Shake Shack
Who would believe that New Yorkers would stand in line for 1+ hours for a burger, fries and shake? This I had to see for myself so I plugged the address into my iPhone, got the walking directions from my Times Square hotel and started out to Madison Square Park, home of the original Shake Shack. I entered the park and at first, the line didn’t strike me… and then…. I saw it…. In fact, on the website, there is a Shack Cam that helps diners “plan accordingly”.
the line wrapped around one side of the park and there was a steady flow of people queuing up.
I took my place and pulled out Vanity Fair to read about Jessica Simpson and the tell-all interview with Bernie Madoff’s secretary and prepared to wait. There was a party of 6 friends behind me who had been before and this time they had come with beer. I had been told that it could take anywhere between 20-60 minutes to reach the front of the line and with the warm night of perfect weather it was looking like the longer side of 60.
With a limited number of items on the menu, ordering is easy. I went with the cheeseburger, fries and a beer. 10 minutes later, my order was up and I had found a bistro table under a tree to enjoy the fare.
Apparently people like to feed fries to squirrels because there were several running patterns around the tables looking for the most likely offering. The burger was good and so were the fries. I typically prefer thinly cut frites for fries and was slightly concerned when I saw the crinkle cuts sitting alongside the burger but they were tasty and nice and salty. Were they worth the >60 minute wait? Probably not again but for the experience, sure, why not.
When I got up to leave I checked out the line figuring it would have dissipated by then but to my surprise, it had doubled… did this mean the people at the end were in for a 2 hour wait? Only in New York….
mkmtEAT, mkmtGO | Comments (2)Franks is fabulous.
If you’re wondering where the duMonde has been, I can only say that it involved a lot of Anís and a Llama in the southern part of Spain. The local constabulary didn’t take too kindly to the antics of the duMonde and I was unceremoniously detained.
Thankfully, My Kitchen My Table saw it fit to bail me out and send me to Seattle to sample food and drink from the recently opened Frank’s Oyster House and Champagne Parlor.
Frank’s is the second restaurant by dynamic couple Felix and Sarah Penn. Their first Seattle venture, Pair, is a resounding success. Frank’s maintains the couples dedication to intimate, unpretentious dining in a unique atmosphere with extraordinary food. For the duMonde atmosphere is everything. Felix and Sarah took a unique approach when they built Frank’s. They chose to adorn the walls with all reclaimed wood. The decor feels right at home in the northwest local, and the food will right at home in your tummy. The duMonde gives Frank’s five out five shakes of the Cayenne.
franks restaurant seattle
mkmtEAT | Comment (0)Lights On Little Circus Animals!!
Who didn’t love Mother’s Cookies growing up? I know in my house they were always a staple – especially the Animal Cookies. What’s not to love about their pink and white frosting covered in sprinkles in elephant, camel, lion and other circus animal shapes.
And then, last October, after 92 years in business, they disappeared – poof! like a circus act gone wrong. Actually more like bankruptcy… so the little lady with the bun could bake but apparently she grew tired of cooking the books…
Today marks their return, gracing the cookie aisle at your favorite grocery store once again! I know what I’m serving for dessert tonight!
Lights on Little Circus Animals!!
mkmtEAT, mkmtLIVE | Comment (0)Westgate Hotel and Plaza Bar
On the same trip to San Diego that uncovered Anthony’s Seafood Grotto, I also discovered the five-star Westgate Hotel and the Plaza Bar tucked in the side corner of the lobby. This hotel is a hidden gem with that old world European feel. From the moment one walks inside and is surrounded by urns overflowing with lilies, snapdragons and roses, classic rococo desks, settees and sofas, and paintings by Rembrandt, one forgets they are in San Diego and is transported to a different place and time.
Conveniently located across the street from Horton Plaza shopping center, three blocks from the popular (although I’m not really sure why) Gas lamp district, and a few blocks away from the convention center, the Westgate is the perfect place to stay in downtown SD. I didn’t rent a car and found that everywhere I wanted to go was a walk or short taxi drive away.
