THE UNDERBELLY EXPERIENCE

This experience for me, all began late night web surfing on www.theghet.com. Ghetto Gourmet is known for its ability to help perfect strangers connect with other foodies in their area; and there are several postings on the latest food experience "The Underground Restaurant". The concept is simple because we've been throwing dinner parties for years for friends and family; however the U.R changes a few elements and creates a foodie's dream. I found one scheduled for "Underbelly" and signed up.

First and foremost U.Rs are secretive and usually invite only, and earning said invites for the more famous U.Rs in big cities is akin to getting a box at Giants Stadium. They range from five to thirty people. There is a charge for a seat at the table, usually minimal and to ensure attendance. Many of the people in attendance are perfect strangers, this element is almost as important as the menu; I made many new friends last Sunday. You eat what you are given,even if the flavor pairings are a little strange; who would have thought banana and black sesame would go so well together?

Our Venue: An old converted Brewery located in Brooklyn NY

They used to drive carts pulled by draft horses through these iron gates to load the beer.(click to enlarge)





Our Menu for the night created by Chef Paul Raphaelson:


(click to enlarge)










Our dinner for fifteen people began, and the conversations began to flow as uninhibited as the wine. My plus one and best friend, Andrea Rozo,and I felt right at home. Although the prevailing theme was, "You drove in from Jersey?", like it was on the other side of the planet, it was quite funny.
There were six seated at our table and it made for and eclectic mix. Geva, a South African expat by way of Boston. Christina, who works for Google (how cool is that). Cedric, it currently escapes me what he does, but he is well traveled and I now know who to ask first hand advice from for great vacation ideas. Laura is actress who is currently performing in a Brick Theater production called Times 365:24:7. Add the Bahamian expat., moi,the half Puerto Rican, half Bolivian doctorate student Andrea; and free flowing wine, and we had quite the party.


Prince Edward Island Mussels. These were a great starter, although I wish I had tried more of them. Succulent is the only word I could use to describe them.

Our next course was a Corn Chowder with Porcini Cream, simply divine! Smooth, creamy and luscious.



Roasted Rack of Jamison Farm lamb, Lamb Coulis with Lapsang Souchong,Hen of the Woods Mushroom, Celeriac and Fennel Puree, and Salicornia with lemon butter. Here's an interesting tidbit; Salicornia is a grass often found on the shores of the United States, Europe and Southern Asia. It was a fabulous addition to the dish and I salute the chef for going the extra mile to provide an unusual flavor experience. One of the BEST features of an underground restaurant is that you get to ask for seconds. Two bones was the portion....some of us had 4 bones, some had 6, and the chef would have kept stuffing us as long as there was extra in the kitchen! Talk about a new elevation to the concept of "seconds".


And then it was time for dessert, TWO of them! Banana Tart with Black Sesame with Brown Butter Cognac Ice Cream and Salted Butterscotch. Even being mildly allergic to sesame did NOT stop me from cleaning this plate. It only took a couple of Benadryl before bed to fix the itch!



And last but not least a Chocolate Marquise with Ginger. Sigh, the swan song of this meal was indeed smooth, and creamy with the bitterness of the chocolate melding so sinfully well with the ginger in the sauce. It was utterly remarkable.






The other table in the house:





This is the nicer picture of the two, Christina and Laura will thank me for not posting the other one!
I do hope to see my new friends again soon! Cheers to them and hats off to the Chef!

Underground at Underbelly

Hello Fellow Foodies,

I had the most amazing experience at an "underground" restaurant in Brooklyn last night in an old brewery. I can't wait to share the experience with you, and will probably have the new post, complete with pictures by tomorrow.

Shakin and Bakin
Niki

One Giant Leap

Its been said that we are what we eat, and I guess that is how I went from being a Bahama Mama to a Jersey Girl. I arrived in the country in 2001 to attend Rutgers University and I guess it grew on me because 8 years later, I own and run a Bakery / Catering company called De'Light B's Gourmet in the Trenton Farmers Market in Lawrence New Jersey.

Looking back recently as I was reciting the story of how my company was started (raising money for Relay for Life) at Rutgers University. I realized that my story didn't quite start there, it was much earlier than that. I grew up in a huge extended family and it is how I learned how to cook, to be inventive. Its what gave me the skills to create flavor combinations and season correctly. But the first role I ever had on my own actually "marketing" something that was baked by myself for sale, I was 14 years old.

Two years prior my Mummy had been diagnosed with breast cancer and had surgery, the medical bills were piling up so as was and still is the custom at home, a "Cookout" was held helped to make money. I wanted to make my own contribution, not just peal carrots or clean chicken so my Dad gave me money to get the supplies for cheesecakes. I don't remember how much I made but I do remember standing there serving slices to people and feeling as if, like my Mummy always said "I can do anything."

This blog is a celebration of that feeling, of striving for your goals. Its a celebration of family and friends and loved ones that gather around food as a focal point and create lasting memories. Its a celebration of the people from every walk of life that dedicate their lives to producing excellent food and services. This blog is a celebration for my Mummy, even though she lost her brave battle with breast cancer in May of 1999, much, if not all I do is inspired by her, the most passionate teacher I ever had.


Come EAT with ME New Jersey!