Author

Aron Galinovsky

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Dinner

Teriyaki Chicken

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken
  • 7 garlic cloves
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup mirin
  • I lemon
  • ¼ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp ground ginger
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Directions

  • Smash or cut up the 7 cloves of garlic
  • Open a 1-gallon Ziplock bag and put the garlic and all of the ingredients into the bag
  • Close the bag and mix everything together with your hands while flipping the bag
  • Spatchcock a whole chicken and put it into the Ziplock bag
  • Take all of the air out of the bag and close the Ziplock bag
  • Lay the bag flat on a baking rack and put it inside the refrigerator
  • Marinate the chicken for 4 hours flipping the bag halfway through so the chicken is evenly marinated
  • After 4 hours, remove the chicken from the bag and strain the marinade
  • Place the chicken on a baking pan and pour the marinade on top of the chicken
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees
  • Once the oven reaches 375 degrees place the chicken in the oven and let it cook until the temperature inside the chicken reaches 160F degrees (approx. 50 minutes)
  • Baste the chicken every 20 minutes with the sauce on the bottom of the pan
  • Enjoy
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American

Fresh Salt Restaurant in Old Saybrook CT

We visited Fresh Salt with four other couples for dinner on a Saturday night. This was our second trip, while some of our friends had been there five or six times before.

Setting:
The setting is absolutely gorgeous, right on the water. The view alone is worth the visit. Because it was a Saturday night, the restaurant was very busy and rather noisy, especially near the bar area where we were seated. Combined with the rectangular table layout, it made socializing a bit difficult.

Service:
Our waitress was very warm, welcoming, and accommodating. Drinks were promptly served and were very tasty.

Food:
Overall, the food was slightly better than average—some dishes were hits, others less memorable. Here’s what we ordered:

  • PEI Mussels with tomatoes, white beans, garlic, and ciabatta crostini – Excellent.
  • Tuna Poke Bowl Brazilian Style – Mango, avocado, tomatoes, corn, black beans, toasted coconut, jasmine rice, cilantro, pickled onions, soy lime dressing. Pretty good overall.
  • Wild Tuna Triangles – Tuna tartare over sushi rice with ponzu sauce, pickled ginger, and sriracha aioli. Very good.
  • Salmon Burger with Truffle Fries – The fries were excellent; the burger was average at best.
  • Cioppino (Red Sauce) – Shrimp, scallops, calamari, mussels, swordfish in a tomato lobster saffron essence, served over spinach or capellini. Those who had it in red sauce enjoyed it more than the white sauce version.
  • Cioppino (White Sauce) – Less popular compared to the red sauce preparation.
  • Fettuccine & Lobster – Tomatoes, broccoli, basil, perline de mozzarella in lemon cream sauce. Lots of flavor.
  • Sriracha Fried Calamari – Sweet chili glaze, sweet peppers, scallions, sesame seeds, wasabi. Ordered as a main course, this was a unique option.

No one tried dessert, so we can’t comment there.

Overall:
While not every dish was outstanding, the beautiful waterfront setting makes Fresh Salt a place most of us would return to. The service was warm, and the overall experience was enjoyable despite the noise and a few uneven dishes.

Rating 7.4/10

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Dinner

Aron’s Lamb Chops

Ingredients

  • 16 lamb chops
  • 3 tsp kosher salt
  • 2-3 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp of Aleppo pepper
  • 1 tsp of black pepper
  • 2-3 Tbsp of hot pepper paste
  • 1 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 Tbsp pomegranate molasses
  • 1 onion sliced

 Directions

  • Cut up the onion and set aside
  • In a bowl add all of the ingredients and mix well
  • Rub the mixture all over the lamb chops and add the onion
  • Put everything into a plastic bag and put it into the refrigerator overnight
  • Heat up the grill
  • Cook the lamb chops for 6-7 minutes on each side or to your desired cooking temperature on medium to high heat
  • Let them rest and enjoy
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Dinner

