Bhan Thai (Thai French)

Ken treated Jay to Bhan Thai on Thursday, March 14, 2013, so it always smells so good when we leave the gym.

No reservation, and we had to make a stop first so we didn't get there until 8:10 PM, but they didn't kick us out past closing at 9 PM (especially since another group arrived 15 minutes before closing), so that was nice.

Everything was delicious, as usual.

Appetizers:

Ken - Martini Shrimp, of course! 2 orders this time!

Jay - Crabmeat pancake

Entrees:

Ken - Pla Rad Prik - basa fillet

Jay - Shrimp and Cashewnut (3 chilis hot - perfect!)

Wines enjoyed:

2010 Luzon Jamilla Spain

2010 Estancia Chardonnay (forgot to take a picture)

Jade Spice (Chinese)

Had to use a Living Social coupon before it expired, so we visited Jade Spice at 1132 Route 73 South in Mount Laurel, in February. The food and service were good.

Our server, Sid, promptly introduced himself and gave us time to peruse the extensive menu.

Appetizers enjoyed:
Crab Rangoon

Beef Sticks

Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

Entrees:
Ken enjoyed the beef and scallops, although the scallops didn't have much flavor, like they were previously frozen.


Jay struggled through the Sizzling Tofu, since she ate most of the Rangoon and all of the wraps.

Ken wasn't too impressed, calling it "just a Chinese restaurant," but Jay would give it another try. The tableside presentation for the Sizzling Tofu makes it worth another visit.

Wines enjoyed:

2011 Pinot Grigio (Italy)

2009 Malbec (Argentina)

IndeBlue (Indian)

LOVE THIS PLACE!

We enjoyed a leisurely 3-hour lunch with our friends, Karin and George, on Saturday, March 9, 2013, at IndeBlue, 619 Collings Avenue, Collingswood, NJ 08107, 856-854-4633.

We shared a couple orders of garlic naan, which is the best!

Karin and George enjoyed the mushroom soup, which was very tasty:

We shared appetizers:

Shrimp Koliwada, which Ken loves!

Half a dozen chickpea battered shrimp served with sweet & spicy chili aioli & greens.

Sweet Potato Pakora - Chickpea battered sweet potato fritters served with sweet & spicy sauce.

Even Ken liked them...

Drums of Heaven - Indian style spiced chicken wings served with sweet and tangy sauce.

Basil Crusted Talapia with risotto

We also shared entrees, which were the specials for March:

Crab & Shrimp Malai -

poppy seed / peas / coconut / tomato / leeks / garlic / saffron basmati rice

Salli Boti -

boneless tender lamb / apricot / white vinegar / jaggery / crispy masala spiced straw potatoes

 

Stuffed Okra Masala -

spiced potatoes / peas / aamchur / onions / tomato / bell peppers / saffron basmati rice

Dessert:

We always love the peanut butter ice cream:

The pomegranate sorbet was wonderful as well:

Wines enjoyed:

Kunkel's Seafood & Steakhouse

To end a wonderful Valentine's Anniversary, Jay and Ken went to Kunkel's, 920 Kings Highway,  Haddon Heights, 08035, on Thursday for a 5:30 PM reservation. Nice, romantic setting.

Warm bread and seasoned oil was brought to the table, while we perused the menu. Since we had a late lunch, we decided on light appetizers.

Jay enjoyed the oysters du jour. She selected 2 of each - . Both varieties were delicious!

Ken had the shrimp cocktail and was very satisfied. One fell on the floor, so our server brought a replacement.

Our entrees came with salads. Ken had the House Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette. Jay choose to upgrade her salad to the Spinach Salad, which was delicious as it contained dried cherries, creamy goat cheese, and apples, tossed with a honey dijon vinaigrette.

Jay's entree was delicious, and she had to take some home for the next day's lunch. Barramundi, pan seared, and topped with a sage shallot cream sauce topped with crabmeat and bacon and served over roasted potatoes.

Ken had the surf and turf. He selected the New York Strip and lobster tail, which came with fries and an onion ring.

We were too full for dessert, but we will return! Very pleasant experience. Nice ambience.

Wines enjoyed:

2009 Little Black Dress Sauvignon Blanc

2009 Louis Jadot Bourgogne Pinot Noir

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!

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.