Virgil's ,Telepan, Outback( NYC!)

On "Mardi Gras" February 16, I decided to return to an old favorite place right in the heart of Times Square, Virgil's. 44th Street between 6th & 7th Ave.  I had not been there in YEARS! It used to be one of our Phantom "regular" spots. The Girls in the show took me there on my birthday years ago ( it was twenty-something, that's all I'll say!). Their biscuits are not nearly as good as my grandmother's, but the maple butter is to die for! On this evening I had a "Mardi Gras Special", fried green tomatoes, delicious! They were topped with a crab sauce and shrimp. If it's offered, try it! I drank two big glasses of Diet Coke, since that's my weakness that I've given up for lent . But they have fun cocktails and of course, Stewart's Root Beer, regular & diet and SWEET TEA! Grade B+

Last Sunday I had Brunch at Telepan. 72 W 69th Street NY, NY 10023 212-580-4300 www.telepan-ny.com It seems to be VERY popular!  I had the apple crepes ( you get "Sweet Breads for the table), the bacon& aged cheddar omelette & hash browns. Very Nice, it also included a salad, thank goodness! My friend had the "Upper West Sider", which he described as "Bready", he was expecting it to be more "fishy" as would I.  I was there before and remember a terrific "Bellini", perfect for brunch! Grade A-


Ok as promised, I went to OUTBACK on 23rd Street between 5& 6th Ave! Yes, we have an Outback in NYC! I'm not a big steak eater, but it was pretty darn good! I had the four ounce , "Outback Special"and the chopped blue cheese/pecan salad. LOVE those! If you live in Manhattan and need an "escape" to the burbs, just walk right in, it really feels like I could be anywhere, USA! Grade B


Oh, I have to mention a new cheese I found ( or new to me). It's called "Prima Donna Red" a semi-hard cheese, found at "Gourmet Garage" on 66th betwen B'way & Amsterdam. I am a total Cheese addict,  but this seemd a bit "off" as a friend reminded me some "Prima Donnas" are! Pardon MOI!!! I'll try it again some time, to see if it was that batch...

Our drinks of the week ( Phantom folks) were  Gourmet Jello Shots  deemed "Giry's Gelees" . They were fun, never had a jello shot with bourbon!

Till next time...


Cheers!

Kimilee

www.kimileebryant.com