Dinner For One….Tapas Style

10 Thursday Jan 2013

Posted by Sarah Lasry in Behind the Scenes with Sarah, NYC Tuesdays, Sarah's Product & Places Reviews

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

Kosher Tapas, Ladino Tapas Bar & Grill

this single life

takes some getting use to…

but I have embraced it…

head on.

it was different when I was single & never married

hard to explain…

just different.

now a single mom…..

I always have a plus one…

she’s knee high & her liquor of choice is milk.

even though I go out with her to eat…

I almost never get a chance to experience

food….foodie style.

So… the last few months

I have shed the FEAR of making a

reservation

for one.

and I go…

once every other week or so

to all the places I want to try…my list is quite long!

and I get to experience food…

the taste, texture, smell….the different culinary styles & flavors,

I take my time…taking every aspect in

some places are better than others…

and I don’t care that I am alone, no embarrassment, no awkwardness….

I walk in head held high with fork in knife ready to dig in!

in the end….

my Dinner for One

is a PLUS on the “single” side of life.

I actually…

highly recommend it.

LADINO TAPAS BAR & GRILL

940 8th Avenue New York, NY 10019

(212) 265-6520

I went this past Tuesday after work, around 5 pm.

The place was empty, with the exception of a few tables who were early bird diners like myself. The lady who greeted me at the door told me that there were no tables available without a reservation

and asked if I would mind sitting at the bar. I admit, I was a little put off, it was 5pm and the restaurant was for the most part empty, and knowing that dinner crowds do not normally happen till about 7…sitting at the bar myself was not something I really wanted to do. It was daring enough in my book to sit at a table by myself – but the bar…I just wasn’t feeling it. However, being a past restaurant owner, I DO NOT ARGUE with the staff, they have their reasons, and the restaurant was empty…so who cares really if I sit at the bar – right? So I did.

Lucky for me, I had a great bartender/waitress LIZ. Who was so sweet & accommodating and really was helpful in not only making me feel comfortable, but helping with menu choices.

Right off the bat I told her “my eyes are bigger than my stomach – lead me to the best tapas Ladino has to offer”. She recommended the Salmonceviche (my recipe here), and the Beef Ribs with BBQ Chipolte. On my own I picked one of the special of the days – the Duck Taco with coleslaw & a chili de arbol sauce.

Now Tapas traditionally are Spanish finger foods, ranging from cold to hot appetizer like dishes. Tapas are served day in and day out in every bar and cafe in Spain. So much a part of the culture and social scene that the Spanish word tapear was invented for it – which means to go eat tapas!

This Salmon Ceviche was delicious – it had the perfect blend of lemon acidic salmon flavor, spicy jalpeno and fresh cold tangy slaw. The only thing that would have made this dish more perfect would have been some type of crusty bread or salty tortilla chip to eat it with.

These BBQ ribs the best thing I ate that night. Super soft – just the way I like them – they melted in your mouth. The bbq sauce was pretty standard hickoryish flavor did not have any distinct latin taste per say, but all together it worked very nicely with the spicy cold slaw on the side. The portion was perfect appetizer size and if I would have only ordered this – I would have been quite satisfied.

The duck taco – a bit of a dissapointment – but I blame myself partially – I did not just go with what the Liz recommended. I love duck, but this duck was gamey and had no real flavor. The sauce on top was so spicy that it ruined whatever flavor the duck might have had. After a long swig of coke, I tasted the duck by itself – and I see why that put that sauce (to hide the gaminess). That being said it is a lesson – I know that “specials” are either one of two things – a restaurants way of getting you to try a new dish that they are adding on the menu – OR a way for them to get rid of leftovers. This definitely was a leftover special. I barley touched it and left it for the trash.

