A night of restraint in the 'hood

Pin It

This has been some time in the making. I've tried to organize a few team meals since joining my current team, and this time we managed to get everyone at the same table. I didn't notify The Kitchen Nazi ahead of time that I was coming, although he did tell me a few days ago that he would be in Mexico. Well, as I told my team, there are pros and cons of him not being in da haus at Neighborhood... and I would at least be able to order the dishes that I wanted to have!

Smoked mackerel - smoked fish here is always a good idea, especially when mackerel is on the menu. Just look at the beautiful pattern on the fish! Taken with horseradish sauce tonight and not fish liver.

Escargot / ramps - I loved these little babies when I was here at the beginning of last month, and honestly, I have never failed to enjoy the Kitchen Nazi's deep-fried escargot. The ramps wrapped around the little suckers just made this into an alternative version of persillé.

Red whiskered shrimp / razor clams / white asparagus - these tiny little red whiskered shrimp (赤米蝦) are a staple on the menu nowadays, and I love how they're marinated and served chilled, because that's so refreshing. Tonight this also came with small razor clams and white asparagus.

Strawberries / burrata / tomato - a slightly different version that the one I had last month, but strawberries are always nice with burrata. And of course tomatoes. Duh.

Grilled Sicilian baby squid - I've had this dish just about every single time I've been here since 3 years ago, and I don't remember being served squid this size. They've always been baby squid, whether local or Italian... but not today.

I just had to put one on bread and do what I usually do...

Black sausage / fried egg - being the dish that, more than 15 years ago, first made me feel that the Man in White T-shirt was doing something special... I felt the need to order it again tonight, as I knew this was gonna be new to my team mates. Each of us only got a small wedge, but I was happy enough.

Bone marrow / potato / caviar / Australian wagyu shortrib roast beef - I really wanted the Aussie wagyu shortrib again, but since we already had the chicken coming, I got just a small portion instead. This was served together with the bone marrow and caviar. I loved all of it, and they went so well together. And yes, the bone marrow on bread is a must. Oh and we mustn't forget the amazing taters.

Warm vegetables / truffle vinaigrette - Shirley gave us an extra dish, one that always brings me comfort. The warm vegetables with truffle vinaigrette that reminds me of Ducasse and my stays at the Sanderson in London.

Salt-baked chicken / morels / giblets / rice - since we had a few first-timers, we took the signature chicken. It is always, always delicious, and the giblets that included chicken testicles surprised the others...

French toast - this has always been one of the better desserts in their limited repertoire.

Chocolate palette - I was surprised to hear that some people thought this was too sweet, but then again, almost nothing in this world is to sweet for me.

Canelés

I brought along just two bottles for this crowd:

2022 The Starting Point Riesling - the nose was a little flinty. There was good acidity on the palate, leaner but with a bit of ripeness and roundness.

2009 Clinet - this was very lovely and classic. Smoky and woodsy nose that was fragrant and minty. Drinking so well.

Pretty happy that I was able to finally make it here with the team, and truth be told, a little bummed that the Kitchen Nazi was off enjoying tacos tonight. Oh well, there's always next time!