5/21/10 Cafe Juanita

i swear matt checks CJ's online 'sample' menu religiously. i never need to look at it because whenever there's a change he knows about it and makes sure i know, too. it's all good.

there was an item on this menu i don't think i had ever had before. maybe in my travels as a child (like 30 years ago) i had this but didn't know it and my parent's would've called it by the american, common name. but i'll wait until the entree so be patient.

wine with dinner

matt insisted i take a picture of the bread plate. he will not hesitate to tell you it's the best bread plate offered in the city. they do make their own bread in house, and it's served with butter. just like in italy.

the new appetizer: madhatcher Squab Breast with Escarole, Confit Squab, Walnut and Balsamico.

wow this was fantastic! definitely a thumbs up from us.

Carne Cruda of Blackmore Wagyu with Crostini.

a couple years ago i would never have tried this. but more and more i'm liking it. i actually ordered this this time, as opposed to just 'having some'.

Goat Cheese Gnocchi with Fava Beans and local Morels.

this is also new on the menu. her gnocchi were the size of polpettini (it's a pasta). very yummy indeed, although i avoided the morels.

Barbera Risotto Mantecato.

ok, you all know i love it. i'll leave it at that.

1 of the pork specials:
Milk Braised Pork with Hazelnuts, Herbs and Escarole.

matt ordered this and man was it good. but i have to be honest, i like the pork cheek she braises a bit better. i think because it's just that much more tender...

this is my entree. also a special that night, but i'm hoping that while 'in season' chef will include it on the menu.

Poussin with Fingerling Potatoes, Lentils, Morel Pan Sauce of Sherry and Cherry Vinegars, served on Arugala Salad. and i swear there were also bacon pieces - Pancetta, probably.

O.M.G. WOW. this was SO good! when matt saw pousson on the sample menu online he looked it up to find out exactly what it is. i'm very happy to tell you this is a real poussin. at least so says jim, and i doubt he'd tell you something wrong!
in fact, he says this one was exactly 28 days old. it's to chicken what veal is to lamb. baby chickens. they must be 28 days or younger. all across europe it's called poussin, but in the states it's known as rock cornish game hen.  but i think that's due more to the size than the age. (i could be wrong on that so i'm not swearing i'm right)

As a side matt wanted the Grilled Local Asparagus with Fried Organic Duck's Egg and Parmigiano Reggiano. (it can be found in the appy section)

back on the menu, although we didn't remember it, was the Carmelized Lemon Tortino with Rhubarb, Strawberry, White Chocolate and Crushed Pink Peppercorns.

it was very yummy. think creme brulee in a pie shell. i hope it's still on the menu when we go back in a few weeks!

because i was satisfying my chocolate fix. Bittersweet Chocolate Torta with Mint Gelato and Cherry Vinegar Sauce.

the mint gelato was not to be mistaken for anything but mint, let me tell you. the very first bite brought memories of sitting on the front porch of my neighbors when we were children. we'd pick mint leaves 'aunt' helen was growing and chew on them. seriously. if i hadn't known it was gelato i'd swear i'd stepped into a time machine. good memories, those!

and with our check (yes, if there is a downside to eating out i guess this is it, getting told it's time to get out the door so they can turn the table and let someone else get dinner LOL).

anyway, Cornmeal and Chocolate Ganache cookies to finish the night.