Grand Sichuan, Markt, Chinatown Brasserie, Buvette: 4 restaurants. 48 gluttonours hours.

My weekend was filled with 48-hours' worth of delicious eats!  It all began on Friday evening with a late-night meal at Grand Sichuan.  My very adventurous date ordered for the two of us, with the exception of my Dandan noodles addition:  Jelly Fish with Scallion Oil, Beef Tendon with Hot & Pepper Sauce, and Aui Zhou Spicy Chicken.  While I didn't touch the beef tendon (blech!), I did enjoy jelly fish for the very first time in my life.  The clear tentacles reminded me of tofu, in that they take on the distinct flavor of whichever sauce they're served within.  Texturally, the "fish" was neither gelatinous nor chewy, as I had assumed it would be; it was surprisingly dense and juicy.  Very interesting!   

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Saturday afternoon:  Cathryn and I treated ourselves to a boozy brunch at Markt after having successfully found her a gorgoues wedding dress!  I enjoyed two Kir Royale cocktails and an omelette filled with mushrooms, tomatoes, herbs, and gruyere cheese.  A crispy potato cake accompanied. 

To be honest, I forgot just how delicious brunch is at my neighborhood Belgian!  I look forward to returning to Markt very soon!

...

Saturday evening:  I returned to Chinatown Brasserie for the first time since 2007.  The breathtaking, dramatic space was identical to how I remembered it, though the "background" music was more nightclub/DJ Pauly D.  Honestly, it was pretty loud obnoxious.  Additionally, the dining room was so dimly lit, that we had to request two more votive candles in order to read the menu!  Sigh. 

On a positive note, I enjoyed some fabulous cocktails and the best dim sum that I've experienced this side of Hong Kong.  While the sauce and vegetables were outstanding, my entree was severely disappointing and nearly inedible because of its gristly, rubbery beef. 

Conclusion:  I would return to Chinatown Brasserie solely for cocktails and their destination-worthy dim sum.

Chinatown Brasserie: Spicy Mango MargaritaChinatown Brasserie: Roast Pork BunsChinatown Brasserie: Shanghai Soup DumplingsChinatown Brasserie: Scallion-Bacon Pancakes w/ hoisin sauceChinatown Brasserie: Wok-Fried BBQ Beef with Ginkgo Nuts & Asparagus (Everything about this dish - minus the beef, its star ingredient - was excellent. The beef, however, was rubbery and full of gristle.)~

Sunday afternoon:  I met my cousin, his friend, Shira, and Dana for brunch at Buvette.  Having heard so many positive things, I was very anxious to finally experience a meal at this West Village French, for myself. 

Being the first to arrive, I grew anxious when I saw a line of hungry folks standing in front of the restaurant.  By the time my name was taken, I was quoted a 15-20 minute wait for a table of four.  When everyone arrived, we were told that "the only available table is communal, unless you want to wait longer," and that, if I wanted, I could have a look at it.  "No, that's OK, we'll make it work," my cousin replied to the hostess.

The seating at the communal table was laughable.  And, of course, the only four unoccupied seats included three across the back wall and one on the opposite side of the table.  In the middle, no doubt.  Ugh.

I tried to remain as positive as possible and reminded myself that, based on what I had read/heard about Buvette, the food would make this awkward situation worth the lack of comfort and space...

Buvette: charming, albeit tiny, interior spaceBuvette: place setting & menuBuvette: a delicious, full-fat cappuccinoBuvette: croissants, salted butter, orange marmalade (These were given to us because of our extended wait time for a table and our "patience." Nice gesture!) The pastries were moist and buttery, airy, flaky, and delicious.Buvette: artichoke hearts with mint (While we enjoyed these delightful 'chokes, there wasn't anything earth-shattering about them / this is not a recipe that the most novice of chefs wouldn't be able to recreate at home.)Buvette: asparagus with chevre (This was the table's favorite vegetable. We could not stop commenting about the whipped goat cheese!) Buvette: coq au vin (The savory wine sauce was lovely, however, there was not nearly enough chicken. Sigh.)Buvette: croque madame (This was an epic fail on all levels, except for the ribbons of salty, delicious ham. The fried egg was overcooked and the bread was toasted to a nearly-inedible crisp.)Conclusion:  While there were plenty of items that I did enjoy on Buvette's brunch menu, they weren't unique, fantastic, or even large enough to warrant a return visit.  The four of us left hungry, for god's sake!  Plus, there's something to be said about a French restaurant that cannot properly make a croque madame...  There, I said it. 

How was your weekend?  Where and/or what did you eat?

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Until we eat again,

The Lunch Belle