The room was spacious and well appointed with a small balcony, large desk, inviting and comfortable king bed, armoire and 2 chairs – one oversized and with an ottoman. Compared to the small boutique hotels with closet sized-rooms that I have become accustomed to, the room at the Westgate was a castle! The bathroom was also large with marble counters and a large tub/shower that had exceptional water pressure.
The first night before dinner we popped into the Plaza Bar – a cozy oasis seemingly favored by the older local set and winner of the best piano bar award in San Diego magazine. The pianist was playing and the bartender in residence, James was clearly the master of his bar. It appeared that most of the patrons were known by name, as well as what songs they wanted to hear and what would best quench their thirst.
There was no question about James’ command of the martini – wet and dirty – expertly shaken and poured like a waterfall into the glass below – no splash or spills. By the time the glass was full Paul could hardly wait to bring it to his lips and take the first sip. It did not disappoint, we went back the following night for a repeat performance and will return the next time business or pleasure calls for a trip to San Diego.
mkmtEAT, mkmtGO | Comment (0)Anthony's Fish Grotto
I would normally steer clear of a place in a tourist town that calls itself a “fish grotto”. Perhaps it comes from living in San Francisco and knowing what lurks at Fisherman’s Wharf in quality, price gauging, and the tourist factor. So when researching where to eat on a recent trip to San Diego, I was surprised that the grotto appeared on the Best Seafood Restaurant in SD list. Not only was it on this year’s list but it has been on the list for 11 years. Still skeptical, I took a taxi from the airport to my hotel and as we drove by, the driver called out… “If you want a good seafood meal while you’re here, go to Anthony’s”. Upon check in I asked the concierge where I could get the best seafood dinner and guess what she answered. I had to go.
There are 3 Anthony’s in the SD area and I went to the original. It has occupied the same waterfront spot next to the glut of dinner and sunset cruise boats for 62 years. I was committed to giving it the benefit – hey, if it has spawned 2 off-spring, been in business for 62 years and voted best seafood restaurant in SD for the past 11 years, who was I to judge? Without a raised eyebrow, I sauntered through the front doors and was seated at a window table to overlook the view of Coronado Island and the bay. It was dark outside so I only saw the lights but at sunset time, this would be a sweet seat! Our waitress was the sweetest, most attentive little Hispanic lady; by the end of the meal I wanted to hug her and take her home.
As soon as we were seated there was water with lemon and warm bread served with insanely addicting sun-dried tomato butter. I could have eaten this all night if it weren’t for the fact that I placed an order for a cup of Mama Ghio’s Clam Chowder and the Lobster and Prawn Combo – that comes with a salad, baked potato, and vegetable. Paul ordered the Tuna Poke “Martini” and the catch of the day, Mahi-Mahi grilled with Pineapple Slaw and potatoes. Ok, the eyes were bigger than the stomachs and when the parade of food began to arrive we knew that we would be in for a night of good eating.
Anthony’s has seafood nailed. Each dish we were served exceeded expectations. All seafood was fresh and portions generous. My lobster tail came with the meat removed and resting in the tail and 5 large prawns. On the side was a lemon with a hairnet over the top so no rogue seeds would pop out – love that detail – and a ramekin of drawn warm butter, could it get better than this? 
Great service, fresh seafood and a good value… now I am a believer in the grotto and will go back again and send friends with a stellar reference! Does this beg the question…? Should those Fishermen’s Wharf Grotto’s be given a chance?
mkmtEAT | Comment (1)James Bond got it wrong, I'll take mine stirred.
by Louie DuMonde
I’ve always taken my gin martini shaken for no other reason than that’s the way it’s been served to me. In fact the aggressive one or two arm dance of the martini shaker evokes a Pavlovian reaction in me. The only choices I thought I had when ordering were; the type of gin, the level of dryness (I like to leave that to the bartender) and olives versus fruit (I like a twist).
Recently I had to catch a flight from Los Angeles to Las Vegas for a quick two hour drinks meeting with my publisher. All things being normal, in that my stomach wasn’t empty and I didn’t drink any faster than I normally do, I was feeling really groovy after finishing the first drink. By the conclusion of our meeting and the second martini, I was tossed.
I went up to the bartender and in my best attempt to not slur, I garbled “What the hell do you do to your martinis to make them so … you know … (slight swagger) fabulous?”
