Another Sunday, another new dining adventure. We never know what each Sunday will bring and just go with the flow. We really had no idea about this particular week, because we didn't even know where we were going to dine. In previous weeks, we picked a restaurant prior to setting out, but this week, we all climbed in the car, put on Jay Z and Kanye's WATCH THE THRONE album on blast and drove around downtown looking for a place to dine. We wanted to go to somewhere in either Chelsea or the West Village. We settled for the latter and boy were we happy with our choice of LYON (118 Greenwich Avenue at West 13th Street), a modern bouchon. What is a bouchon you ask? According to LYON'S website, the Bouchon evolved as a modest local restaurant where silk craftsmen and traveling through Lyon would stop to eat. The bouchons, akin to present-day taverns, welcomed guests with warm hearty meals created of locally produced ingredients and serving delicious wines poured from heavy bottomed decanters called pots lyonnais. Basically this means good-eatin.
LYON is a fairly large restaurant with plenty of seating and a separate bar area for drinks. There were lots of couples dining and not many children, but we did arrive a bit on the late side for a Sunday evening, but that's another story. We got a table immediately, which is a huge bonus when you are with young children who are "starving".
I am not the most ardent fan of French cuisine, but I can definitely get my meal on, especially since spending so much time in Paris for various fashion weeks over the years. Regardless, there were many items on the menu that struck a chord and were not your typical French cuisine and everyone seemed to find something that wet their whistle.
As per usual, we started with some appetizers because, as previously stated, my kids were "starving". First, we started with the barbecued duck wings, which were dressed with an orange glaze and red chili's. We rarely order duck so we were pleasantly surprised when we bit into them. I never knew how big a duck wing was, but these were huge and equally as delicious. Next on the menu, were two tasty salads; the Salade Lyonnaise which consisted of mixed greens, smoked bacon and a poached egg. Honestly, when I bit into this salad, I joked that I was going to the kitchen to slap the chef for creating something so wonderful. I eat tons of salads but this was by far in my top 3 all-time faves. We also ordered a beet and orange salad with goat cheese. We devoured that one, too. Without a doubt, I would order each of these appetizers again.
Next out were our main courses. The kids had the Lyon Hot Dog. This was nothing like your typical NYC street vendor hot dog. This was a real delicacy. The hot dog was served with a hint of black truffles, Dijon mustard and sauerkraut, but the clincher was the pretzel roll that it was served on. I have never seen Cyrus enjoy something so much. He was pretty full after the appetizers, but he literally wouldn't put the hot dog down. He said "Dad, I am so full that I feel pregnant, but I just can't stop eating. It is too good". Grady couldn't speak much because he mouth was full pretty much from the jump-off. Tim and I decided to share the Steak Au Poivre with green peppercorn sauce and frites. Tasty, but needed a bit more salt, which was easy to adjust. It definitely didn't take away from either of us liking it, as was evident of the clean plates.
While we were all incredibly stuffed, we didn't want to go without dessert as the food was so good. The desserts didn't disappoint either. Grady chose the chocolate mousse, which was rich, creamy and so very delicious. We had our spoons all over that bowl. Yum. I ordered the vanilla bread pudding with raisins and vanilla ice cream. As I don't really like vanilla or raisins, I am not exactly sure why I ordered this, but I was more than pleasantly surprised that I loved this. It was just the right blend of spices and vanilla and was served warm. Very happy with my choice.
We ranked the experience as
Calvin 9 out of 10 Tim 10 out of 10
Grady 10 out of 10 Cyrus 10 out of 10
Total 39 out of 40 or 97.5%
We highly recommend LYON to others and will most definitely make another visit.
LYON (118 Greenwich Ave at W. 13th Street 212.242.5966)
http://www.lyonnyc.com/
10.15.2011
9.28.2011
Trattoria Cinque - Family Restaurant Review Project 2
On next stop on the review menu, led us downtown to Tribeca. Although we live less than two miles away, we never visit the area unless we are taking the kids to the pediatrician's office. This trip looked to be more exciting as there were no shots involved. Our family, along with our new friends the Bakers (Andy, Hope, Simon & Max) decided to go Italian at Trattoria Cinque (363 Greenwich Street at Franklin Street). While our family had never been there, the Bakers had visited before and thought that we would like it. They were correct.
The restaurant is huge & very cavernous. There was plenty of room for everyone to stretch their legs and be comfortable and still feel like we were all dining together. The kids were sold pretty much from the jump off, as we were some of the only guests there and they were able to watch the football game on t.v. (Sidebar.....I find it funny that our kids are starting to enjoy watching football, even though we have never watched a game in our entire time as a couple. Who says gay men can't raise jocks?) While the kids watch the game, the parents were able to talk and share stories and enjoy some well-needed adult time before heading to our respective jobs the following Monday.
