I get excited just thinking about Fatty Crab and all the other dishes they have that I didn't get to on my first visit. An all around perfect meal from the ambiance, the menu, the service, and the exotic foods. A great birthday dinner with the hubby.

Here's what I said then (Feb. 20-26):

Jim took me to Fatty Crab for my birthday and it's been a long time since I have had such a wow-ing meal. From the green mango with a sugar salt chili powder dip, then on to the unbelievably good quail egg shooters (lined up in degrees of spiciness, served in their own shells), to the almost no-need-to-chew- tenderness of the short ribs with melding flavors of sweet and salty to the grand finale of the chili crab – a huge bowl of slathered, tasty, shelled crab with a pungent delicious sauce (don't wear anything too nice with this dish – you will get messy) – this is one of the most memorable meals we've had in the city.

I can't wait to go back and try all the other yummy sounding dishes on the menu. The staff is unpretentious, the atmosphere is bustling and comfy, the only downside: no reservations. We ate an early dinner around 6:00 – by the time we left – 7:30, there was a line out the door.

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Posted on November 6, 2006

Through word of mouth and the legacy of the owner's other restaurant Diner, I had high expectations from Marlow and Sons and found all of them exceeded.

The staff was really friendly and knowledgeable, the inside atmosphere was cramped and bustling (but in a good way) so we opted to eat outside despite the crisp October air for a quieter experience.

Now on to the food… Marlow and Sons specializes in oysters, meats and cheese. We had both of the available oysters. The ones from Massachusetts were small and deliciously briny but we?preferred the plump Long Island offerings. The unusual accompaniment of a slightly sweet and slightly salty vinaigrette sauce was a welcome change to the standard-issue thick cocktail sauce and allowed us to appreciate the taste of the oysters more.

Next we tried the daily cheese special which was a semi-soft goat cheese that was pungent and a perfect partner with the oysters. We then shared the Pork Tonnato (which is on their permanent menu), where a creamy alioli and tuna mixture sits atop thin slices of cured pork. The flavors are reminiscent of Spanish tapas being strong and unique and this dish could not have made me happier.

We also shared the Duck Hash, which featured big chunks of non fatty duck, potatoes, and kraut with a fried egg on top. Just writing about it makes me want to go there right now.

The meal was rounded out by a chocolate caramel torte that reminded my of a fancy snickers bar with sea salt – trust me even if that doesn't sound good, it was. Highly, highly recommended!

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Posted on October 23, 2006

Five Front resides in one of the most charming townhouses sitting under the Brooklyn Bridge in Dumbo. The interior has been lovingly restored and has a comforting, warm, homey, yet well appointed atmosphere. The big surprise, however, is the back garden with its hanging trees and lush plants–it feels like another, more peaceful world.

Such a serene environment could only be thwarted by a group of really trashy teens and older dudes chugging beers and nearly falling down all over the place, such as was our experience. How did they get there and why did they choose an oasis of civility and pre fixe menus to get wild and party? We may never know, but to the restaurant's credit, even with their spectacle, the food was center stage.

Our appetizer of figs with prosciutto was my favorite part of the meal, and the Striped Bass and chocolate cake were noteworthy. Most importantly the three course meal only cost $20! Make a trip while the garden is still operable and do everyone a favor and don't chug your beers when you get there, it's not that kind of place.

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Posted on October 9, 2006

I had been dying to try Kasadela, an East Village Japanese tapas spot for a long time and was not disappointed. The menu, specials menu, sake menu, and additional chalk board specials menu can be overwhelming, but rest assured that nearly everything we tried was worthy of glowing reviews.

Particularly great were the mussels, beef skewers, potato salad, and the sweet chicken wings (see photo) that I had been given a heads up about ordering, and rightly so, as they are one of the best items on the menu.

The only misstep the entire night was the sausage which was lackluster after expectations had been raised by the amazing versions at Kuma Inn and Sripraphai.?/p>

The sake is good, the service is friendly and ultra cute, and the atmosphere is welcoming so you can stay and chat for hours with friends.

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Posted on September 25, 2006

After a couple years of celebrating our anniversary in fancypants restaurants, we decided to go Mara's Homemade, a relaxed mom and pop place that specializes in New Orleans style seafood and Arkansas BBQ.

Nestled in Indian Row on 6th Street, Mara's Homemade is real homemade deliciousness in a quaint simple space which opens its front wall to the street on pleasant evenings. We both opted for BBQ but plan on trying the clams, crabs, etc that grace their seafood menu soon.

Jim had the St. Louis style while I opted for Baby Back, both were distinctly different but equally yummy, served with excellent sauces (Arkansas and Texas) and amazing sides that didn't feel like an afterthought.

Mara herself was accommodating (bringing us beads and a candle with our dessert to help celebrate) without being too in your face. The prices are comparable, even less, than most BBQ in the city and to my shock the ice tea had FREE refills!

To end the evening you must try the blueberry cobbler a la mode. Perfect food for the end of summer.

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Posted on September 11, 2006