Then it was dessert time – sitting at the bar – dessert menu was not offered – I think Liz thought , there is no way this chic is going to ORDER MORE! But as I was perusing the menu I saw their sides offerings – and Plaintains were a side! I had to try them – I am a BANANA LOVER – all kinds and I truly never had a properly prepared plaintan dish. So of course I ordered it, much to the surprise of Liz. When the plate came, they looked awesome, and at first bite I did not know what to expect, sweet fried bananas or something else? Well - they were not sweet – they had no taste – but they had potential!!! You have to remember this was not their dessert – but a side - and I can see that they were meant to be eaten with your meal - as you would a french fry.

So I asked for something sweet – and Liz said “how about our mexican chocolate sauce?” – UMMM YES LIZ – BRNG IT ON!! and she did – the chocolate sauce was not as thick or sweet as I would like – but with a little added sugar from the bar – it was the perfect Ladino banana dessert. I would definitely order it as a side and with a little tweak - a dessert the next time I go.

Now there were 2 men sitting at the table behind me, who were served this dish – The skirt steak with vegetables & avocado. It is a main meal and served with a side of plantains. It looked awesome and according to those 2 it was! Definietly going to try it the next time.

They were also served this dish – a corn meal slider. A burger that was put between two cornmeal patties with some sort of chpolte mayo drizzle – another dish I must order next time.

So if you have read this far – you know that I am recommending LADINO TAPAS BAR & GRIL. The atmosphere is really quite inviting – a small intimate place perfect for those who are looking not for the traditional food fare – but love to go out to eat and have a FOODIE experience. The Drinks coming from the bar looked very inviting as well, and my next trip I will be taking a bus home, so I can imbibe!

The service at 5pm other than that little glitch at the door – was fantastic, quick, friendly & very accommodating ! But if you want street parking – it only starts at 6PM – so bare that in mind.

The prices are quite reasonable $8-$14 for tapas, sides & salads. $20-$63 for mains. I believe if you want to spend no more than $25-$35 per person – you can have a terrific meal of tapas, salads & drinks.

On the whole – it was a GREAT DINNER FOR ONE. – Next time though I am gonna bring a friend or two, so I can pick their plates!!!

For the record: This is totally my own opinion and I was NOT paid in any way to review this restaurant or write this post.

Melt in your Mouth …..Healthy Thursdays

03 Thursday Jan 2013

Posted by Sarah Lasry in baked goods, Dairy, Fish, Holiday Treats, NYC Tuesdays, Sarah's Product & Places Reviews, The Joys of Single Parenting, Whats for Dinner Tonight?

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The Kosher Spread of goodies that we brought from home!

LIFE is all about those

melt in your mouth moments…

where the pleasure of

doing (eating, seeing, experiencing..)

something simple

or decadent

when finally tasted

is a pure delightful

experience

that makes you want to hold it close for a moment

so you can savor

every little flavorful nuance….

a melt in your mouth moment!

and yesterday me & my

Tunie B.

decided to take the day off

and

have just one of those kinda days.

with all the recent talk about where her daddy is? (he has been MIA for the last 8 months)

and me out of the house more than usual lately for work…

It was sorely needed.

Despite the fridgid cold

of NYC

we met up with my favorite food blogger friends Allaya F

and spent the afternoon with her daughters

Allaya with her daughter Lamey (she is a yum just like her name!)

having an afternoon party

at Alice’s Tea House

with our own home & store bought pastry goodies

(they charged us a plating fee – but had no problem us bringing in our kosher food)

& their delcicious pink berry & honey vanilla Alice blend tea

How adorable is that teapot?

we had a little slice of wonderland

which the girls adored!

Allaya’s youngest daughter Candence (she cracked me up the entire time) contemplating the serious decision of my store bought marshmallows or her mothers yummy chocolate chip or ginger scones with a dollop of homemade lemon curd ( personally I ate everything!!!)

then Tunie B. & me

went to swing with the Threads

some artsy fartsy exhibit..

the first sight you are greeted with upon entrance

yes weird is hardly the word to describe this…

because I really had no idea why there were 50 swings attached to threads and

a huge sheet hanging in the middle of the NY Armory

that also had upon entrance

a table full of pigeons with

people who were dressed like russian comunots

reading poetry in low monotone voices?

