Champagne Truffles of New York #4: The Golden Mountain

This cluster of extravagance is a little pricey at $2.37 a piece but definitely well worth the cost and amount you receive. A thick layer of milk chocolate dusted with powdered sugar shapes this morsel into something of an Alpine mountain which made me wonder, what could be inside this piece of potential bliss?

And bliss it was. This chocolate mountain has two additional layers nestled inside its shell. Smooth, whipped, buttery champagne chocolate and a center spot of butter cream filling. The combination of the tart champagne chocolate, buttery center filling, and sugary milk chocolate instantly made my mouth water. My taste buds could taste almost all ingredients at some point before allowing it to melt down my throat which left me amazed that all those ingredients could fit into this chocolate shell the size of a large cotton ball. I wanted to savor almost every bite. It creates such a rich taste that you cannot devour it all at once. This is by far what I was waiting for in a chocolate champagne truffle: presentation, appearance, and taste. The only thing I would recommend is to possibly downsize the truffles to keep me from eating too many. This is definitely a chocolate to save for those special occasions or if you have some serious cheering up to do.

When: 10.29.08

Location: Upper East Side

Cost: $2.37

First thoughts: Rich (and the cost for one felt that way, too). Definitely what I was waiting for in tasting a chocolate truffle.

Overall: This piece of amazement definitely has my gold stars for appearance and taste. It is an exceptional delicacy to save for special occasions and is perfect to pair with alcohol or coffee.

Teuscher
25 East 63rd Street and Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10065

And

620 5th Ave
New York, NY 10020

An Indian Voyage to Jackson Diner

Fed up with the city, people, noise, traffic, pollution? Need to take a break before the end of the year madness but cannot afford to go anywhere outside the five boroughs? As difficult as the financial climate may appear to be, you do not have to leave New York in order to experience a little vacation, even if it might be for a day or afternoon.

One of the most interesting characteristics I find that make New York so unique is the unlimited access to countless international cultures. An infinite amount of neighborhoods within the five boroughs resemble native countries such as Italy, Greece, France, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Jamaica, Ecuador, Columbia, Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, Israel, China, Korea, Thailand, Japan, Russia, the list could continue as if I was reading the United Nations General Assembly roll call. If you take a map of New York City, close your eyes and place a finger on any area that you choose to visit for the day, chances are that some kind of foreign community lives there. How can you tell? One of the most apparent clues is the cuisine, of course.

I become more fascinated these days by the South Asian neighborhood, Little India in Jackson Heights, Queens. From Bollywood films to fine South Asian imports to people watching, this particular area increases my curiosity for a group of cultures I knew little of until now. A great way to soak it all in is to start with a small stroll on 74th Street. There, you will find one of the highest rated Indian restaurants in New York City, Jackson Diner. As deceiving as the name sounds, Jackson Diner offers you an accurate introduction to Northern Indian cuisine.

The restaurant’s spacious dining room and banquet hall has the capacity to hold the masses. If you decide to come on a weekend, the restaurant offers a buffet from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm for $10.95, offering a little something from their main menu including chat papri, samosas, tandooris, curries, vegetarian options, rices, tandoori breads, sides, and desserts. Even though the restaurant offers a versatile selection of dishes, there are some that sit out a little too long and can lose its flavor but I guess that is the luck of going for the buffet. For example, the nan was cold, and as much as I love their murg tikka makhanwala, the chicken was not marinated enough, leaving the dish too dry. Therefore, I recommend waiting for the hustling servers to replenish the dishes. It is well worth the wait.

If you opt for going during normal service hours, I highly recommend the murg tikka makhanwala or the goat curry. The creamy makhanwala sauce has a combination of sweet and spicy flavors will make you want to lick the plate once you are finished, and the goat has a supple but yet meaty texture that balances well with the curry. Most main dishes with the exception of the tandooris come with their ever addicting, sweet saffron rice, ral and raita. The restaurant offers a wide assortment of beverages from lassis to alcoholic beverages. I recommend trying a mango lassi either along with your meal or alone as a sweet finish if you are too full for dessert. Otherwise, you can choose from their small selection of ice creams and patties. Their take-out dishes can leave you with food for several days so this is a great option if you are not in mood to cook or maybe plan on entertaining friends and family.

I definitely plan on visiting my new neighbor more often as I continue to discover more international treasures in Queens. Jackson Diner opened my eyes to not only a whole new chapter of cuisine but also to another culture from the opposite end of the globe that is only a 15 minute walk away from my home. Who thought I could leave my own culture to South Asia in 15 minutes? I did not even have to take the subway. See for yourself, if not Little India but any other neighborhood in New York and the small trip alone can make you feel like you been gone for days all for the price of a meal and maybe a subway ride.

Jackson Diner
3747 74th St
Jackson Heights, NY
718.672.1232

Champagne Truffles of New York #3: The Little Lady

Jacques Torres

Every time I go back to my first neighborhood in New York, something inside my heart always lights up. Jacques Torres continues to add onto the neighborhood’s charisma by opening a small chocolate boutique around the corner of my hold home on Amsterdam Avenue.

