NYC: Kellari

The Goldins dined at Kellari for a post-theater meal. Specializing in fresh seafood from the Medditerranean as well as oceans around the world, the restaurant displays the catche-of-the-day on ice for hungry customers to see. The ambience of the spacious dining space is rustique, with exposed wood beams, wine barrels and oversized vases and planters.

We all ordered whole fish. As the meal was prepared an assortment of complimentary appetizers were served. The chickpea spread was rich and specked with garlic, a great dip. The salty olive mix was a perfect accompaniment to the white wine. Radishes were brined in a sweet solution to balance the bitterness of the under-appreciated vegetable. The undisputed star of the appetizers plate was the hard sheep's milk cheese. Sliced from a large wheel, this strong cheese piqued the collective appetite of the family.

The fish was grilled and dressed simply with olive oil, lemon and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. The preparation emphasized the flavor and freshness of the fish. While the average (unsophisticated perhaps) dinner might seek a more complete meal with sauces, side-dishes, etc, this minimalist approach to grilled seafood allows full appreciation; nothing to mask the true flavors of the sea

One must savor these moments of pure and wholesome seafood. In a planet of dwindling populations and unsustainable fishing, the opportunity to eat pure, unadulterated and high-quality seafood must be treasured, for opportunities like this might be limited.

Recommended for those whole love fish and value freshness.

*picture taken from website

NYC: The Landmark Tavern

Landmark Tavern has been on Bob’s NYC great bar list for years, but he’s never been there.

In a fortunate coincidence, Landmark happens to be located about 4 blocks from Pier 83, where our boat tour disembarked. Since it was 100 degrees outside, we would have gone anywhere for cold beer, and it just so happened that Landmark was the closest watering hole. So, with a very brief stop at the H & H Bagel Shop, we braved the elements and walked the 4 blocks, which seemed like 4 miles (even to Bob the marathoner) so that we could enjoy the cool taste of Brooklyn Lager at one of NYC’s finer drinking establishments.

NYC: Bar Stuzzichini

One of NY’s best sandwiches

Our family loves New York and goes there every year. Our favorite things to do are walk around the city, eat, and hang out in the Village.

This year we arrived around noon, dropped off our luggage at the hotel, and decided we just had to try Bar Stuzzichini, which, according to New York magazine, has the second best sandwich (called pane e panelle) in the city. Sure enough, we walked down to 21^st and Broadway (near the Village) and found the restaurant easily. Nan and I ordered the famous sandwich (which consists of bread, lightly fried chickpeas and two cheeses) while Jess and Mike took advantage of the lunch special (two courses plus an aperol spritz, an amazing cocktail). The restaurant was almost empty but the service and food were top notch. And yes, the sandwich is worth all the publicity.

NYC: L'Arte Del Gelato

So after having the best pizza in NYC, Mike recommended that we go to a gelato place a few blocks away from Keste called L'Arte Del Gelato. At first, we all said that we weren't ready for gelato because we were full and wanted to walk a bit. However, after walking into the place, we changed our minds immediately.

At $4.50 for two scoops, we felt we were getting a fairly good deal (for NYC standards). The flavors and smells of the homemade waffles cones were heaven. The gelato was smooth and delish. Dad ordered Olio d’Oliva (Olive Oil!) and Butterscotch but they also had unique interesting flavors like Egg Nog, Green Tea, Fresh Ricotta with Chocolate Chips, and Chocolate with Cayenne Pepper.

Even though NYC has dozens of fat-free tart yogurt stores lining their streets, this gelato place is worth the caloric splurge! Good recommendation, Mike :)













*Gelato picture courtesy of the website. We didn't snap any of our own.

NYC: Keste

The Goldins LOVE pizza and every trip to NYC we try a new pizza place. Last year (2009), we enjoyed the "Luzzo" pizza at Luzzo (East Village)--a tiny place with a huge pizza oven in the back. Their pizza cooked in about three minutes and it was absolutely outstanding. I (Jess) had been on a mission this time to find a pizza that was equally as good--or better.

Sure enough, Keste topped Luzzo. Keste is a Neapolitan Pizzeria located at 271 Bleeker Street (West Village). We arrived at 5pm as soon as the place opened. We were all hungry since we didn't have any lunch that day and we walked in the 95 degree heat.

Our Italian waiter was very friendly and encouraged us to order multiple pizzas. We ordered three: the "Keste", the "Padrino" and one other I'm forgetting the name of. We also ordered table wine to help us wash down our pizza. I think the four of us agreed it was THE best pizza we've ever had. The crust was 'spongey' and had a slight burnt taste. All of the ingredients were very high quality. Pictures don't really do it justice.
YUM.

NYC: Morandi

Morandi is an authentic and rustic Italian trattoria that specializes in homemade pastas, incredible meat dishes, and fresh tomatoes and cheeses. It was recommended by an Italian waiter, Jess' friend, and a NY blogger that Jess reads. We knew it was a must-try!

It is located in the West Village (Jess' favorite neighborhood) and only a $10 cab ride from our hotel (Lex and 51st). No matter where you go in NYC, it seems to be a $10 cab.
We were drooling over the entire menu but ended up ordering: fried green olives stuffed with sausage, grilled squid with peppers, capers & olives, Vitello alla milanese (veal milanese- Nan & Jess), triangular penne with shrimp, artichoke & arugula (Nan & Jess), saffron pasta with spicy lamb & ricotta salata (Bob), and a pasta with a duck bolognese (Mike).

Overall: 9.75/10 (amazing!)

*top pic: from the website

The birth

The birth of this blog:

While dining on grilled calamari, sausage-stuffed fried olives, and homemade pastas at Morandi (in the West Village), we were talking about how we are lucky to be a 'foodie' family. Since we have been to so many different restaurants over the years, Jess thought it would be a good idea to document our experiences online. This will prevent Nan from asking Bob the names of every restaurant they've eaten at.