NYC Blog Post - 11.18.2013

I've been traipsing all over Manhattan....just can't be contained!

CHELSEA

Colicchio and Sons
This place is right across the street from work and yet the only time I've ever been in here was for a quick round of drinks back when I first moved to NYC.  A coworker of mine and I decided to hit it up for lunch.  I had the pork chop which was huge!  It was perfectly cooked and sent me straight in food coma.  The wait staff was very friendly and the place is modern, light and well-decorated.  I would definitely come back!  A great lunch spot for work.

Photo Credit: Colicchio Website

Rocket Pig
Just had this for lunch today.  Biggest sandwich ever.  So delicious.  Think ciabatta bread with thickly sliced pork, apple chutney and then I covered it in coleslaw.  I only made it halfway through the sandwich before gifting it to a coworker reluctantly... I knew I should keep tupperware at work!!!  I would totally split one of these next time... especially at $14 a pop.  A liiiittle steep.

EAST VILLAGE

Giano
This place is right across the street from me and has intrigued me for the past few months.  I had a great glass of rose on their back patio when the weather was still nice so when my friend stopped by for an impromptu dinner this seemed like the perfect option.  It was super crowded and yet the host worked it to find us a table without much of a wait.  Our waiter was SO charming and walked us through the menu with gusto.  I ordered the pasta special as my main dish and the Crocchette di ricotta e tonno (creamy and crunchy tuna and ricotta croquettes with arugula salad and balsamic reduction) which was one of the best dishes I've had in awhile.  I would 100% recommend this place for a date or an intimate dinner with a friend since it's quiet enough for a good conversation without being "dead."

Photo Credit: Scoutmob.com

Kelly's Sports Bar
Why have I not been here before?  It's down the street from me, it's a HOCKEY bar, and some of the best buffalo wings I've ever had.  I went there this Saturday to watch the USC game.  It's super small and was very crowded but our group of five were still able to find a seat or two.  Love this place.  Definitely going back.

Photo Credit: Kelly's Website

La Palapa
Went here for brunch last Sunday and was honestly really let down.  I've passed it a couple times and the street view is SO cute.  Then I end up eating there and my enchiladas were terrible.  Looking around the table, nothing else looked particularly good either.  The staff was really nice but I definitely won't be back.

Photo Credit: La Palapa Website

One and One
I've been here for beers on a weeknight before but had no idea how crazy it gets late night on the weekends.  A crew of us (mostly guys) rolled in here at 2am this last Saturday and had no problem getting into the debaucherous downstairs dance floor where we danced for a couple hours to nostalgic 90s hiphop classics.  I'll be back.

Pie Face
NYC welcomes one of the best Australian meat pie chains around.  I scored a BBQ pulled pork pie yesterday for my Sunday lunch after hitting up the movie theater.  A tiny bit on the sweet side but a delicious pie that was nice and hot.  I'd be down to try a few more flavors before I make a final decision on this one.

Revision
What IS this place?!?!  I have no idea whose idea it was to go here (late night on a Friday) but I LOVE it.  The bar has the coolest interior design and was pumping with people and dancey music.  100% will be back.

Photo Credit: RevisionLounge.com

FLATIRON

ABC Cocina
ABC Kitchen being my tried and try favorite restaurant in NYC, I jumped on the chance to try ABC Cocina when my mom was in town the other weekend.  I brought two of my friends along for brunch (2:30pm was the only available time on that Sunday) and we murdered the menu.  We tried SO many things:

• Guacamole with Sungold tomato salsa and warm crunchy tortilla chips - the guacamole was surprisingly spicy and the chips were nice and hot.  Delicious.
• Jamon Iberico de Bellota - Iberico ham has been a favorite dish of mine since spending most of a summer traipsing through Spain.  Anytime I can find it in America, which isn't often, I always order it.  Even when it is stupid expensive.  I'm just a "nut" for this nutty ham.
• Raw shaved brussel sprout salad - eh boring
• Gooey spicy ham and cheese fritters - these were so crunchy and salty and cheesy... mmm.
• Sweet market pepper and potato empanadas with lemon yogurt - too potatoey
• Field green empanadas and tomato jam - These empanadas were much better!  The tomato jam was just sweet enough.
• Arroz con pollo, crackling skin and lemon zest - we were completely stuffed by the time this showed up so lucky little ole me stole it home as a leftover.  It was just as good the next day as I'm assuming it would've been that day.
• We ordered the flan for dessert based on a friend's recommendation and I have to say it.was.terrible.  I hate flan.  I still hate flan.
• Torrentes with lime and rosemary cocktail - This is quite possibly the best cocktail I have ever had.  It was refreshing and tangy and even a little spicy.  I would go back JUST for this drink.

