Musings from a foodie…

Greece is one of the most wonderful places on the planet, from my perspective. We are regular travelers there to visit with our adopted family and friends. On our most recent trip, we had the opportunity to visit the wonderful Michelin 2020 top-tier, Mazi Restaurant [* * * * *]. It is located in the Plaka, a historic neighborhood close to both the modern as well as historic city of Athens. You feel a bit closer to history with its casual, outdoor dining, as visitors to the city amble by with quizzical looks.

It was truly an Athens gourmet experience. The starters include an entire range of Greek salads accompanied by feta, halloumi, summer, roasted goat, or even yoghurt cheeses. There were 16 choices on salads alone. Incredible. The mains ranged from lamb, pork tenderloin, guinea fowl, beef filet or cheeks, various seafoods (sea bass, cod, tuna, grouper, etc.), and pastas. It was tough to make a decision, but we crossed the Rubicon and found every single dish to be absolutely wonderful. Also, the ambiance was quite nice. While the place was filled with customers, there was a quiet buzz rather than the noise so often experienced in busy restaurants. And, the wait staff were wonderful. Cuddled between two buildings, the place was an absolutely wonderful addition to our Greek experience AND, and we intend to go again!!

Musings from a foodie…

Hidden Pond Resort, located in Kennebunkport, Maine, is one of the upscale retreat locations away from the density of the beaches but close enough that they are quite reachable. And, inside the resort is the hidden gem of Earth [ * * * * * * - Yes, that means is one of the best of the best!] an eatery serving upscale New American cuisine in a cozy environment. Over the last year, I’ve had the opportunity to visit many different restaurants. Earth is one of the best of the best in that period, plus a few years before. I was totally taken by not only the food preparation but also the ambiance, the service, the location – the whole thing!! So, if you visit Maine, Earth needs to be on your culinary wish list! The setting is a somewhat rustic appearing place with very high ceilings so the sound becomes dissipated into the ether. The service is either a 3-course or a 4-course. We started with Carrot-Ginger Soup with a touch of lobster (of course, it’s Maine in the summer), crème fraiche and diced almonds. It was absolutely wonderful. Suz had the Roasted Carrots with amarelle honey glaze, peaches, and feta, along with some hazelnuts. We were both quite pleased. Seconds consisted of Fettucine with short rib in a Madeira sauce and Pork Belly with braised cabbage in a maple glaze. Then, we had the audacity to go for a Main before deciding upon a dessert. For the Main, there was Halibut with lobster (of course) and an asparagus puree, broccolini, haricot verts and a lemon coconut sauce over the whole presentation, which brought it all together. The other option was Duck with sweet potato puree, Zucchini, squash, and a cherry gastrique. And, if that were not enough, the Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie and the Pineapple Tart were a great finish. But, the coup-de-grace was the delivery of two freshly cooked donuts in a sassafras and sarsaparilla glaze sauce with a side of vanilla ice cream. They were the BEST!!!

The entire operation is crafted by Chef Joseph A. Schafer, where he focuses on each dish hosting distinct, handcrafted flavors supporting a farm-to-table menu of locally-sourced ingredients across the board. Although I did not get a chance to meet him, I wanted to add that the staff are also quite wonderful. In particular, our table waiter – “Ferric” – was one of the best I’ve experienced in a long time. He truly took care of our table in so many ways. And, he’s one of those immigrants from Hungary who are making a difference in their lives by working and living in America. What would we do without them?

If you’re close to Maine, you should definitely check out Earth – located at Hidden Pond; 354 Goose Rocks Rd, Kennebunkport, ME 04046; (207) 967-6550. One word of caution: be prepared for an “upscale” charge – but, it’s worth it!

Musings from a foodie…

We were in New York City over the weekend and had the opportunity to consider some interesting culinary opportunities. So, we selected Le Basque [* * * * *], which was described as “…the best vegan restaurant in NYC.” Out the outset, I must say that Chef Guy Vaknin has done an outstanding job with his selections – and, I look forward to a return on one of my upcoming visits to NYC!! I blindly thought that it offered “vegan offerings” as accompaniments. However, it became clear at the end of the dinner that the entire entrée offering was vegan. I was totally surprised. The meal was exquisite!! We started with Faux Gras of smoked lentils, poached apples, and sourdough. Then, in reviewing the menu, I noted that they offered Pintxos (i.e., “tapas) of Mint Grilled Lamb; and Wild Mushrooms of various types mixed together with tarragon and cream. Both were absolutely delicious. I had the Port Beef Bourguignon with a port wine sauce, onions, cremini mushrooms, and Yukon potatoes. In fact, I did not discern until the end of the meal that the “beef” was a vegan prep and, then – it was only because I actually looked at the menu where it noted at the bottom that “all” of the preparations were vegan.

Furthermore, the service was fantastic as well! I would highly recommend that you consider visiting Le Basque if you get a chance to visit NYC. First, the meal is great. And, second, it will change your opinion of “vegan” food options. Consider it. Le Basque, 15 Union Square W, New York, NY 10003 – (212) 457-6261 – www.lebasquenyc.com

Musings from a foodie…

Pelletier's Fish Bowl [* * * *] – Observe the expertise of Matthew Peterson, Owner & Master Boiler at work on a nightly basis with a new “boil” every hour on the hour. It’s a combination of whitefish, shrimp, and scallops. It was tasty, but the experience was more about the boil than the food, a Door County tradition. If you get there, it’s worth a visit. 4199 Main Street – Fish Creek, WI  54212 – Rez: (920) 868-3313 – Mob: (920) 421-0566 – www.doorcountyfishboil.com – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

To add a bit of humor to an otherwise somewhat depressing FickFiles, I wanted to share a posting my wife sent me towards the end of our recent RV sojourn. It brought smiles to my face for the seeming reality amid the episodic culinary finds we encountered during our road trip. So, enjoy… CHECK IT OUT – if anything, it will lighten up your day… https://www.facebook.com/watch/?mibextid=wwXIfr&v=1986417432136031&rdid=d0GMxOycxHvoH1j1