Sunday, July 08, 2007

A Watched Pot

This baby is fashionably late (in case you were curious), and I am the proverbial watched pot.
This watched pot has been escaping the stove for a few "last meals" and tasty treats, however.

* Miami Ice (1624 w 39th St): The ice cream (Yay! Peanut Butter ice cream!) is smooth and and creamy and the passion fruit Miami Ice (with a dollop of custard at the bottom of the cup) is refreshing and amazing.

* Spit Fire Grill (1809 W 39th St): Well-priced entrees and a comfortable interior make this a really great addition to 39th Street. My only complaint was with the plating of the food - the food itself is really well prepared (juicy pork chops, moist and well-seasoned rotisserie chicken, truly excellent french onion soup, crisp grilled sandwiches) that it seems like the presentation of it doesn't match the food itself. The macaroni & fondue side would have benefited from some parsley, and the dinner plates could use a little flair. Food that is made with this much attention to flavor (the sandwich with grilled asparagus and Gruyere was a standout) deserves to have a little more attention paid to how it is presented. Otherwise, a truly excellent meal in a great new spot.

12 comments:

Christine said...

Do some serious walking and heavy lifting! Worked to bring on labor with last 2 babies for me.

And lots of ice cream.

Anonymous said...

I have never, ever heard any self respecting food critic bother to complain about food plating. Get real!

Sara said...

When I start calling myself a food critic, maybe I'll plan by your rules. But I don't - and I think that commenting on the way food is presented is as valid as commenting on the way the restaurant is designed or the waiters are dressed or the way the table is set. It's all a part of the experience.

Andrew said...

I've never heard of any self respecting commenter post anonymously, but heck, what do I know?

Peanut Butter ice cream, you say? I am so there.

Dan said...

Anonymous,

Really, you haven't read anything about presentation? You really need to read more. Certainly, I appreciate reading Sara's thoughts on it, as it makes a real difference in the level of the meal. I won't bring someone I want to impress to a restaurant that doesn't try to impress us.

Anonymous said...

what about the new dumpling bar on 39th?

Anonymous said...

I love the Pistachio ice cream...no nuts.

Anonymous said...

I tried the peanut butter ice cream, I was expecting a little more pop to the flavor. The green apple shaved ice rocked. Good luck with the baby, were all waiting with baited breath! Ya baby.

Sara said...

Come on, little baby! Thinking about you, Sara.

Well Hell Michelle said...

I loved the peanut butter ice cream at Miami Ice, and so did our puppy. Eric is partial to the Miami ices from there.

Waldo Oiseau said...

I've been wondering about that asparagus & gruyere sandwich -- will defintely have to check it out now!

BTW, you must be the Sara that is friend's with my friend, Heidi M (soon to be Erenberg)!

Sara said...

i am that sara!
see you at the wedding!