Catch It: Maison Harlem

Posted on November 21, 2012 by W.D. Moore

The first time, my friend Amanda and I met in a creative writing class some years ago, we became fast friends, and so, when she telephoned one afternoon and said, “I have some good news, let’s get together for dinner—my treat, and could you pick a place?”

“I can’t wait to hear your news,” I said, “let’s go to Maison Harlem.” That Saturday, November 3rd, Amanda and I entered a bustling, bursting crowd of laughter and camaraderie at the nouveau French restaurant in Upper Manhattan. Immediately, one senses the warmth, woody, soothing place of Maison Harlem, located at 341 St. Nicholas Avenue, New York, NY 10027. The owners are Samuel Thiam and Romain Bonnans, who are French, expatriates; who are eclectic entrepreneurs, and who have created a French style, a “Home Away” style ambiance at their French Bistro.

We sat at the bar, waited for our table and ordered wine: Durigutti Malbec 2009 (Argentina, Mendoza). Right away, Amanda said, “Oh, I’m hungry, what are they having?” Sitting on my left were a couple who appeared to eating an appetizing meal. “Excuse me,” I said, “What are you having for dinner?” The lean Sandy-haired man replied, “I having the Merguez de Barbes (Grilled Spicy Lamb Sausages with French Fries), and my girlfriend, the Duck Leg Confit (Slow Cooked then Crisped and Served with Cauliflower Gratin/Orange Cognac Sauce). We shared the Croustillant De Chevre (Crispy Phyllo Pastry filled with Goat Cheese/Spinach with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach Salad.” He laughed, and continued, “It’s our third time being here. We love it. I’m French, we live in the neighborhood, and I like coming here also, because, I can speak French to the waiters and all the staff speaks French. We like that.”

“Thanks,” I said, and turned to Amanda, and at the same time, the hostess arrived to tell us our table was ready.

On the way, I stared at the large French windows, the old-fashioned wallpaper, the red leather chairs, and a white vintage porcelain lamp at the host’s table. Suddenly, I bumped into my friend, Vi. “Hi, Wanda,” she said, and we hugged one another.

“Vi,” I echoed, “How are you? It’s great seeing you.”

“We are just leaving,” Vi said, “this is my friend Greg.”

“Hi Greg,” I said while we shook hands.

“Wanda, you are going to love the food,” Vi said.

“Yes, it’s delicious,” Greg agreed. “I feel like I’m in Paris, the food is fantastic, and the best part is I live across the street.”

Vi and I spoke for a few more moments, before saying goodbye. Amanda was at the table, staring at the menu.

Soon, our lovely waitress Maty took our orders. Amanda and I shared the Garden Salad (Organic Field Green Salad with Cherry Tomatoes/Cucumber/Carrot “Julienne”); and for our dinner entrees, Amanda chose the Wild Mushroom Risotto (with Baby Vegetables/Balsamic Glaze); and I chose the Grilled Salmon (On a bed of Ratatouille/Lemon Caper Sauce). The meal was a melt-in-your-mouth experience, and such that, we had no room for dessert. But later, we decided to have coffee, and chatted-away, along with ebullient faces throughout Maison Harlem.

By the time we left, I ran into Samuel, who co-owns Maison Harlem. “We loved our meal, what a marvelous place,” I stated.

“We don’t play around,” he said. “We have our grove that we do.”

The following week, I interviewed Samuel Thiam.

CI: How would you describe Maison Harlem?

ST: We are an authentic French Bistro/Café; Comfortable Restaurant/House—people come for food with their friends, we serve breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. We are a nice restaurant to come to and watch the time go by.

CI: What is your favorite restaurant in Paris?

ST: That would be Le Hangar (12 Impasse Berth and 75003 Paris, France); it is a tiny little restaurant, it’s close to Beaubourg; it’s in a terrific area and really nice place.

CI: When you pick a moment to relax, what is your preferred meal?

