Hola my fellow foodies, as we all prepare for hurricane Irene I view this as being a great romantic opportunity. I was very surprised to hear our Governor shut down South Jersey, I feel it was a great choice due to the pending hurricane coming and to see NYC shut down is amazing. I felt like I was watching Chef Gordon Ramsey say "Shut it Down...Shut the City's down, Everyone Out". So of course I did my due diligence's of going out to the local supermarket and picking up the essentials, aka...water, batteries, matches, peanut butter, bread, ice and cold cuts and I also prepared my car with an emergency travel kit and filled the gas tank....I'm set and ready.
The foodie in me felt the supermarket and headed right out to the local cheese and chacurity store and then paid a visit to my local wine store. As much as many people see this as inconvenience and burden I see it more as a great romantic opportunity with my lady. I'm hoping the power goes out so I can light up the house with candles, break out my batteries operated CD player and then open a bottle of 2001 Rubicon Estate Cask, break out the olive oil, Artisan cheese and plate up the chacurity....Love it, I hope the powers out for a week. An instant stay home vacation.
To all my fellow foodies, make a negitive into a possitive....light the candles, tell her you love her and enjoy.
PS. More babies are born 9 months after any blackout and or power failure, have fun.....
The Spaniard
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Maggiano's, Hackensack NJ
It's not like the old days when you would go to the mall just to shop or take in a movie. Back then if you wanted something to eat you painfully ate from the concension stand or crab a slice of pizza. Today you have so many options from Asian to Italian and everything in between.
Connie and I went to the mall to shop and decided to visit Maggiano's, we have been to the one in the City and enjoyed our past visits. I must tell you that they are not the best in service but talk about a value for you dollar. We ordered a couple of glasses of wine both cold and refreshing. We started with a Tomato Caprese to share which could have been shared by a family of six or a small village in Cambodia. Looked great but tomatoes had no flavor at all, again...summer time....fresh produce Chef. Something so simple and yet so many Chefs forget to check their produce for color and texture but most important check for flavor. We then ordered the Veal Ravioli and a Lasagna, both very good but again extremely large portions and if you can believe it, if you order a pasta dish you receive another one to take home for FREE!!!, yes free....hello food cost.
It was a beautiful and hot day so we decided to eat outside. The server was more entertained by some other employees that came in for lunch and really did not pay us much attention and we had to ask for everything from water, olive oil, fresh pepper, grated cheese, another glass of wine and I had to even go inside to inform her that we were done and ask for the check. But still I have to write it off as just another young inexperienced server and no manager checking up on their staff. The service in NY was so much better and even though we left feeling unattended we had three bags of food. Our left over Tom Caprese, left over Ravioli, left over Lasagna and yet another full order of lasagna.... as I was saying, lots of food for the buck and in today's world where every guest is rethinking their disposable income it's a great offering for a family night out and great lunch for the next two days.
This venue gets three out of four corks for food but 1/2 cork out of four for service
www.maggianos.com
The Spaniard
Connie and I went to the mall to shop and decided to visit Maggiano's, we have been to the one in the City and enjoyed our past visits. I must tell you that they are not the best in service but talk about a value for you dollar. We ordered a couple of glasses of wine both cold and refreshing. We started with a Tomato Caprese to share which could have been shared by a family of six or a small village in Cambodia. Looked great but tomatoes had no flavor at all, again...summer time....fresh produce Chef. Something so simple and yet so many Chefs forget to check their produce for color and texture but most important check for flavor. We then ordered the Veal Ravioli and a Lasagna, both very good but again extremely large portions and if you can believe it, if you order a pasta dish you receive another one to take home for FREE!!!, yes free....hello food cost.
It was a beautiful and hot day so we decided to eat outside. The server was more entertained by some other employees that came in for lunch and really did not pay us much attention and we had to ask for everything from water, olive oil, fresh pepper, grated cheese, another glass of wine and I had to even go inside to inform her that we were done and ask for the check. But still I have to write it off as just another young inexperienced server and no manager checking up on their staff. The service in NY was so much better and even though we left feeling unattended we had three bags of food. Our left over Tom Caprese, left over Ravioli, left over Lasagna and yet another full order of lasagna.... as I was saying, lots of food for the buck and in today's world where every guest is rethinking their disposable income it's a great offering for a family night out and great lunch for the next two days.
This venue gets three out of four corks for food but 1/2 cork out of four for service
www.maggianos.com
The Spaniard
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Quote of the Day
"Some people like to paint pictures, or do gardening, or build a boat in the basement. Other people get a tremendous pleasure out of the kitchen because cooking is just as creative and imaginative an activity as drawing, or wood carving, or music."