Baked Ziti

Ingredients

  • I pound of Ziti
  • 1 pound of ground beef
  • 10-12 oz Ricotta Cheese
  • 2 28 oz whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes
  • Half of a medium white onion
  • 6-7 cloves of garlic
  • 6 oz of tomato paste
  • ½ tsp of Italian Seasoning
  • ½ TBSP red pepper flakes
  • ½ tsp of salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • A few pinches of sugar
  • 2-3 bay leaves
  • A handful of basil
  • Shredded Mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh Parmigiana cheese

Directions

  • Cook the ground beef in a pan and set aside
  • Chop up onion and garlic and sauté in pan with tomato paste
  • Add back the ground beef into the pan with the onions and garlic
  • Crush the San Marzano tomatoes and add them to the pan
  • Add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, sugar, bay leaves and basil into the sauce and simmer for about 10 minutes
  • While that is all cooking cook the ziti al dente according to the directions on the box
  • Once the pasts is cooked put it into a deep pan (13 ¾ x 9 ¾)
  • Add half of the sauce and the ricotta cheese and mix well with the pasta
  • Spread the other half of the sauce on top of the pasta and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top
  • Pre heat the over to 350 degrees and bake 25-30 minutes or until cheese is fully melted. Enjoy!
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American

Arso Grano – Chester, CT

We dined at Arso Grano in Chester with two other couples and had a truly fabulous evening. The cozy, warm ambiance made for an inviting setting, and the quality of ingredients and care in preparation was evident throughout the meal.

Highlights:

  • Service: Attentive and friendly. Our waitress was especially helpful with recommendations and descriptions, enhancing the experience.
  • Drinks: Well-crafted and enjoyable, with a good selection.

Appetizers:

  • Eggplant al Forno: Outstanding – baked eggplant with pomodoro, ricotta, basil, and Parmigiano Reggiano. Rich and flavorful.
  • Escarole & Beans: Another hit – escarole with chicken sausage, white beans, chili butter, and caper-toasted breadcrumbs. Perfect balance of flavor and texture.
  • Potato Focaccia: Very good – enhanced by whipped goat cheese, rosemary honey, and guanciale.
  • Calamari Fritti: The only dish that felt average – decent flavor but not as memorable as the rest.

Entrees:

  • Rigatoni Alla Vodka: Tasty and well-balanced.
  • Spaghetti: Classic and full of flavor.
  • Mezzaluna: A standout – Ricotta stuffed pasta with pecans, balsamico, and brown butter was rich and layered in taste.
  • Chicken: A table favorite – boneless half chicken served over fettuccine with Parmigiano cream. Comforting and delicious.
  • Short Rib: Mixed reactions – some loved the braised, shredded meat over potato purée, English peas, and shiitake mushrooms; others were neutral.

Dessert:

  • Espresso Martini: A great cap to the night.
  • Crepes: Light, creamy, with peaches on top – refreshing and not overly sweet.
  • The Chocolate: A warm brownie with ice cream and hot fudge – rich and indulgent.

Overall: Arso Grano delivers an exceptional dining experience. From homemade bread and pasta to thoughtful dishes and a welcoming atmosphere, it impressed across the board. Everyone in our group would gladly return and highly recommends it.

Rating: 9.3/10

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Appetizers

White Queso Dip

Ingredients

  • 8 oz of Pepper Jack Cheese, cubed
  • 10 oz of American Cheese, cubed
  • 12 oz can of Evaporated Milk
  • 4 oz can Green Chiles
  • ½ TSP cumin

Directions

  • Heat a Sauce Pan on medium low heat
  • Add Evaporated milk and heat for a few minutes
  • Add both cheeses and continuously stir
  • Once the cheese melts add the Green Chile and the Cumin
  • Continue to stir for about 10-12 minutes total until everything is hot and fully melted
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American

The Wheel Restaurant in Stamford CT

Visited the Wheel Restaurant in Stamford, CT and overall had a very pleasant experience. The atmosphere is cozy and warm—perfect for a relaxed evening. We had hoped to sit outside, but unfortunately the weather didn’t cooperate. On a nice day, the outdoor area would definitely offer a great vibe.

