Our Tenth at Atera, NYC

A decade... As we reminisce our wedding day, I wonder what would be a fitting celebration Mitch has in store. If there is one thing we share in common, it is the love of finding good food and good place to celebrate food. The predictable side of him is knowing that he will take me out for dinner, the thrill of it is not knowing which place this time...

You would not think it is still the pandemic as the traffic to New York City remains as heavy. We walked in a door, and I thought, is this the place? Are we going to a doctor's office? Not knowing there is a secret spot that NYC is hiding. We are a little too early for his reservation and we are directed to its sister company, a wine bar next door, Farra. 

We had Salmon Tartare and Foie Gras Mousse paired with white wine. It was a great start that I even joked to our server, should we just move the reservation here, he smiled and in a very assuring claim, "No, you will love Atera!"

As we enjoyed our hors d'oevre, my husband whispered, "Look that is Chef Ronny", glancing to the side. Why, do you know him? I laughed. I knew then that Atera is a special place. Mitch knew who the executive chef is, read his style and the story behind the food (or should I say the craftsmanship) of Atera.

As we walked back to Atera, we were greeted 'Happy Anniversary'. I love that welcoming tone and it is seldom that a conversation can even be long and leading in most dining as it is likely that they have to attend to another guest. Meanwhile, Atera has the luxury of time and attention because it is reserved for only a few guests. What else can make this night special? How about walking inside with one of your wedding music playing? ..."every little thing she does is magic, everything she do just turns me on. Even though my life before was tragic, now I know my love for her goes on..." Brought us down to memory lane, nostalgic and romantic. Well, no it was not requested, (but maybe it can?) I later found out that, through their Instagram post, that Michael (one of the team member) curates songs daily. Apparently, this night was booked with all couples, some celebrating anniversaries too; the music is a great touch in the soothing ambience of Atera.

The main dining room can be reserved in the Chef's Counter or in the High Top Table. He booked the High Top Table (can be reserved for 2-5 people) for both of us. It was as if a couples' night as there were (just) four other couples seated in the Chef's Counter.

Atera serves a tasting menu along with wine pairing or temperance- non-alcoholic beverage pairing, which I would love to talk about! It was my first to try such pairing, as it is typical to go along wine pairing. It was a great choice, at least on my vote, since my husband would argue that the wine is one of the best he had, as well! 

Find out more about wines and wine pairing at Wine Library.

A tasting menu is always intriguing, to taste the food in itself is a journey. As I was unfamiliar with Atera, I would have not known that they define a "sensory kitchen" - as I later found out in their website. Needless to say, I eventually found it! As food is to be enjoyed by your senses, the way the food looks, how appetizing the smell is, the texture and feel of it, the sound of the drink pouring or food crackling and most especially, the taste. Atera has it all!

We traveled from sea to land and tasted the gift of nature; the ingredients respected at it is, and food elevated to a higher level. It requires intricacy and artistry to combine ingredients together to come up with a flavor so unique, it's unforgettable! Who would have thought that caviar can be served warm, in a custard? It is genius! And tasty! There is boldness in flavor and they are not afraid to give emphasis to it!

The tuna/king crab/rice is a layer of interesting, from a delicately sliced (thinly) tuna, enveloped the surprising king crab and held by the crunch of the rice. The chicken skin/ham/rye is another food of the senses. I could not imagine the work behind this artistry; to make this not look like chicken skin. Did I mention the crunch? What makes this more special is that Executive Chef, Ronny Emborg served it!

"How was Farra?", as Chef Ronny engaged in a small talk. In my head, this Chef has an eye to detail, a keen eye for attention to detail. He noticed us in Farra when he passed by. I am instantly a fan!

The distinctive rotation of who serves your food to me is a great way to experience food. You would not traditionally see the chef do such thing. But I think it shows how proud he is of his craft and we are star-struck! It is like Picasso presenting you his painting himself!

Although we did not meet the Master Sommelier of Atera, Mitch was telling me who he is (did I mention he really did his research, as he would always do before taking me to a surprise dinner). I really enjoyed the juices in their temperance pairing, it is having the unique take on champagne, martini, and wine. There is brilliance in looking at a glass of wine and tasting beets but not the awful taste of it (sorry I am not a fan of beets), but today was a good turn. My favorite was cucumber as it goes well with the halibut/cucumber/parsley/roe. I cannot help but make Mitch smell and taste the cucumber juice. Well, he is enjoying his wine pairing anyway as he toured the vineyards of France, Austria, California, Spain and Germany; and had a kick of it!

There is more to experience in Atera and words cannot give justice to the craft and the artisans within its walls. Unlike some fine dining experience, Atera gives a different definition of "fine", it shows finesse but in a relaxed atmosphere; that I think what makes the experience more enjoyable. This place is highly recommended for couples and small groups to enjoy the intimacy.

Thank you Atera, all your hard work for the love of food is appreciated. It was a great night to be remembered making our 10th year very special! I hope you get your third Michelin star!

