Food - The Hungry Nomad

Breakfast at Stanley-French Quarter (New Orleans, USA)

June 11, 2013 No Comments

Stanley Restaurant is the place to go for mouthwatering brunch. The experience doesn’t get any better than sipping on your morning coffee while overlooking Jackson Square and the Cathedral. Stanley is Scott Boswell’s casual sister restaurant of the amazing, Stella. The menu includes innovative twists to traditional dishes, including the eggs benedict po-boy and banana foster french toast.

Our breakfast consisted consisted of the Eggs Benedict Poor Boy and the Korean Barbeque Beef Poor Boy. The eggs benedict poor boy was a brilliant take on the traditional eggs benny. Poached eggs, a slice of Canadian bacon and creole hollandaise layered on top of a piece of toasted french baguette.

And just when I thought that I had tasted the best thing on the menu, I took a bite of the Count’s Korean bbq beef po-boy. Sweet and tangy layers of marinated roast beef layered with spicy kimchi and cilantro on a toasted french bread. It was so delicious that I almost wanted to order another. I guess I know what I’ll be ordering next time I’m at Stanley.

The food at Stanley is delicious. So is the view and decor of the restaurant. The service is okay, since the restaurant is always busy, the staff seem a little bit rushed and not very friendly. It is a shame because everything else in this restaurant is stellar.

Food, New Orleans, USA

The Green Goddess- French Quarter (New Orleans, USA)

June 9, 2013 No Comments

Looking for a ‘healthier’ restaurant option in the French Quarter, we made our way to the Green Goddess for lunch. It is tucked in the exchange alley and is easy to miss if you are not looking for it. The restaurant itself is small and a bit stuffy with an area in the back corridor of what seems like the entrance of a residential building/law firm.

The service was good. But then again, we were the only ones there when we arrived. The menus is simple with a variety of veggie options for those vegetarians that have a hard time finding food in the French Quarter. Neither the Count or I are vegetarians and therefore opted for the Grilled Pork and Shrimp Bahn Mi and the Cuban Sandwich. While waiting for our lunch to arrive I was becoming more and more skeptical as the place really did not seem clean. I’m sure if I snuck in the back I would find enough to turn me off. But what you can’t see doesnt hurt you…. I guess. Perhaps the grimy state of the restaurant goes with the hippie-vegan/veggie vibe that is their claim to fame. But I’ve been to many vegetarian/vegan restaurants that are clean and awesome. So I’m not really sure.

All my worries went away once the food arrived. Both sandwiches were delicious and the portions were huge. While the food was good, I expect a little more than just good food when I dine out including consistent service, clean and hygienic environment, which I think this spot lacks. If hygiene doesn’t concern you then the food will more than satisfy you.

Food, New Orleans, Travel

Bonjour New Orleans!

June 5, 2013 3 Comments

The Hungry Nomad is spending this week in New Orleans discovering new restaurants and old favorites.

Food, Philadelphia

The Hungry Nomad’s Best of Philadelphia- 2013

May 28, 2013 No Comments

New Restaurant: Fitler Dining Room
French Restaurant: Bibou
Gastropub: The Dandelion
Whiskey list: Village Whiskey
Breakfast: Sabrina’s Cafe and Spencer’s Too
Tacos: La Calaca Feliz
Pizza: Pizzeria Stella/ Nomad Pizza/ Bufad
Burger: Rouge
Italian Restaurant: Modo Mio and Osteria (tie)
Sushi: Vic’s Sushi
Malaysian Restaurant: Penang and Banana Leaf
Chinese Restaurant Not in Chinatown: Han’s Dynasty
Dim Sum: Dim Sum Garden
Spanish Tapas: Tintos and Amada by Jose Garces
Hoagie: Paesano’s and Sarcone’s Deli (tie)
Vietnamese Sub: Q.T Vietnamese Sandwich
Pho: Saigon Express
Mexican: Calaca Feliz and Lolita
Pasta: Fork
Cookies: Insomnia Cookies
Gelato: Capogiro Gelateria
Sausage: Frankford Hall
Mediteranean: Kanella
Farm to table: The Farm and Fisherman
Dessert: Amis
Cheap Korean: Koreana’s
Pretzel: Alla Spina (their cheese dip is to die for)
Middle Eastern: Zahav
Vegetarian: Hip City Veg

Food, New York, USA

Dinner at Daniel Boulud’s ‘Boulud Sud’- UWS (New York City, USA)

May 27, 2013 No Comments

On a cold, rainy sunday evening this spring, the Count and I headed to Boulud Sud to celebrate our one year anniversary. It was to be the first Daniel Boulud dining experience for me and I was giddy at the thought.

