Matilda, named after the daughter of Chefs Maristella Innocenti (Italian-born) and Esteban Molina (Mexican-born), offers creative Mexican/Italian home cooking in a sleek Alphabet City restaurant.
At first, Tuscan-Mexican (…would that be Tuc-Mex?) fusion won’t sound wildly appealing – but two bites in and you’ll think: match. made. in. heaven. Ease into the idea with Guacamole Alla Toscana with basil and red pepper, served with tortilla chips and brick oven roasted focaccia ($9). Next, dig into the Costillas De Res En Salsa Dulce Y Picocitas, which include their braised short ribs in ancho chile and guava sauce and mashed potatoes ($20). Another great entree is the Ravioli In Salsa Di Huitlacoche, a goat cheese whole wheat ravioli in a creamy huitlacoche, corn and pico de gallo sauce ($16).
If you’re a Mexican foodie die-hard, try the Al Prosciutto Quesadilla with mozzarella, prosciutto and basil ($10) or the Tamalitos Vegetarianos, with polenta, poblanos and mozzarella tamales and served with a jicama-basil-oregano salad ($12).
FYI, this is a cash only casa.
buon appetito amigo!
I love Indian food and typically prefer to order from mid-tier quality restaurants over anything too schmancy. However, It’s after times like last night, feasting on gourmet-caliber dishes, that I fantasize about packing up my belongings and catching the next flight to New Delhi.
[enter stage left: Devi]
Devi, named for the Mother Goddess, is a warmly lit restaurant with 75 seats. Tastefully decorated with layers of saffron curtains and bold hand painted lanters, the loft-style space includes a discreet three-person bar. As beautiful and serene are the decorations, the food exceeds expectations – already set quite high thanks to their Michelin Star 2007 accolade, the first ever for an Indian restaurant in the United States.
Within moments of sitting down at the table, my girlfriends and I are swept off of our feet with hospitable service and surprise treats from the Chef. The Trio of Samosas are some of the best I’ve ever had, thanks to a lighter coating of fried batter and greater attention to fillings of potato-peas, goat cheese-spinach and turkey-mint ($10). The Shrimp and Calamari Masala Fritto Misto with tomato chutney-mayo ($13) is good but certainly overshadowed by the Kararee Bhindi, an unexpectedly delicious pile of okra crisps, red onions, tomatoes, cilantro and lemon ($14). The Chana Bhaturas of spiced chickpeas and raita captures warm Indian comfort food at its best, engulfing us in food ecstasy with the accompanying paneer-stuffed-puffy bread ($20). I like the Radga Pattis Chaat, potato and spinach cakes with white peas, ginger, onions, tamarind and mint ($10), but am far more distracted by the Chicken Vindaloo ($24) and the surprise complimentary pyramid of rice – name and ingredients unknown, but an absolute table favorite (might have been the Jackfruit “Kathal” Biryaani?) The only thing I’m not rushing back for is the Jamison Farm Tandoori Lamb Chops, tasty but not nearly as inventive ($34). Everything is rich in flavor, color and texture with a highly stylized presentation.
What is an Indian feast without naan or roti? The basket of warm garlic naan, light and airy with the perfect touch of crisp, provides the ideal dipping bread ($4). To gild the lily, as if we haven’t already at this point, we accept the generous offering of Onion-Parmigiano Kulcha and Spinach-Goat Cheese Paratha, SO insanely good ($9). Clearly, the five of us are ambitious in our ordering, but that doesn’t stop the kitchen from sending us a surprise turret of mango panna cotta – a sweet ending to one of my favorite meals.
I think I found religion, and her name is Devi.
Filed under: Alphabet City, American, Comfort Food, Downtown, East Village
My initial (not so great) intro to Goat Town was during the restaurant’s first week of opening. However, since I’m a believer in second chances, especially when it comes to new food spots, I decided to return several months later to see if things had evolved more positively.
Thankfully, since I’m not one to root for third chances, things turned out significantly better. The waitstaff, still a bit curt, were friendlier but more importantly, the food rocked a hunting chalet-esq vibe – comfort meets quality.
With a seasonal list of dishes, we were able to catch Tasting Table’s Sunday Supper menu (available again October 23) for $35/person. In addition to the two included Stella’s, I had the Shaved Chicory Salad with apples, parsnips, hazelnuts and ripe blue cheese – super refreshing but fairly filling. Embracing the brink of Fall not to mention the restaurant’s namesake, I went for the Braised Goat Shoulder as my main course with anchovy, cranberry and herb bread salad. The Skillet Arctic Char (second entree option) was delicious to taste, with pumpkin, swiss chard and shallots. Not included in the $35, but certainly my favorite part of the meal, was the Salted Cajeta Knickerbocker Glory Sundae with pretzels, caramel cakes, caramel sauce and whipped cream. Decadent.
Go go to Goat Town.
Most of you already know about the wonders of Caracas Arepa Bar. For those of you living under a rock and thinking that I’m talking about a restaurant in Venezuela, read on. No need to ask questions, we’ll do the talking:
WHAT ARE AREPAS? Corn-flour rounds shaped into pita-like pockets, that are wheat-free and gluten-free with a light crisp on the outside and a steamy-soft middle.
WHAT IS CARACAS AREPA BAR? Fondly known as simply ‘Caracas’, this small East Village (and now Brooklyn) Venezuelan restaurant consistently serves authentic homemade dishes, perfect for lunch/dinner/re-heating late night.
WHAT AREPAS SHOULD I ORDER AT ‘CARACAS’? All of them. Ok, really, all of them but here are my favorites:
- De Pabellon: shredded beef, black beans, white salty cheese and sweet plantains ($7.50)
- La del Gato: guayanes cheese, fried sweet plantains and avocado slices ($6.50)
- Los Muchachos: grilled chorizo, spicy white cheese with jalepenos and sauteed peppers ($7.50)
- La Surena: grilled chicken and chorizo with avocado slices and spicy chimi-churri sauce ($7.50)
- Yoyos: deep fried sweet plantain balls stuffed with white cheese ($5.75)
- Tostones Mochimeros: fried green plantains topped with mojito mayo (!!!) and a squeeze of lemon and white cheese ($5.75)
- Michelada: Pacifico beer, lemon, homemade spicy panela and salt ($7)
Thanks to my boyfriend and his family, I’m slowly but Shirley becoming an honorary Baltimore native. The Ravens, an Old Bay crab feast and recently, a trip to Miss Shirley’s.
Miss Shirley’s, a Baltimore staple, is the locals’ go-to spot for large portions and serious homestyle cooking. Despite also having a healthy food blog, I can eat my weight in fried food and cheese grits with the best of ‘em so this place is a walk in the park (…or at least that’s what I thought).
The menu was massive, with endless rows of things that I committed and un-committed to once I bounced to the next mouthwatering dish. I think “I decided on…” about seven times until finally ordering the Bayou Omelet with Andouille sausage, crawfish meat, tomato, cheddar and cajun spice ($16.99). To be perfectly honest, I was only able to commit to my order once my boyfriend and I agreed to ‘divide and conquer’, with him getting my runner-up choice: the Sunrise Benedict with poached eggs, house-made slow-roasted Carolina pulled pork on corn bread rounds, collard greens, tasso ham and cajun hollandaise sauce ($14.99). My deepest thanks goes out to whomever (I’m still in a blissful food coma to remember) thought to order the Funky Monkey Bread. This amazing cinnamon-scented pull-apart bread had bananas, chocolate, pecans, powdered sugar and cinnamon ($11.99). It was like taking the best part of a Cinnabun, you know, the gooey well seasoned center of the bun, and making it the ENTIRE bread round plus adding CHOCOLATE. Genius.
With endless accolades ranging from local sources to the mother ship of culinary voices (i.e. The Food Network), Miss Shirley’s racks up awards and glowing press on a daily basis.
…damn she’s good.
With Fall and Winter quickly approaching (yippeee!), I’m starting to feel a bit nostalgic for some of my favorite Summer spots – Rouge Tomate, included.
Rouge Tomate, the sister to a restaurant in Brussels, is a midtown shopper’s dream decked in cool-understated luxury and a well stacked ‘power scene’. The 15,000 square foot space is bright and airy, with a crisp yet sexy vibe. I highly recommend this spot for business events as well as meetups with friends.
