Thursday, October 11, 2012
Another Brooks Brothers non-iron shirt fabric failure
The non-iron shirts sold by Brooks Brothers have terrible longevity. Here is another fabric failure in the elbow. Only a few left now.
Monday, August 27, 2012
The worst pizza I ever had
Trader Joe's Organic Woodfired Sicilian Style Pizza is easily the worst pizza I've ever had. Frankly, I am surprised as I'm a huge Trader Joe's fan and regular shopper. Cardboard crust coupled with flavorless cheese and sauce. A complete abomination.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Barrafina - Tapas Restaurant in London
My favorite meal of the trip thus far has been at Barrafina. This is a highly regarded Spanish tapas restaurant located in the SoHo neighborhood of London.
Seating is around an open kitchen with a few additional tables outside. You queue up along the back wall of the restaurant while waiting your turn at the counter. Looking at all the great dishes coming out of the kitchen was making me extra hungry and impatient. One of the servers was taking great care of all the people in the queue - taking drink orders or food orders. I started with a bottle of Spanish white while I waited. The queue stretched out to the front door so I was happy that I arrived early on a spectacular Saturday night.
After about 35 minutes, my seat opened up on the corner of the bar. Soon after sitting I put in several orders. Everything was very good and there were even a few 'wow' dishes that stood out above the rest. My favorite plates were the: octopus with capers, ham croquetas, fresh clams in garlic, and oil and chickpeas with spinach and bacon.
Service was attentive throughout the meal and the limitation of my stomach capacity was the only thing keeping me from ordering more. Dining here reminded me of my fantastic trip to Spain.
Barrafina lives up to its billing as the top tapas bar in London. It was even better than I expected.
Seating is around an open kitchen with a few additional tables outside. You queue up along the back wall of the restaurant while waiting your turn at the counter. Looking at all the great dishes coming out of the kitchen was making me extra hungry and impatient. One of the servers was taking great care of all the people in the queue - taking drink orders or food orders. I started with a bottle of Spanish white while I waited. The queue stretched out to the front door so I was happy that I arrived early on a spectacular Saturday night.
After about 35 minutes, my seat opened up on the corner of the bar. Soon after sitting I put in several orders. Everything was very good and there were even a few 'wow' dishes that stood out above the rest. My favorite plates were the: octopus with capers, ham croquetas, fresh clams in garlic, and oil and chickpeas with spinach and bacon.
Service was attentive throughout the meal and the limitation of my stomach capacity was the only thing keeping me from ordering more. Dining here reminded me of my fantastic trip to Spain.
Barrafina lives up to its billing as the top tapas bar in London. It was even better than I expected.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Napa on 26, Bangkok
For Western style fine dining in Bangkok, Napa on 26 is a great choice. I celebrated my big birthday here and was quite happy with the experience. First, the decor of the restaurant is pure class and comfortable. The tables are nicely spread out so you can enjoy a bit of privacy and peace during your meal. The chairs are some of the most comfortable that I have experienced in a restaurant. The table for two was nice and large. Second, the service was polished and prompt - almost up to the standards of a fine restaurant in New York City. Finally, the food was excellent for the most part - highlights were the duck confit (special of the night), braised short ribs and Caesar salad "Napa" style. I didn't care for the carpaccio though. Beautiful presentation and wonderful flavors. My only compliant was that things were slow coming out of the kitchen. In a very classy move, the chef came to our table to apologize as he was short staffed due to the recent holiday.
The wine list is very good for Thailand although the pricing is absolutely astronomical compared to the US or Europe. I attribute this to the massive tax levied against wine imports into Thailand. I was stunned to see how expensive wine was on the shelf at Foodland market. However, if you are a baller you can choose such trophies as Mouton, Lafite, DRC and Screaming Eagle off the list at Napa on 26. Corkage is a very reasonable 500 THB so you are much better off bringing your own bottle than buying off the list. Wine service was excellent with beautiful stems and prompt service. Highly recommended.
The wine list is very good for Thailand although the pricing is absolutely astronomical compared to the US or Europe. I attribute this to the massive tax levied against wine imports into Thailand. I was stunned to see how expensive wine was on the shelf at Foodland market. However, if you are a baller you can choose such trophies as Mouton, Lafite, DRC and Screaming Eagle off the list at Napa on 26. Corkage is a very reasonable 500 THB so you are much better off bringing your own bottle than buying off the list. Wine service was excellent with beautiful stems and prompt service. Highly recommended.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Mont Nom Sod, Bangkok
On my most recent trip to Bangkok in January 2012, Mont Nom Sod was once again one of the absolute culinary highlights. First, we visited the original location on Dinso Road after dinner. This is a beautiful shop (clean and sleek) and a great place for people watching. Both times I have been here I have been the only farang. We devoured three pieces of thick white toast smothered with condensed milk and washed it down with a fresh milk on ice. So simple yet so utterly delicious and it makes for great food porn in the photos.
I just had to get my fix again before leaving for Los Angeles so I dipped into MBK on its second floor for another trip to culinary heaven. Two pieces of toast drizzled with condensed milk and a glass of fresh milk on ice. While the MBK branch is much smaller and plain looking compared to the mother-ship, the food is just as delicious! We need this here in the USA but it will never happen so I'll just have to keep coming back to Bangkok to get my Mont Nom Sod fix.
I just had to get my fix again before leaving for Los Angeles so I dipped into MBK on its second floor for another trip to culinary heaven. Two pieces of toast drizzled with condensed milk and a glass of fresh milk on ice. While the MBK branch is much smaller and plain looking compared to the mother-ship, the food is just as delicious! We need this here in the USA but it will never happen so I'll just have to keep coming back to Bangkok to get my Mont Nom Sod fix.
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