Chinese dining like you remember (only better) at Imperial Wok

February 1, 2016February 1, 2016 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

Many of us grew up going to a Chinese restaurant and they seemed to be everywhere. In the last 15 years or more there has been a culinary shift toward sushi, Asian Fusion, and other forms of Asian restaurants. And while take-out places still offer the classic Chinese-American favorites there are however those of us who still desire a sit down Chinese restaurant that serves the standards as well as some interesting newer dishes.
A recent visit to Imperial Wok in Somers, NY confirmed that this cuisine is still in demand. Imperial Wok offers all the traditional favorites as well as sushi, tempura, Teriyaki and house specials. Vegetarians are welcome as almost 20 veggie and tofu dishes are offered. The waitress explained that dishes can be modified to taste, amount or type of sauce, substitute different vegetables, spices or more . Every dish is made fresh and can be modified to order.

Seafood Soup for two

Our party of four came for lunch and tried a number of delicious items on the menu. As it was a cold winter day, we started with soup. Wonton soup (a traditional favorite) was fresh, not salty and prepared with thin wrapped wontons that melted in your mouth unlike the thick chewy wontons often seen in wonton soup. We also ordered Seafood Tofu Soup for two which was hearty but light, and featured egg white, peas and seafood. A real winner.

Steamed Vegetable Dumplings

We followed up our soup with Steamed Vegetable Dumplings a tasty dish for those looking to keep it light. Each steamed dumpling was filled with finely chopped veggies. Very healthy choice. We also sampled a new dish for us, a Chicken Vegetable Wrap. This plate involved the diner taking a leaf of lettuce, adding chicken cooked in a brown sauce with pine nuts and spooning it onto the lettuce leaf and then rolling it up like a wrap.

Chicken Vegetable Wrap

The contrast of crispy lettuce with the chicken and pine nuts was quite satisfying. A hoisin sauce on the side was also provided.
We moved on to main dishes with an old favorite and some new (for us) dishes as well. Sesame Chicken which is a Chinese restaurant staple was crispy, perfectly cooked and delicious. Also ordered was the Korean BBQ Beef, which was wok sauteed, then served with fresh mushrooms on a hot sizzling plate.

Korean BBQ Beef

A third dish, Mango Chicken was a real interesting and flavorful choice as the chicken was prepared with fresh sliced mango, pea pods and bell pepper. Lastly was Club Seafood a dish of mixed seafood (Lobster,shrimp,scallops,and shrimp) served with veggies in a white sauce. A seafood lovers delight.

Mango Chicken

Club Seafood

For Sushi lovers there is a sushi bar (which I understand will be expanded) and there are numerous rolls available including the standards and a long list of Special rolls.

If you are looking for that traditional sit down Chinese restaurant with special dishes and an emphasis on fresh ingredients and preparation, you should visit Imperial Wok in Somers.

Frank 2015-16 804
Imperial Wok
13 Heritage Hills 202 Center Somers, NY
914-277-8900
www. IWSOMERS.com

Frank 2015-16 838

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The Cheese Plate: A Touch of Europe with Locally Sourced Products in New Paltz

December 15, 2015December 16, 2015 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

DSCN1957

For a unique meal with a touch of the French countryside, try The Cheese Plate located in the lovely Water Street Marketplace in New Paltz NY. New Paltz located in the heart of the Hudson Valley in Ulster County is a great destination town and the Water Street Market located on Main Street is a interesting assortment of shops and dining options in a village-like setting. On a recent visit I decided to stop into the Cheese Plate to taste some cheeses as the whole shop caters to New York dairy products. There is also a wide and fine selection of locally sourced food products and great selection of other products for the home which would make great holiday gifts of hostess gifts and they will gift wrap your selection. I saw a nice slate board from JK Adams of Dorset Vermont as well as other interesting items to give as presents.

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You can visit the shop and buy artisan cheeses to take home or to enjoy there. My family wanted to eat inside the shop which is part retail shop and part sit down eatery. The space is warm and friendly and has the feeling that you are in the French countryside. In the nicer weather there are tables outside to people watch and enjoy the air.

Lots of gifts and local products for sale

Our meal began with a cheese platter which was beautifully arranged. We chose three different cheeses for the platter, a Walton Umber which is semi soft with a creamy taste. This cheese comes from nearby Walton NY. The second was type of cheese was St Stephen cheese from Four Fat Fowl Creamery in Stephentown NY . This tasty cheese was decadent and buttery and oh so soft. Our last pick was a dulcinea cheese from Fonda NY. I loved this firm sheepsmilk cheese which can be compared to a manchego. The platter also contained a Mediterranean olive mix, sausage from the Molinari family of San Francisco and chocolate from Oliver Kita a hand made chocolate company from the Hudson Valley that focuses on fair trade and organic ingredients. The chocolate was 70% dark cacao and was a great addition to the cheese. We also enjoyed local fresh pressed cider with our meal.

Cheese Platter

After the platter we ordered a cold cheese sandwich called the Mohonk (named after the mountain that overlooks New Paltz) that I loved. The sandwich was made with local cow cheese from Beechers cheese company and also sausage and a fruit chutney. The bread was from Bread Alone, a Hudson Valley baker.

Mohonk sandwich

Our other selection was a grilled gouda sandwich had a tangy, buttery and creamy edge and topped with a fig and black tea chutney. A delicious must have sandwich.

Grilled Gouda sandwich

Everyone in the shop is very friendly and helpful and they have great knowledge about all the cheeses and can help you with your selection. Teresa the owner of Cheese Plate is a lovely local woman who shows passion in her commitment to locally sourced products and her eclectic and interesting gift items on display in the shop.
New Paltz is a great town for a day trip with plenty to do and see. It is right in the heart of the Hudson Valley, and right off the New York State Thruway. For a different twist on the farm to market scene, combined with a French country feel, you should try The Cheese Plate.

