Sunday, May 31, 2015

Melba's Restaurant - New York, NY


I knew I was in the right place from the minute I walked in the door! Quaint and friendly, with smooth R & B music playing in the background, Melba's Restaurant beckoned me in for a down home dinner.

Melba's, located at 114th Street and Fredrick Douglas Blvd, was the comfort food place I had been searching for in New York City. I had a hard time deciding on what to eat. Not because the menu was that extensive, but because I wanted every item I saw brought out of the kitchen! The person to the left of me had a very generous portion of grilled salmon that looked fabulous. The couple to the right had fried chicken and waffles. Not a one of them had a crumb left on their plate, so I must assume it was delicious.

My table ordered a bountiful Caesar salad, fried catfish, turkey meatloaf, three-cheese macaroni, fresh mashed potatoes, and greens. All the dishes were so tasty and well seasoned. Unfortunately for me, I am allergic to turkey and could not try the meatloaf or greens. But, I am appreciative of the heathy twist Melba has added to her menu. Considering how magically meatloaf and greens disappeared from the table, they MUST have been good. The  three-cheese macaroni & cheese was better than mine. (I need the recipe!) Though full, I had to bring back to the hotel a slice of the sweet potato pie. So glad I did!

Melba's is not a large restaurant; room for maybe 60, including the charming bar area. You'll want to make a reservation. The quaint size only adds to the charm. I did not get to meet the owner, Melba, but she must have a big heart. You can feel the "homemade love" by watching the families and tourists enjoying their meals and the joy and laughter from the party of 12 in the corner. That can only be a reflection of the owner and her amazing staff. 

One thing for sure, I have found my "comfort zone" for comfort food in New York City!
4 1/2 of 5 Valcooks Aprons

Melba's Restaurant
300 W. 114th Street
New York, NY 10026
melbasrestaurant.com

"Live life with an exclamation point!"


Saturday, May 30, 2015

Red Rooster - Harlem, NY

 

I had heard so much about the Red Rooster. I tried on numerous occasions to get a reservation and failed. (Must be a popular place with phenomenal food, I reasoned.) This trip, I made certain and made reservations weeks in advance. Two days prior, I needed to change the number in the party by one. They said they were booked. Not one to take no for an answer, I had someone else call seconds later. Bam! Reservation made with same last name. Previous reservation canceled. I got what I needed. I guess when you're that popular, you can treat customers this way. Enough ranting...lets get to the food.

You've heard the old saying, "Don't believe the hype". Well, I did and sadly, was disappointed.  The appetizers were okay. They consisted of shrimp with dirty rice, chicken & waffles and salmon salad. I was wondering why the shrimp dish was cold & stale. After all the appetizers were consumed, out came the steaming hot, fresh ones! They were sent back because we're now waiting for the main course.

The main course dishes were Helgas Meatballs, Fried Yard Bird and Mac and Greens with Lobster. Of the three, the Helgas Meatballs was the best. This is the signature dish of owner & popular Chef Marcus Samuelsson. The chicken was overly salted and the greens side dish - way too much vinegar. The Mac & Greens with lobster? Let's just say the lobster bits were eaten and the rest was not.

I truly wish the experience had been more positive, but I must be true with my readers! Hopefully, it was just an off night.
2 ½ Valcooks Aprons 

Red Rooster
310 Lenox Ave.
New York, NY 10027
redroosterharlem.com

"Live life with an exclamation point!"

Brasserie Cognac - New York City


What does a Bloody Mary cocktail and a New York French Brasserie have in common? Well, Fernand Petiot claimed to have invented the Bloody Mary in 1921, while working at the New York Bar in Paris. So, I felt quite on point ordering a Bloody Mary with my dear friend and restaurant buddy from my New York days at the French restaurant, Brasserie Cognac on 53rd and Broadway. 

I enjoyed listening to the patrons around me speaking French and convinced that if they were here, the food must be authentic. It was and very tasty. I felt as if I had been momentarily been transported back to Paris.

As an appetizer, we order the Gougeres, which are light and airy cheese puffs. Hot and tender, they literally melt in your mouth!  The ham and cheese quiche was perfect. Not overly eggy like you can find at many restaurants. It was perfectly balanced and complimented with a fresh green salad. The salmon burgers looked delightful as well as the chicken caesar  salad. 

