After a long hiatus, during which Ken was punishing Jay for arguing that we only go out to eat, we visited Emerald Fish again. New owners, but the food is still delicious.
We enjoyed an appetizer of bruschetta, which was nicely toasted with a hint of the grill and was topped with tomatoes and feta cheese. We both had salad - Ken had "the best Ceasar Salad" that he's had in a while. Jay had the greens with a blue cheese dressing that was perfect.
Ken's entree was the deluxe seafood combination, which included a lobster tail, shrimp and scallops. Jay had the soft shell crabs, which were lightly breaded and included a black bean sauce. Both entrees included grilled skewered vegetables - mushrooms, squash and red onion - and rice. Jay wanted the wasabi mashed potatoes so she requested them on the side.
The meal was lovely even with the full house - every table was filled to capacity. Everything came on time and we did not feel rushed. Even with new owners, we WILL return!
Wine enjoyed was a 2004 Groner Veltliner (Gru-Vee) Schaneacker dry white table wine (Markowitsch)
10 June 2006
10 March 2006
Kashmir Garden (Indian) - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
OK, OK, OK - so we're hanging in Philly, but this Indian restaurant was worth the trip. Coworkers of Ken invited him and we met as a group (13!) and had a great time on Saturday, March 4, 2006.
Kashmir Garden is located in the Krewstown Shopping Center, 9321-23 Krewstown Road, Philadelphia, PA 19115. (215-969-6110)
We shared the following appetizers:
Chicken Pakora (boneless chicken coated in spiced batter & deep fried)
Vegetable Samosa (mixed vegetables coated in spiced batter & deep fried)
Pakora (vegetables & potato coated in a chickpea batter & deep fried)
Entrees enjoyed were:
Chicken Tikka Masala (tender bonless pieces of chicken broiled in a clay oven, cooked in tomatoes, onions, bell peppers & butter sauce)
Chicken Malabar (sauteed chicken curry, flavored with coconut, onions and spices)
Shrimp Nurgasi (coconut shrimp with tomato sauce & onion)
All MEDIUM - perfect.
Of course we had Naan and Garlic Naan - both yummy!
Wine we enjoyed:
2004 McWilliams Merlot (South Eastern Australia)
Everything was delicious and we'll definitely go back!
Kashmir Garden is located in the Krewstown Shopping Center, 9321-23 Krewstown Road, Philadelphia, PA 19115. (215-969-6110)
We shared the following appetizers:
Chicken Pakora (boneless chicken coated in spiced batter & deep fried)
Vegetable Samosa (mixed vegetables coated in spiced batter & deep fried)
Pakora (vegetables & potato coated in a chickpea batter & deep fried)
Entrees enjoyed were:
Chicken Tikka Masala (tender bonless pieces of chicken broiled in a clay oven, cooked in tomatoes, onions, bell peppers & butter sauce)
Chicken Malabar (sauteed chicken curry, flavored with coconut, onions and spices)
Shrimp Nurgasi (coconut shrimp with tomato sauce & onion)
All MEDIUM - perfect.
Of course we had Naan and Garlic Naan - both yummy!
Wine we enjoyed:
2004 McWilliams Merlot (South Eastern Australia)
Everything was delicious and we'll definitely go back!
- Dress: Casual.
- Service: Good.
- Decor: Nothing fancy.
- Portions: Perfect.
- Price: Moderate.
- Reservations: Not necessary.
23 January 2006
Melograno (Italian) - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Although this restaurant is at 22nd and Spruce in Philly, it is well worth the drive so we are including it in this Blog.
After years of hearing great things about this restaurant from our friends, Karin and George, we finally visited Melograno yesterday. Suggestion: They open at 5:00 PM and do not take reservations. If you're not in line by 5:30 PM, anticipate getting a table by 6:30 or 7:00 PM. Here's a review from the The Philadelphia Inquirer and an additional review from Philadelphia Weekly.
Crusty warm bread is brought out with olive oil with black pepper. We shared the antipasto platter which included Italian salami, proscuitto, grilled eggplant, grilled squash, black and green olives, fresh mozarella and bruschetta topped with three toppings - mushroom, salmon and artichoke. Everything was very fresh and flavorful.
