Waterzooi
Belgian Bistro might not roll off your tongue so easily but their food surely
will. It is on a quaint main street in the heart of Garden City, Long Island. I
have known about it for quite some time as I went to college in the area. That
has been longer than I like to think about. Oddly enough when I was only a few
blocks away I never knew much about it except that they made great drinks for
happy hours and as acted as a late night lounge. I never did make it back then
college students have such different priorities.
Ironically
over the last two years it has become something I am actively seeking out. It
all started when I made my to do list for 2014, and it followed me on to this
year’s to do list as well (see the previous post). I don’t know why I didn’t
pursue it more actively as I am on the Island often visiting family. I suppose
it was so close that I always thought I would get to it and instead over
planned days took over pushing it to the back burner. Alas I could not let this
continue. As of this past week the streak was over. I had my first meal there.
Until now
I had not bothered to learn what the name of the restaurant meant. I found out
that it is named for a dish that contains stew with fish and now more commonly
with chicken. Quite frankly I didn’t look for it on the menu. I was immediately
engulfed with the many other items I had to choose from.
My main
reason for coming to this restaurant was the fondue. I had a read an article in
a local periodical in 2014 that listed the best places to have fondue in the
area. I recognized the name and knew it was in the realm of possibility that I
could get there sooner than later. It was only on my to do list for two years
and I think that’s pretty good, especially when you consider my latest list has
only be out since the beginning of this month. I am giving myself a pat on the
back for taking the ball and running with it.
So while
I was reviewing the menu on that afternoon I was looking for two things. First
I wanted to find the fondue section to pick on what looked good. Secondly I
wanted to find a meal that would be a specialty that I could share with my
companion that would be filling without overdoing it, if there was such a
thing.
I was
happy to discover that fondue was listed under the appetizers. Problem number
one solved! I admit there was more than one other starter I would have loved to
have bitten into.
So we
started with fondue, which consisted of Farmhouse Ale, Bouda, and Gruyère
cheeses served with a side of apples, grapes, and plenty of baguettes. It was
perfect! It had a strong bite to it without being too much to handle. I
continued to eat the fondue even after the sides were done. I am not ashamed to
say I took the bread from the table and dipped it in the cheese. I think I want
a pot of that near me at all times so I can dip whatever I feel like it in it
whenever I have an urge.
Before I
knew it I was making room for my entrée, the sirloin sandwich with caramelized
onions, melted Gouda cheese served on a garlic baguette with a side of frites.
Another success story I am happy to say. My only critique of this dish would be
that the steak was a little too chewy for me. I think I would have rather had
it in larger or smaller cuts. I felt like the meat should have been more
tender. When you have had similar dishes before you always tend to compare and
I have had better cuts of steaks in my sandwiches. My expectations could have
been somewhat too high. Overall I feel like it hit the spot and I certainly
didn’t leave a morsel on my plate.
The next
time I visit Waterzooi (yes there will definitely be a next time) I am starting
with the French onion soup, continuing on to the Montrachet mussels (which is
their specialty) served with white wine, goat cheese, and roasted red peppers.
I will finish with an authentic Belgian waffle topped with whip cream and fruit
as my dessert. Sounds good doesn’t it?
In my
fair city there is no shortage of restaurants that also serve versions of French
and/or Belgium flavors. Since this is one of my top three favorite types of
food I have hit up the best among the best. I have to say that Rue 57 is a must
for anyone that can get into New York City. I have been there more than once
and I am sure I will be back by the end of the year (http://thequeenoff-ckingeverything.blogspot.com/2012/05/for-great-meal-on-cue-rue-57.html).
Literally everything they serve is amazing. You cannot order a bad dish here.
Another
great stop, for steak and frites especially, would be Les Halles, a restaurant
that was created and opened with chef/travel host Anthony Bourdain (http://thequeenoff-ckingeverything.blogspot.com/2011/04/for-keys-to-my-new-york-city-part-iii.html).
There are now two locations in Manhattan and you can get a great deal if you go
during the winter or summer restaurant weeks.
My number
one favorite restaurant for French food in N.Y.C. is hands down, Artisanal (http://thequeenoff-ckingeverything.blogspot.com/2011/12/for-fabulous-french-food-artisanal.html).
This bistro holds the record for the best fondue I have had in my life. With
the exception that I hope to try some fondue the next time I am in Paris and I
figure that might take the cake. Here the cheese is rich and comes by the pot
full. There are so many varieties to choose from. They even have a cheese gift
shop!! Cue the angels singing.
The last
restaurant I want to tell you about is known for a version of a specialty food
you have never seen before. I known you have more than likely tasted French
onion soup and probably thought it was delicious. But you would be wrong. I
loved the one at Artisanal but when you go to Stanton Social (http://thequeenoff-ckingeverything.blogspot.com/2012/04/for-french-onion-soup-dumplings-stanton.html)
you can get the dumplings version! They are incredible. This is the most
creative way to eat soup. If you wait a few minutes they will cool long enough
for you to pop one in and banish it to the depths of your soul.
I have
been to Waterzooi and back. I have returned with a new special spot in my old
haunting grounds.
I left
feeling full, satisfied, and happy to check this off my current to do list. So
far 2015 is going swimmingly.
Hey James
Lipton, I think when I arrive at the Pearly Gates in heaven I want God to ask
me “what kind of cheese to you want in your bottomless pot”? I will start
working on my reply.
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