Four Courses, Four Friends - Easy Fish Feast + A Cocktail

Amante Picante Margaritas, Photo by Eric S. 

This past weekend we hosted a little dinner party at my family's bungalow for my best friend and her husband.  We always have a great time together, so much so that I hate the thought of being stuck in the kitchen while all the usual hilarity ensues. 

Initially, I was toying with the idea of grilling, but I ditched that plan in favor of a multi-course seafood meal. Plus, it was a brutal 90 degrees out so standing over a hot grill (who am I kidding? making my husband stand over a hot grill) didn't seem all that appealing.

You may think that serving a  meal with this many courses could never be easy, but I am here to tell you it can - the key is making good choices by serving simple, mostly make-ahead, no-cook dishes, while tackling some of the prep and chopping in advance. 

In today's post, we'll share four dishes and a smashingly good Margarita, all of which require minimal effort. This is because 3 of 4 courses are served chilled or at room temperature and call for "assembly" rather than cooking. As such, all three beginning courses can be made/prepped ahead. 

The entree course (my favorite, Linguine with Clam Sauce) comes together in under a half hour and is incredibly easy to throw together. I like to take a long pause before serving it as a final plate. This way, I have plenty of time to join in the merriment before taking a little break in the kitchen to finish everything off. It's also nice to be able to give your guests time to again rev up their appetites, so start early, eat slowly, and enjoy. 

Cocktail Hour

Amante Picante Margarita

Margarita Oysters Verde 

Dinner

Lump Crab Cocktail

Peach & Tomato Caprese Salad with Burrata

Linguine with White Clam Sauce  

Cocktail Hour with Oysters? Yes, Please! 

Check out this slightly spicy,refreshing and not-too-sweet cocktail that my Sister-in-Law recently introduced me to - the Amante Picante Margarita. My best friend, who is always full of surprises, brought along little cocktail umbrellas that worked perfectly in our drinks. How cute is she? The Amante Picante Can be Made an hour in advance. 

Preparing the Amante Picante Margarita, Photo: NK

Amante Picante Margarita

Recipe Courtesy of Food and Wine Magazine

Serves 6 to 8 

Ingredients:

1/2 a large Seedless Cucumber
plus 8 thin slices for garnish

1/2 a medium Jalapeno, thinly sliced

1/4 Cup Cilantro, plus additional for garnish. 

8 Ounces Lime Juice

6 Ounces Agave Nectar 

18 Ounces Silver Tequila

1/2 teaspoon Celery Bitters 
(Optional, we omitted) 

Lime wedges for garnish and rimming the glasses

1/4 Cup Kosher Salt and 1 teaspoon
grated Lime Zest mixed together

Ice

A large pitcher and a cocktail shaker 
 

Method:

In a pitcher, muddle up the cucumber (all but the 8 slices for garnish), Jalapeno, and a 1/4 Cup of Cilantro. Add the Tequila, Lime Juice, Agave Nectar and optional Bitters. Allow to refrigerate about an hour.

When ready to serve, wet the rims of 8 rocks or margarita glasses with a Lime wedge and coat with Lime Salt. Fill the cocktail shaker with ice and working in batches and adding fresh ice, shake the cocktail and strain into glasses (removing all solids). Garnish with Cucumber, Cilantro and Lime. Enjoy! 

You know what pairs well with the spicy brightness of the Amante Picante Margarita?  
Margarita Oysters (aka Tequila-spiked) topped with spicy Salsa Verde. We make this dish with store-bought green salsa with a major kick of spice so that it's as easy and fast to prepare as it should be. I bought my Oysters already shucked to save time. Slurp away...

Margarita Oysters Verde 

Serves 4 for cocktail hour (3 oysters each)

Ingredients:

12 Raw Oysters, shucked

1/4 Cup Silver Tequila 

1 Container Spicy Salsa Verde (with tomatillos, lime, jalapeño) Freshdirect's is our fave.

2 Limes, 1 for squeezing, the other for Lime Wedge Garnish

Cilantro, optional garnish

Ice, if desired, for serving

Method:

Salsa Verde and Tequila-Spiked Oysters and a Margarita -  a natural match

Plate oysters on a bed of Ice and squeeze one Lime over all of them.

Drop about a quarter teaspoon Tequila over each Oyster.

Drop about a half teaspoon Salsa Verde on each Oyster as well. 

Garnish plate with Lime Wedges and Cilantro Sprigs.

Serve immediately. 

