If you know me you know that I have a wide variety of friends--black, white, Hispanic, small, big, average, affluent, bankrupt, gay, straight, intelligent, and I hate to say... below par. Interestingly though, food, like friends, comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and origins. I can't stick to one group of friends the way I can't stick to one food group or one type of cuisine.
I am fascinated by the variety and uniqueness of, say, an heirloom tomato, deep purple, kelly green, and terracotta orange painted on a bumpy ball of juicy flesh. Or even something as simple as a bunch of grapes.... Green, Purple, Red, White and Black are the most familiar but did you know that there are over 600 varieties red grapes alone!? And then there are the uses for this precious fruit... a beautiful glass of wine, the crunch to creamy Waldorf salad, or something as simple as grape juice! There is such bounty!
Okay, so my point is... this restaurant experience was shared with a quite colorful group of friends. The tale is as follows...
My friend Emily picked me up around 8. Our dear friend and former roommate Dominique had just turned 21 and her friends had planned a surprise party for her. D, Em, and I are still inseparable as we were when we were freshman roommates in ***** Hall. Em has ADD which I love. It is so funny to watch someone with a mild case of this. All of there thoughts and actions are literally unconnected and irreverent. The funny thing is though that Em is so intelligent and bright... not to mention blond and beautiful--an essential friend to have. Dominque is someone you can just be yourself around. She is huggable, voluptuous, and sweet like a big bowl of brown sugar! And all her friends are the same. I knew this party was gonna be a gas. I also knew that me and Em would be the only white people there. I was so excited.
The restaurant is beautiful from the outside in. It is right on the corner of College Ave. and Duval St. in the middle of downtown. A large scale staircase leads you up to the restaurant. Funky low lights, modern paintings, brass artwork, and red walls make this restaurant very romantic. Candles light black tables surrounded by cherry wood chairs and a stained cement floor.
Me and Emily were early so we sat at the bar. I ordered a don pellegrino with lime. She got water. We were a bartender's best friend... not. We caught up for a while until we were interrupted by Curtis, the manager... "So are you guys gonna order food or what?" "No," I said. "We are waiting for a group, can I answer any more questions for you, Curtis?" I played on his sarcastic rapport... who does he think he's dealing with? The rest of the party began to arrive so I paid for my drink and we all sat down to anticipate the arrival of the birthday girl.
Lots of laughter later we began to order dinner. The menu is sort blase. Tapas include stuffed mushrooms, Italian eggplant stack, spinach dip, and risotto balls. Not so appetizing. There are also burgers, salads, and sandwiches, with a few dull chicken and fish entrees. It's not that there is anything wrong with these items but when they are set in such an upscale atmosphere on oriental style, white square dinnerware I expect a little more creativity and umph! Emily and I ordered the stuffed mushrooms for an appetizer and the Black and Blue Salad for dinner. The rest of the table ordered burgers.
Our unenthusiastic waitress brought out our food a while later. You know when you can just sense someone doesn't want to serve your table? This was her. Not only that, but you could just sense her elitist attitude toward us. When she sat the plates down I had long lost my appetite. Our mushrooms were slightly cold and thrown over dressed arugula... and by the way I had no idea what the mushrooms were stuffed with. I couldn't taste any one dominant flavor. The steak lacked a pink center even though we ordered it rare and two guests burgers had to be sent back because they were raw. Need I say more?
After dinner it was time for cake. Dominique's friends don't play around, so, when they brought out a Vanilla Butter cream cake that served 30 people I wasn't surprised. I was in charge of cutting this Publix masterpiece. And, I'm sorry, when it comes to cake, my etiquette goes out the door. I couldn't resist tasting the frosting and picking up the crumbs that fell after each slice! Is that so bad? I just had a terrible meal... cut me some slack! After everyone received their piece I cut myself a corner... you can never have too much icing! If you've never had a Publix cake do yourself a favor and grab one for your next party.
At One0One, the atmosphere is great, the drinks are great, the social scene is also great-- late twenties crowd, very refreshing and good looking too. Unfortunately, the food nor the service lived up to the atmospshere.
Here is the website but don't be fooled by there fancy pictures. They clearly hired a great photographer.
http://101mint.com/
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Mozaik
Can I just say that it is rare that I am this impressed by a restaurant? The entire experience was like waking up on Christmas morning over and over again. The artwork, the food, the service, the company, the chef (Yes, I met him)... even the temperature in the room was perfect. I cannot believe I have been in Tallahassee two years and have not dined at Mozaik.
