Richard at rest during Florida getaway

Paul looking sharp at the Florida getaway

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Who/What is this man? during Florida getaway

Barry Fleischer at our Florida Week-end

Richard Perlman at the Florida Week-end

Donald Delman at our Florida week-end

Peri Ela, a new Turkish restaurant on the UES

Walking home from the 92nd Street Y, we passed a small new restaurant serving Turkish food. There are not a lot of 'better' Turkish restaurants in NY. In fact, Zagat's only lists 21 Turkish restaurants in all of NYC. Of those, only one is rated as having decent food and decor (at least 20 on a scale of 30). This will definitely be one of the best! It's open less than a month and for the moment it's BYOB and cash only.

We started with a vegetarian plate of Hummus, Lentils, Eggplant, Tomatoes. It was served with homemade warm flat-bread that was worth the visit alone. I then tried the Mixed Grill to get a sampler of their dishes. It included Chicken, Beef, Lamb kabob and a lamb chop. All were perfectly prepared. Chris had the lamb kabob (which is ground meat) over yogurt and a pita. It was very interesting but not exceptional. We didn't like the pita which got soggy under the yogurt.

While we were there, New York Magazine was just finishing a photo-shoot. They're expecting to be reviewed shortly. I assume it will be pretty good, especially as compared to other Turkish restaurants/

Peri Ela

1361 Lexington Ave.

212-410-4300

Howard Fishman Quartet at Club Helsinki

This weekend we saw the Howard Fishman Quartet at the Club Helsinki in Great Barrington, Mass. with Steve & Lil Barker. The group is desribed as post-modern pop with music influences ranging from Hoagie Carmichael to Bob Dylan. In fact he has recent CD's focusing on both of them. Chris has originally discovered him from a small article in the Times a number of years ago, and we see him whenever we can. Note: He is currently playing at Joe's Pub in the Village.

The quartet consists of Howard Fishman playing a classic acoustic guitar (picture), a tuba, a violin and a trumpet. They played many selections from the Bob Dylan "Basement Tapes" collection, which they've recently released and original compositions. They also have a tribute to Hoagie Carmichael coming out later this year.

All four of us really enjoyed the show, which ran just under 2 hours (for a cover charge of $20). I have often complained about how hard it is to hear music in intimate settings in NY (for a reasonable price). The room holds 75 people and was sold out. We were sitting about three feet from the stage. This was a really pleasant surprise.

Club Helsinki is attached to the Helsinki Cafe Great Barrington and serves the same pseudo-Finnish food. Not bad, but not exceptional. I had Blini with Gravlax (cured salmon) and Chris had Gnocchi (one of her favorites). We both had the daily special Rosemary Roast Chicken. I wouldn't go out of my way to eat here, but it's fine with a show.

Koi chinese restaurant in Great Barrington

We generally avoid Chinese Restaurants (actually, all ethnic food except Italian) outside of NY and China. However, Scott and Jory had gone to this newly opened Hunan Restaurant and recommended it. Even then, it took a snow storm to get us there.

The restaurant is in a large, standalone building on Rt 23 entering Great Barrington. The interior is traditional Chinese restaurant, but in orange. It looks like they tried for red, but it faded. Chris gave the restrooms an A+, not easily done.
We started with Shrimp Soong (served in a lettuce cup) and steamed pork dumplings. The lettuce was good, the shrimp tasteless. The dumplings frozen and re-heated. The wrapper soggy and limp.

We followed that with Tangerine Beef which was pretty good with a niced sauce. But they used the hard, thin beef slices. I prefer the more tender beef slice at Shun Lee in NY. The Roast Pork Fried Rice was tasteless except for the oil. Even chili oil and mustard couldn't redeem it.

We had Tsing Tao beer that was cold and delicious.

Koi
300 State Road (Route 23)
Great Barrington, Mass
413-528-5678

Snow Storm in Mid-March

This is the front of the house after the storm on March 15!

