Bites from the Road

Brunch at Casa Ortega, Wappinger Falls, NY

Fermin Ortega and his wife Mayra moved from Queens to Wappinger Falls about a year before the pandemic to open Casa Ortega with Mayra's brother Irvin Gonzaga. Albert, our friend who we were visiting, dines here twice a week. Hence, we ended up there when visiting him.  I started with a spicy, nicely balanced bloody Mary for only $7. Sticker shock for me, who's used to Manhattan prices. We started with their housemade guacamole ($12) with warm chips, salsa and salsa verde. For brunch, Albert always has their golden brown pancakes with maple syrup and crisp bacon ($10). I ordered huevos rancheros ($13), my favorite Mexican breakfast, requesting poached, not [...]

By |2022-07-28T16:40:11-04:00July 21st, 2022|Bites from the Road, USA, USA Restaurants|0 Comments
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John Fraser’s Iris, Midtown, NYC

John Fraser's new Aegean-cuisine Iris was on my ever-growing to-try list. I started chatting with the manager when we both realized we had recently met (and exchanged cards!) at the Terrace at the Edition Hotel, another of JF Restaurant's locations.  It became more of a drinking lunch as we were outside at this location near Carnegie Hall enjoying one of spring's perfect days. I first sampled the Iris Manhattan ($19) made with Makers Mark and served with a mini-spoon containing a Luxardo cherry, my more adventurous dining partner ordered the Son of Aphrodite ($21) that blended saffron-infused Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, passion fruit and yellow chartreuse. I moved on to [...]

By |2022-06-19T10:21:42-04:00June 17th, 2022|Bites from the Road, NYC Restaurant Reviews|0 Comments
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Breakfast at Willa Jean, New Orleans, LA

We were in New Orleans for a fund-raiser for their Les Dames d'Escoffier chapter's "Diggin NoLa: A culinary affair with the Big Easy." One morning, we headed for breakfast at Willa Jean, a retro-chic café offering Southern breakfasts and baked goods opened by Chef Kelly Fields in the Central Business District in downtown New Orleans. I began with a mimosa ($10) followed by a breakfast plate containing their amazing biscuits, cheese grits, bacon, sausage and eggs ($16). I had my eggs poached, one of my dining partners had hers scrambled. Truly the best breakfast I had in New Orleans! My other dining partner ate their pastrami smoked salmon with fries [...]

By |2022-05-08T09:20:13-04:00April 26th, 2022|Bites from the Road, USA, USA Restaurants|0 Comments
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Nina Compton’s Compare Lapin, New Orleans

First stop on my New Orleans eating adventure was Compare Lapin, the sophisticated eatery serving Caribbean- and European-accented New Orleans flavors located in Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery. Chef Nina Compton, who hails from St. Lucia, was unable to join us. She sent us bubbly before she had to depart ($18 each). Don't miss her flaky buttermilk biscuits with both honey and bacon butter ($6/2). We used them to sop up the sauce from both the tuna ceviche ($17) in tiger's milk (Leche de Tigre) topped with crisp yucca strips and the Calabrian butter in the five large broiled shrimp ($17). I'd recommend the tender curried goat with delicate [...]

By |2022-04-23T11:14:19-04:00April 21st, 2022|Bites from the Road, USA Restaurants, USA Travel|0 Comments
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Armani’s Cucina, Vero Beach, Florida

Our friends made a reservation at Armani Cucina, an Italian restaurant in a strip mall Vero Beach while we were visiting. The highlights of that dinner, graciously served, included their cold cannellini beans with warm grilled octopus ($18.95) and the warm garlicky knots ($6.95) as starters. The stand-out entree is their housemade pear & gorgonzola fiocchi in a creamy alfredo sauce drizzled with truffle oil ($21.95). It's so rich, I'd suggest that you share it.  That was delicious with the young Corvina Amarone, Tinazzi,  2018, Vento, Italy ($48) with its ripe red fruit notes. Armani's Cucina, 1920 14th Ave, Vero Beach, FL 32960 (772) 907-5774

