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For dinner, my fiance made reservations at Roy's, one of our favorites. We actually planned to have our Valentine's Day dinner at Abacus the following weekend to skip the crowds and prix fixe menus. But he still wanted to go somewhere nice on the actual Valentine's Day. I pretty much let him plan everything. :)
However, we weren't aware that Roy's was ONLY doing a V-Day Prix Fixe menu as well. We thought we were just gonna go for a normal dinner (but on Valentine's Day. haha) Are you still with me? :P
The place was packed but we were seated immediately. We opened the menu and realized we could only order from the special menu. Eeeeeks. That puts an extra dent on his wallet! The place was full from the time we got there to the time we left. It was a quite loud.. And there were actually quite a few families with little kids there. Not the most romantic setting, but oh well. We made the most of it.
He got the Signature Cocktail: Cucumber Ginger Mule Martini $10~ First time I'm going to say this about a drink...it wasn't strong enough. In the booze or the ginger aspect. He makes a much better one at home.
The special menu consists of a 4 course meal. You pick your choice of appetizer, a soup or salad, entree, and dessert. The price of the meal was indicated by the entree you select.
Appetizer:
He got the Chicken Fried Maine Lobster (truffled lobster gravy). Pretty small plate but yummy! The lobster pieces were big and cooked well. I liked the batter and the sauce was delicious.
Kim Chee Brussels Sprouts (house made pork belly). Brussels Sprouts...if I see them, I gotta get them. Also a pretty small plate, but it's part of a 4 course meal so that makes sense. It was quite heavy on the sauce, even though I liked the sauce. Therefore, a tad on the saltier side. I liked the crispy pork belly with it. I kept half of it to eat with my entree which turned out to be a great pairing!
Soup/Salad:
We both got the Chanterelle Mushroom Bisque (creme fraiche, toast point, truffle oil). It just sounded amazing. And it was pretty freaking delicious. It wasn't strained so you got all the pureed bits of mushroom thoughout the rich creamy bisque. I really liked the toast point on top. I wanted a few more. hehe. We both cleaned our bowls.
Entrees:
I got the Kalbi Grilled Bone-in Ribeye (wasabi mashed potatoes, green beans, Korean BBQ sauce) $78~
It was impressive when they put it in front of me. They thought it was his at first because his dish was so much smaller in comparison. I loved the Korean BBQ sauce. Slightly sweet and full of flavor. The wasabi mashed potatoes paired really well with the steak and sauce. And the ribeye was cooked a good med-rare. My only complaint is that my piece had a lot of gristle. It was hard to cut it with the steak knife and I felt like a lot of it went to waste because I couldn't cut it or chew it. :(
He got the Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast (fried cauliflower, pomegranate, kabocha squash puree) $70~
Such teeny little pieces of duck...and even smaller when put next to my steak. haha. But cooked really well. It was very moist and tender. I liked the cauliflower with the kabocha puree the best, lots of different textures. And the pomegranates added a nice colorful touch and some sweetness.
Dessert:
I chose the Belgian Chocolate Torte (raspberry sauce, seasonal berries, red velvet whipped cream).
It wasn't so much a "torte" to me...it seemed more like a really rich brownie. It was a pretty big piece too. The chocolate was dark and rich. The red velvet whipped cream was interesting! I've never had that before. It was a pretty bright red and actually tasted like red velvet. I took most of this dessert to go cuz I had to help him eat his. :P It was still good a few days in the fridge.
He really wanted Roy's Signature Molten Chocolate Souffle Cake +$5~
The waiter said that wasn't a problem. He would just subtract the value of the other dessert from our check and add in the cost of the souffle...which ended up being about $5 additional. Still one of my favorite cakes of all time. The inside was filled with molten, rich ganache. The outside was just lightly crispy but the cake is still super moist. And always need to pair it with the ice cream. Sometimes I want to ask them for more ice cream. haha. Since we couldn't take any of this to go, we finished it together.
