190 West Main Street
Somerville, NJ 08876
908.575.8010
website
I've heard of this fondue chain and people have recommended it to me when I was in DC, but I only had a chance to try it out recently.
//Big Night Out Set
1. appetizer fiesta cheese fondue. cheddar with Mexican herbs, spices, jalapeno peppers and salsa.
/we asked for as spicy as possible. it was delicious. I vote for all future tortilla chips to be served with the above cheese dip.
2. entree fondue fusion (* for my personal favorites)
*jerk-seasoned sirloin
lobster tail
*zesty peppered shrimp
pork tenderloin
filet mignon medallion
vanilla rum chicken
butternut squash ravioli
veggies (*potatoes, squash, brocolli, mushrooms, etc)
/basicall you poke fondue fork into a piece of meat/veggie and then cook it in the soup base in the pot. they also have a variety of sauces that you can dip with. I really liked the horse radish "cocktail" sauce for shrimp. I ended up using it for chicken too. haha. It's smart they gave us different color fondue sticks so we don't mix up our food.
3. dessert fondue cookies 'n cream marshmallow dream. dark chocolate marshmallow cream base, flambeed. topped off with crushed oreos. Strawberries, bananas, marshmallows, brownies, etc are then placed into the chocolate marshmallow bath heaven.
/J knew I loved cookies 'n cream so he chose this for us. Definite win.
//drinks
strawberry basil lemonade - it's actually alcoholic which is good. if you don't spike something this sweet you will get a sugar rush. I especially liked the fresh strawberry and basil bits. definitely gives me something to think about when I make my own lemonade.
//atmosphere
We got a booth for the four of us. The light directly above was bright but rest of the restaurant has a nice dim relaxed feel to it. I can't remember the music so it probably was quiet.
//service
Our waitress was helpful and she managed to smile and put up with us changing/replacing/upgrading the orders a million ways. We tipped well.
___
Update Jan 2010
I went back and had the opportunity to have two fondue pots (part of 5, with J's family) so I got to try more varieties. Last time we only had one pot for a party of four. I can't believe it took us 3 hours to finish dinner though. Wow.
1. appetizer: spinach artichoke with cheese was delicious. the alp and dell cheese special was made with a very strong mustard and wine so it was flavored nicely, but personally I liked the spinach artichoke better.
2. salad: california salad with blue cheese was dressed with a sweet zesty dressing. walnuts for extra crunch.
3. entree: we got the fondue feast with two different soup bases, coq au vin (herbs with wine) and court bouillon (vegetable broth). I still like the shrimp and beef the best. After I reviewed my old blog entry I realized that I also liked shrimp last time I came. Mushroom and broccoli also go very well with the vegetable broth since they soak up the soup flavor.
4. dessert: we got cookies and cream (again) because it's so amazing. The other pot was pure milk chocolate which was okay but not as good as ours. My fav dip items include marshmallows and graham cracker.
Showing posts with label chocolate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chocolate. Show all posts
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Boqueria X 2 and Michel Cluizel
Boqueria [link to previous review]
I tried the fried quail eggs and chorizo on toast. I did have a "Honey, I shrank the breakfast sandwich" moment when I got it though, since quail eggs are so miniature compared to real eggs.
The chorizo was flavorful and spicy, leaving me wanting more. One day, I will go to Grand Central Market and get some real sausage links and feast!
The sausage from Catalan "fuet" did not blow me away like the sausage from Mallorca. We ordered the bacon wrapped dates again, since they were so good last time.
I tried the Osborne "Bailen" dry oloroso sherry this time which I enjoyed almost as much as the palo cortado last time. After wiki searching more about alcoholic beverages, scroll down to "types of alcoholic beverages chart, I realized I just love my grapes [wine, sherry, brandy, cognac], rice [huangjiu, sake, souju], and barley [beer, whiskey]. Hey, always learning about food/drink while I can. It's curious and interesting stuff!
Chocolat Michel Cluizel
19th and Broadway
(two blocks NW of Union Sq, enter through ABC Carpet or Lucy restaurant)
646.602.3262
For dessert, Bob and I went to this chocolate bar that's connected to ABC Carpets. I was inspired by a recent AMNY (or was it Metro) article that talked about hot cocoa places in the city. We looked at the menu and couldn't decide what to order. I talked to the waiter a bit to find out about the options. A chocolate bubble (chocolate mousse) is great and of course universally loved by all. However, to be different, we ordered an Earl Grey Sorbet and Chocolate Mousse with a segment of Grapefruit. It came in a shiny little ice cream globlet and the portion is very very small. We knew we were probably in for quite a treat. First, we sampled a tiny bit of the sorbet and chocolate. Then, we combined them with a bit of grapefruit. The combination is quite surprising. If you've seen Ratatouille, you'd probably be seeing colors swirling and twirling next to us as we sampled such interesting complementary flavors. We also ordered a pot of chocolat which was very rich. Sip slowly, you will really enjoy it.