After one glance, it’s clear that Rouge Tomate gives careful consideration to ingredients and presentation. Their in-house culinary nutritionist collaborates with the kitchen to ensure that all dishes include optimal ratios of meats to veggies and fruits to nuts. Michelin Rated, I consider this twist on Modern-American cuisine a big hit.
My go-to order is the three-course ‘Business Lunch’ special ($29), which changes seasonally. Their Vine Ripe Tomato and Watermelon Panzanella is a perfect appetizer, with cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, Sherry vinegar and basil. I’m a pasta fein and love their Spaghetti Pomodoro with vine ripe tomato, caper, garlic, basil and summer squash. It’s tough to find a ‘bad’ dessert here, but I favor the Lemon Shortcake with plum, lemon yogurt and buttermilk ice cream. If you’re here with a group, kick-off with their Market Oysters, Concord Grape Mignoette, crispy ginger and chive ($16).
You won’t leave Rouge Tomate parched – there are over 200 wines to choose from, including a massive Organic section, plus house made juices, sodas, teas and cocktails. I kid you not, their Rhubarb Margarita is one of my favorite drinks in the city ($14).
WHAT: Eddie Huang’s (28 yrs old / ex attorney) authentic Taiwanese Gua Bao (steamed bun sandwiches) shop.
WHERE: LES (original location) and EV/Union Square (recently opened).
KARMA: BAOHAUS uses select all-natural meats and organic tofu and everything is cooked with 90% energy efficient induction cooking methods.
WHAT TO ORDER: 1) Haus Bao ($4.50), an all natural hanger steak bao with crushed peanut cilantro, haus relish and Taiwanese red sugar. 2) Chairman Bao ($4.00), braised slow with all natural Berkshire pork belly, crushed peanut cilantro, Haus Relish and Taiwanese red sugar. 3) Birdhaus Bau ($4.00), with all natural free range chicken brined overnight and fried to order, served with spicy seasoning salt, cilantro and crushed peanuts.
WHAT TO BRING: cash only.
WHERE THERE’S LOVE: the white white buns are steamed in lotus leaves; the pork is flash-fried and simmered in rice wine, soy sauce, ginger, star anise, rock sugar and cherry Coca-Cola; the tofu is laden in sweet-potato starch and lightly crisped for a fluffy inside.
FULL CIRCLE: Eddie’s grandfather used to sell gua bao in Taipei.
…best haus in town.
After ten years in the West Village, Alfama packed its bags in 2009 due to increasing rent costs. Thankfully, Midtown East welcomed them with open arms early this summer, allowing Chef Francisco Rosa to start offering again his Portuguese classics inspired by Brazil, Goa and Southern Africa.
Carve out a few hours and work your way through the “petiscos”, or tapas-style small plates, plus a few entrees and desserts – think Rabbit Meatballs with Sage ($15) and Fried Lupine Beans ($4) to start. I also love their Grilled Octopus with Fingerling Potatoes, Crispy Pork Belly, Leeks, Shallots, Roasted Garlic and Olive Oil ($16). The Portuguese Sausage Flambéed with Aguardente is tasty but nothing to die over ($10). If you’re with a few people, try different plates for the main course and share family-style. I recommend the Sautéed Red Snapper Fillet with Lobster Rice and Fried Leeks ($25) with a side of Fried Yucca ($4).
Whatever you order and whomever you’re with at Alfama, indulge in the decadent custards of Portugal – the dense Custard of Egg Yolks, Sugar, Port Wine and Prosciutto, served with a Prosciutto tuille and Lemon Sorbet ($10) is mystifyingly bizarre slash delicious.
Thanks to the contemporary decor and solicitous waitstaff, this is a great spot for a business meal or date.
Some might say that Jean Georges has the golden touch: Spice Market. Dune. ABC Kitchen… and my newest sampling of the JG smorgasbord: Perry St.
Last nights dinner was as expected – beautiful room, great service, and quality dishes. Judging by the demand of two-person tables, it was the West Village date spot.
Albeit small, the menu included several things that caught our attention – making everyone debate between this…or that. My refreshing Heirloom Tomato Salad with Market Berries, Basil and Olive Oil ($14) was perfectly matched with the summer heat. We also loved the Sweet Pea Soup with Tumbleweed Cheese, Pea Shoots and Sourdough Croutons ($11), specifically for its subtle creaminess. I considered the Grilled Cod with Market Vegetables ($28) thoughtless and bland, but almost launched across the table for another bite of the potato raviolis that came with the Butter Poached Lobster and Lemongrass Kaffir Lime Broth (MP). The Grilled Beef Strip Loin with Cheddar-Jalapeno Fritters looked fantastic ($36.50), but then again, you had me at ‘fritter’.
Three hours later and I was still dreaming about my pre-dinner Ginger Margarita with its Ginger Salted Rim – exquisite.
bravo JG, you struck again.
Filed under: American, Comfort Food, Farm To Table, Upper East Side, Uptown & Beyond
Don’t just try a new restaurant – find one in an unfamiliar setting and space…
Explore Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group’s contemporary cafe aptly called ‘Untitled’, located in the lower level of the Whitney Museum. With everyday breakfast and lunch, plus brunch on the weekends, this restaurant also offers dinner exclusively on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights – three course, family style meal with a set menu, changing weekly depending on market fresh ingredients.
Debut night included Crispy Kale Caesar Salad with Parm Croutons, a choice of Skirt Steak, Trout or Farro with Merlot Bean Stew and a Huckleberry Cobbler and Blue Marble Vanilla Ice Cream ($46/person). Dessert was fantastic – not a single huckleberry left.
The wine list is small but relevant, especially our pick for the night: the Domaine La Courtade, “L’Alycastre” (Cotes de Provence, France) ’10 ($28/bottle).
The food is tasty, the prices are affordable and the setting is unique. Although there are other places in the area with blow-your-mind food, Untitled’s main components make for a classically great NY night or a convenient uptown pit-stop.
New Yorkers LOVE meeting for brunch – it’s as if our sole existence Monday through Friday revolves around planning decadent weekend savoryness… or at least, that’s how I consider my role in life.
Bust away from the traditional ‘bakery turned diner’ and try Fatty Cue’s Southeast Asian BBQ brunch menu – think, BRISKET for breakfast. Brilliant.
The slew of dishes are all insanely delicious so I recommend venturing here with a team and using a ‘divide and conquer’ method. I love the Flapjacks with smoked maple syrup and bacon ($10) but have serious food envy for my boyfriend’s Smoked Brisket Sandwich with chili jam, aioli, pickled red onion and house smoked cheese ($14). Share their heaping portion of Country Grits with smoked maple syrup for a killer side ($5). Even the accompanying sauces pork serious flavor – inventive and surprising, but consistently thoughtful. Add two cocktails to any dish for $10/person – loving the sounds of their Watermelon Mimosa…
Don’t forget to take advantage of one of the [many] upsides of breakfastlunch: accessibility to a stellar dessert menu. Try the First Prize Root Beer Pie because… well, it’s root beer pie, and also get the Lemon flavor for a serious zing.
Brunch at this spot comes in right on cue – great meal coupled with some friendly Brooklyn funk.
Pure Food & Wine is my favorite NYC spot to enjoy raw cooking (is that an oxymoron?).
Pure offers a raw/vegan menu where all food is ‘cooked’ below 118 degrees so as to preserve the ingredients’ natural vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Their dishes make me fall in love with what I like to call, oven-virgin meals. The 100% plant-based menu excludes processed ingredients including tofu, tempeh and seitan. I love their Hazelnut Crostinis with Crimini Mushrooms and Caper Bearnaise ($14) and Sweet Corn and Cashew Tamales with Chili Spiced Portabella ($26). However, the real winner, and best surprise, is their Local Roma and Heirloom Tomato Zucchini Lasagna with basil pistachio pesto, sun-dried tomato marinara and macadamia pumpkin seed ricotta ($24) – insanely good and beautifully presented!
The wine and cocktail menu rounds out the entire experience, complete with fresh-pressed organic juices and agave nectar, like the Purple Rain ($15) with fresh raspberries, blueberries, yuzu and sake.
Although prices are a touch high, the quality of the ingredients and culinary experience behind the stove…err…blender…leave me feeling well satisfied and practically refreshed.
Location: Lake Traunsee in Gmunden, Austria. / Attendees: 15 hungry sailors + M / Solution: dinner at a Castle.
