Monday, October 30, 2006

Bouley

Bouley
With curtained windows and a thick wooden door Bouley has one of those exteriors that seems to suggest, "don't come in unless we're expecting you." But don't let the uninviting facade fool you...just make sure you have the right shoes.

J packed a fabulous black suit for our date at Bouley; he just neglected to pack an equally fabulous pair of shoes. When he put his suit on that evening we realized that his lace-up oxfords that were great for walking the streets of Manhattan were not exactly up to par with the suit. He elicited an emergency wardrobe opinion which I willingly provided: ditch the suit, put on your Diesel denim, and you'll be fine. Unfortunately for J, the rest of the crowd at Bouley might not have shared my perspective. He felt uncomfortable all night. I tried to appease him with my report that the bathroom actually had a cheap bottle of Dial on the counter, but my efforts were thwarted once Harvey Keitel sat down a few tables away from us.

The tasting menu at Bouley is $90. We decided to also add the wine pairing, which made it $160 each. Buzzed off a glass of wine from the bar, $160 each didn't seem too bad. Reality did set in when the bill came, but we'd do it all over again.

Bouley is dimly lit for all you romantics, but the low lighting and crimson walls make it hard for those wanting to photograph their meal...which, that evening, was just us. In fact, the server finally came over and mentioned that he'd noticed our camera and since it must be a special occasion, could he take our picture. Mortified, J slid onto the bench with me and we posed like a couple of idiots for Harvey and the entire room to see.

Here are a few highlights from our meal (please excuse the poor lighting):

Shrimp and more
I started with the Phyllo Crusted Florida Shrimp, Cape Cod Baby Squid, Scuba Dived Sea Scallop and Sweet Maryland Crabmeat in an Ocean Herbal Broth

I was born in the Pacific Northwest and I view seafood as being as important to my existence as water. So this dish was right up my alley. But the piece of squid was so big (and so thick and rubbery) that I simply could not get it to divide in my mouth. J kept telling me to spit it out but being the seafood lover that I am, I refused to part ways with a good piece of squid. After two minutes of chewing--and the aid of a gulp of wine--I finally swallowed it whole. The embarassement had me as red as Bouley's walls. That said, the stew was still phenomenal.

Tuna
Sashimi Quality Tuna with Shaved Fennel Dressed in Herb Oils and a Spicy Marinade

J loved this dish. The micro greens were spicy, which accentuated the natural spiciness of the tuna. The fennel was subtle yet provided a sweetness to the dish.

Return from Chiang Mai
Chilled Maine lobster, mango, fresh artichoke and Serrano Ham with a passion fruit and tamarind sauce

Organic Pennsylvania Lamb
Organic Pennsylvania Lamb: Rack Baked in a Black Truffle Crust, Loin Steamed in New England Wild Ramps with Jumbo French White Asparagus

The lamb was cooked perfectly and the white asparagus had a smokiness to it that was unexpected but intriguing.

Let's not forget about dessert:
Chocolate Souffle
Hot Valrhona Chocolate Soufflé, Vermont Maple Ice Cream, Vanilla Ice Cream and Chocolate Sorbet. The maple ice cream really took the edge off the rich chocolate. Divine!

Mystery dessert
I'll be honest and mention that while they graciously comped us a third dessert for reasons unknown (maybe because it was a such a special occasion) we were so caught up in our soufflés that we honestly couldn't tell you what it was! We seem to remember the pastry having an almond flavor to it.


Upon leaving Bouley that night they also provided us with a sweet lemon poundcake to enjoy in the morning. The gesture was touching; a party favor of sorts.

Our budget blown we walked back to our hotel, across the Brooklyn Bridge. Our driver from the night before had promised that a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge would change our perspective, and there was some truth to that. By the time we reached the other side we were no longer stressing over how much coin we'd just dropped at Bouley; instead daydreaming about what we will order on our next visit.

Fleur de Sel

With sunny yellow paint and neatly maintained window boxes the exterior of Fleur de Sel is classic French. Nestled inside the romantic exterior is a hidden treasure of clean modern lighting, bead curtains, and exposed brick walls; perfectly sleek yet unpretentious. It was love at first sight.

We decided to have the four course tasting menu with wine pairings, which is $76 per person. It is worth every penny--and calorie.


