June 16, 2010 1:56 pm

Dish of the Day: Haru's Undeniable Red Hot Mama

I hopped on the sushi-crazed band wagon a bit later than most foodies, but by this point I've become accustomed to the typical California rolls, spicy tuna rolls or a soft shell crab roll whenever I'm in a risk-taking mood.

I guess I was tired of settling for sub-par sushi, so I decided to enter Haru for my first date with its new Red Hot Mama. She may seem intimidating at first, dished out perfectly before your eyes, but she definitely knows how to satisfy an appetite.

Upon taking my very first bite (after a bit of a struggle with my chopsticks, of course), I was actually relieved to find that the roll was not completely true to its name. Rather than starting a red hot fire in my mouth (clearly, I don't do well with hot sauce), the roll ignites the palate with an array of bold flavors. The Red Hot Mama sushi roll includes seasonal craw fish, mango, cilantro and is topped with yuzu tobiko and a Japanese remoulade. The combination of fruity sweetness, fresh fish and cilantro made for an innovative dish and a sophisticated combination of flavors. I usually am not a fan of flying fish roe as a topping to my sushi, but the yuzu tobiko gave the dish a smoky taste with some crunch, not to mention a beautiful Hot Mama reddish-orange color.

Tip: If one roll doesn't satisfy your sushi cravings, Haru's Strawberry Fin Roll gives Ms. Hot Mama a run for its money. Made with spicy yellow tail tuna rolled up with jalapeño peppers, mango, scallops, wasabi, Tabasco sauce and fresh strawberries, this roll delivers a sweet and spicy kick you won't forget.

Word on the street is that Red Hot Mama is still on the market for all you hungry New Yorkers.


Haru
220 Park Avenue South
New York, NY
10003-1514

Photo credit: www.regancomm.com

— Written by Joanna Weinstein

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Tags : Haru, Red Hot Mama Sushi Roll, sushi, summer, behind the burner, Joanna Weinstein, Japanese cuisine, fish

June 16, 2010 8:43 am

Wine of the Day: Duca Del Frassino Pinot Grigio

When you think of Pinot Grigio on a hot summer day, you might imagine the condensation forming on the outside of a chilled bottle as you pour yourself a glass. Not so with our Wine of the Day, Duca Del Frassino Pinto Grigio, which stands as Italy's first wine...in a box.

Produced by Cantina di Soave, one of the more prestigious wineries in the Veneto region, Duca Del Frassino is not your average college kids' fridge wine. Their Pinot Grigio boasts a crisp, well balanced fruit flavor with hints of white flower on the nose. Tip: This wine pairs well with fish or chicken, especially charred on the grill. At $19.99, it is an unbeatable price for your backyard bash, so pick some up and start sipping! And don't forget to try their Cabernet Corvina...it's quite delicious, too.

Photo credit: Duca Del Frassino

— Written by Kaitlin A. Lipe

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Tags : Box, wine, fish, chicken, pinot, grigio, duca del frassino, venezie, garganega