Multimedia message

Barack Obama - an interesting politician

Barack Obama's new book, "The Audacity of Hope" is his attempt to explain his outlook and worldview. It is well written and avoids too much oversimplification and demonizing but is not really clear on how to get from here to there. Still, he has identified a real need for someone focused on solving problems rather than getting elected. It can be summarized as -

"offering a vision of the future that involves repairing a "political process that is broken" and restoring a government that has fallen out of touch with the people. "

He acknowledges he's gotten a "free ride" so far and has much to prove. The campaign will be interesting.

Sfoglia means great Italian food on the UES

Our 7:00pm class at the 92nd Street Y has made dinnertime a challenge. Not only do we find ourselves having to eat at 5:30, but need to find a location near the Y. We've been pretty lucky so far, but this week we hit the jackpot! For weeks, we'd been hearing the 'buzz' outside a little place right across the street. After peeking in the window we decided to make a reservation for the following Tuesday. We figured reservations at 5:30 would be a snap! The first week they were booked. The next week was booked too. The only thing they had was a seat at the bar! At 5:30! We took it! Figured we'd found the proverbial 'little neighborhood restaurant' that all NYers are looking for...

The very next day. The NEXT day! Frank Bruni reviews it in the Times - gives it 2 stars and a rave review. Now we can't even get into the bar. Who asked him!

Our experience at the restaurant was positive from the beginning. The restaurant is small (it seats about 40, including the bar) but very attractively rustic - with a large, friendly, staff. The large comfortable bar is welcoming and seemed to get the same pleasant service as the tables around us. The restaurant is owned and run by a young husband and wife team, Ron and Colleen Suhanosky who have another restaurant in Nantucket and three young children (one born this week!). Colleen is in charge of desserts and responsible for the creation of the rustic crusty Italian bread that, with an olive oil dip could make a meal on it's own.

The menu is quite modest with only 7 pasta and 4 main courses (plus several specials) but there were a number of items we found interesting. We decided to share the appetizers, ordering an Antipasto and a Pasta. The Antipasto was very unusual and included 'Poulet Gras' (chicken liver) on toast, a variety of grilled vegetables as well as beets with goat cheese. No meats or caponata. It was good, but nothing special. The pasta was Cavatelli with broccoli rabe, and lemon walnut pesto. It was fabulous. Perfectly prepared and the pesto just kissed the pasta without overwhelming it. The pasta would have been plenty for two!

For the main course we both ordered the specialty "Chicken Mattone" which is grilled with garlic and olive oil and then placed under a hot brick to crisp. It was really wonderful! Chris described it as the best chicken she'd ever eaten in a resturant. I thought I'd had chicken just as good, but none better. We had a turnip and prune vegetable dish served at room temperature that Chris thought was good.

They have an extensive list of wines by the glass. We both had a glass of a nice Montepulciano (I might have had 2). We did not have dessert which might have been a mistake given that one of the choices is bread pudding made with the above mentioned wonderful bread.

Overall, a very good restaurant. Just what you hope to find. A new, small, restaurant the serves interesting food at not unreasonable prices. Unfortunately, we'll probably never get in there again.

Sfoglia

1402 Lexington Avenue (at 92nd St.)

212-831-1402

Val McDermid - A Place of Excecution

A Place of Execution by Val McDermid

This is a superb novel. It's December 1963 and teenage girls all over Britain are swooning to the Beatles' "I Want to Hold Your Hand." In the tiny, remote village of Scardale, Derbyshire, 13-year-old Alison Carter is envied by her peers because her stepfather buys her all the latest records. When Alison goes missing one dark night, Dist. Insp. George Bennett takes control of the case. Other children have gone missing recently from towns and cities in the north, but somehow Alison's case is different. Although the police feverishly track down clues and organize searches over the moors, any hope that they'll find the girl fades as the days go by. Obsessed by the case, George is tormented by his lack of success and by the suffering of Alison's mother. Little more can be said without giving away the plot, but McDermid spins a haunting tale whose complexity never masks her adroitness at creating memorable characters and scenes. Her narrative spell is such that the reader is immersed immediately in the rural Britain of the early '60s. She clearly did extensive research on how police work was done at the time, and it has paid off beautifully. The format of the novel is unusual, with much of it purporting to be a true crime book, but McDermid keeps the suspense taut, and her pacing never flags. This is an extraordinary achievement, and it's sure to be on many lists of the best mysteries of the year.

