Empire Szechuan Kyoto, Angus McIndoe, Santa Fe

So, Todd & I ordered Chinese ( such a NY thing to do, I suppose), on the day he got snowed in ( was supposed to leave for SC, but got stuck and at least got to see a couple more shows and hang with me). My regular place here on the UWS is the Empire Szechuan Kyoto 193 Columbus Ave Between 68th & 69th, it seems to get very low marks for service and I suppose when I have eaten "in" there, they are not the best in that department and they always fail to give you fortune cookies, utensils, napkins etc when you get food to go. When you ask for these things, it seems like you've asked for the MOOON!
HOWEVER, I love their Cold Noodles in Seasame Sauce & "Rock & Roll" sushi roll ( avocado & unagi). I very often order this when I have been away and come home to an empty fridge. Todd seemed to like his pad thai and my sister very often got the chicken fried rice. If you want better service & bells & whistles got to Ollie's on Broadway and about 68th, but you won't find sushi there! Grade B+ ( food only)

On Thursday the 11th, my pal Joe Gustern and his friends Brenda & Rick came to the show and we went out to Angus McIndoe afterward. It's at 258 W. 44th Street www.angusmcindoe.com They had actually had dinner there before the show and it's always a spot to find Broadway types after a show . There is a pretty good after 10 PM menu, which for me on this night included the Quesadilla de Carlo and of course a Maker's Mark. I suppose I should have had Scotch, since it's SO Scottish there! You might find your clan on the clan poster if that's your heritage... Grade B+ ( would have been higher, but music was TOO loud.


On Valentine's Day I ended up actually going out with a friend again on the UWS at Santa Fe   73 W 71st St. Between Columbus & CPW.  Two words: AGAVE MARGARITA! I had a frozen, no salt, my friend had one up with salt. SO GOOD! Maybe we should have ordered the Large ( oh, but I had to sing the next day). The  complimentary salsa & chips were nice and the guacamole we ordered was okay ( nothing compared to Rosa Mexicano). I had the Chipotle Chicken which I hoped would be a bit spicier since "Jalapeno" was mentioned. It was very good, but I might try something else next time. I have been there a couple of times ( I believe I had my standby Mexican dish of enchiladas and they were good). I will definitely go back. Service was good and the atmosphere pleasant, though it can get loud when crowded. Grade B+


Oh, quick mentin of "Red Stag" Black Cherry Bourbon, I thought it would taste like cough syrup, but was pleasantly surprised. I had it "neat" and like it! Of course Blanton's and Hudson remain my favorites...


That's it for tonight, I have Brasserie Athenee in the Theatre District, Osteria Laguna in East mid-town and Telapan in ( you guessed) Upper West Side to chat about and tomorrrow I am going to a CHAIN!! Meeting a friend at OUTBACK Steakhouse, I do love their chopped salads though!

Cheers!


Kimilee


pictured :Joe Gustern, Kimilee, Rick & Brenda backstage at the Majestic Theatre, Broadway February 11, 2010