ST: I like to eat a lot of many things. I tend to order a cheese board, Charcuterie Platter with prosciutto, garlic sausages with bread, and some olives. I share a bottle of wine; oysters—and then Carbonara with my friend.

CI: Where did you get the confidence, the commitment to follow your dream?

ST: I came here 15 years ago, I had a career in everything; I worked in restaurants; I was a contractor; and drove a cab. It all gave me good insight on what I wanted to do. And so, the restaurant is sort of a regrouping of all those things, skills and training.

CI: What advice would you give someone who wanted to open up a restaurant?

ST: Number One: definitely, have a chef as a partner. If the chef leaves, the menu changes, it could be costly. Number Two: Love people. The restaurant business is about people, not about you. It’s about coming in, where they don’t have to worry about anything for an hour or two. The minute they step in, we got you!

Thank you, Mr. Thiam for our interview. And I have to thank Amanda, too. We celebrated her new promotion, her new guy, and an unexpected Thanksgiving invitation.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, and catch Maison Harlem at http://maisonharlem.com.

Posted in A Thanksgiving Story, Authentic French, Bars, Harlem, Manhattanville, Restaurants, Upper West Side | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Catch It: Soutine Bakery

Posted on October 31, 2012 by W.D. Moore

Years ago, my Aunt Cynthia moved from Manhattan to Ardmore, Pennsylvania. When she told me of her plans, I selfishly thought of our Sunday’s together—how much I would miss her home-made apple pie; our conversations over coffee, pie and Butter Pecan Ice Cream. Those memories returned one afternoon as soon as I wandered into Soutine Bakery at 104 West 70th Street (Off Columbus Avenue) New York, NY 10023.

Soutine Bakery is a small quaint space, however before one steps in, you can smell the aroma of sweet, wholesome baking on the street; as if you were cooking from your own home. My big brown eyes were wide-opened with pure joy when I saw an apple pie on the counter. Temptations were upon me, such as: Blueberry Pie, Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie, and Pumpkin Pie—each a favorite.

I invited my neighbor over for tea two days later, on a Sunday. Jan brought French Vanilla Ice Cream, and we both could not stop talking about the scrumptious apple pie from Soutine Bakery.

Catch it if you can at www.soutine.com

Posted in Apple Pie, Bakeries, Upper West Side, Wedding Cakes | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Catch It: Li-Lac Chocolates

Posted on October 12, 2012 by W.D. Moore

Once, I worked at an Intellectual Property Law Firm in downtown Manhattan. In the afternoons, my dear friend Lisa and I would go to the café next door; we ordered one piece of dark chocolate and tea; we were back at our desk, minutes later with our chocolate treat.

Today, whenever I am dashing through Grand Central Terminal, I find myself stopping by Li-Lac Chocolates for a small piece of Dark Almond Bark. Li-Lac Chocolates has three locations: Grand Central Terminal (Market Place); West Village: 40 8th Avenue (at Jane Street); and the Brooklyn Factory Showroom: 213 50th Street. Several weeks ago, I entered Grand Central Terminal to meet my friend Heme at Posman Books; however, I made a mini detour because of an unexpected surprise. Ambar Fernandez, who is a Sales Associate for Li-Lac Chocolates, was giving away samples of chocolates.

“Hi,” she said.

“Hi, it’s funny I stopped by Li-Lac weeks ago, and I did not see you.” I said.

“I had a baby, I have been on maternity leave,” her glowing smile said.

“Congratulations, Ambar, that’s great news,” I said while eating chocolates.

“Thanks, my boss is working with me…let me introduce you,” Ambar said. “Chris, this is Wanda, she is one of our customers.”

“Hello,” he said.

“Wanda is a writer, a blogger,” Ambar said.

“Yes, hi, I write about food, mostly, and I admit I love dark chocolate.” I said.

“Great, why don’t you visit our factory in Brooklyn, we will be happy to show you around?” Chris asked.

“Really,” I replied. “I will.”

The following Wednesday afternoon, I arrived at the Li-Lac Brooklyn Factory (213 50th Street); I was greeted by Christopher Taylor.

