Month: December 2019

Bandar – San Diego, CA

I have been to many types of restaurants in my travels. However, I have never had Persian food. I was thrilled that I was going to be able to try something completely new. Bandar is located in the Gas Lamp District of San Diego. They have been serving their homemade Persian recipes for over 20 years.

The restaurant was beautifully decorated. It created a romantic feel.

  

They proudly displayed all the awards they have won. This included awards for their famous chicken.

We had a huge group for dinner the night I visited. They did a fantastic job at accommodating us.

The table started off with an assortment of dip appetizers. It was perfect for sharing.

This assortment included:

  1. Feta and Olives. The feta was extremely fresh. It was slightly sour and had a bite when eaten with the salty olives.
  2. Hummus. This was a classic pureed garbanzo bean and tahini (ground sesame seeds). This too was made fresh; I could tell by the texture. It went well with the fresh pita bread slices that were at the table.
  3. Must-O Khiyar (cucumber dip). This was homemade yogurt and chopped up cucumber. This dip was so light and refreshing. It is the perfect kind of dip to serve at a picnic or cookout in the summer.
  4. Kashk-O Bademjan (eggplant). The eggplant was sautéed in garlic and onion which created a savory flavor. The eggplant was tender and soaked up the essence of the garlic. This was my favorite of the four dips.

For dinner the menu offered so many choices from beef, chicken, lamb, vegetarian, and gluten free. Everything sounded great. I decided to try their chicken since it has won so many awards. Now that I had pin-pointed that I wanted chicken, it was time to decided which chicken dish to choose. I went for the Albalu Polo. This included their charbroiled chicken tenderloin and black cherry rice.

To start off, the portions on every dinner they served were huge. I am not exaggerating. It was the first thing everyone said when their plates came out. One person could not eat everything that came on the plate. I would highly recommend you share with someone.

The chicken was great. I could taste the saffron that they used as a marinade. It was not an overpowering spice. Somehow the chicken came out in balls. I have no clue how they did that. The moisture stayed in the meat so each bite was juicy.

The rice was out of this world. They used two types of rice, a long grain and a rice that almost felt like a skinny noodle. Mixed in with the rice were black cherries. They were chopped in half so that the cherry juice could mix throughout the rice. It was both sweet and tart at the same time. It added additional texture. I loved this rice; it was such a unique way to prepare something that could have been very plain. I could see myself eating this just as a meal.

This wonderful dinner was a perfect example of why people should venture out of their food comfort zone. Had I not ventured out I would never gotten to enjoy these Persian dishes. Check out the awards and menus at http://www.bandarrestaurant.com/

Enjoy!

T

 

Edgewater Grill – San Diego, CA

San Diego has so many restaurants. However, not all of them are along the water. Edgewater Grill lives up to it’s name. It is located right along the harbor.

I had a wonderful view, on a clear sunny day. As I sat there, I watched sail boats go back and forth. It really made me wish I was on one of them.

 

To enjoy the sunny day, I started off with an American Mule. It was American vodka and ginger beer. They served it in a copper mug to help keep it extra cold.

For lunch I wanted something light. The fish tacos looked like they would hit the spot. I had my choice of how I wanted my fish prepared. I got my Mahi-Mahi blackened for a little extra flavor.

The taco was loaded with shredded cabbage, large chunks of avocado, fresh pico de gallo, and bell peppers. The drizzled across the ingredients was a creamy yogurt sauce. Plus it came with a side of French fries.

The taco was so packed I needed to eat some of the fish and avocado by themselves in order to be able to pick up the taco. The corn tortilla shell they used was very fresh and had a great corn flavor. Even though the taco was stuffed they were not heavy or make me feel overly full.

If you want a nice relaxing spot for lunch then head over to Edgewater Grill.

  

http://www.edgewatergrill.com/

Enjoy!

T

Currant – San Diego, CA

When I travel for work I really like it when the people I am visiting select the restaurant to eat at. Usually they select a place they really enjoy so I am pretty much guaranteed a good meal. That’s what my experience was at Currant in San Diego.

Since it was San Diego, the restaurant had their doors and windows open so diners could enjoy the cool breeze from outside.

  

We had a table that was off on its own, it felt very private. We had a wonderful waiter who took care of our every need. They had many dishes on the menu that sounded delicious, including several of the daily specials.

