Dishola: Reviews by the Dish

163 1st Ave, New York, NY
(212) 475-7899

laura on 12/05/08

Yes, indeed; this pork Ramen (also available with chicken) merits a dishola! Why the perfect 10? First, you simply can't beat a heaping, steaming bowl of ramen, loaded with tender pork, rich pork broth, and sweet scallions - all for $12. And in a world of lackluster, lukewarm, and humdrum ramens, this one stands above as a shining example of what the noodle dish should be. Thank you, David Chang.

Divine Dish

163 1st Ave, New York, NY
(212) 475-7899

laura on 12/05/08

"You've got to get the recipe for this ice cream," my husband urged after his first bite of Momofuku's soft serve Concord Grape-Oatmeal twist. "We'll serve it at our next dinner party." I rolled my eyes. That's what Haagen-Dazs was for, was it not?" Then I put a spoonful of the creamy, vibrant, sparkling stuff in my mouth. This was soft-serve??? Ce n'est pas possible! No wonder NYT critic Mr. Bruni raved: "And there’s now soft-serve ice cream ($4), from a machine at center stage. It stands as an emblem of the polymorphous, mischievous Momofuku spirit, whereby East, West, high and low matter less than what strikes Mr. Chang’s fancy, like a cold braid of pistachio and cannoli flavors in a cone." Substitute oatmeal and Concord grape for pistachio and cannoli, and what have you got? The most silky, decadent version of a Smuckers ice cream swirl ever. Not only do I want the recipe, but where do I get one of those soft-serve machines? P.S. That is homemade granola on top - the perfect touch!

Calle Corazon, Playa Del Carmen, MX

laura on 02/26/08

We had to hand it to our server at Petit Marrakesh; he was one of the most efficient restaurant employees we'd ever met. Not only was he our waiter, but he was also the bartender, the busboy, and .... the chef! Thank goodness there was only one other occupied table in Playa del Carmen's latest fusion restaurant ("authentic Morrocan and French cuisine" read the sign above the front door), as we're not sure how the poor young man would/could have handled a full house. As it was, he was curt with our orders: "I think we'll try the goat cheese salad," I said tentatively..."How is it prepared - " But before I could finish my question, our waiter turned on his heels. "Excellent choice!" he said, more of a command than a compliment. My sisters and friends and I turned and looked at each other and burst into giggles. We were still waiting for the "free wine" he'd promised, after he confused our "margarita" and "ice water" drink orders, adding the bottled water to our margaritas! Ten minutes later, he was back with the "goat cheese salad." Looking back, I realize that Paulo (we were now on a first-name basis with him) must have run back to the kitchen and tossed, sliced and diced whatever was within arm's reach including, but not limited to: - a couple of rounds of goat cheese - pears - mangos - lettuce - tomatoes - artichoke hearts - pineapple - green beans - jicama - black and white sesame seeds - dill - lots of bottled Italian dressing Needless to say, it was an interesting salad...not necessarily a dish that coalesced (nor something that reminded us of Morocco OR France), but one that hit the spot just the same. Would I recommend it? Only if Paulo is cooking/serving/and clearing. :)

11506 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin, TX, 78745
(512) 339-4400

laura on 04/30/08

Sarahb's right on...this crisp calamari appetizer at North is light and bouncy. The addition of the grilled lemons and fresh arugula makes all of the difference - very innovative. Paired with a glass of crisp white wine, who needs to order anything else? Only reason this dish doesn't get a dishola in my book is because the night we tried it, the calamari were slightly overcooked, lending a bit of a chewy texture to the squid. But I would not hesitate to recommend - or order - this dish again!

1610 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX
(512) 326-4411

laura on 11/24/08

One of my favorite Caesars in Austin, the one at Enoteca comes with fresh shaved Parmesan, lightly dressed Romaine lettuce leaves, fresh lemon, and a a couple of anchovies on top. Oh, and how can I forget the fresh focaccia bread crumbs? They are lip-smackingly good!