“Hi Wanda,” a gleeful Mr. Taylor said.

“Hi Chris,” I replied glaring at the abundance of a “chocolate heaven.”

“Let me introduce you to Anwar Khoder, he is our Food Expert, Li-Lac’s Master Chocolatier,” Chris said.

“Hi Wanda, welcome to our chocolate factory,” said Anwar.

“Nice to meet you Anwar,” I said.

“I will be showing you around,” he said.

“What’s your favorite chocolate?” Chris asked.

“I love the Dark Almond Bark,” I said.

“That’s a favorite among many of our customers,” he said. “Have you ever tried the White Almond Bark?” He picked up a sample and handed it to me.

A moment passed, “this is delicious,” I echoed.

“Thanks,” Chris said, “We like to surprise people with something they may not think to try.”

“What’s your secret?” I asked.

“Our candy is made fresh daily by hand, everything is fresh. We make over 100 products here at the factory.” Chris said. “Chocolate is a business of making people happy.”

“It’s inspiring watching everyone make chocolate candy, seeing their care, their expertise at work,” I said.

“We have employees who have been with us for decades, I have been here for twenty-three years,” said Anwar.

“I see you are ready for Halloween, the baskets are beautiful,” I said.

“Thanks, we have to give the credit to Helda, Fatima and Camila they decorate our gifts boxes, packages with such style and beauty,” said Chris.

“What are some of the products I see here?” I asked as Chris handed me a piece chocolate.

“That’s our French Mint Bar,” in your hand, he said, “some of our other products are Dark and Milk Chocolate Nonpareils, Coconut Clusters, Dark Pretzels, Chocolate Nut Fudge, Truffles, and we make every kind of specialty items, such as Chocolate Logos, Private Labels, Holiday Items and New York City Icons.

“Like this,” Anwar said and pointed to a Polka-Dotted Painted High Heel.

“How pretty,” I said and asked, “Chris, what is the best thing about being in the chocolate business?”

“That’s easy, we make people happy, they become our friends—we are doing good and doing well at the same time. Li-Lac is an Old Fashioned Chocolate Company, since 1923,” Mr. Taylor said.

I had a great time meeting the marvelous staff and makers of chocolate at Li-Lac. Catch it if you can at www.li-lacchocolates.com

Posted in Brooklyn, Chocolate, Chocolatier, Grand Central Terminal, West Village | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Catch It: Edward’s Restaurant

Posted on September 24, 2012 by W.D. Moore

In the book, After the Storm, by A.E. Hotchner, a screenwriter, for sixteen of Ernest Hemingway’s works—Hemingway said of the adaptation, After the Storm “Just don’t play it safe….Even if it doesn’t work out, you’re all right. The hell with playing it safe.”

When, I sat down with Mr. Edwards Youkilis, the owner of Edwards’s Restaurant in Tribeca, I thought, “he has not played it safe and it’s why he is a successful restaurateur.” On a warm Tuesday morning, I interviewed Edward Youkilis at 136 West Broadway, New York, NY 10013.

What type of restaurant is Edwards? We are a small neighborhood restaurant; we have been here as Edwards since 2001. We get a lot of people that either live in the neighborhood or work in the neighborhood. Edwards is a very casual, easy kind of place; a lot of families visit us, and tourists.

What do you like about Tribeca? Actually, I’ve been living in Tribeca since 1975; I know the neighborhood well. Before Edwards, I was involved with the partners of Odeon (145 West Broadway). In 1995, with a group of people I worked with at the Odeon, we opened Bar Odeon at this space (136 West Broadway). Years later, I bought out the partners in 2001 and it became Edwards.

The other day, I was walking with a friend on West Broadway, and she suggested coffee. We came to Edwards; the coffee was delicious, what is the brand name? Our regular coffee and espresso is imported from Italy: Medaglia d’Oro. It’s not one of the most famous brands in the United States, however, it is consistently good, strong, regular coffee, and people tend to like it. You know, coffee is tricky, because everybody likes their own; some people like Dunkin′ Donuts and Starbucks; some people like fancy, special brewed coffee from the west coast; but as long as it’s a good cup of coffee, I can drink almost anything.