We also shared two appetizers - chicken livers lightly fried and served with capers & tomatoes and calamari which came with canneloni beans, basil, tomatoes and garlic. Everything was done to perfection.
Jay enjoyed homemade pappardelle pasta with tomato sauce that contained olives, scallops and shrimp. The pasta was very light and heavenly.
Ken devoured the Bistecca Alla Fiorentina which was a porterhouse steak (medium) atop a white bean salad.
Karin satisfied herself with linguine with tiny whole clams in a white sauce with arugula and chopped tomatoes. The clams were perfect.
George had the special - lamb ragout with penne pasta. The flavors were wonderful.
For dessert, Karin and George shared the pistachio gelato. It was a little grainy, but had a good pistachio flavor. Jay had the chocolate souffle, which comes with a warm chocolate center, topped with vanilla gelato. She was fully satisfied.
We brought and enjoyed the following wines:
2000 I Giust & Zanna Belcore, a sangiovese and merlot blend
2001 Dolcetto d'Alba (Albeisa)
2003 Palazzone Grecheto (Umbria)
2004 Argiolas Costamolina
After years of hearing great things about this restaurant from our friends, Karin and George, we finally visited Melograno yesterday. Suggestion: They open at 5:00 PM and do not take reservations. If you're not in line by 5:30 PM, anticipate getting a table by 6:30 or 7:00 PM. Here's a review from the The Philadelphia Inquirer and an additional review from Philadelphia Weekly.
Crusty warm bread is brought out with olive oil with black pepper. We shared the antipasto platter which included Italian salami, proscuitto, grilled eggplant, grilled squash, black and green olives, fresh mozarella and bruschetta topped with three toppings - mushroom, salmon and artichoke. Everything was very fresh and flavorful.
We also shared two appetizers - chicken livers lightly fried and served with capers & tomatoes and calamari which came with canneloni beans, basil, tomatoes and garlic. Everything was done to perfection.
Jay enjoyed homemade pappardelle pasta with tomato sauce that contained olives, scallops and shrimp. The pasta was very light and heavenly.
Ken devoured the Bistecca Alla Fiorentina which was a porterhouse steak (medium) atop a white bean salad.
Karin satisfied herself with linguine with tiny whole clams in a white sauce with arugula and chopped tomatoes. The clams were perfect.
George had the special - lamb ragout with penne pasta. The flavors were wonderful.
For dessert, Karin and George shared the pistachio gelato. It was a little grainy, but had a good pistachio flavor. Jay had the chocolate souffle, which comes with a warm chocolate center, topped with vanilla gelato. She was fully satisfied.
We brought and enjoyed the following wines:
2000 I Giust & Zanna Belcore, a sangiovese and merlot blend
2001 Dolcetto d'Alba (Albeisa)
2003 Palazzone Grecheto (Umbria)
2004 Argiolas Costamolina
- Dress: Casual.
- Service: Outstanding.
- Decor: Simple with a view of the open kitchen.
- Portions: Perfect.
- Price: Moderate.
- Reservations: First-come, first-served.
29 October 2005
A Little Cafe (We saw Lou!)
Yesterday, we revisited A Little Cafe, this time with friends and KNOWING Lou would be there. We had the best time!
We arrived for our 8:00 PM reservation and were promptly seated even though only four of us (the reservation was for six people) were in attendance. In addition to Ken and Jay, Mary invited her friend Diana, who invited her friend Giovanni. Mary's husband, Terry, had to work and was meeting us later for dessert.
Fresh warm bread was brought out. On the table were roasted garlic with oil and vinegar for dipping. Soft butter was brought with the bread. Before we knew it, fried tomatoes with a pesto sauce were brought out. These are soooo good!
We enjoyed the following wines: Freemark Abbey 2001 Merlot, St. Francis Claret (66% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Zinfadel), La Crema 2003 Chardonnay and Turning Leaf Pinot Grigio.