This isn’t just any dinner – eating on Lake Traunsee in an Austrian castle includes an eight course menu of exquisitely prepared plates, inventive combinations and great service. Keep an eye on your tab, because the Sommelier will suggest some pricey wine pairings – in our case, an ever so thoughtful 2000 Chateau Mouton Rothschild (EUR 2,950 per bottle…)
There is no other way to describe our experience other than to “read’ aloud our menu:
- Amuse Bouche
- Tuna & Salmon: Mediterranean Tuna, Avocado, Spicy Salmon, Verbs Spring Roll and Lobster Mayo.
- Asparagus: Veloute, Austrian Asparagus, Suckling Pig and Mint.
- Duck: Fois Gras, Harissa, Smoked Cauliflower, Morelle, Kracher and Shallot.
- Grapefruit: Sorbet, Grapefruit, Aperol and Champagne.
- Loup De Mer: Prawns, Tomato, Amaranth, Ratatouille and Aquerello Risotto.
- Maibock: Castle Eggenberger Venison, Osso Bucco, Polenta, Olive, Fresh Watercress and Chanterelle.
- Valrhona: Valrhona Chokolate and 3X Mango.
We’re all familiar with Jack Lamb’s finesse in combing small spaces and big menus – Jack’s Luxury Oyster Bar, Jewel Bako and now, Degustation.
Degustation is a sixteen-seat space that more resembles a U-shaped sushi bar than a full blown dining room. The “kitchen” is located in the center, completely open for guests to watch Chef painstakingly assemble his ‘Franco-Spanish inspired small plates’ (also known as “tapas” to us commoners). Despite the tight fit, it’s easy to barely notice the stealth like moves of the staff changing out complex silverware and special plates at the turn of each course – think ‘service ninja’.
The menu is fairly flexible. I recommend going all out and trying their signature ten course tasting which is comprised at the Chef’s discretion ($80/person). There is also a five course menu ($50) or the option to order a la carte. Ten courses later plus a few glasses of wine makes it difficult to recall exact ingredients, but I do remember loving the Spanish Tortilla with quail egg and shallot confit as well as the Sea Urchin over a cold cup of panna cotta. The serving sizes are perfectly portioned and paced so that you’re able to enjoy every bite without leaving too full or too late. The richness of flavor makes it obvious why some “plates” are a mere teaspoon in size. (I must also note that they’re incredibly accommodating - my friend doesn’t eat meat or poultry =’s custom tasting).
Degustation commits careful attention to prep, ingredients and presentation while still leaving you completely at ease and in the company of a chill downtown crowd.
I am absolutely obsessed with The Fat Radish – admittedly, I have only been there once, but you know what they say… first impression are everything. Here’s the skinny on the Fat:
Decor: beautiful. rustic. warm. fresh. chic.
Food: seasonal. elegant. inventive. nutritious.
Service: informative. pretty. friendly. sweet.
Vibe: downtown cool + country breeze
We were completely blown away by our Beet Crumble appetizer, arriving to our table in a mini loaf pan swaddled among the folds of a bar cloth to retain the warmth of the melted goat cheese and aged cheddar… as if that weren’t enough, crushed hazelnuts and oats created an over the top (literally) crisp-slash-crumble ($13). For entrees, I loved the freshness of my miso glazed fish but couldn’t hold back massive food envy for my uncle’s Cheeseburger with Duck Fat Chips and house pickles ($16).
Despite over eating, we ended the night feeling FIT and happy.
Every time I go to Bond Street I always kick myself for not making the three minute cab ride more often. This was the case especially after Friday’s dinner with my two favorites (Todd & Joelina, whom you’ll fondly remember from my post on The Brindle Room).
Albeit super tasty, none of us were blown away by our entrees – however, this could have easily been from the fact that we were in food deliriousness thanks to our starting apps – think: Bombes with Chicken, Beef and Pork Meatballs topped with Aioli ($9) and the Patatas Bravas with Fried Yukon Potatoes and Salsa Brava ($8). The house special Octopus was also insanely tender and juicy. We should have skipped the waitress’ suggestion to get the Creme Brule (snooze) for dessert – either way, it didn’t distract us from diving head first into their Xurros Amb Xocolata which included Homemade Churros and melted Chocolate. The Soufle de Xocolata or Chocolate Souffle with toasted Almond Ice Cream was also uh-mazing ($7). We didn’t mind ordering several appetizers and entrees to share tapas style because the prices were incredibly reasonable and everything came out rich with flavor and texture – knowing us, we would have hijacked each others plates regardless.
The dim lighting, pseudo-hipster interior, and friendly waitstaff created the perfect blend of sexy + comfortable. Their bar area and cocktail list also made a great compliment to our dinner. I loved trying the ‘That Guy’ with gin and some kind of muddled beet mixture ($11).
M for Mercat.
It’s pouring rain (what else is new in this city?) and I need to find a last minute spot in Midtown West to meet a few former co-workers for after work drinks.
Solution: The Lamb’s Club
The Lamb’s Club, located in The Chatwal Hotel, carries a tight list of delicious tasting cocktails. Think hand cut ice, custom glassware and fresh pressed juices. Red and black leather seats plus mirrored glass galore complete the entire Mad Men experience. Try the Southside cocktail with Gin, Lime Juice, Sugar and Mint or the Gold Rush if you like Bourbon, Lemon and Honey. Prices are akin to what standard boutique hotels charge ($13-15/drink) but its all worth it when you [thankfully] feel transported out of the mayhem that is Times Square.
With great service, drinks and decor, The Lamb’s Club is one of the best new meeting spots in the area (as if there was much competition…)
I love Indian cuisine. I love cheap Indian cuisine even more.
[enter stage left: Darbar]
Darbar offers a delicious, all-you-can-eat lunch buffet ($11.95) – perfect for quick mid-town meals. The restaurant is super clean (letter grade A for their Sanitary Inspection rating) and well designed. The service is fast and helpful but thankfully, waiters primarily leave you to your own devices at the buffet.
My boyfriend first introduced me to Darbar last year so I can’t completely claim finders fee on this spot. He and I still love meeting there when we’re craving something filling but cheap. I’m a fan of their Palak Paneer and Chicken Tikka Masala. There are certainly other places in the area, and on that block for that matter, that serve great Indian food – but for an inexpensive and fast lunch buffet, Darbar takes the Naan!
This aint yo momma’s bake sale and its definitely not the one you had in Middle School… this, my friends, is The World’s Largest Bake Sale (literally) hosted by Sandra Lee.
Considering that M Marks The Spot highlights NYC’s ‘best of’, it’s appropriate to alert you of today’s one stop shop for the city’s top treats. Sandra Lee, Mario Batali, Emeril Lagasse, Lidia Bastianich and Rosanna Scotto are hosting today’s event in Grand Central Terminal in honor of The Food Bank of New York.
The Alpha Dog here is certainly Sandra Lee, leading the charge and promising to raise $50K for area food banks by selling sweets and savories from 30 renowned chefs and restaurants. As if I didn’t shamelessly parade around enough celeb names, Duff Goldman (think “Ace of Cakes”) will also be in attendance.
Vanderbilt Hall / 11:30am-7pm / be there.
Three words: humble / delicious / inviting.
The Brindle Room was the perfect place to spend Sunday Supper with two of my absolute favorite people – Todd and Joel (whom we affectionally refer to as, Joelina).
I walked away from dinner overflowing with positive vibes thanks to an incredibly accommodating (albeit personality-less) wait staff and excellent meal. Even the dimly lit interior, with its subtle ‘townhouse’ touches, added to our cozy Sunday date.
Although we weren’t expecting magic, dinner was beyond delicious. Each dish was simple, yet sophisticated, with a hip twist on old school favorites. I loved the Spicy Stewed Lentils with roasted habañeros and warm toasted garlic points ($6). My Steak House Burger with caramelized onions, blue cheese and hand cut fries ($15) was amazing enough to not make me have (too much) food envy of Todd’ Duck ($23). Most surprising, was Joelina’s insanely juicy Herbed Chicken Breast with braised greens and porcini jus ($21).
As if that wasn’t enough, the Brunch Menu looked incredible – Potato Chip Frittata, Smoked Trout Hash, Mashed Potato Doughnuts??!!!
…certainly one of my new favorite rooms.
