This past weekend my old pal Dominic and I decided to catch up on the past year of our lives (Dominic has been living in NYC and before that was living abroad in Paris) over some delicious Indian food at Cafe Tandoor in Westlake. Cafe Tandoor (as the name implies) has a diverse menu specializing in Indian food prepared in a traditional clay tandoor oven. The result is perfectly roasted meat each and every time.
Cafe Tandoor offers everything from tandoori style lamb, shrimp, salmon and chicken to the amazingly delicious yet simple Naan (round flatbread made of flour). I'm a huge fan of the classic Tandoori Chicken but decided to be a little more adventurous and try something new so I went with the Chicken Tikka. Dominic went with his favorite, Butter Chicken and added on a side of rice.
Dom and I had just enough time to discuss his plans to become a multi-millionaire (and let me tell you this kid will really do it) while I in turn updated him on all the "excitement" that only Cleveland can offer before our meal arrived hot, sizzling and very aromatic. My delicious Chicken Tikka consisted of boneless chicken breast pieces marinated in yogurt and apple spices, served on a sizzling skillet with onions and peppers. Dominic's Butter Chicken, a combination of marinated chicken in a creamy tomato and butter sauce, looked like the perfect comfort food on this chilly fall evening. Both of our dishes were delicious and I easily had enough of my Chicken Tikka left for tomorrow's lunch. I must warn you however that even though the chicken and vegetables are so unbelievably tender, they do not reheat well so don't feel guilty eating every last bite of this meal while you can!
To friends and food!
Amy
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Yours Truly
This past weekend I took my mom on a belated birthday excursion on the Cuyahoga Scenic Valley Railroad. After a 2 hour round trip ride through the beautiful metro parks on a historic steam engine, I decided to take my mom to dine where some some very well known celebrities (Jack Nicholson, Halle Berry, Drew Carey, Chuck Berry) and even the President himself have dined....Yours Truly.
Yours Truly is a diner style restaurant located off of Rockside Road that serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner at an extremely affordable price. Whether you sit in one of the orange and green booths, a table or the counter top you're sure to be greeted by the friendly wait staff who offer fast, friendly service. I personally drink like a sailor and our waitress kept my glass of iced tea full with a fresh lemon before I ever hit the ice at the bottom.
Yours Truly has so many fantastic menu offerings that the best way I found to decide which item to try was by watching other people's food going by. I was this close to trying one of their wraps or sandwiches but my mom's veggie omelet order sounded too good not to try so we both went for breakfast.
Our omelets arrive and didn't disappoint one bit. My mom ordered a regular omelet, I ordered mine with egg whites, but they both came filled with a gooey filling of fresh veggies including green pepper, mushroom, onion, spinach, tomato and cheese. For me personally, the egg whites themselves were quadruple a portion I would normally eat at home so I went straight for the delicious veggie filling but could have done with half the egg whites themselves. My mom on the other hand is a much more experienced omelet connoisseur and finished hers off like a pro. We both had wheat toast with jelly on the side which was great for soaking up the veggie juice that formed on the bottom of our plates.
A beautiful sunny day, a delicious lunch and making my mom pose for picture after picture amongst steam engines and coal piles....that's what Saturday mornings are for!
Next stop...Dante which is located right across from Yours Truly. I've been dying to try this place but think I'll be back for a nice dinner out, not so sure they would have appreciated serving chilled market oysters to someone in a sweatshirt and rubber boots!
Woo-woo,
Amy
Yours Truly is a diner style restaurant located off of Rockside Road that serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner at an extremely affordable price. Whether you sit in one of the orange and green booths, a table or the counter top you're sure to be greeted by the friendly wait staff who offer fast, friendly service. I personally drink like a sailor and our waitress kept my glass of iced tea full with a fresh lemon before I ever hit the ice at the bottom.
Yours Truly has so many fantastic menu offerings that the best way I found to decide which item to try was by watching other people's food going by. I was this close to trying one of their wraps or sandwiches but my mom's veggie omelet order sounded too good not to try so we both went for breakfast.
