Bobby DoTube Lifestyle Blogger and Reviews: July 2015

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

A Night at Bagatelle NYC My Birthday Review!

As a lifestyle blogger/vlogger of restaurants, fashion & travel I try my best to stay on top of what's going on in the tri-state area, so far I have been very successful in the social media world with bragging rights of close to two million views! But of course I am only one person, so there were many boats I have missed as far as hot spots and trends go.

That's why I'm so happy to have family and friends who have my back, always suggesting new places I should check out and would love! This just happen to me for my 45th birthday. My cousin Sonny, who's more like a brother to me, and our long time friend George Franks, invited me out for a birthday dinner at NYC's very trendy Bagatelle, in the meatpacking district, Which I was very excited about, until I heard the one condition they give me ( I HAD TO LEAVE MY CANON REBEL T4I HOME!)

The condition would have been easier had they said ( I had to go without pants to Bagatelle or nothing? ) I mean as a restaurant blogger would it not be unethical to miss an opportunity to cover such a hot spot like Bagatelle? You see they have been with me a few times while I was blogging in a restaurant, and they know that it is hard work, and they really wanted me to enjoy my 45th birthday! Now I'm the type of person who looks at every situation from every view before I make any decisions, so here was my conclusion to my dilemma!

Like any restaurant, blogger knows you never fully enjoy the restaurant or food because you're so busy blogging about it. Many amazing meals went cold trying to get the perfect shot. You can't imagine the hateful stares I get when we have a family night out, and nobody can touch their food until I take a picture!

If the restaurant vibe is as at 10, your blogging at a vibe 5 about the vibe 10, but when your blog comes out you feel at a vibe 20! I guess it would be nice to not carry 4 lbs of dead weight around my neck? And to enjoy a hot meal? And actually, engage in a conversation without subconsciously reviewing the restaurant?

So I deiced to take the invitation for a guys night out for my 45th birthday at the trendy hot spot Bagatelle without my camera, and not to feel so naked I decided to dress old school mafia and wear my Gucci sunglasses. I mean this is NYC? Where the most fashionable people in the world come out to play! FYI the sunglasses are PRESCRIPTION!

As we walked in, they surprised me by having a few other good friends waiting for us in the restaurant. Bagatelle is exactly what my foodie friends blog about, a fantastic French Mediterranean restaurant, seen Oops! I better not let my friends catch me doing a mental review. But they saw the look on my sad face and said happy birthday BLOG AWAY! Which was bittersweet because I did not have my T4I partner with me, but thank God for iPhones, Ya I know the quality is not the same, but I will not look a birthday gift horse in the mouth!

Bagatelle is famous for their full blown party bunches around 4 pm with a great menu, strobe lights, DJ and champagne popping all over the place, which sounds like a blast! But we were looking for a night out, so they made our reservations for a table for five at 9 pm. As soon as we walk in, the owners greeted us and told us our table would be ready in 15 minutes.

At first, I notice that everyone was dress super cool in denim, suede and printed Tee's, so we were the only one's wearing neckties, and because of it we look like celebrities, the entire place wanted to get to know who we were? it's funny how you could tell a perfect stranger it's your birthday and suddenly they become your best friend, well good news spreads fast because we had a spotlight on us the whole night!

My goodness, I already love this place, and we didn't even get to our table yet? The boys were having a few drinks at the bar while we were waiting for our table and because I don't drink anything but then fancy water I decided a blogger must blog! So let's look around.

Bagatelle NYC

The mid-size French chandeliers were
very romantic and give a soft antique illumination
to the French Mediterranean inspired restaurant.

Bagatelle NYC

A beautiful bottle of Moët & Chandon with french pop art painted on the bottle in a glass case!

Bagatelle NYC
This amazing graffiti pop art statue
sits in the middle of the restaurant for all to enjoy!

Bagatelle NYC

This bottle of Louis XIII is a masterpiece
and well deserving of this beautiful display!