Edwards feels like a French Bistro. Well, I guess you are right; it has a little French Bistro feeling with somewhat more of an American menu. We have hamburgers, salads and seafood. Edwards mostly concentrates on easy-to-understand and uncomplicated foods.  We try to make sure all our products are good quality and our meats are all natural. Everything is served fresh and some products are organic.

Right away, I noticed the shelves and shelves of wine bottles; they bring an old-fashioned style to the charm of Edwards. Yes, we decided it is part of our decorations. The bottles actually have been here for over ten years; they’re probably not drinkable. Every couple of months we dust them off, but there is something nice about the dusty look.

I like the dusty look too, it has a nostalgic touch. Thank you.

Frank was our waiter, he was terrific. We have a friendly staff, that’s one of the things about Edwards, people pick-up on; it’s important to have a personable staff. We are a simple place—we have a simple menu, and the friendliest staff…I like to say.

What is popular for lunch at Edwards? Probably the sandwiches, hamburgers and the steak sandwich is a big request.

What about dinner? For dinner, it would be our popular fish items, such as Tuna and Salmon—they sell well at night.

Do you serve Vegetarian meals? We always have vegetarian palate. In fact, the kitchen will make whatever the customer requests.

How did you find your passion? Well, originally, in school and most of my life before the 80s, I was a painter. That’s why I ended up in Tribeca and Soho, because it was where painters could to find studio space. So, I lived here as an artist, then sort of by accident, I ended up in the restaurant business. Friends of mine were doing things in restaurants; I helped them a little bit, and liked it. So, while I was an artist, I was working in restaurants; it took up so much time—I stayed with the business.

Do you still paint? I don’t, I like to and I always think I am going to again, but I haven’t. I am usually here. One of the problems with being a small operation, being the owner, and being the manager is I work seven days per week. I eat here at Edwards, I’m always here.

Thank you, Mr. Youkilis. Thanks for stopping by Edwards.

Catch it if you can at www.edwardsnyc.com

Posted in Bars, Cafes, Restaurants, SoHo, Tribeca | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Catch It: Melba’s: American Comfort Food

Posted on August 31, 2012 by W.D. Moore

Once again I ventured to Harlem, in particular to Melba’s at 300 West 114th Street (at Frederick Douglass Blvd.) New York, NY 10026.

I remember reading Beau Brummell: The Ultimate Man of Style by Ian Kelly; and Ms. Melba Wilson, the owner—has created her authentic southern style, American Comfort food in Manhattan’s Upper West Side. She is beautiful; she has an effortless charm in making everyone feel right at home at Melba’s.

On one occasion, my friend and I were invited to dinner at Melba’s by the elegant entertainment attorney, Keven Davis. Keven loved Melba’s, and whenever he was in town, he reserved a table to enjoy the wholesome palatable meals; groove with the live band on Tuesdays; partake in a bit of people watching; engage in a handful of hearty conversations—but bottom line, it was always about Melba’s mouthwatering food.

Such as: Comfortizers: Catfish Strips (with Chipotle Mayo); Auntie B’s Mini Burgers (Choice of Pepper Jack, Mozzarella or Cheddar Cheese); Entrées: Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass, Southern Fried Chicken & Eggnog Waffles; Grilled Vegetable Neopolitan (Grilled Vegetable Portabello Mushrooms, Winter and Summer Squash with Melted Mozzarella Cheese).

If one fancies dinner or brunch, fused with a cosmopolitan, casual charm—then Melba’s American Comfort Food is that place.

Catch it if you can at http://www.melbasrestaurant.com

This story is dedicated to the late Keven J. Davis.

