Virginia's Long Island: March 2011

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Virginia's Long Island: Malaga Restaurant - A Spanish Charmer in NYC

Virginia's Long Island: Malaga Restaurant - A Spanish Charmer in NYC: "Malaga is one of my all time favorite restaurants. Andrew and I find ourselves on the Upper East Side of Manhattan alot and we almost..."

Malaga Restaurant - A Spanish Charmer in NYC

Malaga is one of my all time favorite restaurants. Andrew and I find ourselves on the Upper East Side of Manhattan alot and we almost always try to stop in to enjoy Malaga's rustic food and delicious wine.

When we arrive at Malaga, after a hug from Paco, we settle into our table against the wall and get down to the serious business of reading the menu. There are literally over one hundred choices on the menu. There is a tapas selection that will knock your socks off. The Entrees are huge and tasty and the choices seem endless. They also have a lunch menu with over twenty choices.

These are the Pimentos Piquillo ($8) - my favorite tapas! There are five pork stuffed peppers in bechamel sauce. It is a creamy and wonderful pop of outstanding flavor! I also love the guacamole stuffed tomatoes, broiled chiorizo, sauteed portabello mushrooms, clams in white sauce (super yummy!), serrano ham and melted cheese on toast and the wonderful Spanish cheese plate.

I have a weakness for their Chicken Estramena - garlicy chicken with chiorizo, peppers and peas. So good that I have to have this on every other trip. The above picture is of the lunch special ($12 for entree, rice, veggie, soup or salad, glass of house wine and coffee or tea). The dinner portion is for GIANTS! ($20)

Andrew's favorite is the Shrimp and Chiorizo in garlic sauce. This is super garlicy and beyond tasty! ($17)

They also have stellar entrees like Filet Mignon and Shrimp in a mushroom sauce, Paella, Shrimp Fra Diablo, and Chicken and Rice. They are famous for their seafood dishes.

The bar is hoppin' at night and the homemade sangria flows. This is a great place to relax in the afternoon or party the night away.

http://www.malaganyc.com/

406 East 73rd Street, NYC 212-737-7659

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Virginia's Long Island: pizzetteria brunetti - Westhampton Beach, NY - a s...

Virginia's Long Island: pizzetteria brunetti - Westhampton Beach, NY - a s...: "Our friend Alice suggested that we join her for a trip to Westhampton Beach for a pizza and wine dinner at pizzetteria brunetti. She h..."

pizzetteria brunetti - Westhampton Beach, NY - a social media miracle

Our friend Alice suggested that we join her for a trip to Westhampton Beach for a pizza and wine dinner at pizzetteria brunetti. She had been invited to a demonstration of mozzerella pulling through a contact on Facebook. We were happy to accompany her. We would never have heard of this if not for social media! It makes the world smaller in a good way!

We stopped in at The Patio and enjoyed a drink. They make a beautiful and tasty Cosmopolitan! It was a comfortable and welcoming place and we promised to get back there soon.

We walked across the street to an ice cream shop ( Haagan Dazs ) attached to a market and a pizzeria. There was an OPEN sign that welcomed us in. It was surprising to walk into a summertime paradise - a bright clean space...but the ice cream counter was closed for the winter and then we saw the little pizza counter and cheered up. Alice said hello to one of the owners Michael Brunetti - who had styled her gorgeous hair in the past. We waited for three seats to open and five minutes later we were seated and enjoying a nice Prosecco.

Yes, that pizza slicer is signed by Giada de Laurentiis! Prosecco drunk in old fashioned glasses is so authentically Italian. We sometime roll that way in our home. Andrew is an Italian American and proud of it!

It was so nice sitting comfortably at a marble counter sipping spakling wine and contemplating dinner.

Michael explained the differences in the pizza choices and the fact that these pizzas were Neapolitan pizzas ...all along I already knew what I wanted - but I was almost persuaded to choose differently! I felt like we were among friends. What a nice feeling!

We met Michael's son Jason who is the chef and an owner. What a gorgeous father and son team!