While the crab cake sandwich sounded good, I could not stop thinking about the Primavera Risotto. I sounded so good I figured I would be mad at myself for not trying it.

The risotto was made with Arborio rice. It was combined with asparagus, carrots, cherry tomatoes (cut in half), tons of parmesan cheese, and cream to make the sauce.

This was the first time I ever had a risotto with this many vegetables. And to tell the truth, this was the best risotto I have ever had. It was extremely rich and creamy. Though it was rich, it was not an overpowering flavor. It was not the kind of risotto that after a few bites you would be full. I truly could not stop eating it.  Thank goodness it was a lunch size portion.

The flavor of the parmesan cheese shined through. The tomatoes added a slightly sour taste but it was minimal. The carrots added crunch. There was arugula on top that was slightly wilted because of the heat. It added a bitter, herby accent to the few bites I ate it with. And to my surprise, there was one beet in the center of the bowl. I did not see it until I started moving the risotto around. The cream sauce started turning purple. It just added color, it did not affect the taste.

The table also shared the thyme French fries. They were shoestring fries that were very crispy. It was a great thing to munch on while we waited for our food. Though they were cooked with thyme, I did not think there was enough on the fries. They could have added more for extra flavor.

Their dessert menu was extremely tempting. I was intrigued to try the Butterscotch Gooey Butter Cake. The waiter did say it was a popular dessert.

The butter cake was a heavy. The flavor reminded me of a sugar cookie. The cake was topped with a butterscotch icing. It was very sweet, and along with the cake, this dessert was over the top. I really enjoyed it but there was no way I could eat the whole thing myself. I would recommend sharing it.

The cake also came with a side of homemade caramel ice cream. It was topped with a rum anglaise. The ice cream was extremely creamy. It would be perfect on its own as a dessert. It also tasted great when combined with the cake.

When looking at the photo I took, you probably noticed a chocolate dipped biscotti. This came with another dessert but they did not want it. I decided to enjoy it along with my cappuccino. They make a really great cappuccino if you need a little caffeine boost.

So if you find yourself in San Diego, I would recommend you check out Currant. Visit their website to see all they have to offer. http://www.currantrestaurant.com/

Enjoy!

T

 

Havana NY – New York, NY

There are so many choices of cuisine in New York City. I usually get sushi or Italian when I visit. This most recent visit I wanted to try something different. I went for Cuban food at Havana NY.

It was a smaller restaurant on the inside. Lucky for me I made a reservation earlier in the day, so my table was ready when I arrived.

I started off by ordering the Blanco Sangria. This was a white wine sangria mixed with fresh apples and oranges. It was the right amount of sweetness.

I ordered a small bowl of the Sopa De Pollo. This was a fresh chicken soup with lots of vegetables and noodles. It had a real comforting feeling.

For my dinner I ordered the Lechon Con Mojo. This was a slow roasted pork that was so tender it shredded with just a fork. The pork was marinated in a mojo sauce that added a ton of flavor. The sauce brought out the essences of different citrus juices and garlic.

The pork was accompanied by yellow rice and red beans. The yellow rice had a subtle taste and went well with the savory flavor of the beans. It was a light side dish that went perfectly with the pork.

I did save room for dessert. I went for the Churros Con Chocolate. These were homemade churros that were still warm when they came to the table. The pieces were dusted with cinnamon and sugar. They had a nice crispy crunch on the outside bur still soft on the inside. A chocolate sauce came on the side for dipping. I ate a few pieces with the chocolate. It added even more sweetness to the churro. It was an awesome dessert. It would be perfect for sharing.

I really enjoy my meal at Havana NY. The staff was very friendly and made me feel welcomed. If you are looking for some delicious Cuban food in New York check them out. www.havanany.com

Enjoy!

T

The Rag Trader – New York, NY

There was a great bar and restaurant that I came across in New York called The Rag Trader.

It has a speak-easy feel on the inside. Their bar is beautiful with mirrors and trinkets to look at.

I started off with a Rose sangria. It was a blend of rose wine, elderflower, peach schnapps, orange liqueur, and ginger syrup. The drink was sweet and refreshing. There were chunks of granny smith apples in the sangria that added a sour accent and a crunch.

