The Secret Menu

It's funny how I can spend so much money on food yet be so frugal on other things. Vincent and I went to an outlet in Upstate New York. The place is pretty damn big. After shopping for a good 4 hours we both found something we liked at Kennith Cole. Vincent leather jackets was like 400ish and sporty one was 130ish. We took some time to think the purchase over at the food court over a nathan's hot dog. Torn and frustrated we left empty handed. Still upset we talked more about whether we should get our jackets on the ride back. We then sorta joked how it wouldn't have taken us more than 5 minutes to decide if the same amount of money was use for food. But in honest truth, I really would just spend the $130 on a nice meal without hesitation. Then Vincent said " Screw this lets go eat at that good Japaneses place I told you about, I'll pay. Lets just eat the jackets." Sounded good to me. But it was no fun eating alone so we called Sally to join us. Also, if she does come, we don't have to pay=) Oh, the day was starting to get better already.

If you weren't looking it would have been pretty hard to find the tiny entrance to the restaurant. According to Vincent this place is where real Japanese people go to eat after work, having some drinks and eat some snacks. My aunt pro purveyor friend told them about the place. Speaking of the pro friend, I think she sounds pretty awesome. So the business she runs is Japanese plate and bowls, utensil stuff. And she would go from restaurant to restaurant with her catalogs trying to make sales. A humble beginning with just one person running the show. Now she is like the number 1 retailer for all japanese restaurants that want restaurant supplies. From Mitsuwa markets to Nobu restaurant, they all order from her. PRO. Anyways on to dinner.

Most of everything here is order from a Japaneses only secret menu. In fact, Vincent had to ask 3 times for them to bring the correct one.


Deep friend chicken cartilage.
Crunchy and gelatinous, savory and deep fried these nasty chicken bits would certainly make a great snack for drinking beer though they taste great on their own.


Japanese beef carpacio
Lightly seared beef slice thinly toped with some raddish and alfalfa.



Stew pork belly
Slight sweet with hint of soy and mirin this melt in your mouth piece of fatty pork is to die for,and we probably will. The little dab of horse radish gives it a nice little kick. It may look very fatty and too heavy to eat, but i assure you it is not greasy at all. God i want some right now. If my arteries are to be clog, I would want this to do it.

Agedashi Tofu
Lightly battered tofu deep fried swimming a warm soy broth with daikon and scallion. I love deep fried tofu, therefore I love this.

Grilled pork salad
Soy marinated grill pork that's suppose to be from a special part of the pig, tossed with carrots, scallion and alfalfa.

Stewed pumpkin

_______________________________________________
Still hungry, seconds round of orders

Sushi combination
Didn't remember to take a picture till after most of the stuff is done. I think it was a pretty standard plater with tuna, salmon, california rolls, hamachi. We also order uni, ikura and some hand roll. The first piece of uni was okay, the second one was blAHH.

Tempura plate
the typical shrimp and veggies
______________________________________________________
still hungry, bring the menu plz.


Clam Miso soup

Green tea custard
A rich green tea custard thats slightly bitter, not sure if it was from the caramel or the alcohol in the sauce.

Great meal. And even better when you don't have to pay. Thanks Sally!!

Breakfast of Champions

Nothing like a power breakfast to jump start the day. Staying at Vincent's place is awesome because my aunt is an awesome cook. Word on the street is that this is the best place to smooch. For the breakfast have some pickled daikon, looks like bright yellow korean stuff, some wakame? egg omelet with salmon and green onions, sausages and fish cake. And of course you have to have it all with rice and miso soup. Oh a glorious morning it was. This vs a bowl of cereal, enough said.

the choices

After our fishing trip, i think, Vincent and I decided it was the perfect time to go have some Indian. The good time to do so since no one else seem to like Indian cuisine. Oh yea, we also went through St. Marks for some wicked fries at Pomm Frits. It is basically a place that sells thick cut fries with about 30 different types of sauces. I think we got the garlic mayo, but whatever it was it was good.

Deciding on which restaurant to eat at is usually no easy task. But this time it was even harder. The street we were on had like 7 different Indian restaurants. We decide to forgo Vincent's usual joint and try a new place. Ok Zagat we will trust you this time.

The lamb samosa we ordered was pretty good. Ground lamb meat with spices and veggies wrapped and fried in a light pastry. Eat it with a little mango CHUTney to give it a hint of fruity sweetness for a nice balance to the spice.

This place also had the best mango lassy i've had. It was super smooth, none of that nasty mango pulp that get stuck in your teeth.

leftovers

Picture 246, originally uploaded by aznkey.

When greedy foodies go on road trips they want to eat and try everything even they have no room. The result, look at all the stuff we brought back. It must be properly disposed of.

cookie from the double tree, granola, white cheese puffs, keebler cookies, cake from finale, bread pudding, sticky bun, clam cakes, hoho, sun chips, rice crispy treats