Posted in American Comfort Food, Catfish Strips, Harlem Hamlet, Restaurants, Southern Fried Chicken & Eggnog Waffles, Upper West Side | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Catch It: Chokolat Patisserie

Posted on August 24, 2012 by W.D. Moore

There are three smiles of goodness alongside Broadway and Morningside Heights—starting at West 125th Street, Chokolat Patisserie (Coffee Bar), 3187 Broadway, New York 10027; and Jin (Ramen Shop), at 3183 Broadway. If one walks south to 122nd Street you come upon a delightful bakery (Take out & Eat In) located at 3111 Broadway. These businesses are nestled on a quiet street; its owners are Jenny Ko and her husband Ifan Chang.

On Friday, August 17th, I interviewed Jenny Ko. We sat at the counter on modern bar stools while I ate a tasty Strawberry Parfait with Homemade Granola. Her radiant smile beamed like the bright sun.

Jenny, where are we now?  This is the Bakery/Patisserie, the original store, we opened five years ago. Our café is at 125th Street, next to the subway station.

What do you enjoy about owning a bakery? I like making people happy. When you see somebody eating your food, they are happy, they are smiling. That makes me feel good.

Why did you choose to open your businesses on the Upper West Side and Broadway? I like this area, Columbia University, Morningside Heights. It’s up and coming. It’s gotten a lot better, in the last few years, because of the stores that are popping up. When we first opened up here, there was not much going on in this area. In the last few years, new restaurants have opened their businesses on this stretch of Broadway. It just seems that—there is new light coming into this area.

Could you tell me something about your Japanese Restaurant? Jin is right next door to the café, Chokolat Patisserie. We opened Jin in February; it is the first Ramen Shop in Morningside Heights. I think the closest is below 59th Street.

What is the definition of Ramen? Ramen Shop is a Japanese noodle dish. Our shop takes six hours to make the stock for the pork broth, and three hours for the chicken. We make our noodles in house. We are all about freshness, quality, and doing our best for all our stores.

What is your favorite pastry? I like chocolate chip cookies.

I laughed, “Really?” I asked. Something simple, I love the smell of chocolate chip cookies. There is nothing like a warm cookie, when the chocolate is melted, it’s tasty.

 What do you treasure about being an entrepreneur? I like the freedom it gives me. Doing something that I like; instead of working for someone else. It’s great, even with working long hours—I don’t mind, because I like it.

What is your business background? I went to New York University for Accounting and Information Systems. I have some business background and also, my parents owned a restaurant for ten years prior to myself opening a business. So, I grew up in the restaurant business. I knew it would be a lot of hard work, long hours. It is not just the fun and games you see on television. It’s not all glamour, or about being famous; it’s hot and sweaty, because you are the one making the food. I came into the business because I really love baking and I like that people enjoy eating my food.

Did you attend a culinary school? Yes, I attended the Institute of Culinary Education, at 23rd St. and 6th Ave.

What are some of your popular items on your menus? The popular items at the café, Chokolat Patisserie are: Butter Croissants, Red Velvet Cupcakes, and Brownies. We only sell breakfast at the Bakery, no cakes, so the popular items here would be the various croissants. The popular items at Jin are: Tonkotsu Ramen, Miso Ramen, and Kara Age (Japanese fried chicken).

What kind of atmosphere one notices about your restaurants? It is an easy comfort. We are now sitting in the Bakery, it is a much smaller store, more of a takeout place; however, the kitchen is large. We do the baking here, and in the mornings send everything to Chokolat Patisserie. At the café there is a lot more seating, it’s a coffee-bar. We try to make it that kind of environment—where people feel comfortable; they can come in for a couple of hours to hang-out. There is free Wi-Fi, people do their homework, talk with their friends, or take time to relax.

What’s next?  We are actually doing renovations and construction work right now on another restaurant. It is going to be American Comfort food—southern influence, because I am actually from the south.

You are? When my family first moved to the United States, we moved to Alabama. The funny thing is: When my husband’s family came to the United States, they moved to Mississippi. Later on, my husband and I met in New York. So, it is very funny to us that we are both from the south and we both love Southern food.