Margarita Oysters Verde, Photo: NK 

What's easier than our next dish? Probably nothing. Individual Lump Crab Cocktails are a favorite go-to appetizer of mine (for the full recipe, click HERE). I buy Pasteurized Lump Crab in the can and toss it with Salt, Pepper, and Lemon Juice. Then I pop it in a Ziploc bag in the fridge until ready to serve. I have my plates ready to go in advance with some fancy lettuce lining the bottoms. Sometimes, I even make this portable by serving it in a Martini Glass. When I'm ready to bring the Crab Cocktails out, I simply portion out the Crab, squeeze some more Lemon Juice over it and garnish with lots of chopped Chives alongside a dollop Cocktail Sauce. Can't miss!

Individual Lump Crab Cocktails, Photo: NK 

Peach and Tomato Caprese Salad with Burrata, Photo: NK 

Like Classic Caprese Salad? Then you'll love this version that gets extra twist with the addition of Peaches and Burrata instead of the usual Mozzarella. This is best made fairly close to serving time because Peaches can turn brown in the air. 

Peach & Tomato Caprese Salad with Burrata
Serves 4

Ingredients:
8 Ounces Burrata Cheese, cut into 1 inch pieces

A Handful of Basil Leaves Still on the the stem, plus a few additional leaves cut into a chiffonade

1 large and very ripe Beefsteak Tomato, cut into wedges

1 large and very ripe Peach cut into wedges (I prefer Georgia Peaches but White Peaches work too)

Optional Balsamic Cream, for drizzling

Balsamic Vinegar

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Salt and Black Pepper

Method:

Arrange the Tomato, Peaches in whatever formation you prefer. Sprinkle Peaches and Tomatoes with a bit of Salt and Pepper. Add the Burrata, again, in whatever configuration you prefer. Finally, drizzle everything lightly with Balsamic Cream if you have it, and drizzle again with a little bit of Balsamic Vinegar and Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Top with the Basil Leaves and sprinkle all over with the Basil ribbons. Enjoy!

After several courses, everyone was understandably getting full. I always enjoy taking a nice long break before popping back into the kitchen to throw the final dish together. Should take you about 20-25 minutes. Clean the fresh Clams in advance and pre-chop the Garlic and Parsley to make this dish super fast to prepare. It gets raves!

Dad's Signature Linguine with White Clam Sauce
(click HERE for the make-ahead version of this recipe)
Serves 4
Ingredients:
1 Pound Linguine

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
4 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter

6 Garlic Cloves, finely sliced

2 Can Chopped Clams (5 oz)
8 Ounces Clam Juice (one bottle)

3 1/2 Dozen Littleneck Clams, scrubbed thoroughly. Ask the fishmonger to pick out the smallest ones possible.

2 Cups Dry White Wine, divided
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
Crushed Red Pepper to taste
1/2 Cup Flat Leaf Italian Parsley, Chopped

Optional Crusty Bread for serving (to soak up the delicious broth)

Method:
Set a pot of salted Pasta Water to Boil. Cook as directed on package.

In a large, heavy bottom pot, heat Oil and Butter over medium low heat.

Once the Butter is melted, add the minced Garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 or 2 minutes. Do not burn the garlic. If the garlic burns, it is not a bad idea to toss everything and start over.

Next, add both cans of Chopped Clams with their juice to the pot. Turn up the flame to medium.

Add 1 cup of the Dry White Wine.
Heat until the liquids begin to bubble a bit.

Add 8 oz of Clam Juice

Add the Black Pepper and Crushed Red Pepper to taste. I like to use at least 1/2 a teaspoon. Bring liquid to a light boil and add all the fresh Clams to the pot.

Cover the pot and cook for 3 minutes.
Add the remaining 1 Cup of Wine.
Re-cover pot and cook another 3-4 minutes.

It should come to a gentle boil.

Check the Clams now and as they should begin opening.
Pull clams out immediately with tongs one by one the moment they open and set aside in an extra bowl.

Give the pot a stir and continue to cook, continuing to remove Clams out one by one as they pop open. You may have to shuffle them around to make space for them to open one by one. Discard any that do not after a reasonable period of time.

To assemble: Plate Pasta into bowls, and top with even amounts of fresh Clams. Pour a generous amount of Broth from the pot over each portion. Garnish with Parsley and enjoy!!

That does it! I hope you'll try our easy Seafood feast for your next dinner party. Happy cooking!

French Kiss - Rose Mignonette for Oysters

Eight years ago to the day, my husband and I had our very first date. It was a warm but misty Thursday evening. I was going to be meeting him for the first time directly from work, and I worried that my hair would be a frizzy mess by the time I arrived. After sneaking away from my desk a bit early to carefully flat-iron it at my office (a girl can never have too many backup hair tools hidden away), I threw a scarf over my head and miraculously found a cab (no small feat at rush hour in midtown Manhattan) to take me to a bar at the Maritime Hotel in Chelsea. Fate was on the side of my hair that day, among other things!