It was a great meal (as always). More expensive that we expected... by double! O.O but oh well. You live and learn right? Next time we'll just stay in on actual V-Day. haha. We still had a good time though. The manager actually came to each table and gave us a $20 giftcard for dining with them on this special day. They just keep giving us reasons to go back!! haha.
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~~ CHOMP CHOMP ~~
I'm so sorry I haven't been posting lately. But as of tomorrow night, I will be done with school FOREVER!! Yes... after 8 long years of part-time school, I will be graduating! Woohoo! Needless to say, this last quarter has been very stressful.
I'm gonna try and get all caught up. I've got several places I need to write about!
Of course I did Dallas Restaurant Week this year. I posted about Hibiscus earlier and our second location was III Forks. I've been there twice back in 2012. I was sad to hear that my favorite waiter was no longer there. :(
As most of you know. Restaurant Week runs for anywhere from a week to 3 weeks in Dallas, depending on the restaurant. It's either $35 or $45 a person and partial proceeds go to the the North Texas Food Bank and Lena Pope Home. III Forks was still $35 a person, and from what I remember, they give quite a bit of food!
III Forks
17776 Dallas Pkwy.
Dallas, TX 75287
(972) 267-1776
http://www.3forks.com/
Price (RW): $$$$
We had a pretty big group of 12 people and an early reservation at 6:15PM. I was surprised that the restaurant was already packed by the time we arrived! And if you've been to III Forks, you know the place is huge! We waited at the bar for a bit for everyone to arrive and for them to prep our table. This time we were sat "outside". It seemed like we were outside but it was covered and there was A/C, thank goodness. haha.
The waiter came by and took our drink orders and I gave him the Central Market 4th Course certificates. We had enough for everyone. Yay! (Some restaurants offer a 4th course which you can get free if you get these certificates. However, you have to spend $25 at Central Market to get one.)
Lobster & Lump Crab Shooters.
These were interesting, I'm not sure if it's in a good way. I wasn't too impressed with them. No one could really figure out which was the lobster and which was the crab. Even though one of them had a chunk of the meat in the shooter. We think thats the crab...? The one on the right was cold, which caught me off guard. Almost like a cold tomato soup, maybe gazpacho? But no chunks of lobster or crab in that one. The other was warm. I'm not sure which one I liked better. Both were meh. Can't compete with the awesome lobster shooters at Abacus that's for sure. I dipped some bread into the soups and that was better.
First Course
III Forks Salad (green apple slices, Wisconsin blue cheese, toasted pecans and field greens with housemade vinaigrette) Pretty standard salad. Although they kinda went blue cheese happy with it. Great if you like blue cheese a lot. haha.
Heirloom Tomato Salad (UglyRipe beefsteak tomatoes, pickled onions and Bosque blue cheese) I was told this was good. I didn't get to try.
Crawfish Bisque (a rich Southern Louisiana specialty with simmered crawfish, tomatoes, cream and cognac).
I knew I wanted to get this when I first saw the menu a month prior. I loveee bisque and crawfish too! It was a pretty big bowl with quite a bit of crawfish in it. However, by the time it came out, it wasn't that hot anymore, you can see the film over the top. I didn't care for this soup either. The crawfish was too fishy... And the bisque flavor needed something, either another spice or some type of crunch maybe? I didn't finish it... Hmm... maybe this is why the past two times I came here I ordered off the regular menu?
Entrees
Aged Midwestern Beef Filet Mignon (with Colbert butter and Worcestershire demi-glace). This was highly recommended by the waiter. And his recommendation was valid. The steak was cooked well and super tender.
Georges Bank Flounder (pan seared with blood oranges and fennel pollen, with basil-hazelnut pearl couscous).
I opted for the fish. I've had their seafood before and I know it's good. I liked it over the filet. The portion was huge! The fish was flaky and buttery. I loved the sauce. And pearl couscous is probably my favorite type of couscous. And as always, their creamed corn is pretty awesome. I enjoyed my plate a lot!
USDA Prime Hanging Tender Steak (four pepper crusted, with brandy cream reduction and caramelized cipollini onions). I didn't get to try this one but from the description it sounded tasty. I heard it wasn't as good as the filet though.