Inside, it was a bit noisy, and while the ambiance was welcoming, the service left something to be desired. Our server wasn’t particularly attentive, which detracted a bit from the overall experience.

The menu is eclectic and interesting, with a solid beer selection ranging from pilsners to a variety of IPAs. We tried the mussels in coconut milk, which was a daily special—absolutely fabulous. The East Coast oysters were very good as well.

My wife had the Pan Seared Scallops with creamed corn, Yukon potatoes, summer squash, and tomato jam—she loved it. I went with the Lobster Roll (chilled Maine lobster, yuzu aioli, toasted brioche, sea salt fries). It was good, but not great—I would’ve preferred it warm.

Is it a bit overpriced? Probably. But the food was mostly strong, and with better service, it could be an excellent spot. Worth checking out, especially on a day when you can enjoy the outdoor seating.

Rating 8/10

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Dinner

Beef Ribs

Ingredients

  • Beef Ribs 3-6 lbs.
  • Favorite Binder (Mustard, Mayo, Oil or Frank’s Hot Sauce can be used as a binder)
  • Favorite Rub (I used Holy Gospel)
  • Favorite BBQ Sauce (optional)

Directions

  • Trim some fat off the beef ribs if necessary
  • Remove the silver skin off from the back of the Ribs using a butter knife
  • Apply your preferred binder to both sides
  • Apply your preferred dry rub to both sides
  • Heat your pellet smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Once the smoker reaches 225 degrees put your ribs on the smoker bone side down
  • Smoke the ribs for 4-6 hours until the temperature of the ribs reaches 200 degrees ( remember cook to temperature not to time)
  • Optional Sauce/Glaze; When the temperature of the ribs reaches 200 degrees brush your favorite sauce or glaze on the ribs. Cook for another 30 minutes and remove the ribs. ( you can also not put anything on the ribs and serve the BBQ sauce on the side for dipping)
  • Let the ribs rest for 15-20 minutes and enjoy
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American

Visited the New York Yankees Steakhouse at Yankee Stadium

We were greeted by a friendly hostess and seated right away, which set a positive tone for the evening. The service throughout was professional and welcoming. The decor is attractive and fitting for the location, with signatures of well-known players and managers adorning the walls — a nice touch for any Yankees fan.

As for the food, the oysters were excellent and the bacon was terrific. The steak was very good, and the mashed potatoes were solid. The creamed spinach, however, came out a bit cold, though still acceptable. The biggest downside was the noise level — it was extremely loud, making it difficult to hold a conversation even with someone sitting close by.

Overall, it was a decent experience, but not something I’d go out of my way to repeat. One and done.

Rating 7.1/10

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Asia

My Amazing Journey Through Japan: Osaka • Kyoto • Tokyo

 

 

 

I recently returned from an unforgettable adventure in Japan, visiting three of its most iconic cities: Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo. Each destination offered its own unique charm—culinary delights, ancient temples, cutting-edge architecture, and warm hospitality. Here’s a recap of this incredible trip:

Osaka – Japan’s Food Capital (5 Days)

We kicked off our journey in Osaka, where we stayed at the conveniently located Swissotel Nankai. Positioned above Namba Station, it offered easy access to the best of the city.

Known as the culinary capital of Japan, Osaka truly lived up to its reputation. The food was absolutely phenomenal—every meal was a treat. (Stay tuned for detailed restaurant reviews in the Restaurant section of my website!)

We also booked four private tours with Viator, which gave us a rich perspective of the city.

