Monday, April 19, 2010, Jay finally got her soup at Pho Xinh! It was sooooo good. They have a new menu!
She ate the Pho Tai Dac Biet (Pho with rare steak, well done flank, fat brisket, tendon, tripe and beef ball) first, because the kitchen misunderstood that she wanted to FINISH the appetizer before getting the soup. It was delicious!
She ordered the Tofu Nhoi Tom (not on the original menu) appetizer, which she actually ate last. It came with six+ big pieces of tofu, wrapped around bacon pieces and fried. You couldn't even tell it was tofu.
For takeout, she ordered the Com Tam Thit Nuong (charbroiled pork with broken rice) for Ken but what she got was Com Thit Nuong (rice looks long; we'll see if he likes it); and Pad Thai Thap Cam (pad thai with chicken, fish balls, squid and shrimp) for herself. Ken texted that he wanted spring rolls, (Cha Gio) so she brought 2 orders (4 rolls) home.
The hot tea provided was enough to complete the meal. Once again, no pictures - Jay was starving!
19 April 2010
18 April 2010
Marcello's Fresh Catch Bistro
On Saturday, April 17, 2010, after a long day at work for Jay, and with the youngest, Reese, over before his move to Colorado, we decided to go to Marcello's Fresh Catch Bistro, which is Jay's 2nd favorite (still love La Campagne!).
We were promptly seated, even though we arrived about 20 minutes for our 6:45 PM reservation. We really love that we can get a same day reservation and they are so accommodating.
Demetrius was our server and he was very good.
Once the bread basket came to the table, Jay and Ken fought for the garlic bread - it's so good!
Appetizers enjoyed:
Jay - Oysters Rockefeller, 5 nice-sized oysters, which were very filling
Ken - Shrimp Kisses - wrapped in prosciutto and cheese. He's so happy they are on the menu and not only as a special
Reese - Bistro Barbecue Shrimp Skewers, with pineapple. He wanted more, but was happy with what he had
Entrees enjoyed:
Jay - Black & Blue Grouper special, with blue cheese and jumbo crabmeat. It came with mashed potatoes (not very impressive) and mixed vegetables (carrots, squash, broccoli, string beans). Very good, but the crabmeat tasted a bit waterlogged for some reason. Couldn't finish, so it will probably be next day's dinner.
Ken - Fresh Catch flounder francaise - flounder lightly battered and sautéed in a luscious citrus sauce served over sautéed broccoli rabe served with herb-roasted potatoes. Ken didn't finish the broccoli rabe, so Jay had it added to her meal.
Reese - Shrimp Caprese Pasta. Huge shrimp over linguine in a tomato-based sauce with lots of cheese. Reese couldn't finish, so he took it home. BUT, he ended up eating it at 3 AM, after he got in from his night out.
Amy, the owner, stopped by our table and, while talking, found out that we were the creators of this blog. She reads it often. It was amazing to hear that she remembered when we were in the parking lot and actually went to another restaurant. Jay didn't think that anyone else read the blog, except for friends.
Amy was so impressed with the blog (people who patronized the restaurant actually mentioned it and the wines that we took!), that she offered complimentary espresso and desserts. Ken took advantage of the espresso. We all took home dessert - creme brulee cheesecake (for Jay), carrot cake (for Ken), and cheesecake (for Reese). Very good desserts that were enjoyed the next day.
Wines enjoyed:
2007 Kali Hart Pinot Noir
2008 Menage a Trois California White Wine
We were promptly seated, even though we arrived about 20 minutes for our 6:45 PM reservation. We really love that we can get a same day reservation and they are so accommodating.
Demetrius was our server and he was very good.
Once the bread basket came to the table, Jay and Ken fought for the garlic bread - it's so good!
Appetizers enjoyed:
Jay - Oysters Rockefeller, 5 nice-sized oysters, which were very filling
Ken - Shrimp Kisses - wrapped in prosciutto and cheese. He's so happy they are on the menu and not only as a special
Reese - Bistro Barbecue Shrimp Skewers, with pineapple. He wanted more, but was happy with what he had
Entrees enjoyed:
Jay - Black & Blue Grouper special, with blue cheese and jumbo crabmeat. It came with mashed potatoes (not very impressive) and mixed vegetables (carrots, squash, broccoli, string beans). Very good, but the crabmeat tasted a bit waterlogged for some reason. Couldn't finish, so it will probably be next day's dinner.
Ken - Fresh Catch flounder francaise - flounder lightly battered and sautéed in a luscious citrus sauce served over sautéed broccoli rabe served with herb-roasted potatoes. Ken didn't finish the broccoli rabe, so Jay had it added to her meal.
Reese - Shrimp Caprese Pasta. Huge shrimp over linguine in a tomato-based sauce with lots of cheese. Reese couldn't finish, so he took it home. BUT, he ended up eating it at 3 AM, after he got in from his night out.
Amy, the owner, stopped by our table and, while talking, found out that we were the creators of this blog. She reads it often. It was amazing to hear that she remembered when we were in the parking lot and actually went to another restaurant. Jay didn't think that anyone else read the blog, except for friends.
Amy was so impressed with the blog (people who patronized the restaurant actually mentioned it and the wines that we took!), that she offered complimentary espresso and desserts. Ken took advantage of the espresso. We all took home dessert - creme brulee cheesecake (for Jay), carrot cake (for Ken), and cheesecake (for Reese). Very good desserts that were enjoyed the next day.
Wines enjoyed:
2007 Kali Hart Pinot Noir
2008 Menage a Trois California White Wine
10 April 2010
Blackbird (Franco-American)
We visited Blackbird in Collingswood for lunch today with our friends Karin and George.
We took our time and had a wonderful time. Everything was delicious.
Hot crusty bread was brought to the table and served with olive oil.
Appetizers:
Ken - Thai chicken spring rolls
Jay - Fricasse Prince Edward Island mussels - she drank the juice!
Karin & George - Sweet corn soup
Entrees:
Ken - Pan roasted free range chicken, creamy herb risotto
Jay - Bento Box du jour - smoked salmon, mussels, salad, frittata
George - Potato gnocchi in a delicious sauce
Karin - steak frittes, which she couldn't finish
Wines enjoyed:
2008 Provenance Sauvignon Blanc
2006 Monte Antico Toscana (Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon)
2008 Las Tizas Malbec
It's always a good time when we can get out together with Karin and George!
George recommended that we try Hong Kong Fusion...
27 March 2010
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...
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...
22 March 2010
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!
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!
14 March 2010
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.
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.
06 March 2010
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
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
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