Farewell Manhattan

Dear Manhattan,

I'm sitting here at the 8th Ave L stop waiting for it to leave for Brooklyn and it dawned on me...This is my last moment with you.  From that day we first flirted in Central Park five years ago to this last walk from Chelsea Market, I've fallen in love with you.  

You've taught me so much in these four years.  How to laugh, cry, love, work and dance a little harder.

• We bingo'd in Meat Packing on Sundays and worked our asses off in Chelsea on Mondays. 
• We blacked out with the bartenders of the LES and flirted with the mixologists of the East Village. 
• We screamed at sports in West Village and stared in shop windows in Soho at things we'd never afford.
• We spent rainy days with art in the UES and lovely brunches in UWS or met in the middle for a Sheeps Meadow respite. 
• We floated on boat bars in FiDi and sipped soup dumplings in Chinatown. 
• We even grabbed our passports and snuck off to warehouse parties in Williamsburg, St Pattys Day in Hoboken and ramen burger dinners in DUMBO.

You accepted me and all my weirdness and made me a New Yorker.

Your hallowed avenues and streets have kicked my ass a couple times but we've always made up and our relationship is the stronger for it.  You've introduced me to new friends who I will hold dear for the rest of my life and helped me realize many unreasonable pacts of reconnection with old ones.  I think all us transients would agree... You're pretty fucking awesome.

We'll be spending some time apart in the near future but I know it won't be forever.  You'll never fully wean me off of you...because you're the only place I've ever called "home."

Please look after my friends. Be their glue while I'm gone.  Make sure they take good care of each other and cherish every minute they have with each other and with you.

I see today that we are crying together. I can feel your teardrops on my umbrella.  But don't worry we will be together again someday. Promise.

Until then.

NYC Blog Post - 7.2.2014

The remainder of restaurants and bars I've been to recently!

EAST VILLAGE

Bowery Electric
Man I've heard about this place for ages and I'm not sure why it wasn't closer to the top of my list.  I just randomly ended up here and had a GREAT time.  What a dance party!  As I write this I realize I want to go back!  Definitely fun for a birthday group looking for fun.  Warning of a fairly young crowd though.

Photo Credit: www.brooklynvegan.com

Gruppo
I went here the other night and I've officially found my new favorite pizza in New York City.  There were three of us and we had a large El Greco with artichoke hearts/Parma pizza, a bottle of wine and the goat cheese and caramelized onion crostini appetizer.  And then ordered another small Giardino pizza because this pizza is like crack.  Not only is it delicious it's CHEAP - the bill came to $100 total!  And it's conveniently located down the street from me.  Looks like I have a new best friend.  Please try it out.  If they go out of business I'll cry.

 

 

GREENWICH

Bleecker Kitchen and Co (and Sweetwater Social Club)
I met up with a friend at Bleecker Kitchen for a long awaited dinner.  The place is very cute and the food was great.  I had the seared salmon with crispy skin, green beans and cipollini onion.  The sauce was light but tangy, the fish was nicely cooked and the green beans were crisp!  I would highly recommend this place.  And for those looking for after dinner entertainment just head downstairs to SSC for some shuffleboard and fancy drinks.  I wasn't a huge fan of the cocktails (too much sugar and fruit in them) but the beer selection isn't bad.  It can get a little hot down there but I'd still recommend for a more laid-back night out with friends.

Photo Credit: Bleecker Website

Photo Credit: Sweetwater Facebook

HELL'S KITCHEN

Henry at the Hudson Hotel 
I rarely go to hotel bars because I think they are kind of snooty but my friend had a round of free drinks there so I came along.  The Hudson Hotel is gorgeous with a beautiful outdoor patio area and the Henry bar inside is also lovely.  The clientele were snooty just like expected and the drinks were crazy expensive although very good.  Can't say I'd go back but if you are looking for a nice place to take clients for drinks in Midtown I'd definitely recommend.

Photo Credit: Henry Website

LOWER EAST SIDE

Attaboy
Very cool little speakeasy in the LES that I happened upon one night was a girlfriend.  Sort of your standard issue speakeasy with a mixologist who takes your liquor of choice and thinks up a drink that costs you about $12-18.  Very low key and they keep it from getting crowded.  Kind of like a hipster Death n Co.  I'd come back if I was in the area...but don't bring too many people or you won't get in.

Photo Credit: Joshua V. on Yelp.com

Hill and Dale
I forget why I ended up at this bar because it's in a random area but I may have just been on the lookout for a new cocktail place.  I LOVE this bar.  I find myself returning here whenever I'm in the area.  I love the drinks and the music and there is never a line at the door it just depends on the clientele since it's different every time I come here.  But highly recommend and easy to get guys or large groups in which is always nice for birthdays or when people are in town.

Photo Credit: Hill and Dale Website

Loreley
Last time I was here I was wearing a dirndl for absolutely no reason other then this place serves German food.  It was a huge splash except that everyone thought I worked there!  Their outdoor patio is SO nice although it can get a little hot!  Great for brunch because you can pack a lot of people onto a picnic table but be prepared for heavy German food and beer... you'll need someone to roll you out of here.