Appetizers
Calimari, of course which Ken loves from here; spring rolls which came with soba noodles and cucumber slaw; and escargot, which came with mushrooms and tomatoes in a delicious cream sauce atop crepes.
Entrees:
Jay and Mary each had the pumpkin ravioli which included fresh tomatoes and chunks of crab meat.
Ken had the Italian Chicken. Jay doesn't understand how he knows to pick the most flavorful entree available. It was a huge chicken breast topped with prosciutto, jumbo lump crab meat, red pepper, and fontina cheese laced with pesto cream.
Diana - Sea bass special.
Giovanni - Duck special?? OR Sautéed boneless duck breast flamed with Grand Marnier and topped with dried fruits
Desserts:
Of course, Jay had to have dessert. She had pumpkin cheesecake which was full of flavor and topped with caramel. It was a nice ending to a great evening.
Terry had bread pudding which was piping hot and accompanied by mango sauce and raspberry sauce. It was good also.
We didn't leave until after 10 PM. It was a great experience as Lou let us eat at our own pace and never rushed us. Service was outstanding. We'll be back and bring more friends!
We arrived for our 8:00 PM reservation and were promptly seated even though only four of us (the reservation was for six people) were in attendance. In addition to Ken and Jay, Mary invited her friend Diana, who invited her friend Giovanni. Mary's husband, Terry, had to work and was meeting us later for dessert.
Fresh warm bread was brought out. On the table were roasted garlic with oil and vinegar for dipping. Soft butter was brought with the bread. Before we knew it, fried tomatoes with a pesto sauce were brought out. These are soooo good!
We enjoyed the following wines: Freemark Abbey 2001 Merlot, St. Francis Claret (66% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Zinfadel), La Crema 2003 Chardonnay and Turning Leaf Pinot Grigio.
Appetizers
Calimari, of course which Ken loves from here; spring rolls which came with soba noodles and cucumber slaw; and escargot, which came with mushrooms and tomatoes in a delicious cream sauce atop crepes.
Entrees:
Jay and Mary each had the pumpkin ravioli which included fresh tomatoes and chunks of crab meat.
Ken had the Italian Chicken. Jay doesn't understand how he knows to pick the most flavorful entree available. It was a huge chicken breast topped with prosciutto, jumbo lump crab meat, red pepper, and fontina cheese laced with pesto cream.
Diana - Sea bass special.
Giovanni - Duck special?? OR Sautéed boneless duck breast flamed with Grand Marnier and topped with dried fruits
Desserts:
Of course, Jay had to have dessert. She had pumpkin cheesecake which was full of flavor and topped with caramel. It was a nice ending to a great evening.
Terry had bread pudding which was piping hot and accompanied by mango sauce and raspberry sauce. It was good also.
We didn't leave until after 10 PM. It was a great experience as Lou let us eat at our own pace and never rushed us. Service was outstanding. We'll be back and bring more friends!
16 October 2005
Bacio Italian Cuisine (Italian)
Bacio, 2806 Route 130 North, Cinnaminson, NJ 08077 (856) 303-9100
Since opening on February 6, 2004, we have heard good things about Bacio, so we went with some friends from Philly, Karin and George.
Warm fresh bread (rolls and foccacia) came with three homemade spreads: eggplant which was Jay’s favorite, hot peppers and pickled.
Appetizers – we shared three: Fritto Misto Bacio's fried sampler platter featuring a jumbo shrimp tossed in a spicy chili oil, a stuffed olive, and a homemade mozzarella roulade with prosciutto and sundried tomatoes; Strudel di Robiola e Mandorla - Italian brie crusted with almonds and baked in feuille di brick, served over baby field greens tossed with a strawberry-honey vinaigrette; and, Calamari Fritti - crisply fried calamari with fresh lemon and marinara, served over a salad of baby field greens tossed in a spicy chili vinaigrette.
Entrees
Ken had Scallopini di Maile Pizzaiola, a scallopini of pork tenderloin with tomatoes, roasted peppers, mushrooms and onions, topped with shaved grana padano cheese. Included was a creamy cheese polenta.
Jay had the rock lobster and divers scallops special with capers, tomatoes, garlic and lemon juice over the most light angel hair pasta she has ever tasted. Yummy!