“We stir them. Shaking them dilutes the gin.” Came the response.
“Oh my.” I put my hand to my mouth like an interior decorator who just saw a room painted with avocado green walls. “I guess James Bond got it wrong eh?”
“Perhaps sir.”
Since then I’ve heard arguments for and against shaking versus stirring. To settle the matter definitively I engaged master barman and writer Jeff Burkhart. He made two flawless martinis, one stirred, one shaken. The stirred one revealed all the subtle flavors of the gin. The shaken one was a crisper experience that masked the subtle flavors making the prominent ones more prominent.
It was the kick of the stirred one that got my attention. The effects of the alcohol were sneaking up on me like a summer afternoon rain storm in the tropics. I decided I preferred the taste of the stirred martini. But in social situations requiring me to maintain my best behavior, a slowly sipped shaken martini is the answer. I believe that’s what James Bond thinks as well. A shaken gin or vodka martini will certainly leave you in better shape to save the world.
But how does that explain the Vesper?
mkmtEAT | Comment (0)Good Eats in AZ
A weekend of good eats was had in Arizona with special shout outs going to Nico’s Taco’s in Oro Valley (near Tucson) and radioMILANO in Phoenix.
Nico’s Taco’s is an unassuming Mexican spot in a strip mall in suburbia. Part of a local chain, this is the only one I’ve been to so I’m only able to vouch for its food.
Starving after a hike amongst the Suguaro cacti in Catalina State Park, we spotted Nico’s as we were driving to our hotel and it called to us. We each ordered two tacos and between 3 of us, there was enough food to feed 5! Two were with shredded chicken, two with carne asada and the last two carnitas. Served on corn tortillas, all soft but one, the tacos were overflowing with direct from the grill, meaty goodness, guacamole, shredded lettuce, grated cheese, a little sour cream and fresh salsa – two types, one red and one green, both hot, hot, hot!
What was lacking in atmosphere was made up for in portions. We sat at a table on the sidewalk next to the parking lot but were so focused on our taco consumption, we hardly noticed.
radioMILANO was a completely different experience altogether. Located not in a strip mall, but on a corner in Phoenix flanked by several other restaurants from LGO Hospitality – La Grande Orange Pizzeria, La Grande Orange Grocery, and Postino Winecafé, radioMILANO has a sophisticated suburban family sensibility about it. I would classify the menu as classic American comfort food with dishes that included spaghetti and meatballs, roasted chicken, and meatloaf. The stand out dish to me – also classic comfort food but with a refreshing twist – Deviled Eggs with Bacon and Chives. I’m working on getting the recipe to make for myself and share with you!
mkmtEAT | Comment (0)Paso Robles Wine Harvest Weekend
I had the good fortune to be invited to the Wine Harvest in Paso Robles at the beginning of October. One of the benefits of having a husband with a friend who shirked corporate America a few years ago and decided to make a career out of a passion by becoming a partner in the Four Vines winery. We stayed with our friend, Bill Grant of Four Vines and his girlfriend, Janell Dusi of J. Dusi Wines and were treated like special visitors everywhere we went.
The weekend was full beginning with a winemaker dinner on Friday night. Bistro Laurent paired with the Edward Sellers Winery and wine maker, Amy Butler did a top notch job pairing her wines with the menu.
The first course was Heirloom Tomato and Lobster Salad served with a 2005 Roussanne with 100% of its grapes coming from the Denner vineyard. This was followed by a Salmon appetizer paired with the ’06 Vertigo, a blend of Grenache, Mouvedre, and Syrah. The entrée was perfectly cooked, melt in the mouth tender local Paso lamb chops served with the ’04 Cuvée de Cinque, a blend of five grapes, all Rhone varietals.
At the end of the night there was a drawing for a magnum of Cuvée de Cinq signed by Amy Butler and guess who won? Lucky me! My tablemates were so excited that they all signed the box so I have a real memento of the evening and everyone with whom it was shared.
Saturday was spent wine tasting. We started with the Alternative BBQ at Four Vines– they’re in the process of increasing the size of the tasting room and adding an Oakville Grocer type deli so the BBQ was held outside. Winemaker, Chris Tietge is also a chef and put together an Asian inspired menu that featured chicken satay with peanut and tamarind sauces, cucumber salad, and pork finger sandwiches. Everything was grilled on the “Jimmy” flatbed truck grill. We couldn’t get enough!