According to the online restaurant guide, the restaurant offered family size portions of some of their meals, which was a big draw to a group of 8. Unfortunately, when we arrived we were informed that the menu had recently changed and the option was no longer granted. Despite the fact, we all found something we enjoyed.
We started the evening with fresh Italian bread served with some type of goat cheese/olive oil/herb spread (delish) followed by the Caesar Salad, which was very satisfying. The salad had a great nutty taste to it, which was a nice addition to the salad. Also, it had a good of amount of Parmesan cheese, which is a bonus and really helps to make the salad even more hearty. We shared the salad with the kids who dogged it. Not sure if they loved it as much as us or if they just wanted to get back to the t.v. but whatever gets them to eat green food, we'll take it.
We kept it simple with the kids and ordered the fusilli with marinara and the tubini pasta with alfredo, which they delivered with marinara instead. No one seemed to notice besides the waitress who apologized profusely and offered to exchange it. We declined and kept it moving. The adults ordered a plethora of dishes including Ravioli di Brasato (homemade braised short rib stuffed pasta), Linguine alle Vongole (fresh clams, garlic, white wine), Timballo (baked eggplant parmigiana) and the Spaghetti Bolognese. Each of the servings were plentiful, as if you were eating at your Nonna's (grandmother) house. There is nothing worse than getting your plate and the serving sizes are fit for a bird.
After dinner, we all contemplated getting a dessert, but we were pretty stuffed and opted to have dessert at home, although there were plenty of choices on the menu.
We ranked the experience as:
Dad: 7 out of 10 Papi: 8 out of 10
Grady: 10 out of 10 Cyrus: 10 out of 10
Total: 35/40 or 87.5%
Our dining experience was an overall success. Although the prices were a bit hefty, there was something for everyone to enjoy and it was the perfect place to have a large table for fellowship.
Trattoria Cinque 363 Greenwich Street, near Franklin Street 212.965.0555
http://www.trattoriacinquenyc.com/
The restaurant is huge & very cavernous. There was plenty of room for everyone to stretch their legs and be comfortable and still feel like we were all dining together. The kids were sold pretty much from the jump off, as we were some of the only guests there and they were able to watch the football game on t.v. (Sidebar.....I find it funny that our kids are starting to enjoy watching football, even though we have never watched a game in our entire time as a couple. Who says gay men can't raise jocks?) While the kids watch the game, the parents were able to talk and share stories and enjoy some well-needed adult time before heading to our respective jobs the following Monday.
According to the online restaurant guide, the restaurant offered family size portions of some of their meals, which was a big draw to a group of 8. Unfortunately, when we arrived we were informed that the menu had recently changed and the option was no longer granted. Despite the fact, we all found something we enjoyed.
We started the evening with fresh Italian bread served with some type of goat cheese/olive oil/herb spread (delish) followed by the Caesar Salad, which was very satisfying. The salad had a great nutty taste to it, which was a nice addition to the salad. Also, it had a good of amount of Parmesan cheese, which is a bonus and really helps to make the salad even more hearty. We shared the salad with the kids who dogged it. Not sure if they loved it as much as us or if they just wanted to get back to the t.v. but whatever gets them to eat green food, we'll take it.
We kept it simple with the kids and ordered the fusilli with marinara and the tubini pasta with alfredo, which they delivered with marinara instead. No one seemed to notice besides the waitress who apologized profusely and offered to exchange it. We declined and kept it moving. The adults ordered a plethora of dishes including Ravioli di Brasato (homemade braised short rib stuffed pasta), Linguine alle Vongole (fresh clams, garlic, white wine), Timballo (baked eggplant parmigiana) and the Spaghetti Bolognese. Each of the servings were plentiful, as if you were eating at your Nonna's (grandmother) house. There is nothing worse than getting your plate and the serving sizes are fit for a bird.
After dinner, we all contemplated getting a dessert, but we were pretty stuffed and opted to have dessert at home, although there were plenty of choices on the menu.
We ranked the experience as:
Dad: 7 out of 10 Papi: 8 out of 10
Grady: 10 out of 10 Cyrus: 10 out of 10
Total: 35/40 or 87.5%
Our dining experience was an overall success. Although the prices were a bit hefty, there was something for everyone to enjoy and it was the perfect place to have a large table for fellowship.