I was pleasantly surprised that I did not purchase just another chocolate truffle shaped like enlarged marble. Rather, a little milk chocolate lady with no enrobing molds this truffle together. She even wears a dress which makes it more fun to eat. The milky filling tastes almost like an intensified version of the outside shell, where the champagne flavor is very discreet. No sharpness, no scented aromas, just pure, creamy chocolate with a touch of champagne. I recommend enjoying it with coffee as the combination of sweet and bitter make an ideal duo. Note: Torres also has a barista inside his Upper West Side location.

When: 10/26/08

Location: New Location on Amsterdam Ave in the Upper West Side

Cost: $1.72

First Thoughts: Fun, creative shape, milky, smooth texture and taste.

Overall: Great treat to cheer up your children. If you are in need of a walk around in one of the most exciting neighborhoods in Manhattan, it’s a perfect accompaniment with your take-out coffee.

285 Amsterdam Ave (between 73rd and 74th St)
New York, NY 10023

Champagne Truffles of New York #2: The Pearl

Leonidas
from the Perles Collection

These pieces of edible jewelry can be quite deceiving as they come in two varieties, dark and white chocolate. White chocolate with superfine powdered sugar enrobes its shell. Your mouth actually feels the layers break as you bite into the truffle from the powdered sugar all the way into its thick center. Expecting to have the dark chocolate and forgot to mention the salesperson my initial choice, I discovered the white chocolate and flower scented champagne inside the center. The combination of white chocolate, cream and flavored champagne gives the truffle a distinctive, flowery personality and makes it a little difficult to have too many of them once the aroma sticks to your taste buds.

When: 10/14/08

Location: Leonidas at East 52nd St and Madison Ave, Midtown

Cost: $1.17

First Thoughts: Flowers, three layers, crystals, unexpected taste.

Overall: Unexpected taste based on appearance. I preferred the dark chocolate truffle over the white truffle as it carries too much flowery aroma in the center. The company should have jewelry box packaging for the collection. If you like flavored champagne then this white crystal delicacy is a sure winner for you.


485 Madison Avenue (Corner of 52nd St)
New York, NY 10022

http://www.leonidas-chocolate.com/

Champagne Truffles of New York #1: The Plastic Ball

This cute ball of nostalgic goodness has the appearance of chocolate you would see in cartoons or vintage advertisements. A round coat of solid milk chocolate decorated with two dark chocolate stripes covers its dark, champagne center. Smooth, dark chocolate champagne fills its shell with a soft, airy consistency that makes the inside of your mouth tingle. The milk chocolate shell tastes a little waxy but the bittersweet, champagne center balances out once the chocolate melts in your mouth. These indulgences are perfect for those who crave old-fashioned, American truffles. They make great casual gifts or as an accompaniment with gifts or flowers.

When: 09/27/08

Location: Grand Central Market

Cost: $1.10

First thoughts: Vintage, classic, light, sparkly, fun. Looks like a small, plastic ball.

Overall: I expected a little more on the general taste but truly enjoyed it with coffee.

40 8th Ave ( at corner of Jane St.)
New York, NY 10014

Grand Central Market
Lexington Ave.and E 43rd St.
Inside Market Hall

The Champagne Truffles of New York

Chocolate season once again returns to New York. All the chocolate one can desire from Halloween treats to stocking stuffers appears at one's footsteps, ready to be consumed by sweet teeth of all ages. With more festivities approaching us soon, chocolate can be one of the most accessible gifts for consumers, particularly in cities like New York.

Despite their accessibility, not all chocolate is the perfect gift for the masses. I do not recommend giving your boss a bag of Twix if you plan on earning that big promotion you have been expecting to be announced during your office's annual holiday party. When you live an area where the term "gourmet" applies to more products than many other cities around the world, why on Earth would you choose that bag of Twix? The world of chocolate has their own league of gourmet superstars that would make your bag of Twix look like a bag of coal, especially if some of them have the luxury to contain such delicacies as champagne inside their centers.

Yes, I am talking about chocolate truffles. The name truffle alone can make chocolate appear more exotic, important, thoughtful, and sometimes expensive than their cheaper counterparts. Therefore, the recipient is bound to be more appreciative knowing you took the effort to purchase an exclusive version of a generic sweet.

I can understand the general ideas of chocolate is just chocolate and "its the thought that counts" approach to gift shopping, but after making a regular visit to a local chocolatier several months ago, I became tired of not knowing what types of chocolates, particularly chocolate truffles that would fit best as presents, especially knowing if one is allergic or throws them away if unsatisfied. Therefore, I decided to pick one kind of chocolate truffle, champagne, and go on small tour around the city to discover how many personalities they have, their characteristics, and who will devour them.

V & V Bakery

The most special part about every Friday these days is to make the time and save the $1.50 to buy a Linzer cookie at V & V, a classic Italian-American bakery off of Roosevelt Avenue and 61st street in Woodside. They never fail to make my entire week a little sweeter. Sometimes I find the bakery impossible to resist whenever I walk past it in the early morning or late afternoon. I become hypnotized by all the aromas they create. From home-baked breads to dreamy desserts, V & V satisfies my yearning for wholesome, nostalgic treats.