Terrine
J got things started with the Quail and Foie Gras Terrine



Ravioli
I opted for the Goat Cheese & Artichoke Raviloi with Red Beet Dijon Jus
Sauvignon Blanc, Mairehau Marlborough, New Zealand, 2005
These delicate little pillows were quite possibly the lightest ravioli I've ever had.



Hake
Next we both indulged in the Hake with Cauliflower and Black Truffle Puree, Mushroom Foam
Syrah, Edmonds St. John 'Wylie-Fenaughty' El Dorado County, California, 2001

The hake was J's favorite. The fish was cooked perfectly and the mushroom foam and the syrah were perfectly matched.



American cheeses
And then came my favorite: the Chef's Selection of American Artisanal Cheeses
Taylor Fladgate 10 Year Old Tawny Port

This was three pieces of cheese, three candied pecans, a scoop of candied currants, and nine entirely different flavor experiences. I love when such a small amount of food can create such complex and varying flavors within one dish.



Rasberry Feuillete
And finally, dessert: J chose wisley with the Raspberry Feuillete, White Chocolate & Caramel Ganache
Monzabazillac, Chateau Belingard Bordeaux, France 2002

He found this to be the perfect end to a delicious meal. The textural contrast of the crisp wafer, juicy berries and soft ganache was just right.



Gaufrette
I had the Gaufrette Au Chocolat, Black Mint Powder, Chocolate Ice Cream
Banyuls, Domaine de la Casa Blanca Languedoc-Roussillon, France 2004

This just seemed like one of those desserts that is placed on a fixed menu for budgetary purposes--or for people who are chocolate fiends. Unfortunately its richness was lost on me.

The table next to us was speaking French which just added to Fleur de Sel's charm. It was, however, a painful reminder that after seven years of French all I am really capable of is ordering a croissant.

We left Fleur de Sel satisfied but not stuffed, and eager to go back for more. I'm sure the restaurant's evening vibe is fabulous and swanky, but we rather enjoyed the quiet lunchtime scene of just a few tables escaping the rain.

- K

Fleur de Sel
5 East 20th Street
New York, NY 10003
212.460.9100

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Butterfly

Butterfly


Butterfly has wings.


J is not a breakfast person. As much as he loves food, he'd sooner wait until lunchtime for a nibble than subject himself to eggs, pancakes and the like. As a result we seldom do brunch, unless we can find a menu where the lunch to eggs ratio is at least 3:1.

Enter Butterfly, Salt Lake City's only private club that serves up specialties like duck confit spring rolls before noon and provides a venue for artists like Chris Isaak to croon at night. Butterfly offers a mean Sunday brunch that makes both of us happy.

Butterfly's original restaurant is in San Francisco; first nestled in the mission district, the bay area location now calls the embarcadero home. (A third location in San Bruno, Calif. is in the works for fall 2006.) The cuisine is Asian-inspired and delectable.

Butterfly Salt Lake City starts Sundays off right: mimosas or bloody marys are just $2 each. Cheaper than their cup of drip coffee, which will actually run you a hefty $3. (Quite frankly, I'd rather treat myself to a latte if I am going to throw down that kind of cash.) From the Peanut Butter and Nutella Monte Cristo with House Made Berry Jelly & Fresh Berries ($7) to the Ponzu Grilled Hanger Steak with Portobello Mushroom & Sweet Pea Stir Fry, Cabernet Jus De Veau, and Fries ($12), Butterfly's brunch menu is diverse yet reasonable. (With the exception of that drip coffee.)

The "private club" aspect to Butterfly is just one of those things that makes living in Utah interesting. Since Butterfly serves a full range of hard liquor and also has a concert venue, one must be a "member" in order to dine there. There are some options with that: a $5 temporary membership will get you access for three weeks, whereas an annual membership is $20. It's silly and a little irritating, but it's Utah's law, not Butterfly's, and the food is well worth the extra investment. (I did mention $2 mimosas and bloody marys, right?)

Another thing I like about Butterfly is that you can book a reservation on Open Table, the online reservations site that not only makes reservation-making painless, but also rewards you with points for each fulfilled reservation. The points can then be redeemed for gift cards to your favorite Open Table restaurants.

