Terrific Takeout: Morrell Wine Bar and Cafe Fall 2015 in Rockefeller Center Our Coverage Sponsored by Fresh Origins
Catch the last of the summer rose with one of our favorite people in wine and cuisine, drumroll please, ROBERTA MORRELL!!!
"68 years and we're still at the top of our game! We have a brand new menu for fall with new bespoke wines in the quintessential New York location of Rockefeller Center. As a New York institution, we cater to the local caliber of discerning taste. Steeped in tradition, we are also committed to modern dining and all the fun it captures!" says Roberta.
Fresh Origins is America’s leading producer of Microgreens and Edible Flowers. Combining the benefits of an ideal climate with a deep passion for quality and innovation, Fresh Origins products are sought after by the finest restaurants and top chefs. The farm is located in the picturesque rolling hills of San Diego County, where the near perfect weather allows for production and harvest all year. Fresh Origins produces almost 400 Microgreens, Petitegreens, Edible Flowers, Shoots, Tiny Veggies™ and related items. Many are not available anywhere else, with new introductions nearly every month. Fresh Origins products are on top of the finest cuisine in the world! Fresh Origins supplies distributors of specialty produce who serve fine dining restaurants and resorts nationwide. There are also a few online sources of their products available to private chefs and home cooks. Read our first Culinary Queen interview with Kelly Sasuga:
For more information about Fresh Origins, visit their website at
And, she IS fun, says Peachy.
It's not who you know, it's Whom You Know and we just love Roberta Morrell. She is the shining star of Morrell Wine Bar and Cafe, and you should know just because the temperature outside is going to start making you wish you had a sweater, there is no better place for sophisticated Manhattan locals to dine outside than her wine bar and cafe in Rockefeller Center. There is a wine for everyone here, with 110 wines by the glass. 25% of the options change monthly, but many are staples and vary only by vintage.
We began with this fabulously refreshing Bastide Blanche Bandol 2014. Its ripe qualities will ignite your appetite, and our palate detected subtle hints of rhubarb and strawberry.
First, Executive Chef Juan Carlos Mendoza, who has been at Morrell Wine Bar and Cafe for 14 years, suggested the fragrant, spectacular Risotto special of the day. Lemon shrimp from Cananda's North Atlantic teams up with Cod, risotto and baby peas embellished with a miso foam and garnished with both fried chives and crispy ginger. This is a good example of delicious creative without going too overboard, which can occur at lesser venues.
Most recently, The Morrell Wine Bar and Cafe starred in Peachy Dines Al Fresco:
The Morrell Wine Bar and Cafe was also featured earlier this year in Terrific Takeout:
and it earned a spot in Peachy's Picks in 2012, when it was first featured:
For an appetizer, we opted for the Twin Jumbo Crab Cakes with Chipotle Aioli. Beautifully garnished with contrasting bright colors, the course is laudable for both its perfect aioli and lovely cake itself.
Next in the batting order was a terrific selection from Spain: Pazo Senorans Albarino 2013 which was crisp and substantial. We adored its dry qualities that were clean and minerally expansive.
One of the best salads we've had this season is without a doubt the Spinach Salad by Morrell Wine Bar and Cafe. The chicken, normally something we'd consider on the ordinary side, is truly extraordinary here as it's herb roasted with rosemary, thyme, salt and pepper and is marinated for 24 hours giving it its own unique flavor you'll love. The chicken itself is locally sourced in New York state and is organic. The chicken majestically rests upon a bed of fresh baby spinach, candied walnuts, feta cheese, shaved shallots, sundried tomatoes, chickpeas and golden raisins. It comes with Walnut Balsamic Vinaigrette.
Even better than the risotto we sampled to start with was the English Pea Risotto! From London's Fashion Week to the NYCFC affiliate MCFC, we continue to be influenced by the English, and we are part English. Circled in a gorgeous ring of sweet, flavorful green of fresh chives and peas, this smashing risotto is enhanced by parmesean and oregano and additionally boasts spanish chorizo, rock shrimp and melted leeks. Absolutely decadent! A must-try.
It smiles at you:
Finally, the petite, delicate Braised Short Ribs pack beaucoup de flavor in their size! Red Wine Spaetzle, amazing black garlic puree, and hot italian sausage add to this dish that is splendidly garnished with Fried Green Kale.
With zero hesitation, the grand finale of the Roberta's latest and greatest show was fireworked by this phenomenal Cabernet Sauvignon: Don Melchor 2010 which had the robust qualities we always search for in a glass of terrific red. Its depth and flavor will wow you with its intense raspberry/blackberry notes from Chile. This is the wine you must try.
Enjoy dining outside while you still can!
As you know, Yeats said:
And watch the turf smoke coiling from the fire
And feel content and wisdom in your heart,
This is the best of life..."
...stay tuned because Roberta says she has great ideas for when the chilly weather comes!
Morrell Wine Bar and Cafe continues to be one of our favorites because of Roberta herself, the phenomenal wine and culinary pursuits that team up with it so well.
