McCormick and Schmick's Seafood and Steaks New York - USA

Out of several restaurants that we have been to during our last visit to USA, we chose McCormick and Schmick's Seafood and Steaks New York as the most consistent in presenting their good food and the prices did not cost us an arm and a leg. We had long lunches three days in a row and we left very content each time. Located in midtown of New York and within walking distance from the Central Park. 

On the first lunch we had calamari 'fritto misto' and lump blue crab cake to start with. Calamari was very well seasoned, tender and tasty with crispy coatings served with lemon aioli. Lovely! Portion is rather generous, so if you are not very hungry, you would find it's plenty to share between two persons. But the star of the meal was the crab cake. We could safely say, it was the best crab cake we ever had. So good, we had it on each lunch. And again, the portion is rather large so it's quite filling. We would suggest you to share so you don't spoil the main course unless of course you are a big fan of crab, then you should have one just for yourself. You would not be disappointed. Well balanced crab dressed with corn salsa and butter sauce. Delicious!

As main course, we both had grilled alaska salmon with sauteed courgette and haricot beans accompanied by holandaise sauce. Simple yet very flavorful. The salmon was cooked in perfection with a mild seasoning so it retains its taste of the sea. The sweetness of the haricot beans and the juiciness of the courgette really compliment the fish. That's what we call a proper healthy and tasty dish.  Portion is ideal too, together with the crab cake or calamari as an appetizer we had very nutritious meals that produce adequate energy, if not more, to continue your hectic day. 

As we were on holiday, we treat ourselves for a slice of carrot cake. When the waiter warned us how big the cake is, we did not believe him entirely, until we see it ourselves. He was not kidding, the size of the carrot cake was enormous. It's basically enough for four people. But it tasted so good..

Moist, sweet but not too sweet, nutty and complimented by light buttercream and cheese cream icing on top. True heavenly. A big pot of green tea would be required soon after we finished the last bite of the cake to wash down a few thousand of calories we just indulged. 

On the second day lunch, we had the same appetizers, but we had a steak as entree for a change. We had the NY strip cooked medium. Ah... this time we would not complain when the americans boast about their steak. We will admit, they are the best! It was melting the mouth, full of flavor, so succulent. No need for a sauce to have this steak as it's already juicy and seasoned very well. We had it with mixed green salad wrapped in cucumber with heirloom tomatoes, very good combination. We also ordered two of their signatures sides, lobster mashed potato and pan roasted mushroom, but we soon found out they were good but well too much for us to handle :)

Still had the imagination of the carrot cake that we had the day previously and how big it was, we decided to have something that's a little bit sensible this time, the creme brûlée. And it was a good choice indeed. Light textured but very creamy and with generous touch of vanilla. It would have been perfect had the sugar coating was blowtorched just before serving to give a slight warm crispness. Such a treat!

McCormick and Schmick's Seafood and Steaks New York offers happy hour from 5 PM daily, try their cocktails, they are good! We tried the cosmopolitan and we could not have enough of it. No wonder it always packed as soon as the happy hour starts.

We found the service at McCormick and Schmick's Seafood and Steaks New York was reasonably good. The waiting staff are attentive and informative. They would ensure that you enjoy the meal at your own time. No rushing about to turn more tables. Sign up for Landry's membership card for free, so you can collect points on every visit and get priority booking. 

McCormick and Schmick's Seafood and Steaks

1285 Avenue of the Americas

On the corner of 52nd St & 6th Ave.

New York, NY 10019

Phone: +1 212 459 1222

            +1 212 459 2474 (Banquets)

Website:

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 11.30 AM - 11 PM

                          Saturday 12 PM - 11 PM

                          Sunday 12 PM - 10 PM

Gordon Ramsay Pub and Grill at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas - USA

We do have a lot to say about this place and unfortunately it is not totally positive. We find Gordon Ramsay label that we often see either in London, Versaille and Las Vegas is not a guarantee of quality. It's basically a license to charge people more using his popularity. Which is a shame, as we thought that a genuine chef, especially the one who was awarded with Michelin stars would be concern about maintaining quality of food that is produced in all establishments that has his name on to retain his reputation. We failed to see that on our visit to Gordon Ramsay Pub and Grill at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas. 