We were warmly greeted by the hostess and promptly taken to our seat walking through the crowds of diners filling every seat in the large dining area. It was also our fist time dining on the Upper West Side which had a notably different and older crowd than the one we are use to seeing downtown. The beige paneled walls were covered with photographs inspired by impressionist painters, tables placed close to one another and covered in white linens giving an overall Mediterranean vibe.

The menu was broken down into three sections and subsections ranging in Mediterranean flavors from Sardinia, Greece, Tunisia, Morocco to Lebanon: ‘From the Garden’, ‘From the Sea’, and ‘From the Farm’. [See Menu].

The menu favored sharing many of the small plate dishes while ordering one larger entree to share. The first item that was brought out to us was a complimentary stack of crispy roman style artichoke hearts with a side of creamy aioli dipping sauce. The dish can be found under the subsection portion which includes a variety of Mediterranean mezzes (like the hummus and cauliflower tabbouleh). And while our taste buds were adjusting to the range of textures and flavors we were served one after another amazing plates. Some of the most notables of the night included the steak tartar which was possibly the most exquisite and distinctly Middle Eastern tasting piece of raw meat I’ve yet to taste.

The House-made Greek version of Taramasalata consisted of a smoked cod roe dip served with the most delicious dill covered potato chips. It was a delightful little treat and a great presentation of the traditional Taramasalata. For those who have a soft spot for sea urchins, the Sea Urchin and Crab Tartine should not be missed. Tender pieces of crab topped with sea urchin were served on tiny pieces of rye bread. Next on our list of orders for the night was the Octopus A la Plancha, grilled pieces of octopus served in a bed of almonds and arugula; the Lemon Saffron Linguini and Gambas al Ajillo.

From the farm side of the menu we ordered the Arabic Lamb Flatbread and were also served with the Harissa Spiced Beef Tartare. Both were quite exquisite. I guess I’m a big fan of the ‘harissa spice’ as this dish really did it for me.

The best part of the meal had to be the Grapefruit Givre served to us as a complimentary anniversary treat. The icy treat was made with grapefruit sorbet, and a topping of spun sesame halvah. It was so beautiful presented. The flavors were so intricate and so complex. I am certain I will never taste anything quite like it anywhere else.

Overall, I could not think of a better place than Boulud Sud to have spent our anniversary. The over the top service and friendly staff, and the amazing culinary experience made for the most perfect evening. After having the Boulud experience I’m afraid I will never be able to dine at another restaurant ever again… for my expectations have now raised dramatically.

Food, Philadelphia, USA

Dinner at Audrey Claire- Rittenhouse Square (Philadelphia, USA)

May 23, 2013 5 Comments

Audrey Claire is one of the most charming BYO restaurants in Philadelphia located on the character filled corner of Spruce and 20th. The Mediterranean decor of white washed walls and apple motifs give it just the right touch. The menu is phenomenal with some great options to choose from. We went on a week night, a party of 5, and were surprised to be seated right away. Usually there is a minimum 2 hour line up on the weekends. Yet, I learned that reservations are taken during weekday hours (so make sure to get those reservations in before you go).

Our meal started with an order of the antipasti sampler, a wide tray of fresh grilled vegetables, mozzerella, olives and more. Usually a plate of grilled veggies does not excite me but this dish was so tasty. Each vegetable was grilled to perfection covered in buttery goodness. Next came the watermelon, feta and arugula starter. What a treat on a hot day in Philadelphia. It was the perfect combination of sweet and savory and something I’m used to having at home. It is a staple summer dish in my motherland.

