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

Feliz Navidad in Puerto Rico

Wow... the last three months of been a whirlwind of trips both for work and for pleasure.  And I owe you all the stories!  I'm getting back in the groove with a look back at Christmas in Puerto Rico.

As many of you recall, I went to Yacht Week in Croatia this summer and spent seven gorgeous sun-filled days sailing the Adriatic.  I was so entranced I had to experience it again... so three of us originals and four new "mates" would find ourselves booking a boat for Yacht Week in the British Virgin Islands for NYE.  And that's how I found myself in Puerto Rico for Christmas.  Our motley crew had to fly through San Juan in order to get to St Thomas (entry point to BVI) so we decided to spend a few days sampling the Bacardi and sunning ourselves poolside.

Sunday, December 22, 2013

We arrived in San Juan coming off a red eye that got us to the hotel at 1am.  We were staying at the Sheraton which we immediately started referring to as the Seraton because the "h" was burnt out.  I'd called the Seraton three different times asking if I needed to book the night before so that we'd have a room on arrival and they continually told me they'd just let us check in early.  Of course they were singing a different tunes when we arrived.

So... since we didn't have any beds to "make" or "lie in" we made the next most mature decision.  We checked our bags and went clubbing.  Yes, that's right.  Clubbing in sneakers, ankle socks, khaki shorts, a baggy T, my purple eyeglasses I've had since sixth grade and loosely braided hair.

Before hitting the cluuub, we stopped next door at Brickhaus, a sports bar that apparently had decent food and giant fish bowls.  The food was only decent but the fish bowls were super alcoholic and after the four of us demolished one we were quickly ready for the club.

 

The club was SO ratchet and we were the most ratchet attendees.  The first nickname of the trip was created that night.  One of our crew had wandered out with her backpack on.  Seeing as how we were in a Spanish-speaking country she continually referred to it as her "mochila."  She then preceded to booty-dance like a crazy person, the backpack slapping up and down on her back, that we couldn't have but dub her "Mochila" for the remainder of the trip.

Even the ratchet club couldn't handle us for long as they began to close up around 4am.  Only 8 more hours until our 1pm check-in time!  As we prepared to leave, we spied a decorative Christmas tree ornament that Mochila grabbed and ran out with it.

 

We spent the next 4-5 hours passed on the floor of the hotel until the pool opened.  We changed into our suits and then passed out there instead. 

 

 

 

  
After burning away some of our white New Yorker skin and FINALLY checking into our room (which was really nice), we grew hungry (can't live on fishbowls alone!) and decided to wander Old San Juan until we found somewhere that looked good for lunch.

 

 
We ended up at Pizza E Birra where we promptly ordered everything BUT pizza which was a huge mistake.  I got little empanadas with some type of meat in them and they were really dry.  Mochila's salad looked pretty great though.  I still had the leftover taste of fish bowl in my mouth so I'm sure that contributed to my disinterest in the food.

On our walk back towards the hotel, we saw this adorable little restaurant called Barrachina which apparently invented the piña colada.  Clearly we need to see this in action so we wandered in, took a seat at the bar and tried them out.  They were SO good that we took roadies to go.

 

 

We spent the next two hours wandering the streets checking out the ridiculous touristy stores until we found ourselves hungry again AND right in front of, you guessed it, Senor Frogs.  The guac was good, the drinks were tall, and Erwin the bartender was a gas.  We left feeling goofy in our balloon hats ready for nap time before dinner.

 

It was about 9pm by the time we got ourselves together and out to get dinner.  Everything was closed and it was starting to rain which was pretty depressing.  I'd been looking forward to an entertaining restaurant with outdoor seating.  We ended up at Pirilo Pizza Rustica where we had an unexpectedly delicious dinner.  We ordered pizza this time which was probably why.  It was so delightful and the perfect end to our first real evening in Puerto Rico.

 

 

Inside Joke of the Night:
"Jules!"

Monday, December 23, 2013

It turns out that December/January is Puerto Rico's busy season.  Who would've thought all the frozen East Coasters would choose to come South to tropic warmth... apparently not us.  EVERYTHING was booked.  You couldn't find a rental car to save your life, the bioluminiscent pools were fully booked, even the rainforest was booked (how the hell does a RAINFOREST get booked?).  We quickly realized we were SOL on doing anything outside of Old San Juan.