There are thousands of restaurants to choose from in New York City, but I am pleased my friend recommended  Brasserie Cognac . The service was pleasant, dress is smart casual and a great place for catching up with friends.
3 1/2 Valcooks Aprons

Brasserie Cognac 
1740 Broadway
New York, NY 10019
cognacrestaurant.com

"Live life with an exclamation point!"


Friday, May 29, 2015

Cafe Fiorello - New York City


Valcooks takes on New York City! My first restaurant when I land in NYC is one of my old time favorites. It's not a enjoyable trip unless I make a stop at Cafe Fiorello. It is located at 1900 Broadway, across from the Lincoln Center. 

At Fiorello, you will feast upon authentic Italian cuisine with seafood, veal and steaks as their specialties. If you sit at the bar, you can enjoy an array of seafoods and appetizers. But there is one dish that is a must - Cafe Fiorello Lasagna. It is like no other. An open faced, flat lasagna, it is like a noodle pizza with meatballs. Be sure to bring your appetite. It is large and absolutely to die for. I mean really! I would probably request it as "last meal". LOL

Not to be out done is Fiorello's Lobster & Shrimp Paparedelle with Pomodoro Sauce. This dish is divine and made with homemade paparedelle noodles.

Now let's talk about service. Outstanding! When they found out they were my favorite restaurant in NYC, out came the glass of champagne. Classy! When the coffee cup spilled over into the saucer, a fresh saucer and dried cup was supplied. Attentive! 

Cafe Fiorello is frequented by its regular customers. Some are weekly diners or attendees to Lincoln Center events.  Therefore, I suggest you make reservations.  Fiorello has ample seating inside, but in warmer weather, enjoy dining and people watching on the sidewalk patio. Dress is smart casual. I will always thank my dear friend, Sandra T., for introducing me to Cafe Fiorello a decade ago. 
5 Valcooks Aprons/Golden Apron Award

Cafe Fiorellos
1900 Broadway Ave.
New York, NY 10033
cafefiorello.com

"Live life with an exclamation point!"

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

The Palm - Chicago


Today was a special occasion. When choosing a restaurant, I didn't want to chance it with an unknown place with an unfamiliar menu. My all time favorite backup restaurant in Chicago is The Palm. Located downtown, in the Swiss Hotel, and adjacent to the Chicago River, The Palm never disappoints!

From the hostesses, to the waiting staff and to even the valet, you are greeted with warm, impeccable service. The menu boasts their juicy, tender steaks and extremely fresh seafood.

Tonight I chose the surf & turf. Substitutions? No problem! I chose to have the Alaskan King Crab Legs over the lobster tail with my 8 ounce filet. Perfection. The dessert menu is extensive and sure to please every taste. The potions are extremely generous.

All entrées are a la carte. The sides a large enough to share. Though pricy, a meal at The Palm is worth every cent when you can combine the entire experience with your special occasion. I have visited The Palm in numerous cities. Again, I have always walked away completely satisfied and feeling like a queen! The Palm aims to impress. (Dress is business or business casual.)
5 of 5 Valcooks Aprons

The Palm - Chicago
323 East (Upper) Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
thepalm.com

"Live life with an exclamation point!"

Valcooks Coffee - Private Reserve

Awa

I love a great cup of coffee! Most days, I will have a five shot latte; and that's at the start of my day. There are times I will re-roast my coffee beans in a cast iron skillet to release the buttery qualities of the beans before grinding & brewing them. Am I passionate about coffee? You bet I am! So much so, I decided to start my own line - Valcooks Coffee.

I met with numerous roasters in the U.S. and located the perfect one willing to fully assist me on my new venture. My goal is to provide my customer with the best and the freshest cup of coffee possible! The roaster I selected pulled out every stop by providing me a tasting of a wide variety of coffee from all over the world. After numerous samplings, I narrowed it down to three; then selected the one I thought most would enjoy. 

The coffee I chose for my introductory line is a Dark Guatemala, single farm coffee bean.  From the Antigua region, the Finca San Sebation farm is one of Guatemala's largest. The "tasting notes" are of dark chocolate, dried fruit and spice. This amazing coffee bean is roasted and grounded to my specifications, to provide a smooth, full bodied taste. It can be used in most coffee makers and used in refillable K-Cups.