The restaurant is located off Thomasville Rd. on Market Street, just past interstate 10. Ana and I missed the turn trying to find it BUT there is a benefit to having no sense of direction whatsoever. I FOUND A FRESH MARKET. Yes, just 10 minutes away from my darling FSU campus there is a place of refuge. I was squealing at this point and so was Ana... my fellow foodie friend. We decided to check it out because seeing food always makes me work up an appetite. We did a walk through and though I have seen all of these things before, they are still absolutely mesmerizing--pastry, bread, produce, flowers-- the abundance is astounding! I left giddy as ever with a bouquet of hot pink Gerber Daisies and freshly ground peanut butter-- two of life's essentials.
We arrived at Mozaik around 8. The dining area is split in two: a more causal deli area and a formal dining room. But, not to worry, it is still a very casual atmosphere and there were a variety of guests dining-- families, young adults, seniors. They were about half full which is good considering season doesn't start for a couple months. The hostess sat us and I had a great view of the whole restaurant-- I cannot/will not stare at a wall. All of the wait staff were clad in head to toe black and the one male waiter was gorgeous. I stared at him the whole time half listening to Ana. I'm kidding... but I am sorry to say I have a one track mind. It's either food, friend, or man and none can occur simultaneously.
The hostess brought us ice water and menus and I admired the decor of the restuarant. Glittery tile work is scattered about the walls and is illuminated by interesting large scale light fixtures. All the colors created the perfect ambiance and I couldn't wait to read the menu.
The cuisine at Mozaik calls itself "Modern American with Asian and Mediterranean accents." Is this my kind of restaurant or what?! So, I didn't even need to decipher the menu, the ingredients spoke for themselves! We started with the Asian Spiced Crab cakes with Kimchee Salad (Korean pickled vegetables) , Wakame (Japanese seaweed often used in Miso soup), and Ponzu Aioli (Citrus based mayonnaise). The cakes came right up and with one cake for each of us we dove right in. Heavenly. Why? BUTTER. Clarified butter. I'm sorry but I cannot stand it when seafood is fried in oil. Butter compliments the flavor so well without making the dish heavy. It also allows for a crunchy crust and succulent inside. Very French of them. I know this because I saw Julie & Julia for the third time yesterday.
It was time to decide on an entree and I was all out of sorts. I must have read the menu 20 times. I knew I wanted seafood but the options were endless! Tuna, oysters, swordfish, grouper, shrimp, salmon! (If you are afraid of the sea don't fret, they have land options as well--pasta, chicken, filet, etc.) Ana wanted pasta but I told her to broaden her horizons and order some variety! Yeah, yeah, I know I am bossy.
I think we made two excellent choices:
I got the latter because I am a sucker for roasted garlic and kalamata olives and she got the former because I love sweet potatoes. The food arrived while we were immersed in conversation but naturally that seized when I smelled the lemon scent wafting off my steaming risotto. I took the first bite... juicy tomato, creamy spinach, tender olives, and fluffy ricotta cheese smothered that perfectly cooked rice. I am telling you, you could taste every single flavor from the brightness of the lemon to the zip of the red pepper flakes. AND THE RICE WAS NOT SOGGY. Thank God. It still had a bite to it which is an absolute must. Next, I went for the pair of shrimp that were hugging each other on top of my grouper. They were also perfectly sauteed... in butter... with a naturally crispy skin and tender interior. The grouper was good too. It was lightly breaded and fried and had a nice, flaky texture. Grouper is a mild whitefish so all of the other flavors complimented it well.
I forked Ana's next. The sweetest, smoothest sweet potatoes I have ever tasted. Good firm Swordfish and crunchy, bright green haricot ver. Everything prepared in respect to the beauty of the ingredient. I loved it.
When we were thoroughly stuffed, I wanted to meet the chef and express to him how much we enjoyed ourselves. He came out a few minutes later with a glass of Cab Sav and pulled up a chair. We talked to him for a while about his culinary experience and how he wound up at Mozaik. He trained in Philadelphia, home to some of the best restaurants in the country, and came to Tallahassee about 3 years ago. Thank you chef for finding your way into my arms! You are very talented!