Photo Credit: tumblr.domainyc.com

People's Lounge
A random bar where I met up with friends on a random Saturday night.  Definitely a good time especially the bar upstairs.  Nothing particularly special but I enjoyed myself.  A good option if you are in the area and have a large crew.  Again a relatively young crowd.

Photo Credit: People's Website

Pig and Khao
One of my favorite brunch partners suggested that we hit up this LES gem the other weekend.  It can now be considered my new favorite brunch location next to Cafe Cortadito.  In addition to unbelievable food (tasty and inventive) you can also do $15 bottomless, serve-yourself PBR keg or bottomless mimosas (orange, mango, watermelon, lychee).  In case you read that too fast YOU CAN SERVE YOURSELF FROM THE KEG AS MUCH AS YOU WANT.

There were four of us and we ordered family style (only way to do it because the plates are sizable).  We got the sizzling corned beef hash and grilled pork jowl which I thought were the two best.  We also got the shan noodles and khao soi which were also delicious I think I just wasn't in the mood for hot noodles on a hot day.

Now if only they would open for lunch!!!! 

Photo Credit: superfuture.com

 

 

MEATPACKING

675
One of my coworker's favorite dance parties, I finally made it to 675 a month or two ago and had a great time.  Open late and poppin' until the wee hours we started quite the dance party.  I have been back since to a more laidback experience so I think it can be hit or miss.  But when it's hitting it's a DAMN good time.  It's in a basement that is decorated almost like an underground hunting lodge.  Hard to describe...  you'll have to see it for yourself.

 Photo Credit: www.event1001.com

Bagatelle
One of the many heralded boozy brunches of the famous Meatpacking District, I came to Bagatelle for my coworker's birthday.  It was a huge pain to get a reservation and your entire must be there or they give away the table.  I managed to be 14 minutes late thus avoiding ruining the birthday by ONE minute.  That's so silly.  It then turned out that a 1pm brunch is way too early as the really party starts closer to 3pm.  So we were finishing up and getting kicked out right around the time it got good.  At least my braised beef short rib croissant was tasty and surprisingly filling and the DJ was awesome (I'm now following him on Soundcloud).  The mimosas were yummy too.  I also was not terribly impressed with the clientele who looked like they were all 45+ WASPs.  As six twentysomething girls we felt oddly out of place.  We "bounced" to Bounce and had a far better time.  I don't think I need to come back. 

Photo Credit:  Bagatelle Website

SOHO

La Esquina
Of all the restaurants and bars in NYC, La Esquina is the one that I've been waiting the longest to get to.  I have no idea why it's taken me so long but I finally made it there on Friday night.  The place is SO cool.  I could spend hours inside.  I provided a photo of the outside since we walked past it a couple times unsure that this was it since there isn't really a sign.  You'll need a reservation if you want a sit down dinner but if there are just 2-3 of  you I recommend just asking to sit at the downstairs bar.  You can eat and drink there just as easily and not wait.  Otherwise you will be SOOL.

We shared the Ceviche Blanco which was Red Snapper, Avocado, Orange and Lime Juice with Serrano Pepper, the Queso Fundido with Roasted Pumpkin Seeds, Chile de Arbol and Plantain Chips and the Costillas de Puerco (Charred Chipotle Guava Glazed Pork Rib).  The ceviche was a generous portion and very fresh which impressed me, the queso had a little pepper spice to it and I love plantain chips and the pork ribs literally fell off the bone.  I thought they were all great dishes although maybe a little light on flavor.  I had the spicy margarita which also felt a little short on flavor (kind of watery).  So overall I love the place just not sure it has the best food and drink.  I'd eat at Los Feliz over this place.

Photo Credit: eataduck.wordpress.com

Photo Credit: www.verawang.com 

 

TRIBECA 

Distilled
This place was recommended to me by a top notch chef (his friend works there) and most of my coworkers confirmed that this place was awesome so I had to try it.  You definitely want to make a reservation since it's still relatively new and very popular.  The head chef was so cool and came and chatted with us for a bit and gave us free shots.  I had some food jealousy because I ordered the salmon, which was delicious, but the duck waffle is definitely the dish to order.  I got a little taste and was pissed I didn't order it!  The wings are also amazing as are the cocktails.  It just has a really friendly atmosphere and would be perfect for anything from a date to a family dinner to a birthday.  I'll be back.

Photo Credit: ny.eater.com

Photo Credit: Distilled Website

Photo Credit: www.thrillist.com

UNION SQUARE

Dig Inn Seasonal Market
I'm always on the lookout for flavorful, delicious, HEALTHY options for lunch and my friend introduced me to Dig Inn as the perfect option.  You basically can choose from a bunch of delicious veggies, meats, etc that they put in a bowl for you.  It was A LOT of food so I was even able to take some home with me for an extra meal!  I definitely want to come back next time I'm near Union Square for lunch.

Photo Credit: manhattansideways.com

 Photo Credit: blog.seamless.com 

Republic
Again I find it hard to find really good food in Union Square especially for lunch, so I was pleased to be introduced to Republic as another great option.  It's all about noodles!  There are tons of options, it's not too expensive, and they have great non-alcoholic or alcoholic drinks.  You do share tables so not sure this is the right place for a client lunch or a date but a great place to meet up with friends for lunch.