 

Naturally the only thing we could do was take the 50 cent ferry to the Bacardi factory.  Two free drinks later we were on a tour of the Bacardi factory.  Note:  Do not use your drink tickets when you first arrive.  Wait until after the tour because they won't let you bring your drink with you so you end up chugging both drinks in order to get on the tour bus.  Better to wait until after so that you can enjoy them!

 

 

 

Here are all the random facts I learned on the tour:

• The bat is special to Cataluna, Spain, which is why it is the symbol of Bacardi (that's where Bacardi was from)
• Grain sugar and molasses are byproducts of cane sugar and the molasses sugar is then made into rum
• The Pirates of Caribbean were instrumental in the creation of rum because they thought seasickness was demonic possession and so they created "fire water" to exorcise themselves
• The pirates smoothed the flavor of the fire water with mint leaves and lemon juice which was one of the first cocktails and the origin of the "Mojito"
• Molasses was easy to bootleg in the backyard so Bacardi started making fire water from the molasses and then refining it into the Bacardi Rum we know of today in Cuba but he added two new things to the process - charcoal and aging in oak caskets
• Turns out Prohibition was instrumental in Bacardi's success because all the Americans came to Havana!
• There is even a law that if you ask for a Bacardi rum they must serve Bacardi
• Mojito is the oldest cocktail ever (1862) and Bacardi was the first liquor to be used in one

After the tour we came back and napped for a little bit before going back to Barrachina for dinner since we'd had such a lovely time at the bar the day before.  The food was TERRIBLE and the pina coladas were extremely watered down.  I ordered the Mofongo which tasted like it'd been sitting out for hours.  Probably had been considering it took over an hour for us to get our food.  It was a horrible experience.

The bar we went to after dinner made up for it though.  We went to a SUPER divey place called El Batey.  I ended up sitting at the bar next to a local named Eduardo who was super cool and invited us to a pig roast but I couldn't convince any of the other girls to get on board.  Damnit!  We ended the night dancing to salsa with a bunch of random college guys at another bar and then peaced out for home.

 

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Christmas Eve!  I'm embarrassed to say that I've started every morning eating quiche at Starbucks.  I don't know if they put crack in the quiche there or what but they were SO good.  I also just desperately needed WiFi since the hotel's connection was terrible and as the only Verizon person on the trip I was relegated to being the only one without service.  A win for AT&T!

We spent most of the day at the pool since it was finally nice weather and then searched for somewhere to have dinner.  Yet again we didn't think through the fact that all the restaurants would be booked on Christmas Eve.  Fail.  We ended up at Cafe Berlin for dinner which had an hour wait so we sat at the bar waiting for our table.  We tried ordering wine but after three bottles that were all corked we gave up and asked what else they had.  The bartender mentioned that he won a national award in the U.S.A. for his Long Island ice teas.  Turns out that's a drink favorite of ourselves.

By the time my dish arrived I think anything would've tasted good but this was by far the best meal I'd had on the trip.  It was a very enjoyable dinner.  And we were plenty ready for the bar crawl to Nonos and Acqua.  Both bars were fairly fun although nothing stand out.

Inside Joke of the Night:
"Feliz Navidad (FFYD) and you know you ain't ever coming back from that"

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas!!!  Yet another nice day so most of the day was spent at the pool preparing our bikini bods for the quickly approaching Yacht Week.  We decided to try something new and hit up the beach for a bit so we took a taxi to the beach in Isla Verde.  I wish we'd thought of this sooner (not that the weather had cooperated).

 

 

 

 

We spent the day crushing buckets of Coronas in the steaming sun before heading back to get dressed up for our holiday dinner.  Back at the hotel, Mochila surprised us with Christmas presents that she'd put under our ratchet stolen Christmas tree.  One of the packages contained hair dye called "Crazy Huez"... definitely bringing that to BVI!

As Mochila would say later "That's so romantic" and indeed our little lady dinner was just that.  We ate at Sofia because I'd been craving steak and they had some on the menu.  Our waiter had the longest rattail I've ever seen.  Near the start of dinner, someone spilled their water on me and felt horrible only for me to end up spilling my drink all over myself 15 minutes later. 

 

 

We ended the night at the Nuyorican, a combo of New York and Puerto Rico, because the owner is from both places.  I somehow convinced them to give me a discount on a T-shirt because I have this blog.  HAH.

We spent the rest of the night salsa dancing with mildly creepy men and then returned home to pack and prepare for our flight to St Thomas in the morning.  Hasta luego Puerto Rico!