Bagatelle NYC
Of course, the restaurant itself was magnificent! The black curtains against the cream colored walls with a splash of pink fresh cut flowers looks so elegant!

Bagatelle NYC
Coquillettes Au Jus, jus, jambon et Emmental
Elbow pasta, veal juice, ham, and swiss cheese

I enjoyed this dish, my favorite pasta is elbow pasta, and they were cooked just right!
The Swiss didn't overwhelm the pasta, and the ham was chopped to a nice tiny bite size.
This was the first time I tried veal juice, and it was appetizing!

Bagatelle NYC
Petrossian Caviar Selection

Now I would love to tell you that I'm a caviar connoisseur, BUT I'M NOT! What I could tell you is this, if you are a caviar connoisseur? I believe you would love this spread. The can is served in a tin bowl full of ice, with an order of small round pita bread's and five different dips to choose from, ranging from spicy to sweet! They also give you the lid for the can, just in case, there is any leftover to take home for tomorrow's lunch, which there usually is!


Bagatelle NYC Natural fed grilled black Angus bone-in ribeye (26 oz) and pomme fritters for two.

I'm not sure what type of wood they use for the board? Maybe maple or hickory? Because for some reason it makes a steak taste ten times better than it would on expensive China! The steak was delicious, burnt in all the right places on the outside and nice and juicy on the inside. Even though the steak needs none, they give you a few dipping sauce's which were superb.

I personally love the natural taste of steak and only used them sparingly! The menu says steak for two, but we split it three ways..3 oz, 3 oz, and 20 oz, Well It Was My Birthday?! After all the years of eating mass- produced french fries it was nice to taste what real potato fries taste like again!

Bagatelle NYC
Beignets De Bagatelle custard filled doughnuts, salted caramel, crème chantilly

As a kid, I loved eating fried Dough with powdered sugar on the Atlantic City boardwalk. So while we were still eating dinner, I noticed the table next to ours had this dessert which looked to me like the fried Dough I loved as a kid, so I told our waitress to gives an order right after dinner. If anyone knows me well? They know I'm big on dessert, so my mind was on it the whole time I was eating my steak!

Finally, the dessert came, and I would like to apologize to Bagatelle for comparing my boardwalk memories to this fine French dessert! Severed warm, these toasty puffs are filled with French pastries custard and covered in cinnamon. The salted caramel and crème Chantilly are the two delicious dipping sauce's that will have you fighting with yourself on which one to dip in? A little note from a foodie on your dilemma...DIP in both of them and enjoy!

Sonny and George timed our reservations just right because as soon as I took the last bite of my dessert, the lights went out, and the DJ started playing some great music! But I guess I order the Beignets De Bagatelle to soon? Because this happened 10 minutes later. Oh Yes! what would my 45th birthday be without the entire restaurant wishing me a happy birthday? And the huge birthday ice cream sundae made this the best birthday ever!

Bagatelle NYC
Birthday Sundae

Tons of chocolate and vanilla ice cream, whip cream, hot fudge and caramel drizzles, three large chocolate chip cookies, and a fudge brownie served in a giant martini glass!

What was my birthday wish? I wish I could be back home in my comfy pants, all alone watching I love Lucy,d with this sundae in my lap and a big spoon! But you can't always get what you wish for ha?

You would thinks the party was over but it just began!

From supermen/superwomen flying through the air with expensive champagne and sparklers popping out the top to people standing on the bar shooting dried ice smoke across the room. Bagatelle NYC, has proved itself to be the trendy hot spot with delicious French-Mediterranean food that everyone is raving about. I must admit we had a blast!

Bagatelle NYC

And of course, one last shout out!!

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Restaurant Review, Make Sure You Follow By Email, Bookmark or BlogLovin!

Also Don't Forget To Share, Like, and Comment!

A few Twitter Shout Outs I Received!