My Tunie had no clue what was going on – but she was fascinated.. spent at least 10 minutes just staring at these people & the pigeons LOL!

but what can I say..

it sorta worked because Tunie B. & I had quite the swinging time

a melt in your mouth

day indeed.

Tunie B. “Wipe”Ed OUT after a fun long day!

Visit me on instagram @sarah Lasry to see all the fun pics of that day with Tunie B. and to keep up with all my recipes & other fun shenanigans.

also make sure to subscribe to this blog (click the link on the right) and join me on Facebook & twitter!

And for those of you who want your own melt in the mouth experience today

you must try this new healthy recipe I just discovered and tweaked over this past weekend.

it is truly a delicious one.

Grilled Salmon Topped with Melting Cherry Tomatoes & Kale

adapted from an Ina Garten & Eric Ripert recipe

Ingredients:

Good Olive Oil

1 cup chopped sweet onion

3 cloves fresh garlic, minced

1 pint (a little over 2 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

kosher salt & fresh black pepper

1 1/2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar

1 cup chopped Kale Leaves

2 tsp. dried basil or 1 1/2 tbsp. fresh basil

4 (2 inch thick) pieces of salmon fillet with skin

Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 425F

Heat 2-3 tbsp. olive oil in a medium sauté pan. Add the onion and sauté over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until very tender but not browned.

Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute more. Stir in the tomatoes, 1 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper and cook over medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid evaporates and the tomato sauce thickens slightly.

After 15 minutes, add the chopped kale and mix well with the tomatoes and onions. Let cook for another 3-4 minutes on medium-low until kale is wilted.

Off the heat, stir in the vinegar and fresh basil. ( if you are using dried basil – add it when adding the kale)

set aside & keep warm

Place a large cat iron skillet pan over high heat for 5 minutes. Brush salmon all over with olive oil, sprinkle liberally with salt & pepper, and place it skin side up in the pan. Cook the fish for 3-4 minutes with out moving them, until browned. Turn the salmon skin side down with a small spatula and transfer to aluminum pan (or keep in your cast iron oven approved pan) and bake in oven for 8 minutes. (the salmon will not be completely cooked through) Remove the fish to a serving plater, cover with tin foil, and allow to rest for 5 minutes.

reheat the tomatoes & kale, season to taste, and serve hot, warm or room temperature over the salmon.

$20 Tuesdays – Mr. Broadway

01 Tuesday Jan 2013

Posted by Sarah Lasry in Meat, NYC Tuesdays, Sarah's Product & Places Reviews, Whats for Dinner Tonight?

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Homemade onion rings, Mr. Broadway Deli, NYC great kosher eats for $20 or less, Spare Ribs

you would think that it is
Jan 1st
and this would be
a healthy eating post
ha!
I hate such resolutions
they NEVER work…
I truly believe moderation
in everything…
including eating
is the way to go…
so eat less carbs or more GF or more vegan & less sugar
what ever floats your boat
but DO NOT think if you
change everything
life will be better…
its baby steps…
and long term goals we need to think about.
so next year
at this time
we can resolute
for something way more fun
…like taking a few hours off once a week
just to do what
makes you feel
happy.
what ever that may be.
For me..
My NYC tuesdays
have been just that
I go to work
and then I take
an hour
by myself….
and try a new place
to eat.
A few weeks ago it was Mr Broadway
I had been there many many years ago
and it was not anything really memorable.

my menu came with yummy sour & dill pickles in a mason jar and some truly awesome coleslaw

But wow this time…
it was fantastic.
I can not tell you
how much I loved this joint.
It was what a NY Deli should be.

it even came with my very own central casting “deli regulars” sitting next to me

minus the sushi …
which I did not try
but I have one pet peeve
why is a deli – who does deli right
have to have a sushi counter.
It is so over done
I wish…
we can go back to the days
where sushi was special
and not an everyday item
because now
most sushi counters…lackluster & ho hum.

