Circo NYC

In 2002-2003, Daniel invited Nikki & me to his Tuscan home in Pittigliano. We left on Christmas day during a blizzard! Was there for New Year's Eve which was very special and exciting. Our New Year's eve dinner was at a local osteria which served "Cinghiale" - a very local dish of boar. I totally LOVED it. When I saw it on Circo's restaurant week's menu, I knew I had to make reservartions and invited Nikki along. My third "Thursday Night" of Restaurant Week meal in 3 weeks. I was certainly living it up! Circo is the sister restaurant of Le Cirque - both of which I never experienced so was thrilled to be able to finally do so.


"Cirque" Atmosphere

Circo's Menu Offering:

Primi:
ZUPPA ALLA FRANTOIANA thirty vegetable and cannellini bean soup

INSALATA MISTA mesclun,shaved root vegetables,pecorino

SALMON CRUDO salmon tartar, sweet chili oil, avocado tapenade, orange, raddish

AGNOLOTTI DI ZUCCA pumpkin agnolotti, brown butter, recioto reduction, sage, amaretto crumble

Secondi:
CHITARRA home made spaghetti, fresh tomato sauce, basil

SPEZZATINO DI CINGHIALE wild boar stew, creamy polenta

SALMONE ALLA GRIGLIA white beans, zucchine, basil

POLLO Tuscan brick pressed chicken, cipolline onions, roasted potatoes,swiss chard

LASAGNE alla Bolognese

Dessert:
TIRAMISU
APPLE STRUDEL, spiced caramel gelato
HOMEMADE GEALTI E SORBETTI

Nikki ordered the Salmon Crudo for her appetizer while I went with the pumpkin agnolotti. Both dishes did not disappoint. My "ravoli's" were delicate with a light pumpkin filling in a brown butter sauce. Nikki's salmon paired with the avocado base was not only beautiful to look at but was very tasty. We both had to have the Cinghiale and as soon as I took a bite, I was transformed to that rustic Tuscan family owned-restaurant. Really lovely.

Both our desserts were delightfully presented - we ooh'ed and ahhh'ed....and "hmmmm" at every bite. Great evening of food and catching up with my daughter who just spent a long weekend in Chicago.


Bread offering...including olive bread..& olive oil dip


Pumpkin Agnolotti


Salmon Crudo


Cinghale with Polenta


Apple Strudel


Tiramisu

Water's Edge

Tonight I took Daniel out to dinner to celebrate his "special number" birthday. It was advantageous that Water's Edge is participating in Restaurant Week. Restaurant is aptly named being located on the water in Long Island City showcasing a gorgeous view of Manhattan. One can sail across the river from 23rd St on their ferry. We were lucky to have a crisp clear night to enjoy the spectacular vista.

Tables for 2 are lined next to the panoramic windows. I have to admit, it is a romantic atmosphere but also suitable for a special occasion such as this celebration for one of my most favorite people.



Our View


For those who know Daniel & his use of American sayings, you will appreciate this moment. When asked if he would like anything to drink, I encouraged him to order something. He asked for a vodka martini, straight up but with "just a splash...a bit of olive juice...not filthy" :-)


Restaurant Week Dinner Menu :

Firsts :

Lobster Bisque w/Tempura Lobster
Spicy Tuna & Endive, Fingerling Crisps, Lemon Ginger Vinaigrette

Main Course :

Roasted Duck
Soft Polenta, Sugar Snaps, Burnt Cherry Reduction

Pan Seared Diver Scallops
Truffled Summer Succotash, Fingerlings, Lemon lime emulsion

Grilled Pork Tenderloin
Sweet Potato Hash, Sun Dried Cherry, Apricot Compote.

Dessert :

Classic Creme Brulee
Fresh Berries
Chocolate Molten Lava
Espresso Gelato

We both ordered the lobster bisque that had a touch of cream to give it a lovely smooth texture. It was perfectly seasoned.




Although both Daniel and I love duck which I opted for, he couldn't resist the scallops. I also love scallops but always fear that it would be overcooked. My duck was cooked medium rare which is the way I like it. The polenta, buttery and creamy just melted on my tongue. The scallops were excellent. So sweet and pan-seared exactly as scallops should be.





When dessert arrived...and lava cakes were in hand, I said to the assistant or busboy who was serving..."we ordered the espresso gelato". He looked flustered and went away. The waiter who took our order came over with the lava cakes and said the espresso gelato was inside the cake. Hmmmm....it was absolutely heavenly but I think he lied to us. Certainly nothing tasted like coffee to me or Daniel. In any case, no complaints. We were very happy campers. Happy Birthday, my good friend & wishing you many more!