Where will your new restaurant be located? On Amsterdam and 121st Street; hopefully, by the end of the year; it is going to be southern with a kind of twist, because both my husband and I are Asian (Taiwanese). We will try to bring a little bit of that background. It’s not going to be just straight southern food. We will try to put a spin on it—a little bit of ourselves.

What are your favorite southern meals? I like fried chicken and fried catfish.

It’s all wonderful, Jenny. —Thank you, we have been happy here for five years, there is a lot of love— in what we do.

Catch it if you can at www.chokolat.com.

Posted in Bakeries, Broadway, Cafes, Japanese Fried Chicken, Morningside Heights, Patisserie, Ramen Shop, Strawberry Parfait | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Catch It: Blue Water Grill

Posted on August 1, 2012 by W.D. Moore

For my birthday present, my dear friend Jeannie treated me to dinner at Blue Water Grill. It’s located at 31 Union Square West (at 16th Street), New York, NY 10003.

It had been several years since I was at Blue Water Grill. Still, it felt like the first time. I arrived ten minutes before my friend; gazed about the elegant metropolitan flair, and there—entwined outside its door: the bustling community of Union Square’s Farmer’s Market (at 14th Street/Broadway); the Union Square Theater (100 E. 17th Street); and the symphony of life in New York City.

Blue Water Grill has a subtle sophisticated charm, sleepless full-service bar, cozy booths and tables. I listened to the background music of Carole King—then heard, “Happy Birthday, Wanda.”

“Hey, Jeannie, what a great suggestion,” I replied while smiling.

Soon, we were escorted to our open window view table and chatted away.

“I love Blue Water Grill,” Jeannie said, “particularly, the seafood.”

“And, it’s a perfect place to celebrate my birthday,” I said.

Minutes passed, by now we were ready to order. We decided to share our appetizers: Crispy Fried Calamari and Classic Caesar Salad. For entre, Jeannie ordered the Mediterranean Branzino and I chose Salmon.

Later, for desert we each selected the Red Velvet Cheese Cake. The entire meal was divine, the service was first-class. By the time our Cappuccino arrived, we talked about Jeannie’s new vacation home in the Caribbean and I updated her on my new novella.

In all, Blue Water Grill is an American classic restaurant—an endearing place to celebrate one’s birthday with a dear friend.

Catch it if you can at www.bluewatergrillnyc.com

Posted in Jazz, Mediterranean Branzino, Red Velvet Cheese Cake, Restaurants, Seafood Restaurants, Union Square | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Catch It: The London Candy Company

Posted on June 29, 2012 by W.D. Moore

In Lewis Carroll’s Alice Adventures in Wonderland, and Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There, “Carroll wrote books to give pleasure to children,” according to The World Book Encyclopedia, “but adults also enjoy the humor, fantastic characters, and adventures in the stories.” Last Friday afternoon, I went to meet with Mr. Jigs Patel, the owner of The London Candy Company, and I was in a wonderland of candy in the Yorkville Manhattan Neighborhood.

The London Candy Company is located on the Upper East Side at 1442 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10128. It is indeed, a happy land of delectable chocolate candy treats.

On June 22, I met with Jigs Patel and we talked about his successful business, at the same time, Mommies and Daddies strolled in with eager children; the soundtrack of “Sade” played in the background; the space is adorned with the British flag of red, white and blue; and one feels the culture of Great Britain—the flavor of London. I felt right at home, sitting at the spacious window counter at The London Candy Company on East 94th Street.

And so, I give you my conversation with Jigs Patel.

When I think of London, I fancy tea. What is your favorite tea? I would have to say a combination of either Earl Grey or English Breakfast Tea.

Do you brew your tea in a special tea pot? The tea pot is more symbolic of what the UK would describe their tea time as. So at the moment, we have a “Tea Cosi” that’s been designed for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. I have noticed over time the amount of tea pot sales probably have diminished…now that coffee is such a big part of people’s lives.