Check out their website at atera.com and reservation is through tock.

 

Seven-year-hitched at Per Se

This post is long overdue, as I was pregnant with our youngest, Lauryn at the time we celebrated our 7th anniversary last year.

As much as he can, my husband will make sure there is some "surprise" when celebrating our anniversary despite the busy schedule and the "lovely chaos" of having small kids.

He took me to Per Se.

Per Se received Three Stars in the 2019 Michelin Star. (Three Michelin Star rating is "exceptional cuisine, that is worth the special journey")

With what we experienced, yes, it is really worth the journey!

I can't help but smile with the personalized menu. This to me is quite the surprise!

We had a five-course dinner and the food is exceptional. The food was served with great attention to detail, which is also what we think should be included in having a great food experience.

One may think that food served in small servings will not make you full, well, not really. From appetizer to dessert, we left with a full belly and huge smile on our faces. It's both the tasty food and the great experience that makes you full. Literally and figuratively.

Then there's a table full of desserts!

And wait, there's more!

Still have room for tea or coffee?

Did I mention the service is excellent?
And the ambience is classy, yet with a loose, relaxed atmosphere.
We were given an opportunity to have a tour of the kitchen!

Hubby, being a chef himself and me as a food enthusiast (a nicer term for just loving to eat a lot!), loves the scene of the kitchen. This opportunity, to us is a great anniversary gift!

 The signature blue door!

And because they made an effort to know you, knowing that I'm pregnant, I had gift to go. Here is our Per Se baby with the Per Se onesie.

Thanksgiving

Our version of Thanksgiving dinner

Being an immigrant, we have adapted the American culture, one of which is the Thanksgiving Day. Apart from the cultural significance of the Thanksgiving dinner (which by the way, Gobble, I mean Google helped me a bit), I asked some American friends of what it means for them; it ranges from Black Friday sale, Native-American, pilgrims, turkeys, gathering, etc. But it boils down to one meaning for the majority of the people I asked, for them it is a celebration of what they (you) are thankful for.

One can have a deeper meaning of what it really signifies, which can be an ongoing debate up to this time and age, but since I am not in any position to even discuss what it really entails. I'm just here to share what was on our dinner.

Wikipedia was kind enough to explain, "In the United States, a globalist approach to Thanksgiving has become common with the impact of immigration. Basic "Thanksgiving" ingredients, or the intent of the holiday, can be transformed to a variety of dishes by using flavors, techniques, and traditions from their own cuisines. Others celebrate the holiday with a variety of dishes particularly when there is a crowd to be fed, guest's tastes vary and considering the financial means available."

So our version of Thanksgiving dinner reflect our culture, food preference and the small crowd to feed. You can also say, it is a mix of food adapted from other cultures (just to make it interesting...).

But most importantly, I want to showcase the chef's hard work in making our Thanksgiving dinner. Thank you Love (hubby)!

The bird

As none of us eats turkey (or choose not to eat turkey), our version of the bird is a chicken. Jerk chicken. Marinated with the famous jerk sauce of our Caribbean friends. Stuffed. Baked.

Transformed to a juicy, spicy, just the right size chicken!

Side dish

Our served green is taro leaves cooked in coconut milk (laing). Laing  is one of the Filipino vegetable delicacy which from childhood I remember my grandmother picking her homegrown taro leaves from the backyard, washing and drying it for days. And after days of waiting, meticulously cut and peel the stalks and shred the leaves with your hands. It wasn't the easiest food to cook since as the elders say, if you don't know how to cook it right, it ends up being itchy in the throat when you eat it, not to mention the cooking time is loonnngggg.... and we just basically picked this because my sister requests for it :)

Carbs

No mash potatoes, but spaghetti for the kids and pansit (the famous Filipino noodles) for the kids at heart. Oh yeah carbo loading it is!

The other meat

Lechon Kawali. (Crispy fried pork belly). The Philippines was colonized by the Spaniards and this can be on their version of thanksgiving dinner (just kidding!). But it's good, really really good!

That's it folks, I'm out and will be eating some Thanksgiving dinner leftovers...

So, what was on your Thanksgiving menu?

Dining Experience

It is good to experience food. Not just to taste it, but to see it, smell it and get the "feel" of it. Eating is part of our daily living, but sometimes you may want to feel that dining at it's finest. It can be worth more than you would usually pay for, but in some special occasion that you may want to feel special, the experience that adds to a dinner experience maybe one you'll never forget.

Michael's Gourmet Room 

South Point Hotel - Las Vegas, Nevada

Situated a distance away from the busy Las Vegas strip is South Point Hotel where a gem for dining experience hides. Michael's Gourmet Room is classy, intimate and elegant. Their menu is not overwhelming, although the food are, overwhelmingly beautiful. They present food as if they are artists painting in a canvass. Their attention to detail makes you feel as if you are the most special person in the room.