Our omelets arrive and didn't disappoint one bit. My mom ordered a regular omelet, I ordered mine with egg whites, but they both came filled with a gooey filling of fresh veggies including green pepper, mushroom, onion, spinach, tomato and cheese. For me personally, the egg whites themselves were quadruple a portion I would normally eat at home so I went straight for the delicious veggie filling but could have done with half the egg whites themselves. My mom on the other hand is a much more experienced omelet connoisseur and finished hers off like a pro. We both had wheat toast with jelly on the side which was great for soaking up the veggie juice that formed on the bottom of our plates.
A beautiful sunny day, a delicious lunch and making my mom pose for picture after picture amongst steam engines and coal piles....that's what Saturday mornings are for!
Next stop...Dante which is located right across from Yours Truly. I've been dying to try this place but think I'll be back for a nice dinner out, not so sure they would have appreciated serving chilled market oysters to someone in a sweatshirt and rubber boots!
Woo-woo,
Amy
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Happy Hour at the Flying Fig
Shocking as it may sound (since I work downtown), I haven’t made it to many Happy Hour celebrations in C-town. I am usually busy working out, grocery shopping or drooling over shoes I can’t afford, on weeknights. Last night, was the exception.
Stacey (one of my Akron BFFs) was in town for her guitar lesson. I was driving up Lakeside Road about to head onto the shoreway, when she called and informed me she was on W. 25th and asked if I’d like to meet her for Happy Hour. How could I say no?
Much to my excitement and of course, happiness, Stacey asked me to meet her at the Flying Fig. I have in fact, been to the FF during Happy Hour before, but never ordered any of the Happy Hour specials (except the wine of course). I usually cannot resist the small plates or a fabulous entrée off the menu (even if you can save mountains of dough by doing so). However, with saving for a wedding, I definitely have to watch my pennies and HH is the perfect time to save without missing out on the fun.
Last night I went against my “Healthy/Krista wants to be skinny for her Wedding dress diet” and ordered off the Happy Hour menu (the HH menu contains nothing that will slim your waistline, only foods that will leave you feeling super happy/naughty for breaking your diet). I ordered the Bacon Blue Cheese Burger with caramelized onions accompanied by FF French Fries. Without any hesitation, I can report that it was the best Blue Cheese Bacon Burger I’ve ever had-the perfect comfort food after a long day at the office (especially when you wash it down with the HH special Spanish red wine….yummm). The star of the meal however, was not my fabulous burger or fries, but the Wasabi dipping sauce resting on the bar (next to a pile of homemade FF potato chips). While Stacey and I were waiting for our food, I dunked a few potato chips in this absolutely amazing sauce. It was some sort of creamy “ranch like” sauce flavored with the deliciousness of wasabi. We dunked everything in it from the chips to fries to my burger. If I could, I would have taken a bucket of it home.
All in all, I’ve decided that life should be enjoyed by attending more HH celebrations (plus Stacey will be in town every Tuesday and I couldn’t disappoint her ;) ). Especially, if you’ve been working hard all week (by doing spinning in the morning and yoga at lunchtime) then, you can rationalize a lovely diet cheat night at the FF HH that will leave you feeling fabulous without breaking your wallet.
Feel the burn,
-Krista
Stacey (one of my Akron BFFs) was in town for her guitar lesson. I was driving up Lakeside Road about to head onto the shoreway, when she called and informed me she was on W. 25th and asked if I’d like to meet her for Happy Hour. How could I say no?
Much to my excitement and of course, happiness, Stacey asked me to meet her at the Flying Fig. I have in fact, been to the FF during Happy Hour before, but never ordered any of the Happy Hour specials (except the wine of course). I usually cannot resist the small plates or a fabulous entrée off the menu (even if you can save mountains of dough by doing so). However, with saving for a wedding, I definitely have to watch my pennies and HH is the perfect time to save without missing out on the fun.