After a couple hours, we headed down Vineyard Avenue to Denner Vineyards followed by Jada Vineyard with our final stop for the day at the newly opened, Jack Creek Cellars. We were greeted warmly at all wineries thanks to our friends and tasted some real treasures. The trunk of the car was full of wine by the time the day ended.
We grilled at Casa Billy Grant for dinner so our final stops were Pier 46 Seafood Company where we picked up some bright red sockeye salmon and fresh line caught wild halibut. Next we visited 15 Degrees Wine and Cheese shop where we picked up some cheese and dessert. We cooked up a storm while our host treated us to some special wines from his cellar – starting with vintage Ruinart champagne.
On Sunday Paul and I went to the plaza in downtown Paso and strolled around town, poking around in the boutiques, doing our best to stimulate the local economy. There has been a lot of rebuilding going on since the big earthquake in 2003 and the plaza reminded us of Sonoma or Healdsburg with a mixture of upscale shopping and good dining mixed in with a few stores that have been there for a long time.
We had lunch at the Crooked Kilt – a cavernous Irish pub that features every NFL Sunday football game on their many televisions. You guess why we chose this restaurant – Paul was in heaven! And, it turned out to be an excellent choice for food. I had a crisp Steak Salad with big cubes of Niman Ranch beef, pine nuts, blue cheese, avocado and onions mixed with Romaine. Paul went for the Frisco Burger a fat, juicy burger on sourdough bread with cheese and a little secret sauce.
After lunch we had a couple more wine tasting stops to make and we lingered at each one. Turley Wine Cellars was first on the list. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable and made us feel very welcome. Our last stop was Terry Hoage Vineyards. I was particularly impressed with the tasting room. It is a barn that was refaced with 300 year old wood from Terry’s family farm in Iowa. It was beautiful and brilliantly perched on top of the hill with panoramic views of the vines and some up and coming olive orchards. We chatted with Terry and his wife about their operation and enjoyed a sneak taste of some of the grapes that were just harvested.
And just when we thought we were going home we received the most generous invitation to have dinner with the first family of Paso. Every Sunday four generations gather and dine together. It was truly special to have been included in this warm and intimate family gathering.
When it was finally time to leave our hearts were happy and stomachs full. We spent the drive reminiscing about how much fun over the weekend and scheming about our return.
mkmtEAT, mkmtGO | Comment (0)Hotel ICON
Business took me to Houston. I wasn’t sure what to expect. I haven’t spent much time in Texas and had never been to Houston. I stayed downtown at the Hotel ICON, a luxury boutique hotel located in the former Union National Bank building that was built in 1911. After a $35 million renovation, it has received numerous awards including Condé Nast Traveler Hot List of Top 100 New Hotels in the World 2004. Besides, Anderson Cooper and the CNN staff stayed there during hurricane Ike – it was the only hotel in Houston that had power -if it was good for AC, it would be good for me.
The lobby is grand and beautifully designed in a contemporary, romantic, Texan style. Original details in this Neo-Classical building such as the massive vault behind the registration desk and the elevators have been left in tact. I was told that there was no getting the vault out of there! Another large vault in the basement has been turned into a wine cellar and private dining room. A bit of Texas slipped into the bar and covered the chairs with cowhide.
Service was friendly and hospitable. The hotel has a car for guests who need to be driven around the downtown area. This came in handy to me and was so much more pleasant that taking a taxi. The drivers were polite and knowledgeable. I asked many questions about where to eat and shop and got some good answers.
The rooms are spacious, comfortable, and well-appointed, also in a contemporary romantic style featuring lush fabrics and warm, vibrant colors. The desk had plenty of space to work, wi-fi, and an ergonomic chair that made working in my room a pleasure. The piece de la resistance was the Jacuzzi bath with a view into the bedroom. They call it “the ultimate bath”. I certainly enjoyed mine. True to Texas, the towel holder in the bathroom was a bull’s head with horns.
