Eating With Ziggy

Turks and Caicos – Beach House

Posted on March 23, 2013 by Ziggy

The Beach House at the Beach House near Beaches House right by the Beach is the latest addition to Provo’s ever growing and competitive fine dining scene. In a weird way the Beach House at Beach House reminds me of a quote from the Godfather; Don Corleone, I am honored and grateful that you have invited me to your daughter’s wedding…on the day of your daughter’s wedding. Don Eric Vernice is not a exactly a stranger to Provo’s haute cuisine. Classicly trained French Vernice, fromerly with Parallel 23 created an intense and ambitious foie/wagyu/foam filled menu, or as they call it in my village, a “Fufu”. In a way the menu resembles a fine Italian menu, with some good looking pasta/risotto options mid way. The manager of the Beach House left a few weeks ago and so we didn’t get all the farm to table talk as others did. Perhaps the former manager finally realized its farm to freezer to plane to mule to table and found it difficult to believe

You may find the setting a little odd next to the resort pool but it didnt bother me. We did however get the largest round table for 8 (plus baby) we’ve ever seen. Since texting wasnt an option here, in order to talk to my kids I had to ask the always available waiters to deliver them notes.

The dishes at the Beach House ranged from good to very good to exceptional, and overall it was a very enjoyable meal from start to finish. I was joined again by the Conch snob, Pasta snob, Just snob, Chicken snob (1 year), and an Aruba snob (Father in law).

The details here are a little murky. Delicious bread to start things off. Very rarely delicious bread is followed by mediocre food, since this is an indication of the type of attention to detail. Super sized table meant super sized dishes like the Tomato Mozzarella plate (biggest I’ve seen), a gorgeous looking and tasting app of heirloom tomatoes and savory buffalo mozzarella. Conch snob liked his Conch Extravaganza, a true extravaganza of curried conch, conch chowder, and conch rolls of some sort. My favorite app however was mine, perfectly seared scallops (below) with this runny french potato-like puree “espuma” of cauliflower. Thank you dear Jesus for sending me a wife who is not too fond of Scallops.

We tried just about all the risottos and pastas on the menu and there was not a bad seed in the bunch. Fantastic Cavatelli with seafood (more scallops thank you), a nice seafood risotto, Strozzapreti (Priest stranglers :evil:) with ricotta and braised veal shank was so good that I cant even describe it. Meaning the Pasta snob ate the entire thing without offering any to the food blogger. “You were sitting too far”. Nice try! Aruba snob enjoyed his rabbit risotto or I thought he did until… “Is there a place here that sells Schnitzels”. “No”. “In Aruba there is one. They make great Schnitzels”.

Main courses mainly did not disappoint. Nice Wagyu beef special served rare on top a very interesting short rib Shepard pie. A very inventive and delicious dish. So was the Snapper, although perhaps a bit too interesting for mrs Ziggy. A complex combination of flavors in this one with root veggies, and more, where every bite delivered different tastes. Some enjoyed their Branzino special. The dessert sampler was on the mark as well and nicely priced for such a plate.

One thing I should note is that one can get away with ordering a few apps here including a pasta dish but chances are once you see the mains temptation wins. Overall, I think I appreciate the Beach House and the creativity of Eric Vernice a bit more after this post. Chances are this one will be a culinary force for years to come, and I cant wait to come back for more Priest Stranglers and the rest of them.

Recommended Dishes: Scallops, Conch Extravaganza, Tomato Mozzarella, Cavatelli, Snapper, Strozzapreti 😡

Turks and Caicos – Hemingway’s

Posted on March 11, 2013 by Ziggy

A trip to Provo feels incomplete to us without lunch at Hemingway’s at the Sands. This was our first meal in Provo when we discovered the island back in 2006 while staying at the Sands so the sentimental value is there. But I dont go back for sentimental values alone, nor for just the view, nor for Jojo’s bell which you have to ring when you see Jojo the dolphin. I didnt know at first and rang it when I was ready for dessert.

Ordering at Hemingway’s is quite simple for us. Tacos, Fish and Chips, Conch Fritters please, no menus needed.

