Ahhh, diets. Oh, how they tease me. How I would love to lose 5 more pounds. How I would love to be more fit. But, it is not that easy when you are the NYC FOODIE, and invited to dinners and tastings, especially like the one I had last night. I was invited by fellow foodie Andy Freedman, (who's behind the excellent websitewww.winedanddined.com) to a tasting of the new bar menu at The Capital Grille. I would be doing my fellow readers and supporters a disservice if I turned down any of the dishes put in front of me, so I didn't. So my friends, this is what I do, and eat for you...

Chilled Seared Sushi Grade Tuna ($19) with wasabi oil, white soy, and ginger vinegar. Fresh and fine.

Miniature Fresh Mozzarella, Crisp Prosciutto and Basil Sanwiches ($10). My dining companion thought it should be off the menu. I was indifferent to it.

Chilled Shrimp ($9) with tossed ginger and msutard vinaigrette. A touch of dill was a nice touch.

Miniature Crab and Lobster Burgers ($15). Lobster and crab together? Yes, please. Good.

Pan-Fried Calamari ($14) with hot cherry peppers. A beautiful kick from the peppers made these squid memorable.

Miniature Tenderloin Sandwiches ($18) with wild mushroom and Boursin cheese. The star of the tasting. A succulent bite of decadence.

Lollipop Lamb Chops ($18) with herb oil and aged balsamic. At this time in the tasting I was getting a tad full, but these chops didn't do it for me. I was also still reminiscing about that tenderloin sandwich.

The Grille's Signature Cheeseburger ($18). This blend of meat had bacon and onion mixed in! Thick, juicy, and bacon/onion flavorful!

Parmesan Truffle Fries ($9). Nothing like ending a steakhouse bar menu tasting with truffled fries. Crispy goodness. I love my foodie diets.

Yes, I consumed all of this. You're welcome. Gotta go run around Central Park now; 10 times.

The Capital Grille
155 E. 42nd St. (between Lex and 3rd)
New York, NY 10017
212-953-2000
www.thecapitalgrille.com