly so).  The steak tartare was fine, but both Mike and I reminisced about our favorite tartare at other restaurants.  We wanted more capers, and it’d be nice to have it freshly prepared at our table.

 

Dessert time.  Blueberry pie.  $10?  Uh, that should be $6 tops.

Employees are friendlier than at most restaurants.  The host and hostess made me feel like a person of high society.

Rating for Mike: 3.75 stars outta 5

Restaurant experiment: Yo In Yo Out

Yo In Yo Out

1569 Lexington Avenue between 100th & 101st Streets

New York, NY 10029

212-987-5450

http://yoinyoout.com/

As That Girl says, the name is just bad.  I don’t get what the owners were going for with that.  Yo In Yo Out isn’t a take away place, and it’s not the epitome of speediness.  A mystery.

Lily and I stepped into Yo In Yo Out (YIYO) as the first diners of the evening.  The enthusiastic owner/hostess/waitress made us feel welcome, no doubt.  The space also features a sitting area, much like a coffeehouse.  So YIYO could have that going on for it.

I ordered the truffle croque monsieur.  Yo In Yo Out’s version featured the gruyere cheese on top of the brioche.  Ham & cheese, failproof!  So not stingy with either, as you can see.  The side salad was fine, just your basic salad.  I like potato chips.

To my surprise, I had some room for dessert and hemmed and hawed over my options at the dessert case.  I finally chose one of the specials of the day, the raspberry tart.  I was expecting something a little sweeter than what I was actually consuming.  The nutty (almondy) base was thick and not too sweet.  Pretty presentation, no?

As time passed and more people filled into the eatery, the service seemed to decline.  I think they could benefit by adding at least one more waitperson since there were major lags between servicepoints (water refills, getting the check, etc).  Then it was a little awkward because the owner lady was talking to her kitchen staff about scheduling issues (the kitchen is open).  Um, maybe that should be discussed after hours.

In summary, be sure to stop by Yo In Yo Out when you are in a particularly patient mood!