Even in London? Yes, in London, Starbucks has really created a huge niche in what people’s perceptions are about coffee. So, I definitely would say that tea drinking has dramatically been reduced; it is still very quintessential British; but majority of people I know, drink coffee.

The coffee is very good, by the way? Thank you—you are drinking coffee from a company called “Stumptown” and the brew was a bean called Hairbender.

How did you come up with the idea for The London Candy Company? My original concept was to open up a restaurant here in the New York City, that’s what I did in the UK. But—with the economy the way it is, and the fact that New York is full of so many good restaurants, I came up with a new idea. Then I found that every time I was coming from the UK to the U.S., people were asking me to bring them chocolates. And I never understood why people were asking me to bring Kit Kats—because the U.S. had Kit Kats. But Kit Kats are made in the U.S. by Hershey, and everywhere else around the world Kit Kats are made by Nestle. So there are different ingredients that go into the UK chocolates compared to the ingredients in the U.S.

Earlier, I had mentioned to my niece Dahlia that I was on my way to an interview, and I asked her: “What is your favorite chocolate?” She said Kit Kats. People are not aware of the ingredients. The difference is the cocoa beans. Europe tends to buy their cocoa beans from Africa and America tends to buy their cocoa beans from South America. So the chocolate bar looks exactly the same, but taste different.

You have created your own niche in New York City. It also helps with the American love affair with anything English, British—especially with London as well. Last year was a high note with the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton; and this year, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, in addition to the greatest sporting event to be happening in London: The Olympics.

What is the Top Five Chocolates Treats at The London Candy Company?  1) Cadbury’s Crunchie Bar, 2) Nestle Aero, 3) Maynards Wine Gums, 4) Jelly Babies, and 5) Yorkie Bar.

How long have you been in business? It’s coming up to 16 months now—there is a sense of a neighborhood; we see the same faces and families; and support a lot of the local schools.

Meanwhile, two petite and pretty Moms were sitting next to Jigs and I at the counter. They were with their sons, and I started another conversation:

“Hi, I see your children are enjoying their chocolates. Do you come here a lot?”

“Yes, we come every day. It’s like your old fashioned candy shop. It’s amazing.”

“My name is Wanda; I was interviewing Jigs about The London Candy Company.”

“Hi, my name is Jessica, and my sister’s name is Sascha.”

“What is your favorite Mommy treat?” I asked.

“I love the coffee and anything dark chocolate.” Jessica said. “They have really good coffee and my husband loves the Cadbury’s bars.”

“What about your son?” I asked.

“Lucas, what’s your favorite?”Jessica asked.

“I like the Tea Cake.” He said. “They are the best and I like their ice cream, too.”

“Oh, yes, the ice cream is brilliant. We love it.” Jessica smiled at Lucas.

“And another thing, we like is the Kit Kats, they are so good.  I never knew there was a difference until I tasted The London Candy Company’s Kit Kats,” said Jessica.

“What else do you like about The London Candy Company?” I asked.

“I love stopping by to purchase gifts for my family and friends.” She said. “For Easter we bought the nicest chocolate treats to go into the Easter Baskets. They do a very nice presentation, it’s beautiful and it makes a difference.”

Jessica, continued: “It’s such a great addition to the neighborhood. There is nothing like it. The staff, they are great; they are so knowledgeable about the products; and they know everything about London. It has that perfect balance for families and it’s a fun experience.”

Then, I turned to Lucas, “What do you like about coming here?”

“I like the yummy, yummy stuff,” a bright-eyed Lucas said.

Catch it if you can at www.thelondoncandycompany.com

Posted in Chocolate, Coffee & Tea, Gift Shops, Kit Kats, London, Tea Cakes, Upper East Side, Yorkville | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Catch It: Frederick’s Café & Bistro

Posted on June 12, 2012 by W.D. Moore

A new kind of coffee pleasure and café treasure awaits one at Frederick’s Café & Bistro. It is located at 2104 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10026; it is in the area of Harlem Hamlet—(110th to 125th Street & 8th Avenue); and it is the little sister to Bier International at 2009 Frederick Douglass Blvd. (at 113th Street).

