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Food, NYC Area

Steak and Potatoes at Their Best at The Capital Grille

May 9, 2023 tremendousblog Leave a comment

The juicy, crisply seared steaks hit the table. This is the good life.

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Ralphie May immortalized The Capital Grille in comedy. And as the staff covered our table in meat and scrumptious sides, I grinned from ear to ear.

“The potato don’t come with it?”
Ralphie May

We began with bread and butter, my favorite way to judge a restaurant. At the best tables, they’re never an afterthought.

The basket was stuffed with three kinds of bread. My favorite was a dark loaf with raisins — wonderful with a thick pat of butter.

Next, I heaped my plate with crispy green lettuce in a light vinaigrette. What is it about fresh lettuce that goes so well with a steak?

It was time for the most exciting moment in life: when they bring your entree.

I watched the staff set plate after plate in front of my friends. I stared at the waiter, slackjawed and doglike, awaiting mine.

This is when seconds feel like hours.

It’s here! A beautifully seared filet, oozing juices.

Does heaven smell like this?

I gingerly cut into it, almost afraid to damage this masterpiece. The inside was a beautiful red — a perfect medium rare.

The steak was tender. I could taste the fire of the grill.

But my favorite part of a steakhouse just might be the side dishes. And Capital Grille did not disappoint.

The mashed potatoes are made with sweet cream and lots of butter. I probably took more than my share — all’s fair in love and war.

Asparagus can be a difficult dish. Restaurant after restaurant undercooks it, leaving it hard to chew.

But not here! It was just soft enough while retaining some crunch.

Ah, dessert.

My favorite was the flourless espresso cake. Less sweet than most, it has a deep coffee aroma.

It was the ideal end to a fabulous meal.

What are your favorite steakhouses? Leave a comment and let us know!

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Beef Tartare and More at Locanda Verde

Chocolate Almond Croissant Paradise

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I’ve used Misfits for years, and it never disappoints! Every fruit and vegetable is organic, super fresh, and packed with flavor!

Food, NYC Area

Beef Tartare and More at Locanda Verde

April 18, 2023 tremendousblog 1 Comment

As I slid through the boisterous crowd, my mind was completely focused. Only one thing mattered: beef tartare.

This is Locanda Verde, an Italian restaurant in Tribeca, New York City.

Locanda verde means “green inn” in Italian. The name is apt — there’s an inviting rear garden.

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“Have you been here before?” I asked the lady next to me.

“Never.”

“Try the beef tartare.”

“I see.”

Okay, I guess she wasn’t as excited as I was. More for your old buddy Francis.

Soon, the mythical dish hit our table. There was only one question — if I grab for it instantly, will I seem gauche?

Caution to the wind!

I gobbled one of the little beef toasts, delighting in the savory flesh dressed with fine olive oil. The bread is an airy sourdough, a perfect complement.

Eyes akimbo. Will anyone notice if I grab a second?

It seems not. Perhaps my dinner companions were a bit put off by raw meat.

Oh, there were other dishes. And they were superb.

I particularly loved the pillowy ricotta, surely one of the house’s most popular plates.

Nor is the mushroom pasta to be missed. The chef uses a mix of mushrooms, always the best way to show these fungi at their finest.

And never forget cake!

I contemplated a second piece of the chocolate tart, but even I couldn’t do it. I’ve failed you, I know.

The tart is rich and permeated by the flavors of cocoa and espresso. There’s even a slight crust of powdered sugar, carmelized by torch.

Locanda Verde takes the small things seriously.

Why serve a tart when you can serve a bruleed tart? Why use one kind of mushroom when you can use three, each with a distinct flavor?

It’s those little details that add up to a fine meal. My hat is off to Locanda Verde for doing honor to this food I love so much.

What’s your favorite Italian spot? Leave a comment and let us know!

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The Pizza Princes of Grimaldi’s

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I wrote a detailed review of Misfits here.

Food, NYC Area

The Pizza Princes of Grimaldi’s

April 4, 2023 tremendousblog 3 Comments

Pizza is a religion in New Jersey, ranking just below the Catholic Church. So I observed a moment of silence as I entered the inner sanctum.

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This is Grimaldi’s in Hoboken, NJ. Founded in 2010, Grimaldi’s serves outstanding Neapolitan and New York style pizzas from its 1000 degree coal oven.

After perusing the extensive menu, I decided to order the original: a margherita.

I tried to pay attention to how my friend’s week had gone, but I kept getting distracted. Just feet away, pizzaiolos were shaping dough with the skill of Michelangelo.

Whenever a pizza came out, I eyed it like a hungry dog. Shoot, not mine!