The Cheese Plate (at Water Street Market)
10 Main Street Suite 302 New Paltz, New York
855-255-2444

The Cheese Plate’s Website

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Two events to get you in the holiday spirit

December 3, 2015December 8, 2015 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

greenwich holiday stroll

That time of year is here again, and if you are looking for something to get you into the Holiday spirit, then two events are coming up this weekend in nearby Connecticut.
Starting Friday evening December 4th from 6pm to 10pm is the 16th annual Ridgefield Holiday Stroll which takes place on Main Street in downtown Ridgefield Ct. The downtown is transformed with live ice sculptures, singing and strolling Toy soldiers, strolling carolers, music, a magic show (at town hall) and free horse drawn carriage rides. The stores will all be open for shopping and many will serving refreshments. A fun night and really sets the tone for the holiday season. The fun continues on Saturday December 5th from 10-4 pm with many of the same events and breakfast and photos with Santa at the Ridgefield Boys and Girls club from 8am to noon. Of course this gives you the opportunity to check out the many merchants in town.

Greenwich Connecticut will be hosting its 7th Annual Holiday Stroll on Saturday December 5th from 10-6pm and Sunday December from 12-5 pm on Greenwich Avenue in downtown Greenwich. There will be 100 merchants participating in the event as well as live music, letter writing to Santa, live Nativity scene, free horse drawn carriage rides, ice sculptures, photo with Santa and live reindeer!
These are nice events to get you out of the mall and outside in the fresh air and enjoy some Holiday fun.
for more information :

http://www.downtownridgefield.com

http://www.greenwichreindeerfestival.com

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Lilly’s – an upscale new eatery and bar in White Plains

May 10, 2015May 2, 2016 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

As I walked into Lilly’s I felt that I had stepped into a retro Victorian restaurant and bar. I immediately was drawn in to focus on the beautiful French fireplace, crystal chandeliers, red couches and exposed brick walls. The lighting is soft and the large bar area is covered by a pretty white marble counter top and Roman statue can be seen as you look up. The space is very inviting , friendly and feels very comfortable.

The menu consists of many tapas, small plates, but also has interesting salads, homemade artisan pizzas and some larger dishes (entrees) as well. There is also a nice selection of fresh cheese and meat plates to share. Coming in with a group of four, we decided to try many different selections.

Shrimp with lemon and tarragon

We started with a wonderful and creamy homemade gnocchi with shitake mushrooms ,sage and apple. This dish was delicious. Other must have are the oysters with a prosecco citrus topping,

Oysters

the meatballs, a tasty grilled skirt steak with an herb citrus aioli, the shrimp with lemon and tarragon, and the brussel sprouts with parmesan and “caesar ” dressing. I also enjoyed the kale salad with cider vinaigrette, apples, strawberries, bacon and almonds. A perfect light and balanced salad.

Kale Salad

We then shared two pizzas. The first was the quattro formaggio with ricotta, taleggio, mozzarella, pecorino and roasted garlic. This thin crusted delight is a must try and absolutely delicious.We also chose the “Lilly’s” pizza which contained tomato, homemade meatballs, mozzarella and chilies. If you want something a little different and a bit “hot” then this one is for you.

Lilly’ Pizza (top) and 4 cheese pizza (below)

The drink menu has quite a selection of beers, wine and artisan cocktails.Don’t leave without trying the chocolate lave cake with chocolate mint ice cream or the olive oil cake with rhubarb -strawberry compote and mascapone cheese.

Olive Oil cake with fruit compote and marscapone

This upscale new restaurant and bar in White Plains is a true gem and is sure to be a hit. A great place to go for date night or fun with a group of friends. There is also outside seating on the back patio which will be fantastic with the warm weather approaching.

Bar detail

Lilly’s

169 Mamaroneck Avenue White Plains NY

914-997-5600

www.lillyswp.com

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A NYC Steakhouse in the heart of Westchester County

January 27, 2015May 2, 2016 / I On The Valley / Leave a comment

I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Benjamin Steakhouse on a lovely winter evening. I dined with my husband and another couple and even though it was a Sunday night the place was quite busy. We were seated next to a roaring fireplace that brought instant warmth and charm to this top notch and beautiful restaurant. From the moment you walk in the door you are greeted in such a way that it feels like home. Everyone is genuinely nice and wants you to have an amazing meal and dining experience.

The four of my party decided to share a lot of dishes so that we can figure out what specialties we liked best. There were so many items it was hard to choose. I had to try a lot of seafood appetizers as it is my favorite thing to eat. We had clams oreganato, oysters, lump crab meat salad , crab cakes, shrimp cocktail and lobster bisque soup for everyone.

We couldn’t believe how delicious and fresh everything was. The lobster bisque is amazing and really hits the spot. I tasting everything and have to say I felt like I was in a specialty seafood restaurant. I almost forgot the restaurant is called Benjamin Steakhouse which leads me to the next part of my meal- the amazing entrees. I had to choose surf and turf which included a nice size filet mignon and a lobster tail. The steak melted in your mouth and the lobster tail was so juicy and luscious that the drawn butter given on the side was not needed. I ordered spinach and potatoes for the four of us to share. Everyone else ordered different cuts of beef and we loved it all. The porterhouse was amazing I was told.
If all this food wasn’t enough we had to order different desserts to sample. Cheesecake, fruit platter, red velvet cake and key lime pie. A great ending to a perfect meal.
What I took away from this wonderful dining experience besides culinary excellence was a staff that works so hard at trying to please in every way and making sure everything is perfect from start to finish. It is no wonder that this restaurant was named best steakhouse by Westchester Magazine. Don’t miss this special place!