Despite some restaurant recommendations from friends and staff, I opted to dine in and went downstairs to Voice restaurant. Chef Michael Kramer took over 8 months ago and has made Voice a destination for fine dining in Houston. I feasted on the Gulf Blue Crab Cakes with avocado, shaved fennel and cilantro. There were two little round cakes and while they were tasty, they were not very substantial. The Hawaiian Hearts of Palm Salad with baby arugula, cucumber, almonds and white balsamic vinegar came next. I had ordered the other arugula salad on the menu and the waiter brought this one which while not what I was expecting was good, although I am not a hearts of Palm fan. 
Still hungry I ordered one more appetizer – Potato Gnocchi with morels, asparagus, and proscuitto. It was by far the best of the three, warm, flavorful and a decent sized portion for an appetizer. I left my bar table sated and ready to head back upstairs for the “ultimate bath”.
As seems to be the trend lately, there was one snafu. My room did not have hot water on the last day. I called the front desk and instead of ‘fessing up to what was going on, they said they’d send an electrician to take a look. I didn’t understand the correlation between electrician and water, and went downstairs to the Spa to bathe. Forty minutes later someone showed up to take a look but it was too late and I sent them away. Upon checkout I registered my complaint. I did not expect a hotel of this quality or standard to be short of hot water; unacceptable. Apparently, there was an issue with the city (fixing pipes that were damaged in the hurricane). I was given an apology and my meal from the previous night was comped. It was the least they could do.
Despite the water, the rest of my stay at the ICON was enjoyable and while I’m not sure if the hotel is an icon by definition (an important and enduring symbol), with the history behind the building and the current iteration of stylish, luxury hotel, it could be working its way toward icon status in the future.
mkmtEAT, mkmtGO | Comment (0)Oxbow Public Market
The newly opened Oxbow Public Market in Napa was my final destination after shopping in Saint Helena and lunching in Yountville. I had heard so much about it with comparisons ranging from the Ferry Building in San Francisco to the streets of Saint Helena. So, before getting on the 37 to head home I detoured through downtown Napa and landed at Oxbow. Perhaps I picked slow day because aside for the Oxbow Wine Merchant & Wine Bar, which was hopping, there weren’t many people there.
A cavernous warehouse still filling in with vendors specializing in artisanal food and wine and specialty shops full of culinary artifacts, food, and entertaining related gift items is what I discovered upon stepping inside and making my way around.
There was a variety of things to see, smell, and taste and on my circuit I browsed through produce, tasted olive oil at The Olive Press, admired the mouth-watering chocolate displays at Anette’s and pondered how an operational micro-winery, Folio Enoteca & Winery could fit into such a small space (80 sq. feet). Impressive!
By the time I arrived at Three Twins Organic Ice Cream I was ready for some fortification and ordered a scoop of Strawberry Je Ne Sais Quoi (strawberry with a splash of balsamic vinegar – yum!). After polishing off the ice cream, I washed it down with a latte from Ritual Coffee Roasters.
Re-energized by ice cream and caffeine I found my way through the automatic doors that lead into the Wine Merchant & Wine Bar and Oxbow Cheese Merchant. This was the one part of the Market that was humming with people, bellied up to the bar, sampling from the tasting menu, and wandering around the shop looking at the comprehensive and eclectic selection of wines not only from Napa but around the world. The staff was helpful and eager to make suggestions to fit any budget and taste. I ended up with a sparkling wine from Spain that I would not have tried without the enthusiastic recommendation.
Walking back to the car, I passed Taylor’s Automatic Refresher and The Model Bakery – both offshoots from their Saint Helena brethren. It made me think that while the addition of the Oxbow Market is good for Napa, the space felt like a glorified food court in a box. I didn’t get the warm, inviting, spend an aftrenoon eating, shopping and hanging out here feeling that I do when I’m in the Ferry Building. I was disappointed but glad I checked it out. I’m not sure how this feeling will be overcome but perhaps with time and once a few more vendors like Kara’s Cupcakes and Hog Island Oyster Company are up and running it will feel less boxy and more like a bustling marketplace. In the meantime, I plan to stick to my San Francisco Ferry Building and return to the downtown blocks of Saint Helena the next time I am in the Napa Valley.
mkmtEAT, mkmtGO | Comment (0)