Photo Credit: ABC Cocina

 

 

 

 

 

Manzo

My first time sitting down to eat in Eataly and I was pleasantly surprised by my meal.  I started with the Roasted Beets with Hazelnuts, Goat Cheese and Black Truffle Vinaigrette.  The beets were ripe and large and there was plenty of goat cheese.  I followed that with the Vesuvio with Spigariello and Sweet Italian Sausage Ragu which was nice and hot when it arrived.  The pasta was perfectly cooked, clearly fresh, and covered in just the right amount of sauce.  It was a lovely dinner.  I highly recommend as a place for a client dinner or parents.

Photo Credit: millefiorifavoriti.blogspot.com

GRAMERCY

Baohaus
Another one of those hit-myself-upside-the-head obvious restaurants I should've hit up by now.  Since visiting this place for the first time two weeks ago I've been three times.  I absolutely love it.  It's a tiny hole-in-the-wall with enough seating for maybe ten people but the chill atmosphere and hiphop beats make it one of a kind.  I highly recommend the Chairman Bao (Braised All Natural Berkshire Pork Belly Served with: crushed peanut, cilantro, Haus Relish, and Taiwanese red sugar) and the Birdhaus Bao (All Natural Fried Chicken Brined 24 hours and served with Haus Seasoning Salt, cilantro, crushed peanuts, and Taiwanese red sugar).  You may even run into me here.  Great for grab and go but there is a credit card minimum so beware.

Photo Credit: Hypebeast.com

MIDTOWN EAST

Hill and Bay
I managed to buy tickets to Ender's Game for the wrong day which then turned into the wrong time.  So we found ourselves an hour early for the movie and searching for something near the theater that didn't look like a cesspool.  Hill and Bay was like the bright light at the end of the tunnel.  We spent the next hour housing ciders, sliders and mac n cheese.  The pulled pork and roasted pepper/goat cheese sliders were delicious although a little small.  The mac n cheese left much to be desired as it was super cheesy with ZERO taste.  Gross.  Cool place... won't be back unless I find myself in a similar movie situation but didn't dislike it!

Photo Credit: Yas E. on Yelp.com

TRIBECA

Marc Forgione
Another one that I've been dying to go to but needed a good excuse (hello, Mom in town).  She and I feasted on a variety of the small plates such as:

• Kampachi Tartare, Avocado, Sechuan Buttons, Toasted Pinenuts, Saratoga Chips
• Octopus, White Beans, Cranberry Salsa Verde, Irwin Farms Baby Arugula
• Foie Gras and Bread Service, Summer Berries, Toma’s Wild Edibles

Everything was superb.  The Kampachi came with a little bud (for lack of a better term) that you swirl around on your tongue to numb it before you eat the kampachi.  This allows your mouth to really take in all the specific tastes of the fish.  It was crazy.  I wanted to order another one!  The wait staff was great, although they did take my mom's wine glass before she was finished (bad move with that lady).  Overall, it was a delightful evening and is the perfect spot for an anniversary, parent dinner or group of girlfriends.

 

 

 

WEST VILLAGE

The Clarkson
This is a favorite spot of one of my coworkers so we decided to make a pitstop on our way to Houston Hall on a random Thursday.  The place came across as a little austere for my tastes but we sat at the bar and the bartender was great.  He made me a specialty drink and it was so good I had him write down what was in it.  He wanted to think up a name for it so we suggested the "Laurel" since he was looking for something Roman.  I really liked this place.  I'd definitely come back.  Good spot for coworkers or a first date.