Last night I went against my “Healthy/Krista wants to be skinny for her Wedding dress diet” and ordered off the Happy Hour menu (the HH menu contains nothing that will slim your waistline, only foods that will leave you feeling super happy/naughty for breaking your diet). I ordered the Bacon Blue Cheese Burger with caramelized onions accompanied by FF French Fries. Without any hesitation, I can report that it was the best Blue Cheese Bacon Burger I’ve ever had-the perfect comfort food after a long day at the office (especially when you wash it down with the HH special Spanish red wine….yummm). The star of the meal however, was not my fabulous burger or fries, but the Wasabi dipping sauce resting on the bar (next to a pile of homemade FF potato chips). While Stacey and I were waiting for our food, I dunked a few potato chips in this absolutely amazing sauce. It was some sort of creamy “ranch like” sauce flavored with the deliciousness of wasabi. We dunked everything in it from the chips to fries to my burger. If I could, I would have taken a bucket of it home.
All in all, I’ve decided that life should be enjoyed by attending more HH celebrations (plus Stacey will be in town every Tuesday and I couldn’t disappoint her ;) ). Especially, if you’ve been working hard all week (by doing spinning in the morning and yoga at lunchtime) then, you can rationalize a lovely diet cheat night at the FF HH that will leave you feeling fabulous without breaking your wallet.
Feel the burn,
-Krista
Monday, September 22, 2008
Vine Valley
The FFF is proud to present another guest foodie review by our fellow friend and foodie, Stacey Scott! Stacey lives in Akron and is going to give us an occasional taste of the fabulous southern Ohio city.
Mediterranean restaurant Vine Valley is located in a unique plaza next to establishments such as Max MCQue’s bar and Nicole’s all in one ice cream parlor/laundromat/tanning salon/nail studio and a self dog wash center that gives blueberry facials. The interior was well lit and a mural covered most of the walls. Vine valley is a good restaurant if you are looking for reasonably priced healthy food, but I would not recommend the double V for a romantic evening or a five star meal.
Items on the menu include both cold and warm appetizers such as stuffed grape leaves and of course the Mediterranean staple, Hummus. My foodie friend Krista who is an avid hummus consumer said these blended chickpeas were good, however she would have preferred a little extra zip of garlic. Our party all ordered entrees from the menu that came with freshly cut romaine salads containing a Lebanese salata, which is a mixture of olive oil, herbs, tomato, parsley, mint and cucumbers. I ordered the lamb sheskabob, which came in-between two pitas and rested on a bed of white rice. The char grilled lamb had excellent flavor. When staring down at this entrée it almost resembled a pita pizza a child might enjoy. The ladies who ordered chicken also received a side of thick garlic sauce on the side.
The belly dancer made for a truly ethnic experience as she rotated her way around the whole room. She was not the most graceful of dancers as she cued her music wrong at the beginning and almost shook her behind right into my friend Krista’s face. However, she was equipped with many colorful fabrics and tiny finger cymbals.
Overall the meal was fair, the service was okay and the dancing was interesting.
For those who enjoy Mediterranean restaurants I highly recommend Aladdin’s in Akron and Dessert Inn in Canton.
-Stacey
Mediterranean restaurant Vine Valley is located in a unique plaza next to establishments such as Max MCQue’s bar and Nicole’s all in one ice cream parlor/laundromat/tanning salon/nail studio and a self dog wash center that gives blueberry facials. The interior was well lit and a mural covered most of the walls. Vine valley is a good restaurant if you are looking for reasonably priced healthy food, but I would not recommend the double V for a romantic evening or a five star meal.
Items on the menu include both cold and warm appetizers such as stuffed grape leaves and of course the Mediterranean staple, Hummus. My foodie friend Krista who is an avid hummus consumer said these blended chickpeas were good, however she would have preferred a little extra zip of garlic. Our party all ordered entrees from the menu that came with freshly cut romaine salads containing a Lebanese salata, which is a mixture of olive oil, herbs, tomato, parsley, mint and cucumbers. I ordered the lamb sheskabob, which came in-between two pitas and rested on a bed of white rice. The char grilled lamb had excellent flavor. When staring down at this entrée it almost resembled a pita pizza a child might enjoy. The ladies who ordered chicken also received a side of thick garlic sauce on the side.