Maze at London NYC

London NYC - New York, NY 

Unfortunately, this Gordon Ramsay establishment closed.  I remember the place crowded, tight and busy, but that night was made special by an exclusive tour of the the famous Gordon Ramsay kitchen (without paying the overrated price of a chef's table).

Jean-Georges 

Trump Hotel - New York, NY

This restaurant is one for the books; rated one of the best restaurants in New York City, and one of the 100 best restaurants America. According to its website, it is awarded four stars by the New York Times and two Michelin stars.

Jean-Georges puts finest in your dining experience. The restaurant's ambience adds to your experience. The food presentation alone makes you full, not to mention it is truly satisfyingly delicious.

 

Eddie V's Prime Seafood

Orlando, Florida

Ohh the wine! Yes, name it, they have it. This restaurant makes you feel like a million dollar, but not having to pay a lot for good food and good experience. They provide attention to detail (with a few forgivable flaws). The important part is that they give the value of what you paid for, quality food in generous amount. 

 

Colicchio and Sons

New York, NY

There is the impression that fine dining doesn't make you full, but it does. This restaurant offers small portion of food paradise, but amounts to a full belly. The restaurant closed, but looking forward to dine to a new restaurant by Tom Colicchio.

Buddakan 

New York, NY

Upscale the Asian food to luxury and grandeur; it isn't the finest, but one of the best Asian food across the charts. Rated one of the top fifty best restaurants in New York City by Tripadvisor.

"Man cannot live by music, wine, and fine dining alone. But it's worth exploring."
                                                                                 -Eddie V (Eddie V's Prime Seafood)

Know your wines and wine pairing, click the link below:

https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100640987-13906048 

Some saving tips in our Disney World trip in Florida

My husband and I have been planning for a trip to Florida. Planning itself is exhausting and just to think about the expenses (whew!?), it's a lot! But just like any other trip, planning is the key, but sometimes things get exciting out of spontaneity. Bottom line is  you want to have fun, but at the same time not hurting your pockets that much. Here are a few that helped us save in our Disney World trip in Florida.

Apply for a Disney Rewards Card (in a Disney store).

There are a lot of perks offered by Disney Rewards card, however if you want to get the most out of it, apply in a store, not in the website. The website offers $200 rebate, but with an annual fee. The store offers $100 rebate with no annual fee, both with the same perks.  So pick the one that you think would benefit you most.

To get there, we drove instead of flying.

When planning, think of weighing the expense between flying and driving. We are 4 in family that means 4 plane tickets from New York to Florida plus car rental once we get there. We cannot bring a lot of stuff unless we pay extra for our luggage (we'll be staying for 10 days, so that's a lot of stuff). However, this only works if you have the luxury of more time off since it will take between 17 hours to 2 days out of your vacation days. But if you feel like seeing other states along the way, then drive along.

Check out Walmart before you visit Disney.

It appears that this is one of the most kept secret in buying Disney products, character shirts and souvenirs.  There is a whole section in Walmart, Kissimmee (or maybe in other Walmart close to Florida) that sells everything Disney from shirts, mugs, caps and key chains at half the price in Disney World. You're welcome!

When booking, look for vacation rentals, instead of hotels.

When we checked for hotels, the cost is between $85-$110 per night; and that is maybe a 2-bed or 1 queen with a small table and bathroom. But for around $70-$75 per night for a 1-BR, a vacation rental includes a huge bedroom and bath, dining room, kitchen, living room and did I mention jacuzzi?

Another tip, if you'll be staying in one of the RCI properties, they offer discounted Disney Park tickets plus $80 gift card, if you are willing to give at least 3 hours of your time to listen to timeshare sales.

At the park, bring your own water bottle... bottles.

Prepare for walk... lots and lots of walking. In turn will require you with a lot of drinking. Bring a water container for each of you and the kids so you can save from buying it at the park. And you will have an option to fill them in water fountains around the park. Or if you have the case of sensitive stomach, just bring sealed water bottles (saw some opened water bottles being left behind at security checks).

Save time on not giving up with Fast Pass.

Every park ticket has 3 allowed initial fast pass. However, when you check the famous rides, they are almost always fully booked. But once you're there keep checking every few minutes since a lot cancels the ride to swap to another. In the Avatar Flight of Passage, the wait time when we got there was unbelievable, 210 minutes! I am not going in line for 3 1/2 hours! That's insane! We strolled around and check other rides, while in line hubby was checking on the fast pass. Then there it was, an available slot and we waited for only 25 minutes to enjoy the ride (the best ride ever, by the way!)

Save energy by resting, (it's supposed to be a vacation, anyway).

It was the most valuable advise we took from a friend, don't exhaust all your vacation days visiting Disney (or any other theme parks). We alternate days, Mon, Wed, Fri to see all of the four Disney parks (Park Hopper) and Tues, Thurs to just chill (whatever relaxation you feel fit). Otherwise, when you get back from the vacation, it is as if you really weren't on vacation.

But above all, enjoy!

No amount of money can equate seeing your kids have the time of their life!