I Trulli: Second Visit

For our quarterly staff lunch (courtesy of our oh-so-generous boss, Dr S), I suggested I Trulli. We got a spacious outdoor table on a perfectly lovely afternoon.

I had it on good information (from my last visit) that the mini calzones were a must try, so we immediately ordered a few plates of both the tomato/mozzarella and the scallion/mushroom (4 per order).

The tomato/mozz were insanely delicious--that flaky, fabulous dough alone is worth the trip. I didn't care for the scallion version, though. Long, stringy bits of scallion greens that were just not for me.

I ordered the Caprese salad, which came with crispy prosciutto on top. Where has crispy prosciutto been all my life? This was outstanding. I dared to share a bite or two with neighbors, even though I wanted to gobble it all up in two seconds flat. Pace yourself!

Another colleague ordered the pumpkin soup and said it was outstanding. It smelled like everything wonderful about fall.

CJ ordered the lasagna, which looked like a stunning work of art on its own. CJ confirmed it was as delicious as it was beautiful.

I did not waver-- I knew going in that I was going to get the 'dish that got away' last time--the rigatoni with lamb meatballs and goat cheese. So good. Where do they get this goat cheese? I need more of it in my life!

A few other folks ordered the fish dishes on that day's menu and raved about how great they were. They LOOK fantastic, don't they?

This group doesn't skip dessert, either. We ordered one of almost everything and shared.

I will not be sharing the tiramisu next time. Mine! All mine!

Another standout: the apple tart! I tried that last, expecting it to be a flat disappointment, but the crust was melt-in-your-mouth wonderful, the filling perfectly spiced, and I went back for seconds. Bravo.

The second visit confirms it--I Trulli has heavenly hand-made pasta, delicious salads, and shut-your-mouth desserts. Definitely put this place on your list!

I Trulli Ristorante/Enoteca

122 E 27th St # 1

New York, NY 10016

(212) 481-7372

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Tea & Sympathy...and STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING!!!!

We had a lovely meal at A Salt & Battery (review here), but ABF (that's Awesome BoyFriend for you new visitors) & I weren't ready to go home yet. We walked around a bit before deciding to stop for some hot tea at another favorite spot of mine: Tea & Sympathy.

T & S is a tiny little spot just a few doors down from A Salt & Battery. They have high tea, sandwiches, hot and cold food, but for me, they do desserts best. I managed to convince ABF to make some room for a few sweet bites.

First, the tea--ABF ordered a pot of English Breakfast, and I ordered a pot of Earl Grey. They came out in steaming hot pots with lovely, eclectic teacups.

My first and last (until this ABF visit) taste of their sticky toffee pudding a good 8 years ago, and I've been thinking about it ever since. It's a delicate yet slightly dense cake swimming, deliciously swimming, in a pool of custard. ZOMG this custard!!

ABF ordered the ginger pudding, which also comes in its own custard bath. This was too gingery for my taste--almost bites you back, but ABF liked it. However, we BOTH preferred my sticky toffee pudding overall. So. Good.

Tea & Sympathy always has great, friendly service, and I've yet to try a custard that tops theirs. I mean not in London proper, not in my kitchen, nowhere! Blast! ABF & I are on our way back as soon as we can make it happen!

Tea & Sympathy
108 Greenwich Avenue
New York, NY 10011
(212) 807-8329

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A Salt & Battery

As you may already know, ABF spent almost 7 months last year living in London. I think he's kind of missing it (in fact, I'm pretty sure), and I know I'm always longing for another visit. I decided that for Leap Year (aka Sadie Hawkins Day), I would treat ABF to some good old fish & chips in NYC's unofficial "Little Britain."

A Salt & Battery is a tiny space--only a handful of seats inside--but oh is it worth squeezing in and snagging a seat!

The menu is pretty basic-- a few different types of fish, bangers & mash, and other typical British fare. Yum!

We started off with some adult beverages--an icy-cold Strongbow (hard apple cider) for me. Crisp, tart, with just enough sweetness.

ABF ordered a Fullers London Pride beer. I'm not so into the beer, so I declined his offer to try it.

For my fried fish, I went with the haddock (my second choice if cod is not available), getting the smaller portion, which rings up at around 8 bucks. Their parsley (?)-tinged tartar sauce is FANTASTIC.