Secrets from the chef himself:
They hand make all of their pastas!
They also make Ricotta Cheese from scratch!
They take pride in the food here. You can just tell. From the presentation to the taste they are not going to skimp on specialty and creativity in order to make a profit.
My words can only do so much. You MUST do yourself a favor and treat yourself at Mozaik. It is worth every penny.
Check out there website: dinemozaik.com
The restaurant is located off Thomasville Rd. on Market Street, just past interstate 10. Ana and I missed the turn trying to find it BUT there is a benefit to having no sense of direction whatsoever. I FOUND A FRESH MARKET. Yes, just 10 minutes away from my darling FSU campus there is a place of refuge. I was squealing at this point and so was Ana... my fellow foodie friend. We decided to check it out because seeing food always makes me work up an appetite. We did a walk through and though I have seen all of these things before, they are still absolutely mesmerizing--pastry, bread, produce, flowers-- the abundance is astounding! I left giddy as ever with a bouquet of hot pink Gerber Daisies and freshly ground peanut butter-- two of life's essentials.
We arrived at Mozaik around 8. The dining area is split in two: a more causal deli area and a formal dining room. But, not to worry, it is still a very casual atmosphere and there were a variety of guests dining-- families, young adults, seniors. They were about half full which is good considering season doesn't start for a couple months. The hostess sat us and I had a great view of the whole restaurant-- I cannot/will not stare at a wall. All of the wait staff were clad in head to toe black and the one male waiter was gorgeous. I stared at him the whole time half listening to Ana. I'm kidding... but I am sorry to say I have a one track mind. It's either food, friend, or man and none can occur simultaneously.
The hostess brought us ice water and menus and I admired the decor of the restuarant. Glittery tile work is scattered about the walls and is illuminated by interesting large scale light fixtures. All the colors created the perfect ambiance and I couldn't wait to read the menu.
The cuisine at Mozaik calls itself "Modern American with Asian and Mediterranean accents." Is this my kind of restaurant or what?! So, I didn't even need to decipher the menu, the ingredients spoke for themselves! We started with the Asian Spiced Crab cakes with Kimchee Salad (Korean pickled vegetables) , Wakame (Japanese seaweed often used in Miso soup), and Ponzu Aioli (Citrus based mayonnaise). The cakes came right up and with one cake for each of us we dove right in. Heavenly. Why? BUTTER. Clarified butter. I'm sorry but I cannot stand it when seafood is fried in oil. Butter compliments the flavor so well without making the dish heavy. It also allows for a crunchy crust and succulent inside. Very French of them. I know this because I saw Julie & Julia for the third time yesterday.
It was time to decide on an entree and I was all out of sorts. I must have read the menu 20 times. I knew I wanted seafood but the options were endless! Tuna, oysters, swordfish, grouper, shrimp, salmon! (If you are afraid of the sea don't fret, they have land options as well--pasta, chicken, filet, etc.) Ana wanted pasta but I told her to broaden her horizons and order some variety! Yeah, yeah, I know I am bossy.
I think we made two excellent choices:
| LONG LINE SWORDFISH - | |
| honey glazed spiced sweet potatoes, marinated Chinese long beans-pickled red onion salad, blueberry-balsamic barbeque, haricot vert (French green beans) | |
GULF GROUPER & JUMBO HOPPER SHRIMP - | |
| pan seared, creamy smoked lemon risotto, spinach, roasted garlic & grape tomatoes, kalamatas, crushed red pepper, oregano, roasted eggplant aioli, charred green tomato purée, house made ricotta | |
I got the latter because I am a sucker for roasted garlic and kalamata olives and she got the former because I love sweet potatoes. The food arrived while we were immersed in conversation but naturally that seized when I smelled the lemon scent wafting off my steaming risotto. I took the first bite... juicy tomato, creamy spinach, tender olives, and fluffy ricotta cheese smothered that perfectly cooked rice. I am telling you, you could taste every single flavor from the brightness of the lemon to the zip of the red pepper flakes. AND THE RICE WAS NOT SOGGY. Thank God. It still had a bite to it which is an absolute must. Next, I went for the pair of shrimp that were hugging each other on top of my grouper. They were also perfectly sauteed... in butter... with a naturally crispy skin and tender interior. The grouper was good too. It was lightly breaded and fried and had a nice, flaky texture. Grouper is a mild whitefish so all of the other flavors complimented it well.
