A Hot Fuss

Last night the boy and I embarked on #2 of our opera series to see Hansel and Gretel. The production was just wonderful. It was a whimsical, new, refreshing, harmonious, surprising, and well priced evening of entertainment. Much like our second meal at Muss and Turners.

Well, I know for sure now, the place is not a one hit wonder. It was just as spectacular as the last time we were there. The staff was as friendly, just as helpful. Beer explorations were fun prior to sitting down to dinner. The cheese counter was enchanting. Our meal choices exciting.

As usual we over indulged, but this time our senses were only aided by wine in moderation rather than obliterated by gluttony. We had:


Wagyu Beef Tartare - Fresh, raw ground beef, capers, shallots, chives and mustard oil.
This was absolutely the best beef tartare I have ever had in my life. It sang in my mouth. So piquant. So lively. We swore it was laced with wasabi, but perhaps it was the mustard oil kicking the flavor into high gear. It was the boy's first beef tartare ever, and he declared it a permanent addition to things he like to eat. I was pleased that his "first" was so good. Gawd know that is rare... (heh heh)

Antipasto - Meditterranean Pasta Salad, Greenless Greek Salad, Shrimp Remoulade and Mushroom and Hobb's Smoked Bacon Salad

Pave Sauvage -French goat's milk cheese with peppercorns, tarragon and Black pepper truffle honey
I swear, this should be the year of the milk if there was a food zodiac. I have never had so many innovative, fresh, inspiring cheeses in one year! This one was so grassy and fresh while still creamy. And the truffle honey is going on my christmas wish list. It is SOOOO good with cheese.)

Hudson Valley Camembert - New York cow and sheeps milk cheese with fruit preserves
While this was very mellow, creamy and had the most delicate rind, the Pave still shone brighter. The HV soothed, the Pave swooned.

Grilled Lamb Tenderloin - Medium rare with local radish, celery root, frisee, house made bacon and red wine sauce
Perfectly prepared. The naturally herb flavor of the lamb danced gently with the earthy root vegetables. The frisee was a warm and interesting surprise. ( I love cooked and braised greens when done well.) The sauce was supremely dark and rich with almost a hint of coffee in its complexity, or bitter chocolate...a pleasant contrast to the grassy lamb and perfect for sopping up with Pommes Frites.

Muss and Turners is officially in our top three with Rathbuns and Shauns. It is different as it so much more casual, and has the added bonus of the deli. I wish only that I could (a) eat lunch there, and (b) buy cheeses and meat there. Alas we live too far away to partake on a regular basis. Though as we drove from M&T's to the opera, the boy and I found ourselves wondering how much it costs to live in that neighborhood...It think it is Vinings? Surely this could only have been inspired by the fantasy of living in close proximity to such a wonderful place. The neighborhood is a little too "new" for our tastes and erm...pocketbooks we surmise.

Again...Cold Sassy Tree as an opera in February...Muss and Turner's we will be back! And a good thing as the menu is seasonal!