Mas farmhouse in the Village

One of the joys of living, and eating, in New York are the times you get really surprised by things. We recently had that kind of experience at "MAS". Our friends, Joe and Sheila Malvagna asked us if we had ever been to this small restaurant in the West Village, about two blocks from Scott and Jory and about a half a block from our favorite, AOC Bedford. We hadn't been to Mas, and didn't know quite what to expect, so I checked it out in Zagat's. I was surprised to find them rated 26 for Food and 25 for Decor. Pretty fancy ratings with a price to match!

The restaurant is small with conventional seating around the perimeter and a family style rectangular table in the center. The menu leans towards New American with a Prix Fixe formula that allows you to select anything from the menu to make up a Starter, two Mains and Dessert. The menu, made up daily features fresh ingredients and lots of variety. They also make their own bread, offering a choice of sourdough, wholewheat and multi-grain. Not typically, all were delicious with a wonderful crust!

We all decided on the tasting menu; three of us started with Sushi quality Tuna that was flavorful with just the right amount of fat. Chris had smoked trout which was chopped and made up like a sushi roll in it's own skin--also tasty. It was almost as good as my tuna. For the main course I had the Chicken Stuffed with Wild Morels and Fava Beans followed by Seared Diver Scallops. Joe and Sheila also ordered the same combinations. Sheila and Chris both enjoyed the duck breast which was perfectly cooked and Chris selected the Bass which was served with fennel and a potato puree.

For dessert, I had the cheese plate. In my view, Cheese is one of the best and most interesting desserts. The variety is unlimited and you can always find something new to try. Chris enjoyed an Apple Tart with homemade ice cream which she refused to share.

For wine, Joe picked a young, but very good Pinot Noir.

Overall, a wonderful meal. Some people might find the portions a little on the small side, To me they were perfect. We had a four course meal and left full, but not stuffed.

Mas (farmhouse)

39 Downing Street

(between Bedford and Varick Sts in the West Village)

212-255-1790

AOC Bedford

One of our favorite restaurants in NY is AOC Bedford in the Village. It's just a couple of blocks from Scott and Jory and is one of their favorites too. The room is small, comfortable with a very friendly and informative staff. The menu is French/Southern European and leans toward specialties like Paella and Suckling Pig.

It seems lately we've become 'early birds' at dinner. The reasons are varied, but usually there's something else on the agenda later in the evening and rather then a quick something at home, going out is always the first choice for Paul. The upside of this is that we've been able to get a table at some of the more challenging places with long waiting lists. At AOC, they offer a Prix Fixe menu before 7:00. they also have a BYOB policy on Sunday and Monday which is really great, although it does not apply to the prix fixe.

Our meal was wonderful as usual, I started with the "Octopus Carpaccio (pictured)" with Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar. Chris had the "Braised, Shredded, Duck" with a butternut squash puree also quite good. Even though we usually order different things each time we go to a restaurant, I have had the Octopus several times.

For the main course, I then had the "Duck Breast with a Bosc Pear and Potato Puree". The Duck was perfectly prepared. Crisp on the outside and pink on the inside - not easy but wonderful when done right. Chris had the "Scallops with an emulsion" which were tender and sweet.

We were weak and had dessert. I had the "Crepes Suzette" and Chris had "Creme Brulee". YUM!

Our wine choice was a nice carafe of Cote du Rhone.

All in all, one of our favorite places in NY.