The set up is quite attractive though, not exactly authentic English Pub sort of style but a modern bar with a little rustic scottish touch to it. Seats seemed to be quite comfortable, though not sure about the bar stools. We could not find any enjoyment in having a meal in a high chair. It would be ok if let's say we were having burger or some snacks, definitely not to go through 3-courses meal. 

We were having a negative vibe from the very start. We arrived at Gordon Ramsay Pub and Grill at Caesars Palace at 4.40 PM, we wanted to eat straight away, but we were told half heartedly by a hostess at the premises that dinner menu will be served from 5 PM and all tables with lower chairs have been reserved, so we have to eat at the bar. Not to keen but we book it anyways. We came back at 5 PM, greeted by different hostess slightly more friendly, who actually gave us a table with lower chairs. And until the end of our meal most of the tables were unoccupied, so what's with the fully reserved excuses that was given to us?? We're baffled. 

Let's talk about food. As soon as we sat down, the waiter brought us pretzel like stick bread in different flavours and dippings. A bit stodgy but it's different and we are open to new things. The menu itself is standard pub food, so we decided to try yorkshire ale batter fish and chips and mushy peas and fillet mixed grill. Nothing complicated, but we were curious how Gordon Ramsay with his expertise has redesign those two simple dishes into something that will blow our mind in amazement. 

Certainly no amazement found there. The fish was tasteless and mushy peas and the chips were cold. The mixed grill were just as bad. Apart from the prawn, both meat beef and pork belly were overcooked and dry. And as you can see on the picture, the presentation was very poor too. You would not believe this dish came out of Gordon Ramsay's kitchen, considering in every tv show he is on he always make a big deal about quality and presentation. Too bad he did not put that into practice at this particular restaurant.

We were so disappointed. We did not come with high expectation, although we should, as on the website it's stated clearly that the chef is Gordon Ramsay which is very misleading as he was not even there and instead they have Ja'nele Witt - winner of Hell's Kitchen, but even that, the quality was not up to the standard, very regrettable. 

And just a few days ago it was announced in the media that Ja'nele Witt is no longer the head chef at Gordon Ramsay Pub and Grill at Caesars Palace due to failure in drug test. So, maybe that's why she could not deliver the quality as expected. Let's hope the current successor could do a better job. 

They could improve the waiting staff's attitude too. Restaurant is part of service industry, so show us what service is all about, then customers like us will be happy to leave a well earned tips, not doing it because they're pressurized to do so.

There are several Gordon Ramsay restaurants in Las Vegas, but unfortunately we are losing excitements to try them, at least for now.

Gordon Ramsay Pub and Grill at Caesars Palace

3570 Las Vegas Boulevard South

Las Vegas, NV 89109

USA

Phone: +1 877 346 4642

Website: http://www.gordonramsay.com/us-restaurants/las-vegas-restaurants/gordon-ramsay-pub-grill/

Opening hours: Sunday - Thursday 11 AM - 11 PM

                          Friday and Saturday 11 AM - Midnight

                          Lunch: Daily 11 AM - 3 PM

Il Rinascimento Italian Restaurant Brussels - Belgium

Old establishment that is still run by the same crowd since the first time we have visited the restaurant about ten years ago while most restaurants at Rue Jourdan have changed hand. Still serving freshly home baked bread, italian hard cheese and red radish for you to nibble while going through the menu. Service at this restaurant is great too, we asked for some olive oil and basil, the waiter brought us a pot of fresh basil to our table. What could be better than that?! :)

Instead of the usual routine of pasta dishes we decided to have the special menu of the day that was suckling pig served with roast baby potatoes and salad as recommended by the waiter who is a very proud Sardinian. He was not bragging about the food though. It may looked a bit rustic, but the taste is to die for. The meat was juicy and tender. So simple yet so delicious. No fancy herbs or seasoning, just the real taste of good meat.

Apart from good food and friendly service, what makes every visit to Il Rinascimento interesting is the fact that they always come up with something extra ordinary that put a smile to their customers. We ordered a watermelon at the end of our meal and they served this huge slice of greek watermelon that is enough for four people!!! It was ripe, sweet and very refreshing though! 