A handful of counter girls, bakers, and the owner herself operate V & V seven days a week. Some employees always smile at me when I walk in, because most of the time they know what I want: a raspberry filled Linzer cookie. I surprise them once and while with a tiramisu, chocolate croissant, chocolate chip cookie, or a whole loaf of bread. V & V’s kaiser, sourdough, or whole wheat rolls make perfect hamburger buns on game day. My mouth melts every time I bite into their crisp, miniature cookies. Their collection of cakes and pies in the refrigerator constantly distracts me whenever I have to wait in line, and I have not even dared to go near the cannoli yet. They provide fresh coffee cheaper than your newspaper to wash down every bite. Overall, you will not be disappointed from the variety of indulgences V & V has to offer unless you get a stomach ache from eating too much.

I am still used to the stressful hustle and bustle of Fairway Market on the Upper West Side in Manhattan where you have to push through a zoo before you are lucky enough to find a chocolate chip scone in the morning before work. Not here. Even when the bakery is busy, the service never fails to keep orders coming and going without a fuss.

What can V & V work on to be better than they are now? Not much, considering they have been around serving the locals since 1928. The location near the 61st street subway station is ideal despite the annoying rumble of the 7 trains above the bakery. V & V stands right next door to a local florist so anyone who needs surprise someone, wish them luck, apologize or even say the simple I love you will not have a hard time making a decision as to what to do. More publicity for the bakery proves to be not much of an issue due to its central location. For instance, V & V was one of my first discoveries upon moving into the neighborhood. The only criticism I can think of for this local gem is to have a set of chairs and tables outside of the bakery.

Even though I notice more restaurants and cafes open every day in my neighborhood, enticing me to cheat on my favorite indulgences, I sincerely believe V & V to only be a relationship that will grow and deepen as I continue to become more familiar with my new borough.

V & V Bakery, Inc.

6119 Roosevelt Avenue (near 61st st)

Woodside, NY 11377

718.476.1669

The Woodside Wonder

I am a former Manhattanite who recently moved to Queens, not realizing Sripraphai (See-Pra-Pie) or better known as " The Woodside Wonder" was only a couple of blocks away from my new home. I got hooked the moment I tried it and everyone laughed at me when I began spreading the word, not knowing so many people from all five boroughs make the effort to come to this place. I dine at a variety of Thai restaurants in New York, and Sripraphai wins my award for most authentic Thai cuisine. It is a definite must if you love spicy food and personally the most satisfying pad thai yet. Irresistable desserts are always on display next to the to-go counter. It even has a surprisingly spacious outdoor seating area which is essential during the warmer months.

I will admit the service is not as sharp as their Manhattan competitors, they are closed on Wednesdays, do not deliver and do not accept credit cards which is probably a good thing now anyway. The menu "novels" are a little overwhelming but educational if you are brand new to Thai cuisine. If you are a Sripraphai virgin, I would stick with one of their recommendations like one of their salads, pork dishes, or pad thai. My only recommendations to them: Make the interior design a little more consistent, get that website running, and consider hiring servers from Manhattan. They know how to please the neighborhood visitors.


Sripraphai
6413 39th Avenue (between 64th and 65th Streets)
Woodside, Queens 11377
718.899.9599

My Fellow Foodies

My fellow foodies,

I am a Reservationist. Yes, I am usually that first person you hear on a phone when you call to make those last minute Friday night reservations for two people at 8pm that you should have made on Monday. If you think this job involves just sitting around, anxiously waiting for those phone calls to come then think again. I am lucky enough to see the front and back of house in action. I have a little hut that defines as an office next door to the kitchen. Sometimes I believe I am the silent eyes during the excitement, drama, and downtime of how a successful kitchen works.

You could claim this blog is just another addition to the "foodie" world from someone who obviously has too much time on her hands during her day job. However, I find people do not realize that food is much more than just an act of survival. It [food] is an art of communicating anywhere around the world. It contributes to symbolizing why people celebrate so many special occasions throughout the calendar year. For instance, what is Thanksgiving without the turkey or pumpkin pie? Or what about that birthday cake? It invites a guest to one's home. It plays a starring role during the first date or last date, in some cases. Sometimes it plays a meaningless role as something to do on a Saturday afternoon while watching football. Once a given situation involves food, the act of survival evolves into a pleasurable social ritual.

This blog essentially aims to educate foodies and non-foodies alike how food plays that vital role in one's life. I will show people what different angles one can view in realizing that food should be be given much more credit in today's world, including restaurant reviews, confessions of what goes on in the food industry, and descriptions of rare delicacies. In addition, I will feature stories where food plays the main role, both in conscious and subconscious ways which can be informative, entertaining, romantic, emotional, inspirational, or sometimes just plain ridiculous.

I hope you are hungry enough to allow me to start filling you in on what really goes on in an Reservationist's job.

Bon appetit!