NYC research trip (LOL)....

A great break was had to just get away and to see things and get ideas, all in the name of research. Had a great dinner at Perilla restaurant on Jones Street due to the fact that even an 10:30 pm Spotted Pig had over an hour and a half wait. Dinner was fantastic; had some Sauteed Fluke with Root Vegetables and Baby Spinach. Laurie had some Eggplant Canneloni which she enjoyed, and we split an order of Edamame Falafal with a Fresh Cucumber Yogurt Sauce. For dessert we split an order of Meyer Lemon Doughnuts with lemon and chocolate puddings. All was great! We skipped the brunch and just hit coffee at "Porto Rico Importing Co." on Bleeker Street for some fresh brewed "French Mexican Roast" to take home and The NYTimes. From there we hit some small cafe in the West Village and got some Homemade Granola, some Smoked Salmon, and a Bakers Basket of fresh breads and jams...A great Sunday morning. The afternoon we spent at a small specialty Olive Oil importing place and picked up some incredible Tuscan Olive Oil after tasting about 15 different kinds from all over the world. We also picked up a 7 yr old Balsamic/Fig Vinegar, thinking of putting on a new dessert with home-made vanilla ice cream and fresh berries! From there it was off to the world famous "Murray's Cheese Shop". Picked up a nice block of some imported Parmesan Styled cheese from Italy and a couple of incredible sandwiches. Last but not least, and some record shops, shoe stores, and a bookstore later it was off to "Magnolia Bakery" for some cupcakes only to find the line around the corner and down the block....needless to say we skipped cupcakes. Then it was back to the apartment and off to NJ. Great research was had and new ideas are in the head to bring back to Salt. Its back to wearing many hats tommorrow and putting the head down and getting this place up and running...can't wait!