I ordered the “appetizer size” spare ribs & home made onion rings – total bill before tax $17.25

but enough of my gripes..and back to a truly terrific Jewish Deli Experience.
The place is clean and comfortable
my waitress was super accommodating & the service was quick & efficient
they have managed to pull off a
casual old world vibe with a totally modern feel
The food is generously portioned
fresh, perfectly cooked & most importantly the meal I had was DELISH!!
lip smacking good – in fact.
the prices are reasonable and actually surprisingly cheap.
Fantastic location if you need a quick bite before or after a play
and manages to be kid friendly & date friendly at the same time.
as you can see – I am a huge fan!
Mr. Broadway…
Bravo!

Mr. Broadway Kosher
1372 Broadway, New York
(212) 921-2152
Tuesday hours 9:00 am–10:00 pm

note: I did not get paid to write this post -this is totally my unbiased personal experience.

till next NYC tuesday!!
Sarah

personal…chicken pot pie

20 Tuesday Nov 2012

Posted by Sarah Lasry in Chicken, General Rants & Thoughts, NYC Tuesdays, Whats for Dinner Tonight?

≈ 5 Comments

I don’t know what it is
but I feel like a hamster
running on the wheel…
going no where.
just running.
It does not help that the world itself
is so chaotic…
the situation in Israel…
I feel helpless.
guilty that I am not there with my family
who just this morning in jerusalem
running to their bomb shelters
anxious…
and then more guilt…
that I go about my day to day life here
thousands of miles away
and no
not every minute
is consumed with the war and its news
that I am more selfish
consumed with my day to day life..
it’s my personal catch 22
In fact today…
I am torn
Israel rally – or finish up all the things that are pressing & on my MUST DO NOW list?
and be overwhelmed with
feelings of…
“when will the madness stop?”
But like I said…
this is personal.
I just needed to share
we are in uncertain times
and I can’t get a handle on it..
am I the only one?

Personal Pot Pie
Because I cook when I feel like I need to keep control of my situation, I decided to try out this recipe I saw on pinterest for Personal Pot Pies. The recipe is really brilliant, they use pancake mix bisquick as the “dough” part for the pot pie. But because I am kosher, the dairy & meat thing just not working – so I created my own pancake mix recipe.

Ingredients:
2 cups shredded or diced small cooked chicken
1 lb box frozen mixed carrot, peas & corn
1 medium onion, diced
2 tsp. dried parsley
1 tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. sage
2 tsp. garlic powder
salt & pepper to taste
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
3 tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1 ½ tsp. kosher salt
½ cup tofutti sour cream
¾ cup soy milk
2 extra large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions:
Pre-heat oven to 375 F. Spray a regular size muffin tin with non-stick spray.
In a medium bowl mix together the chicken, vegetables and all the spices. set aside
In another medium bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a small separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, milk, eggs, and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients to the dry flour one, mixing only until combined.

Using a spoon, pour in about 2 tsp. of your pancake batter into your prepared muffin tin.
Then spoon in some of the chicken mixture, and fill your tin 3/4 way full.
Then spoon in some more of the pancake batter until you have fully covered your chicken mixture to the top of the muffin tin.
Repeat as necessary.
Bake in oven for 20-25 minutes until the tops are golden brown.

Crockpot Wednesdays after NYC Tuesdays!

24 Wednesday Oct 2012

Posted by Sarah Lasry in CrockPot Wednesdays, General Rants & Thoughts, NYC Tuesdays, Whats for Dinner Tonight?

