Blackbird (Franco-Italian) Again.

To start the New Year off right, we visit Blackbird today in Collingswood for lunch with our good friends, Karin & George.

What a lovely way to spend an afternoon.

We shared in appetizers:
Thai chicken spring rolls, with spicy mustard and sweet chili sauce.

Arborio rice and coriander-crusted shrimp, avocado salad and cilantro oil


Fricassee of Prince Edward Island Mussels, fine herbs and natural mussel jus.


Karin & George shared, and Ken ate, the Steak Frittes. All ordered medium and it was done to perfection. The fries were crispy and seasoned well.


Jay ordered the Bento Box du Jour which included a salad, spring roll, mussels, macaroni & cheese, lamb and fingerling potatoes.


The proper stemware was delivered with expertise (Rona).

Our server, Laurie, was extremely attentive. We requested her for George's birthday on February 16.

Wines enjoyed:
2007 Kim Crawford Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
2006 Francois Pinon Vouvray (Chenin Blanc) Cuvee [George mentioned that the Foxen Chenin Blanc is also good]
2005 Smoking Loon Syrah

We were not rushed and enjoyed two hours of dining pleasure. Highly recommended.

Blackbird

Once again hitting the restaurants in Collingswood, we visited Blackbird, 619 Collings Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08108, 856-854-3444, on Saturday, December 1.

We arrived on time for our 6:30 reservation and were warmly greeted and promptly seated.

Our server, Michael, introduced himself right away, opened our wines, and brought the proper stemware to our table.

Warm slices of crusty bread were brought to the table with olive oil. Devoured.

Appetizers:
Jay ordered vineyard snails with pine nuts, fresh herbs, crispy onions in a Madeira wine sauce. Very good.

Ken ordered Thai chicken spring rolls. Yummy.






Entrees:
Jay - pepper crusted saddle of venison, butter nut squash ravioli in a Grand Veneur sauce. Done to perfection.



Ken got the special - a crispy striped bass, which stayed crispy throughout the meal. It came with lobster risotto.

For dessert, Jay enjoyed a sweet potato creme brulee (made by Jill Van Dimes, Tangerine, between 2nd & 3rd Streets near Market in Philly)

This was a pleasant experience as we were not rushed, and we will return. The chef/owner, Alex Capasso, was present throughout our dining experience, however we did not get him to take a picture with us.

Wines enjoyed:
2001 Renato Keber Grici Chardonnay
2002 Acacia Pinot Noir

• Dress - Smart casual


• Service - excellent. Our server, Michael, was extremely attentive.


• Decor - Although a small space, the tables were oriented in such a way as to not be infringing on your neighbor.


• Portions - Perfect.


• Price - appetizers were in the $8-10 range; entrees ranged from $20-$30s


• Reservations - Reserve one week in advance for Friday and Saturday evenings.

We planned to return today for lunch to have the shrimp, avocado, wasabi wrap and chat with server Janine, but Jay fell ill (again) and stayed in all day. [sigh]

Water Lily (French Asian)

Still trying the restaurants in Collingswood, yesterday we visited Water Lily, 653 Haddon Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08108, 856-833-0098.

We arrived on time for our 6:30 reservation and were warmly greeted and promptly seated.

Our server, Tina, introduced herself right away and opened our wines.

Since Jay wanted the Water Lily Escargots (which takes 25-30 minute to bake), Tina placed the order right away, leaving us time to peruse the menu for additional appetizers and entrees.

Hot, delicious bread with soft butter was brought to the table and devoured.



Ken eventually decided on golden calamari and crispy seafood wontons for appetizers. Both were light and tasty. Jay helped with these. Her escargots were encased in a light puff pastry and were absolutely delightful.

Jay ordered the roasted crispy duckling and Ken ordered the shrimp teriyaki for entrees. Both came with green beans and rice. The crispy duckling stayed crisp for the entire time. Each dish remained at a nice temperature throughout.



Jay couldn't resist the Grand Marnier mousse, which was slightly frozen and refreshing.

This entire dining experience was one of the best we've had in a long time. No complaints. We will return. We want to try the Fuji Apple Gyoza, Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, Seafood Medley and definitely the Pad Thai.

Wines enjoyed:
2006 Kali Hart Chardonnay
2003 Chateau Revelete Coteaux d'Aix en Provence

• Dress - Smart casual


• Service - excellent. Our server, Mara, was very attentive.


• Decor - Asian theme, with reds and greens, done in a classy way. Fuji bottled water and beautiful stemware on each table. Soft lighting. The ladies room was clean and tastefully done.


• Portions - Ample.


• Price - appetizers were in the $8-10 range; entrees ranged from $20-$30s


• Reservations - Highly suggested for Friday and Saturday evenings.

Les Crepes (French Bistro)

Jay begged Ken to go to Les Crepes, especially after her great experience with the Magic Pan (chain no longer in existence) in the Gallery, Philadelphia, when she was pregnant back in 1982.

Unfortunately, this restaurant did not live up to expectations. While the crepes themselves were good, the fillings left a bit to be desired.

We arrived for our reservations and were promptly seated. Jay (with her weak bladder) needed to visit the restroom which was a little messy.

Nice fresh bread (not warm) was brought to the table, along with butter packets. Ken ate the whole basket.