My Beautiful Oyster Feast prepared by a special guy, Photo: NK

Upon entering the bar, I probably walked by him two or three times before finally calling his cell to see if he'd arrived. Turns out, my future husband was right there in front of me all along, I just hadn't recognized him because he was even cuter than his picture. One great date (filled with scintillating conversation and two **ok, I'm lying** glasses of very nice Nero d'Avola) and nearly a decade later, he's as lovable as ever. He shares my passion for food (teaching him to be a more confident cook and creating elaborate dinners together were major themes in our courtship) and he still makes me laugh on a daily basis. 

Six years ago in Greece where we got engaged! Photo: NK

Among the many qualities I admire about my hubby is his willingness to take on projects that require patience and precision. He's willing to practice things intently and takes pride in mastering new skills. 

That's why I knew he was just the person to tap when I decided that this summer was to be about my ever-growing obsession with Oysters! No sooner did I ask my main squeeze to buy the appropriate equipment (a special shucking knife and safety glove) and study up on how to shuck my favorite bivalve, than an expertly-prepared Oyster feast was before me. He definitely knows the way to my heart. 

Today, I am sharing my lovely twist on Classic Oyster Mignonette (a mixture of vinegar and shallots often seen as an accompaniment to Oysters on the Half Shell), which was my contribution to his aforementioned shellfish spread. Using a delicious Dry Rose (a classic Oyster pairing), I took traditional Mignonette and softened its acidic quality just a bit so that our Peconic Pearls could really shine. Making your own Mignonette takes minutes and it's the perfect, minimalist accoutrement to Oysters. I love cocktail sauce and horseradish as much as the next guy, but a little Mignonette really allows the Oysters to stand on their own. So here's to that special guy and the very special cocktail hour he made possible for me. 

Classic Mignonette with a splash of Dry Rose (Paumanok VIneyards, 2014) Photo: NK

Rose Mignonette for Oysters

Makes enough for about 2 dozen Oysters

Ingredients:

1/4 Cup Red Wine Vinegar

1/4 Cup Dry Rose (we used Paumanok Vineyards, 2014)

2 heaping Tablespoons minced Shallot (from about 1 large Shallot)

1 generous pinch of Salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground Black Pepper

Method:

Combine all the ingredients and serve alongside freshly shucked Oysters on a bed of ice! 

The Mignonette can be made ahead.

Tip: If you're as into Oysters as I am, I recommend you check out In a Half Shell blog. It's the ultimate destination for Oyster lovers (including wonderful city guides on where to find the very best) written by a talented woman who eats, sleeps and breathes them. Enjoy!

Weekend Roundup - Days of Wine & Oysters

I'm still putting the finishing touches on 

Oysters and White Merlot at Sherwood House Vineyards
Photo: NK 

tomorrow's post, so I figured I'd instead share a quick rundown of our weekend goings on. As our days took shape, two themes, perhaps relatively unsurprising themes for those who know us, began figuring in heavily - 

Oysters and Wine. This past rainy Saturday gave rise to an impromptu trip to a few vineyards on Long Island's North Fork. 

Now I know that there's only so long we'll be able to get away with such spontaneous frivolity,  but let me tell you, I am savoring every  minute. Plus, we deserved a break after spending most of the day doing chores.  

Treat yourself, I always say. 

Love this, Photo: NK 

For me, The North Fork is an inspiring local destination. It's beautiful, laid back, and an ideal place to head for good wine, fresh produce 

(check out our other North Fork and nearby Hamptons-inspired posts), 

and wonderful local food specialties. Now I'm no wine expert, but I have learned a bit more about the subject in recent years. (details on our Napa wine adventure HERE). The most important thing to remember is that wine tasting should not be intimidating. You don't need to have exhaustive tasting vocabulary or wine knowledge to enjoy wine. Also - Wine goes with everything! Take it from George. 

Especially Oysters.

As far as tasting wine in the North Fork, 8 to 15 dollars will usually get you a comprehensive wine tasting. You can find many North Fork vineyards like the two we've spotlighted below that are casual and un-stuffy in style, but they do run the gamut.

Better yet, a good winery will encourage you to take your time and linger. Some will even let you bring a picnic. Relax. Bonus - Many of our favorite vineyards offer Oysters on Summer Weekends - sometimes even live music. Hey vineyards: You had me at wine, now you're just showing off. And I love it.

Here we go:  

Sherwood House Vineyards  Jamesport Tasting Room (other locations in Mattituck, NY)

Event Barn at Sherwood House, Photo: NK 

Highlights - An adorably appointed, cozy tasting room bustles during the high season. The staff is friendly and fairly knowledgeable. Sherwood wines are, overall, good but there are a few that standout from the pack.