I forked Ana's next. The sweetest, smoothest sweet potatoes I have ever tasted. Good firm Swordfish and crunchy, bright green haricot ver. Everything prepared in respect to the beauty of the ingredient. I loved it.
When we were thoroughly stuffed, I wanted to meet the chef and express to him how much we enjoyed ourselves. He came out a few minutes later with a glass of Cab Sav and pulled up a chair. We talked to him for a while about his culinary experience and how he wound up at Mozaik. He trained in Philadelphia, home to some of the best restaurants in the country, and came to Tallahassee about 3 years ago. Thank you chef for finding your way into my arms! You are very talented!
Secrets from the chef himself:
They hand make all of their pastas!
They also make Ricotta Cheese from scratch!
They take pride in the food here. You can just tell. From the presentation to the taste they are not going to skimp on specialty and creativity in order to make a profit.
My words can only do so much. You MUST do yourself a favor and treat yourself at Mozaik. It is worth every penny.
Check out there website: dinemozaik.com
Friday, September 11, 2009
Cabo's Island Grill & Bar
I rarely crave Mexican. Probably because most Mexican restaurants disappoint me. They lack the fresh, light feel of authentic Mexican cuisine. However, this particular day I would do anything to get my hands on some fresh guacamole and a taco. I had heard of Cabo's before and though it's not technically Mexican, they're nicknamed Cabo's Tacos, and I thought I'd give it a shot.
They are located on Apalachee Pkwy. on the right hand side in the same shopping center as Ross and Payless. Once you turn on Apalachee from Monroe St. merge right on to the Service Road immediately--it's easier to spot. Odd location, but most places off the beaten path are delicious.
I walked in to what I thought was the entrance and was inundated with cigarette smoke and weird looks. I looked around and an awfully creepy man greeted me with, "Don't worry your in the right place." I gave him an awkward smile and in my head I thought, "Really, I hope not..." I walked to the back of the dark bar and luckily the bartender noticed I was confused. She asked, "Are you looking for the restaurant?" I nodded my head like a scared child and she told me to go out the side door, walk down the side walk and the main entrance would be on my right. I hauled-ass out of there and realized the bar and restaurant have their own entrances, a good thing if you don't like the smell of hot alcohol.
I walked in to what I thought was the entrance and was inundated with cigarette smoke and weird looks. I looked around and an awfully creepy man greeted me with, "Don't worry your in the right place." I gave him an awkward smile and in my head I thought, "Really, I hope not..." I walked to the back of the dark bar and luckily the bartender noticed I was confused. She asked, "Are you looking for the restaurant?" I nodded my head like a scared child and she told me to go out the side door, walk down the side walk and the main entrance would be on my right. I hauled-ass out of there and realized the bar and restaurant have their own entrances, a good thing if you don't like the smell of hot alcohol.
I walked into the restaurant around 7. My friend Kelly had already taken advantage of the 25 cent happy hour discount and was sipping a Michelob Ultra. She also had already asked the waitress for an order of guacamole and chips which arrived just as I sat down. Hell yeah. I dove right in because the lemon aroma was tantalizing and I was starving as usual. The corn chips were hot and salty and crunchy and you could tell they make them from real corn tortillas. The guacamole? Wow. Lemony, spicy, smooth, fresh. Just the right amount of cilantro. Served COLD. So refreshing. You must order this. I'm telling you, it is so hot here and this guacamole cools you right off. Add a cold beer for a buck fifty and you've hit the jackpot.
When I was done attacking the guacamole, I reached for the menu. There are so many options. If you want a cheaper fair you can have a delicious, filling Mexican platter (burritos, tacos, enchiladas) for under $7 or you can choose one of their FRESH grouper or crab cake platters for about $20. I emphasis fresh because they never serve frozen seafood!
Kelly and I both wanted to stick with Mexican. I decided on the Black Bean burrito with Cheddar cheese, spinach, and hot salsa. I also got mine "wet" which means smothered in salsa and served atop Romaine lettuce. Kelly got a beef burrito with salsa and onion. She got hers Ultimate: covered in Queso. You can also get any item Supreme: covered in sour cream, black olives, tomatoes and onions. And you can't forget the traditional Mexican accoutrements available with any order: black beans, re-fried beans, rice, and salsa--spicy, mild, or Verde.
