Pho Xinh (Vietnamese)

This is becoming a weekly obsession. We revised Pho Xinh today (March 27, 2010). Since  we knew about the alternate menu, we immediately requested it. Glad we did.

No hot tea, since we brought wine...

Appetizers
We originally ordered Bi Cuon (shreded pork roll) and Cha Glo (spring roll). We also ordered Chao Tom (shrimp wrap with sugarcane) and Nem Cuon (grilled ground pork roll). Everything was delicious!

From the alternate menu, Jay ordered the Pad Thai Thap Cam (pad thai with chicken, fish balls, squid and shrimp). Ken ordered Com Chien Bo (beef fried rice).

We were both so full that we took half home as leftovers.

Wine enjoyed:
2008 Salamander Chardonnary

We asked about grape leaves and the seafood crepe, but the server explained that they may be put on the menu at a future date, depending on the cook.

We love this food so much, and were so excited to get it, that we keep forgetting to take pictures!

Probably be back next week...

Siri's Thai (French Thai)

In celebration of Ken's birthday on Thursday, we went to Siri's Thai on Sunday. We had a wonderful time.

Appetizers:

Jay - Escargot baked in puff pastry with duxelle mushroom with champagne beurre blanc.

Ken - Chicken satay with peanut sauce; shrimp won tons, cooked to perfection.

Since this wasn't quite enough, he also ordered the shrimp wontons.

Entrees:

Jay - Tried the special - roasted sesame encrusted rack of lamb with organic mushrooms in a madiera wine au jus. Scalloped potato cake and asparagus came with the meal. Jay devoured everything; it was tasty.

Ken - Seafood medley, which came with rock lobster tail, shrimp, diver sea scallops and atlantic salmon over pasta. He wasn't crazy about the sauce, but the wine went well with the meal.

Wines enjoyed:
2007 Juan Gil Jumilla Red Wine (Spanish) - Thanks Karin & George
2007 Louis Jadet Pinot Noir Bourgogne

We wondered why we didn't dine here more often. We will return as prices were reasonable and the food was delicious!

Pho Xinh (Vietnamese)

In the midst of the storm yesterday, we ventured to Pho Xinh again (this WILL be a regular occurrence) and had a delicious time.

We ordered Cha Gio (spring rolls) and Thit Nuong Cuon (BBQ pork rolls). Ken thought the pork rolls were the most flavorful of the summer rolls.

Ken had the Com Tam Thit Nuong Bi (broken rice with charbroiled pork and shredded pork). He wasn't crazy about the shredded pork because it was cold, but Jay loved the flavor.

Jay had Bun Bo Nuong Xa (charbroiled beef with lemon grass on rice vermiceli). It was filling and delicious.

We enjoyed the spring rolls so much that we had another order before we left!

No wine this time, but Jay had a mango shake, which was very refreshing.

Elements (repost April 26, 2008)

We visited Elements Café on Saturday, April 26, 2008, with our friends Mary and Terry.

Since the dinner tasting menu was very descriptive, our server allowed Jay to write on, and take, the menu.

Warm, crusty bread was brought out first, along with soft butter.

Starters
Pita bread and crostini accompanied the three starters that we selected: herb marinated olives, roasted garlic hummus and tomato bruschetta. Everything was fresh and delicious.

First Course
Mary ordered the crispy ravioli du jour, Ken had the spicy grilled shrimp w/tomatillo & feta cheese salsa, Terry had the crispy Asian vegetable dumplings w/sweet chili dipping sauce and Jay had the petite crab ball w/arugala salad & red wine vinaigrette (actually three nice-sized balls). Although Mary wasn’t thrilled with her ravioli, everything else was tasty.

Second Course
Mary, Jay and Terry ordered the soup sampler which contained grilled chicken & vegetable soup, shellfish bisque (a bit salty) and the soup du jour – black bean w/salsa fresco. By putting the shellfish bisque into the black bean, Mary and Jay were able to finish.

Third Course
Ken & Terry enjoyed the heart of romaine w/black pepper parmesan dressing & roasted garlic crustini; Jay had panzanella – warm Italian bread salad topped with asiago cheese & reduced balsamic vinegar; Mary devoured the endive salad w/roasted beets, toasted walnuts & blue cheese vinaigrette.

Main Course
Mary – sautéed asparagus, tomato & potato gnocchi with herb butter sauce
Ken & Mary – pan roasted scallops w/apple smoked bacon, granny smith apples & watercross salad
Jay & Terry – grilled rack of lamp chop w/potato puree & romesco sauce
Terry – venison special
Ken – Suzuki special (Japanese fish)

Dessert
Mary – Flourless chocolate torte w/vanilla ice cream & crème anglaise
Jay – Mint chocolate chip sundae with chocolate sauce
Terry – Bread pudding w/crème anglaise

Wines Enjoyed:
2006 Kali Kart Chardonnay
Chestnut Hill Winery Merlot (not the best)
Assorted red & white leftover from other tables