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http://www.bagatellenyc.com/

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Ogunquit Maine Video Tour And Food Review By Bobby DoTube Pick Of The Week

People often ask me where is Ogunquit ME, what is it like?
Ogunquit is only about 80 miles from Canada! Their slogan is ( Maine The Way Life Should Be )

The word " Ogunquit " means " Beautiful-Place-By-The-Sea ". So named by the Native Americans who spent their summers hunting and fishing on the sunny shores.It's the kind of place Norman Rockwell has painted many times. It's the kind of place where Martha Stewart and Barbra Walters lives. It's the kind of place where they think taking a trolley is the only way to go!

My family has been spending all of our summers there since 2001. We love the 1800's decor they manage to keep over the years, where 200-year-old homes are turned into antique and novelty shops, clothing stores and even cafe's and bistros!

If you have never visit Ogunquit to see their wonderful bed & breakfast, seafood restaurants, beautiful beaches and great shopping, you're in luck! Because Ogunquit ME. is my DoTube's pick of the week.

I will take you for a tour of this Beautiful-Place-By-The-Sea with breathtaking views, food reviews, witty narration, and great music.

So jump on an old fashion trolley with me to a place where there are no flashing neon signs, no traffic lights and enjoy the ride!

To Be The First To Read My Next
Restaurant Review, Make Sure You Follow By Email, Bookmark or BlogLovin!
Also Don't Forget To Share, Like, and Comment!

Footbridge lobster the cove Ogunquit ME

Me and the chef!
Footbridge lobster the cove Ogunquit ME

Footbridge lobster the cove Ogunquit ME

Footbridge lobster the cove Ogunquit ME

A few Twitter Shout Outs I Received

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Wednesday, July 15, 2015

The Continental Restaurant Atlantic City Review!

One day as I was reading the Atlantic City FaceBook, I read a press release that The Pier Shops at Caesars was now going to be called The Playground! The whole concept of the mall was going to be changed, by putting all new stores, restaurants, live bands and nightclubs, which I will be doing a video blog about real soon!

Of course, I'm calm now, but when I first read the news I went into a panic! So I jumped in my car and took a drive from Staten Island to Atlantic City, the whole time I was praying to God, please Lord don't let them take my favorite restaurant away! Well God answers prays because when I got there, The Continental is still grooving! You may be asking yourself why was I so panic? it's just another restaurant!

On the third floor of The Playground Mall, on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, there a restaurant which is not only my favorite place to eat but also my favorite time machine! Come with me where Martinis are shaken and not stirred, let's go to an era when leisure suits and go-go boots were the dressed code, where the jet-setters dance under funky light fixtures and dine on delicious hors d'oeuvres.

WELCOME TO THE CONTINENTAL!

I vote The Continental the coolest restaurant in Atlantic City! Just on design alone, the restaurant brings you back to the retro era when Roger Moore was James Bond 007, and Charlie's Angels fought crime in hot pants and bikini tops, don't be frighted that's not the DRESS CODE!

As soon as you walk in you could ask the hostess to seat you in a few different areas of the restaurant, where the mood and atmosphere are either a summer patio, ski lodge or a groovy 70's lounge!

The Continental

In the mood for a few cocktails with friends? Then come sit at the ultra mod, white bar on the patio!

The Continental

Why not have a groovy private party in what I call The Jetsons lounge? With Spaceport windows, funky sectional, round velvet chair ornaments and really cool lighting!

The Continental

The waitress and managers were very friendly and would stop periodically with a smile to see if I needed anything? Which was very comforting, because there is nothing worse than feeling all alone at a restaurant, especially when they forgot your beverage refill you ordered 20 minutes ago! Can I get an AMEN?

The Continental is truly a great dining experience for a cool groovy night out!

For my full food review

great visuals and Retro Music

COME WATCH MY VIDEO REVIEW!

The Continental

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Restaurant Review, Make Sure You Follow By Email, Bookmark or BlogLovin!

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http://www.continentalac.com/

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Gordon Ramsay Caesars Palace Atlantic City DoTube's Pick Of The Week!