Then, the moment of truth. Our waitress placed my steaming pie in front of me, and I beamed.

Hoisting the first slice, I could tell the crust was crispy but not singed. Perfection.

Time for a bite….

I could almost see the garden where the tomatoes were planted. Fresh basil perfumed the luscious fruits.

This was the best pizza sauce I’ve ever had.

The mozzarella was soft and unctuous. The crust: airy and crisp.

You won’t find a better margherita. I made just one mistake: not ordering the larger size, like my friend did!

Perhaps the reason Grimaldi’s is so good is its attention to detail.

Every pizza is carefully formed. Every drink comes in a frosted glass.

That’s what it takes to be the best.

Grimaldi’s also has mouth-watering entrees like eggplant parm. I have to try it some day — if I can ever turn down the pizza!

Grimaldi’s is conveniently located on Hoboken’s Washington Street. It’s open from 11:30am to 11:00pm, seven days a week, and even delivers.

Stop in for the pie of your life!

What are you favorite pizzerias? Leave a comment and let me know!

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This platform lets me diversify my real estate investments so I’m not too exposed to any one market. I’ve invested since 2018 with great returns.

More on Fundrise in this post.

If you decide to invest in Fundrise, you can use this link to get $100 in free bonus shares!

Use this link to sign up and you’ll save $15 on your first order.

I’ve used Misfits for years, and it never disappoints! Every fruit and vegetable is organic, super fresh, and packed with flavor!

I wrote a detailed review of Misfits here.

Food, NYC Area

Chocolate Almond Croissant Paradise

April 3, 2023 tremendousblog 6 Comments

Strolling down a side street in North Jersey, I popped into a small storefront. Inside: the best almond chocolate croissant I’ve ever had.

This is Petite B French Bakery in West New York, NJ.

In a town that’s historically Cuban, Petite B brings a different flavor. The owners, originally from France, opened in late 2020 to rave reviews.

I feasted my eyes on baguettes, lemon tarts, and madeleines. But I was here for one reason, and one reason only.

A chocolate almond croissant.

This is the granddaddy of French pastry. You get everything wonderful at once: buttery layers of pastry, smooth almond cream, and rich chocolate.

I ordered, paid, and scampered off like a mouse with a treat. Standing on the sidewalk, I gingerly removed the pastry from the bag, not wanting to lose a single almond.

I bit down through crunchy layers of pastry and nuts into the gooey interior. Perfection.

A good almond croissant is moist without being soggy. Its outside is crisp, its inside yielding.

Petite B does it better than anywhere I’ve ever been, even in France.

Petite B also has excellent prices. A cannelé is just 50 cents, the lowest I’ve ever seen.

This sunny bakery offers a lot more than pastry. Savory dishes like quiche and croque monsieur round out the menu, along with a wide assortment of La Colombe coffees.

There’s even a spacious outdoor seating area in the warmer months!

I used to have to go to New York City to get some of my favorite French foods. Not anymore!

Petite B is open every day but Monday. Closing time varies throughout the week, so be sure to check the hours before your visit.

I hope you enjoy this taste of France as much as I did!

What are your favorite bakeries? Leave a comment and let us know!

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This platform lets me diversify my real estate investments so I’m not too exposed to any one market. I’ve invested since 2018 with great returns.

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If you decide to invest in Fundrise, you can use this link to get $100 in free bonus shares!

Use this link to sign up and you’ll save $15 on your first order.

I’ve used Misfits for years, and it never disappoints! Every fruit and vegetable is organic, super fresh, and packed with flavor!

Food, NYC Area

The Kosher Kings of Reserve Cut

March 1, 2023 tremendousblog Leave a comment

Tiny tacos hit the table, oozing with juices of unctuous brisket. Good thing I got here early!

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Reserve Cut is a kosher steakhouse in the Financial District. Despite the emphasis on beef, Reserve Cut has something for everyone, from vegans to sushi lovers.

It was time for another taco. How can I grab one without anyone noticing?

Better to ask for forgiveness than permission.

Next from the kitchen was a form of sushi I’d never seen. Rice was compacted and crisped to form a substrate for immaculate salmon.

Oh and there’s green stuff too! Scrumptious salad in fact — but no one else at the table seemed to notice. 🙂

The table grew tense with anticipation as the hour of reckoning approached. Entree time!

I had to be that guy. I ordered fish at a steakhouse.

No shame in my game — the Chilean sea bass was cooked to perfection. The chef knew exactly when to kill the heat, yielding a flesh flaky, tender and juicy.

The sauce was a silky smooth lemongrass citrus concoction. Acid is always a good pair with fish.

Feeling all healthy, I took the natural next step. I ordered a chocolate lava cake with vanilla ice cream.

