They're Back!!!

Hello Foodies,

Who? Dinosaurs! Here's a thought - maybe dinosaurs never became extinct, they've just been hanging out at 131st Street at DINOSAUR BAR-B-QUE! eating barbeque. And who can blame them - it's finger-licking-good eating. I have no idea why it's called DINOSAUR BAR-B-QUE! Portion-size? Size of the ribs? Or maybe it's the Dinosaur Good Eatin' Prayer - Get down on your knees, and put up your paws, thank the good Lord for the use of your jaws.

We were joined by our good friends who were good enough to introduce us to Dinosaur Bar-B-Que - Pam and Eric -- and many dino-thanks to them!

My favorites were the chicken wings (medium heat) - spice rubbed, pit smoked, then finished on the grill - and the fried green tomoatoes - crispy fried, sprinkled with Pecorino Romano cheese and served with cayenne buttermilk ranch dressing. The meal started there and could have ended there for me and it's all I want to eat since then.

I loved the pulled pork - excellent! The brisket was also a table fave. I thought the ribs were just OK but maybe by the time I reached those and the BBQ chicken - I was already on the full-side. Hot sauces can be seen above. The beer menu gives you plenty to choose from - it's dino-big too.

The location is up in Harlem right by the big Fairway.
646 W 131st St. on the corner of 131st St and 12th Ave.
New York, NY 10027
212-69

Enjoy,

the Forks

Kampuchea and Lambrusco - Uncommon Bedfellows

Hello Foodies,

What Kampuchea and Lambrusco have in common is Kampuchean street food that is served up expertly by chef Raffa at Kampuchea Noodle Bar located on the corner of Rivington and Allan Sts on the lower Eastside of New York. The lambrusco is the chef's favorite bottle of wine on his wine list. Order it - you won't be sorry!

Here are my faves from the menu. First enjoy the Cambodian Hot 'small' Plates - indulge in Tamarind Baby Back Ribs with Cilantro & Lime Dip. The meat falls off the bone and hopefully, directly into your mouth - you don't want to miss a morsel. Also, know that you can get an entree-size portion for a few bucks more. It's a deal. The Lemongrass Quail served with lime and black pepper sauce - confirm that delicious things come in small packages. The Skirt Steak with toasted coriander and sambal chili melts in your mouth.

Five Cambodian Savory Crepes are offered on the menu. I've tried the Shitake mushroom, soybeans and butternut squash crepe - superb. The squash adds lovely sweetness to the earthiness of the mushrooms. And I've tried the Chopped Jumbo Tiger Shrimp and Red Onions Crepe - good but the flavor was a bit muddied. Your waiter explains the proper way to eat these crepes. Don't wear gloves.

Then there are specialty noodle soups called 'Katiev', rice soups, stews and cold noodle dishes. Of these, the Oxtail Stew steals the show and the unexpected garlic bread is a delicious surprise. The Chilled Flat Noodle dish with seared chili tiger shrimp, crispy pork belly, chives, cucumber, lettuce hearts, hoisin and chili sauce is wonderful too. The other one I've tasted is Bwah Moun that comes with jasmine rice, chicken broth, organic chicken breast, tiger shrimp, ginger, Thai chili, lime juice, sprouts & herbs - makes you smile between bites.

My two complaints are as follows: the prices for the wine and beer are a bit pricey and the street food is also a bit overpriced but I guess this is the trend. The other complaint is that if you are a party of two - you are seated with other people and seated close. You have no privacy. So sit at the bar at least you can have a private conversation. We couldn't get passed the weirdness of the people seated next to us. The first time I went was with two dear friends and that was fine!

Enough complaining from me. Let us know if you go!

Enjoy,

the Forks

Mad About the Modern!

Hello Foodies,

We confess that we're mad about the Bar Room at the Modern. As you can see, it's a sophisticated romantic cafe located in the Museum of Modern Art. Chef Gabriel Kreuther remembers his Alsatian roots in his menus for both Bar Room and the restaurant a.k.a The Modern. You feel like you've been to Europe but without the jetlag.