My taco was delicious. It had a good balance of everything. Not too much cheese not too many beans, soft flour tortilla, and fresh salsa that was spicy but not sinus clearing. Good, simple and light.
Aside from the Mexican food, they also offer lots of island specialties like Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Yellow Fin sashimi grade Tuna, Costa Rican Chicken, and a Fish of the Day Tostada.
When I finished my meal I checked out the restaurant itself. There are surf boards hanging from the ceiling, neon yellow, blue, and green tables, and bright colored walls painted with yellow palm trees. There are also lots of pictures featuring Cabo's family, friends, and patrons. A totally casual, family friendly, and delicious spot for after work, after school, or anytime your craving a fresh meal.
Website: http://www.cabosgrill.com/
***I later found out that Cabo's started out as a tiny taco stand and has since strived to serve the freshest food at the lowest price. They do not cook with lard and use 100% pure vegetable oil in anything they fry. Red hearts are found next to dishes that are heart healthy; another plus. Be sure to read the note from the owners at the bottom of the menu!***
When I was done attacking the guacamole, I reached for the menu. There are so many options. If you want a cheaper fair you can have a delicious, filling Mexican platter (burritos, tacos, enchiladas) for under $7 or you can choose one of their FRESH grouper or crab cake platters for about $20. I emphasis fresh because they never serve frozen seafood!
Kelly and I both wanted to stick with Mexican. I decided on the Black Bean burrito with Cheddar cheese, spinach, and hot salsa. I also got mine "wet" which means smothered in salsa and served atop Romaine lettuce. Kelly got a beef burrito with salsa and onion. She got hers Ultimate: covered in Queso. You can also get any item Supreme: covered in sour cream, black olives, tomatoes and onions. And you can't forget the traditional Mexican accoutrements available with any order: black beans, re-fried beans, rice, and salsa--spicy, mild, or Verde.
My taco was delicious. It had a good balance of everything. Not too much cheese not too many beans, soft flour tortilla, and fresh salsa that was spicy but not sinus clearing. Good, simple and light.
Aside from the Mexican food, they also offer lots of island specialties like Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Yellow Fin sashimi grade Tuna, Costa Rican Chicken, and a Fish of the Day Tostada.
When I finished my meal I checked out the restaurant itself. There are surf boards hanging from the ceiling, neon yellow, blue, and green tables, and bright colored walls painted with yellow palm trees. There are also lots of pictures featuring Cabo's family, friends, and patrons. A totally casual, family friendly, and delicious spot for after work, after school, or anytime your craving a fresh meal.
Website: http://www.cabosgrill.com/
***I later found out that Cabo's started out as a tiny taco stand and has since strived to serve the freshest food at the lowest price. They do not cook with lard and use 100% pure vegetable oil in anything they fry. Red hearts are found next to dishes that are heart healthy; another plus. Be sure to read the note from the owners at the bottom of the menu!***
Friday, September 4, 2009
Cypress
After an extremely long day of classes, work, and meetings, a relaxing dinner is just what I needed. I decided on Cypress Restaurant, located in a small building on the corner of Tennessee Street and Gadsden. I was extremely relieved that my dinner guest cancelled so I could dine alone. If you've never done this, I strongly encourage it. Maybe take a magazine or pencil and paper (not a cell phone). Not only will you receive more attention from the wait staff but also from the other guests who are most likely curious about your motives for eating companionless. If you love attention, this is a classy way to get it.
I sat down just as the restaurant opened at 5pm in a little booth by the window. The tables were dress in white cloth, white plates, and silver table wear with yellow flowers floating in petite vases. Very French Country. Each wall was painted in subdued versions of yellow, red, purple, and an unpleasant hospital green. I immediately noticed the natural light flowing in behind me and the soft jazz music playing in the speaker above my head. I scanned the restauant and noticed two older couples were dining and eavesdropped for a while. Nothing remately interesting was said. I should have known the entertainment would be scarce at 5 o'clock. My waiter, Jonathan, brought me ice water and a menu. The menu is small, consisting of Little Dish (apps), Bowls (soups), and Big Dish (entrees), and I like that. It means two things: they most likely change the menu everyday and/or they use only the freshest and best tasting ingredients that day offers. In addition to the daily menu, there is a cheese tasting menu that looked fantastic as well as a separate menu for bar guests.