The tacos are some of the best on the island. While other popular establishments pack theirs with green peppers, avocado, red peppers, purple peppers and brown avocados, here its pretty simple. Hefty pieces of grilled fish with a hint of sour cream and savory sweet mango chutney that compliment the fish beautifully. Hmmm that reminds me, Mrs Ziggy are you reading? What happened to the fish tacos with spicy mayo you used to make?

Just like the tacos, we also tried plenty of the various fish and chips on the island and this one is our favorite. Lightly fried pretty good size groupers with perfectly seasoned “meaty”, just like I like em fries. I prefer nicely seasoned over nicely sauced.

And just like with the tacos, and fish and chips (Ok I know I’m beginning to sound like Dr Seuss and need to stop) we tried all sorts of conch fritters on the island and this one is one of our favorites. It got that perfect crispy exterior and works very well with the accompanied sauce. And as you can see from the photo above I couldn’t quite help myself and attacked this thing before I had a chance to take a photo

In short, Hemingway’s is good for what it is. Good cheap food, nice drinks, comfortable setting, nice views, Jojo’s bell, what else do you need. Pizza, foie gras perhaps, but that’s just about it, I think.

Recommended dishes: Fish Tacos, Conch Fritters, Fish and chips

Categories: Turks and Caicos | Tags: food, Hemingway's, Hemingway's Turks and Caicos, Providenciales Dining, restaurants, Travel, Turks and Caicos dining, Turks and caicos food, Turks and Caicos Restaurants | 3 Comments

Turks and Caicos – Seven

Posted on March 9, 2013 by Ziggy

First I want to start this post by saying that I love my mom. I love you mom! With that said… when I was growing up as a kid I really hated fish. I would beg to be seated away from fish dishes and after the first time I tried Gefilte Fish I was the youngest person in my city to file a restraining order against his parents. I really hated fish but that was because the only fish I knew was my mom’s fish which she made quite often. This is possibly the reason for one of my travel rules: Never eat where I stay, and in general I’m not too keen on resort dining. I love staying at the Seven Stars and everyone on Trip Advisor knows that but it took me 5 tries to finally make it to Seven, considered by many one of the top dining options on the island. I am glad I did

Terrific meal all around. Great looking menu that is not over the top expensive for the quality ingredients included and look and feel of the dining place. I normally dont put too much weight on service on the island but the staff at Seven was so professional and knowledgeable it was refreshing. From Allan Duffy who is running the show, and the witty Tuscan waiter to the fairly new executive chef that knows his stuff.

Started with a very nice Amuse-bouche of salmon tartar and a piece of salmon. Half portion of a main of Mushroom Ravioli with truffle cream was very pleasant. Red Beet Gazpacho according to Hummus Whisperer was like the sickest red borscht you will ever eat, with sherry, Avocado Ice Cream, golden beet, another kind of beet, and 2 ingredients that were told to the waiter once at a bar which I’m not allowed to say. Sounded like a terrific starter. Lobster Ravioli was good but could be without the caviar which overwhelmed the rest of the dish slightly. Seafood bisque was outstanding. They put a conch fritter, shrimp tartar and scallop and pour the bisque over. Great flavor although Mrs Ziggy said she’d prefer just the bisque without the accompanied stuff.

Vanilla rum butter poached lobster with papaya buttermilk risotto (above) was rich and tasty. Two people were raving about the duck breast (below). You see I cant try everything as there’s only so much I can eat while dining with a party of 8. The star of show was perhaps the Best End of milk fed lamb (top picture), which is a fancy British way of saying back of the Lamb Neck, or in this particular case Lamb Neck fillets – perfectly cooked medium rare, melt in your mouth deliciousness.

A meal like this screams for a nice finish and the Coconut creme brûlée with almond ice cream was just that. One of the best desserts of the last trip. Kudos to Josu, executive chef from Basque country. Anyone born in Basque country in Spain or Emilia Romagna in Italy is an automatic good cook. My mother was not born in any of those places but is still a great mom.

