Meat Me

I received a lot of emails regarding a new steakhouse on the Upper West Side, so when our diet food wasn’t delivered Monday due to the storm, there was no better excuse then to check it out.

Meat Me French Steak House & Sushi Bar is located on Amsterdam Ave between 95^th and 96^th Street. If that sounds familiar, it’s because it’s located two blocks from Talia’s Steakhouse (to use that term loosely) and three blocks from Mike’s Pizza. Talia’s should brace themselves.

Simply put, the food was great. The menu was La Marais style, with pricing maybe 10% less. There is a full bar, but as they did not yet obtain their liquor license, we simply salivated looking at it. There is no BYOB as the license is pending. The place is well renovated French style, with open air seating (the front wall opens). Nice breeze, but the usual mix of bums and drunks walking to and from the projects.

Appetizers were incredible. I’m a sucker for appies, and finding duck and merquez is rare. Their combo plate was huge and hard to find in a kosher restaurant.

The mains were great. We had more duck, a rib steak and a pepper corn fillet, which was done perfectly. The sides were a little lame, but frizzled onions on your plate is all you really need in life.

The desserts were the same as every kosher steakhouse- crème caramel, sorbet, an exploding cake, blah blah. Maybe one day someone will invent something new.

The bread was so so, though the spread matched Abigael’s.  

The service stunk. I received better service gassing up my car before the storm. While they were only open for a week so you can’t judge them, the issue was more with the waiter. The waitress and bus staff were great, but this waiter forgot our drinks, brought our sides (the ones he remembered) before our appies, and told us they were out of the wrong items (duck) and didn’t know what else we can order. Message to owner- send him to the unemployment line now.

To top of the night, they offer a 10% coupon on their take out menus, yet also good for sit-downs (which the waiter forgot to discount even though I handed it to him) and they accept Kosher Advantage.

Meat Me

726 Amsterdam Ave

New york, NY 10025

212-678-7000

www.meatmeny.com

Can we make Teaneck like Tenafly?

Last night, I met my wife for dinner at Ariel’s. Choice was Mocha or Ariel’s. I made the wrong one. While the food was good and the service great, fact is, as I mentioned earlier, it's just a plain Jane dairy place. None of that "wow!" that they had when they first opened. The lack of a crowd showed that all agree with me. The chef/owner needs to reinvigorate the place.

Afterwards, we drove over to the Red Mango frozen yogurt store in Tenafly. Incredible.

Is it like Bumbleberry? Yes. If you consider a Camry like a Lexus since they both drive.

For starters, the staff rocks. They are out their giving samples, asking if you need help, and really hard working. At Bumbleberry, it appears as if the staff is just passing time until they roll their next joint. Don’t get me wrong- I love Bumbleberry- but Red Mango is on their game.

They have a lot more toppings available and a lot more space to walk around. There are tables and benches galore, both inside and outside. Once again- not faulting Bumbleberry- they tried a new concept in Teaneck and started small….

Finally, we walked around downtown Tenafly. Simply put- gorgeous. Benches (can’t find those on Queen Ann Road), flowers and wide walkways abound.

So here is my thought, and I will put this in writing to the Council and Planning Board- why not experiment and make West Englewood Avenue into a pedestrian, plaza-like Fulton Street in downtown NYC, or like a Ben Yehudah Street in Jerusalem.

There are currently 35 or so parking spots- leave 5-7 on each end and start the plaza 100 feet in. The 25 spots lost can easily be replaced in the commuter parking lots behind both sides of the street, or off the Plaza (is the Glatt Express parking lot busy? Yes. Is it full? No. For a later discussion, the zoning plan currently allows for a multi-story parking lot in the current lots place).

Bring in benches, al fresca dining, etc. and combine that with the current wifi and you’ve got game!

But, don’t do anything permanent just yet.  Let's try it once a month on a Thursday or Sunday and see how it goes…

Kosher Diet Delivery

I’ve received lots of comments, emails, bbms, Facebook posts as to what diet I was on and why I haven’t been eating out.