Filed under: Announcements
When I first started this blog, I promised myself that I would never write about food experiences that I had never personally tried – I also swore that I wouldn’t use my site as a voice box for negative rants and comments. Unfortunately, after today, I consider both rules broken…
As you’ll recall, in late February I warmly wrote about a “wonderful” supper club called Worth Kitchen. I had yet to try the husband/wife dinner led experience but felt that it was such a great idea (they provide a 3-course meal and guests, in exchange, bring wine) that I couldn’t possibly keep it to myself. I had also spoken directly with Felipe, the husband, and confirmed dinner for my friends and I for Thursday, March 31st (i.e. 36 days prior).
Fast forward to today (i.e. 5 days prior) when I emailed Felipe to let him know that we were excited for dinner and couldn’t wait to share the experience with he and his wife. In response, I received an equally breezy “we need to accommodate 3 additional people for this dinner (a friend from epicurious and thrillist) which means that I need to unfortunately reduce your party size to 3 guests instead of the previously agreed 6. I hope you understand…”
Let’s recap: …please disinvite 50% of your party (less than one week in advance) to a date that you asked everyone to hold for over a month, oh… and by the way, it took you to email ME before I thought to let YOU know that we’re flakey and like to namedrop.
The icing on this non existent meal is that Worth Kitchen’s slogan is “on a mission to bring back the art of the dinner party” – hmmm, WorthLESS Kitchen, you certainly make it an art (finger painting anyone?)
…looks like you get what you pay for here, nothing.
Shun Lee is my new favorite spot for upscale Chinese food. Beyond having incredible dishes, the service is outstanding (hospitable, attentive and accommodating) and the interior, unlike most Chinese restaurants, is tastefully decorated – great for just about any personal or work event.
Although the menu is pretty stacked in terms of prices, there is a lunch special available (app or soup + entre and dessert for $24.07) in addition to their extensive list of a la carte options. I suggest ordering several dishes to share considering that the waiters thoughtfully portion everything out table-side for each person (i.e. no awkward food math).
The Soup Dumplings ($15.50) and the Barbecue Spare Ribs ($18.50) are great starter items. My friend loves the Hot and Sour Soup ($7.95) but I recommend the Shark Fin Soup ($20.95) for something out of this world – FYI, it isn’t on the menu anymore but if you ask nicely… I also can’t believe that they have one of my favorite, albeit most difficult to find, dishes called Ants On A Tree with fine minced fillet of beef stir-fried with cellophane noodles in spicy garlic sauce ($21.95). The Moo Shu Pork is SO delicious, with barbecued pork loin shredded and sauteed in hoisin sauce and vegetables and served in home made crepes ($21.75).
Fit for a Emperor.
Piccola Cucina defines the word ‘gem’ in restaurant speak.
Located in Soho, this is the perfect spot to find beautifully plated authentic Italian food and excellent service. Albeit the space is small (22 seats + 4 stools at the bar), the design and layout makes everything feel open and airy with a Euro neighborhood twist.
The menu boasts the credentials of Chef-Owner Philip Guardione. Philip, born in Sicily, formerly worked for one of the most famous international Chefs (Mr. Sergio Mei) at Milan’s Four Seasons Hotel. As one would expect, ingredients and presentation are everything here.
I suggest going to Piccola Cuina for the Lunch Special, which includes a choice of two full size dishes ($20). In the evening, the menu (written entirely in English and Italian) remains the same but with standard prices obviously making for a much pricier meal. I love the Sicilian Swordfish Rolls with buffalo mozzarella and cherry tomato stew ($16) as well as the Sicilian Rice Balls filled with meat ragù and buffalo mozzarella ($15). The Parma Prosciutto Crudo with pears is a great light antipasti ($17). If you want something heavier, the Potato Gnocchi with taleggio cheese and walnut sauce ($17) and the Grilled Lamb with Wild Herbs and Sicilian caponata ($28) are both delicious. I’m dying to go back and try the Panna Cotta with bellini sauce and fresh berries ($9) for dessert.
Bottle of wine. Summer afternoon. Piccola Cucina. Molto bene!
I inadvertently found V Bar late last summer during an impromptu drink with a friend. It was the perfect place to soak up the last few hours of the sun with drink-in-hand (Sicilian Margarita to be exact ($12).
At the beginning of this cold and rainy week I walked past V Bar in the early evening and noticed a slew of people sitting with their laptops – also, drink-in-hand. Although I had planned on going home to do work, I decided to join the ‘cool kids’ with my shiny new mac book in tow.
Literally, five hours later… neck deep in cyberspace thanks to free wireless, I was happily filled with Tomato Soup ($6), Spaghetti Carbonara ($9) and two glasses of Syrah Laurent Miquel ($7). Before you start pointing the gluttony finger, please note that I ate half of my soup, took most of my carbonara home and the wines were $3.50/each (happy hour: 4-7pm). I also refrained from ordering the much discussed Chocolate Mousse ($7)…next time.
V-Bar hits that ideal sweet spot between comfortable and trendy – the waiters are all incredibly welcoming, even to someone wanting to sit for 5 hours and rack up a mere $30 bill, and the food is well priced but delicious in taste. It’s really a make of it what you want kind of spot – hip, funk, low key, romantic, solo…
Imagine… It’s 1940, in Grandma’s kitchen, and the shelves are filled with freshly baked pies, cookies and pastel frosted cupcakes. The entire room is rich with the smell of warm sugar.
Fast forward to today and replace ‘Grandma’ with exuberantly gay (in both senses of the word) waitstaff and… voilà! Welcome to Billy’s Bakery.
Billy’s Bakery looks, smells and feels just as I described above – best of all, their baked goods are all made from scratch, onsite and are SO delicious. I’m not even a cupcake or a carrot person but for some reason I love their Carrot Cake Cupcake with Cream Cheese Frosting ($3). Their 3” mini cheesecakes ($4.50) are the perfect size and over the top delicious. I highly recommend the Hello Dolly Bars, which include graham crackers, chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut, and chopped pecans (!!!!) ($2.75).
The richness of flavors, textures and smells make it no surprise that Billy’s uses only real butter, whole eggs, and fresh fruit/nuts (no preservatives in any of their products). If you need to feed an army, have a Birthday party or are just insanely hungry – call them up for delivery or catering. Billy’s is (not kidding) on office speed dial for immediate sugar fixes.
This is the perfect spot for [insert any occasion here].
When my friend suggested meeting for lunch at 38th St. and 7th Avenue, I admit, I cringed. Not the nicest of areas, nor the most convenient to get to. However two bites into my lunch at Ben’s Delicatessen and it all seemed worth it…
Walking into Ben’s is like walking into a massive TGIFridays or Long John Silvers (do those still exist?) – rows and rows of tables set in a hideously decorated wall to wall carpeted space. The menu, laminated to the nines with every square inch covered in tacky font, reads like a Jewish mother’s dream - Beef Tongue Polonaise, Kashe Varnishkas and Gefilte Fish. Clearly the emphasis here is on service and food. The waitstaff are efficient, helpful and comfortable catering to a range of guests – the restaurant is packed with business people, throngs of tourists and families. Apparently, there are several Ben’s Delicatessens in the Tri-State area plus a few scattered throughout the country, including Florida’s Mecca for retired Jews: Boca Raton.
I took my friend Ben’s lead (seriously, that’s his name) and ordered a Pastrami Sandwich on Rye ($12). Delicious. Incredibly fresh and well sized.
I highly recommend heading to to the delicatessen for lunch and enjoying some Kosher Jewish cooking – guilt free!
It’s difficult to find good drink specials in the city – I mean a TRUE drink special… not the “I’ve lived in NY for so long that $11 drafts seem reasonable” kind of ‘special.’
enter stage right: Brooklyn Brewery
Just off the L Train Bedford stop, Brooklyn Brewery sits as a fully operating brewery and is only open on Fridays (for happy hour) and Saturdays (for tours). Which brings me to the best part, BB Happy Hours: every Friday from 6-11pm, SIX beers for $20! Wooden tokens are distributed upon paying making it pretty ideal if you don’t reach the alloted number of drinks – you’re welcome to take them home and return another day to round off your whopping $20.
Aside from these insanely cheap prices, BB let’s you BYO-Food. Clearly the more experienced Brooklynites know to pack sandwiches, picnics and board games (lame? not lame? still deciding…) while others (myself included) order pizza from one of the several delivery menus that the brewery provides.
