So, after scouring the net for information for the past week, reading multiple useless paraphrasings of the original New York Times article that appeared last week, and even visiting the lights-on-but-nobody-home restaurant, Grub Street finally got me an answer.
Lotus of Siam NY opens at 24 5th Avenue with a tasting menu on Thursday, November 4th, then starts with its full menu on the 11th. Seven courses of Saipin Chutima's best for only $65 doesn't sound too expensive to me, but convincing someone to buy it for me might not be easy. So I give a shout to all my Las Vegas restaurant critic friends, buy me the meal (including tip) and you get the scoop on your blog first for the West coast crowd.
If there aren't any takers I may have to wait until after I get paid next Tuesday to take in the sublime offerings of this Las Vegas institutions New York outpost. I recently wrote of how much I would miss it. I must recant. I will relish the opportunity to dine in the New York outpost as much as my wallet allows.
Brian William Waddell is a foodie, beer geek, and author. His numerous blog posts range from food to politics. He also has a book of poetry, Fractured Prose, available here, and is ready to publish his second poetic endeavor.
Showing posts with label Thai. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thai. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
Goodbye Las Vegas!
I've now officially been a New Yorker for one week. I have found a job, a place to live, and a few decent places to eat. But I want to take this time to talk about the restaurants that I will be hard pressed to replace even here in the Big Apple. I will miss a few Las Vegas places immensely.
Settebello- New Yorkers think their pizza places trump all others. But in my book this Henderson based Neapolitan style pizza joint beats anything I've had here. With their wood fired oven and fresh toppings the pies here are smoky and earthy in a way coal fired and gas ovens just can't match. I may find something to match it here with a little searching, but I don't think I will find a place to beat it.
Aburiya Raku- Japanese restaurants are not exactly rare in New York City, but finding a place of this caliber with a price point to match will not happen here. This robata grill restaurant offers some of the best small plate options I've had anywhere and it does not break the bank. A party of two can easily get out of here full for under sixty dollars sans alcohol. This is the place you must go if you can get off the strip in Las Vegas.
Bluefin Sushi and Roll- Literally a mom and pop place, this standalone sushi place in a strip mall truly stands alone when it comes to quality and value. I can't count the number of times that I visited Bluefin, but it was more often than any other restaurant in Las Vegas. Before I found this tiny sushi bar about a year ago, I spent countless dollars in sub par establishments just trying to find that one place I could call my home away from home. I could probably pay my NYC rent for the next six months with all that dough. Flawless cuts of fish on well made rice and friendly service make this a can't miss local haunt.
Lotus of Siam- It seems there are Thai places on every other block in New York, but I haven't found one to compare to Lotus, yet. Even usually mundane dishes like Pad Thai are an experience not to be missed at this now large establishment in the same mall as the famous Green Door sex club. The service is spotty, but that cannot overshadow the sublime food and wonderful wine list. The execution and recipes here are top flight.
These four places are all Las Vegas Valley originals that are great at their respective cuisine. Sure, being on the East Coast means no In-n-Out, but we have Shake Shack and some other burger joints which are as good, albeit more expensive. There are other places I wish I could have brought with me, but the restaurants listed above are the best at what they do in Las Vegas and could compete with, if not beat, anything out here.
Brian William Waddell is a foodie, beer geek, and author. His numerous blog posts range from food to politics. He also has a book of poetry, Fractured Prose, available here, and is ready to publish his second poetic endeavor.
Settebello- New Yorkers think their pizza places trump all others. But in my book this Henderson based Neapolitan style pizza joint beats anything I've had here. With their wood fired oven and fresh toppings the pies here are smoky and earthy in a way coal fired and gas ovens just can't match. I may find something to match it here with a little searching, but I don't think I will find a place to beat it.
Aburiya Raku- Japanese restaurants are not exactly rare in New York City, but finding a place of this caliber with a price point to match will not happen here. This robata grill restaurant offers some of the best small plate options I've had anywhere and it does not break the bank. A party of two can easily get out of here full for under sixty dollars sans alcohol. This is the place you must go if you can get off the strip in Las Vegas.
Bluefin Sushi and Roll- Literally a mom and pop place, this standalone sushi place in a strip mall truly stands alone when it comes to quality and value. I can't count the number of times that I visited Bluefin, but it was more often than any other restaurant in Las Vegas. Before I found this tiny sushi bar about a year ago, I spent countless dollars in sub par establishments just trying to find that one place I could call my home away from home. I could probably pay my NYC rent for the next six months with all that dough. Flawless cuts of fish on well made rice and friendly service make this a can't miss local haunt.