Next came the sizzling fried Greek haloumi cheese on a sweet layer of whole fig jam sprinkled with candied figs. Again, a mix of salty pieces of haloumi cheese mixed with the sweet aromatic flavors of the jam compote made for a perfect combination.

For our main course, we ordered the feta crusted rack of baby lamb, oysters, crab terrine and grilled octopus salad.

The grilled octopus was served on a bed of salad, tossed with olive oil, feta and lemon. The octopus itself was extremely tender and cooked to perfection.The rack of lamb was also a big hit with tender pieces of lamb meat in a feta and garlic crust served with a side of green beans and couscous.

The jumbo crab terrine was served on a layer of tomatoes with pieces of granny smith apple (usually topped with avocado but on this particular night they had run out).

The Prince Edward Island mussels were served in a large bowl in a spicy chili flaked broth. Make sure to dip your bread in the broth and make good use of the aromatic flavors. Overall, our party of 5 was very impressed with every single dish we ordered. The ambiance, attentive service and amazing food made it a perfect meal for our out of town guests. It’s no wonder that people wait hours to be seated at this little neighborhood gem.

Food, New Jersey, Travel, USA

A Foodie’s Guide to Cape May (Cape May, New Jersey)

May 8, 2013 7 Comments

I’ll admit my experience and knowledge about New Jersey was very limited prior to moving to Philadelphia. It mostly involved landing in Newark airport and heading straight to New York trying to dodge Tony Soprano and other New Jersey cliches like MTV’s Jersey Shore and Bravo’s Housewives of New Jersey. I had no idea that the Jersey Shore would be so alluring and would break all those stereotypes I’d build over the years in my mind (thanks to cable tv).

Adapting to the culture in Philadelphia, we make it a point to frequent the ‘Shore’ on occasion when we need to get out of town for a quick getaway. And it may come as no surprise that our destination on the Jersey Shore is none other than Cape May: the oldest beachside resort in the country and the southernmost point in New Jersey. Cape May has stood the test of time, breaking all Jersey stereotypes and making it through stormy weather (of most recent, hurricane Sandy). This historic seaside resort was settled by wealthy Philadelphia families in the 18th century leading to the Victorian architecture which the town is known for.

Sleep: There are many beautiful Victorian bed and breakfasts to choose from including the Virginia Hotel but if in the mood for complete indulgence the Congress Hall is the hotel of choice. The hotel is set across the street from the beach offering beach cabanas, a pool, yoga classes and stunning views of the sea (not to mention great dining).

Eat: Amongst the many wonderful restaurants where lobster and seafood are a plenty a few stand out. For a fine dining experience, the Ebbit Room at the Virginia Hotel should not be missed. Other less expensive and delicious choices are Louisa’s Cafe, Tisha’s Cape May and George’s Place. For a good brunch served alongside a perfect Bloody Mary, the Mad Batter restaurant is our go to place.

Sweets: After lunch a stroll through Washington Street is the perfect way to work off the calories unless you have a sweet tooth like me which means you may be in trouble. Each trip is never complete without a trip to the saltwater taffy haven at James Candy Company where you can choose from a range of flavors and pay by scale. Just a few minutes away is the Cape May Popcorn factory where the smell will lure you in before the brilliant yellow and green colored building attracts you visually. In the summertime, crowds will line up to get their hands on some tasty frozen custard from Kohr’s Brothers. My favorite is the vanilla/orange creamsicle blend. It’s not to be missed. Just off Washington street lies the cutest and tiniest chocolate shop I’ve ever seen. Louisa’s Chocolate Bar is not to be missed if you like gourmet chocolate treats.

Food

LIVESTREAM: Watch The James Beard Awards Right Now!

May 6, 2013 No Comments

When? May 6, 2013 6:00pm EDT — Mon May 6, 2013 9:00pm EDT

Covering all aspects of the industry—from chefs and restaurateurs to cookbook authors and food journalists to restaurant designers and architects and more—the Beard Awards are the highest honor for food and beverage professionals working in North America. The awards are presented each spring at Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center. Nominees and winners are fêted at a weekend of events in New York City that has become the social and gastronomic highlight of the year.

LIVESTREAM JBF AWARDS!