ABF ordered the same size but got the pollock (also $8). They were both delicious, and I am pretty sure I couldn't tell the difference between the 2 fish in a blind taste test.

It wouldn't be fish & chips without the chips (which come separately at A Salt & Battery)--these were quite tasty--meaty bits of potato, not too-cooked.

And our favorite side: mushy peas. These aren't as GREEN as the ones at Chip Shop, but they are just as delicious. So good.

We shared some typical British treats--a deep-fried Mars Bar ($4)--which to me is like a Milky Way but somehow so much better. It's super-rich, so splitting it was a good idea. Melty, caramel, deliciousness.

ABF ordered the banana fritter ($4), which probably makes your American mind think of a large, fried dough funnel cake type dessert, but this is literally just a deep fried banana. A ripe, sweet, almost melt in your mouth banana. Good, but I'd say the Mars bar was better.

It's not fancy-shmancy, but the food at A Salt & Battery is flat-out delicious. Tender, flaky fish that's not burnt to a crisp, savory mushy peas and tasty chips--and deep-fried desserts! Leave your passport at home and have a tasty meal in NYC!

A Salt & Battery
112 Greenwich Avenue
New York, NY 10011
(212) 691-2713

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Bliss Bros Dairy: BUTTERFUUUUUUUDGE!

One of my most delicious memories from growing up in New England is Bliss Brothers Dairy in Attleboro (Massachusetts). We'd go there for post-church lunches, weekend dinners, and best of all, ice cream! My very own mother once worked behind the counter, scooping up delicious dishes of fabulous Bliss in ice cream form.

Bliss Brothers started out as a dairy, but they are now full-service, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, and of course, their awesome ice cream.

We'd had an early brunch there with a friend, but after taking ABF around Attleboro to see the sights, my old stomping grounds, schools, homes, and more, I told him we had to stop for something sweet. In other words, I wasn't leaving town with some Butterfudge in my belly.

You heard me. Butter. FUDGE. Bliss Brothers earned my undying devotion so many years ago by putting together rich, decadent hot fudge with butterscotch--you don't choose one or the other--you get them both!! Huzzah!

ABF saw the fried dough sundae and was immediately on board with that. I'll admit, I did not buy into it at first---fried dough? Like the funnel cake I just don't get?? But once again, ABF proved his ordering expertise, because this was AMAZING. If Butterfudge didn't exist (and let's not imagine that scenario for too long), this sundae would be a handy, delicious, oh-so-bad-for-your-hips-but-lovely-on-the-lips replacement.

His only suggestion would be that they serve it in smaller pieces--the dough is a bit unwieldy to cut and requires at least a decent knife to go with it--but he'd order it again without question!

On our way out, we stopped in the store section to see what people can take home now. Along with the tubs of ice cream I remember so well, we also saw other dairy products and an ice cream pizza.

If we were staying in Attleboro, I have a sneaking suspicious ABF would have walked out with one of those!

If you're anywhere near Attleboro (I'm looking at you, Providence!!), you've got to get yourself to Bliss Bros for a classic burger and a superb sundae. You're welcome. :)

Bliss Bros. Dairy
711 Park Street
Attleboro, MA 02703
(508) 222-0787

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Bliss Bros Dairy: O, delicious nostalgia!

I grew up in Attleboro, Massachusetts before we packed up and moved west, and a favorite dining destination was, and always will be, Bliss Brothers Dairy. YUM. Just YUM.

I drove ABF up there during our RI stay so we could have brunch with a dear family friend. We met Sunday morning and as soon as I stepped indoors, I went back about 20 years in my emotional time machine. Not much has changed about the interior--and I mean that in a good way. The ice cream tubs are still there, booths look the same, but it's all well maintained. Nothing old and musty about this bustling spot!

I was primed for THE thing to order: The Bliss Special. This is a delicious, juicy burger with onions, lettuce, tomato, bacon, and a slice of Vermont Cheddar Cheese. Also? Crispy, crinkly fries, which set the bar for all future fries in my life. I hesitated at first, hoping it would taste as good as I remember it. YES IT DOES.

Another must-try at Bliss is their raspberry-lime rickey, which also set the standard incredibly high for all rickies (rickeys?) to come. So good. I get mine with club soda instead of lemon-lime soda--cuts the sweetness so it's juuuuust right. Oh, it's liquid SUMMER, I tell you!