As we had no idea how big the watermelon would be, we also order a tiramisu. Not exactly the best tiramisu we ever had, but would pass an average level. I would be better had they put more coffee liquor to make it more exciting. But then it may not be suitable for young customers. 

If you are looking for a comfort food italian style in central Brussels, pop in to Il Rinascimento, you would not be disappointed. Seating is a small and cramped inside but good food, good service and good value for money. 

Il Rinascimento
Rue Jordan 14, Saint Gilles 1060 Brussels - Belgium
Phone: +32 2 534 7520
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, Lunch starts at 12 noon and Dinner starts at 6PM

Gallery Restaurant Brussels - Belgium

Gallery is family run vietnamese restaurant located at the side street of the famous Waterloo Boulevard where the high end boutiques such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Cartier and many more are situated. So, it's an ideal place to grab a quick and tasty lunch before continuing to shop without breaking the bank. 

Set up as a modern restaurant with asian touch makes Gallery looks very elegant yet cosy and unpretentious. Soft leather seats and good size tables are very welcoming, wether you decide to have a quick meal or long lunch/ dinner. 

As we came in a small group of three, we decided to try few selection of starters to share to build up appetite. We chose summer spring rolls filled with rice vermicelli, asparagus, cucumber, duck slice and mint leaves served with plum sauce as a dip. It came in four pieces in a portion. Refreshing yet quite filling appetizer. Followed by selection of dim sum that consists of prawn siumay, pork dumpling and many more flavourful mini treats. Ask for chili oil if you want to add fiery kick to your food. 

As the main course we had noodles with prawn and vegetables. Generous portion indeed, we were glad to have it to be shared. Next to the noodles we were having duck green curry with jasmine rice and peking duck with plum sauce and match stick chopped spring onions. Real feast!

The duck curry was delicious and creamy with enough spiciness. The jasmine rice was a little bit cold and dry though. Had it served correctly, it would really compliment the fusion of herbs in the curry. 
The peking duck was unfortunately not the best we ever had too. The duck itself was cold and dry, just like the thin pancakes which came with it. 

Although we could not finish the entrees we could not resist the temptation to have the dessert. We decided to share Vietname jasmine cake served with vanilla and coconut ice cream. Now, that was something that lighten our mood after a few let downs with the main courses. Warm and light textured cake so full of fragrant, complimented by coconut ice cream (or vanilla ice cream, if you prefer). A cup of green tea to finish it off and we were all set to continue with our shopping stroll. 

In general, Gallery is casual dining with very good value for money. Do not expect fantastic service though, unless the owners are present, but most dishes on the menu is reasonably good. We would not mind to go back there again. Hopefully with air conditioning system installed by next summer :)

And if you are interested on getting home accessories you can find authentic Vietnamese merchandises available for purchase at the restaurant too. 


Gallery Restaurant
Rue du Grand Cerf 7, Brussels 1000 - Belgium
Phone: +32 2 511 8035
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 12 noon to 3PM and 6PM - 10PM

Loui Bar at Steigenberger Grand Hotel Brussels - Belgium

Steigenberger Grand Hotel Brussels was known formerly as Conrad Brussels. One of our favourite hotels in Europe. To our surprise, the hotel now appeared to be tired rather than grand as it used to be. On top of that during our recent stay the restaurant Cafe Wiltcher's was closed for refurbishment. Frankly speaking, the food quality at Cafe Wiltcher's has never been that fantastic which one would expect from a five star hotel only restaurant at the premises, but having it closed down during summer holiday is adding more disappointments. 

So we had no choice other than room service to have our lunch at Loui Lounge and Bar. It still is a great lounge and bar to enjoy cocktails or afternoon tea, but it certainly not suitable place to have a meal. We were lucky to have two chairs and a table, but just imagine those chairs are occupied and we  end up with a sofa and a coffee table instead. We would have to bend down to enjoy our meal. Not our idea of great lunch. 

As we were too tired to be fussy we quickly take a look on the menu and made our order. A grilled dover sole served with french fries and green salad in light vinaigrette dressing and a sea bass in a bed of asparagus and sauteed potatoes. 