Of course they had a bunch of sweets for sale if you wanted to get a box of chocolates. I thought the ginger covered chocolate sounded interesting, and also the chocolate pearls (with metallic edible food coloring dusted on top).
Next to the chocolate bar is a restaurant called Pipa, a tapas place that was recommended by a co-worker but I have not tried it yet. Although ABC Carpet & Home was closed when we stopped by, I do intend to check out the shop next time I'm in the neighborhood. The window displays and chandeliers already attracted me with their lights. Can't imagine how I'd react to actual items inside the store.
I tried the fried quail eggs and chorizo on toast. I did have a "Honey, I shrank the breakfast sandwich" moment when I got it though, since quail eggs are so miniature compared to real eggs.
The chorizo was flavorful and spicy, leaving me wanting more. One day, I will go to Grand Central Market and get some real sausage links and feast!
The sausage from Catalan "fuet" did not blow me away like the sausage from Mallorca. We ordered the bacon wrapped dates again, since they were so good last time.
I tried the Osborne "Bailen" dry oloroso sherry this time which I enjoyed almost as much as the palo cortado last time. After wiki searching more about alcoholic beverages, scroll down to "types of alcoholic beverages chart, I realized I just love my grapes [wine, sherry, brandy, cognac], rice [huangjiu, sake, souju], and barley [beer, whiskey]. Hey, always learning about food/drink while I can. It's curious and interesting stuff!
Chocolat Michel Cluizel
19th and Broadway
(two blocks NW of Union Sq, enter through ABC Carpet or Lucy restaurant)
646.602.3262
For dessert, Bob and I went to this chocolate bar that's connected to ABC Carpets. I was inspired by a recent AMNY (or was it Metro) article that talked about hot cocoa places in the city. We looked at the menu and couldn't decide what to order. I talked to the waiter a bit to find out about the options. A chocolate bubble (chocolate mousse) is great and of course universally loved by all. However, to be different, we ordered an Earl Grey Sorbet and Chocolate Mousse with a segment of Grapefruit. It came in a shiny little ice cream globlet and the portion is very very small. We knew we were probably in for quite a treat. First, we sampled a tiny bit of the sorbet and chocolate. Then, we combined them with a bit of grapefruit. The combination is quite surprising. If you've seen Ratatouille, you'd probably be seeing colors swirling and twirling next to us as we sampled such interesting complementary flavors. We also ordered a pot of chocolat which was very rich. Sip slowly, you will really enjoy it.
Of course they had a bunch of sweets for sale if you wanted to get a box of chocolates. I thought the ginger covered chocolate sounded interesting, and also the chocolate pearls (with metallic edible food coloring dusted on top).
Next to the chocolate bar is a restaurant called Pipa, a tapas place that was recommended by a co-worker but I have not tried it yet. Although ABC Carpet & Home was closed when we stopped by, I do intend to check out the shop next time I'm in the neighborhood. The window displays and chandeliers already attracted me with their lights. Can't imagine how I'd react to actual items inside the store.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
10th Anniversary Chocolate Show (NYC)
10th Chocolate Show (NYC)
NYC Chocolate Show
web
I found out about this event when I saw a girl using the brochure as a bookmark on the subway. I was curious and asked her if I could see the brochure. She gave it to me and I checked out the website for details. Basically, it was a chocolate lover's convention. The convention space would feature vendors, chefs, demos, and even activities for kids. I was sold. It took me some effort to convince T. to go with me. The line outside the door nearly turned us away but after stopping at the B&N for some coffee, we chatted and waited for the line to move. Luckily for us, we were admitted quickly. I had some issues with handing them a check to pay (I should use cash next time, or better yet, buy on ticketmaster so I can skip the line).
We first checked out the Chocolate fashion featuring some dresses (see below) made with chocolate pieces or even chocolate jewelry. Then we walked over to some booths featuring rockstar caricatures on chocolate (Cosmic Chocolate was the name of the company, I believe). Many of the booths offered free samples, much more than I had expected. Needless to say, we tried almost everything. In the chocolate lounge I did not find chocolate martinis or even Kahlua or Bailey based drinks. However, a sip of the Rhum Clement Creole Shrubb was refreshing. I almost bought a bottle there but the rep said I had to go to a nearby liquor store. Oh well.
Some honorable mentions (or business cards I actually took back)
//Chuao [web]
Best tasting spicy chocolate bar. Their Spicy Maya (with cayenne and chile) won out after I had literately 10+ different variations at the 70+ booths.
//Mary's Chocolatier
website in Japanese : link
Based in Tokyo, this booth not only had a white chocolate statue of liberty, they had generous samples too. I was skeptical about the green tea chocolate at first, but after a sampling I decided to buy a box for B. and I to try. Their catalogue was tantalizing but alas, I don't want to think about buying chocolates from Japan and paying for the international shipping charges! Perhaps I'll just pick up more of their stuff at next year's chocolate show.
