Pizzicato

On Monday, January 15, 2007, we visited Pizzicato for an impromptu lunch. We didn't bring wine, because we didn't know we'd be stopping by.

We shared four appetizers: Calamari, crab cake, bruschetta and spring rolls. Everything was delicious. Ken had iced tea as a beverage.

We always have such a nice time when we visit.

Siri's Thai French Cuisine

In celebration of Jay's 45th birthday on January 3, Ken took her back to Siri's yesterday. We had 7 PM reservations (recommended) and the place quickly filled.

For appetizers, Jay had the char-grilled calamari over crispy romaine with sweet chili sauce. It was yummy and the calamari was lightly grilled. Ken had the grilled divers scallops salad which came with three huge warm scallops "in a lime dressing over field greens topped with tropical fruits." The dressing was superb.

Jay had a special - macadamia-encrusted rack of lamb, medium-well, which came with potatoes au gratin and sugar snap peas - which were done to perfection.

Ken had the sauteed seafood medley - rock lobster tail, salmon, shrimp, scallops, fresh vegetables and cappellini in a saffron white wine sauce. The entree was so large that he shared with Jay.


For dessert, Jay had a slice of chocolate toffee truffle pie. It was light and delicious.

We have decided that this is in our top 6 favorite restaurants. (We had to add the sixth position because we have so many favorites!) Service was excellent and everyone was pleasant and knowledgable.

Wines enjoyed:
Col Vetoraz Valdobbiadene Prosecco (gift from Karin & George)
2004 7 Deadly Zins (Old Vines)

Barnacle Ben's (Seafood) Again!

We returned to Barnacle Ben's, 300 Young Avenue, Moorestown, NJ, on Saturday and had an even better time than last week. We went with our friends, Larry and Linda. Since Larry knows the owner, we were able to request somethig off the menu - lobster au gratin.

A mix of warm rolls, with a touch of sweetness were brought to the table. Again, butter was not needed.

Appetizers shared: crab balls, clams, and coconut shrimp. Everything was hot and delicious. The sauce for the mussels was dippable.

Larry and Jay had the lobster au gratin. Big chunks of lobster tail in a creamy cheese sauce. Both had roasted red pepper mashed potatoes. Jay ordered homemade cole slaw and Larry ordered stewed tomatoes.

Ken had the crab cakes - two large crab cakes with almost no filler. He ordered the rice and the mashed potatoes, which he didn't eat because he was so full.

Linda had the walnut crusted salmon, which was a bit rare for her, so she sent it back to get cooked a little more. She enjoyed every bite. She also had the baked sweet potato and a salad with the hous dressing.

Only Larry had room for dessert - a vanilla cake with chocolate filling. It was a large slice which he couldn't finish.

Ben came to the table a few times and had a couple of beers. It was a very nice evening.

Wines enjoyed: 2005 Schmitt Schone Riesling Kabinett and 2005 Kali Hart Chardonnay.

• Dress: Casual.


• Service: Very good.


• Decor: Nice tasteful "sea" decor. Beautiful lighting. Another room was available in the back. Dine al fresco in warmer weather.


• Portions: Nice.


• Prices: Moderate. A little more than what's posted on the website.


• Reservations: Suggested.

Barnacle Ben's (Seafood)

We visited Barnacle Ben's, 300 Young Avenue, Moorestown, NJ, this evening and had an enjoyable time.

We arrived at 6 PM, with no reservations,and were promptly seated. If you arrive after this time, reservations are suggested.

Fresh warm rolls were brought to the table. Poppy seed and raisin - both had a nice touch of sweetness. Butter was not needed.

Jay ordered the crab wontons appetizer. Four nice sized crispy wontons with an orange marmalade dip were brought to the table. Very good. She had the seafood crepes for an entree, filled with shrimp, scallop and lobster in a lobster champagne sauce. Three were brought out, piping hot and delicious.

Ken ordered the coconut shrimp - four JUMBO shrimp which he enjoyed to the fullest. He enjoyed surf and turf - a beautiful cut of meat, medium, with a nice sized lobster tail.

We both selected salads with the house (Caesar) dressing instead of the two vegetables that came with each entree. The salad was fresh and crisp.

We were pleasantly full - not overly stuffed when we left. We will definitely return.

Wine enjoyed: 2005 Schmitt Schone Riesling Kabinett.

• Dress: Casual.


• Service: Very good.


• Decor: Nice tasteful "sea" decor. Beautiful lighting. Another room was available in the back. Dine al fresco in warmer weather.


• Portions: Nice.


• Prices: Moderate. A little more than what's posted on the website.


• Reservations: Suggested.

Chef's Kitchen (Eclectic)

After a hiatus, we revisted Chef's Kitchen in Cherry Hill.

We arrived early for our 7:30 reservations and were promptly seated. Our waiter opened our wine, gave us our menus and then told us the specials for the evening.

