mission: radio city and blue hill at stone barns

there are times in my life when i recall a day that was meaningful, exciting, fun...memorable. yesterday was one of those days. it was a day that i got to spend with my mom, step-dad, mimom, and, of course, patrick. the day started off with my family stopping by our apartment to look at our tree, new bed, and new tv. they oohed and aahed over our holiday decorated place, chatted for a few minutes, and then we were off to the city! but before we left, patrick accidentally locked mimom in our apartment! he thought we were all out, but we weren't. it was quite funny.

when we arrived, we first stopped to eat some lunch at heartland brewery. i have mentioned this restaurant previously, but the one we went to this time was near rockefeller center on 51st between 6th and 7th. this time i had the tortilla soup, and boy was that delicious. it was loaded with veggies and shredded chicken, savory and and slightly spicy. i complemented my soup with their buffalo chips, homemade potato chips with a ranch buffalo dipping sauce. also a very tasty choice.

after lunch, we headed to radio city music hall! this was very exciting for me because the last time i actually went inside for a show was when i was 10 to see the easter show! i didn't remember much, so everything felt new to me...the glittering christmas decor, the art deco architecture, the dueling organists playing the pre show entertainment, the beautiful stage. i was 10 again for sure. the show was great too, and i told patrick that if i had longer legs, i would have made an excellent rockette. he just laughed at me.

the show ended with a beautiful nativity scene and then we shuffled out to meet a bustling street. kirk wanted to take a quick stop to go inside st. patrick's cathedral, and so we all went in to admire the beautiful and sacred space. we spent about 15 minuted to enjoy the cathedral and then loaded into kirk's suv to drive up to westchester county for our dinner at blue hill at stone barns. <-- click on link for more information.

i was very excited to come back to this restaurant, as it is a favorite of mine and patrick's. it is a special restaurant for special occasions, and this night we were celebrating kirk's birthday (along with mom's because i messed up her present back in may, and mimom's birthday too which was only a couple of weeks ago).

when you walk into the restaurant, you are met with a rustic yet modern atmosphere, lit with a dim glow of candles and soft lamp lighting. the exposed rafters of the barn add charm, and everything for the center pieces to the place setting creates a the warmth of this exquisite place. the wait staff are attentive and helpful, and they descend each course as if they practiced a synchronized dance.

as a table, everyone decided to have the farmer's supper, which is a three course meal that included dessert. we ordered our drinks, and i had a lovely macari 2008 sauvignon blanc, which was light, semi-sweet with hints of melon and kiwi. it paired well with my striped bass that was cooked to perfection and covered in a green creamy sauce. patrick had an amazing belgium beer that washed down his venison very nicely. i must say that the venison at blue hill is the only one i have enjoyed thus far. it is a must try if it is available. my favorite course however, was my first one. it was a lovely fresh green salad (all the veggies are grown on the farm at the stone barns!) with that morning's egg. the egg was AMAZING!!!! chef barber soft boiled the egg (to perfection...perfectly gooey in the center and the white was soft and creamy) and then dipped it in batter and fried it! genius i say! it was the best egg i have ever tasted in my life. as we waited for each course, we sampled several amuse bouche. we were offered beet burgers, a root wrapped in pancetta and coated in sesame seeds, deluxe deli meats, as well as the best bread served with cottage cheese and freshly churned butter, both made on the farm. compliments of the kitchen also included savory and hearty calypso beans and sweet and salty peanut potatoes during our dinner course. for dessert i had tiny chocolate cakes with ginger ice cream; however, i like patrick's dessert better, which was a poached pear, a yummy cake and chestnut ice cream. the kitchen sent out a dessert with maple ice cream and chocolate crunchies that we all shared, as well as pumpkin seed brittle, yogurt marshmallows, ginger chocolates, and apple slices. i paired all of my desserts with floral oriental beauty oolong tea and honey. a perfect way to end the meal and a great day!

this place is not for the picky palate or the tight wallet. prepare yourself for some pure indulgence as you experience your meal like you never have before. i give this restaurant my highest praise and i thank chef barber for another amazing meal! if you are in the city and would like to try out blue hill, there is another one located in greenwich village. the food is impeccable there as well.

this is beth signing off.
mission: accomplished

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