• Whiskey Rye
• Thai and cayenne pepper infused maple syrup
• Lemon juice
• Egg white
• Slow gin
• Thyme garnish

Photo Credit: Clarkson Website

NYC Blog Post - 10.21.2013 (To Go or Delivery)

In the interest of sticking to themes again this week includes all the awesome places I've been using for takeout and/or delivery.  I've offered up everything from healthy to hungover.


CHELSEA

Hummus Pita Co.
One of my go-to options when I get tired of eating at Chelsea Market for lunch.  Hummus Pita Co. offers a ton of different meats, veggies, sauces, etc.  You basically just go in and go crazy!  I eat here constantly and have tried most of the options and they are all equally good.  Perfect lunch option or order takeout for a huge part.  Also makes great leftovers.

Photo Credit: Yelp.com

Liquiteria
This juice bar just opened a location in Chelsea so it's been my new go-to for lunch.  They have bottled juices (pictured below), smoothies made on site and a couple of boxed lunch options.  I've tried all three categories and everything has been fresh and flavorful.  My only comment would be that it's pretty steep for what you are getting but for a change of pace I don't mind sometimes.

 Photo Credit: Liquiteria Website

EAST VILLAGE

Motorino
This place is my favorite pizza in NYC.  Yes, I said it.  And guess what... they deliver.  The only downside in my book is you can't buy it buy the slice at their locations.  I'd be going out of my way for dinner-on-the-go if I could stop in for a quick bite.  I've had the three pizzas listed below and each is better than the next.  The crust is soft on the inside crisp on the outside, the ratio of tomato sauce to cheese is perfect, the cheese is creamy and soft and melty, and the toppings are always free and plentiful.  Literally LOVE this pizza.  Oh, and the best part?  It's just as good cold the next day for breakfast.

• Margherita - Tomato sauce, mozzarella di bufala, basil, percorino, and olive oil
• Soppressata Piccante - Tomato sauce, fior di latte, spicy soppressata, chili flakes, garlic, oregano, pecorino and olive oil
• Brussels Sprout - Fiori di latte, garlic, pecorino, smoked pancetta and olive oil
  

Photo Credit: slice.seriouseats.com

Smac
When my little bro was in town I had to get him eating all sorts of good takeout.  I walk past Smac to take the F train to work at least once a week and always would pass their little stand at 1st and 1st but it was always in the morning and mac n' cheese was not top of mind.  So when he and I were wandering the East Village looking for a snack we found ourselves in front of their door.  We tried a couple different Mn'Cs and they were all pretty good.  Not the best mac I've ever had in my life but I'd definitely get it again.

LOWER EAST SIDE

Los Perros Locos
Hello scrumptious hotdogs covered in fattening delicious things.  You make me happy when skies are grey... or blue...or sunny...  I keep wanting to try other hot dogs on the list but I just keep finding myself ordering the Mexi-Max over and over again because the combo of Sriracha Pico de Gallo, chipotle kraut, ChipZana sauce, salsa verde, queso cotija and crushed Fritos just can't be beat.  I've even eaten it for breakfast...

Perfect Picnic
This place makes some of the best "baguettini" sandwiches I've ever had.  I can't remember the exact sandwiches we ordered into work but it wouldn't matter anyway since they change the options daily.  You just order a "picnic basket" and it comes with all sorts of different sandwiches to choose from.  I tried four different ones that had everything from goat cheese to duck to chorizo and more and they were all good.  That's enough proof for me.  I'll be begging for this at our next lunch meeting.

MIDTOWN

Potbelly

Hello hangover, it's time to feed you.  The number one place I crave after a big night out (when I'm not headed straight back out to boozy brunch) is Potbelly.  Their sandwiches are big and greasy and covered in hot peppers (if you don't get hot peppers on your sandwich you are an idiot).  My personal favorite is the Italian which comes with Capicola, Mortadella, Pepperoni, Salami and Provolone Cheese.  Never fails me.  Never. (You should also know I just ordered one while writing this blog)

Wichcraft

This is another Midtown lunch time favorite.  I've had both the free range roasted chicken with braised kale, pickled vegetables and spicy aioli on ciabatta and the slow-roasted Berkshire pork with Dijon mustard and bread and butter pickles on ciabatta.  I'd say the pork sandwich is my favorite as all the flavors are well-balanced.  The chicken one comes with a little too much mustard which is overpowering but it's still a great sandwich.  And the bread is super fresh!