Frederick’s Café & Bistro’s menu is a mixture of American and European Cuisine, with a folksy flair of homemade scrumptious meals.  Specifically, Mini Baguette Sandwiches: Avocado & Cucumber, Prosciutto & Provolone, Mozzarella & Basil, and Mortadella & Basil Pesto; Panini Sandwiches: Hummus with Alfalfa sprouts, Avocado, roasted peppers, roasted garlic basil vinaigrette; Smoked Black Forest Ham with Provolone cheese, extra virgin olive oil; and Danish Fontina & Prosciutto with Prosciutto di Parma, basil pesto and Roma tomatoes; Quiches: Lorraine, Mushroom, and Spinach and Salads, such as: Organic Baby Greens, Caesar Salad, Frederick Salad, and Turnip, Arugula and Prosciutto.

The décor is bright, bold and beautiful for intimate exchanges, or single moments with a Cappuccino and a scrumptious Oatmeal Cookie. The afternoon, I was there, I sat at the communal table, next to a charming couple, Scott and Gwen. It was also their first time at Frederick’s Café & Bistro. “What do you like about your new neighborhood place? I asked.

“I like the Caesar Salad,” said Scott.

“Me too,” echoed Gwen, “and the Quiche Lorraine.”

“And also,” Scott smiled, “the coffee is very good.”

I concur with Scott and Gwen, Frederick’s is a very good Café & Bistro.

Catch it if you can at www.fredericknyc.com and www.bierinternational.com.

Posted in Cafes, Coffee & Tea, Harlem Hamlet, Mini Baguette Sandwiches, Oatmeal Cookie, Panini Sandwiches, Upper West Side | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Catch It: Bettolona

Posted on June 1, 2012 by W.D. Moore

On May 31st, I ran into friends at Barnard College, then dashed to the IRT (1) train at 125th Street. Unexpectedly, I came upon Bettolona, an Italian Bistro at 3143 Broadway, New York, NY 10027.

Thursday was a sunny summertime day, and I pretended I was in Italy for a moment—with cobblestone streets, wide opened doors, and exposed brick walls. Checking the time, but more, the place, I was enchanted by the Upper West Side restaurant. A friendly host welcomed me to Bettolona.

Immediately, I noticed the elegant rectangular red overflowing booth; the handsome mahogany bar and the brick-lined oven for freshly made pizza.

“Hi, would you like to see a menu?” The hospitable man asked.

“Yes,” I said, “What a surprise to find you here.”

“Thanks, my name is Sandro Giusiano, I am the owner. Is this your first time at Bettolona?”

“Yes,” I said, staring at the menu.

“Please come again, everything is homemade and fresh.” He looked-up and said, “Hey, Giovanni, this lady is visiting us for the first time. Giovanni is our chef.”

“Hi, Giovanni,” I said, “I just glanced at Bettolona’s dazzling cuisine, such as: Antipasti: Asparagil Al Forno (Baked asparagus with fontina cheese, parmigiano and truffle oil), Zuppa Di Campagna (Mixed vegetable and white beans soup); Paste: Fettuccine (Homemade spinach fettuccine, sweet sausage, peas, tomatoes in cream sauce), Lasagne Verdi (Spinach lasagna with meat sauce and béchamel); and Dessert: Tiramisu and Panna Cotta.”

“You should check out our Saturday & Sunday Brunch; a favorite is the Pane Perso (Organic French toast with fresh fruit drizzled with maple syrup),” He said.

“It all sounds delicious, Giovanni,” and I asked, “What made you become a chef?”

“I love to cook. When I was growing up in Ecuador, my Mama taught me how to cook—and that love remains the same.”  He smiled and we chatted for another moment, then I said good-bye.

Catch it if you can: Bettolona at 212.749.1125

Posted in Broadway, Cafes, Italian Cuisine, Manhattanville, Upper West Side | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment