After hearing about the epic crowds that assemble for brunch at Prune and drooling over its menu while planning a dinner there, I headed to the East Village to feast on something edgy and inspiring.
Scottish salmon
Prune’s menu was completely different from what I had read on New York Magazine’s Web site, but it had the same interesting vibe that drew me in. I chose the Scottish salmon with creamy lemon rice, scallions and peas. It was a light and lovely lunch; the salmon was like a pillow with just the right touch of firmness. It was plated skin-side up, which I haven’t seen before; normally the pink flesh is what restaurants like to showcase. It was well-seasoned with visible flecks of pepper, but the salmon flavor shined through. With skin so delicious and crispy, I didn’t mind that being the first part I saw.
Zucchini with chili flakes
I also ordered the disappointing fried zucchini with chili flakes, which was soaked in oil, garlic slices and mint (though it tasted like basil to me.) It was flash-fried, not deep-fried in batter like at an Italian restaurant. When it came out with the salmon, it was at room temperature but still edible, so I went for it. The flavors were too overpowering with the salmon though, so I mostly focused on the entrée. I told the waitress it should’ve been hotter, and she was nice enough to take it off of the bill.
Prune is small and simple; it has a tiny bar with only four seats, and you can see the kitchen from the dining area. It’s obvious why you have to arrive super early for brunch. Prune would be a great place for sharing a bunch of dishes, and I definitely want to check out their brunch soon.
Perched on an unsuspecting block in Fort Greene, with an unsuspecting facade (I nearly passed right by it!) stands abistro. An unassuming open kitchen manned by two chefs stands at the back of the tiny restaurant. The small size of the restaurant only lends a hand to the cozy, homey feel that not only the surroundings, but the staff and food exude.
Calamari and escargot appetizer at abistro
To start, my guest and I chose to share the calamari and escargot appetizer off the specials menu, a spicy tomato based stew of calamari and escargot served with a helping of freshly grilled rye bread. The charred bread added a wonderfully smoky and crunchy dimension to the melt-in-your-mouth- tender escargot. Following our waitress’s recommendation, we also ordered the what she claimed was the most popular item on the menu: Senegalese Fried Chicken ($17 for a half order that was more than enough for one person) and the Moules Frites (mussels and fries, $16/half order). The breast of chicken was served atop a sweet rice cake and wilted vegetables and topped with a slightly salty dijonnaise sauce. The mussels arrived in a bath of broth similar to that of our appetizer and were a pleasant and unexpected accompaniment to the lightly seasoned fresh cut fries which turned out to be the perfect thing to soak up the left over broth.
Moules Frites at abistro
Abistro was a great find and I will definitely be back. The BYOB policy adds to its charm and friendly, comfortable atmosphere. As I have heard in the past, and now agree with whole-heartedly, this is the kind of place where you order off the specials menu. This is a kitchen to be trusted.
Republic is an Asian fusion late night hot spot where both hipsters and businessmen can be found devouring quality eats at an affordable price.
After months of hearing rave reviews about the food at Republic I had to go see what all the fuss was about. When approaching the restaurant I thought we were in for a long wait, considering the flood of people I saw entering the establishment, but I quickly learned that the restaurant was much larger than it looked from the outside, and we were seated within minutes of our arrival.(more…)
ANTHONY BOURDAIN AND DAVID CHANG with BUDD MISHKIN – Two influential celebrity chefs discuss their food experiences around the world and the delights of cooking and making use of an entire animal – from snout to squeal.
Wed Sep 29, 7 PM, $40
Francine Segan’s World of Tasting | COFFEE: TASTING AND HISTORY
It’s National Coffee Day! So it’s the perfect time to learn about the beverage first known in Europe as “Arabian Wine.” Find out why it was eaten and not drunk in ancient Africa and how it traveled to Java and beyond. Taste several types of coffee and sample roasting methods. Renowned food historian/author Francine Segan’s tasting and lecture series explores the past and present of our favorite foods and drinks from (A)pple pie to (Z)eppolis.
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FOOD OUTINGS & COOKING DEMOS
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Fri Sep 24, 10:30 AM-2:30 PM, $75
Downtown Culinary Tours with Alexandra Leaf | A TASTE OF OLD NEW YORK: TOUR AND LUNCH
Take a unique excursion through lower Manhattan to uncover the early Dutch and English heritage of the island. Attend the South Street Seaport’s groundbreaking exhibit, “New Amsterdam: The Island at the Center of the World,” stop next door at Bowne and Company Stationers, then move on to lunch at the historic Fraunces Tavern to sample their signature crab cakes an corn relish. Dessert is a moveable feast, taking two of the area’s sweet stops. Alexandra Leaf’s Downtown Culinary Tours offer scrumptious tastings at renowned restaurants and access to world-class shops. Leaf is the author of The Impressionist’s Table and Van Gogh’s Table and teacher at the Institute of Culinary Education.
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2010 FOOD LISTINGS
TASTINGS ● LECTURES ● TOURS ● DEMOS
Wed, Sep 1, 10 am-noon, $25
Wed, Sep 29, 10 am-noon, $25
AN EATER’S TOUR OF CHINATOWN
Explore one of New York’s most fascinating neighborhoods with Chef Russell Moss, of Cafe 92YTribeca. Venture through Chinatown’s narrow streets and stop by some of Moss’s favorite restaurants and shops. See, talk and taste Chinatown beyond what you think you know.
Tue, Oct 5, 10 am, $25
Simple Cooking with Chef Moss | QUICK PICKLING
Take advantage of seasonal produce and learn this easy and tangy non-fermentation method of pickling. It’s fast, and captures the special taste of pickling.
Fri, Oct 8, Noon, $25
CHOCOLATE: ITALY’S AMAZING ROLE
Pay attention, class. Today we learn about how chocolate goes from bean to bar. As an incentive, we’ll taste various types of fine Italian chocolate. Study hard – there’s going to be a test!
Wed, Oct 13, Noon, $16
MARC MURPHY
Marc Murphy grew up the son of a globetrotting diplomat, and his childhood gave him an excellent education in French and Italian cuisine. Since then, Murphy has logged more than 20 years in the restaurant business in some of the world’s most highly esteemed kitchen. The executive chef and owner of Landmarc in Tribeca and at the Time Warner Center talks about his journey.
Thu, Oct 21, 11 am-1 pm, $25
SOHO CHOCOLATE TOUR
Visit SoHo’s most innovative chocolate shops, taste samples and learn about the world of chocolate. Find out how to cook with chocolate, how to make the perfect cup of hot chocolate and which cutting-edge flavors are used in today’s chocolate candy.
Tue, Oct 26, 10 am, $25
Simple Cooking with Chef Moss | GREAT RISOTTO FAST: RESTAURANT SECRETS
Learn to make silky, luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth risotto the way the chefs make it. Find out how to cut your prep time without sacrificing taste.
Wed, Oct 27, Noon, $16
APPETITE CITY: THE HISTORY OF NEW YORK RESTAURANTS
Nowhere else in America can you spend as much – or as little – for a good meal. Kibitz about the NYC restaurant world past and present – from Delmonico’s to celebrity TV chefs – with Appetite City author William Grimes, Salt and Cod author Mark Kurlansky, deli deliverer William Sax and Mid-Life Maven blogger Jan Whitaker
In 2002, at age 23, Kelly Flatley tapped into consumers’ growing natural-food obsession and launched Bear Naked – a start-up selling natural homemade nutty granola. Five years later, Flatley had built a $50 million-a-year business, and in 2007, sold it to Kellogg’s.
Fri, Oct 29, Noon, $25
AMERICA’S SWEET TOOTH
Before you indulge in all that Halloween candy, consider (and taste!) sweets gone by, from Martha Washington’s currant cake to Boston Cream Pie.
A recent trek up to Harlem during my apartment search brought me to the neighborhood of Dinosaur BBQ. I had never made it up to 131st street to try out the famous BBQ, so when I passed it, I made a definitive note to self that I would for sure be stopping for dinner on my way home.
Monday night at 8:30pm, the huge restaurant (at least for Manhattan) was packed full, leaving the wait for a table for two at an hour and a half. Just as I was about to give up and settle for a can of soup from my pantry at home, 2 seats in the bar section (grab them as you see them seating policy) opened up and we rushed to snatch them up.
My game plan was to try a bit of everything, I went with the Swag Sampler plate for 1 ($5.95), an appetizer combo plate similar to what one would find at an Applebee’s including all of their goodies like spicy shrimp, meaty and very juicy BBQ chicken wings, fried green tomatoes, and deviled eggs. Having never ordered deviled eggs from a restaurant before, I was a little skeptical but discovered that they were actually very good! (more…)
* New store now open in Greenpoint, Brooklyn: 632 Manhattan Ave.
Close up of the Van Leewen Artisan Ice Cream Truck
We’ve all had our love affair with Mr. Softee, spending summers running up to the truck ordering soft serve ice cream covered in rainbow sprinkles, but now that we are older and no longer transform into rabid beasts over the sound of an ice cream truck approaching, Van Leeuwen’s Artisan Ice Cream Truck is supplying us ex-Softee lovers with a more adult appropriate menu.
[Truck photo: Van Leewen Artisan Ice Cream Truck]
The buttercup yellow Van Leeuwan truck’s can be found at various locations throughout the day, serving up their frozen treats made from locally sourced organic milk, cream and eggs.
Van Leewen Truck menu
The menu includes gourmet flavors like red current, ginger hazelnut and giandujia as well as old favorites like vanilla, chocolate and pistachio. But this isn’t your run of the mill vanilla ice cream, Van Leeuwen’s Tahitian vanilla ice cream is chock full of fresh vanilla bean flavor.
Medium giandujia ice cream
While on my way home I passed by one of the Van Leeuwen trucks and decided to see what all the fuss was about. Since it was late in the day, they had already sold out of a few of their more popular flavors, like hazelnut, but there was still quite a selection available considering it was well after 8 p.m. On my visit I decided to order a medium giandujia ($5.75) to split with a friend. The giandujia is a blend of their Michel Cluizel chocolate with rich Piedmont Hazelnuts.
The ice cream was light and creamy. Neither of the flavors were too strong, comparable to the flavor of nutella. Although some reviews I have read have complained about the portion size to price ratio I found that a medium was a large enough portion for two.
While the ice cream is a little expensive, the quality of the ingredients makes it well worth the price.
Marcony’s lofty space hides the fact that the restaurant is relatively small. There are two balconies perfect for private parties, but they are also opened for dinner on nights when the restaurant gets busy. For a restaurant in a rather dismal area for restaurants, I was surprised to see that by 9pm on a Wednesday night the downstairs dining room almost to full capacity.(more…)
Born about a century and a half ago in California, the cocktail is a quintessential New York institution. From the 15,000 + speakeasies and gin dens that operated in Manhattan during Prohibition Era New York, to world-famous cocktail establishments like the Algonquin, Windows on the World and 21 Club, the city epitomizes the ultimate in cocktail-sipping experience.
Grey Goose Vodka Martini with a twist
A fixture of American culture, cocktails are the substance of predilection for ushering in celebration, lubricating social static and “drowning one’s sorrows,” as the all too cliched, but true phrase goes. Cocktails also provide a beloved setting for the exchange of intimacies, commiseration, the birth of dangerous, albeit risky new ideas and the unleashing of bold seductive ploys. Consumed in immoderate amounts and cocktails can bring out the dark side of most of these scenarios, but that is hopefully that’s just stating the obvious.
In recent decades, the art of the cocktail and that atmosphere in which it is consumed has degenerated considerably.(more…)
Tourists, theatergoers and Port Authority characters mingle in the twenty-block radius of Hell’s Kitchen, making it a colorful part of the city. Unfortunately, this energy and uniqueness has yet to hit the restaurants in the area, and Hell’s Kitchen is not lacking in eating establishments. The area is overcrowded with Thai and Italian, interrupted with the occasional Japanese or Greek joint, but the restaurants I’ve tried have been bland and uncreative.
Cheese and meat plate. Photo by Holly Hagan.
After one of these bland dinners on Saturday at a Thai-French fusion restaurant that played cheesy power love ballads from the 80s and 90s (think “Hello” by Lionel Ritchie and “Everything I Do” by Bryan Adams), I was ecstatic to find a place that served up real cheese just down the street.(more…)
Northern Manor
251-15 Northern Blvd Little Neck, NY 11362
(718) 281-1500
“Dim Sum taught me Chinese.”
Beef Tripe, Preserved Duck Egg Congee, BBQ'd Pork Bun. Photo by Sarah Ip.
