Fino’s Wall Street is mis-named, it should be Find if you can, Not on Wall Street. Look for this subterranean pricey restaurant off the corner (or maybe that should be under the corner) of Beaver and Pearl.
The décor of Fino’s reminds you of a 1940’s gangster movie, there is even a private platform where the shoot out can occur. We went on Friday night and discovered that we were the only patrons with a wait staff of about twenty.
Because we were a group of four we were able to sample a fairly wide range of their offerings. Fino’s is not an Italian restaurant from any particular section of Italy, unless you consider Jersey City a section of Rome.
The Papardelle con Funghi was very good, but the Lobster stuffed Ravioli came with a zesty tomato sauce and seafood stuffed Ravioli should always had a creamy white sauce. The Cesar Salad had almost no dressing, but the shrimp, chicken and Veal dishes were first rate. The cold antipasti plate was very good and lots of variety, but almost superfluous, because the table service includes a large plate of olives, salami, peppers and large chunks of Parmesan.
Dinner for four with appetizer, pasta, main course and dessert will run about $ 220
for more see www.ditmasestates.com
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Saturday, April 4, 2009
A lively place in dreary downtown Brooklyn, NY
O.K. rainy weekday nights on Livingston Street, downtown Brooklyn, are hardly lively, but someone has taken a lot of time, care and consideration in the opening of Taino Soliel, an upscale Caribbean restaurant. You get into the festive mood almost immediately with live plants, a colorful and interesting décor and even livelier island music.
Starting up a restaurant is not easy and there have been some initial problems at Taino, but they seem to have really gotten their act together. From the first greeting, to the constant attention and straight answers to your questions, you have the feeling that you really matter.
In every restaurant what really matters is the food. Here Taino excels, try the Calamari ala Coco. You have to be careful with Calamari you can easily wind up with rubber bands. This Calamari was done and still tender, a coconut sauce with red and green peppers and cilantro made this dish a real standout
The main courses are done just so, although I admit that I went way out on a limb when I ordered the Mofongo (a pork or shrimp concoction with yucca). The chicken stew was tasty without being spicy and the fried meats tender and juicy. You had the feeling, that someone in the kitchen puts a lot of pride in his/her work. Most dishes come with two sides and the best are the sweet potato fries and the sweet plantains. A carafe of Sangria and I was looking for my sun block.
Look for their special nights. Yesterday, the Martinis were five dollars and Thursday is Salsa night with an excellent Salsa dancing instructor (Don’t drink and Dance!).
A full dinner for two is about $75
For more see www.ditmasestates.com
Starting up a restaurant is not easy and there have been some initial problems at Taino, but they seem to have really gotten their act together. From the first greeting, to the constant attention and straight answers to your questions, you have the feeling that you really matter.
In every restaurant what really matters is the food. Here Taino excels, try the Calamari ala Coco. You have to be careful with Calamari you can easily wind up with rubber bands. This Calamari was done and still tender, a coconut sauce with red and green peppers and cilantro made this dish a real standout
The main courses are done just so, although I admit that I went way out on a limb when I ordered the Mofongo (a pork or shrimp concoction with yucca). The chicken stew was tasty without being spicy and the fried meats tender and juicy. You had the feeling, that someone in the kitchen puts a lot of pride in his/her work. Most dishes come with two sides and the best are the sweet potato fries and the sweet plantains. A carafe of Sangria and I was looking for my sun block.
Look for their special nights. Yesterday, the Martinis were five dollars and Thursday is Salsa night with an excellent Salsa dancing instructor (Don’t drink and Dance!).
A full dinner for two is about $75
For more see www.ditmasestates.com
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Next to Normal - a theater review
Booth Theater, NYC, 3/09
Some days when I wade through New York City traffic or try to keep my cool when dealing with a mindless bureaucrat, the only thing that makes me stay here is the arts and theatre in NYC.
As a member of the Theatre Development Fund (TDF) I go to a lot of theatre, some good some bad and some very special. Last night I went to Next to Normal. A musical about a mother, whose grief at losing an infant son, has brought on a bipolar condition and how it affects her family.