Recommended Dishes: Red Beet Gazpacho, Vanilla rum butter poached lobster, Best End of milk fed lamb, Coconut creme brûlée

Categories: Turks and Caicos | Tags: food, Providenciales, restaurants, Seven, Seven Stars, Seven Turks and caicos, Travel, Turks and Caicos dining, Turks and caicos food, Turks and Caicos Restaurants | 2 Comments

Turks and Caicos – Caicos Cafe

Posted on March 6, 2013 by Ziggy

There are 3 certainties in life as far as I’m concerned. Death, Taxes, and that Caicos Café is Provo’s best. Well at least in my book. This is by far my favorite restaurant in Provo. Since it opened in October of 2010 I’ve eaten here 9 times which is more than any place in NYC where I live and enjoy wonderful Italian fair. Caicos Cafe fits my taste like a glove.

Max Olivari, from a village by Lago Di Garda via NYC and Bermuda is the magician behind the scenes, dishing out some wonderful North Italian/Mediterranean/Caribbean influenced goodies. Its best to come here with a group to sample some of this stuff. To understand the menu you need to understand this.. The guy is a little crazy. While other establishments sport the same menu since WWII, this menu changes more often then Dennis Rodman changes harstyles (North Korea had to add 5 more to this list since his visit). Seasonal items vary at CC. Ate something good there in the 82 degrees summer night? Dont expect the same thing in the dog days of winter (81 degrees). With that said he keeps a few popular “classics” on the menu which are more or less stapled. But thats partly what attracts me to this place. Never boring! I always find something new and exciting and I have yet to try a dish that I didnt like. I’m sure some did, but not Ziggy.

Ok, lets get down to business and take a close look at the 2 amazing meals we had last week. Keep in mind its the 8 of us. I don’t want you to think I’m some eating freak. I am, but I don’t want YOU to think that.

Started the first night with a very pleasant Wahoo Carpaccio special. If you are not confused enough as far as what to order from the menu, take a look at the specials. I can come here and eat just the specials and be more than satisfied. This Carpaccio simply rocked with its simplicity and grace

The Tuna Tartar (top) with mango and black beans was a thing of beauty. Like eating butter. Beautiful, delicious soft butter.

Grilled Calamari on a skewer is a personal favorite. A must on every visit along with the Gnocchi. With such perfect texture hard to believe this was a frozen product minutes ago. Add some fresh mussels, cannellini beans and a sauce that makes you ask for more bread and you got yourself a glorious starter. Caicos Cafe - Grilled Calamari

The Potato Gnocchi is another must. We’ve been eating gnocchi here prepared in various ways since day 1. What I love about this particular version is the Shiitake, Champignon, Porcini mushroom goodness that comes along. Forget the bread, eat this thing with a fork and a spoon (together!) and when no one is looking stick a finger or 2 (close your eyes for maximum affect). And I’m not even such a huge gnocchi fan. Rarely order it in NYC.

Cheese Pumpkin Ravioi was another surprise. Something I would never consider ordering normally but this was delicious. We ordered this as a starter (2 of them in our case) so a full dish is double thisHomemade Tagliolini (spaghetti on crack!) always gives me that Ratatouille moment, taking me back to Verona (where horse meat is actually preferred). Pernot flambéed with various seafood, spices and a hint of parsley and lemon juice. Love this dish!

Bread crumb and herb encrusted perfectly cooked scallops and shrimp skewers were as another popular island Max puts it, Marvelous! Sitting on top of this savory grilled polenta. I love Max’s use of the “I cant believe its not sun dried tomatoes, roasted tomatoes” on some of his dishes. A welcoming sourness at times.

Cooked 3 way Shrimp special which Mrs Ziggy enjoyed. Good example of the sort of experimental brilliance I was referring to.

Orecchiette (Mike Tyson’s favorite pasta) with sweet and spicy sausage enjoyable as always. We tried to duplicate it a few times but always miss that one key ingredient… Flavor!

Lobster Fra Diavolo is one of the most popular dishes on the island right now. This one is Brandy flambéed with chili (in the past he used jalapeno skins I believe). This is why you need to come during lobster season (Oct-March), otherwise you risking… Chicken Season!