With help of both men, we decided on three pizzas:

Alice ordered the best pie of the night! A Special called Funghi e Cipolla ($19) - with sauteed mushroom, onion, honey, truffle oil, goat cheese and fresh hebs. Alice substituted fresh mozzerella for the goat cheese - the pizza was phenomenal. It was rich and decadent.

Andrew ordered the Pizza Spezie ($17) - a spicy pizza made with Burrata Cheese (Michael told us it was a cheese made with Ricotta curd with added cream), broccolini, spicy homemade sausage and chili peppers. What a unique and wonderful spicy tatste!

I ordered the San Gennaro ($17) - Tomato sauce (made with imported San Marzano tomatoes), sheep's milk ricotta, homemade sausage, roasted peppers and onion. This was beyond good! I have a weakness for sausage and pepper pizza and this was different and great! Everything was so fresh and delicious!

While we were waiting, we watched our dinner being made and cooked!

We decided to share....no one can refuse to share with a blogger! But, I was sitting with two of the most generous people I know. And we feasted! The whole time asking questions to Michael and Jason! Jason explained that Neapolitan Pizza is softer than other types of pizza and with the loaded toppings it would have to (partially) be eaten with a knife and fork.

On their menu it says "We use only imported San Marzano tomatoes grown in the mineral rich volcanic soil of the foothills of Mount Vesuvius. We also use only the finest Italian cheeses, Imported Prosciutto de Parma, and meats. Our olive oil is Imported cold pressed extra virgin olive oil. Our vegetables are organic and locally grown".

There was a wonderful family at the restaurant enjoying pizza and family time - they also ordered the Nutella Dessert Pizza! They went home happy! Pizza makes everyone happy! :)

I had a lovely red wine with my pizza. By the way, that oven was imported from Naples, Italy.

When Michael's beautiful wife arrived, with a dessert idea, the party popped! They decided to make a new dessert and try it as a family! How Sweet!

It was made of marscapone cheese, raspberries, almonds and vanilla sauce on the pizza crust! Wow!

They shared it with us and it was fab! So yummy!

What a great night!

pizzetteria brunetti is located at 103 Main St., Westhampton Beach. Go in to eat but make sure you read the menu! They are committed to taking back slow food and artisinal food artistry! I love that! I will make it back there as many times as I can! Super! :)

Virginia's Long Island: St. Patricks Day Trip to NYC - LIRR Madness and Tr...

Virginia's Long Island: St. Patricks Day Trip to NYC - LIRR Madness and Tr...: "We love to take the train into the City. From Port Jefferson, the trip is two hours but we were armed with our pocket Video Poker Ga..."

St. Patricks Day Trip to NYC - LIRR Madness and Tracks Bar at Penn

We love to take the train into the City. From Port Jefferson, the trip is two hours but we were armed with our pocket Video Poker Games and good conversation. The train kept filling up with green revellers - some trying to sneak beer onto the train. When the clinking glass gave them away - the conductor confiscated them. Times, they are a changin'. The girl above was ready with her green sneakers and Claddagh Ring tatoo! Unusually, we did not have to change trains until Jamacia Station. We got out and were swept across the platform to our next train. The Maddness had begun!

There was Vodka and Orange Juice flowing - cheering, chanting Sorority Girls and Boys. A bunch of ear piercing whistles and horns. Feeling suddenly old, I was glad the ride was only 20 minutes or so.

When were arrived at Penn Station we weaved away from the crowds and found two barstools at our now favorite Bar in New York City - Tracks. The place was packed with Fireman and party goers. Fun!

Black and Tan :) The guy ordered a half and half. I thought that was humorous!

Jameson Irish Whiskey for the Twenty-Something Set!

We enjoyed a nice big bowl of Guinness Beef Soup, a few Penfolds Chardonnays and a Guinness. All served by the lovely Theresa!

Then we were off to the Parade (see previous two posts). And, eventually we made our war back to the bar for an early dinner.

Tracks has a great selection of fresh, delicious oysters, but we decided to go with heartier fare.

Andrew ordered the beef chili. It was so flavorful and warming.

Andrew also ordered the Calamari. It was served with spicy aioli and marinara sauce and it was very tasty with a nice briny flavor. The one weird thing was that the little tentacles were removed. We've never seen this before, but it made it very easy to eat. Yummy!