Lotus of Siam- It seems there are Thai places on every other block in New York, but I haven't found one to compare to Lotus, yet. Even usually mundane dishes like Pad Thai are an experience not to be missed at this now large establishment in the same mall as the famous Green Door sex club. The service is spotty, but that cannot overshadow the sublime food and wonderful wine list. The execution and recipes here are top flight.
These four places are all Las Vegas Valley originals that are great at their respective cuisine. Sure, being on the East Coast means no In-n-Out, but we have Shake Shack and some other burger joints which are as good, albeit more expensive. There are other places I wish I could have brought with me, but the restaurants listed above are the best at what they do in Las Vegas and could compete with, if not beat, anything out here.
Brian William Waddell is a foodie, beer geek, and author. His numerous blog posts range from food to politics. He also has a book of poetry, Fractured Prose, available here, and is ready to publish his second poetic endeavor.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
The Travel Post
Over the past two months I spent about a week and a half in different parts of California, and it was great. The weather was great. The food was great. The friends and family I got to see were, well, you get the picture. So here's a quick rundown of what I ate and where and, of course, if you should follow suit.
Los Angeles:
Bottega Louie-- A huge, beautiful space with high ceilings and marble floors. Good solid food and vast small plate options make this a definite foodie-friendly spot. Don't expect to hear what the person across the table from you says, though, as it is monstrously loud in here. Service is spot-on and prices are definitely in line for the quality of the food. I can't recommend a first date or business meeting here, but if you take your nagging significant other it may be one of the best restaurant experiences you ever have.
City Hall Farmers Market-- No clue what the name of the place selling the pupusas with the grilled plantains and fruit drinks was, but I'm sure this is the best way to experience their El Salvadorean cuisine anyway. The pupusa was tasty and the plantains were beautifully caramelized. The watermelon juice was much more watered down than it should have been, but everyone has to make money. A seat on the edge of a fountain while music plays on a sunny Southern California day makes everything better, but the food would have been yummy without the amenities.
Cafe Pinot-- Ah, the Patina Group. Their restaurants range from the sublime to the sub-par. This one, unfortunately, lay closer to the sub-par side than the other. The cooking here is widely uninspired in spite of their proximity to such a grand source of inspiration as the Los Angeles County Library must be. The specials are anything but. The basics here are executed fairly well, but this place is more miss than hit. Oh well, I needed something to complain about on this trip anyway.
San Francisco:
Gary Danko-- Anyone who really knows me, knows Gary Danko has been on my mind since my first visit over three years ago. For good reason too. I'm not sure how, but I think they may have even upped their game at this amazing restaurant since then. Between myself, my best friend, and his girlfriend, we tried 14 different items on their menu. From fish to fowl, from app to dessert, there was not a slip-up or a miss among them. Everything is cooked to perfection, and the flavors are amazingly balanced. Service is perfect. In short, it's the best. Go. Now.
Modern Thai-- Techno music in a bright, vibrant space isn't usually a combination that screams good Thai food to me. In fact, I'm not sure what it screams, but the food here definitely qualifies as good to very good. It's no Lotus of Siam, but while in San Francisco you could definitely do worse.
Oakland:
Sidebar-- At this classy but relaxed place right off the lake, they like it when you eat locally. Even their bar menu features both classic and locavore versions of their cocktails. Solid food and drink in a friendly atmosphere. Unfortunately the service is spotty, otherwise a solid find in a town not known for cuisine.
Healdsburg:
Bovolo-- First, I saw on the website that their slogan is "Slow food... Fast!" I knew I had to go. Then I saw it was located at the back of a bookstore. I was no longer sure what I was getting into. I'm very glad we walked to the back of that bookstore and had the salad and sandwiches at this little counter service joint. Fresh, fast, and flavorful. It doesn't get much better than this when it comes to sandwiches. If you're in California wine country you need to check this place out.
Thumbprint Cellars-- Their tasting room in downtown Healdsburg is currently inhabited by paintings of meditating superheroes, which made this place a winner before I even had a sip. Then I had a few sips and found a few new favorite wines. All small production stuff that totally rocked my socks. Certainly a must visit the next time you're in that neck of the woods. And, if you want to give me an awesome $2000 gift, buy me the meditating Superman while there.
San Leandro:
Joaquin Deli-- I know what you're thinking, "You went to San Leandro just to go to a deli? Not some fancy French place or some other ethnic gem?" My answer is yes, and I would do it again. The sandwiches were great, fresh and vibrant in flavor. It's a tiny counter service place in a converted house. Are the meats the same quality as Bovolo above? No, but at about 40% cheaper and an hour closer to my friend's apartment, I'll take the minor step down.
So, for those of you who weren't there, be jealous of my recent California treks. If not because of the (mostly) outstanding food, then certainly because of the spectacular weather and sights which inhabit those areas. And if you were there, still be jealous because I had you for company.