Pork and Bean Cassoulet is one of those seasonal dog days of winter items. I didnt try it this time (Hummus Whisperer a guest writer on this blog did) but I’ve had it before and enjoyed it. The most popular meat dish in Caicos Cafe is the ribs

You cant leave the place without dessert. In fact we even came here just for dessert once after eating somewhere else. The Affogato (baileys, espresso, ice cream) and the Tiramisu are top notch here, and on this trip I discovered another favorite, Mango Apple Tart with honey. Crazy good. Chocolate Hazelnut cake below pretty much gone before I got to it

Caicos Café is the perfect example of why Trip Advisor rankings are such a joke. This is #16 while an award winner chef at Coyaba is even lower. Reservations are absolutely essential here.

Recommended dishes: Grilled Calamari, Gnocchi, Tuna Tartar, Tagliolini, Lobster Fra Diavolo, Affogato, Tiramisu, pretty much everything else

Categories: Turks and Caicos | Tags: Caicos Cafe, Caicos cafe Providenciales, food, Providenciales, restaurants, Travel, Turks and Caicos dining, Turks and caicos food, Turks and Caicos Restaurants | 5 Comments

Turks and Caicos – Lemon (Closed)

Posted on March 1, 2013 by Ziggy

The Family Guy of fine dining in the Turks and Caicos Islands. You enjoy watching it when its on but never make an effort to catch it. This was our first visit back since Lemon’s first year as I figured this was a good fit for the group of 9 I was with (They enjoy Mediterranean food and restaurants whose name starts with “L”), although my father in law is convinced there’s some sort of a conspiracy behind dark restaurants… “In Aruba, you can see the food. And the weather is much nicer”

Started this one with a nice mezze assortment of hummus, baba ganoush, yoghurt and something resembling a Turkish salad. A good starter. Stuffed Poblano pepper had more flavor than a similar dish we had in a fancier place in Vegas the month before. Chickpea, Date and Sweet Corn Fritter (pictured on top) = FALAFEL ON CRACK. Delicious! Spicy chorizo, sweet octopus and nicely spiced potatoes was excellent and a nice mix of contrasting flavors. But… “In Aruba you get a whole octopus, with ‘testicles’ and all”. “Ahhm, that’s tentacles paps”. “yes, all of them”.

Lamb shank was tender, falling off the bone (the international cliche for lamb shank, except in Russia where its called falling off the fork), however lacked any sort of interesting flavor and got boring after a while. And the accompanied couscous from the bland variety could not save it. There was nothing boring about the Lamb Burger. Nice looking patty that included mint, egg and other herbs and spices. Along with the hummus, cucumber mint yoghurt, and Brie this was one heck of a burger. Came with the same delicious roasted potatoes as the octopus dish. The wild mushroom Risotto with pork was outstanding as well from the few bites I took. Skipped dessert this time though the Date Phyllo (baklava?) sounded good. Another satisfying meal

Lemon is the closest ‘middle of nowhere’ restaurant in the history of middle of nowhere restaurants. Its very close to the resorts but its not recommended to walk there. Its dark, full of potholes and the area just looks like a great place for giant man eating mongoose breeding ground.

I was somewhat apprehensive about coming back here especially with Mark no longer around (he’s opening Lupo) and we love and enjoy great middle eastern/med food back at home. But delicious is delicious, and you can’t discount that.

Recommended Dishes: Octopus with Chorizo, Chickpea, Date and Sweet Corn Fritter, Lamb Burger, Risotto with Pork

Categories: Turks and Caicos | Tags: food, Lemon, Lemon Turks and Caicos, restaurants, Travel, Turks and Caicos dining, Turks and caicos food, Turks and Caicos Restaurants | 3 Comments

Turks and Caicos – Las Brisas

Posted on February 27, 2013 by Ziggy

Las Brisas and Taylor Bay go hand in hand like Lindsay Lohan and court rooms. This is quite possibly the biggest reason to rent a car in Turks and Caicos. As you enter the peninsula on chalk drive, you get the spectacular Chalk Sound on your right and picturesque Sapodilla and Taylor Bay on your left. The trickery of finding Taylor Bay is almost scripted. Like finding horseshoe bend in Arizona, once you get there you are treated with a nice reward. After spending the morning in Taylor Bay, bring your appetite to Las Brisas for some Spanish tapas, overlooking Chalk Sound. Try sitting at the gazebo on top for maximum breeziness, and view.