Get there early (as in 5:45pm…) to make sure you snag one of the limited, and much coveted, tables. The rest of the space is standing room only – ew.
Menu: Sprig’s Prix Fixe Lunch ($15)
Verdict: good deal and well portioned
Perfect for: a quick business lunch or midtown meetup
Sprig, located in the cavernous lobby of the Lipstick Building, offers Northern California cuisine within an upscale modern setting. The salads and entrées are clean and bright with a seasonal and local focus. Sprig’s Prix Fixe Lunch includes a choice of two small sandwiches and a salad plus a mini dessert – everything comes neatly assembled bento-box style. I had one salmon and one prosciutto sandwich, an order of the Sprig Winter Salad and a baby eclair – although the sandwiches were a little awkward to eat without spilling everywhere, my lunch was filling and tasted extremely fresh – not to mention the eclair turned out to be the perfect topper to my meal.
I wouldn’t rush to go out of my way to get to Sprig for lunch, but for the price and quality I have to admit that it’s a much needed midtown bargain.
I’m interested to try their Power Breakfast ($14.50) which includes a choice of either their Napa Bacon & Eggs OR the Third Avenue Breakfast Sandwich (croissant with organic eggs, jack cheese and smoked bacon) plus coffee/tea, toast, potatoes and fruit. Score!
I love that NY’s major art museums are finally paying closer attention to dining services – the newly established Wright at The Guggenheim, Danny Meyer’s Cafe at the Whitney and my all-time favorite, The Modern at MoMA.
The Modern offers French-American cuisine for museum goers and/or regular walk-in guests. Situated next door to the museum’s main entrance, the interior is impeccably designed with stylistic details equal to MoMA itself. The Modern includes a lively bar and lounge area plus a main dining room overlooking The Sculpture Garden. Clearly no stranger to fame – this restaurant is a recipient of the 2006 James Beard Award for both “Best New Restaurant” and “Outstanding Restaurant Design,” and also holds Three Stars from The New York Times plus one Michelin star.
Although tempted by the tasting menu offered in the main dining area, I always head straight for The Bar Room because I love its casual seating and small tapas-style portions. Everything is delicious, albeit sometimes overpriced, especially the Potato-Fromage Blanc Gnocchi with escargots, wild mushrooms and garlic nage ($20) – rich smoky flavors, fresh ingredients and varying textures.
The Modern is quickly becoming one of my midtown go-to’s for business meet-ups and après work drinks.
Worth Kitchen, aptly named for its location on Worth Street, is less Supper Club (i.e. no secret passwords or underground locations) and more Supper Exchange. I had the pleasure of speaking with Felipe, Worth Co-Founder and Chef, this morning to get the down and dirty…
What: Intimate 8-person dinners hosted by husband and wife team.
When: Thursday’s at 8pm.
Where: Tamy and Felipe Donnelly’s one bedroom apartment in Tribeca – kitchen serves 6 guests + T & F.
Menu: A 3-course TBD flight of unique dishes, customized to guests’ dietary restrictions, backgrounds and culinary interests.
Cost: FREE – this is treated as an exchange – Tamy and Felipe provide the food and guests bring wine from nearby Frankly Wines (suggested pairings emailed out a few days prior).
About Tamy and Felipe: Professional backgrounds include writing, advertising and catering. Following 10+ years of cooking for family and friends, the dream team officially opened their apartment to start Worth Kitchen in March 2010 in response to increasing popularity among the ever so hungry New York food community.
Worth Kitchen vs. Other Supper Clubs: no secret passwords, pretentious underground locations or special ‘members only’ lists – Worth Kitchen offers professionally plated food with focus on colors, ingredients and flavors.
Look Out For… paid events in a Soho penthouse. These 60-person, $90/head dinners include five courses cooked by the one and only, Worth Kitchen.
book soon, it’s finally time to sit at the big kids table…
Despite my roots, I only started eating Korean food when I moved to New York a few years ago… Being a carb junkie, I immediately clung to bibimbop, however I am quickly becoming an avid fan of BBQ in K-Town’s Don’s Bogam.
Don’s Bogam is a spacious Korean BBQ and wine restaurant, filled with traditional floor seating at low lying tables (regular dining available as well), all within an industrial but elegant setting. Unlike so many of the places in K-Town, this spot is super clean, well ventilated and beautifully decorated – perfect for business lunches, dinner with friends or an adventurous date.
I say when in Korea Town… do as the Koreans. Sit traditional style and order dishes to cook right at the table. There are several different meat choices to pick from and each comes with a slew of dipping sauces and small bite accompaniments, including spicy kimchi, bean sprouts, radishes and peppers. The Thinly Sliced Beef Brisket ($23.95) and the Galbi, which is marinated and de-boned beef short ribs ($27.95), are both great choices. For two people, order a few appetizers (I recommend the Steamed Pork Mandu ($7.95)) plus one or two large BBQ plates. Regular noodle dishes and seafood entrees are also available.
…mind your manners and say “kamsamnida” when you leave!
I feel about this write-up the exact same way that I did when I first received the menu(s) at FishTag: overwhelmed and not exactly sure where to start…
Thankfully, Gianni Cionchi (FishTag Beverage Director) and staff, are present to walk guests through dinner with recommendations (“the salmon is sexy”), a few alliterations (“paella soup, a culinary cocktail”) and bold challenges (“try it, it’s the most offensive cheese you’ll taste”). The restaurant’s inventive dishes and drink pairings, not to mention eclectic music soundtrack – think Led Zeppelin, all add up to a great exploration and experimentation of food.
The menu organizes its fare from lightest to heaviest, with appetizer size portions identified in red font – eat by numbers colors? Drink pairings sit perched to the left and right of the menu, calling out suggestions like whiskey, wine, tequila and rum. Chef Ryan Skeen’s fish-focused dishes sporadically include a hint of meat, allowing Greek sausage and spicy lamb to exist within a wing-man capacity. The Scallop Crudo with pickled beet, pistachio tartare, bone marrow and peppercress is delicate but delicious ($15). I love the Grilled Prawn, Feta and Spicy Chilies Bruschetta with smoked trout roe, cumin, cracked peppercorn and garlic ($11). The Smoked Octopus with chorizo, pomme puree, mushrooms and lemon is something I regret having to share – it’s just too damn good ($13)! For entrées, I vote Grilled Branzion Stuffed with Head Cheese ($26) or the [mountain of] Bouchot Mussels and Spicy Lamb ($22) – a titanic piling of saffron pickled leeks and chick pea confit. I hear that the Grilled Swordfish, albeit tasty, is nothing mind blowing in comparison to the rest of the menu ($25). However, be sure to end the night with some (read as: ALL) of the ice creams and sorbets. Chestnut Honey & Black Mission Fig, Pomegranate, Dark Chocolate – the list goes on.
As if the menu isn’t enticing, if not intriguing, enough… the wait staff is attentive, friendly and informative (did you know that most of a fish’s nutrients are in its skin?!) and mirrors the interior’s décor – elegant but hip. Good food meets good service – FishTag, referring to the little metal label attached to each whole fish as it is delivered to a restaurant, reflects the restaurants accountability of each ingredient served.
Bring friends, family or a date – whatever the occasion, just Go Fish.
Let’s face it, half of why we go skiing is for the après-ski culture – luxe fur vests, drinks at the base lodge and warm comfort snacks. Deer Valley, a mountain in Salt Lake City/Utah, runs (err ski’s) in the same social network as that of Vail and Aspen – enough said.
Currently included on Condé Nast Traveler’s ‘Hot List’, St. Regis Deer Valley is a brand new slopeside luxury hotel with incredible views and impeccable dining service. You don’t need to be a guest of the hotel to visit one of their various restaurants (J&G Grill, The St. Regis Bar & Lounge, The Library, The Wine Vault or The Terrace Cafe). My family and I ate an early dinner last weekend at the lounge and absolutely loved our experience – think Hogwarts meets Ski Chalet.
To get to the resort, you first ride the “funicular”, a small luxury rail car decked with floor to ceiling glass walls and a rich leather bench. The lounge area itself is casual with incredible service and beautiful views of the mountain. At 5:30pm guests are able to witness the sabering of a champagne bottle, a St. Regis tradition that signals the transition from day to night – following, waiters pass complimentary glasses for a toast.
