Dining Out: Kitchen A Bistro

There is nothing I like more than a great meal for a great price and Kitchen A Bistro is serving up that combination. For $45 (cash only) you get 3 courses and to top it off the restaurant is BYO and does not charge a corkage fee, you can't beat that!!!

I have had many delicious meals over the past 10 years at Kitchen A Bistro, but living in the city it is hard to get there as often as I would like. Lucky for me its summertime and I tend to go back to my parents house for weekends to beat the heat and this past weekend they decided to ask my sister and I to join them for dinner at Kitchen A Bistro.

Word's can't describe how fantastic our dinner was so I made sure to take pictures to allow you to join in on the experience.

 

To start we were sent out an amuse bouche which was a red pepper and tomato soup with a rice ball on the side, I ate the rice ball and remembered I had to get a photo. 

 

Next up appetizers... on the table we had the Sweet Pea, Arugula, Almond and Goat Cheese Salad, Ratatouille with crispy Farm Egg, Ragu Bianco with Creamy Polenta (aka my new favorite dish!)

 Next we were sent out a few more appetizers the Local Vegetable Salad of Beets and Radishes with Fried Garlic Sausage, Soft Shell Crab with Fermented Black Beans. 

 For main courses we had the Braised Short Ribs and Chicken and we paired them both with Kale and Polenta Fries, also served was the Halibut and Clams with Roasted Fennel and Ocean Broth. 

 

 Before desert was sent out we were sent one final amuse bouche which was a piece of Watermelon with Rhubarb Sauce and a piece of Mint. It was a great way to end a perfect meal!!!!

 Desert was the third course but we were all so full we took two to go and headed home. A great meal with a great family.

A Day Full of Liquids and Workouts... and more

I started the day catching up on some Nutrition School work. Last week had been extremely busy and it was time to get back on track. While I was home doing my work I made myself a Boars Head Low Sodium Turkey Sandwich and had it with a BluePrint Red Juice containing Apple, Carrot, Beet, Lemon and Ginger. The flavor of the juice packs a big punch, it is really refreshing and an enjoyable way to add fruits and vegetables into a diet. 

After I finished a good portion of my work I headed to spin class at NYHRC. I had broken my foot back in February and was unable to spin until this past weekend. This was my third class in four days, I am an addict!!!! The class was fantastic I really got in a good burn. There were quite a few hills and the perfect amount of sprints. While there was no jumping today I was glad because I figured both my legs and foot could use the break. 

When spin was over I headed downstairs to the attached to-go Organic and Vegetarian restaurant, Terri. For some reason I had never noticed it before but my friend Nikki mentioned dropping in after a recent workout and walking out with a great juice and some kale chips and mentioned some salads they had on the menu. Since I knew I would be going to Core Fusion at Exhale later in the day I thought it would be good to grab something on the go since I would be running errands for a bit and not home before class.

I decided to order the Brazilian Bombshell Smoothie which contains acai, acerola, blueberry, mango, banana and I replaced soymilk with almond milk, I also got a container of Kale Chips and took a menu to go as I knew this would be the first trip of many to Terri. (PS – they offer a 3 day juice cleanse for $155!!!)  The juice was absolutely fantastic and the chips were the perfect consistency, it was exactly what I needed to take me through the day until Core Fusion.

After some further school work, searching for jobs and running some errands it was time to head to Core Fusion. Thanks to Ruelala.com bought a 10 pack for classes otherwise I would be sticking to the DVD’s right now. Well, I am so glad that I was able to go to class today, the teacher Michael who was a substitute for the day was great and I felt thoroughly challenged throughout the class (and just 4 hours later I am feeling sore.)

I ended the day with a favorite, SUSHI! A brown rice California roll, brown rice Alaska roll and one piece of Ikura sushi followed by a Blueprint Green Juice containing romaine, celery, cucumber, apple, spinach, kale, parsley, lemon and ginger. 