ABF was in the mood for breakfast, so he went with the 2 eggs, sausage and toast special with a side of baked beans. I don't know if I've ever had the beans before but they were SO good--a serious dose of pepper that made them more savory than sweet!

We had a great visit over some excellent food, super service, and in some ways, it was as if all those years never passed. Some things ARE still as delicious as you remember!

The best part about Bliss, though, is their homemade ice cream--read about that visit here!

Bliss Bros. Dairy
711 Park Street
Attleboro, MA 02703
(508) 222-0787

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The Cookie Jar (Newport, RI)

While walking through Newport's picturesque waterfront, ABF & I popped into The Cookie Jar to grab some sweet treats. It was almost impossible to resist the smells of freshly-baked cookies that lured us inside.

The Cookie Jar also offers coffee and hot chocolate, but we were on a food-only mission.

We picked up an M & M cookie (sugar cookie dotted with M & M candies, a fave of ABF's), a peanut butter, and a Snickerdoodle (one of my faves).

The peanut butter was wicked rich--I wish I'd had a glass of ice-cold milk to go with it. Just a few bites was all I could manage. That's not a bad thing at all--this is just a very intense cookie--if you can eat two of these, consider me impressed!

I had plenty of room, however, for the Snickerdoodle, which had a salty kick behind the cinnamon-sugar coating. Delish!

The favorite for us both, however, was the M & M cookie. We actually took a few more for the road, and they did not live long!

If you're in Newport, pop in here for cookies so delicious you'll swear my mom (or maybe even yours) gave them her recipes!

The Cookie Jar
29 Bowens Wharf
Newport, RI 02840
(401) 846-5078

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Perro Salado (Newport, RI)

I have family right outside Newport, so when ABF & I were visiting the area, we made plans for dinner with my aunt and one of my cousins. They spoke very highly of Perro Salado (the salty dog, apropos for Newport!), which had Mexican food and killer margaritas. I'm in!

True, in the back of my mind I was a little skeptical about how good Mexican could be in New England, but my experience at Martha's Vineyard's (now-closed) Zapotec was enough to have me keep an open mind. Plus--margaritas!

The restaurant is in a lovely colonial house which still has the individual rooms and doorways intact. What a fun, funky setting!

We started with a round of drinks--their margaritas were impressive. My aunt ordered the house, my cousin ordered the spicy cucumber, and I opted for the cilantro-jalapeno. Woot! I was warned to expect spicy, as the jalapenos are muddled into the drink, and I said BRING IT!

ABF took a sip and said "That will melt your FACE off!" I didn't think it was quite that bad, but it was deliciously spicy, which helped me pace myself instead of drinking the tangy-salty-sour-sweet drink too fast.

ABF wanted a Dos Equis on draft, but they were out, so the server recommended Sol, another Mexican beer. He seemed to like this and said it was pretty similar to Dos Equis.

We ordered a round of guac and chips for the table. I have never seen so much guacamole, with basic chips but a nice sprinkling of pumpkin seeds on the guacamole, too. We laid into it, and yet with four hungry people, we still couldn't finish it. Very generous serving!

ABF ordered the fish tacos--fried mahi-mahi (I think?) on tortillas. He said the fish was good, but the tortillas got wet and fell apart, so he had to eat it with a fork and not in its original taco formation--no big whoop, just a little less hands-on than he expected. I tried a bite of the fish and it was perfectly fried--yum.

I ordered the ropa vieja (beef) enchiladas. The meat was tender, spicy (though not as spicy as the pork, which my cousin K ordered), and delectable. I put a damn decent dent in this dish, and of course I shared some with ABF. Really, really good. Like "I can't believe I'm east of Texas" good. It had a tangy ranchera sauce cooled off by lots of melty, cheesy goodness. THIS was comfort food, Tex-Mex style.

I also had one more rita before we left--this time ordering the highly-praised blood orange version. This was good! Not as sweet as I worried it might be, with a delightful citrus tang to it. I think I still prefer the jalapeno version but if you're not into spicy, try this one. Or like me, try both!

The lighting is very low (hence my use of the dreaded flash), it's a bit noisy inside, and there's not a ton of room, but you'll be so busy eating you will probably not even care.

I would go back here in a heartbeat--thanks, Auntie C, for suggesting such a delicious destination for our dinner!

Perro Salado
19 Charles Street
Newport, RI 02840
(401) 619-4777

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