The menu in the bar and lounge is smaller with lighter, albeit less expensive, plates. I love the Shepherd Valley Goat Cheese Fondue ($28) and also the Tomato Soup with Beehive Cheddar, Sourdough & Basil ($10) – the soup includes a rich cumin oil at the base of the bowl. If you happen to be celebrating a birthday (me!) you may be surprised with an amazingly rich chocolate molten lava cake and scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream – plus candle…
The bar and lounge also offers specialty cocktails, including the 7452 Mary (a nod to the resort’s altitude) – this includes a blend of oat-distilled Vodka 7000 and a salt rim garnished with a Wasabi-Celery foam – each St. Regis hotel creates its own signature Bloody Mary, a variation on the original recipe dating back to 1934 in New York.
Bottom line: St. Regis Deer Valley is an ideal way to tap into the decadent side of skiing.
The Smith is one of the most reliable places to go to for breakfast/brunch/lunch/dinner/late night – you just can’t go wrong. Considering that they occupy a fairly large chunk of 3rd Avenue real estate (formerly Pizzeria Uno), you rarely have a long wait for a table, if one at all. In the summer, the front is completely open, adding to the restaurant’s casual bistro vibe plus making for absolutely perrrrrfect people watching/staring/critiquing.
Like all New Yorkers, I live for that sacred two hours in the weekend that we like to call: b-r-u-n-c-h. Depending on my mood, and what happened the night before, I sometimes get the Croaker which includes smoked ham, gruyere cheese, sourdough rye and sunny up eggs. My boyfriend likes the Vanilla Bean French Toast with maple butter and caramelized bananas ($16 each).
Their Egg White Omelette with spinach, goat cheese and home fries ($16) or the Multigrain Avocado Sandwich with tomato, cucumbers, sprouts, goat cheese and red onion ($14) are both super delicious and also much healthier (obvious) alternatives. All brunch items come with a Bloody Mary, Bellini, Blood Orange Mimosa or Fresh Squeezed OJ/Grapefruit Juice.
If you head there looking for more of a snack/non breakfast kind of item, I HIGHLY recommend trying the Hot Potato Chips with blue cheese fondue ($8), Pot of Mussels in chardonnay broth, Dijon and tarragon ($18) and/or the Roasted Tomato Soup with a small cheddar melt ($9).
Bottom line, The Smith consistently serves well portioned and priced, not to mention delicious, dishes at all hours of the day.
Date: Super Bowl Sunday
Time: Pizza Time
Location: FINANCIAL DISTRICT
Super Bowl Sunday doesn’t exactly scream ‘party by the seaport…’ However, a few friends threw a great bash on Waters Street this year, thus leading me to scramble and find a place for delicious delivery (as you can imagine, there is a little pressure when you’re the proprietor of a food blog). Thank god for Yelp – I quickly dialed up Harry’s Italian Pizza Bar and ordered pre-kickoff pies.
Official Call: TOUCHDOWN! delicious. well priced ($17 + cost of toppings for large pizza). speedy service. fresh mozzarella. perfectly doughy yet crispy crust.
Very glad to have this new name on my list of downtown “do’s” for the next Water Street party or an impromptu lunch date with Maria Bartiromo…
I would like to thank ye old Food Gods for the wonderful invention of SeamlessWeb.
…I mean, how else would we get copious amounts of food using our work expense account… or place dinner orders during the cab ride home (via the SeamlessWeb mobile app of course), thus avoiding an agonizing 20 minute wait for delivery? I even use ‘Seamless’ as a verb - “Let’s get the Lobster, I’ll Seamless it”.
Well, SeamlessWeb strikes again with food and beverage goodnesss, offering 100,000 cups of FREE coffee to Manhattan in the month of February! See below for participating locations and dates.
New York/New York Metro
Feb 1-6: Midtown East
- Austin’s Café at 10 Park Ave
- Bagels and More at 331 Lexington Ave
- Berger’s on the Go at 2 E 39th St
- Bistro Marketplace 90 at 90 Park Ave
- Bistro New York at 466 Lexington Ave
- Bistro New York at 369 Lexington Ave
- Blake & Todd at 52 Vanderbilt Ave
- Daniel’s Bagels at 569 3rd Ave
- Devon & Blakely at 780 3rd Ave
- Devon & Blakely at 140 E 45th St
- Devon & Blakely at 461 5th Ave
- Devon & Blakely at 650 5th Ave
- Fresco by Scotto on the Go at 40 E 52nd St
- Green Café at 147 E 60th St
- Midtown Restaurant at 155 E 55th St
Feb 7-13: Midtown West
- 19 Metro Market at 19 W 45th St
- 28 Scott’s Food at 28 W 48th St
- Amish Market West at 731 9th Avenue
- Austin’s Café at 291 7th Ave
- Bagel & Bean at 1710 Broadway
- Blue Dog Café at 155 W 56th St
- Blue Dog Café at 101 W 25th St
- Bread Factory Café at 600 9th Ave
- Divine Bites at 1015 6th Ave
- Dunhill Café at 109 W 45th St
- Europan Café at 672 8th Ave
- Holey Cream at 796 9th Ave
- Kosher Deluxe at 10 W 46th St
- Liberty Café at 37 W 43rd Street
- Teleon Café at 264 W 40th Street
- Teleon Café at 162 W 56th St
- Theatre Row Diner at 424 W 42nd St
Feb 14-20: UES/UWS (locations TBD)
Feb 21-27: Lower Manhattan (West/East Village) /Downtown (locations TBD)
Feb 29-March 6: Brooklyn (locations TBD)
March 7- 13: Queens (locations TBD)
Boston Coffee Truck:
- Tuesday 2/1 – Harvard Square (JFK by T)
- Thursday 2/3 – Downtown Crossing (Summer & Washington)
- Friday 2/4 – Prudential Center (Boylston Plaza)
Washington, DC
- Coffee Truck:
o Monday, 2/7 – Guerilla (Foggy Bottom)
o Tuesday 2/8 – Union Station
o Wednesday 2/9 – DuPont Circle
o Thursday – 2/10 – Guerilla (China Town)
- Restaurant Coverage: 2/14 – 2/27
o Restaurant giving out coffee; Monday – Sunday
BEHOLD… the power of the Kati!
I am always dying to write about The Kati Roll Company but only think to post as I’m mid food fest 3am Saturday night/morning (i.e. prime Kati time). Thankfully, lunch delivery is an option which means: broad daylight + not an ounce of alcohol in me = remembering now to post…
The Facts: A Kati Roll is a spicy mixture of meat, vegetables and/or cheese rolled in warm paratha (Indian flat-bread) – varieties include fillings with beef, chicken, lamb, egg, cheese or potatoes. The Kati Roll Company, offers New Yorkers (and also London-ites) this delicious Indian street food in a super casual dine in/take away setting. The prices are insanely reasonable, especially considering, what I like to call, the roll’s ‘alcohol absorption power’.
Starting today, Top Chef All-Star contestant Angelo Sosa debuts his personal addition to the menu – coconut milk and chaat masala-marinated shrimp with sweet and sour red onions and bird’s-eye chiles. I’m currently devouring this new creation with aggressive plans to dive into the Chana Roll sitting one inch away (trust me, order two). I also love the vegetarian roll called the Aloo, which is potato based. Rolls run anywhere from $4-5.75/roll or about $10 for two rolls.
Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s restaurant, creatively named…Morimoto, is a solid dinner/drink spot. Often forgotten, due to its age and and off the radar location, each dish is executed with thoughtful consideration to presentation, service and style.
Morimoto’s 12,000 square foot space, complete with draping white fabric ceilings, translucent glass bottle walls and an ultra mod bar downstairs, will make you feel far removed from the townhouse style restaurants that seem to be taking over lower Manhattan. Think the ‘Jetsons go to Japan…’
Be sure to make reservations in advance (2-3 weeks) if you’re wanting to come during prime dinner hours. The serving staff is a mix of Chelsea’s finest (i.e. good looking gay men that likely dance or model during the day) and are well versed in exotic ingredients and cooking techniques.