This morning we were looking for an excuse to skip the gym and brunch at Butterfly was just the thing. We logged on to Open Table, made the res, and within the hour we were dining on:

Edamame
Edamame with sesame seeds - gratis

Mimosa
Mimosas - that's right, folks - $2

Kobe Burger
Snake River Farms Kobe Burger and fries - $10

Smoked Salmon Scramble
Smoked Salmon Scramble - $10
with créme fraiche and tobiko caviar


butterfly at the depot
400 west south temple

salt lake city, utah
tel: 801.456.8999
Located in Gateway Bldg., across the street from the Delta Center
Open 11:30 am to 10:00 pm every day for lunch and dinner


- K

***Editor's Note: The SLC Butterfly has long since had its wings clipped. You can still check them out in San Fran, near the embarcadero.

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Bombay House

Bombay House is a Salt Lake City institution. For years they served authentic Indian cuisine out of a small and non-descript space in a strip mall, which was always packed with locals in climbing pants and fleece. Recently they have moved to a larger, though no more intriguing space in the lot of a parking lot. K Mart's parking lot, to be specific. (Surely K Mart's business has reaped the rewards.) But don't let the appearance fool you; Bombay House offers some of the best Indian food in the Intermountain West.

Okay, this doesn't really count as a "restaurant review" since we cheated and got takeout tonight. But we just want to spread the word to anyone who may be considering a ski outing this winter or a jaunt down Park City's Main Street during Sundance, be sure to stop at Bombay House on your way. It's conveniently located off of I-80 and I-215, depending on your preferred ski resort, and they even bring a sweet jar of fennel seeds and pastel candies to your table at the end of the meal to help with the breath factor.



Chicken Tikka Masala - $11.95
J likes it extra, extra, extra hot

The chicken has a smoky flavor and the sweet bell peppers,
tomatoes and cream
are complemented by the masala spices.




K opts for the Paneer Masala - $10.95

Thick chunks of homemade cheese are cooked with onions, tomatoes,
garlic, ginger, cream and spices. Too bad they don't
give you the breath-fighting fennel seeds with takeout orders.

Bombay House
2731 East Parley's Way
Salt Lake City, UT
(801) 581-0222

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Buona Sera

It's Tuesday night and we wanted something easy and cheap. Despite the dusting of snow in the foothills J was still able to use basil from our yard in order to create this simple but delicious dish. Inspired by a meal had on Siena's Piazza Il Campo, this pomodoro reminds us of contrada flags, cobblestone streets and endless bottles of wine.

Pasta Pomodoro (Serves two)
2 servings of linguine pasta
8 bocconcini mozzarella balls
1 small container of grape tomatoes (or equivalent) sliced in half
4 garlic cloves diced
1 small shallot diced
Zest of one lemon
2 Tbs fresh basil chiffonade (chopped)
2-3 Tbs of olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste
















Boil water for pasta

Slice the tomatoes in half

Dice shallot and garlic.

Place tomatoes, garlic and shallots in a small baking dish.

Add olive oil, lemon zest and a dash of salt & pepper.















Place under broiler and cook for approximately 5 minutes (or until tomatoes are just tender), stir after a few minutes to keep tomatoes coated with olive oil.

Cook Pasta until al dente

Drain pasta

Pour cooked tomatoes, olive oil and shallots in a saute pan over medium heat. Add pasta and toss gently until combined.















Plate with fresh mozzarella, chopped basil and a little lemon zest.

Enjoy with a glass of red wine (preferably Italian).

Monday, October 16, 2006

Recipes

Sunday, October 15, 2006

The First Course

Gourmand Syndrome is a rare, benign condition that sometimes occurs in people who sustain injuries to the right, frontal lobe. These people develop a new, post-injury passion for good food.

This blog takes you on a culinary journey with J and K, self-diagnosed patients "suffering" from the Gourmand Syndrome.

J is a transportation engineer and I work in non-profit public relations. With a shared passion for food, wine and travel, we treat our "affliction" with a philosophy that every meal should be a memorable one.

If you have a question or a comment please submit a post. Submissions are monitored before they are posted not because I will censor feedback, but because I wish to eradicate spam.