These are the dishes that knocked our socks off...Slow Poached Farm Egg "In A Jar" with Maine Lobster, asparagus, and sea urchin froth. A dish you don't want to end and the WOW dish for the evening. ...Charred Octopus with chickpea-radish salad, salsa verde and crispy capers. The crispy capers were a fun discovery.

For main courses, the Crispy Yellowfin Tuna with roasted asparagus, greenmarket string beans, warm tomato vinaigrette and shaved bottarga was ordered along with the Wow entree - the Duck Confit with "Pommes Lyonnaise" and frisee salad. The Alsatian white wine expertly complemented our food. And please save room for their delicious desserts.

Put this address in your pda's....

Bar Room at the Modern
The Museum of Modern Art
9 W. 53rd St., New York, NY 10019
nr. Fifth Ave.
212-333-1220

and ENJOY!

the Forks

Lady hMmmmmm!!!

Hello Foodies!

With much difficulty, Tour de Forks tried a different piece of cake when we went to Lady M this weekend. Lady M is a cake boutique located on E. 78th St. between Madison and Park Ave. Why was this so difficult, do you ask? Please look at this picture. This is Lady M's crepe cake that we're head-over-heels about. The never less than 20 crepes are perfectly thin and each blankets a delicious layer of custard cream. Architecturally, this cake is perfect. It's very easy to keep eating this cake over and over but we finally tried another. It took strength but we ordered the checkerboard cake of chocolate and vanilla pound cake with a layer of whipped cream topped with a dark chocolate ganache icing. Another one to die for....but don't...the twenty foot white marble table that practically runs the length of this cafe displays the other cakes you have to try. And we have to try. See you there.

Enjoy,
the Forks.

Purring over Mercat!

Hello Foodies!

We have a fabulous place to tell you about - Mercat! It's been getting lots of buzz lately and it's deserved. Mercat is the newest New York tapas restaurant paying tribute to the cooking of Catalonia. The food is exciting - don't miss out on our favorites - the sardines (divine), the short noodles with cuttle fish (fabulous), the pork belly (to die for) and patatas bravas (off-to-heaven-you-go)!

We have two complaints that have nothing to do with the food. One is the noise-level. You know you're in trouble when the waiter can't hear you...the din was undone. Two - the prices of the wine. There were only a few $45 selections and the one we chose - not so great but improved with the food (but anything would improve with this food). The other selections were from $70, $80, and $90 - certainly put a damper on our drinking for the night!

But don't let these two complaints stop you - the food is too exciting to miss! Mercat lives at 45 Bond Street in the East Village. Call (212)529-8600 to make your reservation.

Enjoy,

the Forks!

Wine Bar at Etats-Unis is worth a trip North!

Hello Foodies,

We have a fun place to recommend for drinks and delicious bites - the Wine Bar at Etats-Unis!
It is located right across the street from the main restaurant. It is cozy with maybe 10 tables and a small bar. Food is brought by waiters running across the street from the main restaurant. It is fun, home-style cooking with favorites like baby back ribs, mac and cheese, a fabulous iceberg lettuce salad with caramelized pear, Stilton cheese and roasted hazelnuts. The guacamole is some of the best in the city. They have a crab dip that will keep the table happy! And save room for the chocolate souffle!

Etats-Unis is located at 247 East 81st Street (Between 2nd & 3rd Aves) and phone number is 212-517-8826.

Enjoy,

the Forks!

Why did you cross the road?

Hello Foodies,

The answer is so you can buy a Dean & DeLuca rotisserie chicken or chook (as the Aussies call 'em). Tour de Forks just moved and now we have a D&D around the corner and we highly recommend the rotisserie chickens. They're cooked and seasoned to perfection, and always moist and meaty. If you have any leftovers, makes for great chicken salad. In this season of picnics or just to have an easy meal on a hot night - pick up one of these chickens (or two)!
They cost $10 and worth it!