Day’s like today do not happen as often as I would like but I look forward to challenging myself these days more of a common occurrence in my life.  Of course I am headed out of the city for a good portion of the next two weeks and I hope I can find options equally as good for me.

Dining Out: Tree Bistro

Last week was my bff Cari's birthday. Living on a budget can get tough especially with all of the great restaurants in New York City but I am lucky to have a great group of adventurous friends always looking to share dishes and try out new foods.

After making a reservation for 7 at Tree Bistro I proceeded to look over the menu and think about who would share what.

I was in luck. We started the meal with two orders of Grilled Flatbread duck confit, caramelized onions, goat cheese, fresh orange segments, and plum balsamic reduction which was absolutely delicious as well as one order of Fried Oysters.

While I did not get pictures of all of the dishes since the food was so good it went quickly the following entrees were also enjoyed:

Seared Sea Scallops lemon butter, cracked pepper, frisee, bacon, almond, sherry vinaigrette

Seared Salmon lemon dill aioli, red onion and red pepper daikon slaw

Steak Frites sliced hanger steak, pomme frites, and horseradish butter

Chicken Florentine spinach, ricotta, and pinenut stuffing, roasted fingerling potatoes, and garden pea puree

And my main course:

Monkfish parsnip puree, red pepper relish, brussels sprout leaf salad

Each dish was cooked to perfection and had such great flavors. The scallops and salmon were cooked to perfection, the chicken and its sides were a perfect match, the steak was the perfect pink in the center with delicious friens and the brussel sprout salad with the monkfish was fantastic!

To top it off the ambiance of the restaurant was great. While inside it seems like a small space, the back opens up to a large spacious garden perfect for a summer night!! I look forward to going back to Tree Bistro for many occasions to come.

Dining Out: Pure Food and Wine Bar

This past week I met up with two fellow students currently enrolled in IIN. It was nice to put some names to faces and get to know two other people going through the same process I am going through. After three years living a birds-eye-view from Pure Food and Wine Bar I was glad this was the chosen location since I had been wanting to try it.

We started off the meal by sharing the Plate Of Assorted Cultured Dr. Cow Tree Nut Cheeses And Rosemary Crisps accompanied with strawberries and pea shoots.


While I did not get a photo of the platter this one looks very similar. However the cheeses on our plate were an algae cashew cheese that was delightful and reminded me of a less aggressive blue cheese, an aged cashew and dulse (seaweed) that was nice and smoky and lastly an aged cashew cheese that was creamy with a light flavor.

Having an allergy to dairy this was by far my favorite part of the meal. I always enjoy learning about new foods and this was definitely a learning experience for me. I will definitely be on the lookout for stores selling Dr. Cow Nut Cheeses the Rosemary Quackers are available at Pure Food and Wine's takeaway Restaurant One Lucky Duck.

For entree's both Laura of The Daily Dubie and Alisha had the Sweet Corn And Cashew Tamales with chili spiced portabella, salsa verde, cashew coconut sour cream, avocado, raw cacao mole. They were both extremely pleased with the dish and how large the portions were.

I opted to have the Zucchini, Local Greenhouse Tomato Lasagna basil pistachio pesto, sun-dried tomato marinara, macadamia pumpkin seed ricotta. I had heard from numerous people how wonderful this dish is and I thought it was time I finally try it. The dish, while vegetable based was not as light as I had imagined, it was surprisingly heavy and I was not even able to finish half of the serving. I am not a vegan but it was great to see the options that are available. Combinations I had never even thought of create such unique flavors.

All in all the dinner was a success, the company was great and the food was a nice change for me. I really look forward to exploring Nut Cheese further and incorporating vegan aspects into my diet.

Superfoods Part IX

Last week I mentioned three summer superfoods. Even though it is not feeling like summer in New York right now I am hoping that this post will make the sun start shining. Here are three more superfoods to add to your diet this summer.

