Wednesday, March 28, 2012

The Point revisited

Being weary on a Tuesday evening I spied the mid-town restaurant The Point and instantly recalled a rather good experience in the past.  So I entered and was politely greeted and given a table right away. There was a nice buzz going in the bar and people looked comfortable.



Not having had a Manhattan in many years, I was inspired to have one from the ample cocktails menu. It was delightful and produced a warm glow to match the warm and cozy feeling in the room.

I ordered from the Prix fixe menu - but it took me a long time and about half way through the Manhattan to decide because so many dishes looked attractive.


I began with the butternut squash soup with maple creme and candied walnut dust. After tasting the degree of sweetness, I added salt and pepper to tone things down a bit.  After several spoons full, I realized that it was actually a squash foam due to significant over blending.  That texture made it difficult to eat as a soup.  Perhaps it would have been nice as a mousse.

The view of Madison Ave. is lovely,

and the ceiling mirrors add a bit of quirkiness or interest.

My main course was the chicken chassure and it was lovely.  The accompanying vegetables would have been better off left to themselves without the thick coating of garlic and I-don't-know-what, and the roasted potatoes were a welcome relief.

The pistaccio gelato was very mild and the finishing sauces provided a bit of a puzzle.  The spoon was constructed so that it was not capable of picking up the sauce, only smearing it around the bowl.  When I rested the spoon the back of the handle was immediately covered in the sauce, which then became distributed over my hands and into the napkin.  Ahem.

So although a good-looking meal in a handsome restaurant, there was a bit more style than substance and I went away wishing for a cleaner and less fussy meal using most of the same flavors and bringing them back down to a meal that wasn't so over-produced.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Nudel

On Friday I had the opportunity to try Nudel in Lenox, MA.

It was lovely.  I recall  a deli and about four other restaurants for the same location on Church Street.

I had two small plates and a grapefruit soda.  The turkey nuggets small plate is a true delight.  It was all you might want with crunchy supremely tasty hot nuggets balanced with a creamy mustard sauce and apple salad with cabbage.  I also had the pear and black radish salad and it was lovely.  I especially enjoyed the bright blue cheese flavor and the crunch of the pumpkin seeds.

Their explanation will be better than mine regarding their use of local organic foods whenever possible.

Next time I must dive into the pasta menu!!!

I'm Baaaaaack: Pho Yum


Ever since I went to Tomukun in Ann Arbor last fall I've been craving good noodle soups and Pho Yum satisfied that craving last Wednesday.

I ordered the 3 beef soup with meatballs, brisket and beef eye round.  As at Tomukun, which also serves ramen and soba and udon, The condiments were brought to the table while the soup was loaded together.  The broth was so delicious that I slurped it all down first, then tackled the noodles, meats and vegetables.

Everything on the menu is moderately priced and the place is not fancy, but I'm definitely going back for the noodles.