Visit www.DeanDeLuca.com to find a store location closest to you!

Enjoy,

the Forks

It's Time to be in the know about...Tsukushi!

Hello Foodies,

We couldn't wait to let you know about Tsukushi - an amazing Japanese restaurant! Many people must walk right by it never even knowing there's a restaurant located at 300 East 41st Street. There is only a number and no sign or windows and doesn't look anything like a restaurant. I correct myself, the name is written on the awning in white letters so look up.

Once you do discover it, Tsukushi is heaven. Chef Norihiko Manabe cooks alone or maybe with one other cook. He prepares 6 or 7 course menus and everyone eats the same dinner for that evening. Each night his menu changes. The fish is so fresh and delicious whether it's served cooked or raw. If you still have room, you can also order his special soups. Everything is delicious!

Enjoy,

the Forks

Brava to Sfoglia!

Hello Foodies!

This charming restaurant pictured here is Sfoglia! A lovely gem nestled on the corner of Lexington Avenue and East 92nd Street!

It's cozy and intimate and some tables shared by other diners. We were lucky the night we were there and shared the table with nice people. But enough about the people, let's talk about the food -Yum!

Servings are generous and many of the starters are excellent to share. Menus feature some seasonal delights as we were lucky to enjoy fava beans, prepared with homemade Sfoglia goat cheese and fried shallots! We also shared the affettati misti and the antipasti della casa. Both plates filled with treasures!

The bread is amazing too - served warm! Then for an entre, an artichoke ravioli served with spring lamb ragu, and shaved pecorino was enjoyed. We also recommend the lemon risotto, prepared with roasted bone marrow, almonds, and limoncello.

For dessert, we all shared the torta of the day - which was almond served with gelatto on top.

Reservations are a must or go on the later side of the evening. Call 212.831.1402!

Let us know if you go.

Enjoy!

the Forks

A Little Taste of Sicily in your own backyard!

Hello Foodies,

We've been loving a Sicilian restaurant in the East Village called Cacio e Vino! You got it - cheese and wine! Plus, some amazing ingredients from Sicily like pistachios from Bronte, large and incredibly sweet onions from Girratana, almonds from Noto - all used in their authentic dishes. Read all about it on the website - http://www.cacioevino.com/!

The pizza is my favorite. It's made in a magical brick oven that cooks your pie to perfection. Thin crispy crusts topped with fresh and delicious ingredients. My favorite is the Pugliese - spicy sausage and broccoli rabe. I'm sure the others will be my favorite too. We were too busy eating to take photos.

They take rezzies so call 212-228-3269 and make your booking at Cacio e Vino! It's located at 80 Second Ave bet 4th & 5th Aves.

Enjoy,

the Forks!

Grilled Cheese to Please!

Hello Foodies,

I'm loving the Wednesday Food and Wine section of the NY Times this week - first, the brownie article and then the article on grilled cheese sandwiches. In my childhood, they were only rivaled by tuna fish but hands down, they were definitely my favorite. My Mom would make them with fresh rye bread, great cheddar or American cheese and tomato. I always find them comforting. I love to eat them when we visit Australia. There, they are called toasted cheese sandwiches. Whatever the name - treat yourself and your child within to a grilled cheese. Luckily, they're easy to find. I'm off now to do just that...hope you do too. What was your favorite sandwich as a kid?

Enjoy,

the Forks

Brownie Madness!

Hello Foodies,

Apologies for the break in the blogging! It's been amazingly busy time but we're back... and back with brownies! They're the perfect bite when things get stressful or when the craving screams "B-R-O-W-N-I-E" - why wait for stress?! The inspiration for this blog came from an article in the NY Times today about brownies...and here's the link...