Jonathan came back to take my order and informed me that I could take the menu home because they reprint them everyday (I figured). I suppose he noticed that I was jotting down notes and wanted to make things easier for me. How nice of him! He took my order and brought out shortbread biscuits, crusty, white bread and butter. If you are not familiar with short bread, it is a versatile white dough made with butter and flour. You can fold anything from cheese to chocolate chips into it and trust me you will not be disappointed. Cypress slightly sweetens their biscuits with sugar. They were heavenly and I put the other two in my purse.
I decided to start with the Locally-Farmed Salad for $7. A perfect choice for my health and for the community. I love restaurants that support local farmers. I also love knowing that my vegetables haven't been shipped thousands of miles before entering my mouth. A variety of lettuces, carrots, and sweet grape tomatoes were dressed with an Herb-Shallot Vinegarette and spiced pecan brittle. The vin tasted much like Italian dressing and the brittle was like a high class crouton-spicey and sweet and crunchy. Fantastic stick-to-your-teeth kind of stuff. I wish they sold that brittle separately. Although the salad was delicious and fresh, it was a little small for the price. I would have like to see a little more volume and variety.
I then ordered the Forbidden Sea Scallops from the Little Dish section of the menu. Three large scallops were seared-dry creating a perfect crust and melt in your mouth center. They were served over black rice risotto in a sea of ginger-papaya sauce and topped with cucumber-jalapeno relish. It was like three floating islands on a plate and I ate every bite. There are a variety of salads featuring fresh fruit and vegetables as well as oysters, shrimp, and tuna dishes available on the Little Dish menu. The portions are small but ample and the prices range from $7-$10.
I decided to skip a Big Dish and opt for dessert in stead. The mains sounded delicious though. Chanterelle (wild mushroom) Stuffed Flounder, 8 oz. Filet, Grilled Lamb Loin, and Lobster Tail Paella are just a few entree options. As for the flavors accompanying these dishes: I noticed lots of citrus, especially orange, which brightens the flavor of everything. For example, Citrus & Bourbon Spiced Jus, Fennel (crunchy like celery, tastes like licorice) Citrus Slaw, and Orange-Roasted Pepper Gastrique (fruit and vinegar reduction that creates a thick sauce). You'll also notice lots of Caribbean influence in dishes served with Plantain Maduros (Sweet, sauteed bananas) Tropical Fruit Salsa, and Tomatillo Salsa Verde.
Overall, however, the menu uses predominantly French and Italian ingredients: wild mushrooms, kalamata olives, ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, leeks, arugula, eggplant, and fennel.
Terms from the dinner menu that may be unfamiliar:
*Concasse: a French term meaning to rough chop and ingredient, especially vegetables.
*Jus: any reduced sauce made from the stock of meat or vegetables
*Coulis: a thick sauce that can be sweet or savory
*Caponata: a Sicilian dish usually consisting of chopped eggplant and other vegetables such as celery or olives
*Confit: French term meaning preserved. Usually duck meat that is salted and aged.
*Andouille Sausage: originally French and now mostly classified with Cajun cooking, it is smoked sausage with a kick.
It was finally time for dessert and lucky for me aside from the home-made chocolate cake, peach pie, and peanut butter bomb, they also offer home-made ice cream. I am such an ice-cream kind of woman. I told Jonathan I wanted the Double Chocolate Chip Stout Ice cream. Yes, Stout! And a decaf Espresso. So, this ice cream is made with stout beer, which is dark and bitter, BUT during the cooking process most of the stout is burned off leaving the ice cream with a rich, malty undertone. It was so creamy and satisfying.
My bill arrived and it was not cheap but I had some extra scholarship dough and wanted a special treat. This is definitely a good place for an occasion or anniversary. Lots of colorful ingredients and special attention to detail make each plate presentation unique and romantic.
Cypress is open dinner only, Tues-Saturday at 5pm.
www.cypressrestaurant.com
I sat down just as the restaurant opened at 5pm in a little booth by the window. The tables were dress in white cloth, white plates, and silver table wear with yellow flowers floating in petite vases. Very French Country. Each wall was painted in subdued versions of yellow, red, purple, and an unpleasant hospital green. I immediately noticed the natural light flowing in behind me and the soft jazz music playing in the speaker above my head. I scanned the restauant and noticed two older couples were dining and eavesdropped for a while. Nothing remately interesting was said. I should have known the entertainment would be scarce at 5 o'clock. My waiter, Jonathan, brought me ice water and a menu. The menu is small, consisting of Little Dish (apps), Bowls (soups), and Big Dish (entrees), and I like that. It means two things: they most likely change the menu everyday and/or they use only the freshest and best tasting ingredients that day offers. In addition to the daily menu, there is a cheese tasting menu that looked fantastic as well as a separate menu for bar guests.