I was pretty full by now. I finished my entire entree! The dessert was chef's selection so we didn't really know what we're getting. There were 2 options when we ordered and we didn't get much of a description for each.
I got the chocolate cake.
I think it was the better choice. I loved the thick ganache layer on the top and side. It was super chocolatey and rich. The cake itself was a tad dry though. And this is nothing compared to their regular dessert menu which is amazing.
Summer Bread Pudding (cold bread pudding with berries).
When I found out this was cold, I knew I didn't want to order it. It was strange. Bread pudding shouldn't be cold. I think if they had called it Berry Trifle or something, we would've accepted it better. haha. Someone commented that it would've been better if it was just the berries and cream. The bread part made it weird.
For the most part, everyone seemed to enjoy the meal. I was disappointed. I know for sure now I will order from the regular menu, especially for dessert. It's like night and day! The waiter(s) were nice but service was slow. We were there for almost 3 hours and some of the food came out warm instead of hot. Oh well, at least I really enjoyed my entree and got to spend time with some great people. So that ends my Dallas RW for this year. Until next time... I hope they add some new places next year!!
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~~ CHOMP CHOMP ~~
We had our 1 year anniversary at the beginning of February!:) He took me to Roy's where we've done several special occasions... so it's definitely got sentimental value.
Roy's Hawaiian Fusion
2840 Dallas Pkwy.
Plano, TX 75093
(972) 473-6263
http://www.roysrestaurant.com/locations/tx/plano.asp
Price: $$$-$$$$
We had to wait a little for our table which made him a little antsy but once we were seated, they've decorated it with confetti and a personalized sign with our names on it. Roy's always does a good job for special occasions. From the hostess to the waiters/waitresses all know it's a special occasion and congratulate you.
He had gotten a Mai Tai at the bar which was yummy. I decided to wait until we're seated to get a drink. I decided to try the Coconut Frappe (Don Q Coco Rum with coconut milk and coconut water)
Sounded good and it's under 150 calories! It was pretty. I liked the sprinkle of spice on the top of the white foam. It was delicious. Just sweet enough, kind of pina colada-ish but better! He liked it too so he got one later.
Our waiter was super awesome. Very knowledgeable and friendly. We actually had several conversations about their menu and other food related topics.
We started with some Sugar Snap Peas (togarashi, miso, bonito) $6.95~ Love sugar snap peas. These were cooked well. Still had the bright crisp crunch and the bonito on top added the umami factor to the dish.
My bf had called ahead for this. Misoyaki Butterfish (with wasabi ginger cream sauce) $33.95~
Since they changed the recipe over 6 months ago, you have to order at least 24 hours in advance for this version so they can acquire the proper ingredients. Why they changed it? We still don't understand. Our waiter didn't either since it was their top selling dish. But my bf called numerous times during the week to make sure we were going to get it since it's one of my favorite dishes of all time. How sweet! :) And it was perfect. The fish was melt in your mouth buttery. The miso glaze with the wasabi ginger cream sauce was sublime. I can just drink that sauce or eat it with a tub of rice and be happy. Haha. The butterfish is always good. But that sauce is what makes it a magical dish. Anyone who's had it will tell you that I'm not exaggerating!
My bf ordered the Winter Prix Fixe Menu $36.95~ Everything on it sounded delicious.
We started with the Spicy Lobster Bisque (Thai aromatics, coconut milk and Maine lobster; poured tableside).
I always like it when they pour the soup at the table. Makes it more special! :P It had a ton of flavor with a kick of spice. There was also a plump lobster claw at the bottom of the bowl. A good start to the prix fixe!
Pork Osso Bucco (crispy kimchee brussels sprouts, fingerling potatoes, orange macadamia nuts). Braised pork? Sounds awesome! It was fork tender and moist. And surprisingly wasn't too heavy of a dish. I wished there was more Brussels sprouts since I love them!
Butterscotch and Miso Budino (black sesame cake, macadamia nuts, sweet and sour pineapple).