The belly dancer made for a truly ethnic experience as she rotated her way around the whole room. She was not the most graceful of dancers as she cued her music wrong at the beginning and almost shook her behind right into my friend Krista’s face. However, she was equipped with many colorful fabrics and tiny finger cymbals.
Overall the meal was fair, the service was okay and the dancing was interesting.
For those who enjoy Mediterranean restaurants I highly recommend Aladdin’s in Akron and Dessert Inn in Canton.
-Stacey
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Park and Shop Asian Market
Due to rising fuel costs, wedding saving and good old saving...the FFF has taken a serious foodie hit....We've been too broke to enjoy our fancy feasts!
Alas, this is very sad, but our hope for hitting up some more gourmet experiences...will never die. :)
This has also force us to be more creative. I realized that being a foodie doesn't always have to be about dining in fancy schmancy restaurants...it is about enjoying fabulous food!
Even if it is considered, "too healthy" or you are on a budget...it can all be fabulous!
Today I went to the brand new Asian market, Park and Shop (E.30th street downtown off Chester) with my lovely co-worker Jean. I was on the hunt for Tofu Shirataki noodles (I read about them on HungryGirl.com they are very low calorie, low carb noodles and I am trying to fit into a gorgeous wedding dress). I did not find the noodles, which at first made me very sad. What I did find, ahhhhh so much better.
I found 0 calorie 0 carb noodles, called, Yam Noodles! I have read that these don't taste like much, but they absorb any flavor you can throw at them! I can't wait to try these out in a stir fry or with some peanut sauce.
But wait there is more....
The Park and Shop Market was awesome! They had a whole room devoted to noodles, and the entire store is as large as a normal supermarket. I wish I would have had more time to shop there. Everything was amazing! There was rows and rows of tea, exotic fish, meat and vegetables, a prepared food section that had everything from the fantastic looking (I think I drooled a little) Roast Duck (Only $9.75 for a whole duck mmmm dinner for me and Steve) to the extremely odd...Cuttle Fish. I think I am going too avoid that one. :)
Best of all, everything is very inexpensive! I even saw one of my healthy staples, Laughing Cow Cheese for only $2.55 (normally $3.99 at Giant Eagle).
I am very excited to head back, and am taking the lovely foodie Amy with me next chance I get!
Krista
Alas, this is very sad, but our hope for hitting up some more gourmet experiences...will never die. :)
This has also force us to be more creative. I realized that being a foodie doesn't always have to be about dining in fancy schmancy restaurants...it is about enjoying fabulous food!
Even if it is considered, "too healthy" or you are on a budget...it can all be fabulous!
Today I went to the brand new Asian market, Park and Shop (E.30th street downtown off Chester) with my lovely co-worker Jean. I was on the hunt for Tofu Shirataki noodles (I read about them on HungryGirl.com they are very low calorie, low carb noodles and I am trying to fit into a gorgeous wedding dress). I did not find the noodles, which at first made me very sad. What I did find, ahhhhh so much better.
I found 0 calorie 0 carb noodles, called, Yam Noodles! I have read that these don't taste like much, but they absorb any flavor you can throw at them! I can't wait to try these out in a stir fry or with some peanut sauce.
But wait there is more....
The Park and Shop Market was awesome! They had a whole room devoted to noodles, and the entire store is as large as a normal supermarket. I wish I would have had more time to shop there. Everything was amazing! There was rows and rows of tea, exotic fish, meat and vegetables, a prepared food section that had everything from the fantastic looking (I think I drooled a little) Roast Duck (Only $9.75 for a whole duck mmmm dinner for me and Steve) to the extremely odd...Cuttle Fish. I think I am going too avoid that one. :)
Best of all, everything is very inexpensive! I even saw one of my healthy staples, Laughing Cow Cheese for only $2.55 (normally $3.99 at Giant Eagle).
I am very excited to head back, and am taking the lovely foodie Amy with me next chance I get!