Jonathan came back to take my order and informed me that I could take the menu home because they reprint them everyday (I figured). I suppose he noticed that I was jotting down notes and wanted to make things easier for me. How nice of him! He took my order and brought out shortbread biscuits, crusty, white bread and butter. If you are not familiar with short bread, it is a versatile white dough made with butter and flour. You can fold anything from cheese to chocolate chips into it and trust me you will not be disappointed. Cypress slightly sweetens their biscuits with sugar. They were heavenly and I put the other two in my purse.
I decided to start with the Locally-Farmed Salad for $7. A perfect choice for my health and for the community. I love restaurants that support local farmers. I also love knowing that my vegetables haven't been shipped thousands of miles before entering my mouth. A variety of lettuces, carrots, and sweet grape tomatoes were dressed with an Herb-Shallot Vinegarette and spiced pecan brittle. The vin tasted much like Italian dressing and the brittle was like a high class crouton-spicey and sweet and crunchy. Fantastic stick-to-your-teeth kind of stuff. I wish they sold that brittle separately. Although the salad was delicious and fresh, it was a little small for the price. I would have like to see a little more volume and variety.
I then ordered the Forbidden Sea Scallops from the Little Dish section of the menu. Three large scallops were seared-dry creating a perfect crust and melt in your mouth center. They were served over black rice risotto in a sea of ginger-papaya sauce and topped with cucumber-jalapeno relish. It was like three floating islands on a plate and I ate every bite. There are a variety of salads featuring fresh fruit and vegetables as well as oysters, shrimp, and tuna dishes available on the Little Dish menu. The portions are small but ample and the prices range from $7-$10.
I decided to skip a Big Dish and opt for dessert in stead. The mains sounded delicious though. Chanterelle (wild mushroom) Stuffed Flounder, 8 oz. Filet, Grilled Lamb Loin, and Lobster Tail Paella are just a few entree options. As for the flavors accompanying these dishes: I noticed lots of citrus, especially orange, which brightens the flavor of everything. For example, Citrus & Bourbon Spiced Jus, Fennel (crunchy like celery, tastes like licorice) Citrus Slaw, and Orange-Roasted Pepper Gastrique (fruit and vinegar reduction that creates a thick sauce). You'll also notice lots of Caribbean influence in dishes served with Plantain Maduros (Sweet, sauteed bananas) Tropical Fruit Salsa, and Tomatillo Salsa Verde.
Overall, however, the menu uses predominantly French and Italian ingredients: wild mushrooms, kalamata olives, ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, leeks, arugula, eggplant, and fennel.
Terms from the dinner menu that may be unfamiliar:
*Concasse: a French term meaning to rough chop and ingredient, especially vegetables.
*Jus: any reduced sauce made from the stock of meat or vegetables
*Coulis: a thick sauce that can be sweet or savory
*Caponata: a Sicilian dish usually consisting of chopped eggplant and other vegetables such as celery or olives
*Confit: French term meaning preserved. Usually duck meat that is salted and aged.
*Andouille Sausage: originally French and now mostly classified with Cajun cooking, it is smoked sausage with a kick.
It was finally time for dessert and lucky for me aside from the home-made chocolate cake, peach pie, and peanut butter bomb, they also offer home-made ice cream. I am such an ice-cream kind of woman. I told Jonathan I wanted the Double Chocolate Chip Stout Ice cream. Yes, Stout! And a decaf Espresso. So, this ice cream is made with stout beer, which is dark and bitter, BUT during the cooking process most of the stout is burned off leaving the ice cream with a rich, malty undertone. It was so creamy and satisfying.
My bill arrived and it was not cheap but I had some extra scholarship dough and wanted a special treat. This is definitely a good place for an occasion or anniversary. Lots of colorful ingredients and special attention to detail make each plate presentation unique and romantic.
Cypress is open dinner only, Tues-Saturday at 5pm.
www.cypressrestaurant.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)