Brian William Waddell is a foodie, beer geek, and author. His numerous blog posts range from food to politics. He also has a book of poetry, Fractured Prose, available here, and is ready to publish his second poetic endeavor.
Los Angeles:
Bottega Louie-- A huge, beautiful space with high ceilings and marble floors. Good solid food and vast small plate options make this a definite foodie-friendly spot. Don't expect to hear what the person across the table from you says, though, as it is monstrously loud in here. Service is spot-on and prices are definitely in line for the quality of the food. I can't recommend a first date or business meeting here, but if you take your nagging significant other it may be one of the best restaurant experiences you ever have.
City Hall Farmers Market-- No clue what the name of the place selling the pupusas with the grilled plantains and fruit drinks was, but I'm sure this is the best way to experience their El Salvadorean cuisine anyway. The pupusa was tasty and the plantains were beautifully caramelized. The watermelon juice was much more watered down than it should have been, but everyone has to make money. A seat on the edge of a fountain while music plays on a sunny Southern California day makes everything better, but the food would have been yummy without the amenities.
Cafe Pinot-- Ah, the Patina Group. Their restaurants range from the sublime to the sub-par. This one, unfortunately, lay closer to the sub-par side than the other. The cooking here is widely uninspired in spite of their proximity to such a grand source of inspiration as the Los Angeles County Library must be. The specials are anything but. The basics here are executed fairly well, but this place is more miss than hit. Oh well, I needed something to complain about on this trip anyway.
San Francisco:
Gary Danko-- Anyone who really knows me, knows Gary Danko has been on my mind since my first visit over three years ago. For good reason too. I'm not sure how, but I think they may have even upped their game at this amazing restaurant since then. Between myself, my best friend, and his girlfriend, we tried 14 different items on their menu. From fish to fowl, from app to dessert, there was not a slip-up or a miss among them. Everything is cooked to perfection, and the flavors are amazingly balanced. Service is perfect. In short, it's the best. Go. Now.
Modern Thai-- Techno music in a bright, vibrant space isn't usually a combination that screams good Thai food to me. In fact, I'm not sure what it screams, but the food here definitely qualifies as good to very good. It's no Lotus of Siam, but while in San Francisco you could definitely do worse.
Oakland:
Sidebar-- At this classy but relaxed place right off the lake, they like it when you eat locally. Even their bar menu features both classic and locavore versions of their cocktails. Solid food and drink in a friendly atmosphere. Unfortunately the service is spotty, otherwise a solid find in a town not known for cuisine.
Healdsburg:
Bovolo-- First, I saw on the website that their slogan is "Slow food... Fast!" I knew I had to go. Then I saw it was located at the back of a bookstore. I was no longer sure what I was getting into. I'm very glad we walked to the back of that bookstore and had the salad and sandwiches at this little counter service joint. Fresh, fast, and flavorful. It doesn't get much better than this when it comes to sandwiches. If you're in California wine country you need to check this place out.
Thumbprint Cellars-- Their tasting room in downtown Healdsburg is currently inhabited by paintings of meditating superheroes, which made this place a winner before I even had a sip. Then I had a few sips and found a few new favorite wines. All small production stuff that totally rocked my socks. Certainly a must visit the next time you're in that neck of the woods. And, if you want to give me an awesome $2000 gift, buy me the meditating Superman while there.
San Leandro:
Joaquin Deli-- I know what you're thinking, "You went to San Leandro just to go to a deli? Not some fancy French place or some other ethnic gem?" My answer is yes, and I would do it again. The sandwiches were great, fresh and vibrant in flavor. It's a tiny counter service place in a converted house. Are the meats the same quality as Bovolo above? No, but at about 40% cheaper and an hour closer to my friend's apartment, I'll take the minor step down.
So, for those of you who weren't there, be jealous of my recent California treks. If not because of the (mostly) outstanding food, then certainly because of the spectacular weather and sights which inhabit those areas. And if you were there, still be jealous because I had you for company.
Brian William Waddell is a foodie, beer geek, and author. His numerous blog posts range from food to politics. He also has a book of poetry, Fractured Prose, available here, and is ready to publish his second poetic endeavor.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Where I've Eaten Lately
An amateur food critic is at the mercy of his own pocketbook. Mine has not been very full lately, and, therefore, I haven't been doing too much eating out worthy of comment. I have been a couple places without reviewing them, so I will give them a little shout here.
I've heard for a few years that Pin Kaow, a Las Vegas Thai chain (3 in the valley), is at least serviceable and sometimes better than that. At lunch last week I found their Henderson location to be good at the basics we tried. The Pad Thai is definitely a good rendition, and since they are much closer to me than Lotus of Siam, I will probably be back sooner than later. The other items we tried were all fresh and tasty. The restaurant is nicely appointed and the service is solid (a notable departure from the other Thai place above).