Karin had Gnocchiette e Pancetta, potato gnocchi tossed in a tomato-pecorino cream sauce with pancetta, roasted peppers and zucchini.
George had Scallopini di Vitello a Piacere, scallopini of veal prepared Saltimbocca style, which came with polenta.
Note: Items no longer on the menu can be requested.
For dessert Karin ordered the chocolate gelati and Jay had the mandarin sorbet, both of which had extraordinary flavors.
Wines we brought:
Arancio Italian Chardonnay 2003
Anestis Babat Zimopoulos Chardonnay 2002
Antonio & Elio Monti Pinotto 2001
Dolcetto 2003
Additional note: Tastings can be arranged with Chef Robert, who will provide small dishes catered to your wine selection.
Since opening on February 6, 2004, we have heard good things about Bacio, so we went with some friends from Philly, Karin and George.
Warm fresh bread (rolls and foccacia) came with three homemade spreads: eggplant which was Jay’s favorite, hot peppers and pickled.
Appetizers – we shared three: Fritto Misto Bacio's fried sampler platter featuring a jumbo shrimp tossed in a spicy chili oil, a stuffed olive, and a homemade mozzarella roulade with prosciutto and sundried tomatoes; Strudel di Robiola e Mandorla - Italian brie crusted with almonds and baked in feuille di brick, served over baby field greens tossed with a strawberry-honey vinaigrette; and, Calamari Fritti - crisply fried calamari with fresh lemon and marinara, served over a salad of baby field greens tossed in a spicy chili vinaigrette.
Entrees
Ken had Scallopini di Maile Pizzaiola, a scallopini of pork tenderloin with tomatoes, roasted peppers, mushrooms and onions, topped with shaved grana padano cheese. Included was a creamy cheese polenta.
Jay had the rock lobster and divers scallops special with capers, tomatoes, garlic and lemon juice over the most light angel hair pasta she has ever tasted. Yummy!
Karin had Gnocchiette e Pancetta, potato gnocchi tossed in a tomato-pecorino cream sauce with pancetta, roasted peppers and zucchini.
George had Scallopini di Vitello a Piacere, scallopini of veal prepared Saltimbocca style, which came with polenta.
Note: Items no longer on the menu can be requested.
For dessert Karin ordered the chocolate gelati and Jay had the mandarin sorbet, both of which had extraordinary flavors.
Wines we brought:
Arancio Italian Chardonnay 2003
Anestis Babat Zimopoulos Chardonnay 2002
Antonio & Elio Monti Pinotto 2001
Dolcetto 2003
Additional note: Tastings can be arranged with Chef Robert, who will provide small dishes catered to your wine selection.
- Dress: Casual.
- Service: Excellent.
- Decor: Beautiful.
- Portions: Generous.
- Price: Moderate.
- Reservations: Recommended.
02 October 2005
Emerald Fish (Seafood)
One of our favorite spots, we visited Emerald Fish this evening. We brought along a 2003 Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc/Viognier/Clarksburg blend and a 2002 Kerner Rheinhessen to drink.
Bread is brought to the table. Warm pita was included. Oil and vinegar reside on the table to mix as you please.
Jay ordered from the Specials board:
Shrimp and roasted red pepper bisque was the first course. This was soooo good. Nice-sized pieces of shrimp were placed on top of the soup which, when mixed into the bisque, provided a nice texture. She ordered the small and a bowl was brought out.
Jay then selected the mixed greens special to replace the house salad. Imagine her surprise when a dinner-sized plate was brought out which had the greens with bacon, candied spiced walnuts, herb crusted goat cheese, apple slices with a lovely sweet & sour vinaigrette. She ate the whole thing.
Jay’s entrée was orange roughy baked “en papillote” which was lying atop sliced potatoes, stir fry veggies, and herbs. Lemon and orange slices were placed on top of the fish. It was excellent – light and full of flavor.
For dessert, Jay struggled through a slice of white chocolate pumpkin cheesecake. The cheesecake won and went home for next day’s breakfast.