Such an interesting dessert! I'd say it is one of the best "non-chocolate souffle" desserts at Roy's that I've liked. I liked the presentation in the jar. It has so many flavors. You get the saltiness from the caramel and you can definitely taste the miso. But then the caramel is also sweet along with the budino, which is basically like a thick pudding. The consistency was luscious and creamy. It had every possible flavor. The pineapple on top added the tartness. The black sesame cake was my favorite part. I love black sesame but I rarely find black sesame desserts here that reminds me of what I've had in Asia. This was full of black sesame flavor! Well done!
Of course I got the Melting Hot Chocolate Souffle (with vanilla ice cream and raspberry sauce).
Awww.. they wrote Happy Anniversary on the plate. :) They've changed it up a little. They now serve it in a little ramekin instead of taking it out of the mold. I asked the waiter why and he said that they come out more consistently this way and it's also bigger! Sold! Bigger, for the same price? Hells yea! It was hot and molten-y (yes, that's a word), and a perfect ending to a spectacular evening.
My bf double checked and triple checked to make sure everything at the restaurant would be good. The waiter was super nice and helpful. We had a great anniversary thanks to the people at Roy's. Be sure to consider them for your next special occasion. And don't forget to order the butterfish ahead of time!!!
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~~ CHOMP CHOMP ~~
After a long stroll to and on The High Line, we finally worked up our appetite for dinner. We went to go check out Luke's Lobster. I had several recommendations saying that they had the best lobster rolls in the city.
Luke's Lobster
93 East 7th Street
New York, NY 10009
(212) 387-8487
lukeslobster.com
Price: $$
The location we went to was tiny... Just a few bar/counter seats and you order at the counter.
We still weren't super hungry so we got some stuff to share.
Lobster Roll $15~
The size of the roll isn't that big, but it was definitely loaded with plump lobster. I'm not typically a fan of lobster, but since this was highly recommended I gave it a shot. It was pretty dang good. The lobster was plump and tender, not overly dressed. The buns were my favorite tho, buttery and just that slight crisp on the outside. It also paired really well with the pickle which was able to cut the richness of the lobster roll.
Lobster Bisque $8~ (left) This was their soup of the day. It was ok. Pretty tasty but definitely not the best lobster bisque I've had.
New England Clam Chowder $8~ (right) This was pretty good. I've definitely had better in some places but we enjoyed this one a lot too. Lots of potato and clams in it.
It was still a pretty filling dinner. The lobster roll definitely was the star of the night! I'd say I did pretty good my first day in NYC. I got to check off a ton of stuff on my food list, saw all the sights as well. And got plenty of exercise! hehe. :)
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~~ CHOMP CHOMP ~~
I had a big holiday get together with a
group of friends before the new year. We
try to get together once a quarter, but
with jobs and babies and life, it's
longgg over due! I chose Mi Piaci
because one of my friends mentioned to
me a few months ago that they had squid
ink pasta. Sold! I had to go try it.
hehe.
Mi Piaci
14854 Montfort Drive
Dallas, TX 75254
(972) 934-8424
http://www.mipiaci-dallas.com
Price: $$$-$$$$
We had a party of 10 for Saturday night
around 7PM. We were immediately seated
and they put us in the private room with
a giant round table. Felt so grand...
definitely like a family holiday dinner
or something. hehe. At one point we even
closed the curtains so it was completely
closed off to the main dining area.
I was pretty hungry, so I attacked the
bread plate when they served it. I think
it was herbed Foccacia, garlic Foccacia
and bread sticks. The bread was awesome.
I loved the pillowy texture and lots of
flavor. I had to refrain myself from
eating it all. haha.
We got started with some appetizers and
salads.
One couple got the Calamari Fritti
(pan-fried with red chili sauce &
cilantro oil) $9~ (in the background...)
I got to try one. It
was awesome. The calamari was cooked
beautifully and each piece was huge. It
was like calamari steak fries. haha. The
sauce complimented it well.
