Abra�o: Coffee
On Friday I took an afternoon breather and ducked out to the village to check out an apartment for sale...then, extended the break with a stop at what just may be my favourite place in the East Village (tied with Pinisi, of course ^_^), Abra�o, for coffee and a sumptuously buttery slice of pecan brioche.
Abra�o: Pecan Brioche
The many reasons why I love Abra�o could extend to endless posts, and judging by the constant flow of customers, I assure you I'm not the only one with an Abra�o infatuation. No matter how packed the place gets, Jamie always insist that you have your drink to stay. He will insist that you stay even if there is clearly no room. People packed wall to wall, against the counter, in the corner. No room at all. But. So long as one agrees to stay, room will somehow be made. Shifting of bodies, an open door, it somehow works out...this shop must be magical.
Staying, as much as I love it, can often be dangerous. I come with the intention of just one cup, but end up staying, and staying for more, and while were at it, why not throw in pain perdu with sweet ricotta, a slice of olive oil cake, or a wedge of brioche. This is why I always leave Abra�o with a smile. It is kind of ridiculous :)
Dish #3: Beansprouts
I had dinner with Don later on in the evening. Two days prior, we had a conversation about the upcoming dinner. Don asked what I wanted to eat. I responded, "just want an egg...that is all I want...egg...scrambled...or soft-boiled." And of course, I should have known, I really should have, especially given the last few times he cooked a meal. For breakfast a few weeks back, I requested crepes, and somehow we ended feasting on crepes with ricotta, raspberries, and lemons, fresh almond milk, and a whole roasted chicken!
Dish #2: Acorn Jelly
So really, I should have known it would have been more than just eggs.
Not to say that I don't enjoy these surprises tremendously! :)
Dish #3: The chawan mushi is up on top ^_^
But not to worry, we did have eggs...incorporated into chawan mushi. The comforting custardy dish couldn't have been finer on the rainy evening. Seasoned just so, with the texture of pudding gone graceful, supple and easy on the mouth, I would have been perfectly content with just one big bowl of chawan mushi, a good movie...and maybe ice cream for dessert. But along with chawan mushi came acorn jelly and bean sprouts, both in the same type of crazy magical sauce I could eat bucket loads if provided a steaming bowl of rice. Shoyu, sesame oil, green onions, garlic, Korean chili pepper and other sorts of secret ingredients that I can't tell you because I can't remember. I shall ask Don :)
Dish #4: Scallops & Clams
A simple clam broth with scallops seared in a wickedly delicious butter bath. How we started at eggs and ended up with all this I have not clue�but mannn, it was a very, very tasty night!
Dish #4: Black Bass
Don picked up black bass from the Greenmarket in the morning...
...he kept the dish simple, with slivers of ginger and green onions...
...then covered both fish in a salt crust. The dish went straight into the oven and back out right as my tummy declared hunger - I could not have asked for better timing.
And...ta-dah, dinner!!! The bass was served with ponzu sauce, and yes, we did have plenty of rice to accompany the dishes.
For dessert? Warm carrot cake and olive oil gelato (from Otto) sandwiches. We toasted slices of cake from the Greenmarket and made the mini sandwiches with a just a sprinkle of Maldon salt between the layers. Hooray!
One more day of freedom till I start the new client on Monday...you can be sure I will milk Sunday for all it is worth!
Abra�o
86 East 7th St
NY, NY 10003
(212) 388-9731
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