By |2022-04-23T11:12:41-04:00April 19th, 2022|Bites from the Road, USA Restaurants|2 Comments
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Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine, Winter Park, Florida + Scenic Boat Tour

If you find yourself in Winter Park, Florida, do not miss a stop at Bosphorous, a Turkish restaurant serving Anatolian cuisine located near the train station and a 5-minute walk from the scenic boat tour we were planning to take on Winter Park's chain of Lakes. Our waitress Joy explained every part of the menu with a big smile on her face. Drinks first. On an Old Fashion kick, we tried theirs made with hand-selected Knob Creek Single Barrel Bourbon, muddled orange, cherry juice and house-made Turkish fig bitters ($13). Delicious. In addition, we ordered a Sevilen ($46) Turkish Sauvignon Blanc to accompany our meal. We started with their over [...]

By |2022-04-23T11:21:24-04:00April 15th, 2022|Bites from the Road, USA Restaurants|2 Comments
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Jaleo by José Andrés, Disney Springs, Orlando

As with José Andrés other Jaleo, this one highlights the spirit and flavors of Spain, showcasing the rich regional diversity of Spanish cuisine. I had been lucky enough to have been at Jaleo for its opening in Washington, DC many years ago so I was looking forward to experiencing his food and service again. It didn't disappoint. We started with perfect cocktails. I ordered their Jerez Old Fashion with Contradiction Bourbon, Spanish Solera brandy, a touch of cinnamon and fernet bitters ($15), one of the best Old Fashions I've experienced. My friends enjoyed their Agua de Sevilla with Bourbon, cava and pineapple flavored with sage and orange bitters ($15). Our [...]

By |2022-04-09T17:45:40-04:00April 11th, 2022|Bites from the Road, USA Restaurants, USA Travel|0 Comments
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A Return to South of Nick’s Mexican Kitchen + Bar, San Clemente, CA

It had been a couple years since I had been to San Clemente. It's where I rendezvous with a friend who I met in Europe over 50 years ago and it's where my son buys his Rainbow sandals. I walked down Aveninda Del Mar to see the sunset, then back up for a bite at South of Nick’s Mexican Kitchen + Bar hoping they still made their housemade jalapeño infused tequila for my margie.  Sadly they did not. They did though offer several other options. I tried their smokey pineapple ($14) one made with Los Vecinos mezcal, grilled pineapple, cilantro fresh Fresno chilies, lime and agave. I nibbled Nick's warm chips [...]

By |2022-04-09T17:54:13-04:00April 1st, 2022|Bites from the Road, USA Travel|0 Comments
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Con Pane Rustic Breads and Cafe, San Diego, CA

Landing in San Diego on my way to see my grandkids and attend the Super Bowl, I met my cousins for a quick bite at Con Pane Rustic Breads in Liberty Station not far from the airport. This shop offers handmade artisanal breads, decadent pastries and signature sandwiches. The breads get their complex flavor from levain (the French for leaven), a natural culture of wild yeast.  Had it been the end of my trip, I might have brought some home with me. Yes, that good. I had to try their unusual  turkey cobb sandwich. Roast turkey breast, Applewood smoked bacon, fresh avocado slices, crumbled Italian blue cheese, house-roasted Roma tomatoes [...]

By |2022-03-25T08:21:26-04:00March 28th, 2022|Bites from the Road, USA, USA Restaurants|0 Comments
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Breakfast at Dune Grass Cafe, Bay Head, NJ

While spending the weekend in Mantoloking, NJ, we headed to Dune Grass Cafe for breakfast one morning being invited by one of our friends who is their landlord. The warm and friendly cafe is family-owned and operated, and has been for decades. I couldn't resist their huevos ranchero ($12.95), one of my favorite breakfast items, as when we walked in I noticed another patron enjoying it. Their version contained two fried corn tortillas topped with black beans, poached eggs (my request), house-made salsa and queso fresco topped with fresh avocado. One friend enjoyed their three-cheese — American, Swiss and Mozzarella — omelet ($9.95) with home fries and toast, the other [...]