Trattoria Cinque 363 Greenwich Street, near Franklin Street 212.965.0555
http://www.trattoriacinquenyc.com/
9.19.2011
Social Eatz - Family Restaurant Review Project 1
Tonight commenced our Family Restaurant
Review Project and first on the menu was Social Eatz. According to New
York Magazine: Top Chef toque Angelo Sosa rebounds from the shuttering of
Xie Xie with this casual eatery focused on American comfort food with an Asian
twist.
The restaurant, located at 232 E. 52nd
Street, near 2nd Avenue, was not exactly what I expected when I arrived.
Less than 2 miles from our home, it seemed like a world-away, as we are never
in midtown Manhattan, especially on a Sunday evening. The restaurant probably
seats about 50 people and looked a bit like an airport lounge, so I wasn't so
sure as what to expect. There were about 20 guests dining and all seemed fairly
happy with their experience. So begins ours.....
We started
with appetizers:
CHOP-CHOP SALAD
with TANGERINE VINAIGRETTE
Bite-size
cut romaine, mixed with avocado and tomato, sugar snap peas and a six-minute
egg. Drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and the tangy juice of a tangerine
CRISPY SPRING
ROLLS
Chunks
of shrimp with ground chicken, diced jicama and shredded cabbage. And
mushrooms.. And scallions... And cilantro. With a duck sauce made from
calamansi, a citrusy Filipino fruit with a sweet and sour essence
SMOKED RIBS
Asian
soul food, St. Louis pork ribs marinated in mesquite-smoked tamarind, slow
cooked to perfection. Comes with a pineapple bbq sauce laced with gochujang, an
aged Korean pepper sauce.
HOT WINGS
Crispy
wings glazed in a sauce of tamarind, garlic, shallots, palm sugar and
togarashi, a Japanese spice blend of red chili, roasted orange peel and black
sesame
And
shared tapas-sized entrees:
KOREAN
BEEF TACO: Vintage skirt steak marinated in
sweet/savory sauce of
cane
sugar and gochujang.
Served
in warmed corn tortillas with spicy bean sprout kimchee
CRISPY
FRIES Straight cut local potatoes crisped golden
brown. A tasty sidekick to any burger.
CHICKEN CORN
& COCONUT TACO: Organic chicken, sweet corn,
tender coconut relish in lime, cumin, and chipotle. Topped with onion,avocado,
cilantro and jalapeno
We all seemed to find something that we
like, although Cyrus seemed the least happy with the choices. The salad was
okay, but lacked something. The dressing was bland and needed a dash of salt,
but the helped to give the salad a few bonus points and we never have eggs on
salads. The spring rolls were a hit with each of us, while the ribs and wings
had mixed reviews. The french fries were excellent. The portions were great for
sharing as we didn't overeat. We split some ginger beers (pomegranate and a
flower-flavored), which I found much too sweet. Everyone else seemed to really
enjoy the drinks. I should mention that Grady loved absolutely everything that
we ordered.
The tacos were okay,
although I've had much better and even made some that would put these to shame.
We each had a bite of each taco and it was plenty. Again, I should mention that
Grady absolutely loved everything.
We ranked the
experience as:
Dad: 6 out of 10
- Papi: 8 out of 10
Grady: 10 out of
10 - Cyrus: 1 out of 10
Total: 25/40 or
62%
Overall, it was a
mixed bag of tricks, full of highs and lows. Would we recommend it, probably
not, but Grady certainly would.
Social
Eatz: 232 E. 52nd Street, near 2nd Avenue 212.207.3339
Family Project for 2011-2012 School Year
It's that time of the year again...back to school. And with it comes lots of activities and growth. Cyrus & Grady are now in 1st and 2nd grades, respectively. Just saying that still leaves me in awe at how quickly they are growing up.
Each school year, our family takes on a project that we can all do together. It is a good way to spend time together and allows us all to be creative. Each Sunday, we have family dinner and this year, as our family project, we are going to dine out at a restaurant which we have never visited or have not visited in more than 3 years. If you are anything like us, then you too eat at the same 4-5 places all of the time. Living in a big city like NYC, allows you so many opportunities to branch out and try something new, but we tend to stick to our faves. Well, times are a changin' and we are switching things up.
Each Sunday we will visit a restaurant and do our very own sort of critique of everything we like or dislike about the experience. We will rate things on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the lowest score and 10 being an amazing dining experience. It will be interesting to find out what sets us apart as members of one family and what we agree on. Hope you enjoy the official twodadstwokids NY Restaurant Review.