Nobu Night

Nikki invited me to dinner at Nobu Next Door during Restaurant Week and had made reservations for tonight. I jumped at the opportunity. Located downtown on Hudson Street, I drove and was able to park across the street. (Parking available after 6pm) I walked into the restaurant and discovered I was at the wrong place. Thankfully their computerized reservation system is linked and I was directed 2 doors down...hence the name Nobu "Next Door". I arrived 10 minutes earlier than Nikki but was seated immediately. The setting is pretty but very dim. I have to admit, I couldn't see the menu. But that was partially due to my aging eyesight. In poor lighting, I need reading glasses. But I had already done my research and knew what I wanted. The Restaurant Week menu had the following options:

Appetizer - Choice of:

Yellowtail Tartar
Black Cod Miso w/ Limestone Lettuce
Rock Shrimp Tempura with Creamy Spicy Sauce
Squid "Pasta" w/ Light Garlic Sauce

Entree - Choice of:
Arctic Char with Crispy Baby Spinach
Beef Toban Yaki
Assorted Sushi

Chef's selection dessert

I opted for the yellowtail tartar for the appetizer and Nikki went with the Rock Shrimp Tempura. We both ordered the assorted sushi. Presentation was beautiful. My yellowtail tartar was on a bed of wasabi soy sauce and topped with a fleck of gold leaf. There was a "peach" something as a palate cleanser. But it also acted as a lovely decoration. The yellowtail was buttery...exactly why I love yellowtail...Nikki's shrimp tempera was perfection. If I ever go there again, I would order the shrimp. Our sushi was fresh and the selection was traditional sushi pieces...tuna, salmon, shrimp, yellowtail, octopus, fluke & mackeral. Our "surprise" dessert was profiteroles with lemon cream and green tea flakes. It was delicious. I enjoyed our dinner very much but I think the next time I would go with the Beef Toban Yaki because the aroma was mouth-watering and so enticing from whoever ordered it at the other tables!

Place Setting:(I was intrigued with the stone on the left)


Yellowtail Tartar




Rock Shrimp Tempura


Assorted Sushi


Dessert

Knit Not Magic

After "knitting" my 3 scarves, I did start to think about a different "stitch" that the loom contraption could produce. I was sure that it was a possibility and "google" it and of course, there was an array of info. I found a site that showed an interesting scarf. But it used an unusual "yarn" or rather, it was unusual to me since my knowledge of yarn and woolen goods is very limited. The yarn was ribbon-liked and the pattern was a pleat.

When I went to work, to my surprise, I found a similar yarn. I eyed it every time I passed the yarn dept. Last week, Michael's had a yarn sale and I decided to take advantage. Once again, I looked at that particular yarn. It came in various colors and each skein was multi-colored. I looked at the "blues", the "reds", the orange-reds", the "greens" and finally settled on a pink-maroon. There is also some metallic thread running through it. My co-worker, Ruth who is charge of that dept. saw me debating over that bin and passed me 2 skeins in black, white & gray saying that these were discounted to $1.19 a skein! Crazy! Way lower than the other colors. I asked "why?" and she shrugged saying maybe people didn't like the colors. Which of course shocked me since who wouldn't like black & white? This was a godsend - I could experiment without spending a lot of money. A win-win situation.

The Yarn called "Hip-Hop"


When I got it home, I inspected it. Not at all like the one shown on the web-site but the only similarity was that it did have these "eyelet" openings which is what I needed to produce the pleat pattern. In the end, it was so easy! And as I finished one row and another, the scarf materialized like...MAGIC! It curled and "ruffled" and looked like one of those "dressy" scarves you see in the stores! I've always admired them, being a lover of scarves but balked at paying $20 and higher. I think I will be getting some other colors to add to my collection. And yes, I'm taking orders. LOL!!

Scarf starting to show itself


Finished


Ready to be out on the town

Dragon Year

On Jan.23rd, we will enter the year of the dragon. Chinese New Year coming quite early this year. And last night, Winnie's father had the annual "close of year" banquet for his restaurant, "Noodletown's" staff. I was once again a recipient of a "golden ticket" to this wonderful event along with my sister, Kathy which made it even more fun.

Last year, there was a blizzard but I had braved the elements taking the subway because no way would I miss that dinner. This year there was rain but it stopped by the time I arrived in Chinatown allowing me to drive there. Transportation was 100% better. I picked up Kathy in Brooklyn and found a nice parking spot on Mulberry St. The dinner was held at Oriental Garden on Elizabeth St.

The 9+ course dinner started with the lobster salad decorated with blinking eyes! And then we were off. Dish after dish...a new plate for each course...and although each dish was divided 11 ways and so the servings seem minimal...by the time the chicken rolled around, we felt as we were rolling around!

I left with a shopping bag full of goodies insuring that I do not have to cook for the next few days.

A huge note of gratitude to Mr. & Mrs. Moy who once again, not only fed us like royalty but gave us generous lucky red envelopes.

A good time had by all...Gung Hay Fat Choy....Happy New Year!