Ping Pang Pong has been the place for dim sum in Las Vegas for as long as I've lived here, but I had never been there until a Mothers Day weekend visit with my parents and girlfriend. Lately there has been a buzz about China Mama and Beijing Noodle No. 9 for some of their dim sum items, but if they truly are better than triple P, I will be surprised (This next month is going to be busy for me on the Asian restaurant front). The dim sum selections are wonderfully executed, other selections are equally tasty, and the service is brisk and adequate.
All of the Green Valley area of Henderson seems to be abuzz about The Cracked Egg's fourth valley location in the Smith's shopping center at Green Valley and the 215. I went and found that, despite my doubts, there was a good reason for all the buzz. No matter what you order be sure to get some of their coffee cake. Fresh, warm and seemingly always with a different thing thrown into the mix (chocolate chips, apples, or cherries for instance), it is worth the trip by itself. Eggs are cooked to order correctly, everything tastes fresh, and service is on par with, if not a little better than, other good breakfast joints.
I have, no pun intended, heard mixed reviews of Mix at The Hotel at Mandalay Bay since before I moved to town. I now know the reason why. The restaurant itself is beautiful. From the view to the sedate yet surprisingly beautiful dining room, you can't go wrong with the ambiance here. The service matches the restaurant itself in its elegance and near perfection. The problem is, I don't go to restaurants for the ambiance. It helps, no doubt, when wooing a member of the opposite sex or a prospective client, but when I go to eat, I go to eat. I found the food to be haphazardly executed. The menu is well stocked with great combinations but the things I tried were not executed at close to the level that befits the price tag.
I guess I haven't been eating that poorly really. Throw in a couple requisite late night trips to Raku and the past month has provided some adequate, and sometimes superb, victuals. The next month and a half should hold Wazuzu, China Mama, Beijing Noodle No. 9, wherever I eat in Los Angeles, and of course a little Raku. Looks tasty.
Brian William Waddell is a foodie, beer geek, and author. His numerous blog posts range from food to politics. He also has a book of poetry, Fractured Prose, available here, and is ready to publish his second poetic endeavor.
I've heard for a few years that Pin Kaow, a Las Vegas Thai chain (3 in the valley), is at least serviceable and sometimes better than that. At lunch last week I found their Henderson location to be good at the basics we tried. The Pad Thai is definitely a good rendition, and since they are much closer to me than Lotus of Siam, I will probably be back sooner than later. The other items we tried were all fresh and tasty. The restaurant is nicely appointed and the service is solid (a notable departure from the other Thai place above).
Ping Pang Pong has been the place for dim sum in Las Vegas for as long as I've lived here, but I had never been there until a Mothers Day weekend visit with my parents and girlfriend. Lately there has been a buzz about China Mama and Beijing Noodle No. 9 for some of their dim sum items, but if they truly are better than triple P, I will be surprised (This next month is going to be busy for me on the Asian restaurant front). The dim sum selections are wonderfully executed, other selections are equally tasty, and the service is brisk and adequate.
All of the Green Valley area of Henderson seems to be abuzz about The Cracked Egg's fourth valley location in the Smith's shopping center at Green Valley and the 215. I went and found that, despite my doubts, there was a good reason for all the buzz. No matter what you order be sure to get some of their coffee cake. Fresh, warm and seemingly always with a different thing thrown into the mix (chocolate chips, apples, or cherries for instance), it is worth the trip by itself. Eggs are cooked to order correctly, everything tastes fresh, and service is on par with, if not a little better than, other good breakfast joints.
I have, no pun intended, heard mixed reviews of Mix at The Hotel at Mandalay Bay since before I moved to town. I now know the reason why. The restaurant itself is beautiful. From the view to the sedate yet surprisingly beautiful dining room, you can't go wrong with the ambiance here. The service matches the restaurant itself in its elegance and near perfection. The problem is, I don't go to restaurants for the ambiance. It helps, no doubt, when wooing a member of the opposite sex or a prospective client, but when I go to eat, I go to eat. I found the food to be haphazardly executed. The menu is well stocked with great combinations but the things I tried were not executed at close to the level that befits the price tag.
I guess I haven't been eating that poorly really. Throw in a couple requisite late night trips to Raku and the past month has provided some adequate, and sometimes superb, victuals. The next month and a half should hold Wazuzu, China Mama, Beijing Noodle No. 9, wherever I eat in Los Angeles, and of course a little Raku. Looks tasty.
Brian William Waddell is a foodie, beer geek, and author. His numerous blog posts range from food to politics. He also has a book of poetry, Fractured Prose, available here, and is ready to publish his second poetic endeavor.
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