Julia Child
The Spaniard
Julia Child
The Spaniard
Eat, Drink & Put down the Cell Phone......
It's amazing to me that after 30 years of working in the food and beverage world I still have that love and drive I had so long ago. My best friend said something to me 12 years ago and it's always stuck with me, "Life is to short...don't be a d#*k!!!". As I continue to serve and help people create memorable dining experiences I just do not understand why some people continue to be negative during their night. My Father always said "do not ever mess with a person that is bringing you food". Miss you Daddy...you rock!!!
People, enjoy your time together and relish in the fact that you are together...put down the cell phone, stop texting, check your facebook later and communicate.....
Life's to short.....eat, drink and put down the cell phone
The Spaniard
People, enjoy your time together and relish in the fact that you are together...put down the cell phone, stop texting, check your facebook later and communicate.....
Life's to short.....eat, drink and put down the cell phone
The Spaniard
Saturday, August 20, 2011
GrilleStone Restaurant, Scotch Plains
One of the benefits of working late nights in the restaurant business is having the time the next day to check out some nice places for lunch. Living in Westfield I'm still blown away with the number of venues within a short drive. I grabbed "Connie Coreleone", jumped on the bike and headed out.
Today we located the GrilleStone Restaurant in the town of Scotch Plains, this is a Classic American Bar & Grille. As much as we travel in search of different venues it was refreshing to see a good old American Restaurant. You walk in and feel welcomed right away, nice open seating, behind the podium is the dining room and to the left of the entrance is the lounge. The bar area is nice and large with high tops and TV's to be able to watch your favorite sporting event. We decided to sit at a high top, which are all nice and large (four people can sit and not feel crammed together.
We ordered soup of the day, white bean....very good, nice job. Connie had the Southern Dog, grilled foot long 1/2 lb all beef hot dog, yes a hot dog....I told you it was an American restaurant. It was great to see a hot dog on the menu. it was prepared with BBQ sauce, pickle, cole slaw and served with fresh chips. I ordered the Southern Burger, BBQ sauce, smoked apple wood bacon and Swiss cheese, very good old burger, can't beat it. We also ordered a Chicken flatbread, prepared with rotisserie chicken, pesto, spinach, roasted garlic and smoked cheese. the chicken was to large and to much spinach. Even with all that extra weight the crust was crispy.
This venues gets 3 out of 4 corks
www.grillestone.com
The Spainard
Today we located the GrilleStone Restaurant in the town of Scotch Plains, this is a Classic American Bar & Grille. As much as we travel in search of different venues it was refreshing to see a good old American Restaurant. You walk in and feel welcomed right away, nice open seating, behind the podium is the dining room and to the left of the entrance is the lounge. The bar area is nice and large with high tops and TV's to be able to watch your favorite sporting event. We decided to sit at a high top, which are all nice and large (four people can sit and not feel crammed together.
We ordered soup of the day, white bean....very good, nice job. Connie had the Southern Dog, grilled foot long 1/2 lb all beef hot dog, yes a hot dog....I told you it was an American restaurant. It was great to see a hot dog on the menu. it was prepared with BBQ sauce, pickle, cole slaw and served with fresh chips. I ordered the Southern Burger, BBQ sauce, smoked apple wood bacon and Swiss cheese, very good old burger, can't beat it. We also ordered a Chicken flatbread, prepared with rotisserie chicken, pesto, spinach, roasted garlic and smoked cheese. the chicken was to large and to much spinach. Even with all that extra weight the crust was crispy.
This venues gets 3 out of 4 corks
www.grillestone.com
The Spainard
Pat's vs Geno's, Philly
According to the food network Pat's has best cheesesteak in Philly...you need to decide for yourself.....eat to live or live to eat.
Both places get 4 out of 4 corks in my book.
The Spainard
Both places get 4 out of 4 corks in my book.
The Spainard
Friday, August 19, 2011
Quote for the Day
"One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well".
Virginia Woolf (1882-1941)
The Spainard
Virginia Woolf (1882-1941)
The Spainard
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Beaches, Ocean City NJ
Their is nothing better then a day at the beach. I spent the whole day with my son aka little Spaniard. Going to the beach for us is always an adventure. It starts off with packing the bags with everything needed.....usually a bag per person. Then we had out to Wawa for lunch and all the other snacks. We always go well prepared with music, beach chairs, umbrella and plenty of food and beverage treats. We tend to spend five to six hour and I find that over the past 25 years visiting the beaches of Ocean City and have concluded that 34th street location is the best. Grab someone you love or just go alone....going to the beach on a beautiful summer day will always be a great day.