The theme of this musical was a surprise to me after reading a brief review which stated. “Next to Normal is a contemporary musical that explores how one suburban household copes with crises…” The reviewer could have been talking about unemployment, or crab grass, but certainly not mental illness.
Next to Normal has thirty original songs and the last two are good enough, if re-orchestrated, to stand alone, but there is not a single title of a song in the Playbill!!! A Playbill about a musical without songs; I am reminded of “Don’t write naughty words on walls, if you can not spell” and don’t write reviews if you haven’t seen the show!
This production is a wonderful night of theatre, especially the first rate acting of the grief stricken mother and the powerful singing of the mother and daughter. The songs were mostly to the point and poignant. The exception was a hilarious “Sound of Music”-like … “Valium and Prozac are among my favorite things…”
Most musicals are banal, but Next to Normal, puts you in the family and you understand the emotional and practical problems of mental illness. Next to Normal, also explores the hit and miss state of modern psychiatric medicine. The long dead infant appears as a teenager, who takes on a demon-like quality more like “the Exorcist” than a modern medical problem
.
Despite a poor playbill, Next to Normal is not an alternative condition, but another reason to see theatre in New York City.
For more see www.ditmasestates.com
Some days when I wade through New York City traffic or try to keep my cool when dealing with a mindless bureaucrat, the only thing that makes me stay here is the arts and theatre in NYC.
As a member of the Theatre Development Fund (TDF) I go to a lot of theatre, some good some bad and some very special. Last night I went to Next to Normal. A musical about a mother, whose grief at losing an infant son, has brought on a bipolar condition and how it affects her family.
The theme of this musical was a surprise to me after reading a brief review which stated. “Next to Normal is a contemporary musical that explores how one suburban household copes with crises…” The reviewer could have been talking about unemployment, or crab grass, but certainly not mental illness.
Next to Normal has thirty original songs and the last two are good enough, if re-orchestrated, to stand alone, but there is not a single title of a song in the Playbill!!! A Playbill about a musical without songs; I am reminded of “Don’t write naughty words on walls, if you can not spell” and don’t write reviews if you haven’t seen the show!
This production is a wonderful night of theatre, especially the first rate acting of the grief stricken mother and the powerful singing of the mother and daughter. The songs were mostly to the point and poignant. The exception was a hilarious “Sound of Music”-like … “Valium and Prozac are among my favorite things…”
Most musicals are banal, but Next to Normal, puts you in the family and you understand the emotional and practical problems of mental illness. Next to Normal, also explores the hit and miss state of modern psychiatric medicine. The long dead infant appears as a teenager, who takes on a demon-like quality more like “the Exorcist” than a modern medical problem
.
Despite a poor playbill, Next to Normal is not an alternative condition, but another reason to see theatre in New York City.
For more see www.ditmasestates.com
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Cheap eats on Avenue U Brooklyn, NY
Triple Z
1410 Avenue U
718 382 4328
With Ducks and half pigs hanging in the window, there is no doubt that this is an authentic Chinese eating place.
There are lunch specials as cheap as $ 4 and the food is very fresh, as there is a major Chinese market next door. A la carte main courses run about $ 10
The green vegetables are done just so and the sauces have none of the gloppiness of a Junior High School cafeteria. You can even get your Chow Fun dry
The ambiance is definitely family style, expect to sit at a large round table with people you don’t know.
BTW definitely go to the market next door, the Chinese love their greens and always have at least a dozen varieties available. Don’t worry if you don’t speak perfect Mandarin, the store’s help always answer every question with “very good, very fresh”.
For more see http://www.ditmasestates.com/
1410 Avenue U
718 382 4328
With Ducks and half pigs hanging in the window, there is no doubt that this is an authentic Chinese eating place.
There are lunch specials as cheap as $ 4 and the food is very fresh, as there is a major Chinese market next door. A la carte main courses run about $ 10
The green vegetables are done just so and the sauces have none of the gloppiness of a Junior High School cafeteria. You can even get your Chow Fun dry
The ambiance is definitely family style, expect to sit at a large round table with people you don’t know.