//Gold Star
no website listed, only email info@goldstarusa.com
I tried the website but it didn't have the chocolate we bought. Just a general food site. This place was giving out samples outside the show, to people waiting in line. The rep then repeated the name and booth number for all to check out. T. and I loved the samples and did purchase some truffles at the booth. It's amazing in my opinion because we must have tried at least 20+ booths before we even found Gold Star. And when we had a second helping of the free sample there, we were still happy with what we tasted. That's when you know the chocolate is good I guess? According to the show program (lists all participants and websites), this company is new this year. Let's hope it's still here next year!
//Chez Pascal [web]
The chef Matt Gennuso gave a food demo at one of the stages. T. and I used the opportunity to sit down and relax a bit. We loved the sample they gave out for the recipe. It may sound strange to cook with chocolate but the chocolate black bean soup and the sausage in chile worked out really well. Needless to say, one of the stops we will make next time we visit Rhode Island.
//Modern Art Chocolates [web]
Christopher Norman Chocolates. White bricks and artistically done finishes. After looking at the map directions for their store, I realized the place was maybe two blocks from work...Clearly I need to get out more.
//Christina Stahr [web]
T. and I couldn't quite afford her art yet. But it's amazing what people could do with chocolate packaging. I really liked the pieces where she use music paper collaged with golden sheets used to wrap chocolates.
//Divalicious Chocolate Fountain Rentals [web]
The giant three or four layered fondue tower made quite a scene. They sold many fondue items at the show. T. and I loved the chocolate that they melted to create fondue. Sigh, if I can get people to shell out enough money for one...In the meantime I'll settle on going to their cafe on Broome St.
Other curiosities photographed:
NYC Chocolate Show
web
I found out about this event when I saw a girl using the brochure as a bookmark on the subway. I was curious and asked her if I could see the brochure. She gave it to me and I checked out the website for details. Basically, it was a chocolate lover's convention. The convention space would feature vendors, chefs, demos, and even activities for kids. I was sold. It took me some effort to convince T. to go with me. The line outside the door nearly turned us away but after stopping at the B&N for some coffee, we chatted and waited for the line to move. Luckily for us, we were admitted quickly. I had some issues with handing them a check to pay (I should use cash next time, or better yet, buy on ticketmaster so I can skip the line).
We first checked out the Chocolate fashion featuring some dresses (see below) made with chocolate pieces or even chocolate jewelry. Then we walked over to some booths featuring rockstar caricatures on chocolate (Cosmic Chocolate was the name of the company, I believe). Many of the booths offered free samples, much more than I had expected. Needless to say, we tried almost everything. In the chocolate lounge I did not find chocolate martinis or even Kahlua or Bailey based drinks. However, a sip of the Rhum Clement Creole Shrubb was refreshing. I almost bought a bottle there but the rep said I had to go to a nearby liquor store. Oh well.
Some honorable mentions (or business cards I actually took back)
//Chuao [web]
Best tasting spicy chocolate bar. Their Spicy Maya (with cayenne and chile) won out after I had literately 10+ different variations at the 70+ booths.
//Mary's Chocolatier
website in Japanese : link
Based in Tokyo, this booth not only had a white chocolate statue of liberty, they had generous samples too. I was skeptical about the green tea chocolate at first, but after a sampling I decided to buy a box for B. and I to try. Their catalogue was tantalizing but alas, I don't want to think about buying chocolates from Japan and paying for the international shipping charges! Perhaps I'll just pick up more of their stuff at next year's chocolate show.
//Gold Star
no website listed, only email info@goldstarusa.com
I tried the website but it didn't have the chocolate we bought. Just a general food site. This place was giving out samples outside the show, to people waiting in line. The rep then repeated the name and booth number for all to check out. T. and I loved the samples and did purchase some truffles at the booth. It's amazing in my opinion because we must have tried at least 20+ booths before we even found Gold Star. And when we had a second helping of the free sample there, we were still happy with what we tasted. That's when you know the chocolate is good I guess? According to the show program (lists all participants and websites), this company is new this year. Let's hope it's still here next year!
//Chez Pascal [web]
The chef Matt Gennuso gave a food demo at one of the stages. T. and I used the opportunity to sit down and relax a bit. We loved the sample they gave out for the recipe. It may sound strange to cook with chocolate but the chocolate black bean soup and the sausage in chile worked out really well. Needless to say, one of the stops we will make next time we visit Rhode Island.
//Modern Art Chocolates [web]
Christopher Norman Chocolates. White bricks and artistically done finishes. After looking at the map directions for their store, I realized the place was maybe two blocks from work...Clearly I need to get out more.//Christina Stahr [web]
T. and I couldn't quite afford her art yet. But it's amazing what people could do with chocolate packaging. I really liked the pieces where she use music paper collaged with golden sheets used to wrap chocolates.
//Divalicious Chocolate Fountain Rentals [web]
The giant three or four layered fondue tower made quite a scene. They sold many fondue items at the show. T. and I loved the chocolate that they melted to create fondue. Sigh, if I can get people to shell out enough money for one...In the meantime I'll settle on going to their cafe on Broome St.
Other curiosities photographed:
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