Photo Credit: Republic Website

WEST VILLAGE 

Aria Wine Bar
Another place that I'm not sure how I found or came across but I loved it!  I had a couple appetizers that were very good and the wine is lovely as well.  Maybe slightly on the expensive side for the portion size but it has a lovely ambiance.  It's perfect for a second date or a catch up with a friend.  Probably a little more difficult for a larger group since I'm not sure they take reservations and it's a small place but I would definitely like to try it out again.

Photo Credit: Yelp.com

Weekly New York Post - 1.9.2012

This week's blog traverses the West Village, Meatpacking, SOHO and the LES.

LES

Motor City Bar
Welcome to a crazy LES good time! Although before you order twelve tequila shots make sure you have the cash to pay for them - that's right CASH. Don't forget! Worst case if you do there is an ATM next door. This bar comes chalk full of entertainment too. The below dancer is Labretta Suede and she not only has the moves but is also very nice! The bar gets nice and cozy on Saturday nights and stays open late. It's got that biker bar vibe, PBR, and tons of fun people! Hit. It. Up.


MEATPACKING

Catch
I'm pretty sure we went up to the Catch Rooftop bar which is more of a club late at night. That's what I posted the picture of but I can't really remember...The dance mix was pretty good but we got there so late that the crowd was petering out so I feel like I need to give it another chance. Kind of a pain to get in too but that's Meatpacking for you!

SOHO

Anchor Bar
I've been pestering my friend for the name of this place for months because that's how much I liked it. The interior has got an awesome look to it (just look at the chandelier!) and the dance floor is HOPPING. Whereas Catch felt like your average dance club, Anchor I was all about. Definitely headed back there now that I know the name!

Photo Credit: Anchor Bar Website

WEST VILLAGE

Automatic Slims
Okay so there wasn't anything hugely special to this place other than that it is walking distance from excellent restaurants like Extra Virgin, but then again isn't everything in the West Village walkable? The one thing that I do love about this place is that I gave the waitress a $3 tip for two Bud Lights and thanks to my accidental generosity she gave me free beers for the rest of the night. BOOM!

Photo Credit: Andy H. on Yelp.com

BLT
Stopped here for an evening meal on a Sunday. The place is pretty standard but the food was good. I got the Steakhouse burger which is a custom blend of 30-day dry-aged prime beef (Brisket, Shortribs, Sirloin) topped with caramelized onions and an order of sweet fries. Overall great burger, great fries, average service. I'd go back if there weren't a ton of other places worth trying first. But if you are in the area and looking for a good burger without the wait stop here.

Photo Credit: BLT Website

Fatty Crab
Just had this last night with an old coworker. I went to the Meatpacking location and the place was cool-looking, the waitress was super friendly and helpful and voila! they had a shellfish allergy menu for me. It was the coolest thing ever! We ordered the steamed buns that are soft and fluffy and you fill them with a juicy piece of pork, some spicy vegetables and what I think is plum sauce? SO good but definitely not for a first date - they stick like crazy to your teeth!

We also ordered the watermelon, pickle and crispy pork which comes out looking kind of like a salad. The juicy sweetness of the watermelon and the crispy savory pork might a mouthwatering bite!


Great restaurant! Oh and they have Hitachino Red Rice Ale which is one of my favorite beers. My only knock on the place is that when we arrived the place was mostly empty and the only two tables they would seat us at were RIGHT next to other people. I practically had to sit in the lap of the guy next to me which was totally unnecessary. Prepare to be friendly with your neighbors and try the shellfish since I can't!

Photo Credit: Fatty Crab Website

Fedora
A group of my friends have a running inside joke about the Honey Badger. For those of you who live in the Dark Ages watch this video. So we walk into Fedora's and low and behold the second menu item is... The Honey Badger. Made with Rittenhouse Rye, Combier, fresh lime, honey syrup and house beef jerky bitters because honey badger don't care. There was no way I was ordering it because it sounds disgusting but I did have a large beer which was tasty. The crowd is a little older so we eventually left but it made the blog due to menu ingenuity! Probably won't be back for drinks though - I hear dinner is good though!

Photo Credit: nycprgirls.com

Tartine
Last one on the list is Tartine which is a TINY restaurant that has multiple things I don't like..

1) It's cash only - WHAT A PAIN
2) It's BYOB - also a plus but not when you don't bring enough
3) It's tiny so you are sitting on top of people
4) It's an unorganized line to get a table and the waitress skipped us after we'd been waiting for at least 30 minutes.

Outside of the above which isn't that serious the food was good but not spectacular. I spent $45 not counting my wine which wasn't hugely expensive but still a lot for a small app and entree. I had the tuna tartare to start which was okay - I don't usually like my tuna to be that chopped up. The sauce on it was good though. Then for dinner I got the beef mignonette with fries and what I call a "fake" salad because it's really just lettuce with tomatoes on top. It was REALLY spicy so overall not a favorite. To sum it up for New York there are places I'd rather go.