Another One Bites the Dust: New Restaurant Round-up

While I wasn't looking, I also managed to finish my restaurant item! We don't go out to eat very often, so I set the bar low, and that worked to my advantage. Here are the places I've tried:

• Two 8 Two
• Lupa - This one was for our 11 year dating/2 year wedding anniversary.  I could write a whole entry just on this one, but in the interest of time, I'll just say it was fabulous AND counted for a date night.
• People's Republic of Brooklyn - We ate in the back garden, so this one was one of our al fresco nights. 
• Cubana Cafe
• http://www.stoneparkcafe.com/

Part of what I wanted to do with the books, movies and restaurants was write more. I think that with all of these items I bit off more than I could chew (which leads me into some thoughts about how to morph this blog into something a bit more simplified and targeted next time around, but I'm getting ahead of myself).  To remedy this, I'm reverting to lists and will focus my writing on the places that really call for it (some Brooklyn Forager posts are coming!). 

Laut

Recently, I had the incredible opportunity (and you can too!) to try out Laut, a Michelin one-star Malaysian restaurant near Union Square in Manhattan. We were surprised that we breezed right in a week or so after the Michelin ratings were announced (apparently the masses have found it - call during busy times.  Lunch is still manageable.), but were happy to give it a shot.

I can't say enough about this restaurant.  Malaysian and Singaporean cuisine play a big role in our lives since Austin spent so much time there and I got to take a trip there myself.  We have tried a number of Malaysian restaurants in the city, and whenever Austin's parents come to town, we tend to hit one in particular. This last visit, we went to Laut twice with the in-laws (which makes, count it, three times in as many weeks for Austin).

A note: Michelin star does not mean stuffy or formal.  This is a simple Malaysian/Singaporean restaurant with amazing food and great service.  We got to speak with the owner and realized at the bottom of it all, this is finely prepared food made with serious heart.

Must Try Items: Beef Rendang, Roti Canai, Mee Siam, Peanut Pancake dessert, Soft Shell Crab Appetizer, Sake Bomb
(Really anything is good - feel free to experiment!)

Kefi

A couple of weeks ago, we had a family dinner out at Kefi on the Upper West Side.  I've had this restaurant on my list for some time and was not disappointed.  Kefi is a relatively inexpensive Greek restaurant which has excellent food and great decor.  I like the upstairs blue/white colors better than the more rustic colors downstairs (we ate downstairs), but my sheep's milk dumplings with tomato sauce and spicy Greek sausage made me very happy. It's an awkward neighborhood for us, especially on the weekends when the subway is unpredictable, but if I find myself up there or willing to travel, I'd definitely return.

22. Try 10 new restaurants

I limited my restaurant goal to 10 new restaurants because while I love trying new restaurants, we tend to be homebodies and eat at home more often than not.  This past weekend, however, I had a surprise staycation in NYC and got to try a couple of new restaurants that I really liked. 

The first was Spice Market which has been on my list forever.  It has a mix of Asian-influenced dishes including Indian, Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese influences.  I had a lovely chicken and coconut milk soup, great chicken samosas, spring rolls and a number of other tasty small plates.  The decor is incredible and really transports you out of the meatpacking district and into another world.

The second was Almond, a take on the French bistro.  They had a really interesting mix of typical bistro fare such as steak frites and innovative and creative dishes like a homemade cavatelli with shrimp sausage and chick peas.  I sampled the cavatelli which was really satisfying and refreshing.  Other stars that I really enjoyed (basically everything I ate) included the roasted beet salad with homemade ricotta crostini, salt cod croquetes and the prosciutto and truffle macaroni and cheese.  My one critique would be that in an effort to be really luxe and truffle-y, there may have actually been an overload of truffle in the gratin.  The dish included chopped truffles (and one really big slice that I uncovered) rather than truffle oil, and dare I say, a little really does go a long way. 

I don't think I'll be adding tons of new restaurants at the same rate as I did this past weekend, but should I reach my 10 early, I might add a second round and see how far I get in the 1001 days.

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