Over the past three plus years, I’ve been able to shed 35 pounds off my high marker weight.

Thankfully, I have been successful in this task as a result of a combination of diet, exercise and vitamins.

I’ve been running one to three times a week, 5-12 miles at each shot as well as a mile or two on stairs. Few things beat fish oil and red yeast rice to reduce your cholesterol along with exercise and dieting.

I get my meals delivered daily from Kosher Diet Delivery.

Simply put, it's great.

I pay on the 60 day schedule, so I’m at $34 or so a day. I started at six days a week and now I'm only doing four.

Breakfast ranges from omelets to stuffed French toast (incredible) to breakfast burritos (I can do that one every day). By the time you finish breakfast, you say to yourself - "I can do this diet forever."

Lunch is a selection of salads, though I am on the wrap version. I couldn’t deal with splattering dressing all over myself daily. Lunch is usually meat so you can’t have some of your friends Reese’s pieces to nibble on. Nothing beats a roast beef wrap with a side of cucumber salad. Once again- this is a diet?

Dinners- lots of fish and chicken. But every so often you can feast on stuffed cabbage (splatter alert) or some veal (which I pass on for turkey- mental issue between me and veal).

Rest assured! there are snacks during the day. Custards, soufflés, fruit, nuts. In case you can’t tell, I’m loving it.

Now, for the "$34 question," is it expensive? Yes! But is it worth it? Definitely. In addition to the weight loss aspect, as I’m away from home 15 or so hours a day, I ate out for years. Eating out three times a day far exceeds the $34 price tag on a per capita basis. PLUS, the hours of talking, thinking calling and discussing what you will be eating are eliminated (and in my case, in Brooklyn, arguing with them when they screw up your order). 3 full meals and the snacks are all delivered in a cooler to your doorstep overnight.

They have weekly tryouts at a cheap price, so check it out. If you don’t like certain things, tell them - they'll customize your menu to your preferences. You can also go online and modify your menu as well.

Mention my name and tell them you want a third snack a day

☺

Kosher Diet Delivery
http://www.kosherdietdelivery.com/
800-354-3122 

Petak's is opened!

Petak's re-opened today on West Englewood Avenue next to Dougies

As per their release:

"We have delicious home made schnitzel, popcorn chicken, Meat knishes, meatballs, rotisserie chickens, stuffed cabbage, fresh cut salads, grilled Chicken, chicken soup with matzo balls and more,

Spend 25$ get a free half lb. Side or salad.
"

I will go there tonight and check it out. I AM NOT affiliated with them contrary to some emails I have received alluding to this or inquiring. 

Petak's

Gabe Gilbert

201-833-8200

182 West Englewood Avenue

Guest Post and a sad closing

On a sad note, it appears as if Bistro Grill in Great Neck has closed. One of the local shuls there sent out an email stating this and their number hasn't been answered. I hope its false. Bistro is a great place to meet people on Long Island when you want to avoid the Five Towns and want to skip Queens. Prior to ETC Steakhouse in Teaneck, it was even worth the drive from NJ for the food (which I've done plenty!)

Below is a guest post for Red Mango in Tenafly, a yogurt/ ice cream place. Yes people, there is kosher food in Jersey outside of Teaneck and Englewood.

Newly opened in Tenafly a block north of the Theater, the Red Mango offers friendly service and places to sit. Free samples of any and all frozen yogurt flavors.  They offer many flavors of all natural yogurts along with a wide variety of toppings. We had original plain vanilla mixed with  blueberry; blueberry mixed with peach and pomegranate; and Madagascar vanilla mixed with peach.

By the way, we saw an excellent movie called The Help.

Red Mango, Stop and Shop Mall
24 West Railroad Ave, Tenafly NJ
201-568-9500
www.redmangousa.com

Guest Post: Turquoise in Fresh Meadows, Queens

The restaurant itself is nice, clean, and aesthetically pleasing. The acoustics are decent- you can converse in a normal tone without fear of not being heard (watch Curb your Enthusiasm last night?). The tables are beautifully set (nice dishes, glassware, and linen napkins) the chairs are comfortable, and there is nice ambiance- soft lighting, candles on the tables, neutral colors, etc.