≈ 2 Comments

My life has been
thank g-d
on the up track.
I guess at one point you can only go so far down
before eventually
nature takes over
and it’s up up you go.
My Tuesdays now
are spent in my old stomping ground
the big apple
back to the grind
but the good….working kind.
Once a week
I get to play grown up at work…..& then play hookey
a few hours to myself every tuesday for….
new restaurants, events, adventures with old friends…
but my Tunie B.
always on my mind…
and I make sure that every Tuesday morning
when there is nothing up
but me and the squirrels…both foraging in our respective kitchens
I lug out my crock pot
and make dinner for my baby girl…
that will be hot and ready
the minute she gets home.
SO thus crockpot wednesdays are being born
because I don’t get to taste or see my culinary creations
till the wee late hours of the night
where I snuggle in bed with my sleeping beauty
as I eat a bowl of warm
crockpot food
I made 10 hours before.
life ain’t so bad…

Last night after work I was invited to the New COOKBOOK launch party of my friend and fellow cookbook author Susie Fishbein at the Pomegranate in Brooklyn. This chick puts me to shame LOL!

She can crank out cookbooks like nobodies business and this latest one
Kosher By Design: Cooking Coach

- I think is her Opus (seriously – her truly best one to date)

Normally I do not buy other kosher cookbooks as a personal policy – being in the business I don’t ever want to be influenced by what is already on the shelves. However of course, that does not mean my entire family (my mother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, etc…) do not use Susie’s book ad nauseam when it comes to holiday cooking. (yes -you might be detecting a little professional jealousy in my voice )

But at this great event, I got her book for free in my awesome swag bag and had a real gander at it. Her attention to details, the pictures, the text, the obvious thought process that went into every technical aspect about the basics of cooking …was truly incredible.

I laughed at Susie when she called me as she was editing her book for the millionth time…”why are you obsessing I said – hand it in you will never get it 100% perfect!” But she was insistent…”one last time, I must make sure every detail is right!”

And folks…boy did she. The greatest compliment I can give her in my eyes…is that her new book reminds me of my favorite cooking magazine “The American Test Kitchen“. My love for that magazine is all about the details..the how & why a recipe works – and Susie delivers the same…all kosher and in delicious detailed abundance.

hmmm I might just have to kill her now.

For mure great pics of all my fun with some more foodie friends follow me on Instagram @sarahlasry

Slow Cooker Turkey Meatball Vegetable Rice Jumble

Funny enough Susie demoed her ground turkey recipe at the event…I promise I did not know when I made my crockpot meal that morning.

This recipe I like to call… a what ever is in my fridge recipe.
I was testing a month back thanksgiving recipes for a company
and my freezer is stock full of ground turkey still. That with the vegetables in my crisper draw and freezer I made a pretty tasty jumble of a turkey vegetable stew – healthy with very little fat and lots of yumminess that my daughter LOVED for dinner that night.
Ps – it was really delicious at 12am in bed to!

Ingredients:
1 lb ground turkey
2 tsp. sweet smoked paprika
2 tsp. jerusalem spice
2 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. ground mustard
2 tsp. garlic powder
kosher salt & black pepper
1 white onion, diced
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 yellow zucchini diced
1 small box of frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots,corn, green-beans)
2 cups frozen broccoli
1 cup kale leaves
2 cups diced tomatoes
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (can use water to)
1 box of chicken rice pilaf (with season packet)

Directions:
In a small bowl, mix the turkey with all the spices. Once fully mixed make ping pong size meatballs with the spiced turkey.
In the bottom of the crockpot at 2 tbsp of oil and the diced onions. Add the meat balls and all the rest of the vegetables.
Pour in the diced tomatoes and broth and then the rice with its spice packet. Mix everything well with a wooden spoon and then cover and set for 6 hrs (high).
Serve in a large bowl with a deep spoon

the Patchke Princess

Category Archives: NYC Tuesdays

Dinner For One….Tapas Style

Melt in your Mouth …..Healthy Thursdays

$20 Tuesdays – Mr. Broadway

personal…chicken pot pie

Crockpot Wednesdays after NYC Tuesdays!