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/11/dining/11brow.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=dining

This photo (also from the NY Times) made my mouth water....I'm craving brownies big time! What about you? What is your favorite kind? Are you a purist? Nuts? What other ingredients do you throw into your batter?

Just as an FYI - Trader Joes makes an excellent instant brownie mix!

No excuses....go forth and eat brownies!

Enjoy,

the Forks

A Meal Remembered...

Hello Foodies,

I sit here this Friday drooling over a fabulous meal that I ate last weekend. It was cooked by our dear friend, Frances Cassidy out at her East Hampton beach house that she shares with her partner, Karin Lundell.

We started with amazing crabcakes. One of my faves...check these out...




Crabcakes were followed by this slow-cooked duck...

Then the duck shared a plate with this beautiful salad with a roasted hazelnut vinagrette.

Once plated with wild rice and blueberry chutney - it looked like this. Yummy!

This meal could only be followed by a cake chosen by Iacopo Falai - one of his favorites, called The Crepe Cake. Get one as soon as possible at Caffe Fala, 265 Lafayette Street (Cross Street: Between Prince Street and Spring Street)!

We wish you all memorable meals this weekend!

Enjoy,

the Forks

Happy Valentine's Foodies!

Hello Foodies,

We wish you a chocolate-filled, caviar-filled, champagne-filled, whatever-your-passion-filled and most importantly, a love-filled Valentine's Day!

Enjoy and Indulge,

the Forks

Go Ahead, Egg Me On!

Hello Foodies,

I love eggs! Any kind but I must say I have not been able to eat one raw yet. Can you? But I don't have to be too concerned because now there is a way to get eggs even before they're raw...before they're even laid. Chef Dan Barber of Blue Hill restaurant(s) fame seems to be quite into them. Check out the article called "What Came First?" in today's New York Times - http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/07/dining/07eggs.html.

Let us know if you've had unlaid eggs? Where did you get them? How were they cooked? Tell us everything...this is no yolk! (rim shot)

Enjoy,

the Forks

Smiling Faces & Stomachs!

Hello Foodies,

Look at these smiling faces!
(L to R, first row - Gianni, Michael, Tay,
L to R, top row - Dan, Buddha, Melissa (fork), Lisa (fork))

The reason for these smiles was an amazing meal prepared Gian-Michele Savoca, the Tour de Forks Sicily guide. Lucky us!
We started with Gianni's homemade garlic toasts, olives, and pistachios. Also served was a salmon sashimi kimchi prepared by Michael. Out of this world and just the right amount of spice.

Dinner, like our Chef, was Italian. My photos of the food turned out too dark which is so disappointing because I wanted you to see this dinner. First dish served - a beautiful terrine with a bottom layer of mushroom and egg, topped by roasted peppers, fresh tomato, and mozzarella. Balsamic vinegar was drizzled on top followed by a few sprinkles of red pepper flakes. Then came the main course - wild boar osso bucco and rissotto! Dessert was mini pastries by Cipriani. An amazing meal - truly!

If you want to learn how to cook like this, or have Gian-Michele cater an event, go to his website at Highly Eventful. You'll be smiling too!

Enjoy your weekend,

the Forks

A Great Shiraz!

Hello Foodies,

We wanted to share with you a super Shiraz that we drank - thanks to our dear friend, Rene, who gave it to us. It's part of the designing fork's birthday booty. We'll report on the rest as well. Rene's wine choices are usually perfection.

Here it is:

Kangarilla Rd Estate Shiraz, 2004 from McClarenvale, South Australia

Be prepared for crimson with red hues, ripe, dark berry fruits with plum and hints of dark cherry integrated with nuances of oak and spice. Full, long flavored with red and dark complex fruits finishing with soft tannins.

Enjoy,

the Forks

And Tintol Too!

Hello Foodies,

Last night, we had Portugese Tapas at a Restaurant called Tintol. We went after the theater and Tintol was a wonderful discovery for us. I can't wait to go back with or without the theater.