Average quality food to our standard. The dover sole was overcooked and the sea bass was rather tasteless, but overall, both dishes did adequate job to fill the tummy for the day. I guess the Veuve Cliquot Rose also took part in making the food more palatable. 

                                                    

The service is always good at Loui, they have the most friendly and accommodating staff and the barman makes very good cocktails, some are very unusual but very flavourful. Rumour has it, the hotel management is soon going to start doing some work to bring back this beautiful property to it's former glory. Well, that's is something to look forward to. We could not wait to see the result.

Loui Bar at Steigenberger Grand Hotel Brussels

71 Avenue Louise Brussels 1050

Belgium

Phone: +32 2 5424242

Website: http://www.steigenberger.com/en/brussels

Murano by Angela Hartnett, Mayfair London

Unplanned visit to Murano by Angela Hartnett in Mayfair was so impressive, we had to revisit the restaurant for another two occasions on the same week! The first visit was an early dinner. We got there few minutes after the restaurant was reopened for evening service, and there were few table occupied already. Clearly, it was not just us who were really enthusiastic with the place. 

First impression, nice, well spread, open lay out. It has a small but well equipped bar with few seats, cosy corner to enjoy an aperitif before dinner. Or if you prefer, go straight to the dining area. What not to like when you dine on good size tables covered in white, crisp table clothes, decorated with fresh flowers and crystal candle holder, plus comfortable leather chairs, very elegant and inviting?

Once we sat down, the menu and wine list were shown to us. Another sign of a good restaurant  ticked, as Murano has a very large selection of quality wines. We would need half a day to go through it. Thank goodness there was wine sommelier ready to assist us. So, wee have decided to have Paul Pilllot Saint- Aubin 1er Cru Pitangeret. Crisp and flavorful. 

First to arrive was a platter of cold cut, San Danielle ham and salami, selection of bread served with a beautiful, extra virgin olive oil from southern Tuscany. It's so green, fruity and robust just the way we like it. Apparently the olive oil is blended specially for Murano, no chance of getting it off of the local supermarket shelves then. 

From the scallops to belly of pork, nothing we could fault. Everything was cooked and presented to perfection. The portion is just enough to fill the tummy and leave space for other tantalizing treats such as  beautifully baked soufflé and cheese trolley that is so hard to resist. 

Consistency of both quality of food and service deserve two thumbs up. Food served at the right temperature and the taste always exceeding our expectations. The menu at Murano is changed regularly so you will easily find something new to try. Bonne degustation!!

Murano by Angela Hartnett
20 Queen Street, Mayfair, London W1J5PP 
Phone: +44 20 7495 1127
Website: http://www.muranolondon.com
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday - Lunch 12PM - 3PM, Dinner 6.30PM - 11PM

Dolly's Cafe at Selfridges Oxford Street London

Nothing seemed to be more appropriate than teatime during one cold spring afternoon. Especially for shopping enthusiasts in London. Take the opportunity to recharge at Dolly's Cafe at Selfridges before continuing having retail therapy as I did few days ago.

I managed to get a table after few minutes in the queue. The place does get packed from noon onward. But it gets less busy after 3PM. A little bit early for afternoon tea, but hey,.. I still got a lot of shopping to do, so why not?!

Afternoon tea Dolly's style comes with the usual selection of finger sandwiches, raisin scone with jam and clotted cream, mini open sandwiches, one with eggs and mayonnaise and one with smoked beef topping. And the delight of all is vanilla eclair served with toffee sauce. With a pot of fresh brew darjeeling, I am all set. 

In my opinion, the whole presentation was very appealing, I couldn't wait to dig in as soon as they arrived on my table, but after going through piece by piece, I found the fingers sandwiches and the scone were too dry to my liking. I have expected more from Dolly's. The eclair was good, though I don't think the toffee was necessary at all. 

I consider the service was inconsistent, I got served by friendly and helpful staff in some occasions and also experienced being served by a grumpy staff some other time. Price wise is average, though it could do with a little improvement on the quality. Let's see if they make any positive changes in few months time. I will keep you posted!

Dolly's Cafe at Selfridges

Lower Ground Floor
400 Oxford Street, London, W1U 1AT
Phone: 0800 123 400