Not long after, we were given crusty bread with hummus topped with sesame and butter triangles.

Ken ordered the Caesar salad with shaved parmesan cheese and Jay ordered the baby greens with blue cheese, walnuts in an Oriental vinegrette. Both were fresh and extremely tasty.

Service was good - actually too quick. Entrees were brought out before Jay could finish her salad and enjoy her wine. We figured it was because the restaurant closes at 9 PM.

We both ordered specials - Ken ordered the aged sirloin speical, medium, with corn and potatoes au gratin. He was pleased, although the presentation was a a little to be desired (Ken has been watching Iron Chef America).

Jay ordered the Australian lamb sirloin - medium well, with asparagus and mashed sweet potatoes. The lamb was tender and very flavorful. The asparagus was a little more done than she was used to. The mashed sweet potatoes had no substenance - they were just there.

Eve, the chef/owner was there, but never came to our table to welcome us or see how we enjoyed her dishes.

However, both dishes were devoured and we will return to try other dishes eventually. We left at 8:50 PM. We had to say goodnight to Eve and her waiter rather than receiving their well wishes upon our getting up from the table. (Maybe because we were the last to leave.) Nor did the waiter thank us for our 31% tip.

Wines enjoyed: 2004 7 Deadly Zins (Old Vine) and 2005 St. Urbans-Hof Riesling.

Here's a review from the New York Times: http://events.nytimes.com/2006/01/08/travel/08njdine.html

• Dress: Casual.


• Service: Good.


• Decor: Orange and blue walls (this actually works well) with kitchen utensils displayed throughout. Lighting was nice. The ladies' room was clean and also had orange walls.


• Portions: Good.


• Prices: Moderate.


• Reservations: Suggested.

Little Saigon (Vietnamese)

We finally returned to Little Saigon yesterday with our friends, Karin and George. It's in Upper Darby, PA, so we don't visit as often as we'd like. We had previously visited so much that we didn't need to look at the menu. (Karin and George used to visit weekly, but have discovered other restaurants so their visits have been more sporadic - what a shame)

Our hostess was extremely pleasant and welcoming.

While waiting for Ken to arrive, Jay, Karin and George enjoyed the roast pork wonton noodle soup. The noodles were light and the broth was delicious.

Once Ken arrived we shared: Two orders of shrimp and pork rolls; 3 orders of spring rolls (one with vermicelli, two without); two orders of crepes filled with shrimp and bean sprouts; one order of grape leaves.

After all of that, Ken and Jay weren't satisfied so we ordered another order of grape leaves and spring rolls.

You won't find food this good anywhere else so make the trip. Owner Han and his wife, Nancy, remembered us and sent us two orders of sticky rice with corn and coconut milk for dessert. It was so good, Jay ate one order by herself.

Jay and Ken also ordered food to go: more grape leaves, charbroiled pork over broken rice, and deluxe fried rice, the taste of which is so fresh and different from Chinese fried rice.

Wines enjoyed: 2005 Albarino Burgans Rias Baixis White Wine, 2003 Tittarelli Malbec Reserva, 2005 Smoking Loon Pinor Noir and 2005 Two Left Feet MollyDooker Sarah Sparkly (65% Shiraz, 19% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon)

• Dress: Casual.


• Service: Outstanding.


• Decor: Pleasant atmosphere.


• Portions: Large.


• Prices: Extremely affordable.


• Reservations: Not required.

Alisa Cafe (French/Thai)

We visited Alisa Cafe tonight for the first time and were pleasantly surprised. We arrived early for our 7 PM reservation and were promptly seated. We were happy to see friends from our old gym, Mike and his wife, seated at another table. This was also their first time.

Table settings were beautiful with fanned napkins and crystal stemware. After taking our order, our server opened our wine and brought out warm rolls with butter.

We shared the Appetizer for 2: Thai Shumai (seasoned minced steamed shrimp and pork wrapped with wonton skins), Pork Gyoza (Jay loves these!), Crispy Shrimp Rolls, and Vegetable Shrimp Rolls. Everything was crispy and cooked to perfection.

Ken orderd the jumbo shrimp curry (sauteed with garlic, vegetables, and green curry); Jay had the shrimp pad thai (stir-fried rice noodles with egg, tofu, green onions and ground peanuts). Both dishes were excellent - everything was extremely fresh. We took nothing home. In fact, Ken had to help Jay eat the shrimp because she was getting full.

While eating we enjoyed the view of the open kitchen, which was immaculate. We'll be back to try other dishes.

Wine enjoyed: 2004 Smoking Loon California Cabernet Sauvignon

• Dress: Casual.


• Service: Outstanding.


• Decor: Pleasant atmosphere. Mahogany table and chairs. Beautiful lighting (pendant and orb). Soothing background music..


• Portions: Large.


• Prices: Extremely affordable.


• Reservations: Suggested.