Extras - Sherwood's Jamesport Tasting Room serves Oysters on many Summer Weekends. They also offer great live music, and the converted 1860's farmhouse that houses the main facility has many rooms to meander though or relax in.The main area's fireplace that becomes a focal point in the colder months, and there are also several attractive outdoor spaces for balmy days. A super-rustic yet lovely event barn and a cool vintage home decor and art store attached. Like Pottery Barn on steroids. 

Our Wine Pick

Sherwood's 2010 Chardonnay

Photo: NK 

A beautiful chandelier in Sherwood's adjoining home goods shop was wonderful on the eyes. 

Oysters at Sherwood House Jamesport Location, Photo:NK

And of course, 

the local Oysters!

Tasting Room at Paumanok Vineyards, Photo: NK 

Paumanok Vineyards

Aquebogue, NY

Highlights - Paumanok's large tasting room with lofted ceilings is very inviting, but is less personal and homey in feel than the interior at Sherwood House. It is the outdoor tables overlooking the vineyard that are the most lovely.  

Paumanok, and many of the local wineries for that matter, also offers Oysters on select weekends, but we'd had our fill by then - that is, until dinnertime rolled around. 

Our Wine Pick

Bloody Mary Oyster Shooters - YUM - Photo: NK 

Paumanok's 2010 Chenin Blanc

Later, we headed to Squiretown Restaurant and Bar on the South Fork where they awesomely offered Raphael Vineyard wines on tap! 

That was a first for me. 

We very much enjoyed our dinner at Squiretown, and, to cap off our Oyster-filled day, kicked the meal off with these super spicy and tasty Bloody Mary Oyster Shooters. 

Hope you had a great weekend filled with the people and foods that you love as well. 

See you next time. 

Destination: San Francisco and Napa - Restaurant Roundup

Hi there, readers.

It has surely been a week...The husband and I just wrapped a great trip to San Francisco and Napa that will likely inspire several more recipe-related posts, but for now, I wanted to give you a quickie rundown of all the amazing eats we enjoyed at these two great destinations. Our journey was filled with fun, including visits with two of my oldest and dearest friends (both of whom happened to be fantastic tour guides), copious amounts of wine, and of course, many wonderful meals. 

Alcatraz, as viewed from Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, Photo: NK 

The beautiful David Arthur Winery (Click HERE for Info) Napa/Rutherford, CA Photo:NK

Still, I must tell you, our trip was incredibly bittersweet. Just after we landed at SFO, much of the northeast, particularly New York City, Long Island, and New Jersey, was hit with a brutal "superstorm" by the name of Sandy. Naturally, we were in knots until we heard that all our friends and family were ok. In the days following, we, like the rest of the general public, would be astonished by the footage of the unthinkable damage and loss of life this horrific storm had wrought.  

I write to you today from my mother's house, as we still don't have power at home. Our city and many areas this awful weather event touched, remain paralyzed. Worst of all, the human toll has been horrific. So many of those who narrowly escaped with their lives lost nearly everything. If this chilling tragedy has a silver lining, it has been the remarkable banding together that's happening in response: people comforting, housing, and feeding one another. People giving of their time and money to help those in need. May it continue, and we are happy to be home to hug our loved ones and do our part.  

So - I hope my dining suggestions and observations, though probably ill-timed, help you in the future should you travel to the San Fran/Napa area. For those of you that were particularly harmed by Sandy, please know that our wish for you is that better times are ahead. And soon. 

San Francisco - Where to Eat

What a city. San Fran definitely lived up to its hype. We didn't have one bad meal here, in fact. San Fran offers amazing culinary diversity but my vote for the foods to focus on would be Seafood and Asian cuisine, notably the city's famed, ubiquitous seafood stew - Cioppino. Here's where to go for all of it, including some additional restaurant destinations for an extra special night out.

The Ferry Building/Embarcadero

When - lunch/quick snack

Why - Variety. The Ferry Building houses an amazing collection of kiosks representing some of the top foods in town  - and all under one roof. Bonus - You'll find lots of places to buy fresh produce and specialty items, as well as an outdoor farmers market on certain days showcasing all the best in organic produce and other tasty products. 

Where - Explore it all, and leave time to meander and taste. We particularly enjoyed 

Out the Door - a takeout Vietnamese counter with very good, cheap eats. Special thanks to my friend Gab for the hot tip on some good 'n spicy food!