Stay tuned.
ctgc
Each school year, our family takes on a project that we can all do together. It is a good way to spend time together and allows us all to be creative. Each Sunday, we have family dinner and this year, as our family project, we are going to dine out at a restaurant which we have never visited or have not visited in more than 3 years. If you are anything like us, then you too eat at the same 4-5 places all of the time. Living in a big city like NYC, allows you so many opportunities to branch out and try something new, but we tend to stick to our faves. Well, times are a changin' and we are switching things up.
Each Sunday we will visit a restaurant and do our very own sort of critique of everything we like or dislike about the experience. We will rate things on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the lowest score and 10 being an amazing dining experience. It will be interesting to find out what sets us apart as members of one family and what we agree on. Hope you enjoy the official twodadstwokids NY Restaurant Review.
Stay tuned.
ctgc
7.25.2011
Summer of Fun
What a whirlwind of a summer this has been. I will begin a new chapter of my professional life in mid August and had the opportunity to take a three-month hiatus from work. What a blast it has been. If you are ever given the chance to take off an extended period of time from work, jump at the chance. It feeds the soul and does wonders for you on so many levels. At least it does for me.
We started the summer off by traveling to Michigan for a family reunion. Most people cringe at the idea of such things, but we had a great time. There were a total of 18 of us and we all had such a wonderful time being together and catching up. While we have a close family, we never see enough of one another as we litter the country from coast to coast. We spent a lot of time on/in the water as we stayed at my sister's place on the lake. There was tubing, skiing, kneeboarding, paddle boating, boating and swimming. When Cyrus got up on the kneeboard on his first attempt, I must admit I felt like one of those "sport dads" with a puffed-out chest. There were baseball games, putt-putt golf, trips to the zoo, loads of ice cream and many trips to my fave hometown restaurant, Olga's. Don't even get me started about Olga's. We caught up with old friends and even took a trip to my alma-mater, Michigan State University.
We visited my Mom's new place which was a treat as there was a pool for the kids. Even my Mom went swimming (and continues to do so). There were tons of laughs, jokes and pratfalls. We even took a 3rd place prize in the annual 4th of July boat parade. The theme was movies and we made an "UP" boat. Everyone participated in one way or another, although there were a few who were a bit more gung-ho then others. At one point, we teased my sister Joan that this was becoming a union job, as there was so much work put into it. I knew we were in for a great boat, when my nephew Cory said that he was making the bay windows for the "UP" house. I did my part blowing up and tying balloons.
We came back to NYC for a week of fun in the sun. The weather was blazin' but the kids were at the pool everyday, while I spent lots of time bike riding, running errands and catching up with friends.
Currently, we are at our country house for 5 weeks, just me and the kids. Tim is still working, so he visits on the weekends or whenever he can come up. He came up the other night for dinner which was a nice surprise. We have officially become country mice this summer and are loving every moment spent here. We go to the beach everyday. Do a bit of grilling. Water the plants. My best friend Emil came up for a week, so that was a treat. I have spent so much time in the kitchen, cooking and trying out new recipes and revisiting old favorites. We've only gone out to eat once as it was about 106 degrees and I couldn't imagine cooking. Barely had an appetite that day, but I figured I had to feed the kids (lol). I also have been making tons of homemade sorbet and ice cream, to the point of obsession. We try to make a new flavor every day or so. It helps to beat the heat.
I have about a month before I return to the "real world" but until then I am going to enjoy every last moment of this summer as if I were a six-year old kid on summer break.
We started the summer off by traveling to Michigan for a family reunion. Most people cringe at the idea of such things, but we had a great time. There were a total of 18 of us and we all had such a wonderful time being together and catching up. While we have a close family, we never see enough of one another as we litter the country from coast to coast. We spent a lot of time on/in the water as we stayed at my sister's place on the lake. There was tubing, skiing, kneeboarding, paddle boating, boating and swimming. When Cyrus got up on the kneeboard on his first attempt, I must admit I felt like one of those "sport dads" with a puffed-out chest. There were baseball games, putt-putt golf, trips to the zoo, loads of ice cream and many trips to my fave hometown restaurant, Olga's. Don't even get me started about Olga's. We caught up with old friends and even took a trip to my alma-mater, Michigan State University.
We visited my Mom's new place which was a treat as there was a pool for the kids. Even my Mom went swimming (and continues to do so). There were tons of laughs, jokes and pratfalls. We even took a 3rd place prize in the annual 4th of July boat parade. The theme was movies and we made an "UP" boat. Everyone participated in one way or another, although there were a few who were a bit more gung-ho then others. At one point, we teased my sister Joan that this was becoming a union job, as there was so much work put into it. I knew we were in for a great boat, when my nephew Cory said that he was making the bay windows for the "UP" house. I did my part blowing up and tying balloons.