Ken ordered from the regular menu:
Ken started with lobster pot stickers. He must have enjoyed them because Jay didn’t get a taste…
Next came his Caesar salad, of which he says Emerald Fish makes one of the best.
His entrée was jumbo shrimp with capers, tomatoes, wine and a gorgonzola sauce over angel hair pasta. He has been looking forward to this for months. He was not disappointed. Jay had a taste and it was absolutely heavenly.
- Dress – Smart casual.
- Service - Excellent. Our server, Louise, is very knowledgeable and provides prompt service.
- Decor – Fish abound!
- Portions – Good.
- Price – Moderate.
- Reservations – Requested.
25 September 2005
Tarantella Ristorante (Italian)
Wanting to try a restaurant that our friend, Mary, suggested, we went to Tarantella Ristorante, Route 70 & Hartford Road (Medford Plaza Center), Medford, NJ 08055 (609-714-9050)
While looking over our menus, we were brought the bread basket. Nice warm Italian bread, but also garlic rolls which were outstanding! They melted in your mouth. We wanted more but forgot to ask.
THEN they brought two pieces of tomato pie. It was cold so Ken wasn’t feeling it, but Jay was happy!
We ordered the Antipasto Freddo alla Tarantella which included imported prosciutto, salami, provolone, fresh mozzarella, artichokes, mushrooms, roasted red and yellow peppers and olives.
A huge bowl of salad was also included in the meal, from which we could select fixings to create our own personalized salads. Dressings brought to the table were Creamy Italian, French, and Blue Cheese. Freshly grated parmesan cheese made the salad special.
As an entrée Jay had the Shrimp and Veal Sinatra which was sautéed with white wine, garlic, fresh tomatoes and mushrooms, topped with cheese. Yummy. The veal was tender and the shrimp were huge. She had enough left over for the next day’s lunch.
Ken had the Gamberoni ai Scampi – Jumbo! shrimp breaded and fried, topped with tomato sauce & mozzarella cheese. He enjoyed every last bit of it.
We brought our own wine (La Crema Pinot Noir 2003), although they do sell Valenzano wine.
For dessert, Jay had the Coconut Sorbet which was served in a coconut shell. Nice, light ending to a perfect meal.
The owner was kind enough to send over champagne glasses which contained Sambuca with four coffee beans in each. That made the meal extra special. We will return.
While looking over our menus, we were brought the bread basket. Nice warm Italian bread, but also garlic rolls which were outstanding! They melted in your mouth. We wanted more but forgot to ask.
THEN they brought two pieces of tomato pie. It was cold so Ken wasn’t feeling it, but Jay was happy!
We ordered the Antipasto Freddo alla Tarantella which included imported prosciutto, salami, provolone, fresh mozzarella, artichokes, mushrooms, roasted red and yellow peppers and olives.
A huge bowl of salad was also included in the meal, from which we could select fixings to create our own personalized salads. Dressings brought to the table were Creamy Italian, French, and Blue Cheese. Freshly grated parmesan cheese made the salad special.
As an entrée Jay had the Shrimp and Veal Sinatra which was sautéed with white wine, garlic, fresh tomatoes and mushrooms, topped with cheese. Yummy. The veal was tender and the shrimp were huge. She had enough left over for the next day’s lunch.
Ken had the Gamberoni ai Scampi – Jumbo! shrimp breaded and fried, topped with tomato sauce & mozzarella cheese. He enjoyed every last bit of it.
We brought our own wine (La Crema Pinot Noir 2003), although they do sell Valenzano wine.
For dessert, Jay had the Coconut Sorbet which was served in a coconut shell. Nice, light ending to a perfect meal.
The owner was kind enough to send over champagne glasses which contained Sambuca with four coffee beans in each. That made the meal extra special. We will return.
- Dress - Casual
- Service - excellent. Our “staff” of servers were constantly aware of our needs.
- Decor – Grape vines and grapes (not real) hanging from the ceiling in the first room gave a nice feel to the room. There are three different rooms available. Bring the family!
- Portions – Huge.
- Price - Reasonable. Jay was more than happy to pay the bill!
- Reservations – Requested.
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