Website HERE

Yummy Lemongrass Pork and Vermicelli Noodle
+ Spring Rolls at Out the Door, Photo: NK 

The Pescado Taco at Nick's - Delicious! Photo: NK 

Nick's Crispy Tacos

When - lunch/quick snack

Why - Cheap, top-notch Tacos of all kinds. I can only vouch directly for the Pescado (fish) Taco that Nick's is famous for. It is to die for, and actually inspired a fast and easy Fish Taco Recipe in one of NK's first guest posts. Check that out HERE. Nick's is actually housed in a nightclub called Rouge. I know, weird, but what you do after your Taco is up to you. 

Website HERE

Sotto Mare - The place for Cioppino!

When - Go for a casual, mid-priced Dinner in the heart of San Fran's charming Little Italy. 

Sotto Mare in North Beach/San Fran, Photo: NK

Why - Sotto Mare has a no-frills yet jolly vibe, great food, and a laid back and pleasingly down-to-earth staff. It's all about the seafood here. Italian-inflected seafood at that. It impressed me as the type of fun and casual spot you'd find in Brooklyn. The food is very good and so is the experience. Get the Cioppino, a hearty seafood stew in a tomato-based sauce (which serves 2). Wear your bib proudly and be prepared to get dirty! To start, and don't miss the Oyster Shooters served Bloody Mary-style. Yum! For dessert? There, you're out of luck. This place is a get in and get out sort of joint, but you'll be happy you came. 

Make Reservations if you can, otherwise, go a bit on the earlier side.

Website HERE

Incanto

When - For a special dinner out if you don't mind heading a bit off the beaten path. It was about a 15 dollar cab ride from the Union Square area)

Spatch-Cooked Game Hen with Pomegranate
at Incanto, Photo: NK

Why - Lovable Top Chef Masters star Chris Cosentino's newish restaurant is all about meat, but is not the best for the non-adventurous eater. A proponent of the nose-to-tail food movement, Chris highlights all parts of the animal relying primarily on Italian preparations. Which parts, you ask?  Think Tripe, Gizzard and Pig's Ear.That said, it is possible to order less "exotic" items that are also quite delicious. Cured meat plate anyone? We tried the Veal Tonnato Special and I had a fantastic Cornish Game Hen. Mind you, I don't even care that much for poultry. I order it at good restaurants from time to time figuring that it will be a great litmus test for the skills of the chef. If you can make me swoon over a poultry dish, then you are on to something. Go to Incanto for the commendable service, the upscale/casual if not slightly over-produced trattoria vibe, and of course, some nicely executed and inventive dishes. With a glass of wine each, two starters and two dinners, you can get out of here for about 110 dollars before tax and tip. Note that there will also be a small surcharge on your bill so that Chris can provide all hourly staff with healthcare benefits so sorely missed in the industry.
Make Reservations

Website HERE

Swan Oyster Depot

Photo: NK 

When - Lunch, Snack, pre-dinner (Closes at 530pm). Basically, go early and often, or when you have an hour ++ to kill waiting in line. They are closed on Sundays. Swan opens at 1030 am and the famous line can form before then. We arrived at 1130 on a weekday and our wait was about 45 minutes. Happily, once you are in, they don't rush you. 

Why - Because if you are a Seafood Lover, you should believe the hype. Holy smokes - this casual, family owned fish market/lunch counter blew my socks off. 


If you are someone who doesn't mind paying a bit extra for something incredibly special, this is your place. I love Oysters more than I can even express in words, and the Oysters here (priced on target for the market at 28 dollars per dozen), really all the seafood we tried, was over the top. Some of the other dishes like Crab Cocktail and Shrimp Salad are on the pricier side. Overall, think simple, delicious, and perfectly fresh fish of all types served by burly men with smiling eyes. Swan has a counter with about 12 seats. The walls are covered in bric-a-brac and other seafood-inspired and random kitsch. The menu is scrawled on a board above it all. Fresh fish adorns the window, helping hungry folks on the line power through the often lengthy wait.

The Tantalizing Window At Swan Oyster Depot, Photo: NK

They also have a nice basic wine and beer selection (I thought the Anchor Steam beer on tap was a great addition to my meal) and a variety of Oyster types determined by what is freshest. 

Sure, Bourdain made a trip here on his show - not that I want to be him or anything. No, he's way more funny than me and much less sober. Ok, at least more funny. Anyways, the guy usually knows his stuff, and Swan Oyster Depot is the kind of rare culinary pilgrimage spot that is also a well-deserved neighborhood institution filled with real-life locals. I am salivating as I write this. Just go. It is worth the wait. 
More Info HERE

OSHA - Thai
When - any time, lunch or dinner. Quick, fast, cheap and friendly. 
Why - My good friend Lissette met us here for our last evening out, before graciously ferrying us to the airport unsolicited. What a gal! Anyways, Osha has many locations in San Fran and offered some very solid cheap to mid-priced Thai food in a boisterous setting. Everything we had was quite tasty, and it was a great way to send off our trip in good company. 
Website HERE

Napa/Yountville, CA - Where to Eat

Yountville, CA, a town in the Napa region just over 1 hour from San Francisco, is a great base of operation for all things wine. Accessible to many of Napa's amazing Wineries, Yountville gets extra points for being incredibly charming. Finally, it also earns a huge gold star for being home to many of the top restaurants in the region, all within a few very walkable blocks. 