As I cracked open the cake with my spoon, a river of fudge cascaded across the plate. Carefully, I scooped it up, grabbed a bit of cake, and surgically topped it with ice cream.

The perfect bite.

Reserve Cut is just off Wall Street and everything on the menu is kosher. But even for us Gentiles, it’s a heck of a meal.

What are your favorite steakhouses? Leave a comment and let me know!

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The Meatball of the Gods at Pasta by Hudson

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Save Money on Stuff I Use:

This platform lets me diversify my real estate investments so I’m not too exposed to any one market. I’ve invested since 2018 with great returns.

More on Fundrise in this post.

If you decide to invest in Fundrise, you can use this link to get $100 in free bonus shares!

Use this link to sign up and you’ll save $15 on your first order.

I’ve used Misfits for years, and it never disappoints! Every fruit and vegetable is organic, super fresh, and packed with flavor!

I wrote a detailed review of Misfits here.

Food, NYC Area

The Meatball of the Gods at Pasta by Hudson

February 23, 2023 tremendousblog 3 Comments

The steaming pastas arrived, creatively nestled in Chinese takeout containers. I thanked my personal God as I dove into the best meatball in New York.

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Pasta by Hudson is an outstanding little Italian restaurant in Chelsea.

Inside, there are just two tables. It’s always the holes in the wall that have the best food!

Pasta by Hudson does everything themselves. They even make their own dry pasta, which I have never seen anywhere else.

You can taste the difference. In my classic bucatini with meatball and tomato sauce, I could practically see the garden where the tomatoes and basil were grown.

The meatball was rich, juicy, and deeply flavorful.

And putting cheese inside? Genius.

My friend tucked into her shrimp scampi. Naturally, I had to beg for a bite.

The pasta was spicy, oily, delicious. The shrimp were still tender — a rarity in restaurants.

And by the way, the portions are huge. When she couldn’t finish hers, I selflessly offered the lady my assistance.

I love Italian food, but I hate most Italian restaurants. They’re long on ambience and short on actual food quality.

Some have degenerated so far that they simply reheat premade food! This is an insult to our ancestors.

At Pasta by Hudson, they really care. That’s where I want to be.

And it doesn’t hurt that the owner, Brandon Fay, has a big smile and a hearty welcome for everyone who comes through the door. This man is doing what he was born to do.

Pasta by Hudson offers a wide variety of pastas from carbonara to bolognese. I particularly love the salmon and tomato pastas.

And if you’re low carb, I don’t know a better salad in New York! Sauteed mushrooms, fresh mozzarella, balsamic — chef’s kiss.

It’s telling that the same level of care goes into a humble salad as the most complex dish on the menu.

Pasta by Hudson even has pizza! I can never resist the macaroni, but I really must try the pies some day.

If you want to eat some of the best Italian food in New York City at an incredible price, Pasta by Hudson is for you. Bring your appetite!

What’s your favorite Italian in New York? Leave a comment and let me know!

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Save Money on Stuff I Use:

This platform lets me diversify my real estate investments so I’m not too exposed to any one market. I’ve invested since 2018 with great returns.

More on Fundrise in this post.

If you decide to invest in Fundrise, you can use this link to get $100 in free bonus shares!

Use this link to sign up and you’ll save $15 on your first order.

I’ve used Misfits for years, and it never disappoints! Every fruit and vegetable is organic, super fresh, and packed with flavor!

I wrote a detailed review of Misfits here.

Food, NYC Area

The Noodles Anthony Bourdain Dreamed Of

January 17, 2023 tremendousblog 4 Comments

I stepped off the icy street into a bustling food hall. This is Urban Hawker — a Singaporean market that was one of Anthony Bourdain’s last projects.

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Hawker centers are everywhere in Singapore. The descendant of street stands, these food courts bring together people from all walks of life to enjoy dishes like chicken rice and pork noodles.

Singaporean hawkers were the first street food ever to win a Michelin star.

These humble stands selling some of the best food on earth captured the imagination of Anthony Bourdain. The chef and travel show host worked to bring hawker centers to his home, New York City.

The original plan called for a massive complex on Pier 57 in Chelsea. But negotiating the lease proved impossible, and the plan was abandoned.

Sadly, Bourdain committed suicide a few months later. It looked like his dream for a Singaporean market in America might never be realized.

But one of Bourdain’s partners, KF Seetoh, refused to give up.

In September of 2022, he opened Urban Hawker, the first Singaporean hawker’s market in the United States. While smaller than the original plan, it contains 17 stalls offering a wide variety of Southeast Asian specialties.

My friend and I circumnavigated the market, mesmerized. Everything looked so good!

