NYC Tastes

Mr. T and I took the trek over to Jersey City last Saturday to visit one of our old favorites Thirty Acres. The restaurant was packed when we arrived right around 1:30 but luckily we only had to wait 15 minutes for a table.  We got a spot right near the window, perfect for watching the snow fall and started off with a few drinks...mimosa for me and a Head High IPA from New Jersey's own Kane Brewing for Mr. T. Perusing the brunch menu I remembered why I love Thirty Acres so much- I wanted everything!  I couldn't decide...go savory with a Spanish Tortilla covered in ancho almond sauce or sweet with a big floppy Dutch Baby covered in lemon and powdered sugar.  As usual I went back and forth until the waitress arrived when I heard myself say "I'll have the grits please".   Mr. T looked at me like I was crazy...damn order anxiety. Luckily my choice turned out to be great because this dish was fantastic.  A big bowl of buttery grits, two fried eggs, scallions and...

As I looked back on the past year I was seriously humbled by the amount of amazing places I've had the opportunity to enjoy.  I am so lucky to live in this wonderful city and don't take a moment for granted.  Hopefully this will serve as a guide for those of you trying to pick out some tasty meals in 2013.  It's not all new for 2012 but it was all new to me! Enjoy! Best Chocolatier- Chocolat Moderne This little shop on the 9th floor of an office building may be challenging to find but impossible to forget. Joan and her husband are creating incredible combinations such as Dark Chocolate Lime Toffee, Salted Espresso Milk Chocolate Caramel and Kalamto Olive with Sea Salt.  The patterns are almost to beautiful to eat but don't let the look fool you...they're way to delicious to leave for eyes only. Best Brunch (High End)-  Locanda Verde From the warm seasonal doughnuts (think apple cider in fall and fresh blueberry in ...

Mr. T and I loved Thirty Acres so much on our first trip we decided to head back over to Jersey City to check out some new additions to their menu.  To begin Pan-Roasted Mussels with kielbasa, celery, Sichuan pepper and ciabatta. When this dish arrived I was overcome by the sweet, funky smell of sausage.  This brought me right back to my youth standing in my grandmother's kitchen.   I could almost see her stirring the pot as she cooked soup, dropping big chunks of kielbasa into the broth.  Of course she never cooked mussels but I'm pretty sure she would have loved this dish. Of course I had to get the wonderful oysters from last time just for the tangy beet cocktail sauce.  Then it was onto pasta for the Cavatelli with chorizo, zucchini, mint, ricotta salata and apples. I have never been a big fan of mint OR fruit in my pasta but somehow it worked here.  The chorizo gave the sauce a nice richness making this a unique homey dish.  Last bu...

Just a twenty minute subway (PATH) ride away is a cute, airy and welcoming restaurant from a Momofuku alum- Thirty Acres.  Let's talk food.   To begin Oysters with a Beet Cocktail Sauce. Let's check out this oyster up close- Yum.... Grilled Octopus with chipotle, eggplant, oregano and lemon. Beet Salad with cherries, ricotta, mint and pine nuts. Fingerling Potatoes with bacon, creme fraiche and chives. Whole Brook Trout with summer squash, bell pepper and bacon. And to finish a homey and tart lemon bar with whipped cream. From the crispy skin on the trout to the smokiness of the bacon in the potatoes, this meal was spot on.  Every dish was creative and delicious with big bold flavors.  This chef certainly knows what he's doing in the kitchen. Oh and the best part- it's BYOB right now!  Mr. T and I picked a fantastic bottle of Savigonon Blanc from Jersey Wine next door and even scored two b...