AOC Bedford

14 Bedford St.(bet. Downing & Houston Sts.)
212-414-4764

Peter Spiegelman - Black Maps and Death's Little Helpers

The first of a new mytstery series featuring John March, the scion of a NY banking family. Series has wonderful descriptions of Manhattan and Wall Street.

Black Maps
Death's Little Helpers

New: Red Cat

A BBQ Restaurant in the Berkshires

Chris and I don't usually indulge in BBQ, not because we don't like it, but because it's generally an invitation to over-indulge - comfort food extrordinaire - especially since ribs are among my most favorite foods. However, every month when we get our current issue of Berkshire Living we scour it for things to do - shows, exhibitions, sales and restaurants. Among the restaurants featured this month was a new BBQ restaurant, Route 7 Grill in Great Barrington.

We went Sunday at a little after 5 (we were at the movies). If we had been later our chances for a table would have been slim since it was a beautiful snowy weekend; and this seems to be a good stop for skiers on their way home and families with young children. The room is informal, with a fireplace and clean, well-spaced tables. We got there right after opening so had our choice of tables.

The menu favors local and artisinal producers (predominately Niman Ranch for pork). We were torn between ordering old favorites or trying some of the interesting new dishes. Predictably we did a little of both. I started with the special house- smoked pheasant with beans and shitake mushrooms. The Pheasant was OK (it can be hard to deal with on the bone) but the mushrooms and bean combination was excellent. I had to fight Chris for them. We followed with ribs. I had the 'Texas Beef Ribs' which were big and brawny but falling off the bone. Chris had the 'Baby Back Ribs' that were unusually meaty. I usually avoid the baby back ribs because they aren't worth the trouble but these were different and one order can easily be shared by two people with normal appetites. We had a selection of sides, coleslaw (Chris likes it without mayonnaise), Kale (yech, but Chris likes it), an unusual Baked Bean dish (good) and Mac & Cheese (outstanding). All washed down with a pint of ale.

All in all, a pretty good meal (and pretty cheap). By the time we left the place was filling up with families coming from skiing. We counted 9 children right around us, all under 10. Fortunately, they were exhausted and pretty quiet. I think we'll go back, but during the week (note: I tried to go back with our neighbors Steve and Lil Barker but they are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays!)

Route 7 Grill

999 Route 7

Great Barrington, Mass.

413-528-3235

What is the name of the "nameless" restaurant?

Our Tuesday night routine is a class discovering "Film Noir" at the 92nd St Y. The 7:00pm start time requires an early dinner so consequently, we're always looking for someplace to eat an early dinner. The good news is that it allows us to explore some of the more popular places that are usually booked solid at the hours past "the early bird special" times! This week we went to a great new Italian place on 81st Street near Second Avenue, whose name we're not going to divulge because, it's small and we don't want anyone to know about it because we want to go back!

It's a small, relatively simple. room that feels almost French. Comfortable, but not cozy. While it has the "neighborhood" feel of a Canaletto or a Jubileee, the bare tables and bustle make it feel a little bit more like you want to eat and leave.

On the other hand, the food is outstanding. I started with "Open Ravioli" with duck confit and foie gras. It was the best new pasta dish I've had in a long time. I had to fight Christina for my fork! She started with "Asparagus with Prosciutto and Figs" which were also quite good. Not a bad beginning--we did see at least three other things that we would have liked to start with (gnocchi, grilled octopus, a variety of interesting salads and the special soups).

For the entree, I had grilled "Baby Chicken with Polenta" that was fabulous. Chris had "grilled Barramundi" a very tender white meat fish, stuffed with greens and sun dried tomatoes--it was delicious, sweet, tender cheeks and crispy skin. We had an assortment of sides, including mixed cauliflower with browned bread crumbs and butternut squash with toasted pecans, I thought the squash was great and Chris liked the cauliflower- that's why marriage is so great. We had an undistinguished "Vino Nobile de Montepulciano (Derose)

Overall, we thought the restaurant was great and are looking forward to going back.

Spigolo

1561 Second Ave.(81st St.)

Manhattan, NY 10028

212-744-1100