On our last lunch last week we had the always reliable Lobster Salad. They cook the lobster half way and let the acid do the rest. A semi-ceviche if you will. The chickpeas and chorizo dish has drastically improved. Unlike in previous visits, plenty of nice chorizo this time, thicker more pleasant tomato based sauce and nice sautéed onions. Finally tried their mussels which did not disappoint. Now that my kids like mussels we order mussels everywhere we go. Also enjoyed a fine Spanish omelette: Egg and Chorizo, whats not to like. Another fun lunch at Las Brisas. In the past we enjoyed their gambas, fish sandwiches, and more

As with any tapas joint, the menu needs some studying, and perhaps its one patata bravas away from being complete. Easily the top tapas restaurant on the island! Ok, its the only one, but still. And the view cant be beat. Closed on Tuesdays

Recommended Dishes: Chickpeas and Chorizo, Lobster Salad, Spanish omelette

Categories: Turks and Caicos | Tags: chalk sound, food, Las Brisas, Las Brisas Turks and caicos, restaurants, Travel, Turks and Caicos dining, Turks and Caicos eats, Turks and caicos food | Leave a comment

Turks and Caicos – Bay Bistro

Posted on February 25, 2013 by Ziggy

First out of many posts on another great dining week in Turks and Caicos.
Yet another nice meal at Bay Bistro. Place was packed more than usual this time since the outer area was closed.

Had all the usual suspects for apps. I don’t think the menu has changed much since we first discovered TCI 6 years ago. Actually they took the coffee rubbed tuna (below) out and put it as a special this time. This is probably my favorite app here. It wasn’t swimming in sauce as before and was very enjoyable. Old reliable conch crepes and the pictured wontons still good. The conch chowder however didn’t leave the same impression as last time – lukewarm and conch not as tender as before.

I decided to try their jerk lamb (below) which was staring at me in the face all those years. It was good, not great. Cooked well but not the “healthiest” of cuts, though with just enough jerk seasoning to give it a nice flavor. And with some peppercorn sauce on the side to give it a boost. Grilled lobster was one hefty tail this time and as good as ever.

Pecan crusted conch (pictured on top) was LIGHTS OUT! Or until we realized my SIL leaned the baby carriage too much against the wall and turned off the lights for the entire restaurant. Our Beyonce Super Bowl moment if you will. The Schnitzel like dish did taste fine as usual and with that “spicy orange sauce” (more like tangy than spicy) is perhaps the best main here, however I still miss it when it was coconut crusted with curry which part owner Mike said they can do with a little notice (ask for it the day before). My oldest (12) to my surprise actually ordered the conch and she loved it. In-laws enjoyed their snappers.

Ok, you gotta have the homemade ice cream here and I think I got it down to a science this time. If you copy and paste impaired this is a good time to get a #2 pencil and a piece of paper. Get the Coconut, Coffee & Kahlua, and the Rum raisin flavors. The only thing is I wish they would separate the balls instead of all in one bowl. Banana rum tart with rum raisin Ice cream (below) is always a pleaser

Bay Bistro is good for what it is. A nice and comfortable setting with an ageless classic menu that can please anyone. Or at least until you discover which of the classics works best for you

Recommended Dishes: Coffee Rubbed Tuna, Conch Wontons, Pecan Crusted Conch, Grilled lobster, Homemade Ice Cream, Banana Rum tart

Categories: Turks and Caicos | Tags: Bay Bistro, Bay Bistro Turks and Caicos, food, restaurants, Travel, Turks and Caicos dining, Turks and Caicos eats, Turks and caicos food | 4 Comments

Lakruwana – The Power of the New York Times

Posted on February 8, 2013 by Ziggy

I don’t know anyone who reads the New York Times. Heck, I don’t know anyone who reads newspapers. Half of my friends don’t even read. I just asked my kids if they even heard of the New York Times… No!! Ok, they are 2 and 3 but still, you get the point. With that said when a restaurant is mentioned in the NYT positively and gets at least one star, look out. To some this is a bigger deal than a Michelin Star. You may even argue that the verdict doesn’t matter as Guy Fieri found out. Attention is attention

On Saturday I took my wife and 4 friends to Lakruwana, a Sri Lankan spot in Staten Island that I’ve written about before here. As soon as we entered the restaurant I suspected something was wrong. Still waiting for water and menus, or a human 20 minutes in, that feeling slightly intensified. Before you knew it, a ‘Godfather’ like line of locals and hipsters out the door trying to get the owner’s attention which we so desperately needed as well. The place was packed. but then it hit me. I’m there for the exact same reason as everyone else. I also read the NYT article a few days earlier about Lakruwana and felt the same urge to cancel my plans (Briskettown in Williamdburg) and go there.