I consider this place great for inventive cocktails and, albeit pricey, dinner. I usually get the Lotus Blossom drink with Bombay Sapphire, Yuzu and Calpico or the Morimoto Martini with Morimoto Junmai Sake, Smirnoff Vodka and Japanese Cucumber Slices ($14 each) – have two and you’ll miraculously be speaking Japanese. I also order either a mix of appetizers and entrees to share or the Omakase, which means “chef’s choice” and includes a multi-course tasting menu designed by the kitchen ($120+ per person). Unlike Omakease’s that I have had at other restaurants, Morimoto’s seems expensive for what you end up eating (other than the Toro Tartare) so I would recommend ordering a la carte. Try the Octopus Carpaccio with Hot Oil and Mitsuba Leaf ($16) and my ultimate favorte, the Crispy Rock Shrimp Tempura with Spicy ‘Kochujan’ Sauce and Wasabi Aïoli ($16). I also like the Ishi Yaki Buri Bop as an entree, which includes Yellowtail on rice, cooked at your table in a hot stone bowl ($26).
Forget the food and drinks… make sure to go to the bathroom and try out the TOTO Toilets. trust. me.
Within the context of food, I rarely think of The Time Warner Center as having anything other than some semi decent restaurants within an uncreative shopping mall environment. However, I am starting to really warm up to Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, a part of the Lincoln Center Jazz consortium.
Located on the 5th floor, Dizzy’s is a modernly decorated Jazz venue with floor to ceiling windows overlooking Central Park South. A warm honey colored bar wraps one side of the room, reserving the rest of the floor for people to sit and eat at tables at the base of the stage. Dizzy’s seems to be one of the few places in the city where patrons can gawk at the view of the park and midtown Manhattan, without feeling too touristy or ‘Rainbow Room’-esq.
This is no night at the Met Opera – thankfully, shows run about an hour and a half in length with the schedule of performances rotating regularly - two shows per night plus an after hours event. I recommend checking out the Manhattan School of Music as well as the Christian Sands Quartet – typically, admittance is anywhere from $20-35/show plus a $10 drink or food minimum.
Considering that Dizzy’s is more or less a place to showcase music and not food, the menu is surprisingly delicious plus reasonably priced. I like the Roasted Honey & Spiced Nuts ($5), the Louisiana Gumbo with Shrimp, which includes Crawfish, Andouille Sausage, Smoked Tasso Ham, Chicken and Rice ($15) and also a dish of the sides – get the Baked Mac N’ Cheese Casserole, the Sweet Potato Fries and the Vegetable Medley ($6 each or 3 for $15). The cheese plate is nothing to die over but its a reliable appetizer to share with the table if your group arrives hungry.
Check out Dizzy’s with friends, a date (especially one you don’t feel like talking to for very long…) or if your family is in town – great music, solid food menu and a space unique to the Time Warner Center, if not the entire city.
Pop-up/temporary food stands frustrate me… they are such a culinary tease (…a tease in the worst kind)! Usually, by the time I hear about such fleeting goodness, it is a day too late. This is why one of my 2011 resolutions is to keep a close eye on the pop-up calendar (I know, I like to dream big).
I am proud to say that today is only day TWO of the fourteen day stint for Flex Donuts’ temporary spot in Grand Central and I just so happen to be… FIRST IN LINE! woop!
Flex Mussels executive pastry chef and Top Chef Just Desserts alum, Zac Young, opened Flex Donuts in the take-out section of Zocalo in the lower dining concourse. Available Monday-Friday from noon to 6pm, Zac personally hand fills the fritters on demand – choices include salted cajeta (goat’s milk caramel), raspberry, spiced chocolate, cinnamon sugar plus two more changing options… all just $1.50 each.
Zac is friendly, fun and all that you envision a sassy celeb pastry chef to be. The donuts are soft, fluffy and warm rolled in a light dusting of sugar not to mention oozing with a generous amount of filling – HIGHLY recommend the spiced chocolate flavor.
…yessss, twelve more days to go!
I find that Noho Star is consistently the one brunch place in the city where tables are available immediately and the food is delicious and well sized. Their menu includes a ton of options ranging from creative brunch dishes to fresh sandwiches, salads and sides… all at fairly reasonable prices and in a friendly and unpretentious environment.
I love their OJ and grapefruit juices, both are fresh squeezed with lots of pulp. Most recently, I had the Eggs’n Apples Benedict with Maple Syrup and Edward’s Bacon on French Toast ($16) and my boyfriend had the Eggs Chiapas with Crisp Tortilla, Sunnyside Eggs, Guacamole, Cheddar, Bacon and Refried Beans ($15.50). Although it was delicious, the french toast ended up being too much and detracted from the egg action. We also split the Four-Slice Bagel and Cream Cheese ($4.50) – genius idea because it’s really one bagel that they cut and toast into four pieces… thus making more ‘cream cheese opportunities’… and as my boyfriend aptly put it “the bagel is really just the vehicle for the cream cheese” (do you see why we get along?).
My all time favorite dishes at Noho Star are either the 3-Egg Organic Omelet with Feta, Tomatoes, Rosemary and Thyme ($13.75) or the Charcoal-Grilled Beef Burger with Cheddar and Hickory-Smoked Bacon ($14.50).
this definitely gets a GOLD star!
Brian Shebairo and Chris Antista opened Crif Dogs, a name supposedly derived from when Brian tried to say ‘Chris’ with a hot dog in his mouth, on Saint Marks Place in 2001. Since then, there has been so much hype that I have been itching to find the perfect time to try it for myself.
…fortunately/unfortunately I was in bed last weekend nursing an itty bitty thing that rhymes with ‘schmangmover’ and was in serious need of some greasy delivery. I summoned together all of my energy and called in an order of the naturally smoked beef and pork ‘Crif Dog’ (all beef available in the ‘New Yorker’) with baked beans, mustard and ketchup on top. Just to seal the deal, I also got an order of the waffle fries smothered in cheddar cheese. My mind made mental note of a few other burger and hot dog options to try next round, including the ‘jon-jon deragon’ (dog with schmear of cream cheese, scallions and everything bagel seeds) and the ‘Spicy Red Neck” (house dog, bacon wrapped, with chili, cole slaw and jalapenos).
hot dog verdict: delicious, juicy and well cooked. fry verdict: eh – soggy and not so good.. would likely try the tater tots next time. I should mention that it was incredibly well priced ($7.50 total) and the delivery arrived hot. Worth another trip back… or schmungmover in bed.
Filed under: Downtown, Greenwich Village, Italian, Pasta, Tastings, Upscale
I can not say enough positive things about Mario Batali’s insanely delicious Italian restaurant, Babbo.
This two story dream townhouse includes a dimly lit first floor, lively atmosphere and a small bar. The second level feels more intimate, offering warm honey tones and well spaced two and four person tables. It is completely unnecessary to be intimidated by the seemingly sophisticated menu and encyclopedia size wine list – the servers and Sommelier graciously answer all kinds of questions while remaining informative without being obtrusive.
I wish I could tell you oodles of information about their regular menu but honestly, I love their Pasta Tasting so much that it is the only thing that I order each time I eat at Babbo. I highly recommend trying this eight-course menu ($69/person) as well as ordering the accompanying wines ($50/person). Although things change based on what ingredients are available seasonably, the following dishes are included in this month’s Pasta Tasting:
1. Black Tagliatelle with parsnips and pancetta; 2. “Casunzei” with poppy seeds; 3. Garganelli with “Funghi Trifolati”; 4. Domino’s Pyramids with “Passato di Pomodoro”; 5. Pappardelle Bolognese ; 6. “Bigne con Torrone e Nocino”; 7. Chocolate “al Diavolo”; 8. Olive Oil Rosemary Cake with olive oil gelato… I am obsessed with the Domino’s Pyramids and also the Chocolate ‘al Diavolo” – SO SO good.
If you are not ready to carbo-load, try the Traditional Tasting menu for $75/person. This includes a range of meats, vegetables and pastas. Both tastings are well portioned so you are able to enjoy each dish without feeling like you need a stomach pump…well, at least not until the end – I also appreciate the pace the servers thoughtfully maintain, ensuring that you are able to socialize and explore every morsel but without having to spend hours at dinner (the Pasta Tasting with wine takes approximately 2.5 hrs).
Reservations are available exactly one month in advance – lines open at 10AM SHARP… count on having to repeatedly press re-dial until you get through and thank your lucky Italian stars if you snag a table… even if it is at 11:30pm on a Monday (seriously).