I had the Insalata di Cesare (heart of
romaine salad with classic Caesar
dressing, garlic croutons, spiced
pumpkin seeds) $8~ My favorite part was
the pumpkin seeds, gave it that crunch
it needed. It was a good salad, nothing
fancy.
A few people got the House Salad. They
said it was really good.
Zuppa Aragosta (Adriatic style lobster
bisque topped with house made lobster
fritter) $9~ This looked really good. I
didn't get to taste it though. But those
who ordered it cleaned their bowls.
On to the entrees... They hand make all
their pastas and even have a window into
the kitchen where you can see the guy
making it. I thought that was pretty
cool.
Spaghettini Neri (house made black
spaghetti with butter poached blue crab
and chili butter) $24~
All the pastas
sounded great but I was here for this.
You can definitely tell the pasta was
handmade and had good texture. The
chunks of crab were big and cooked well.
I felt there was a bit too much pasta vs
sauce though, but wasn't a big deal
since I don't like too much sauce
anyways. I liked the sprinkle of bread
crumbs on top to add some texture. I
liked it but I still like the one at
Spoon better... It was a pretty big
portion too. I took half of it to go.
I also got a side of Broccolini Fritti
di Peperoncino (flash fried fresh
broccolini with red chili flake) $7~ I
think they prepared it another way
because it didn't seem flash fried nor
did it have chili flakes on it. Oh
well...still good veggies.
Fettuccine al Prosciutto (wide, flat
noodles in a light parmesan cream sauce
with prosciutto and peas) $18~
I was
able to have some of this. It's like a
alfredo/carbonara... super creamy and
decadent. I really liked it. The peas
were cooked perfectly and the sweetness
paired well with the salty prosciutto.
Not for those watching their waistlines
that's for sure. haha.
I didn't get to try anything else, but
it all looked yummy.
Penne All' Arrabiata (hand rolled quill
shaped pasta with spicy tomato sauce,
pancetta, vodka, basil and pecorino
cheese) $18~
Pesce Branzino (tamarind glazed Chilean
sea bass with lemon basil risotto,
radish sprout, with spicy sweet
portabella mushroom sauce) $30~
Maiale al Forno (spice-rubbed pork
tenderloin with parmesan polenta and
blackberry demi glace) $25~
Osso Bucco alla Milanese (braised veal
shank with traditional sweet pea and
saffron risotto) $38~
Funghi al Forno (oven roasted wild
Italian mushrooms) $9~
So our main waiter wasn't that great.
But the waiter that served our entrees
was super cool. haha. I mean the main guy wasn't rude or anything but after they cleared the entrees, the waiter came with the check. We were all chatting so no one realized that we weren't asked if we wanted any dessert or coffee, etc... at first. We thought it was weird so we called him back and said we at least wanted to see the dessert menu. I think he knew he made a mistake so when he brought the dessert menus he gave us some excuse saying he overheard some people talking about cake earlier and thought we had dessert already... Whatever. Even if we had cake earlier, that doesn't mean we don't want the option of getting more dessert!! Right?! There can never be too much dessert!
And we DID get dessert. I love how all
my friends love to eat. hehehe.
Gelati o Sorbetti (assortment of gelato
and sorbet made fresh daily) $6~
Torta di Limone (pistachio encrusted
lemon tart with fresh berries) $6~
Crema Italiana (maple-flavored custard
with fresh berries) $7~
I got Tiramisu (the Italian classic with
espresso and mascarpone) $7~ It was
pretty good. Nice and light since I was
already pretty full. But pretty
standard, not the best I've had.
Also, just FYI, they don't do split checks but
they can take multiple credit cards so I
took it upon myself to list out all the
totals for each card. Took a while,
but I'm used to it. But it would be nice
for restaurants to be able to do split
checks. Just my thought. Thanks. :P
It was a good time. The food was yummy and portions were pretty big. I probably wouldn't request the private table again though unless the group is bigger. It was hard to shout across the table. haha. I'd recommend this place for a special occasion.
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~~ CHOMP CHOMP ~~
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