Sylvie, the owner, did stop by each table with a "Bonjour" and Jay tried her high school French, and Sylvie responded with a "Tres bien, merci."

For appetizers, Jay ordered the french onion soup, which arrived lukewarm so Jay set it back. Our server apologized profusely. It was completely redone and was piping hot when it arrived. It was a bit sweet for Jay's taste, so she only ate half, because...

Ken ordered the Assiette de Fromage, which was a plate of assorted cheeses and fruits, along with walnuts and sliced bread. Jay helped Ken eat about 1/3. The cheeses were very fresh and flavorful.

For entrees, Jay ordered La Baltique crepe, which was a bit salty, but filled with chunks of salmon and capers. Ken ordered La Fruits de Mer, which contained what looked like canned shrimp, tiny scallops and non-existent mussels. He was also disappointed.

We were too full to try dessert. IF we go back, it will be for the standard menu.

Wines enjoyed:
1999 Georges DuBoeuf Viognier
2006 Smoking Loon Pinot Noir

• Dress - Dressy casual


• Service - excellent. Our server, Mara, was very attentive.


• Decor - French courtyard, tin ceiling. Outside seating was available under a awning covered deck. Standard stemware. Perrier bottles on each table. French music in background.


• Portions - Ample.


• Price - appetizers were in the $8-10 range; entrees ranged from $15-$20s


• Reservations - Suggested for Friday and Saturday evenings. Saturdays and Sundays there is a jazz brunch.

Word of Mouth (Italian)

After hearing Ken's brother, Mike, rave about Word of Mouth, we visited on Friday, October 19 (a rare evening off for Jay). We had a wonderful time.

Hot assorted bread was immediately brought to the table. The wine was opened and poured for us.

Appetizers:
Jay had the seared ahi tuna - nicely done
Ken had the coconut shrimp (on skewers) over mango salad

Entrees:
Jay had the rack of lamb (medium-rare) with twice baked potato and vegetables. She saved the bones to gnaw on for Saturday's lunch.
Ken devoured the Chilean sea bass with lobster risotto and mixed vegetables.

We met a foursome out celebrating a birthday. They were nice enough to share a taste of a 2005 Artesa Pinot Noir and a 2003 Spelletich Cellars Zinfandel. Both were very flavorful. We hope to meet up with them again. They recommended additional restaurants:
Casana's
Onassis
Little Tuna (Kings Highway in Haddonfield)
Water Lily (Collingswood)


Wines enjoyed:
2006 The Other (65% Chardonnay, 25% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Viognier)
2006 Castle Rock Sonoma County Pinot Noir

• Dress-Dressy casual
• Service - excellent. Our server, Cindy, was very knowledgeable and attentive.
• Decor - Classy Italian. Nice stemware.
• Portions - Ample.
• Price - appetizers were in the $8-10 range; entrees ranged from the low $20s.
• Reservations - strongly recommended for Friday and Saturday evenings.

Chez Elena Wu (Chinese/French)

We visited Chez Elena Wu at the Ritz on Saturday, October 20. It was more over-priced Chinese than fusion. The food was good and plentiful...

Seating was a bit tight - fit as many people as possible into a small space. You couldn't help but talk to your neighbor. Thank God we had decent neighbors.

Appetizers - spring rolls, boneless spareribs

Entrees:
Jay - Seafood Wonder in Taro Nest
Ken - Beef & scallops in black pepper sauce

After speaking with our friend, Karin, she confirmed that she and George were not happy with this restaurant. I don't think we'll go back.

Wines enjoyed:
2002 Ravens Wood Lodi Ol Vine Zinfandel
2004 Louis Jadot Poully-Fuisse (excellent)

Ted's on Main (Again)

Since Ted's on Main was closed for Labor Day weekend, we revisited on Saturday, September 29, 2007. We had an even better time than the first.

We were seated at a corner table in the rear of the restaurant, which gave us a nice view of the entire place. Our server, Janet, remembered us from our first visit and that was nice.

The "taste" of the evening was a corn relish, made with Jersey corn and smoked jalapeno peppers. HOT bread was also brought to the table.

Jay had citrus crab salad as an appetizer and the citrus grilled Hawaiian butterfish special (with citrus ginger sauce over a plaintain and garlic cake) as an entree. Nice-sized portions and very flavorful.

Ken had the smoky pineapple BBQ shrimp as an appetizer and Barnegat scallops with risotto (that Jay loves!) for his entree.

We shared the Bananas Foster with ice cream for dessert.

Wines enjoyed:
2000 Domaine de la Citradelle Cotes du Lumerson
2003 Domaine la Barbotaine Sancerre

While waiting for dessert, another couple, Joe & Kathy, were seated next to us and we had a nice conversation until we left as their entrees were arriving.

Joe & Kathy recommended the following BYOBs:
Creole Cafe in Williamstown
Laceno's
Blackbird (highly recommend Friday night-SJ Hot Chef)
Nuncio's (sit in front alcove for lower noise level)
Catelli in Voorhees (Monday night only for BYOB)
Austeria in Philly
Barclay Prime in Rittenhouse in Philly (get the salad and share)
They had a 1997 Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon that looked pretty good.