Zentan

We went to Zentan last weekend with friends, mostly because, let's be honest, it was pretty much the only place in the area that had open reservations for 6 on a Saturday night two hours before we needed them. That said, it had been on my list since Susur Lee was on Top Chef Masters. So.

Zentan was decent, bordering on good, although inconsistently so. The wine selection was pretty solid, the service was schizophrenic. The Singapore slaw was *pretty* good, could have been great with some lime juice or rice vinegar. Fried calamari was way salty, but tender and crispy.

Friends who got the Hong Kong fish and black cod were happy with their choices, and I concur...both were cooked beautifully and flavors were clean and somewhat subtle. The XO shrimp, scallops, and squid, however (which P and I chose), smacked of Chinese takeout...greasiness included. The Dragon Roll, which we also shared, was AWESOME. This is one you definitely don't want to drench in soy.

Given our somewhat low expectations coming in, Zentan was probably surprisingly good. If you go, stick with the fish and the sushi, and you'll see the resto's good side! (portions x-posted to yelp.com)

Delicious Amalfi

I am sad to report that we have officially returned from our honeymoon to Italy's Amalfi Coast. Happy, however, to tell you about the deliciousness we experienced there!! 8 days in Italy makes for much eating, so rather than trying to rehash it all (and get even sadder that it's over), I thought we'd stick to the superlatives. And, since I have still been largely remiss at including food porn, some accompanying pictures!

*Best, tender grilled squid: Chez Black (Positano)
*Funniest tasting olive oil on an otherwise beautiful piece of seabass: Next2 (Positano)

*Scariest drive to an otherwise super fun resto: La Tagliatta (Positano...ish)
*Longest line to wait for (really fun and unique) pizza, sold by weight!: Pizzarium (Rome...on the *other* side of the Vatican)

*Worst excuse for true Italian pizza: Les Tres Sorelles (Positano)
*Most perfectly cooked pasta (on the crunchier side of al dente): Da Vincenzo (Positano)
*Smushiest, worst excuse for authentic pasta (and worst house wine): Cumpa Cosimo (Ravello)
*Best bottle of wine: 1999 Radici (enjoyed during our *first* (yes, there were multiple) Michelin-starred resto dinner (La Sireneuse in Positano)
*Best meal of the trip (not to mention one of the best of my life!!!) and hugest ensuing food coma: Il Flauto di Pan (second Michelin-starred resto, in Ravello)