There is a decent wine list, consisting of about 10 whites and 8 reds; and it’s reasonably priced. There is no hard alcohol (mixed drinks, martinis, etc.) or beer on the menu.

The menu itself is leather-bound, and offers a wide selection of appetizers, salads, and fish. There are a couple of pastas on the menu, as well as daily pasta specials. The service was GREAT which is not typical in a majority of kosher restaurants. Our waiter was impeccably dressed, well groomed, and knowledgeable about the menu. Our water glasses were constantly filled, the waiter and assistant waiter  came back multiple times to check up on us (and yes, the restaurant was busy), and even the owner made his way around to every table seeking input.

After ordering, a basket of bread and herb butter is brought to the table, along with 4 small salads including glazed beets (DELICIOUS) and a cilantro / jalapeno dipping sauce (AMAZING).

Being late on Saturday night, we ordered light and split 4 dishes amongst ourselves. We had 2 salads and an appetizer- the Goat Cheese and Beet Salad and the Mediterranean Salad, along with the roasted asparagus with grated Parmesan.  Additionally, we had the fish and chips…we ordered the St. Peters (Tilapia) which was fresh, crisp and delicious, and the French fries were as well. We also had a pasta off the menu (ravioli stuffed with broccoli and cheese in a broccoli garlic oil sauce with red chili flakes).  The portions were large, and the presentation was nice.

The desert menu had a few items on it but there wasn’t anything on it that was compelling us to order. Given their robust dinner menu, and the restaurant being dairy, this is something they need to take advantage of and enhance.

Dinner for 4 with tip was under $100.00. After paying the bill, the owner came out again to thank us and to seek any additional feedback.

All in all, a very good experience and a restaurant I would recommend going to.

Turquoise Kosher Fish Restaurant

189-23 Union Turnpike, Fresh Meadows, Queens

718-776-7775

http://www.turquoisekosherfish.com/

Thank god its friday!

I’ve gained some weight these last few weeks as you can imagine, so I’ve toned done the eating out. My partners are starting the diet food delivery that believe it or not I’m still on four days a week (check it out at kosherdietdelivery.org)

We had to start their diet by feasting at ETC last night. Place was packed and they couldn’t give us a reservation until 9:30pm. The place was still quite full then. For some reason, we preferred that. I’d rather get closed out or pushed off from a local restaurant because they are busy then have it go out of business because they are slow.

As always the food was great. Didn’t really like the hanger steak but the peppercorn fillet was a great way to end the night after a Planning Board meeting and a closing with a Persian. The owner/ chef came around asking for comments and opinions which is always a good sign (PS he said Restaurant Depot does not sell Dr Browns diet soda hence he doesn’t have it).

I hope to spend more time jogging and less time eating over the next few weeks. Please keep the guest posts coming. There are a few new restaurants  recently opened or opening that I hope to check out and report back on.

Shabbat Shalom and Good Shabbos

Guest Post- Milk Street Cafe NYC

Years ago when we took a trip to Boston we stopped off at the Milk Street Cafe for lunch.  It was so tasty and we all asked why no one had opened something like it in NY.  Circa had tried but no one can top the original.

2 weeks ago I was in the Financial District with my son for a dentist appointment and asked a friend where I could take him for dinner and he suggested the Milk Street Cafe.  It is easily located at 40 Wall street, Trump Tower.

Even better than its Boston location this store had several stations that can make everyone in your family happy.  When we first walked in we walked around to see all our options as there were many.

Dairy Salad Bar

Meat Salad Bar

Panini Station

Meat Station

Asian & Sushi Station

Barista Bar

I went with the Asian station and had a piece of salmon, stir fried vegetables and rice.  My son toured all the stations and wanted to start with french fries and a roll.  The salmon was so tender and delicious I took some home for the next day.

Afterwards my son enjoyed a smoothie and sampled many of their desserts.  The place was clean, and well staffed.  Everyone that worked there was more than happy to help and answer any questions.

