26 January 2013

Top Notch (American)

In the midst of a snowstorm, we went to Top Notch, 20 South Main Street, Medford, NJ, for dinner on Friday, January 25, 2013, for a 6 PM reservation. We were promptly seated. Surprisingly, there were quite a few people in the restaurant for a snowy evening.

Warm, crusty bread was brought to the table, along with olive oil and pepper flakes. It was so good, we had two servings.



Appetizers:
We first shared the Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper Fries, which were crunchy and came with homemade ketchup and a maple chili cream sauce. Both sauces were delicious and the fries were tasty without them.


Jay enjoyed the Top Notch French Onion soup, which was slightly sweet, flavorful and cheesy. Yum


We then enjoyed the Prosciutto Wrapped Shrimp - three jumbo shrimp. Very tasty.




Entrees:
Ken enjoyed the flat iron steak, grilled medium rare, which came with fingerling potatoes, red wine braised mushrooms and caramelized brussel sprouts. Delicious


Jay enjoyed the pork belly and horseradish macaroni and cheese. It was heavenly. Half went home for the next day's lunch.


Dessert:
We shared the apple cobbler with vanilla ice cream. Perfect ending to the meal.



Wines enjoyed:
2006 Peirano Estate Vineyards Petite Sirah Lodi


2011 Castillo de Aguaron Carinena (85% Cabernet Sauvignon; 15% Syrah)



Our server, Savannah, was efficient and pleasant throughout the meal.

The decor is totally different than when it was Ted's on Main (we missed Scotch Bonnets, unfortunately), and holds more tables. An open kitchen concept, including a brick oven, makes it feel more homey.

We will definitely return!

15 January 2013

Bhan Thai (Thai Fusion Cuisine)

We had a wonderful dinner with friends, Mary and Terry, on Saturday, January 12, 2013, at Bhan Thai in Mount Laurel, NJ.

We enjoyed 2 orders of the Martini Shrimp, which Ken loves, and 2 orders of spring rolls.



Entrees enjoyed:

Terry - Pad Thai Crabmeat



Ken - Red snapper garlic (filet). It was a holiday special, so it may not always be on the menu.



Jay - Chu Chee Duck, with curry paste and cream coconut milk. She ordered it "3-chili hot," which was spicy, but not overly so. The skin stayed crispy until the last bite!



Mary - Masaman curry with chicken.



Jay, Mary and Terry shared the Grand Marnier souffle with pistachio ice cream, which must be ordered in advance.




Wines enjoyed:
2009 Charles Smith Cabernet Sauvignon


2011 Quinta Das Mouras de Arraiolos (50% Shiraz; 50% Aragonez)



Ken considers this restaurant one of our Top 5.