BTW definitely go to the market next door, the Chinese love their greens and always have at least a dozen varieties available. Don’t worry if you don’t speak perfect Mandarin, the store’s help always answer every question with “very good, very fresh”.
For more see http://www.ditmasestates.com/
Eating Cheap on Avenue U Brooklyn, NY
La Villita
1249 Avenue U
Brooklyn, NY
718 998 0222
If you want a cheap, but interesting family meal Avenue U is definitely the place to go. There are a half dozen Chinese and Vietnamese restaurants, but one Mexican Restaurant La Villita.
This small Formica table place has maybe a couple of dozen seats, but what it does have is good inexpensive food.
The Guacamole is a fresh yellow green and creamy (Guacamole turns brown almost immediately) and the Salsa fresca is a winner. Warning the regular salsa can be spicy.
I had the Mole Poblano, usually made with Turkey, but this time chicken fillets were used. Mole Poblano, a dark savory sauce is made with bitter chocolate, and should be easy to take down, but have an after burn. The sauce was thin, but tasty. A salad was included all for $ 11. The enchiladas and burritos were also good and approximately the same price
The waitress friendly and is constantly at attention. Avenue U has plenty of meters so parking is not usually a problem
for more see www.ditmasestates.com
1249 Avenue U
Brooklyn, NY
718 998 0222
If you want a cheap, but interesting family meal Avenue U is definitely the place to go. There are a half dozen Chinese and Vietnamese restaurants, but one Mexican Restaurant La Villita.
This small Formica table place has maybe a couple of dozen seats, but what it does have is good inexpensive food.
The Guacamole is a fresh yellow green and creamy (Guacamole turns brown almost immediately) and the Salsa fresca is a winner. Warning the regular salsa can be spicy.
I had the Mole Poblano, usually made with Turkey, but this time chicken fillets were used. Mole Poblano, a dark savory sauce is made with bitter chocolate, and should be easy to take down, but have an after burn. The sauce was thin, but tasty. A salad was included all for $ 11. The enchiladas and burritos were also good and approximately the same price
The waitress friendly and is constantly at attention. Avenue U has plenty of meters so parking is not usually a problem
for more see www.ditmasestates.com
Sunday, March 1, 2009
A Romantic Italian Restaurant
Grotta Azzurra
177 Mulberry Street
NY, NY
Times are tough, especially in the restaurant business. Saturday night in Little Italy and there were many empty tables. Grotta Azzurra was doing only slightly better than some other restaurants on Mulberry Street . And the reason is SERVICE.
The most frustrating thing is to try to contact your waiter when the restaurant is empty and your waiter is talking to other waiters, but not at Grotta Azzurra. Our waiter was attentive and when he didn’t know, he got back to us immediately. The plates came out on time and in good order and in a romantic restaurant that is important.
The décor of Grotta Azzurra is simple and classic, you are immediately transported a classic Italian restaurant, large displays of famous Italian sculptures dominate the dining room.
The menu is large at Grotta Azzurra and the portions are even larger. The Calamari was tender and not greasy, the salad had plenty of Radicchio, and the Filletto di Pompadori, rigatoni with tomato sauce, cheese, pancetta and onions was immense and superb.
Grilled Vegetables were nicely done and the Shrimp Oreganata was just so. Alas, the Veal in my Saltimbocca was tough; the sauce was the same as the di Pompadori and while good this is a big no, no.
The decaf cappuccino and the decaf espresso to die for. Dessert was a blueberry cake with real blueberries and ice cream, Yum!
Dinner for two $100
www.ditmasestates.com
177 Mulberry Street
NY, NY
Times are tough, especially in the restaurant business. Saturday night in Little Italy and there were many empty tables. Grotta Azzurra was doing only slightly better than some other restaurants on Mulberry Street . And the reason is SERVICE.
The most frustrating thing is to try to contact your waiter when the restaurant is empty and your waiter is talking to other waiters, but not at Grotta Azzurra. Our waiter was attentive and when he didn’t know, he got back to us immediately. The plates came out on time and in good order and in a romantic restaurant that is important.