I ordered a few appetizers to have for my dinner. I figured it would be nice to try a couple of things without getting too much food.

I started with the Sriracha deviled eggs. The filling was smooth and creamy. I expected these to be spicy but there were not spicy at all. They placed crispy shallots on top that added a crunch and extra flavor.

The stuffed squash blossoms were a nice surprise on the menu. It has been a few years since I have gotten to enjoy these. These delicate blossoms were stuffed with ricotta cheese which made them extremely creamy. There was a buttermilk dressing on the plate that added a slight sour taste. They sprinkled lemon zest on top that added a hint of acidic tang.

The last thing that I ordered were the fried chicken sliders. It was the perfect portion size with two mini sandwiches. The little pieces of chicken were extremely crispy. There was a sriracha aioli on top that added a creamy texture but no heat. They included a red slaw on top that added a sour taste and crunch. It was a great complement to the chicken.

This was a great place for cocktails and some small bites. There were a few other dishes on the menu that I would want to try on my next visit.

Check them out at www.ragtraderny.com

Enjoy!

T

Clinton Hall – New York, NY

I was told about a great burger place in New York called Clinton Hall. So, the last time I was in the city I visited their newest location on 36th Street.

As soon as I walked through the door I knew this would be a fun place. They had games throughout like giant chess and connect four. They also had tons of board games you could borrow and play at the table.

If you like beer, then Clinton Hall is the right place for you. They have a full assortment of beers on tap.

I started off with the Waffle Fries. These crispy fries were covered in a melted cheese sauce. They sprinkled scallions and jalapenos on top. I ate a few jalapenos with the cheese, but they ended up being too spicy.

The cheese sauce was very creamy. The salty taste was perfect on the waffle fries and there was no other salt needed.

I ordered the CH Classic. This was their traditional burger. The beef patty was extra juicy and tender. They cooked it to a perfect medium. I got American cheese on top. This added a nice creaminess. The lettuce and tomato added freshness.

The burger also came with their CH sauce on the bun. This was almost like a thousand island dressing. It added a nice sweet taste to the burger.

Clinton hall was a great place for a burger and for watching football. They had huge televisions throughout the restaurant.

Check out one of their locations at www.clintonhallny.com

Enjoy!

T

Casa Nonna – New York, NY – Visit #2

I was so excited to make a second visit to Casa Nonna in New York City. I loved my meal the last time I went. I could not wait to try something new on the menu.

Similar to the last visit, I arrived at the restaurant earlier than everyone else in my group. So, I headed over to the bar for a cocktail. I ordered an Aperol Spritzer. This blended prosecco, aperol, and seltzer water. It was semi-sweet with lots of bubbles.

To munch on they gave me some of their homemade flatbread. I remembered these and they were delicious. These were crispy like crackers and topped with spices and parmesan cheese that was melted and crispy as well.

Once the rest of my group arrived we got seated at a cozy booth.  This was nicer than a table because it allowed for easier dinner conversation.

We ordered several appetizers to share around the table. The fried calamari were a must. I remember I had this before and really liked it. The tender calamari were breaded and fried until crispy. They also included julienne vegetables, that consisted of red peppers and pepperoncini peppers. I liked the tangy flavor that the peppers added to the taste of the calamari.

Out next was the Mozzarella in Carrozza. This fresh made cheese came with fresh heirloom cherry tomatoes and a basil pesto. The cheese was extremely creamy and sweet. The basil pesto added an herby taste that really paired well with the tomatoes.

The last appetizer was the Bruschetta. Now they offer three different kinds. We went for the Sicilian Eggplant Caponata, which is a marinated mixture of eggplant, ricotta cheese blended with herbs, and chopped up squash. This entire mixture was then topped with a drizzle of balsamic and piled high onto some toasted baguette pieces. There was such a sweet taste to the eggplant mixture. The balsamic added a slight tartness but it was very mild. The baguette pieces added a nice crunch to each bite.

I was excited to try my dinner. This time I ordered the Pici Alla Toscana. It was a twisted pasta that was covered in a Tuscan beef-pork ragu. The rich, creamy aroma of the pasta smelled wonderful as soon as my waiter placed the bowl in front of me.

There was an overall creamy texture to the sauce. It had a full savory flavor. The pasta was tender even though the noodles were slightly thick. The portion was the right size because it was rich. If it was any larger I would not have been able to finish it.