Krista
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Star at Playhouse Square
I adore Playhouse Square. I have the fondest memories of heading there when I was a “little Krista” to see the Nutcracker at Christmastime or the summer my Mom bought us a multi-show pass and we got to see everything from, Little Women to The Hobbit. Fortunately, these days I am often lucky enough to receive tickets to many shows at fabulous PHS courtesy of my office. Thanks office! ;)
Last night, my Mom, Brittney and I were headed to the State Theater to see, Mama Mia (It was amazing! It is my new favorite musical!). We decided to stop at Star restaurant before the show. Brittney and I have been once before when we went to see the Lion King (also an awesome show…not just for kids!), and enjoyed it very much, but I was dying to try it again.
I love the Star restaurant; it is not only extremely conveniently located in Playhouse Square, but the ambiance, food and service is remarkable! I love any restaraunt that features live piano playing. It is also a very romantic spot for a date, if you can wrangle your man into seeing a play (I never have that problem with Steve :) ). We were greeted by an incredibly friendly server and the rest of the experience went by way too quickly. We all ordered salads, I was incredibly happy with my Bibb Salad with fresh goat cheese and toasted pine nuts topped off with balsamic vinaigrette. As Brittney put it, “You adore salads like this in restaurants, and you never make them at home.” Well, I’ve definitely tried to repeat these at home, but they are never as good. Brittney and Mom ordered the Spinach Salad with red onion, strawberries and feta cheese, tossed with apple cider vinaigrette. They both enjoyed them immensely.
For the main event, we all enjoyed the lighter side of the menu. Mom ordered the Ahi Tuna crusted with sesame seeds and bok choy, Brittney ordered the Chicken with ratatouille tomato with olive tapenade and I ordered the Salmon with greens, citrus, cous cous and roasted red pepper sauce. Of course, we all shared our fabulous entrees. The most adventurous dish for me was Brittney’s and I was instantly a little jealous. According to my sister, I often order the wrong thing and then fall in love with someone else’s entrée-be prepared if you go out to eat with me. I also enjoyed my salmon very much, it was not fishy-just salty, and sweet and went perfectly with the roasted red pepper sauce. Mom’s entrée was also very good and once Steve hears about it, he will be quite sad he missed out on it (he loves Ahi Tuna).
Our time began to run out, because the show was starting, but we still wanted to check out the dessert menu. Due to my desire to want to save money and shrink inches from my waist (wedding), I opted out of ordering any. I did get to try a bite of the Cheesecake Britney ordered and the Mango Tear Drop (a gelatin/flan-like dessert) Mom ordered. The Mango Tear Drop was amazing. I believe the desserts there change regularly for the seasons…so I would head to Star and try that Mango Tear Drop before it disappears.
As far as the Mama Mia performance, it was absolutely wonderful and left my Mom dancing to what else, but the “Dancing Queen” in the aisle of the theater. At first I was thinking “Oh I can’t take her anywhere” :) and then I looked over and EVERY Mom was dancing in the aisle. The show is hilarious, cute and full of catchy ABBA songs. Girls, take your Moms to see it, you won’t regret it!
Taking my bow,
Krista
Star Restaraunt on the web: http://www.staratplayhousesquare.com/
Last night, my Mom, Brittney and I were headed to the State Theater to see, Mama Mia (It was amazing! It is my new favorite musical!). We decided to stop at Star restaurant before the show. Brittney and I have been once before when we went to see the Lion King (also an awesome show…not just for kids!), and enjoyed it very much, but I was dying to try it again.
I love the Star restaurant; it is not only extremely conveniently located in Playhouse Square, but the ambiance, food and service is remarkable! I love any restaraunt that features live piano playing. It is also a very romantic spot for a date, if you can wrangle your man into seeing a play (I never have that problem with Steve :) ). We were greeted by an incredibly friendly server and the rest of the experience went by way too quickly. We all ordered salads, I was incredibly happy with my Bibb Salad with fresh goat cheese and toasted pine nuts topped off with balsamic vinaigrette. As Brittney put it, “You adore salads like this in restaurants, and you never make them at home.” Well, I’ve definitely tried to repeat these at home, but they are never as good. Brittney and Mom ordered the Spinach Salad with red onion, strawberries and feta cheese, tossed with apple cider vinaigrette. They both enjoyed them immensely.