By |2022-03-14T21:14:14-04:00March 13th, 2022|Bites from the Road, USA Restaurants|0 Comments
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Brunch at Watertable Restaurant, Hyatt Huntington Beach, CA

My son chose the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach because of the waterslides for kids. Great choice as once my two grandchildren — Cole 6 and Eloise 3 — braved it, they were nonstop running up to and going down the slide into the kiddie pool! Many of our meals were eaten right near the slide, ordering from Shubee's, their poolside restaurant. One morning after collecting shells on the beach, we sat outside at Watertable Restaurant for breakfast. I started with their bloody Mary, my son their fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice. The kids ate chocolate chip pancakes plus fresh fruit and yogurt. My son had pancakes, too, but the zesty lemon-blueberry ones [...]

By |2022-02-22T13:41:48-05:00March 6th, 2022|Bites from the Road, USA, USA Restaurants|0 Comments
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Yummy Italian at Grandma’s Meatballs, Manasquan, NJ

While visiting a friend at the beach in Mantoloking (NJ) this winter, we dined out at a cozy, friendly Italian BYOB place in Manasquan. My friends at been many times as they have homes nearby; it was my first time and won't be my last. The service is warm and friendly, the food delicious. I tried their Bell & Evans panko-breaded chicken parmigiana baked with marinara sauce served with a choice of pasta ($27). With one friend raving about the rigatoni bolognese, I chose that for my "pasta" ($3 upcharge) with a side of garlicky broccoli rabe ($6). One friend indulged in their spaghetti bolognese ($26), the other in fettuccini [...]

By |2022-01-25T13:03:40-05:00March 2nd, 2022|Bites from the Road, USA Restaurants|0 Comments
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Super Bowl at SoFi Stadium Los Angeles + Tailgate

Who knew? I certainly didn't. The Super Bowl's main event is the game yet the NFL offers lots of pre- and post-parties and communications. Our tailgate began when the gates opened at 11:30. That party included non-stop entertainment headlined by The Chainsmokers and more food than possible to consume — although we tried — before heading into the stadium for the pre-show and 3:30 kickoff. These food photos are a smattering of what was offered including the cumin-spiced vegan taco, spicy tuna dip, chopped salad with tomatoes chickpeas and peperoncini, "cali" toast with cauliflower hummus and heirloom tomatoes; harvest grain kale salad with roasted butternut squash and farro; and my [...]

By |2022-02-24T06:39:35-05:00February 24th, 2022|Bites from the Road, USA, USA Restaurants, USA Travel|2 Comments
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Jazz Brunch at North Square, Washington Square, NYC

Every Sunday afternoon, North Square restaurant located in the Washington Square Hotel offers two jazz sets with brunch. One at 12:30, the other 2:15. The afternoon we went, the music was by the Roz Corral Trio with Roz as the vocal, Michael Kanan on the keyboard and Paul Gill on bass. We each had one of their brunch options and a bloody Mary (prix fixe $22). My friend tried the herb omelet with tomatoes and goat cheese served with a mesclun salad and undercooked potato cubes. I sampled the brunch tasting asking for poached eggs with pumpkin pecan pancakes, a chicken apple sausage and the same not fully cooked potato [...]

By |2021-11-08T09:17:19-05:00December 18th, 2021|Big Apple Life, Bites from the Road, NYC Restaurant Reviews|0 Comments
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Tastings at Signor Vineyards, Fredericksburg, Texas

We stopped in at Signor Vineyards when visiting friends in Fredericksburg, Texas to sample their wines.  My friend is a wine club member so two of our tastings ($20 each) were complimentary. The wines in our tasting included the 2019 Wildflower ($40.00), 2019 Pinot Noir- Rogue Valley ($58.00), 2016 Rochambeau ($42) and the 2019 Estate Tempranillo ($54). We sipped those while nibbling their charcuterie board ($30) that paired well with their wines. It featured cheese (Van Sorman, manchego, cheddar and smoked gouda) with soppressata, Spanish chorizo, nuts, dried & fresh fruit, cornichons, olives and crackers. I was so impressed with two of their wines that I decided to share (I [...]