Eventually things settled down, the hipsters left, and we got our food, albeit all the dishes at the same time which is always fun (since there was no room at least one dish had to be held by someone). The food for the most part was very good. Quite an excellent Mulligatawny soup to start things off. Good Lamprais, Hoppers, Kottu Roti (first for me) but what stole the show on this particular night was the Deviled Chicken which I couldnt get enough of.

After the meal the owner confirmed to me that they were simply not prepared or didnt know how to prepare for this. Still, Lakruwana, with its museum like settings and terrific cheap food is quite possibly the best reason for hipsters to take the ferry over. Except perhaps right after a NYT mention, or during a festival in Bushwick

Categories: New York City, Staten Island | Tags: food, Lakruwana, New York City, NYC restaurants, restaurants, sri lankan food, staten island eats, Staten island restaurants | Leave a comment

Top 5 Things I Ate in Las Vegas

Posted on February 4, 2013 by Ziggy

OK, this wasn’t exactly an eating Tour de Force New Orleans style but some fairly delicious bites nonetheless…

Oxtail Benedict at Comme Ça – Oxtail meet Gut. Tender, delicious slow braised Oxtail, poached eggs, spinach, pepper gougère topped with a nice truffle Hollandaise oooozing with flavor. Very original and very delicious!

Bread at Bouchon – If only I had a Bouchon Bakery near where I lived. Did not love the meal but greatly enjoyed this bread with butter

Octopus at Milos – If you don’t add the $10 supp to the $20 lunch here you should be sentenced to a lunch buffet. Some of the best Octopus I’ve had in the USA. Meaty, tender, perfectly grilled, perfectly seasoned with a hint of oregano, absolutely delicious Octopus

Huevos Estrellados at Julian Serrano – The most memorable tapa was probably the Stuffed Dates, but when I look back and think about which dish gave me the most pleasure, it is the Huevos Estrellados. Egg, Chorizo, fries! whats not to like

Pastrami at Todd English P.U.B. What a surprise off the bat. Nicely carved, delicious homemade Pastrami served with your choice of bread and sauces (try the mustard trio and truffle mayo

Categories: Las vegas | Tags: Best food in las vegas, food, Las vegas, Las Vegas eats, las vegas restaurants, restaurants, Travel | Leave a comment

Las Vegas Eats – Comme Ça

Posted on February 1, 2013 by Ziggy

Our comme ci comme ça trip ended with good one at comme ça. What? No, you did not enter the Michael Jackson fan club by accident. Since this is a food blog I feel obligated to inject some French into it. Comme ci comme ça means so-so. Comme ça means Delicious!!

Charcuterie was a beautiful pork fest. Every single item had pork in it including the delicious chicken liver pate. Not a very kosher dish. An excellent start. Endive and Pear Salad, with a bit of hazelnut and just enough bleu cheese was satisfying as well.

My Croque Madame was enjoyable. Perhaps the first Croque Madame I’ve had in the states, not sure. But my wife’s Oxtail Benedict was the bomb. Tender, delicious slow braised Oxtail, and with the poached eggs, spinach, pepper gougère topped with a nice truffle Hollandaise oozing with flavor. Very original and very delicious. The Crème Brûlée was simple yet perfectly executed. A fine meal overall.

Comme Ça, like Milos, is in the Cosmopolitan hotel which on paper at least, has the most impressive list of restaurant collection on the planet. The list includes Jaleo, Scarpetta (One of my faves in NYC), e by Jose Andres and more. Comme Ça le Magnifique

Categories: Las vegas | Tags: Comme Ca, Comme Ca Las Vegas, food, Las vegas, Las Vegas eats, las vegas restaurants, restaurants, Travel | Leave a comment

The places