For the main event, we all enjoyed the lighter side of the menu. Mom ordered the Ahi Tuna crusted with sesame seeds and bok choy, Brittney ordered the Chicken with ratatouille tomato with olive tapenade and I ordered the Salmon with greens, citrus, cous cous and roasted red pepper sauce. Of course, we all shared our fabulous entrees. The most adventurous dish for me was Brittney’s and I was instantly a little jealous. According to my sister, I often order the wrong thing and then fall in love with someone else’s entrée-be prepared if you go out to eat with me. I also enjoyed my salmon very much, it was not fishy-just salty, and sweet and went perfectly with the roasted red pepper sauce. Mom’s entrée was also very good and once Steve hears about it, he will be quite sad he missed out on it (he loves Ahi Tuna).
Our time began to run out, because the show was starting, but we still wanted to check out the dessert menu. Due to my desire to want to save money and shrink inches from my waist (wedding), I opted out of ordering any. I did get to try a bite of the Cheesecake Britney ordered and the Mango Tear Drop (a gelatin/flan-like dessert) Mom ordered. The Mango Tear Drop was amazing. I believe the desserts there change regularly for the seasons…so I would head to Star and try that Mango Tear Drop before it disappears.
As far as the Mama Mia performance, it was absolutely wonderful and left my Mom dancing to what else, but the “Dancing Queen” in the aisle of the theater. At first I was thinking “Oh I can’t take her anywhere” :) and then I looked over and EVERY Mom was dancing in the aisle. The show is hilarious, cute and full of catchy ABBA songs. Girls, take your Moms to see it, you won’t regret it!
Taking my bow,
Krista
Star Restaraunt on the web: http://www.staratplayhousesquare.com/
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Four rules for the Flying Fig
There are four rules to live by when going out.
1) Bring Friends
2) Everyone order something different
3) Share it all
4) Leave Happy
I put these rules to the test last Sunday at the Flying Fig, a small eatery & bar on the west side. It may be a small eatery, but do not be afraid to bring friends, family, acquaintances, or random people off the street, they have plenty of space for everyone. I love to try as many things as I can when I go out, to the displeasure of my bathroom scale (I would hate to deprive myself of the chance to try a dish). With an ever changing menu full of fresh locally grown delights, the same experience is never had twice. Unfortunately, that also means you had better try that mouthwatering special or seasonal favorite before it is gone.. which brings us to rule 2. The menu is not huge; it is large enough to have all the right things but still small enough to make the choices simple (well everything is good so it is not too simple). There is something for every taste. Basic steak or pork chop for the meat and potatoes type (which are closer to decadently mouthwatering than basic), scallops for those looking for a bit of seafood, or something more exotic.
The best thing about the Fig is the selection of small plates. They allow you to try a bit of everything without breaking your scale, or your wallet. Follow rule 2, and have everyone order a different selection of smalls, then proceed to rule 3. If something in particular jumps off your plate, or your friends, you can always order a second round.
My favorite of the smalls is the Medjool Dates-plump dates wrapped in smoked bacon and stuffed with chorizo (I almost had to break rule 3, well in fact I tried, but one was poached while I was distracted). These beauties fill your mouth with the sweetness of the date, smokiness of the bacon and the slight spice of the chorizo. It is a dish to be savored, allowing first one then another flavor spread over your tongue until you lose track of where you are where you came from; excited about where it will take you next. When you finally find yourself back to your seat, it is time for another bite.
The seared scallops with braised beef are also very good with a delightful contrast between the scallop and beef, although the spotlight of the dish is stolen by its side dish. If, you can really call the horseradish potato puree a side dish. It is simple yet packs a lot of flavor; I have even tried to remake it at home with varying degrees of success. It is not uncommon at the Fig for a side to steal the show.