Photo Credit: WichCraft Website (Pork sandwich)

 

Chicken Sandwich

WEST VILLAGE

Bantam Bagels
For those of you who have loved doughnut holes throughout life, I have a new spot for you.  Bantam Bagels are essentially bagel "holes" filled with delicious centers of cream cheesiness.  My personal favorites they have right now (the menu changes constantly) are Grandma Jojo (italian spiced bagel with thinly sliced, marinated tomato filled with fresh basil pesto cream cheese) and the The Bleecker Street bagel (Pizza dough bagel topped with a thin slice of pepperoni. Filled with marinara mozzarella cream cheese).  But beware... just because they are small doesn't mean you won't eat 20 in one sitting.  So good!

 

Photo Credit: Bantam Website

NYC Blog Post - 10.16.2013 (Awesome Asian Food)

This post is all about the recent obsession I've been having with Asian cuisine.  There's been some "hits" and some "misses."

EAST VILLAGE

Hanjoo Korean
Happened along this hole-in-the-wall looking for cheap food in my neighborhood.  Very impressed.  I ordered the Yuk-Gae-Jang (shredded beef, mushroom, and scallions in spicy beef soup) and the Gopdol Bibimbap (assorted vegetables and fried egg over rice with red chilli sauce in a hot stoned pot) with pork.  Both arrived really hot and steamy and were filled with beef and pork.  Split across two people it was plenty of food.  I would totally come back here.

 

Photo Credit: Hanjoo Korean Website

LOWER EAST SIDE

Jin Sushi
Was yet again craving sushi the other night and had a coffee date across the street from this place.  My coffee date told me the sushi here was good so I decided to test it out.  I wasn't hugely impressed although it was by no means a bad meal.  It just didn't impress me.  The service was also pretty lax. 

Photo Credit: Jin Sushi

MIDTOWN EAST

Amaze Asian Fusion
After an amazing work day playing with puppies volunteering, my famished coworkers and I stopped by Amaze from some afternoon cocktails and appetizers.  My top favorites were (in same order as the pictures below):

• Bangkok Duck Wrapped Lettuce - delicious!  The lettuce was very crispy, the peppers were just a little hot and very fresh and the duck had a great sauce that it'd been cooked in.  I tried to steal a whole plate of this to myself.
• Gyoza Pork Dumplings - so juicy on the inside and very hot so be careful when you bite!
• Bacon Wrapped Pineapple - Sounds better than it was but I'm also not a huge fan of pineapple.  I'm giving it an A for creativity though.

Don't need to go back but the service was great and it was perfect for the occasion.

Photo Credit: Amaze Website

MIDTOWN WEST

Sushiden
I went here for a work lunch and was told to order the Negi Toro Spicy Garlic Roll (mashed toro with scallion, topped with spicy mayo sauce and garlic chips).  I also ordered an assortment of handrolls and sushi.  Overall I was very impressed.  I actually think it could've been even more garlicky.  I would totally come back here.  The service was also excellent.  Beware that unless you are a regular you may want to snag a reservation if you are coming here for lunch.  Great place to bring clients.

Photo Credit: Andrew D. on Yelp.com

Sushi Zen
I know apparently I love places that are down the street from each other that rhyme!  While it looks like an accident this is actually a different restaurant than Sushiden but equally delicious.  The presentation of the food here is especially beautiful (working in the food industry I notice things like this).  We started with the Seared Tuna appetizer which was light and lovely and then I ordered the "Special Sushi" lunch item which includes two tuna, one white fish, one salmon, one Spanish mackerel, one eel, one shrimp, one seasonal and then an egg roll.  They switched out my shrimp for a yellowtail since I was allergic.  All very tasty.  I'd come here again too although I'd order less.  They had to cart me out of there!