I stopped by the next week for dinner and got a Rockfort Salad for dinner and picked up another salmon with vegetables for the next day lunch - all delicious, looking forward to not being there on the nine days so I can check out the meat station

I went back again the next night and picked up dinner and a salad for the next day.  The salad was so fresh that the next day it tasted like it was made minutes before.

Yes a glowing review but as I said Milk Street does it right.  Best part I think is that they serve both meat and dairy - everything  is given out in take out containers so if your husband wants meat, you want a great salad and your kids want sushi you can all be happy in one place at the same table.

Easily accessible by train and there is a parking lot in the next building.  Daily specials are listed on their website.  We have not yet sampled their catering menu but it was not hard to convince my office mate that next months office lunch should be ordered from Milk Street.

Milk Street Cafe

Manhattan

40 Wall Street

New York, NY 10005

Phone: 212-542-3663

Boston

50 Milk Street

Boston, MA 02109

Phone: 617-542-3663

http://newyork.milkstreetcafe.com

Who can think of food?

Spent Saturday night at the office and at Sammy's (interesting comment for another time) and yesterday at visiting day.

As we gear up for a fast day, I have no reviews today. As tomorrow is the day to dream of food, please send me your guest posts!

Sammy’s Bagels update AND Mikes Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen

I am pleased to announce that Sammy’s Bagels has finally stepped up to the plate and changed their layout.

The bagels are still where they were, but the register was moved to the end.

The soda fridge was moved to the end of the store. Basically, opening more room, if that is possible. No more gauntlet!

It felt a bit roomier, but they still have yet to get that Mr. Clean down pat. But hey, one step at a time..

In addition to the breaking news, I tried to meet a client for dinner on Wednesday night in the City. As it is the nine days, I couldn’t even get a place on line, let alone a table at Noi Due on West 69^th St (in the same building as where Levana’s used to be). From what I heard, the line was appropriate as the place rocks. Guess that will have to wait.

After trying My Most Favorite Foods new location on West 72^nd Street with the same outcome, we settled on high end Mike’s Pizzeria on Amsterdam and 92nd. As most people know, when you walk into any pizza store, you don’t look at the menu board. You look at what’s on display and what appears to be fresh rather than leftovers from the old kosher shop in Chernobyl.  Not Mikes. They have a full menu of appies and pasta, in addition to a large fresh selection of personal pies. It easier to find oil in Israel than a fresh kosher personal pie in NJ, but if you head across the bridge and down to the Upper West Side, you can find it.

While short on tables, they have a good cleanup crew that will flip a table quickly and bring you your food after you order it at the counter. Drinks are great and meter parking lines the street at all times.

All in all, a great place to stop for a good quick meal with many varieties.

Mike’s Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen

654 Amsterdam Avenue at 92^nd St, NYC

212-362-0700

Shelly’s

You know the summer is in full swing when it’s time to start eating dairy for most of the 9 days.

There is no better time to head out to Teaneck’s dairy restaurants, which I am a big fan off (see Mocha Bleu and Rabica posts).

This past Tuesday night, I went out to Shelly’s. Having worked there beginning with their second day of operation back in 1993, and having met my wife there, you might think I was traumatized (my wife doesn’t read this - maybe now she will). Not at all. As my Amex bills will show, I am a big fan of Noah’s Ark and Shelly’s. I challenge anybody to name a better sit down place where you can get a deli sandwich with your kids, without caring what you wear, and never a worry if there will be a parking spot.

Back to Shelly’s. There is no better time to go than the 9 days (or Mother’s day). The menu is new, fresh and innovative. Since Noah’s Ark was closed, there was an abundance of servers/busboys/kitchen staff. So much so that I thought I was in an Ecuadorian town.  We ordered a great selection of appys, from cheddar and black bean stuffed potato skins to flat bread pizza.

For our mains, the sea bass melted in our mouth. We make it a point to order Mac n Cheese wherever we go. It takes a good chef to differentiate Mac n Cheese from Wacky Macs. This one hit it on the spot. The tuna tostados were spiced to perfection that even a non-fish eater would try them.

