Page TwoNEW YORK CITY- A GASTRONOMIC DELIGHTStory and Photography by Pamela A. Campbell |
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Eight ice cream varieties and fresh fruit plates are available for those of us who must indulge in something sweet at the end of a meal.
Sweet N' Tart (212-964-0380) a delightfully refreshing change from typical Chinese restaurants. HELL'S KITCHEN, 679 Ninth Avenue (between 46th and 47th Streets) Chef Sue Torres has taken Mexico by storm in her kitchen, Hell's Kitchen (212-977-1588), that is. And this culinary child prodigy (influenced by her mother and grandfather) now unleashes her distinctive 'Torres' style of Mexican cooking on sold-out crowds flocking to the Theater District. |
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Indian Fry Bread with Black Bean and Epazote (tastes like mint and oregano) brings requests for seconds and thirds. Margarita Cured Salmon Carpaccio with Avocado/grapefruit puree and Guajillio Toast prepares the palate for Guajillo and Chipotle chile flavors, while Chayote and Portobello Mushroom Roll with Chipotle
Sauce marries the spiciness with red vinegar and lime juice for a just the right 'zing' you might expect.
Torres' signature dish should be her Duck Confit and Hoja Santa Empanada with Fig Mole. The flavor combination bears her trademark blend of traditional and contemporary. To complete her repertoire Chef Sue delights with Artichoke, Mushroom, Fennel and Idiadabel (smoked sheep's milk cheese) Quesadilla, Avocado Leaf Crusted Tuna with Guacamole and Grilled Pineapple and Grilled Pork with Chile Mecco Sauce and Pineapple Tamal. And then there's pastry chef Kyria Tokash' exciting dessert menu with names like Valrhona Chocolate Torte, Coconut Flan with Panela Macaroon and Caramelized Banana Empanadas with Tequila Caramel Sauce. Intrigued ? Ask Kyria.
QUANTUM 56 Although it was only to enjoy the cocktail hour with Chef Joseph Fortunato at Quantum 56 the hors d'oeuvres and drinks were a hit with our party. With its Park Avenue address and close proximity to the chic Madison Avenue boutiques, who can resist a weekend or two of luxury? JUST WALK ON BY
Maury Rubin's City Bakery is a popular spot for fresh-baked tarts and oatmeal topped with cinnamon, nutmeg or fresh/dried fruit. On the drink menu are eight types of lemonade (blueberry,watermelon, strawberry, peach, blackberry, raspberry, cherry and classic) and hot cholcolate (Jalapeno, hazelnut, cinnamon, raspberry, caramel and the tantalizing Love Potion). If you prefer to brown bag it you can enjoy your goodies in nearby historic Union Square Park.
The River Cafe on Brooklyn's Water Street offers a great walk along the waterfront and a perfect view of Manhattan from across the East River. Atlantic Avenue and Smith Street are an adventure in ethnic shopping (Sahadi's Middle Eastern fare) and trendy lineup of restaurants. Page One
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A dining experience can be combined with walking tours in the city's diverse neighborhoods and well known landmarks (a Savory Sojourns specialty - telephone 1-888-9-SAVORY or log on to www.savorysojourns.com). Here are a few of the places we stopped by during our visit to NYC.
Fresh produce, cheese and flowers blanket Union Square Greenmarket for four days (M/W/F/Sat). One farmer featured over 20 different salad fixings and herbs for sale, including Red Russian Kale, Buckwheat greens and Golden
Purslane.
Teas from around the world are the specialty at The T Salon & Emporium, 11 East 20th Street in the historic Flatiron district. Enjoy a light meal and browse for teapots and trinkets at this quaint little shop.