Food, Italian food, Philadelphia, USA

Rustic Italian at Melograno- Rittenhouse Square (Philadelphia, USA)

May 3, 2013 No Comments

Melograno is an Italian restaurant located in Center City close to Rittenhouse Square. We went on a Friday night without reservations (which they now take despite being informed otherwise online) with high expectations. The rustic Italian decor adds to the great ambiance. Our table lined against the wall was very close to our neighbors which made it a bit uncomfortable given that we arrived early and there were not too many diners so the noise level was down leading to an uncomfortably intimate dining situation. Our server was nice and attentive. The food was good yet nothing particularly stood out.

For our starter we shared the Prosciutto di Parma e Rucola. A plate of arugula prosciutto and shaved parmigiano served with a lemon vinaigrette. It was a really nice consistent dish that I would order again. For our entrees we ordered the Pappardelle Tartufate and Risotto ai Gamberoni (See Menu).

The Pappardelle Tartufate is usually a favorite of mine. The ingredients in this one happened to be ground up to a paste mixture consisting of wild mushrooms, walnuts, truffle oil and pieces of pecorino. I was not a big fan of the mixture in this form nor was the Count who was forced to switch his plate with mine halfway through the meal.

The Risotto ai Gamberoni was a delicious plate of fennel risotto served with fresh shrimp, goat cheese and wine reduction. It was very creamy and fragrant without tasting too fishy.

For dessert we shared a warm chocolate cake with strawberry reduction. It was served within minutes leading me to believe that these are pre-made and microwaved. I am sure I was not wrong because it was too hot and did not taste like it was freshly baked.

While the meal at Melograno was okay, it certainly did not stand out amongst the many restaurants in the city serving Italian Food. It is more an institution serving faithful diners that come back year after year who refuse to dine elsewhere.

Food, Philadelphia, USA

Opening of Prime Stache in Old City (Philadelphia, USA)

April 29, 2013 2 Comments

An invitation to a restaurant opening is always a good time. Even more fun when the owner of the restaurant is Philadelphia Eagle’s own Brent Celek. The restaurant is located in Old City in a beautifully restored brick building. A giant mustache sign will help those in search of the restaurant.

The inside of the restaurant is also covered with exposed brick, a long bar and nice dining area.

The modern American menu offers classics such as a Stache burger, pastas, fish tacos and salads. The cocktail list is extensive with fresh and unique drinks such as the peach julip.

To start off our table was served with a tomato and onion salad with a classic vinaigrette sauce. Really nice way to start off the experience. After the salad, plates and plates of delicious treats were brought out. First the fried rock shrimp tossed in a spicy sauce yet still crispy.

The lightly breaded pepper calamari was surprisingly spicy with the addition of fried cherry peppers. It definitely added a kick to the dish.

We were then served with an order of the Sweet Pea and Edamame Ravioli. I was not particularly impressed with this dish. It seemed overcooked, there was too much dough and all the pieces were stuck together.

The fish tacos were a big hit at our table. Tender pieces of grilled tilapia topped with red cabbage and carrots tossed in a citrus-flavored mix served in small white tortilla shells. They were gone before they hit the table.
The baked salmon was served with a side of grilled broccoli. This was definitely one of the healthier dishes on the menu. The fish was very tender and melted in my mouth.
For the vegetarians amongst us, there was the vegetarian lasagna stuffed with eggplants and ricotta cheese. It was a classic lasagna substituting vegetables instead of meat served in a marinara sauce. No one at our table found it to be special or unique. It was missing the small details in flavor and ingredients that make a dish stand out.
The hamburger served with a side of house-made chips was good, although it was the least favorite dish at our table. Perhaps, it was because of the high volume of the event, but the hamburger patty was over cooked, dry and flavorless. The burger had no real substance. It was left half untouched. The two favorite dishes of the evening were the meatloaf and the butternut squash cavatelli. I’m not really a big fan of meatloaf but I found this one to be very meaty and delicious and something I would definitely order again. The butternut squash cavatelli however, was extraordinarily good. It came served with shredded pieces of pork and cheese drowned in barbecue sauce. Very hearty. Very good.

Overall, the decor, ambiance and food make Prime Stache a prime location to hit up on any night of the week.