We came back to NYC for a week of fun in the sun. The weather was blazin' but the kids were at the pool everyday, while I spent lots of time bike riding, running errands and catching up with friends.
Currently, we are at our country house for 5 weeks, just me and the kids. Tim is still working, so he visits on the weekends or whenever he can come up. He came up the other night for dinner which was a nice surprise. We have officially become country mice this summer and are loving every moment spent here. We go to the beach everyday. Do a bit of grilling. Water the plants. My best friend Emil came up for a week, so that was a treat. I have spent so much time in the kitchen, cooking and trying out new recipes and revisiting old favorites. We've only gone out to eat once as it was about 106 degrees and I couldn't imagine cooking. Barely had an appetite that day, but I figured I had to feed the kids (lol). I also have been making tons of homemade sorbet and ice cream, to the point of obsession. We try to make a new flavor every day or so. It helps to beat the heat.
I have about a month before I return to the "real world" but until then I am going to enjoy every last moment of this summer as if I were a six-year old kid on summer break.
4.02.2011
Happy Times
Sitting at the house in Starlight enjoying the day. We have friends up visiting and they have the cutest and happiest baby ever. It's nice having a little one around.
Started the morning with a big breakfast; fruit salad, waffles, eggs, sausage, juice and coffee. Our tummies are full and the sun is shining. The baby and parents are napping. Boy do I remember those times whenever the kids went down, we went down, too. Not so much anymore. When they are down, we are cleaning, cooking or fixing something.
Just looked out the window and see Grady & Cyrus playing with their wagon, fly swatters and a multitude of other objects that they've collected in and around the house. They are a super duo. Wonder Twins of sorts. And they're wearing matching earmuffs. Love seeing them do their thing together. Siblings and best friends. What more could a parent ask for.
Started the morning with a big breakfast; fruit salad, waffles, eggs, sausage, juice and coffee. Our tummies are full and the sun is shining. The baby and parents are napping. Boy do I remember those times whenever the kids went down, we went down, too. Not so much anymore. When they are down, we are cleaning, cooking or fixing something.
Just looked out the window and see Grady & Cyrus playing with their wagon, fly swatters and a multitude of other objects that they've collected in and around the house. They are a super duo. Wonder Twins of sorts. And they're wearing matching earmuffs. Love seeing them do their thing together. Siblings and best friends. What more could a parent ask for.
3.21.2011
I've been slacking (on the posts...not on living)
Hi all.....I have been slacking on the posts lately. While I've had many things to report (cooking class continues, new teeth, homework, funny stories, travels, etc), I have just been so busy to share with all of our friends and family. I promise to post something each week as I think that it is good for my soul.
xo..Daddy Calvin
ps.....the kids are doing great and are vying to be the new Laurel & Hardy or Carol Burnett & Tim Conway comedy team. They are a riot!! More to follow.
xo..Daddy Calvin
ps.....the kids are doing great and are vying to be the new Laurel & Hardy or Carol Burnett & Tim Conway comedy team. They are a riot!! More to follow.
12.13.2010
Cooking Class is still going strong
So, our family cooking class is still going strong and the kids are anxious each week to choose the menu. We are having so much fun with cooking, we have even asked Santa to buy us a new kid's cookbook, as Dad's are a bit too fancy and lack the stimulating photos to go along with the recipe. This is in fact the way that Grady and Cyrus choose which foods to make. Whichever picture looks the most appealing or colorful is the photo that they choose. So far, so good. We have done 8 classes and plan to continue throughout the rest of this school year. So far, we've prepared:
scrambled eggs and toast
muffins
pancakes
tuna-melt sandwiches
banana bread
cookies
chocolate treats
Thanksgiving dinner sides (I actually did this alone as it was the 1st snowfall of the season, so the kids left me to make everything myself. who can blame them though? it was beautiful outside)
scrambled eggs and toast
muffins
pancakes
tuna-melt sandwiches
banana bread
cookies
chocolate treats
Thanksgiving dinner sides (I actually did this alone as it was the 1st snowfall of the season, so the kids left me to make everything myself. who can blame them though? it was beautiful outside)
10.31.2010
Happy Halloween 2010....Lady Gaga and the Little Monsters
We had another great Halloween. This is the 6th year that our family has marched in the NYC Halloween Parade. We dressed as Lady Gaga and the Little Monsters and were featured on the Channel 11 news tonight, too. What a fun night.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)