While we wished they had more ruggies for dessert, I probably don’t need any more of those after living on them for most of my teenage years. The mousse on a plate of brownies was clearly not on my diet, but definitely one of the upsides to going to a dairy place.

And thankfully, they had diet Dr Browns. Makes the mac n cheese go down healthier.

I tried to make sure the bathrooms were clean, but there was a line.

All in all, a great meal at an affordable price ($172 with tip for four people).

Shelly's 482 Cedar Lane, Teaneck

201-692-0001

http://www.shellyscafe.net/

Shelly's and another Guest Post- Chai KO

I had a great 9 days meal last night at Shelly's and will be back tomorrow to write about it. I'm in the field all day, so enjoy a Guest Post regarding Chai Ko on Cedar Lane

So the wife and I decided to use the Nine Days Kosher Kouponz $12 for $20 deal tonight at Chai Ko.  Previous experiences were underwhelming when compared to classic Esti Hana, particularly on the meat menu.  The honey baby ribs, shredded crispy beef, and steamed beef gyoza at Chai Ko don't match what I remember from my single days on the UWS at Esti Hana.  But this time, we stuck with sushi, and were impressed.  We shared the Godzilla, Tataki, and Volcano rolls, and all were well made and tasty.  Avocado was fresh and green.  The tempura was not greasy.  The volcano roll had a pleasant lemon or lime note that brought the dish together.  The simple California roll was fine too.  Chai Ko sushi tonight was better than Sushi Metsuyan, who have gotten a bit complacent.

Perhaps the difference was that the guy from Esti Hana was at the front desk tonight.  Or maybe the negative reviews finally forced them to get their act together.  In any case, Chai Ko is now worth another look.

Chai Ko- 515 Cedar Lane, Teaneck
201-530-5665
www.chaikotapas.com/

Guest Post- Clubhouse

I have been swamped at work the last week or so and sadly have not made it out to eat. Thanks to the readers who have sent me great guest posts and I apologize to those who have been suffering from withdrawal from my combination of sarcasm and kosher food. I will be out to eat soon!

Guest Post:

Well… word on the town is mixed for this little hole in the wall (literally- the restaurant is situated in the original walls of the building – look carefully when you are there and you will see the joints in the brick) just across the street from the famous La Marais steakhouse.  Opened by the same owner, but lacking much of the finesse, atmosphere and service of the former, Clubhouse Café is, well a Café.  The music is loud and usually good (though the night I went it was off for most of the meal and when it was on it was sappy elevator music.)  The menu is very short, pedestrian and unimaginative with a serious lack of variety but every single thing you will order is good.  I had the grilled tuna steak which was fresh, perfectly done and well flavored.  The sliders are always a hit and the salads are crisp and flavorful.  The hangar steak was very well done also.  No quibbles about the taste of the food; It is perfect for grabbing a quick bite if you are in a rush, or can’t get seated anywhere else, or you’re looking for SOMETHING edible late at night in NYC…

The prices are not café priced.  They are slightly below La Marais’s…

Clubhouse- 155 West 46th St, NYC
212-354-3838
 www.clubhousecafe.net

Guest Post: SOLO NYC

I liked the atmosphere of solo, not as cramped as prime grill.

Appetizers.. I had the veal sweat breads..it was good, not great and the portion was very small for being the most expensive appetizer..$24. I would not order it again if I went back. My wife had the Solo Porcini Mushroom Velouté (soup) which was fantastic and a generous portion. 

The main dishes..I had the Cowboy steak..hands down one of the best steaks I've ever had! nice size and every bite was amazing. My wife had the short ribs, also delicious. I just had the leftovers for lunch.

Desert...I had the Passion Fruit Meringue..it was awesome! a great cold desert..Wife had the Molten Chocolate Cake..same like everywhere else. 

All in all, it is pricey but the food was excellent...I would though ask people which appetizers are worth getting before you go and please get the cowboy steak! I would definitely go back!

Solo

The Sony Building @ 550 Madison Avenue
212-833-7800