Raspberries – I have talked about Strawberries, Blueberries and Blackberries and now it is time to learn the benefits of Raspberries. This berry is full of antioxidants, anticarcinogenics, and antimicrobials hitting the trifecta of superoods. Raspberries are high in the trace mineral manganese, which supports an active metabolism. At less than 100 calories a cup, these berries provide a third of your daily requirement for fiber.

How to prepare: I like to add them to a smoothie, add them to granola or yogurt for breakfast add to a salad for some flavor as a dressing, or just eat them buy the handful; however you eat these you can’t go wrong.

Asparagus – Also known to me as my mother’s favorite vegetable, asparagus has many health benefits. At only 40 calories per cup, asparagus contain 288 milligrams of potassium as well as 3 grams of fiber which aids in cleansing the digestive system. Asparagus is also rich in potassium, vitamin A, and folate which gives it anti-aging functions, aids in protecting against cancer, reducing pain and inflammation, reducing risk of heart disease as well as birth defects. Asparagus also contains vitamin K which can help prevent osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.

How to prepare: Roast them, grill them, sauté them, add them to a salad, whatever you do eat them. Grill them and squeeze some lemon on top for a healthy snack or add them to a salad or entrée.

Watermelon – Not only does this juice quench your thirst, but it also taste great and a full cup of watermelon contains only 46 calories, and contains plenty of vitamin C and A as well minerals and nutrients said to help fight inflammation that contributes to conditions like asthma, atherosclerosis, diabetes, colon cancer, and arthritis. Pink watermelon is also a source of the potent carotenoid antioxidant, lycopene. These powerful antioxidants travel through the body neutralizing free radicals. Free radicals are substances in the body that can cause a great deal of damage.

How to prepare: A great treat on a warm summer day or even on a cold day indoors, watermelon is one of my favorite fruits. I have recently started to add into smoothies, I love to eat watermelon alone and it is great in a salad with peaches and feta cheese!

Be sure to check out my past Super Food Entries:

Superfoods Part I / Superfoods Part II / Superfoods Part III / Superfoods Part IV / Superfoods Part V / Superfoods Part VI / Superfoods Part VII / Superfoods Part VIII

NYC Brunch Edition: `Inoteca

What a gorgeous New York City weekend we had sunshine and warm weather, ideal for outdoor dining. My friend Cari and I decided to grab brunch not once, but twice this weekend at `Inoteca. Saturday was such a hit we just had to go back again Sunday.

 

If you follow my blog you know Kale has quickly become one of my favorite leafy green vegetables and `Inoteca has a Kale Salad that is right up my alley - Cavolo Nero w/ fennel, ricotta salata & candied almonds… can you say HEAVEN! I decided to pair my salad with 3 different Bruschette; caponata, sweet pea and zucchini and had a glass of Lambrusco… let’s face it no brunch is complete without a drink. Cari decided to go with a breakfast Panini which was also delicious! I do not have a photo of that; I was too busy enjoying my salad. 

Well Sunday morning came along and I was still thinking about my salad from the day before and since it was another nice day Cari and I decided to meet up for Brunch again. This time we both went for salads and Bruschette. I again had to Cavolo Nero w/ fennel, ricotta salata & candied almonds (I wanted to be sure I had it one more time before my cleanse) as well as3 different Bruschette; tapenade, caponata  (so good I had it twice) and lastly toscana which was a Chicken Liver Pâté that the waiter recommended. I again paired the meal with a glass of Lambrusco. 

 

After seeing how delicious my salad was Saturday, Cari decided to go for a salad and Bruschette as well on Sunday. Cari ordered the Insalata di gamberetti which was a salad of poached shrimp over a bed of watercress, breakfast radishes and an orange dressing with orange rind , this salad was absolutely delicious, the perfect portion size and fantastic flavors. She tried 3 new Bruschette; fagioli, pesto and roasted garlic. She paired her meal with a glass of Prosecco. 