The last time I ate at Casa Nonna I was not able to try any of their desserts. I made sure I ordered a cannoli this visit. It came out in a beautiful presentation on the plate. There were fresh berries on the plate and the cannoli was gently placed on top. It was dusted with powered sugar.

Each end of the cannoli was covered in chopped up pistachios. I really liked the salty and crunchy element it added. The cream was very smooth and creamy. It filled the entire shell, which had a slight cinnamon taste.

I once again enjoyed my entire meal at Casa Nonna. It is definitely a place I would keep going back to. Check them out at www.casanonna.com

Enjoy!

T

Denino’s South Pizzeria – Brick, NJ

New Jersey has a ton of Italian restaurants all over the place. While I was visiting Brick, NJ I stopped into one of those Italian restaurants called Denino’s South Pizzeria.

I could smell the pizza and pasta as soon as I walked in. I saw on the chalkboard of specials that they had Italian wedding soup that day. I knew I would be ordering that. It was a nice large bowl. It was filled with spinach, meatballs, carrots, and onions. The chicken broth had a pleasant saltiness that paired well with the earthy taste of the spinach. The meatballs were tender and absorbed the flavor of the soup.

I shared the homemade rice ball. There was no way I could eat one on my own because they were just too big.

They were crispy on the outside. On the inside was the tender, cheesy rice with a center that was loaded with meat and peas. I drizzled some of the pasta sauce that came on the side. That added extra flavor and moisture. The rice was soft, and I really like all the cheese they mixed in. The meat was tender, and the peas added a slight hint of sweetness.

The meatball sandwich was much larger than I was expecting. These large meatballs were covered in sauce and mozzarella cheese. They were then stuffed into a fresh made hoagie roll. I had to cut this sandwich in half in order to be able to pick it up.

The meatballs were dense but still moist. They were full of flavor from all the Italian seasoning that was mixed in. The cheese added a creamy element. The bread soaked up the sauce from the meatballs. This sandwich filled me up quickly.

This was a great place for lunch. They have a pretty extensive menu. Check them out at www.deninosbricknj.com

Enjoy!

T

Wharfside – Point Pleasant, NJ – Visit #2

I was looking forward to my second visit to the seafood restaurant Wharfside in point Pleasant, NJ. It was a nice evening along the water.

I ordered a sangria to start the evening. It was made with a dry red wine but the fruit and liquor they put in the wine helped make it sweeter.

The meal started off with several appetizers for the table. The tuna bites were the first thing out. The fresh tuna was blacked and served with soy sauce and wasabi. The tuna was seared on the outside and still pink on the inside. It tasted awesome with the soy sauce. The wasabi added a little heat.

The calamari were the second appetizer out. It had a great crispy breading on the outside. The calamari were extremely tender. The marinara sauce that they served on the side was the perfect accent.

The stuffed mushrooms were spectacular. They had a really crispy batter on the outside that created a great crunch and sealed in the heat. The inside of the mushrooms were stuffed with a crabmeat stuffing. This filling was delicious. The sweetness of the crab meat paired well with the earthy flavor from the mushrooms.

My meal came with a bowl of soup. I made sure to have the Manhattan clam chowder. The vegetable-based broth had the perfect amount of seasoning. They loaded the chowder up with fresh vegetables and lots of tender clams. It is the ultimate seaside soup.

I also got to try the clams casino. These fresh clams came out in their shells. They were baked with onions, peppers, and bacon. These clams were also very tender. The bacon gave them a salty and smoky taste.

It was now time for the main dishes to come out. I got the Canadian salmon. It was grilled up and topped with a caramelized rum glaze. The glaze accented the flakey salmon with an awesome sweetness.

They served a mashed sweet potato as a side dish. The combination of the rum glaze and the sweet potatoes was perfect. It was a sweet tasting side and the potatoes were so creamy.

If all this food wasn’t enough, a dessert came with my dinner. I got the homemade rum raisin ice cream. The ice cream was super creamy. It had a slight rum taste to it. There were a ton of raisins mixed throughout. It was the perfect end to the meal.

I am so glad I got to go back to Wharfside. The food was great and I did not leave hungry. Check them out at www.wharfsidenj.com

Enjoy!

T