The French Laundry

You know, Thomas Keller's most sought after restaurant, widely touted as the best in the US. But guess what? I am never getting in here. If you go, please report back! I really didn't even try because we planned our Napa trip on the fly and you either have to know someone or call a LONG time in advance.  Also, it is tres tres pricey. 

One can dream.  Photo: NK

But fret not! Turns out that Keller basically owns the rest of Yountville. If you want to try some of his more accessible restaurants and bakeries there's always Bouchon, Ad Hoc (a casual bistro), and for Ad Hoc's famous Fried Chicken in a hurry, there is: 

Photo: NK 

Addendum

When - Lunch/quick snack al fresco - it's basically a shack/window with some picnic tables serving only Fried Chicken and Pulled Pork. 

Why - The Fried Chicken is amazing, and since I will never get into French Laundry, I figured I'd at least check out Thomas Keller's frying prowess at a comparatively bargain price - ok, very comparatively. Be prepared to pay about 20 bucks for three pieces of Chicken, some Cornbread, two tiny but delish sides (watch out for the fantastic Collard Greens) and a soft drink. 

Where - Located behind Keller's casual Bistro, Ad Hoc - limited day time hours. 

Website HERE 

Now, check out this attractive bird:

Perfectly Fried Chicken at Addendum, Photo: NK 

Bottega
When - A perfect locale for a special meal, lunch or dinner, weeknight or weekend. 
Why - Sometimes Celebrity Chefs are over-hyped. Not Michael Chiarello.  A Napa local, runner up on Top Chef Masters, and noted TV Chef, Chiarello has the life. His Easy Entertaining Food Network series is shot in his gorgeous home kitchen and personal vineyard. By night, his restaurant, Bottega in Yountville, is one of the most popular on the strip. Serving inventive Southern Italian Farm to Table fare, Chiarello impresses using the best local ingredients, perfect execution, and often incredibly authentic and underrepresented regional Italian flavors - the latter being the thing that really gets me. Although dinner here will set you back a bit, I actually think it's well priced for what you get when measured against NYC prices. First course pastas don't typically cost over 25 dollars, many quite a bit less, even those with seafood. They are packed with complex flavors and portion size is as it should be - not too small, not too large. Appetizers are varied and interesting, usually landing in the 12-15 dollar range. I guess my point is that you can leave here with a reasonable check if you choose wisely. We did splurge on a quartino of very special wine as recommended by my friend Monica. A quartino, I learned, is about a glass and a half and so it's perfect for sharing two ways, and here, it makes for a super way to enjoy otherwise too-pricey bottles. As per Monica, Chiarello's 2009 Eileen Cabernet, named for his wife, was outrageously good. It pays to know people with good taste! 

Photo: NK 

For me, ambiance also means quite a bit to the dining experience, and Bottega's design is just as I like it - walls adorned in a warm but elegant Tuscan Palate, brick accents, high ceilings, fire pits and lanterns, clean, minimalist tables, and a partially open kitchen. The service is close to excellent, and best of all, servers there are friendly and not stuffy in the least. Very California, as they say. 
Make Reservations
Website HERE

Bistro Jeanty
When - A Lovely Mid-Priced Dinner, Bistro Lunch, and some afternoons, dollar Oysters!
Why - I may have mentioned before, but traditional French Bistro Cuisine has a very special place in my heart. Well executed French food can be gorgeous, simple, and always rich. I was at first unsure about my reservation here. Frankly, it's not one of the often "talked about" places in Yountville, despite being very well reviewed. Upon checking in to our hotel, I asked the concierge what his thoughts about it were. He assured me that Jeanty's chef was one to the Yountville originals who has continued to serve high quality food in the town for years, despite not having national celeb chef status like Keller and Chiarello. This was music to my ears. I just love a pioneer. 

Oysters at Bistro Jeanty, Photo: NK

We dined at Jeanty twice. The first trip was for an al fresco midday snack of the dollar Oysters (my third Oyster meal of the trip). Our friends ordered the outrageous Tomato Soup en Croute, which is served with a flaky pot pie-esque pastry topping, and raved. 

