martini

Le Veau d’or, NYC, 5/7/26

~ hsnixon ~ 4 Comments
exterior – 129 E 60th St, New York City, NY 10022

Le Veau d’or is a classic French bistro taken over 2 years ago by the folks who do Frenchette but it was established in 1937.  It’s a small place with a very cozy feel.  The red bench seating is matched with red seats on the chairs and red checkered cloths on the table matched with embroidered napkins.  Classic tunes are in the background and the walls are filled with art and mirrors.  It’s set below street level so no windows and lowered lighting with a small bar along one wall.  This is a tough reservation to get at dinner so we decided to try it at lunch.  Service was super, -very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful – and let us know we were welcome to have the table as long as we wanted.  The format is a fixed price menu with many choices for each course.  We had a hard time making choices and the server suggested adding one as a course to split, a perfect solution.  They are known for their martinis with their unique “our way” being the chilled gin in one glass and a side of soda and vermouth with a twist.   I found it refreshing and tasty.  When in NYC don’t miss this place, the whole experience is fantastic and the food divine. Continue reading →

Louie’s (update), Dallas, July- August 2023

~ hsnixon ~ 6 Comments
building – 1839 N. Henderson Ave., Dallas, TX., 75206

Louie’s has been written up here before but it was time for an update.  It’s one of our favorite spots, we probably go weekly.  The ambiance is dark and friendly and the martinis are first rate.  All the staff know us and that probably helps but the food is good, although there have been some changes since Covid came through.  They are now closed Monday and Tuesday as well as most major holidays.  You must be over 21 to enter and parties cannot be larger than 6.  The school building nearby has remodeled their parking lot but for now seems to be a regular spot where you can still park, as street spots are limited.  The pork chop is totally different from before and not as juicy and the baked potato is off the menu.  Menus are by icon/link to be viewed on a smartphone rather than printed.   They are still fairly busy but now often have a waiting list at the door which helps.  We generally eat sandwiches there rather than the pizza and if we eat pizza we ask for it to not be heavily browned on the edge.  It’s hard for me to judge how it would seem to a stranger but for newbies or singletons,  I’d recommend sitting at the bar.  Casey, one of the bartenders will help guide your journey and he’s suggested many new options for us to try, food-wise. All the table servers are friendly and helpful too if you go as a couple.  It’s not a great wine spot but they have it.  I encourage you to go for the martinis and strike up a conversation with whoever is sitting next to you.  I hope you like it as much as I clearly do. Continue reading →