Photo Credit: Yelp.com

TRIBECA

Zutto
A group of my friends hit this place up and forced me to come meet up.  Normally you can't get me to Tribeca unless it's brunch on a weekend but when I heard "free meal on work" I couldn't say "no."  This place is way cool.  It looks like an American pub and serves lots of cool beers but the food is Asian.  They are especially well known for their ramen.  I. love. ramen.

I ordered the "Tonkotsu" which is noodle soup with chasu (pork jowl), kikurage, menma (bamboo shoots), pickled ginger, sesame, and scallions.  I also added a slow poached egg because "hey why not?"  I had them hold the kikurage because I hate mushrooms.

This was one of the best ramen bowls I have ever had.  I literally drained the bowl which I never manage to do with ramen because it's always so much food.  This night I had no problem... literally couldn't stop.  I would've ordered more noodles to add to the remaining broth if I'd had room in my stomach.  The service was awesome, the atmosphere is laid-back and really cool.  I will definitely be back.  This would be a great date spot as well as birthday dinner or just a spot to chill with a bunch of friends.

Photo Credit:  David N. on Yelp.com

WEST VILLAGE

Noodle Bar
After a luxurious pedicure date with another friend (man I've been on a lot of lady dates lately) we were starving but too lazy for a sit-down dinner.  So she recommended picking something up from Noodle Bar.  We called ahead on our walk over and it was ready when we arrived 15-20 minutes later.  Great service!  They even gave her extra bok choy upon request.  I then walked all the way back to the East Village (we went to the West Village location) and sat down to eat my noodles on my couch and they were still warm!  Yeah!  I'd ordered the Soto Ayam.  The noodles were extra thick which I really liked.  The soup was slightly too salty but overall I was impressed.  I would order from here again.

Photo Credit: Noodle Bar Website

NYC Blog Post - 10.8.2013

This week's post has a couple East Village newbies but for the most part I headed uptown to traverse some new territory.  So for those in the UWS and Midtown who have felted neglected... enjoy!

EAST VILLAGE

Apiary
Apparently this restaurant has been around since 2008 yet hasn't "blown up" and I have no idea why.  Every time I walk by it I always think "this place is so cute; I need to try it!"  So when an old coworker from L.A. dropped into town I knew exactly where I wanted to go.  We did the chef's tasting menu which they adjust for allergies and also for "diner excitement."  What I mean by "diner excitement" is that if there is a dish on the menu you HAVE to try they will incorporate it into the tasting menu.  I think that's really cool.

The food was beautifully presented and delicious.  It took them awhile to take our order but that could've been because we were so busy catching up that they didn't want to disturb us.  The standouts were the Creekstone New York Strip steak with roasted shallots, creamed spinach and red wine jus (yes, we insisted on this one and it costs extra), the Grilled Octopus with romesco, baby arugula and lemon (another request) and the Hamachi Crudo with avocado, hearts of palm and jalapeno.  Everything just tasted like it came straight from a local farm/ocean.  And the warm chocolate cake and peach tarte tatin were the perfect desserts!  So impressed with this place.  Perfect for a date, family dinner or coworker outing.  Love it!

 

 

 

Babel
My friend was looking for the perfect place for her birthday.  Her criteria was to find a place that she didn't need a list to get all her friends in yet had a club feel with good dance music/vibe that didn't insist on us buying three bottles for an exorbitant amount of money to have the tiny table in the corner.  The fact that they serve hookah was a huge plus!

Babel was the perfect solution.  We had no problem getting everyone in and the manager even gave the birthday girl free shots.  When some of the birthday party got a little too rambunctious dancing on the booth they were very politely asked to get down (no one getting thrown out rashly, etc).  At one point a hookah was broken accidentally and they were still super nice about it.  I was really really impressed.  And it was worth it because I'm pretty sure we spent three times what we expected to because we were having so much fun.  THAT'S how you run a business!  I would 100% come back and highly recommend it for a night out with friends or a birthday.  On another random note I liked how it was a nice combination of lounge and hookah bar.  It wasn't overly themed.