This city is home to several great inexpensive Thai restaurants. One favorite of mine is Lantern Thai in Gramercy Park.
Lantern is well decorated with dim lighting, low hanging candle filled chandeliers (…lanterns?) and a full service bar discreetly tucked in the back. Although intimate in size, there is plenty of seating available for both large groups or small two-top parties. Casual atmosphere makes this spot great for an impromptu dinner while still maintaining a warm and thoughtfully decorated interior.
I am still blown away by how cheap the menu is given the size and quality of the dishes. Their menu includes just about anything you could ever want, dream or imagine in Thai-food-land and also offers some insanely well priced tasting options, including 3 appetizers for $13 or an appetizer/entree/dessert all for $20). Last night I split the Thai Crepes ( minced chicken, radish and crushed peanut, wrapped in Thai steamed rice paper for $5) with my friend and then had Tofu Massaman Curry with brown rice ($10). I ended up having to take home half of my curry because it was too big to finish on my own.
In keeping with my goal to be more frugal (ugh)… Lantern Thai fits the bill.
I recently wrote about Everyman Coffee on M Marks The Spot. Although Everyman remains my favorite go-to, I’m pretty psyched to have recently discovered MUD Coffee for some equally great java but in conjunction with a more extensive food menu.
MUD actually began selling its coffee out of a converted Con Ed step van, known as the MUDTRUCK. Practically a stone’s throw from a Starbucks (although what isn’t these days?!) the husband and wife team parked themselves in Astor Place to serve a slew of downtown customers. Now, in addition to the truck, MUD also has a sit-down location on 9th Street – complete with a coffee bar and garden seating (covered in the winter).
The staff is friendly and fits right in with the laid back East Village culture. For a coffee spot, MUD has a large menu filled with egg, pastry, sandwich, burrito, soup and snack options. I went for a bowl of yogurt with granola, fresh fruit and honey – delicious and well sized. Their coffee was, obviously, rich in flavor and served in a large speckled metal cup a la summer camp Mess Hall style. Best of all, everything is well priced given the quality of the food and portion sizes.
go ahead… play in the MUD.
During football season, I’m usually camped out at Side Bar. The room typically designated for my team is towards the back in what is actually a wine and tapas restaurant by night (i.e. Vintage Irving). Watching fans every Sunday take shots of Jameson while wearing the honorary helmet makes me think of this space as a rowdy sports bar…until last night that is, when I went to Vintage Irving… for Vintage Irving.
The football crowd had been replaced with wine-o couples and the Side Bar manager had been swapped out for a yoga go-lucky Sommelier named Eric. Although Vintage Irving is open for regular dinner service, they also occasionally host wine tastings via $100 tickets (a friend generously bought ours through an online discount). The tasting ran about 2.5 hours plus we stayed for one/four extra sips/glasses of wine. Eric was informative, fun and SUPER cheery in all of the best ways. A plate of two cheeses and two meats accompanied the six French tastings. We also ordered calamari (eh…so so) and the grilled shell steak (mehhh….) with rosemary-asiago fries and porcini mushroom butter (awesome).
Our favorite wines included the 2007 Henri De Villamont Pinot Noir from Bourgogne, France, the 2006 Chateau De Vangoudry Cabernet Franc from Chion, France and the 2005 Chateau De Plassan Cuvee from Bordeaux, France.
All in all, the perfect way to celebrate a relaxing MLK holiday.
BRUH-ILLIANT idea!
S’MAC (which stands for ‘Sarita’s Macaroni and Cheese’) is a…wait for it… macaroni and cheese bar! Run by husband and wife team, Sarita and Caesar, S’MAC serves up the ultimate comfort food in more ways than I can count.
I’m still working through their menu, but my most recent taste treat is the Alpine – a Swiss mac that includes Gruyere cheese and crudely chopped slab bacon…need I say more? The Parisienne also sounds delicious, with creamy brie, roasted figs, roasted shiitake mushrooms and fresh rosemary. I’ll have no more than a bite of the Buffalo Mac since it’s not spicy enough and a little too tangy for my taste. You can also build your own mac attack with different kinds of cheeses, meats and other add-ins (think Kalamata olives, buffalo sauce, jalapenos, and spinach). All macs are served with either regular, multi-grain or gluten free elbow pasta and with/without gluten free/regular breadcrumbs.
For a late afternoon snack I suggest the “Nosh” size which is, depending on what you order, about $7.50. The “Major Munch” (please reserve all jokes) is larger and more than enough for a full meal (~$10.75). If you’re a super fatty, or sharing/pretending to share with others, get the “Mongo” (~$19) or “Partay!” size (~$47). Everything is order at the counter either ‘to-go’ or to eat at one of their limited tables.
total MAC made in heaven…
My dad is from the North Shore of Massachusetts – it’s practically in his blood to paaak dah caaaah and get some lobstahhh. Thankfully, I grew up in several parts of the East Coast and never fully embraced the attractive Boston accent that he, and the rest of New England, seem oblivious to. I did, however, inherit a love for fresh seafood and big wave beaches.
The best place in NYC for a taste of the ocean, at a reasonable price, is Luke’s Lobster – an insanely delicious walk-up spot in the East Village (they have a location on the UES and also just opened an UWS location this month… you lucky up towners!) Founded by ex-lobsterman, Luke Holden, LL gets their lobster from their namesake’s father’s sustainable Maine seafood company. I’m obsessed with their signature lobster roll, which includes 4oz of lobster meat, a dab of mayo and a dash of secret spices on a PERFECTLY toasted and buttered bun ($15).
The service is super friendly and welcoming – if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to snag a stool at the window counter but otherwise…walk, eat and enjoy!
Considering the hype and effort to get a reservation, I still feel underwhelmed and a tad disappointed from last week’s brunch at ABC Kitchen… however, I’m so enthralled with the space, ingredients and even dishware that I feel compelled to write regardless…
The inside of Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s ABC Kitchen is whimsical&hip. delicate&rustic. country&urban. cozy&breezy. Sam Sifton of the NY Times describes it best when he says “…the place is haute organic and Hamptons sustainable…. airy and open and relaxed the way the second homes of the wealthy often are…” So true – It does feel like my [non-existent] vacation home.
The space is best understood by going in person – beautiful lighting, a motley assembly of country chic furniture and pieces of grandma’s chipped china thrown in for good measure – it all creates a mini cloud of luxury within the not so glamorous Flatiron/Union Square area. Tapping the ABC Carpet & Home inventory, Kitchen uses sustainable, handcrafted pieces by local artisans as well as the indigenous Mapuche people of Patagonia. The waitstaff, in their oh-so-cute plaid shirts, are perky and fresh faced… I swear, straight out of a Neutrogena commercial.
As for the food…mmehhhh. I shared a plate of Cured Meats and Local Cheeses ($17) with the table and then had a bowl of homemade yogurt with dates and granola. Nothing was “spectacular” but certainly fresh in taste and well presented. I attribute my lack luster reaction to poor ordering (bad M!) – their Housemade Ricotta Ravioli ($22) and the Spinach, Goat Cheese and Herb Pizza ($14) both look/smell incredible! Their coffee, I must note, was outstanding and came in amazing pieces of pottery that practically molded into your hand. Given the quality of the ingredients, prices were quite reasonable.
I believe in second chances and plan to head back to ABC Kitchen for Part Deux (Dinner & Drinks)… that is, if I can ever get a reservation.
Angelica’s Kitchen is a great spot to meet friends for a healthy and wholesome meal. Changing daily according to season and weather, the menu boasts ingredients that are most often served less than 48 hours after harvest and never include refined sugars/preservatives/dairy/eggs or animal products. The organic plant-based dishes promote sustainable agriculture and responsible business practices. Best of all, Angelica’s commitment to a no bottle waste environment makes the entire restaurant BYOB friendly.
Although their practices are admirable and great for the planet…I come here for the friendly service, no fuss atmosphere and ultra filling/super fresh meals. I like their Norimaki (rolled veggie sushi with lemon-shoyu dipping sauce), Mixed Sprout Salad (snow pea shoots, sunflower sprouts, seeds, mint, cabbage, daikon and watercress) and the Piquant Chili (made with homemade seitan, kidney and pinto beans & lentils, topped with lime-jalapeño tofu sour cream).
…embrace your inner hippie, dig out your old Birkenstocks and head to Angelica’s Kitchen for a delicious meal.