All the locals in Atlantic City, know that the boardwalk between Missouri and Arkansas Avenue is not only the center of Atlantic City but also a year-round hot spot! No matter what the weather, season or day of the week, there is always people walking, shopping and eating in this part of town!

Before any mention of a casino, there was a Howard Johnson's restaurant on the corner Arkansas and Pacific Ave. It's where my Mother would take my sister and I every Saturday for one of their famous ice cream sundaes. I was so heartbroken when I heard the news that some place called Caesars Boardwalk Regency, was going to knock down Howard Johnson's and build a casino there, BLAY! Who wants a stupid casino? When you can have an ice cream sundae any time, you want! Of course, I was seven years old at the time.

Google image

On June 26, 1979, it seemed like the whole world, including my family, rushed to the grand opening of Caesars Boardwalk Regency! I must admit in my nine short years I have never seen anything like it in my life. The bright flashing lights, the sound of ringing bells from the slot machines... WAIT! is that a game room? And right next to it was a C.W. Sweets ice cream parlor, where you can eat all the gourmet sundae's you want! And I lived happily ever after.

For those of yous who were not a part of the MTV area, you may not know that the Caesars you see today in Atlantic City, is totally different than the original Caesars from the 70's and 80's. It took years to grow into the massive Roman Empire you see today!

Google image

The modern day structure and design was adapted from Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. After you receive your valet ticket and enter the front door, you will take a ride up an escalator that will transport you from the Jersey shore to the center of an ancient Roman city. With a massive statue of King Caesar, amazing Roman structures, beautiful palm trees and in the left corner a British Pub & Grill...WAIT!!!! A BRITISH PUB AND GRILL IN THE MIDDLE OF A ROMAN EMPIRE?

In April of 2015, world famous chef and star of the hit reality TV show, Hell's Kitchen, Gordon Ramsay, placed a British flag in the center of Caesars Palaces Atlantic City! Instead of blending in the Rome decor, he decided to cause a culture clash by staying true to his British roots and integrate London inspired elements and designs throughout his restaurant.

There are four different style dining areas at Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill. The outside dining area is right in the center of Caesars lobby, with a great view of the giant statue of King Caesar himself! The red lamps are a reference to the iconic red phone booths that London is famous for.

The second area is the main dining room with private booths, flat screen TV's, full-service bar, with a large variety of wines from around the world, and many London inspired designs!

The third dining room area is a replica of a true British pub and grill, hence the name! I have never been to a pub in London before, but this is how I imagine it to look like, gold stained mirrors surrounded by dark wood and antique lanterns hanging on the wall that light up only sections of the dark pub. The table lamps and private booths give this dining area the feeling and atmosphere of a locals favorite pub in London!

And last but not least the fourth dining area which is the most intimate. It's like Mr. Ramsay, inviting you to his living room for lunch! With black and white London inspired wallpaper, black leather sofas, table lamps and red tables that also reference to the famous London phone booths, this dining area is spectacular!

If that's not intimate enough for you? Then the large painting of Mr. Ramsay's beloved dog Rumpole hanging on the wall will make you feel like home!

I must admit, this was my favorite dining area of all, but because of the dim lighting, I could not take any pictures or video without a flash which would distort the beauty of the dining area. So I sat at a table with better lighting, just to get the right shots, OH the sacrifices a blogger must make!

I was super impressed by all the different shapes and styles of their dining room chairs, big comfortable lounge chairs with bold colorful stripes, square leather bar stools, and extra large leather sofas.

I was only one person, and the wait was about 20 minutes long. So I do suggest TO CALL AHEAD to make reservations. The host was so friendly, so I didn't mind waiting. The waitress I had was named Elizabeth, but she told me to call her Liz ( So Of Course, I Loved Her! ) She was very nice,
and very helpful when it came to service and suggestions from the menu!

For a full visual detail and review of the restaurant's atmosphere and food, go watch my video of Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill Caesars Palace Atlantic City, at the bottom of the blog!