Photo Credit: Babel Website

LOWER EAST SIDE

Chloe
I continue to have a love-hate relationship with this place.  I love the look of it, the fact that it's underground and the bouncer (he is the sh*t).  What don't I like?  The people there can be kind of weird/pretentious, it's often too empty to want to dance like an idiot (granted I'm there on random nights), and last time I was there a guy who worked there kept taking pictures of us without permission which was really off-putting and made me want to leave.  Not cool.  Hence this place is sort of dropping on my list of places to hit up late night especially when my alltime fav, Hotel Chantelle, is across the street.

 Photo Credit: Chloe Website

NOLITA

Ken and Cook
Another one that's been on the list for awhile.  I didn't even mean to eat here on Saturday.  My friend and I were running the East River knowing that we would "run to brunch" but I actually had a different place in mind.  Then my friend managed to get a side ache right in front of Ken and Cook and I thought to myself... how convenient!!

Best decision ever...this place is adorable and delicious.  I had the smoked salmon toast (it was a toss up with the fried chicken and biscuits but they had run out of biscuits so forget that).  The toast was thick and warm and toasty just the way I like it.  There was generous helping of fresh smoke salmon and a roast tomato that literally melted into tomato butter when I sunk my knife into and spread it on the bread.  I was in HEAVEN for the 60 seconds it took me to scarf this down.  I wanted to order another one.  I highly recommend and will definitely be back soon.

 Photo Credit: Ken and Cook Website

UPPER WEST SIDE

Jacob's Pickles
This place is all about two things: Pickles and Biscuits.  You don't say.  Those are two of my favorite things!  It took me about two seconds to order a plate of pickles and biscuits with all the fixings (house strawberry and orange preserves, clover honey, and organic butter).  This pretty much meant I just doused everything in honey.

It wasn't until my friend received her order that the food envy began.   I'm pretty sure this is the Southern B.L.T.  which is a biscuit with buttermilk fried chicken, fried green tomato, pickle slaw, and Niman ranch bacon.  As you can see from the photo it was a monster.  She had about two bites and tapped out at which point this B.L.T. and I tangoed.  After demolishing all of it I felt like a winner... until 30 minutes later when my large intestine tried to digest it.  Maybe next time I'll split!  Anyways, it was delicious, our waiter was hilarious and the restaurant has fun picnic table style seating conducive to making new friends.  My only comment was it was kind of expensive for pickles and biscuits.

I wouldn't go back just for a meal there since I'm lazy and this is in the UWS but if you happen by that area definitely make a pit stop.

Osteria Cotta
If you see a theme it's because I spent all day in the UWS.  Osteria was where my day began as part of a 20 person brunch.  We of course did the 2 hour unlimited drink menu with the purchase of a brunch entree.  The drinks were actually really good (mimosas, bloody mary, sangria) considering usually they are watered down or overly alcoholic when you do all-you-can-drink. 

We ordered the Eggs in Purgatory which is eggs baked in spicy tomato sauce with creamy polenta.  It was ALOT of polenta and not much egg but I still thought it was really good.  We also ordered a pizza (my friend and I shared our plates) and it was pretty good too although it had too much lettuce on it.  The waitress was a sweetheart and very patient and attentive considering the size of our party and the restaurant itself is cozy and homey.  I don't need to go back but I would recommend it if you find yourself on the UWS.

 

MIDTOWN

Akdeniz
I was uptown for a lunch meeting and my coworker suggested this place.  He said it was probably the best Turkish food he'd ever had.  It was quite the recommendation and I've always been fairly unimpressed with the food in midtown.  It was SO good!  I had the chicken kebabs and they were juicy and huge.  The assorted "salads" that we got before (babaganoush, hummus, etc) filled me up so I had to take half of it home.  It was just as good as a leftover.  Can't wait to hit this place up again.

Tre Dici Steak
I went here for a work dinner and was surprised at how good the food was considering we were ordering from a prix fix menu.  The winner of the night was the slow baked macaroni with homemade crushed plum tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, hand rolled mozzarella and fontina di val’dosta  finished with basil oil.  It was steaming hot.  The steak I was less impressed with as it was kind of over-done.  I snagged a bite of the lamb chops though and they were excellent.

Photo Credit: Tre Dici Website