seafood restaurant

There are Plenty of Fish in…Chelsea

| Canny Candi

When you dine out, do you want to work for your food?
Of course not! And I don’t blame you, however, I’m open to new experiences.

Recently, I visited Zauo, a Japanese restaurant in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood and literally fished for my dinner! The restaurant has three pools of live sea-life for diners to actually hook a live catch to enjoy moments later. The selection includes Fluke, Flounder, Abalone, Lobster, Rockfish, Rainbow Trout, Salmon, and Striped Bass. Out of the large selection, I decided on Bass and instantly ‘earned’ my Zauo fishing license, received a poncho (thankfully!) and was ready for the fishy-feat ahead.

When it comes to fishing, the staff is very helpful and knowledgeable, full of advice on how to properly bait the swimmers. It took a few tries, but the hook finally snuck behind a bass fish and the chase was over!

Whenever guests successfully net their catch, all the staff exclaims a congratulatory chant which involves playing the wadaiko, a Japanese drum, and clapping; completing the interactive experience.  (Click here to see video of the experience.)

At this point, guests select how the fish or crustacean is prepared. There are 5 preparation choices: tempora style, grilled, shashimi, simmered in soy sauce, or Shabu Shabu (a traditional hot-pot style, somewhat similar to fondu). 

The Bass displayed two ways: center plate is half raw Bass with onions & mushroom, and lemongrass for Shabu Shabu ; right plate is half grilled salted Bass

Although it is a unique opportunity to engage with your dinner in such a fun (and wet!) way, all seafood options are available for á la carte as a formal dining experience. 

It is best to visit in a group to not only share the experience but it is more beneficial and cost-effective to order many appetizers along with the seafood course. With this approach, you are more likely to feel more content, can try most of the menu and can split costs as they can get pricey. Such a unique experience with friends is priceless and filling too!

Left image: Japanese Chile Peppers with bonito flakes Right image: Tako Kara-Age (fried octopus)

Comfort Italiano – Ciao Bella Review

| Canny Candi

1310 Broadway

Hewlette, NY 11557 (Long Island)

Phone: 516-569-2654

You’ve heard of southern comfort but at Hewlett’s best kept secret, Ciao Bella in Long Island, comfort Italiano is served as rich as their marinara sauce. Steeped in a long  (and rather notable) history in the kitchen, Chef and owner Freddy Sammarone puts forth his best five days a week at his debut, laid-back haute. Raised in his father’s legendary restaurant, Ennio and Michael’s (previously in the West Village), Chef Freddy practically fulfilled every position in the family operation. Teamed with his wife Dina, his expertise is modestly, yet exquisitely displayed on every plate, seducing diners as they anxiously dig-in.

Antipasto Trio
Antipasto Trio

The antipasto trio, for starters, isn’t your traditional antipasto but stems from tradition. Showcasing his mother’s famous roasted artichoke, Chef  Sammarone dresses it in breadcrumbs and dried cranberries. The artichoke is roasted to “buttah” perfection and melts in the mouth. Cranberries balance the creamy artichoke as the crumbs added great texture to each bite. Savory baked eggplant and clams rounded out the trio – a great backdrop for the next course.

There’s something to be said about simple flavors and textures. When the right ingredients meet and spices mingle pure magic happens. Such is the case with the stunning squid ink linguini topped with a shrimp filled marinara sauce. Sounds simple, but this winning dish thoughtfully highlights each main ingredient. The al dente pasta with the garlic, ink sauce complements the kick of the spicy shrimp marinara. Good luck resisting the urge to lick the plate once done!

Squid Ink Linguini
Squid Ink Linguini

And of course, a meal isn’t complete without ending on a sweet note. Hands down, the Italian ricotta cheesecake is the best dessert offering. Mastered by Dina Sammarone and inspired by Chef’s father, this awe-inspiring slice of heaven is wonderfully moist, has a light cake consistency and manages to have a dark, golden crust. This cheesecake rivals the best of ‘em.

Italian Ricotta Cheesecake
Italian Ricotta Cheesecake

Although, considered a charming neighborhood spot, it’s definitely on the rise. Genuine, inviting people, scrumptious fare, and family influence equals comfort in my book. Ciao Bella is more than a phrase, more than a restaurant – it’s a way of life.

Tid-bits:

  • Open Wednesday evening – Sunday evening
  • Made to order meals
  • Mindful of food allergies and gluten free requests (with advance notice)
  • Can bring wine but there’s a corking fee
  • No website, just call or walk in!