This venue get 4 out of 4 corks
The Spainard
This venue get 4 out of 4 corks
The Spainard
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Acquaviva delle fonti, Westfield NJ
To look at this restaurant from the outside you feel as if you must enter, open court yard seating with music playing. That was the best thing of the night....everything went downhill as soon as we sat down.
It was Tuesday night and the special beverage was their Sangria for $11.00 a pitcher. Being Spanish I know a bit about what it takes to make a true Sangria and I'm embarrassed that they served this to anyone stating it as Sangria. It's like serving a Gyro and calling it a Filet Mignon..... When the waiter came over he immediately wanted to take our order, we asked...any specials this evening??? He did his best to describe a snapper special and then walked away. The menu featured a Hand made Ravioli, Chef's selection....we finally got the bus boys attention and when we asked him he went to get another server that informed us it was a ricotto and herb.
I was happy to see they had Seared Foie Gras on the menu and was looking forward to ordering it. They served it with bitter orange marmalade, aged balsamic and crispy bread, not bad. We did enjoy it. Our next item was the Tuna Tartare with chili aioli, fingering potato chips and lemon. The tuna may have stood a chance if not for the overpowering Chili Aioli. It had a very hot after taste that destroyed the freshness of the tuna and the fingerlings were very stale. The Classic Caesar salad with Romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, anchovies and croutons was very disappointing. The lettuce was brown and wilted, a disgrace to call it a "Classic Caesar". The Halibut was served with risotto and topped with frissee salad, fish was cooked well but again the frisee salad was brown and wilted....come on Chef, check your produce.
We just decided to get the check and leave. It's a true shame because all they need to do is enhance the lighting in the courtyard, check their produce and hire a staff that understands the simple basics of serving their guests and providing an amazing experience. Frankly, they could have cared less if we were there or not....
On a scale from 1 to 4 corks this venue gets a 1/2 cork.
The Spaniard
It was Tuesday night and the special beverage was their Sangria for $11.00 a pitcher. Being Spanish I know a bit about what it takes to make a true Sangria and I'm embarrassed that they served this to anyone stating it as Sangria. It's like serving a Gyro and calling it a Filet Mignon..... When the waiter came over he immediately wanted to take our order, we asked...any specials this evening??? He did his best to describe a snapper special and then walked away. The menu featured a Hand made Ravioli, Chef's selection....we finally got the bus boys attention and when we asked him he went to get another server that informed us it was a ricotto and herb.
I was happy to see they had Seared Foie Gras on the menu and was looking forward to ordering it. They served it with bitter orange marmalade, aged balsamic and crispy bread, not bad. We did enjoy it. Our next item was the Tuna Tartare with chili aioli, fingering potato chips and lemon. The tuna may have stood a chance if not for the overpowering Chili Aioli. It had a very hot after taste that destroyed the freshness of the tuna and the fingerlings were very stale. The Classic Caesar salad with Romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, anchovies and croutons was very disappointing. The lettuce was brown and wilted, a disgrace to call it a "Classic Caesar". The Halibut was served with risotto and topped with frissee salad, fish was cooked well but again the frisee salad was brown and wilted....come on Chef, check your produce.
We just decided to get the check and leave. It's a true shame because all they need to do is enhance the lighting in the courtyard, check their produce and hire a staff that understands the simple basics of serving their guests and providing an amazing experience. Frankly, they could have cared less if we were there or not....
On a scale from 1 to 4 corks this venue gets a 1/2 cork.
The Spaniard
Porto Bello, Greenport Long Island NY
Not many foodies have the opportunity to revisit their first restaurant job...30 years later. I took a ride back home with my winebeau, aka Connie Corleone to relive my past. I called my sister and her husband, Henry and Karen Hill and we headed east. My brother in-law drove and during the ride Henry and Karen had their usual bickering back and forth until Henry gently backhanded Karen and the conversation was over.
In the past, the route to the end of the Island was covered in beautiful farms with fresh grown fruits and vegetables. During the past 30 years many families sold their land out to the up and growing wineries. We decided to take advantage of the ride and visit some of the wineries. At our second stop, while waiting to purchase Pellegrini Vineyards Estate Grown Merlot, a tall dark figure walked in. Connie walked up to me and said "That's Rudy Giuliani" and I, of course, dismissed it. Henry agreed and dismissed it also. At this time Henry's cell phone started ringing as Karen was calling from outside making the same claim as Connie. Fellas, as much as we hate to admit it, they are always right. I had to go up to him and discover the truth. As I reached out my hand to him and said "our ladies are...." he stopped me and replied "yes, it's me". I shook his hand and moved on.