Our next visit was dinner, where we enjoyed the steamed Mussel Appetizer. For mains, my husband ordered a deliciously tender Beef stew and a not-to-be-missed side of Frites. I uncharacteristically ordered a Mushroom Pasta dish with deeply flavored Chicken Broth Base, Chanterelles, and Hen of the Woods Mushrooms. Delicious. The decor is typical bistro - red and white accents, and a few cutesy decorative pieces like an old fashioned bicycle - but no giant french posters, thankfully. Just very cute and warm. Friendly (by French restaurant standards) servers don white aprons, which I am a sucker for. We were too full for dessert but I did find room for a nice Cognac that nearly knocked my husband out of his chair. He's a Scotch guy, and Cognac can be like Scotch on steroids. What can I say, I was feeling very French! Overall, the experience was very good and I would go back.
Make Reservations for Weekend dinner, but otherwise, it seemed possible to walk in.
Website HERE

Other Napa Recommendations - As we only spent two nights in town, we did not get to all the restaurants that were recommended to us. Here are some notables that I am confident could be worth a visit, as they were recommended to me by some folks with very good taste!


Mustard's Grill
Redd 
Brix 

For Casual Roadside Fare - Gott's, also known as Taylor's Refresher.

A special shout-out goes to Genova Delicatessen in Downtown Napa, a friendly Italian Deli with a delightful staff. It's a great spot to grab some salty meats and cheeses on your way into town. Enjoy these at your hotel with some wine, or in between vineyard visits when there's no time for lunch. 

That's everything! I do hope our culinary recap comes in handy for you someday.
Coming soon, I will share some info about the amazing Wineries we visited, and surely, there will be repeat San Francisco and Napa visits in my future. These are great destinations for the food and wine obsessed, and really a good choice for a low-key vacation in the states. 

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Montreal - Food Paradise en Français (Family Trip For 4)

Traveling abroad with young kids can be a tricky endeavor. Add to that a lengthy trans-continental flight and the prospect seems even more daunting. We'd been wanting to take our little one out of the country for some time but had several such concerns in mind, so for our first time venturing out of the US with him, a quick trip to Montreal seemed like a genius idea. 

With flights from the NYC-area only an hour each way, French as the local tongue and the fact that the place oozes old-world charm, you could almost pretend you're in Paris. 

We'll try the transatlantic journey to Europe sometime soon, but for now our Family-Friendly Four Day Montreal Adventure a perfect choice.

Grand Prix Weekend in Montreal, Photo: NK 

Below you'll find all the details on where to stay and what to do, plus some handy travel tips AND, of course, all of the food highlights of this little jaunt. Montreal lived up to its hype as a major dining destination, and it really wasn't bad from a family travel perspective either. Can you believe we lucked into being there on Grand Prix Weekend or that our hotel was just steps away from the World Beer Festival??

One thing to note - we dined only in restaurants that were supposed to be relatively kid/baby friendly (in the early part of the evening), but we were surprised that even though other travelers had flagged them as appropriate for young children, only one of the three had a high chair or booster seat for our son. It just didn't seem to be the norm in the city. For this reason I would recommend you travel with one of these super handy portable booster seats. 

FOUR DAY FAMILY TRIP TO MONTREAL 

STAY: Le Saint Sulpice
Nestled in a charming section called Old Montreal, this stylish boutique hotel is quiet yet well-located near several of bustling streets for great dining and people watching.
It's also within steps of a major tourist destination, the Basilique Notre-Dame de Montreal (a breathtaking basilica with a long history). A stay at Le Saint Sulpice will also place you conveniently just a few blocks from the Place D'Armes Metro Station with two lines available to you. 

Le Saint Sulpice was a great choice for a family because the rooms are more like suites with a separate bedroom and little but well-appointed kitchenette (came in handy for preparing our son's snacks and storing his milk in the fridge). At night, we were able to put him to sleep in a different room and still stay up and enjoy a glass (or two) of wine in the living room relatively undisturbed (though he did stand up in his cot to peer at us through the frosted glass of the bedroom door).

TIP for parents of young ones: If it's financially feasible, reallocate some funds towards getting a better than usual hotel room when your kids are in tow. You'll be spending more time indoors than you'd like (can't miss that noontime nap!) so you may as well make it nice. 

Getting Around Montreal:  The Metro is super easy to master and will get you most anywhere you need to go. They also seem to have an extensive network of busses. Cabs are plentiful and about as expensive as they might be in New York City. 

TIP: Email your hotel concierge service in advance to have them secure your all-important dinner reservations. You won't have to call internationally to book or communicate in another language. I used to know French pretty well but I am admittedly rusty (Sidenote: most folks we encountered in Montreal spoke excellent English). 

