Grandma Dinner

Gabriel's

Pinot noir
Marinated octopus
Lamb chops
Mashed potatoes
Asparagus

A special perk of having grandma dinner is that I get to go to places where 70% of the clientèle is 55+ years old. I sat in a row of tables where I was the only one under 65 or 70. There is this secret world of restaurants in New York where everything is like it was twenty-five years ago and every night is like an episode of Seinfeld. Anyway, this is what I saw while standing at the bathroom sink: a man in a suit walked into the bathroom, went into the stall, pulled down his pants, and starting pooping. You will notice that what he did not do is close the door to the stall.

I've done it.

Friends,

I believe I have found the best sushi restaurant in New York City.

Sushi Seki (62nd and 1st)

If you are into places like Nozawa and Sasabune in LA, this is as close as you're going to get as far as I can tell. I've been to Nobu, I've been to Morimoto, I've been to Blue Ribbon, but as far as straight up sushi goes, this place is by far the best. You can order a la carte, but I recommend getting the $50 omakase and adding on if you're still hungry. Like those good LA places, stuff is brought 2-3 pieces at a time, and everything has its own garnish/marinade (the use of soy sauce is discouraged).

Highlights include: yellowtail with jalapeno, fried oyster roll, chopped spicy toro with radish, spicy scallop hand roll, and perhaps the best piece of toro I've ever had in my life.

Another awesome thing about this place is that it is open until 3am. From what I've been told, it is because flights from Japan tend to get into NYC around midnight, so the place stays open for all of the business travelers, which is pretty rad.

My point is, any time anyone wants to go, I will go with you.

I Found My Way Back

An easy recipe that is bad for you:

Cook a bunch of halved grape or cherry tomatoes and a minced clove of garlic in (extra virgin) olive oil over high heat. Once they are softened and starting to fall apart, add some marscapone cheese (this is what is bad for you) and mix it through until melted and saucy. Add some salt and pepper and shredded basil. Toss with pasta.

I also started making polenta recently. Last night I ate some Baked Alaska made by XTina. That's pretty much what I've been up to.

Beer Soup

A theme that recurs on this blog is how much our ancestors used to drink (see "Data," 12/11/06). In some of my readings I'd come across mention of a "beer soup" or "beer porridge" our forefathers enjoyed.

So I decided to try it. I used this recipe:
http://www.recipehound.com/Recipes/1472.html

and McEwan's Scotch Ale. I would suggest not using all the lemon rind. What you do use chop very finely. This also might have been improved by having some heavy bread for dipping - it was a bit much to eat on its own. Newcastle or Guinness might be good beers to try.

What I Baked, Vol. II

Oh, man! Look at how I am a part of the anti-Valentine's Day movement! Look at how I am so badass!

These are some cookies I made for work. I think my co-workers will find them a refreshing change of pace. A real eye-opener!