- K


By City

Albuquerque, NM
Scalo
Zinc Wine Bar & Bistro

Amsterdam, Netherlands
Bubbles & Wines
Ciel Bleu
Christophe
Restaurant Bond
Restaurant de Kas
Yamazato

Baton Rouge, LA
Maison Lacour

Chicago, IL
Farmerie 58
North Pond

Davis, CA
Osteria Fasulo

Las Vegas, NV
BLT Burger

Logan, UT
Hamiltons Steak & Seafood

Miami, FL
Blue Door at the Delano
Wish

Midway, UT
The Blue Boar Inn

Napa, CA
FARM at the Carneros Inn

Newport Beach, CA
Bear Flag Fish Co.

New Orleans, LA
Restaurant August
Zoe Restaurant & Bar

New York City, NY
Bouley
Fleur de Sel

Portland, OR
Altengartz Bratwurst Truck
Evoe
Le Pigeon
Madena of the Pearl
MetroVino Bistro, Bar & Bottle Shop
Simpatica Dining Hall

Salt Lake City, UT
Acme Burger Company
Bombay House
Butterfly
Caffe Niche
Cucina Toscana
Em's
Faustina
Forage
Hong Kong Tea House & Restaurant
Indochine Vietnamese Bistro
Left Fork Grill
Les Madeleines
Lugano
Martine
Mini's Cupcakes
Pago
Pho Bien Hoa
Porcupine Pub & Grille
Red Iguana
Settebello
So Cupcake
Tacos El Paisa
Teru Sushi
The Counter
The Tin Angel Cafe
TIPICA
Tsunami Sushi (Sugarhouse)
Tulie Bakery

San Francisco, CA
Bar Crudo
Campton Place
Campton Place Bar
Piperade
Tartine Bakery
Zuni Cafe

San Pancho, Mexico
La Bottegga dei Sapori
Mar Plata
Restaurante Las Palmas

Sayulita, Mexico
Lupe

Seal Beach, CA
Main Street Wine Cellar

Seattle, WA
Black Bottle
BOKA Kitchen + Bar
Cupcake Royale
Lark
Skillet
Steelhead Diner

Washington, DC
Baked & Wired
Blue Duck Tavern
Founding Farmers
Hello Cupcake
Hook
Mendocino Grille and Wine Bar

Yountville, CA
Bouchon Bakery

Technorati Tags:

Alphabetical

Acme Burger Company
Altengartz Bratwurst Truck
Baked & Wired
Bar Crudo
Bear Flag Fish Co.
Black Bottle
BLT Burger (Las Vegas)
Blue Boar Inn
Blue Door at the Delano
Blue Duck Tavern
BOKA Kitchen + Bar
Bombay House
Bouchon Bakery
Bouley
Bubbles & Wines
Butterfly
Caffe Niche
Campton Place
Campton Place Bar
Christophe
Ciel Bleu
Cucina Toscana
Cupcake Royale
Em's
Evoe
FARM at the Carneros Inn
Farmerie 58
Faustina
Fleur de Sel
Forage
Founding Farmers
Hamiltons Steak & Seafood
Hello Cupcake
Hong Kong Tea House & Restaurant
Hook
Indochine Vietnamese Bistro
La Bottegga dei Sapori
Lark
Le Pigeon
Left Fork Grill
Les Madeleines
Lugano
Lupe
Madena of the Pearl
Main Street Wine Cellar
Maison Lacour
Mar Plata
Martine
Mendocino Grille and Wine Bar
MetroVino Bistro, Bar & Bottle Shop
Mini's Cupcakes
North Pond
Osteria Fasulo
Pago
Pho Bien Hoa
Piperade
Porcupine Pub & Grille
Red Iguana
Restaurant August
Restaurant Bond
Restaurant de Kas
Restaurante Las Palmas
Scalo
Settebello
Simpatica Dining Hall
Skillet
So Cupcake
Steelhead Diner
Tacos El Paisa
Tartine Bakery
Teru Sushi
The Counter
The Tin Angel Cafe
TIPICA
Tsunami Sushi (Sugarhouse)
Tulie Bakery
Wish
Yamazato
Zinc Wine Bar & Bistro
Zoe Restaurant & Bar
Zuni Cafe

Restaurants