  1. Osaka’s Best and Brightest by Private Vehicle
    Highlights included:
  • Dotonbori – the neon-lit entertainment district buzzing with energy
  • Osaka Castle – an iconic and historically significant fortress
  • Shinsekai – a nostalgic district with local flavor
  • Shitenoji Temple – Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple
  • Kuromon Market – a sensory feast of food and culture
  • Abeno Harukas – Japan’s tallest skyscraper
  1. 6-Hour Food Tour – An epic journey through Osaka’s hidden culinary gems.
  2. Osaka Food Crawl with Private Guide
    This tour featured stops at several exceptional spots:
  • Eel specialty restaurant
  • Tuna and sea urchin tasting
  • Yakiniku with premium Matsusaka beef
  • Yakitori – skewered and grilled chicken
  • Shabu-shabu – a hot pot dish with fresh seafood

Kyoto – Tranquility and Tradition (4 Days)

We traveled to Kyoto via private car and checked in at the elegant and centrally located Hotel Okura.

In Kyoto, we explored the city’s cultural treasures with the help of a private guide:

Day 1 Highlights:

  • Fushimi Inari Shrine – famous for its path of 10,000 red torii gates
  • Traditional Tea Ceremony – a serene cultural experience
  • Nijo Castle – a UNESCO site rich with shogunate history
  • Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) – a breathtaking temple covered in gold leaf
  • Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto: Perched on the hillside of Higashiyama, overlooking the city of Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera is one of Japan’s most celebrated temples — a place where history, nature, and spirituality harmoniously blend
  • Gionmachi Minamigawa, Kyoto: Nestled in the heart of Kyoto, Gionmachi Minamigawa is the southern part of Gion, the city’s most famous geisha district

Day 2 Highlights:

  • Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Zen Garden
  • Oku-Saga – a peaceful mountainside with quiet temples and gardens
  • Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) – elegant simplicity amidst nature
  • Sanjūsangendō-mawari, Kyoto: Serenity and Spiritual Grandeur Located in eastern Kyoto, Sanjūsangendō-mawari refers to the area around the famous Sanjūsangendō Temple — one of Japan’s most awe-inspiring sacred sites. The temple itself, officially known as Rengeō-in, is famed for its long wooden hall that houses 1,001 life-size statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Walking through this hall, surrounded by rows upon rows of golden figures, is a powerful, almost otherworldly experience. The name “Sanjūsangendō” means “Hall with 33 Bays,” referring to the building’s architectural layout. The structure is the longest wooden building in Japan and is an important national treasure.
  • Nanzen-ji Temple – headquarters of Zen Buddhism, featuring tranquil ponds and rock gardens

Tokyo – Culture, Cuisine, and Cutting-Edge (5 Days)

We boarded the Shinkansen bullet train from Kyoto to Tokyo—a thrilling experience at 200 mph. It was fast, smooth, and surprisingly quiet.

In Tokyo, we stayed at the Keio Plaza Hotel Premier Grand, a top-notch hotel in an excellent location.

Our exploration of Tokyo included a private chauffeur-driven van tour and several incredible activities:

Highlights included:

  • Senso-ji Temple – Tokyo’s oldest and most iconic Buddhist temple, dating back nearly 1,400 years
  • Tokyo Skytree – at 634 meters, it’s the tallest tower in the world with amazing city views
  • East Gardens of the Imperial Palace – tranquil and beautifully manicured
  • Tsukiji Fish Market – a bustling seafood paradise
  • Meiji Shrine – dedicated to Emperor Meiji, symbolizing Japan’s modernization
  • Shibuya Crossing – the busiest and most famous intersection in the world
  • Shinjuku Food Tour – sampled local specialties at 4 fantastic eateries
  • Mount Fuji Private Tour – included a scenic boat ride near this majestic peak
  • Tokyo Grand Sumo Tournament – a one-of-a-kind cultural experience

Final Thoughts

From the flavorful street foods of Osaka to the Zen gardens of Kyoto and the dazzling skyline of Tokyo, this trip was filled with once-in-a-lifetime moments. Our days were packed with rich cultural experiences, and our evenings were spent dining at some of the best restaurants we’ve ever visited.

It was a journey I’ll never forget

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