(Special thanks to the waiter who gave me a moment to snap a shot before serving each course)

In order of appearance:

Blinking Eyes Lobster Salad
(chunks of lobster meat with thin slices of sweet apple)


Oysters with "hair moss" seaweed


Fried tofu with sea cucumber heart & sugar snap peas


Shark's Fin Soup


Abalone on a bed of tender Chinese greens


The requisite "Ja Gee Guy"...Chinese Fried Chicken


Stir Fry Crabs


Steamed Whole Black Fish with ginger and scallions


Crispy Crust Fried Steak with broccoli
(I discovered Mr. Moy ordered this specifically for me)


Shrimp Fried Rice


Longevity Noodles with mushrooms


Jumbo cherries and supreme orange wedges


Mini Lucky Steamed Cupcakes (Fat Go Tay)


Coconut rice balls filled with sweet lotus seed paste


Sweet soup to end the dinner (made with papaya)

Tom's Birthday Brunch

Tomorrow, Jan 16 will be Tom's birthday. I was fortunate enough to meet up with Tom & Nikki and treated them to my favorite meal, Sunday brunch. There are so many nice places around them that this was a great opportunity to try one. Nikki suggested "Cheryl's Global Soul" which is conveniently located across the street from where they live. Small, quaint and more cafe than restaurant, there is usually a line for brunch and today proved no different. Lucky for us, we were told 25 minutes but were seated in 15.


The Menu

Brunch was prix-fixe. I love a prix-fixe menu as much as I love brunch. Entrees came with coffee/tea and Mimosa/Bloody Mary. Tom, the guest of honor opted for the "Brioche French Toast and Caramelized Apples" with a side of sausage and home fries . Nikki: "Poached eggs over Salmon Hash and Hollandaise Sauce" with a side of home fries and I went with "Buttermilk Pancakes with Mixed Berries and Chantilly Cream" and a side of bacon.


French Toast


Nikki's dish


Home fries


My Pancakes

For drinks: Tom had coffee and a Mimosa. Nikki, tea and a virgin Bloody Mary and I had coffee and a virgin Mimosa. Yes...plain orange juice.

The servings were a good size. My pancakes were fluffy and tasty but the bacon was the best bacon I've ever had! I think I have taken bacon for granted. It always taste the same which is crisp and in a sense, hard sometimes...dry. This bacon was meaty, flavorful and had a nice bite to it. Between all the glasses, cups and plates, our table didn't have an inch to spare. Nikki's dish was huge. An unusual twist on eggs benedict, the salmon hash was pretty good. I didn't get to taste Tom's order but it looked great and he ate every bite. Prices were very reasonable and the company, priceless.


Birthday Boy & his girl

Knit Not

My mother is a master knitter...she also sews and crochets. Beautiful work that I have admired my whole life. I did learn the basic "knit one purl two" when I was very young and have made woolen items throughout my lifetime but nothing elaborate and it was never a passion. Although while I was in the middle of a project, I would be very immersed and obsessive.

My sister, Evelyn who was always interested in knitting, has become an incredible knitter. She has passion!!

When I started working at Michael's, I had access to all that "stuff" but there's so much other "stuff" that I didn't pay alot of attention to the yarn dept. Ruth is my co-worker in charge of "yarn and sewing notions". She is an older woman and a hoot. One of my favorite new "friends". I had admired a scarf another co-worker had on and she mentioned that Ruth made it for her. I complimented Ruth on it and she waved me off saying she used the "loom". I didn't have time to ask more detail.

As a holiday “bonus", Michael’s offered their associates, a 40% discount on an entire purchase including sale items. I was thrilled and was at the store on the first day the discount took effect. I was planning to go aisle by aisle and buy all that I could. But before I set off on my shopping spree, I stopped to speak with Bridie, another co-worker who started the same day as me. We talked about the discount and she said she wanted to buy one of those “looms”. Now I had to look at it. And when I did, I decided to get one.

I picked up 2 skeins of yarn in colors I liked and after a few days, I took a look at the instructions. It was fairly simple but even so, I ended up having to “frogged” my first project quite a few times before I got it right. In fact, even when I got to the desired length of my scarf and was ready to cast off, I messed up and had to start at square one. By then, I had started it so many times, it was old hat and each time, I was getting better and faster at it. I was very happy with my finished product. Since then, I have completed 2 scarves and am on my 3rd one although I just ripped it out because I made an error during the cast off and in the end, I felt the thickness of the yarn warranted a shorter width so I have started it over.

I am not a knitter a la my mother, nor my sister by any stretch of the imagination. For one, I only know this one “stitch” and am not thinking beyond that. But the creation, regardless of the simplicity does provoke a great sense of accomplishment. And…THAT…is very much like my mother and sister! :-)


Latest project on my "contraption"
(Already restarted)


Three Scarves (Unfortunately the photo of the left multi-colored scarf doesn't do it justice - I have already worn it quite alot. Soft and warm.)