MOKS Martini Madness

What is the perfect Martini?

Seems like a simple enough question, but, it's a very personal question! And, not everyone agrees!

Vodka Martini

So we've decided to go on a New York City trawling expedition to catch "The Perfect Martini." In our search we will be tasting and reviewing "Vodka Martinis, very dry, with olives." Our three criteria are:

1) The Martini - we breakdown it down into 3 parts: a) The Spirits b) The Fortifier c) The Garnish

2) The Establishment - again, we breakdown it down into 3 parts: a) The Bartender b) The Method c) The Ambiance

3) The Experience - once more, we breakdown it down into 3 parts: a) The Taste b) The Cost c) The Value

Join us as we venture through Manhattan in search for the ultimate Martini!

Bliss in Tight Quarters: Lunch at Mary's Fish Camp - Take 2

Seared Tuna Mufaletta

Since our last review of Mary's Fish Camp, July of 2012, Michael has been back a minimum of 30 times and has gotten the Pan Fried ‘Hook and Line’ Atlantic Cod Sandwich each and every time. It's that good! Really!

Well, today was different. On a lunch outing with his father, Charlie O, Michael got hooked on the Yellowfin Tuna Muffaletta Sandwich. The traditional Italian muffaletta sandwich, which is made with cured Italian cold cuts, provolone cheese and a marinated olive salad, is one of Michael's favorites, so this was an easy switch to make.

So, how was it? Delicious! It lives up to it's Muffaletta heritage. Every ingredient was fresh and distinct. The tuna had that big ocean (not fishy) flavor that you expect from big game fish. The olive salad was the perfect mix of tangy, salty, earthiness that gives a luxurious zing to the experience. There's a definite Umami factor here. This is enhanced with crispy arugula and delicately melted provolone cheese. The super fresh ciabatta was a toasted pillow of heaven holding this all together.

So, will Michael get the Seared Tuna Muffaletta sandwich again? "Most definitely," Michael said, "but it will be on my 31st trip back to Mary's Fish Camp! The Cod Sandwich is still my favorite!"

Charlie O at Mary's Fish Camp

At 83, Charlie O is still charming the Ladies!

Bliss in Tight Quarters: Lunch at Mary's Fish Camp

Cod Sandwich

Whenever Michael goes here, he always swears he'll get something other than the Cod Sandwich - 99% of the time, he's gotten the Cod Sandwich! Mary's Fish Camp is one of those amazing restaurants in the West Village of NYC that serves a very small menu and does it to perfection. They serve only seafood in a wonderfully causal (elbow to elbow) environment but there is nothing casual about the food and quality. Every time we can go here for lunch we do and every time, we get the amazing Cod Sandwich - heaven on a plate!

Open Kitchen