As we arrived to the quaint little town of Greenport my mind started to explode with wonderful memories of the past. We walked into the restaurant and I have to tell you that besides some minor modifications and 30 coats of paint it was exactly the same as I left it......
We went to the bar so I could soak it all in (and have a cocktail of course). Connie, Karen and Henry all sat quietly while I babbled stories of the past. We sat down for dinner and I ordered some appetizers, Fresh Steamed Mussels, Clams Oreganato and home made fresh mozzarella & tomatoes, served with roasted peppers, fresh basil & extra virgin olive oil. Mussels had great flavor as Henry and I dove in, however the Clams were only okay lacking texture and the home made fresh mozzarella was bland and the tomatoes had no taste at all which is always disappointing during the summer season. How do you not have a nice, ripe flavorful fresh locally grown tomato??
For dinner I ordered Veal Milanese, tender medallion of veal topped with baby greens, fresh mozzarella, capers & chopped tomatoes drizzled with lemon vinaigrette and olive oil. Mine was just not good, the breading completly seperated from the veal. Being a Monday it was clearly prepared on Friday hoping to sell out for the weekend. Karen ordered Shrimp Scampi, fresh jumbo shrimp sauteed with garlic, white wine & herb butter served over rice or linguine. Karen had it over pasta, had tons of flavor but the pasta was clearly overcooked. Connie and Henry ordered from a special daily menu, Seared Scallops with a pineapple risotto, scallops were cooked perfectly and both Connie and Henry loved the risotto. Well done.....
Going out is all about creating memories and enjoying each others company, even though I may not have enjoyed our dining experience completely I was extremly happy to relive my past with family and friends.
On a scale of 1 thru 4 corks, this venue gets 2 corks
http://www.portobellonorthfork.com/
The Spainard
In the past, the route to the end of the Island was covered in beautiful farms with fresh grown fruits and vegetables. During the past 30 years many families sold their land out to the up and growing wineries. We decided to take advantage of the ride and visit some of the wineries. At our second stop, while waiting to purchase Pellegrini Vineyards Estate Grown Merlot, a tall dark figure walked in. Connie walked up to me and said "That's Rudy Giuliani" and I, of course, dismissed it. Henry agreed and dismissed it also. At this time Henry's cell phone started ringing as Karen was calling from outside making the same claim as Connie. Fellas, as much as we hate to admit it, they are always right. I had to go up to him and discover the truth. As I reached out my hand to him and said "our ladies are...." he stopped me and replied "yes, it's me". I shook his hand and moved on.
As we arrived to the quaint little town of Greenport my mind started to explode with wonderful memories of the past. We walked into the restaurant and I have to tell you that besides some minor modifications and 30 coats of paint it was exactly the same as I left it......
We went to the bar so I could soak it all in (and have a cocktail of course). Connie, Karen and Henry all sat quietly while I babbled stories of the past. We sat down for dinner and I ordered some appetizers, Fresh Steamed Mussels, Clams Oreganato and home made fresh mozzarella & tomatoes, served with roasted peppers, fresh basil & extra virgin olive oil. Mussels had great flavor as Henry and I dove in, however the Clams were only okay lacking texture and the home made fresh mozzarella was bland and the tomatoes had no taste at all which is always disappointing during the summer season. How do you not have a nice, ripe flavorful fresh locally grown tomato??
For dinner I ordered Veal Milanese, tender medallion of veal topped with baby greens, fresh mozzarella, capers & chopped tomatoes drizzled with lemon vinaigrette and olive oil. Mine was just not good, the breading completly seperated from the veal. Being a Monday it was clearly prepared on Friday hoping to sell out for the weekend. Karen ordered Shrimp Scampi, fresh jumbo shrimp sauteed with garlic, white wine & herb butter served over rice or linguine. Karen had it over pasta, had tons of flavor but the pasta was clearly overcooked. Connie and Henry ordered from a special daily menu, Seared Scallops with a pineapple risotto, scallops were cooked perfectly and both Connie and Henry loved the risotto. Well done.....
Going out is all about creating memories and enjoying each others company, even though I may not have enjoyed our dining experience completely I was extremly happy to relive my past with family and friends.
On a scale of 1 thru 4 corks, this venue gets 2 corks
http://www.portobellonorthfork.com/
The Spainard
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