It's a smart-looking restaurant, the tapas are delicious and reasonably priced. We liked the wine list too!

Here is what we ate and drank...

Balos de Bacalhau (Cod fish fritters) $6

Chorizo $8
(they flame it like flambe at your table)

Almondegas (lamb meat balls) $5.50

Marques de Tomares "Rioja" - $36

Chocolate Salami $6

Other tapas that we ate happily were lamb loin with cumin - $11, Papas Bravas - $5, Pequillo Peppers with garlic - $8 and for another sweet, we enjoyed a Nata - a warm custard tart - $2/tart.

These are the vitals for Tintol: 155 West 46th St., 212-354-3838, http://www.tintol.net.

We hope you get there and when you do....

Enjoy,

the Forks

The Forks Go To Brooklyn!

Hello Foodies,

The Forks went to Bensonhurst, Brooklyn on Sunday with dear friends, Karin Lundell and Frances Cassidy, and ventured to our favorite "Cassata Siciliana" destination...Villabate Pasticceria & Bakery. Here's the link to their website...Villabate. It's the next best thing to being in Sicily! Cookies, pastries, cakes...many delicious choices at Villabate. Check website for address.

We bought small cassata pastries, pignoli cookies, semolina bread - btw - their bread is great too, bread crumbs, and cannoli. You can also get rice balls but we were too late for those.

Afterwards, we went to Il Colosseo Restaurant & Pizzeria for an early dinner. It was a recommendation from Villabate. This place was terrific with pizzas under $10 - enough for two to share. We enjoyed the pizza with a tricolore salad perfectly dressed in a balsamic dressing. We watched waiters carry out generous serves of pastas, salads, and entrees. Everything looked delicious and amazingly priced. I'm still regretting not having ordered the pasta special - pasta with a sausage (not in casing) sauce topped with ricotta. There was even a pasta sauce named after Frank Sinatra. What could be bad, I ask you?

The vitals on Il Colosseo Restaurant & Pizzeria: 7704 18th Ave, Brooklyn (Bensonhurst), NY 11214, 718-234-3663.

Foodies, it's worth the schlep out to Brooklyn for both Villabate and Il Colosseo!

Mangia Bene,

the Forks

Did you Cassoulet today?

Hello Foodies,

I read in The New York Times an article by Florence Fabricant featuring several items. Actually, it's her column called "Food Stuff" and here's the link...http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/17/dining/17tea.html?ref=dining

The item that jumped out at me was about Cassoulet! I love Cassoulet and this is the perfect weather for it. The global warming we've been experiencing lately hasn't produced much cold weather - the kind that's perfect for a hearty meal of Cassoulet.

These are the restaurants that were recommended in the article that serve Cassoulet:

Savoy, 70 Prince Street (Crosby Street), where black iron crocks of cassoulet, made with the proper tarbais beans and a crust of crumbs, are tucked into the fireplaces. A generous portion made with duck confit, sausage, lamb and pork belly is $32 through Feb. 11: (212) 219-8570.


Jarnac, 328 West 12th Street, cassoulet made with white northern beans, pork cheeks, sausage and duck confit is $26, (212) 924-3413; at Les Halles, 411 Park Avenue South (28th Street), (212) 679-4111, it’s $22.50.

L’Absinthe, 227 East 67th Street, (212) 794-4950, will serve it for the weeks of Jan. 22, Feb. 19, March 19 and April 16, $34.

Gavroche, 212 West 14th Street, (212) 647-8553, serves its on Thursdays, $23.

Those who prefer to serve this dish at home can assemble it from a kit D’Artagnan sells. The package consists of tarbais beans, confits of duck legs and duck gizzards, duck and garlic sausages, pork belly, duck fat and demi-glace. You add your own onions, carrots, garlic, tomato and seasonings. The ingredients serve six to eight people; it’s $106.99 from dartagnan.com.

Let us know where you eat Cassoulet!

Enjoy,

the Forks