Gorgeous Notre-Dame Basilica, Montreal 

GO: In less than a half hour metro ride from Old Montreal, you can arrive at the Biodome. A hit with kids and adults alike, this collection of science and nature themed museums has something for everyone (a planetarium, zoo, botanical garden, and more). Educational and entertaining, I think you'll find it worth the trip. 

Ok, ok, I know what you're thinking... get to the good stuff! 

WHAT WE ATE:

When Anthony Bourdain tells us to do something, we do it. That's why Montreal institution, Joe Beef, topped our must-dine list. (For more on Tony's Montreal food stops, click HERE).  TIP: Joe Beef's Sister restaurant, The Liverpool House, is supposed to be as good and an easier reservation to get. 

I can't say enough about how welcoming the staff was at this restaurant. They truly went above and beyond to make sure our experience was fabulous. We went on the very early side because we had our little guy in tow. He may be a precocious toddler but everyone, especially the gentleman bussing tables, was just lovely to him and his delight in being treated him like a grownup customer was palpable as he confidently ordered three milk refills for his sippy cup! 

The real-life urban legend of Joe Beef

Amazing Smoked Lamb & Spicy Sausage, Photo: NK

I learned that Montreal is famous for Cod - also known as "Morue" Photo: NK 

Pain Farci, like a melty cheese fondue sandwich with ham, mushrooms and gravy.
Mouthwatering. Photo: NK 

Incredibly delicious and fresh oysters and razor clams with green apple, peas and
foie gras. To die for. Photo: NK 

The charming lettuce garden at Joe Beef, Photo: NK 

For me, Joe Beef was an especially great experience, but on our second day we enjoyed a more casual, family friendly comfort food joint called Le Robin Square. The food was good and the place was cute, casual and fast if you're in Old Montreal.

Burrata Pizza at Le Robin Square, Photo: NK

Mac & Cheese with Sweet Ham and a very fresh and 
delicious Chicken Caesar Salad at Le Robin Square
Photo: NK 

GO: Take the metro to the Plateau Mont Royal neighborhood Get your caffeine fix and head out for a walk around a very cool neighborhood called Le Plateau Mont Royal. Head up to the Park Mont Royal for some greenery too. We didn't get to do this because the weather turned on us, but we were told that a climb up a one of several great hills (Mont Royal) gets you a fabulous view of the city. 

Photo: NK 

Le Plateau Mont Royal, the neighborhood at the foot of these hills, is great for finding some of Montreal's most beloved casual bites.

EAT:
Stop at Fairmount Bagel for unique Montreal-Style Bagels (this New Yorker enthusiastically approves) and then to famed Schwartz's Deli for a delicious "smoked meat" sandwich, to use the local parlance.

Required Tasting: Bagels from Fairmount Bagel and Smoked Meat Sandwich From Schwartz's, Photo: NK

EAT: 

For our last night, we dined La Salle à Manger in Plateau Mont-Royal. We really enjoyed all the food and the Oysters, in particular, were to die for. Ambiance is very casual and festive but still visually pleasing, and the place attracts a nice mix of energetic patrons from all walks of life. Add to that a solid wine list and rare beer offerings plus a menu with daily specials that were really appealing (I couldn't decide!) and you have a winning dining experience. We definitely recommend it!    

Oysters from Washington State and British Columbia, Photo: NK 

Daily Specials on the board at La Salle à Manger, Photo: NK

Grapefruit Tartelette With Pistachio Crumble, Photo: NK

Really Tasty Mackerel with Sardines, Photo: NK 

GO: By now you have gathered that Montreal is indeed a cook and eater's paradise. If you haven't gotten your fill, visit the best of the best, Atwater Market, for an amazing collection of local specialties, meat, fish, breads and pastries. There are several magnifique public markets in Montreal. Find them all thanks to this handy little website. An native told me that Atwater was the her favorite so that is where we headed on our last day. 

Partially indoors, this was a great choice of activity for a rainy morning. We took some meats, cheeses and pastries back to our hotel room for a little last minute carpet picnic prior to heading to the airport for our return flight.  

The inspiring selection at Atwater Market, Photo: NK

And there it is. 

Just a half hour cab ride to Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport and were ready to head home to the U.S with lots of wonderful memories. Montreal was gracious, beautiful and delicious. I'd recommend it to anyone, young and old. 

We will certainly be back! In the meantime, if you need more trip ideas, click through a few of our previous food & travel guides:

Paris and the Loire Valley 
Spain, Barcelona and Madrid
Chicago Culinary Highlights - Two Restaurants to Try 
When in Rome - Culinary Recap and Restaurants of Rome, Sorrento, and the Amalfi Area
San Francisco and Napa Valley Wine
San Fran to Los Angeles Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip
Lowcountry Cooking Inspiration - South Carolina
San Francisco and Napa Valley Food Guide