The décor of Grotta Azzurra is simple and classic, you are immediately transported a classic Italian restaurant, large displays of famous Italian sculptures dominate the dining room.
The menu is large at Grotta Azzurra and the portions are even larger. The Calamari was tender and not greasy, the salad had plenty of Radicchio, and the Filletto di Pompadori, rigatoni with tomato sauce, cheese, pancetta and onions was immense and superb.
Grilled Vegetables were nicely done and the Shrimp Oreganata was just so. Alas, the Veal in my Saltimbocca was tough; the sauce was the same as the di Pompadori and while good this is a big no, no.
The decaf cappuccino and the decaf espresso to die for. Dessert was a blueberry cake with real blueberries and ice cream, Yum!
Dinner for two $100
www.ditmasestates.com
Friday, February 20, 2009
It's the economy, not the restaurant
Ristorante IL Cortile
125 Mulberry Street
(212) 226-6060
In a galaxy far away, a long, long time ago, you made reservations at IL Cortile and often you would drop someone’s name and then maybe, maybe you would get a table. Boy has times changed! The other day I was in little Italy, now a ghost town, I walked into IL Cortile and was seated immediately. The huge restaurant was so empty that some preschoolers were playing tag in a closed section that was bigger than most other restaurants.
Il Cortile is over the top, there is a man sized floral display and some of the brick s have been imported from Italy The menu was presented as a folded parchment, cute, but confusing. However, the waiter was truly professional. I ordered the Scaloppine "Panettone", veal and mushrooms baked in bread. Very quickly the waiter came back and said. The panettone was not at its best and suggested something else.
The Antipasto Caldo "Cortile", hot antipasti was small and some of the items burnt. not a good start. The Spaghettini Puttanesca Speciali, literally whore’s pasta, was only luke warm, but the pasta was al dente and the ingredients very fresh. It could have used a little more spice.
The Mussels Marinara was very good, the sauce restaurant made and just so. My Veal dish had lots of Puccini mushrooms and the veal melted in my mouth.
An old trick to determine the quality of the restaurant is to ask for a glass of the house wine, a good restaurant will not give you a bad wine. I did and got a Chianti Reserva that east very smooth and a beautiful bouquet.
Dessert was Espresso and a chocolate mouse cake with crushed nuts that was worth the wait.
IL Cortile still has it and I guess the emptiness can be blamed more on the economy than the restaurant.
Dinner for two $ 120
for more see www.ditmasestates.com
125 Mulberry Street
(212) 226-6060
In a galaxy far away, a long, long time ago, you made reservations at IL Cortile and often you would drop someone’s name and then maybe, maybe you would get a table. Boy has times changed! The other day I was in little Italy, now a ghost town, I walked into IL Cortile and was seated immediately. The huge restaurant was so empty that some preschoolers were playing tag in a closed section that was bigger than most other restaurants.
Il Cortile is over the top, there is a man sized floral display and some of the brick s have been imported from Italy The menu was presented as a folded parchment, cute, but confusing. However, the waiter was truly professional. I ordered the Scaloppine "Panettone", veal and mushrooms baked in bread. Very quickly the waiter came back and said. The panettone was not at its best and suggested something else.
The Antipasto Caldo "Cortile", hot antipasti was small and some of the items burnt. not a good start. The Spaghettini Puttanesca Speciali, literally whore’s pasta, was only luke warm, but the pasta was al dente and the ingredients very fresh. It could have used a little more spice.
The Mussels Marinara was very good, the sauce restaurant made and just so. My Veal dish had lots of Puccini mushrooms and the veal melted in my mouth.
An old trick to determine the quality of the restaurant is to ask for a glass of the house wine, a good restaurant will not give you a bad wine. I did and got a Chianti Reserva that east very smooth and a beautiful bouquet.
Dessert was Espresso and a chocolate mouse cake with crushed nuts that was worth the wait.
IL Cortile still has it and I guess the emptiness can be blamed more on the economy than the restaurant.
Dinner for two $ 120
for more see www.ditmasestates.com
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