A morning shop in the south end

The signs aren't huge, so keep an eye out once you cross 2nd Ave going out the Avenue

There are a few parking spaces in the plaza but the street may work better for you.

After hearing much about All Good Bakers and The Cheese Traveler I finally made it out to the modest little shops on Delaware Ave, just north of Nicole's Restaurant and Mingle, tucked a bit back from the street.

They were a complete delight.  I picked up a small slice of French aged goat cheese that has one of those phenomenal flavors that keeps unfolding as you and it get more and more intimate with each other. I also got a small log of fresh goat cheese, a pack of frozen sweet Italian sausage, Jan's crackers (my most favorite crackers ever in my whole life), and of course some bread.

Garden Bistro

Due to a sort of wandering around on Friday I ended up at Garden Bistro in Central Square Plaza. The Central Square Plaza is out Central Ave. across from the Kohl's Plaza, just before you reach route 155.  It has a mish mash of businesses, and the Garden Bistro is tucked in the middle.  I had the mussels with lemon pesto sauce.  I LOVE this dish.  I asked for a spoon in order to get every bit of the amazing perfectly balanced sauce which is generously providing a soupy delightful bath for the mussels. Thin slices of tender onion, basel and fresh tomato are swimming contentedly among the nuggets of tastiness.

I prefaced the feast with a huge and delicious martini, and that added quite a happy glow to the occasion. Pommes frites, with ketchup and a horseradish mayo sauce are the standard companion for all the mussels.

I've been to the bistro a few times and have not been able to get past the mussels because they are just so lovely.  They do have a menu that should make a party happy even for those who do not care for mussels, and they always have a special in each category.  Besides the lemon pesto sauce for the mussels there are also a suite of other well-balanced flavors that complement the delicate mussel flavor.

The ambiance in the bistro is warm with browny reds and despite the lack of carpeting, the sound level is busy but very comfortable.  There's a small bar and a good sized dining room.  It was full on Friday, as it should be, since there is much comfort and refreshment to be had within.

I highly recommend the mussels, but it is worth a visit no matter what your mood.

Oh my pesto sauce at Elda's

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.

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!!!

http://nudelrestaurant.com/

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.

Pasta special at Baba Louie's

This looks like it would be bland, but the sauce was wine, lemon, capers and garlic.  It was perfectly tasty and made a good lunch.

-- Sent from my Palm Pre