Monthly Archives: January 2011

Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse

January 14, 2011 | by Ben 4

Sarah has wanted to go to Wasabi in Beachwood for a while based on Doug Trattner’s review, but I wasn’t looking forward to it. While I’ve found hibachi restaurants to be entertaining, the saltiness and greasiness has always overshadowed the flavors. This wasn’t the case at Wasabi.

The décor of Wasabi is more upscale than a typical hibachi restaurant, with stylish metal and stone surfaces infused with blue light. There is also a wall of blue glass with water flowing through it. Jonathan was endlessly fascinated by the décor, and was too often too busy pointing out details to respond to basic qu… continue reading

NYC Chocolate Tour

January 11, 2011 | by Sarah 3

On a recent trip to Manhattan we put together a little tour of some chocolate stores. The first two are on the Upper West side, while the next four require a subway trip from there to Canal Street (and some walking).

Jacques Torres
285 Amsterdam

The first thing to hit you when you enter the store is the smell, it smells like dark chocolate. The store itself was one of the larger ones we visited, with a coffee bar and ice cream counter. There are huge stacks of delicious looking chocolate chip cookies and a decent selection of individual chocolates. The truffles here were excellent, thoroughly infused but not overpowering. The spiced wine and ginger stood out.

Belgian NeuHaus
2151 Broadway

This was a smaller store with an elegant display. N9t surprisingly, the chocolates here are clearly Belgian–mild and buttery without being overly rich, with plenty of hazelnut varieties. They were extremely tasty and satisfying, though, with perhaps the best mouthfeel of any chocolates … continue reading

Southwestern Bread Pudding (Top Chef)

January 10, 2011 | by Ben 0

We enjoy watching Top Chef and have meant to try a recipe from the show for a while. Tre’s bread pudding seemed simple enough, and we had most of the ingredients on hand. It turned out really well.

Southwestern Inspired Bread Pudding with Cheddar, Jalapeño and Bacon

(Adapted from here)

2 bell peppers, 1 yellow and one green, seeded and chopped.
1 Jalapeño or other hot pepper, chopped
1/2 pound rustic bread, torn into large chunks and coarsely chopped in blender or food processor
scant 3 cups chicken broth (we used organic “Better than Bullion”)
1 cup cream
1 cup half and half (or more cream)
1 Whole Egg
1 bunch Cilantro
Salt, Pepper, Chili Powder, Cumin, to taste
6 ounces Aged Cheddar Cheese (we used Tillamook), cut into small pieces
8 oz. bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional–we didn’t use it as it wasn’t listed in the recipe, but it would definitely be a great addition)

(1) Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

(2) Add broth and peppers to medium … continue reading