“Let’s not get distracted,” I told her. “We have to make the right decision.” 🙂

We landed at Prawnaholic. Prawnaholic specializes in seafood noodle dishes, one of my favorites.

I ordered Singapore Char Kway Teow. The chef kindly substituted fish cakes for the pork, a thoughtful touch.

The dark noodles and glossy sauce had a deep, rich flavor. They reminded me a little of squid ink pasta, an Italian specialty.

The shrimp were perfectly tender, the fish cakes light and delectable.

My friend ordered an oyster omelette. She offered me a bite, and I couldn’t resist.

I thought I didn’t like oysters, but I was wrong! They were tender and delicious, not overcooked and chewy like so many others.

Next to our table were the beautiful cakes of Lady Wong. I only wished I had room — next time!

This is a market Anthony Bourdain would’ve been proud of. I only wish he could’ve sat there with us, eating and laughing.

What are your favorite restaurants in New York? Leave a comment at the bottom and let me know!

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Misfits Market

I’ve used Misfits for years, and it never disappoints! Every fruit and vegetable is organic, super fresh, and packed with flavor!

I wrote a detailed review of Misfits here.

Food, NYC Area

Korean Noodle Heaven at Food Gallery 32

November 21, 2022 tremendousblog 4 Comments

I stepped off the ice cold street into a place I’d never been. This was going to be an amazing meal.

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Food Gallery 32 sits in the heart of Manhattan’s Koreatown. As you wind through the stalls serving everything from taiyaki to bulgogi, you’d swear you were in a market in Asia.

My friend and I were pulled toward a noodle stand in the back as if by gravity. The plastic model of a spicy seafood noodle stew looked so good I almost took a bite.

We both ordered it, and I took a black hockey puck that promised to light up when our noodles were ready. I looked at it expectantly, willing it to erupt in vibration and flashing lights.

Food Gallery seems small, but seating is actually plentiful if you head upstairs. We found a cozy spot on the second floor and settled in, tense with anticipation.

Buzz…buzz! The noodles were ready!

I slowly navigated the stairs with our trays, careful not to spill our noodles. Friendships have ended over less.

As I began to slurp down the steaming noodles, a grin spread across my face. The piping hot, spicy broth warmed me from the inside.

I picked shrimp, mussels, and octopus from the bowl as if it were a treasure hunt. The shellfish was fresh, supple, delicious.

No matter how much I ate, there always seemed to be more! And all for just $13 plus tax.

Take that, inflation!

Stuffed, we sat for hours in Food Gallery’s toasty cocoon, chatting and laughing. You can’t help but be merry in a place like this.

Food Gallery has something for everyone, from pork buns to bubble tea, even karaoke! Stop in for a taste of what’s best about New York.

What’s your favorite spot for Korean food? Leave a comment at the bottom and let me know!

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Save Money on Stuff I Use:

This platform lets me diversify my real estate investments so I’m not too exposed to any one market. I’ve invested since 2018 with great returns.

More on Fundrise in this post.

If you decide to invest in Fundrise, you can use this link to get $100 in free bonus shares!

Use this link to sign up and you’ll save $15 on your first order.

I’ve used Misfits for years, and it never disappoints! Every fruit and vegetable is organic, super fresh, and packed with flavor!

I wrote a detailed review of Misfits here.

Food, NYC Area

Classic Coffee and Cake in North Jersey

March 22, 2022 tremendousblog 2 Comments

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What could be more classic than coffee and cake? After a recent dinner out, my wife and I stopped at Paris Baguette in search of this venerable combo.

We found cases filled with some of the most beautiful, artistic cakes I’ve ever seen. They’re so pretty you almost don’t want to eat them.

Almost.

We ordered a tiramisu cake and cappuccino for her and mocha cake and a small coffee for me. They were ready in no time and we sat down at the handsome marble tables, ready to feast.

The tiramisu cake was novel with a deep espresso flavor. But the star of the show was my mocha cake.

My fork sliced through the rich icing into a deliciously moist, crumbly interior. I closed my eyes as I chewed, transported to chocolate heaven.

The finely brewed coffee was a perfect counterpoint to the chocolate. We sipped and relaxed, content as could be.

As we finished up, I noticed my wife furtively eyeing the dessert case. I mean, you only live once right?

So she grabbed a scrumptious twisty donut thing whose name I don’t know, holding it triumphantly in the air like a trophy. Oh, and a mini cheese cake for the morning, too.

Who’s counting?

In addition to numerous locations across northern New Jersey, you can find Paris Baguette in New York City, Philadelphia, and numerous other locations across the country. Stop in for delicious coffee and baked goods in a relaxing atmosphere!

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