Cafe Berry Part ???

Permanently thrilled to receive an invitation to Cafe Berry a/k/a/ the home of Miki-san, we spent a Saturday night savoring the kitchen delicacies of M. Shimada and her guest chef Kevin. Upon entry David Sellers and Cafe Drake were greeted with friendly faces and cheese straws and (legendarily) strong Gin Gimlets. The meal kicked off with a crisp salad of organic baby greens, orange wedges, grape tomatoes and goat cheese, quickly followed by shumai dumplings served with soy sauce and molded wasabi mayonnaise. Miki filled our glasses with red, white (courtesy of fellow diner Mariusz) and sparkling Chardonnay as the third course of beef tataki was placed on the well-appointed tabletop, nestled amongst zucchini strips deliciously sauteed in quarts of olive oil and garlic. West Village resident Kevin took the helm of this gently rocking ship, donning a dojo-worthy headband, and dished out the entree of fresh cheese ravioli crowned with walnut sauce, fried prosciutto, toasted pignoli nuts and grated Asiago. Dessert followed: luscious Japanese pastries stuffed with chocolate, vanilla and green tea custard. Kindly souls, Kevin and Miwa-san also poured us out a deep, rich grappa, complex and smokey but smooth on the palette and throat. Leave it to Miki to top all off with good iced coffees and Polish chocolates.