All I can say is if you would like a fantastic salad for a light lunch of dinner at `Inoteca is a great option and of course they have much more on the menu!!!

My New Love, Cilantro Margaritas

Last night was my friend Lucy's birthday and she decided on Vamos! for dinner. Seeing as I had Taco Night Friday it seemed fitting in the theme of my weekend.  


Since dinner was at 9pm I didn't want to eat to heavy so I approached the meal with a plan. I find it important to map out your meal if eating out; I tend to check a menu prior to make sure there is something healthy on the menu.

I do like to indulge a bit on the weekend, with that said I called up my friend Cari and asked her if she wanted to split Shrimp Fajitas, of course she was interested so that is just what we did.



Ilene, Cari and Myself

We sat down for dinner and everyone ordered a Cilantro Margarita, I had never been to Vamos! before and never had the drink and let me tell you it was AMAZING!!!!!

The Shrimp Fajitas were fantastic and the Margaritas (two to be exact) totally hit the spot!!!!

  

It's nice to be able to go out to eat and not have to worry about caloric intake while out since you have already planned your day or week to fit it in. I will gladly bike a few extra miles to have a cocktail with friends.

Life is all about balance; hit the gym for a few extra minutes if you are concerned about a group dinner, read the menu beforehand so you are not overwhelmed by options when you arrive. You are in charge of your life and your choices, so make good ones and most of all have fun!!!!

Happy Birthday Lucy!!!!!

Cooking with Friends - Taco Night

Instead of going out to dinner and spending a ton of cash Friday night I decided to invite my friends Sami, Nikki and Aly over for a night of cooking and relaxing.

Taco's and Skinnygirl Margarita's a fun night for just about $50. Can't beat that!!!





Ingredients:

 - Old Paso Taco Set

- Black Beans

- WW wraps

- Tomatoes

- Avocados

- Onion

- Spanish Rice

- Cilantro

- Greek Yogurt


Below are some photos of the chefs in the kitchen, and the great spread we put together

 

 Nikki on the Pico

     

I am cooking the Turkey Meat



Aly mashing the Guacamole 

     

Dinner is served!!!!

Happiness is....

"The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you got to put up with the rain."

After 8 weeks of rain, today the rainbow finally came through; pretty ironic that it is a rainy NYC day. After 8 weeks sitting around I finally am back in the gym and got to celebrate with Nikki!!!!

Today I woke up to the sounds of drills in what seemed to be every apartment around mine. So I decided to be proactive now that I have the go ahead to begin slowly working out. So I put on my gym clothes grabbed my Nutrition textbook and headed to NYHRC.

I planted myself on a stationary bike and figured I would get to about 20 minutes and be shot... well I was wrong, and couldn't be happier. I sat on the bike reading for a total of 63 minutes which came to 8 miles and 285 calories burned, I couldn't be more pleased, but it didn't stop there.

My BFF/Gym Partner Nikki decided to come and meet me and we then spent an hour catching up (though we had just seen each other Sunday) and continued the workout with arms, leg lifts and abdominal exercises (thanks to a trainer between clients my abs are already sore).

I finished with some stretching and then decided it was off to Eataly I go. Nikki decided to come with me after a little push... We intended to pick up food that I would prepare for dinner but after seeing a couple eating a great sandwich  we decided to split one and have some wine, really who can turn down a glass of wine and a light lunch?!?! Not this girl.

We spilt a sandwich of Italian Chicken Burger with Shrimp in a Tomato Sauce... HEAVEN!!! And the perfect size to split after a workout.

This was by far one of the best weekdays I have had in a while. I am so happy to be back in the gym and glad I can walk around again with just minimal pain.

While I was at Eataly I also got some food to cook for dinner so stay tuned for that.... It will be a dish with Dover Sole, Quinoa and mixed vegetables

Hope you are having a great Tuesday!!!!