Again, my goal is to provide coffee lovers with the freshest coffee possible. Therefore, I will take orders up until June 3, 2015. I place my order with the roasters, who will roast the beans on June 10th and grind and package them, airtight, on June 11th. The coffee is then shipped on 12. This is the process I will use for each ordering cycle.

Nothing smells better than a fresh brewing coffee! You will want to sip and savor this delicious brew! I give it...
4 of 5 Valcooks Aprons

Valcooks Coffee
Valcooks, LLC
valcookscoffee.com

"Live life with an exclamation point!"


Sunday, May 24, 2015

Cupcakes and Cornmuffins - Rosemont, IL


Are you ready to experience "cupcake heaven"? Look no further than Cupcakes and Cornmuffins located on the 1st floor at a the Fashion Outlets of Chicago in Rosemont, IL, just minutes from O'Hare airport. This cupcake and cornmuffin kiosk was the ONLY reason I came to this mall and fought the traffic and crowds during Memorial Day weekend. My one and only stop! Why? Because the owner, Ogi Merzier kept tempting and taunting me with photos and descriptions of her culinary masterpieces; in particular, the cupcake/cornmuffin combination made to resemble a hamburger. Cleverly displayed ontop of a barbecue grill, this cupcake/cornmuffin combination contains lettuce icing, colorful icing condiments, and a thin layer of chocolate cake "burger". It even has the four strategicly placed candy sprinkles to resemble the sesame seeds on the bun!

Today, I purchased the strawberry lemon, red velvet, s'mores chocolate and of course, the hamburger cupcakes. I'm sure I disappointed a customer when I purchased the last four hamburger cupcakes for a party I'm attending today. Of course, I broke down and devoured the strawberry-lemon cupcake before I could make the short 15 minute trip home. I'm just happy I bought more than one! They are the perfect hostess gift, dessert to serve at your next gathering or just as a special treat for yourself. 

Cupcakes and Cornmuffins is an online cupcake and stuffed cornmuffin delivery service and is only at the Chicago Fashion Outlet mall during the weekends.  You can see which specialties will be available by going on Cupcakes and Cornmuffins' Facebook page or web-site (listed below).  I know I'm keeping my eye on when the pistachio cupcake is available. The photo had me wanting to snatch it right through of the phone.! After tasting the others, I can only imagine how tasty it must be.
 
I recommend you get to the Chicago Fashion Outlet Mall early. They sell out quickly and for good reason. If so, just place your own special order online. I know I will!
4 of 5 Valcooks Aprons

Cupcakes and Cornmuffins 

"Live life with an exclamation point!"



Friday, May 15, 2015

Vistro - Hinsdale, IL


On a Friday evening, sometimes you just don't feel like fighting traffic and trekking to downtown Chicago for a meal.

Tonight, I decided to try Vistro, the new neighborhood bistro, in Hinsdale, IL. Vistro sits steps away from the Hinsdale Metro stop and boasts its famous chef, Paul Virant, a James Beard-nominated chef. (Also owner of Vie, in Western Springs, IL).

I walked in with high expectations. I was pleased to find the atmosphere relaxed, yet vibrant, and staff very friendly. Our waitress gave this "first timer" a thorough and informed description of the menu. Vistro focusses on seasonal foods, most of which are sourced from local & Midwest farms and artisans.

For appetizers for the table, I chose the deviled eggs with homemade potato chips, roasted asparagus with aioli and pepperoni, corn cake in cast iron skillet. For the main course, meatloaf with tomato jam, served atop of slightly undercooked collard greens and fresh whipped mashed potatoes. Family friendly, the menu also boasts of specialty burgers, pizzas, fish, beef and macaroni and cheese. Menus are subject to change without notice due to seasonality. Desserts leaned more towards kid friendly, but seasonal for Spring/Summer. (Chocolate chip cookies, ice cream, etc.) 

Vistro's tasty meal and neighborhood bistro feel, made for a nice dining experience in the Chicago SW suburbs. 
3 Valcooks Aprons


Vistro
112 S. Washington St.
Hinsdale, IL 60521
vistrorestaurant.com

"Live life with an exclamation point!"