By |2021-12-18T09:25:06-05:00December 6th, 2021|Bites from the Road, USA Travel|0 Comments
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Breakfast at Emma + Ollie, Fredericksburg, Texas

Emma + Ollie is a must-stop for breakfast when visiting Fredericksburg, a Texas town that disallows chains on Main Street. While we were waiting for a table, we watched their just-baked goodies in display case disappear. By the time we were seated, all of our selections were eaten. Luckily their hot powdered sugar-covered beignets are served all day (3 for $10). I'd highly recommend their tomato sourdough toast topped with CKC Farm's goat cheese, bacon jam. roasted tomatoes and fresh arugula with a poached organic egg. Also good were the Grit Girl cheese grits ($4) and the oh, so Southern "Pig Biscuit." That's a freshly made biscuit topped with a crumbled [...]

By |2021-12-05T17:06:37-05:00November 30th, 2021|Bites from the Road, USA Restaurants|0 Comments
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Shrimp Paesanos at Paesanos Riverwalk, San Antonio

"You must have shrimp Paesanos!" exclaimed my friend when she heard I was heading there for the Les Dames d'Escoffier conference.  She suggested sitting at the bar ordering, an appetizer portion of this legendary dish plus their special salad that wasn't on the menu. I was so glad I listened! After the conference, two friends and I walked the Riverwalk to Paesaons for this eponymous dish and that salad. Those three crunchy shrimp ($15) in a lemon-butter-garlic sauce hit the spot! Their special salad was no longer one that only insiders knew; it now appears on the menu. The romaine comes with hearts of palm, artichoke hearts, avocado chunks and [...]

By |2021-12-05T16:45:01-05:00November 23rd, 2021|Bites from the Road, USA Restaurants, USA Travel|0 Comments
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Lunch at Kod Kapetan, Hvar, Croatia

On our free day, we took the fast ferry from Split to Hvar to discover this summer resort island in the Adriatic Sea. Before stopping for lunch along the seaside, we walked up to the fortress with beautiful views overlooking the sea. After shopping at local shops, we headed seaside to find a place to dine. Kod Kapetan - near the beach club - was ideal, with good food and friendly service. We ordered what had become our favorite Croatian wine Pošip, this one a 2018 Marijan from Hvar. (180 kunas ~$28). The kitchen served us crisp bruschetta topped with fresh tomatoes. Divine. Next, we shared delicious prawns, even tho [...]

By |2021-11-21T11:46:13-05:00November 14th, 2021|Bites from the Road, USA, USA Restaurants, World, World Restaurants|0 Comments
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Dvor, Split, Croatia on the Adriatic Sea

Recommended in the Michelin Guide, Dvor opened in 2013. We sat outside on the terrace with a spectacular view of the Adriatic sea and Croatian islands beyond while being serenaded by a guitarist across the patio singing American songs. We all decided to have their five-course tasting menu (470 Kuna, ~$73.50) and ordered a bottle of white and red to accompany. Our first amazingly unusual dish — "Canelon" tuna with goose liver— was the favorite of the evening. Goose liver ganache wrapped in fresh tuna garnished with purple onion gel, pea gel, Jerusalem artichoke gel, black olive dust and Aceto Balsamico pearls. Fantastic. The smoked sea risotto was a runner-up [...]

By |2021-11-21T11:45:01-05:00November 6th, 2021|Bites from the Road, World, World Restaurants|0 Comments
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Another Cape Visit to Baxter’s Boathouse, Hyannis, MA

Seems I'm always drawn to Baxter's Boathouse when on the Cape. I've stopped at this Massachusetts institution almost every time I've been on the Cape since the 70s. My visit to friends in Osterville late this summer was no exception. Enjoyed the smoky taste of their grilled shrimp (5) and scallop (6) skewers with baked potato and their housemade coleslaw ($29). Also nicely done was their fried whole belly clam plate ($39) and the fried scallop plate ($28) each served with fries and coleslaw. I washed mine down with a glass of AIX rose ($13) I always recommend this seafood institution to anyone going to the Cape. Baxter's Boat House [...]

By |2021-10-23T11:16:48-04:00October 13th, 2021|Bites from the Road, USA Restaurants|0 Comments
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