The Sautéed Plum Creek Farm Chicken Livers, which were done to perfection, were served on a bed of spinach with caramelized onions, smoked bacon, and creamy goat cheese (which thankfully, I was able to escape without sharing, we will not tell rule 3).
The homemade Kim Chee, while a little less spicy than expected, offered a nice contrast to its main dish the crusted Tofu. Yes tofu, I know what many of you are thinking. "Tofu is bland and only fit for those health nuts on a calorie counting diet" ..well you would be wrong. This tofu has flavor, let me repeat that, it has flavor. It is good, trust me, and if you do not want to trust me go with someone who does and sneak a bit. I will not be looking, but remember, I told you so.
One down side to sampling a bit of everything is when the time for dessert comes around. You may be too full... do not let this happen to you. Pace yourself, and always remember there is more to come. It would be a shame to reach the final stretch and have to watch as your friends dig into their fig ice cream or molten chocolate cake.
If you follow rules 1 through 3 I promise number 4 will take care of itself.
Cheers,
Steve
1) Bring Friends
2) Everyone order something different
3) Share it all
4) Leave Happy
I put these rules to the test last Sunday at the Flying Fig, a small eatery & bar on the west side. It may be a small eatery, but do not be afraid to bring friends, family, acquaintances, or random people off the street, they have plenty of space for everyone. I love to try as many things as I can when I go out, to the displeasure of my bathroom scale (I would hate to deprive myself of the chance to try a dish). With an ever changing menu full of fresh locally grown delights, the same experience is never had twice. Unfortunately, that also means you had better try that mouthwatering special or seasonal favorite before it is gone.. which brings us to rule 2. The menu is not huge; it is large enough to have all the right things but still small enough to make the choices simple (well everything is good so it is not too simple). There is something for every taste. Basic steak or pork chop for the meat and potatoes type (which are closer to decadently mouthwatering than basic), scallops for those looking for a bit of seafood, or something more exotic.
The best thing about the Fig is the selection of small plates. They allow you to try a bit of everything without breaking your scale, or your wallet. Follow rule 2, and have everyone order a different selection of smalls, then proceed to rule 3. If something in particular jumps off your plate, or your friends, you can always order a second round.
My favorite of the smalls is the Medjool Dates-plump dates wrapped in smoked bacon and stuffed with chorizo (I almost had to break rule 3, well in fact I tried, but one was poached while I was distracted). These beauties fill your mouth with the sweetness of the date, smokiness of the bacon and the slight spice of the chorizo. It is a dish to be savored, allowing first one then another flavor spread over your tongue until you lose track of where you are where you came from; excited about where it will take you next. When you finally find yourself back to your seat, it is time for another bite.
The seared scallops with braised beef are also very good with a delightful contrast between the scallop and beef, although the spotlight of the dish is stolen by its side dish. If, you can really call the horseradish potato puree a side dish. It is simple yet packs a lot of flavor; I have even tried to remake it at home with varying degrees of success. It is not uncommon at the Fig for a side to steal the show.
The Sautéed Plum Creek Farm Chicken Livers, which were done to perfection, were served on a bed of spinach with caramelized onions, smoked bacon, and creamy goat cheese (which thankfully, I was able to escape without sharing, we will not tell rule 3).
The homemade Kim Chee, while a little less spicy than expected, offered a nice contrast to its main dish the crusted Tofu. Yes tofu, I know what many of you are thinking. "Tofu is bland and only fit for those health nuts on a calorie counting diet" ..well you would be wrong. This tofu has flavor, let me repeat that, it has flavor. It is good, trust me, and if you do not want to trust me go with someone who does and sneak a bit. I will not be looking, but remember, I told you so.
One down side to sampling a bit of everything is when the time for dessert comes around. You may be too full... do not let this happen to you. Pace yourself, and always remember there is more to come. It would be a shame to reach the final stretch and have to watch as your friends dig into their fig ice cream or molten chocolate cake.
If you follow rules 1 through 3 I promise number 4 will take care of itself.
Cheers,
Steve
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