Yes, the rumors are true. Yesterday was my b-day. And, yes, once again I turned 25. How many times have I celebrated my 25th now?...Oh my, I've gotten so old I can't remember.
Well, in true "VittlesVamp" style, I decided to enjoy festivities at not one, not two, but three dinners with friends over the weekend, which extended into Monday, since I took the day off. All in all, must say I highly recommend this gameplan. Going out in three smaller groups permitted me to actually be able to speak with all of my friends over dinner. Besides, who can argue with three days of celebration?
And, now onto the restaurants:
On Saturday night I was joined by pals at Le Zoccole in the East Village. I'd been to its Chelsea sister Le Zie for its famous Cichetti - a multi-tiered platter of Venetian appetizers - and couldn't imagine that this new Alphabet City offshoot would miss.
Miss it did not.
When did I know?
When they brought out a bowl brimming with the chef's incendiary Macaroni & Cheese topped with slices of sumptious black truffle. Needless to say, the perfect appetizer for five. Mmmm...
We also kicked around a couple of salads with roasted beets, marinated leeks and string beans, a toasted round of goat cheese and a sprinkle of walnuts for good measure. (Nutritionally, we thought it vital to have some veggies to offset the Mac & Cheese. This selection counts, right?)
We continued our "kicking around" theme and split the Linguine with Clams, Garlic & Olive oil, Salmon with a Horseradish Crust and Spinach, a decadent square of Lasagna and a Red Snapper baked in a mound of sea salt. Everything was delicious.
And, then there was dessert: creamy Tiramisu, a warm chocolate oozing cake called Cioccolatissimo and an ethereal Bread Pudding. The latter was so divine that my friend Jenn couldn't control her sweet-tooth and ordered an additional one for the table.
We capped the evening off with bottle of Prosecco and I was bubbly all the way home.
Sunday night, I joined a couple of friends at an old favorite: Hell's Kitchen. The restaurant is a relaxed, elegant spot in - you guessed it - Hell's Kitchen. The food is nouvelle Mexican. And, you've got to think that if it's an old favorite that the vittles are top-notch.
Your thinking is quite correct.
As a special surprise, Amy brought along the sommelier from Union Pacific, so we had a pro at the wheel of the wine list. His first pick was a not too sweet Riesling, which we sipped with our appetizers: tender, sweet rings of Calamari cooked in a fragrant broth with salty veggies and Chayote and Portabello Mushroom Rolls with a Chipolte Pepper sauce. The rolls were a definite winner - with their delectable combination of crunch and spice.
Then, we shared a bottle of Rodney Strong Zinfandel with our entrees. My choice was inspired by discussion of The Red Meat Club: a beatifully charred on the outside, ruby on the inside, spice rubbed Steak with sweet potato fries and sauteed endive served on top of a plate graced with a glistening port wine sauce. Laurel's entree was also delightful: Plantain-Crusted Halibut.
It was almost a shame to have the meal come to a close, but we all found solace in the dessert: Cinnamon Ice Cream with Wedding Cakes.
And, yesterday - on the big b-day itself - my friends Celeste and Stacie joined me for the $25 3-course prix fixe at Le Tableau. The room was deep red, accented with garlands of evergreen and small Christmas lights. It was the idyllic bistro.
In sharp contrast to the setting, our waitress ambled over with glazed eyes and a drugged out expression. We were all a bit concerned. But, as the evening wore on, she seemed to gather herself together and shaped up quite nicely. (Couldn't figure out if the drugs helped or hurt. Then again, she might have just been riding a sugar rush from too much holiday chocolate. Heaven knows, I've fallen victim to that myself.)
The food was sublime. I started with a Roasted Red Beet Gateau topped with Montrachet and Sliced Almonds, surrounded by a rich mustardy dressing and a ring of deep green olive oil. Celeste's appetizer was also incredibly good: a Camembert Phyllo Purse with sauteed dried fruit. The melty cheese, crisp phyllo and sweet fruit made for a beautiful marriage of flavors and textures.
Sharing a bottle of Malbec, the main courses lived up to the promise of the appetizers. I was enthralled by my "Flintstone" sized lamb shank precariously balanced on mashed potatoes with haricot vert for color and crunch. Stacie's Pan Roasted Diver Scallops were equally flavorful, but much more modest in portion.
The desserts were swoon-worthy with Celeste's pick being the best of the bunch: a light, almost Panna Cotta-textured Fromage Blanc Cheesecake, plated with gorgeous lavender scoop of Concord Grape ice cream.
And, after three nights, three birthday dinner and three requisite birthday candles to blow-out, what did I wish for? I'll never tell. But, if I had simply wished to come back to all three restaurants again, it wouldn't have been a mistake!