As a kid, I learned the bulk of my Cantonese Chinese food words from simply hearing the ladies who strolled past me hawking their carts’ wares. I never cease to marvel at the sweet, salty, spicy, fried and steamed aromas and textures wafting by me every time I’m out to yum cha. In Cantonese, ‘yum cha’ literally means ‘drinking tea,’ but has become synonymous with the dim sum we know today (or, ‘eating small servings of different foods’). Most traditional Chinese restaurants that serve dim sum have a sit-down menu in addition to the carts of steaming hot plate-sized Chinese delicacies. Wash it all down with jasmine or oolong tea, and you’re good to go. (more…)
“Beyond Chianti – Celebrating new Italian wines at Cellar 58″
Italian wine events news by ELENA MANCINI
Cellar 58
58 Second Ave, East Village
212-420-1300
Embark on a path to Italian wine enlightenment with award-winning Umbrian chef, Andrea Tiberi, whose latest venture is the opening of East Village wine bar, Cellar 58.
At Cellar 58, Tiberi will share his recommendations for tasting and collecting Italian wines. Tiberi’s favorite: Sagrantino di Montefalco, a dry, strong, structured wine from his hometown of Assisi. For a full interview with Tiberi and his recipe for red wine risotto with gorgonzola and pears, click on the image below.
After my all too brief three week hiatus in Italy, my love for Italian wines has grown deeper and from refined proseccos from small, family-run Venetian cellars to some choice playfully hearty Lambruscos from Emilia Romagna and crisp Roman Frascatis and Falanghinas, Coda di Volpe and Pampanuto from the southern regions of Campania and Apulia, Tiberi’s tasting tour sounds like just the thing for a novice oenphile like me and perhaps something that you and the wine aficionados in your life might also enjoy.
On September 13th, Greenpoint is the place to be for homebrews, snack pairings, gourmet competition and doing something good for the sweet little furry ones too….
“Right wine, wrong stemware…grimace. What’s your restaurant hang up?”
By ELENA MANCINI
Spending some time in Queens this week dog-sitting an adorable Lhasa Apso who’s short on legs and long on attitude, inspired me to take the intiative to get together with a dear friend from the borough with whom a catch-up session was long overdue.
She recommended we go to a Greek sidewalk cafe’-restaurant on 30th St. in Astoria. I was game. For both of us it was more about catching up than a gastronomic indulgence… (more…)
“Froyo Lovers: Can You Handle This?” – Review of 16 Handles
BY SARAH IP
16 Handles
153 2nd Ave.
East Village, NYC 10003
(212) 260-4414 / 16handles.com
16 Handles. Photo by Sarah Ip.
After months of intermittent rain showers and overcast days, it seemed New York was about to come out of its melancholic stupor with a string of sunny, mosquito-batting days. But alas – the sun came, and the sun went…
Despite the less-than-summery weather, I’m always up for frozen yogurt (or froyo, as I affectionately call it). Yes, I’m referring to that icy cold, sour-tart treat made of active bacteria cultures. It’s supposedly a healthier alternative to ice cream and is beneficial for your immune system. In a city inundated with frozen yogurt options (helloPinkberry fans), I’m often skeptical about the superiority of one brand over another. Truth be told, barring minor differences, they all seem to taste more or less the same.
In honor of the 400 year anniversary of Henry Hudson’s arrival on the half-moon island of Manna-hata and the purchase of this incredible town for 60 Dutch guilders, about $24, restaurants all over Manhattan are commemorating this great deal by offering:
The $24 Taste NiEuW Amsterdam menu through September 20th.
Greek restaurants in Astoria are like Starbucks in Manhattan; you seem to find on just about every block. With that said, there are many very good or great Greek restaurants in this area. There are bunches I haven’t yet been to, and there are also a few that I have named as my favorite at any given moment. There is the most well known and most highly acclaimed Taverna Kyclades, Bahari Estiatorio (formerly Stamatis…same owner, different name), and fan favorite Agnanti. Not to mention my favorite gyro joint, BZ Grill (to be discussed at a later date and time). I could probably name about a dozen more, but for the sake of getting to the point the restaurant that is my current favorite would be Aegean Cove.
My first introduction to the book Julie & Julia was in 2007, when I attended the Tin House Writers Workshop and had a three-minute meeting with the book’s editor. The meeting was for us to pitch our ideas and for the editors to give suggestions. I was so nervous I wanted to puke and the three minutes seemed to drag on for an eternity as I stumbled through the plot of my novel.
When I saw the book in Barnes & Noble a few months later, I didn’t buy it. Although Julie Powell had everything I wanted-a best-selling novel and movie rights-Julie & Julie, I felt, was below my own literary aspirations.(more…)
In this era of pizza pyrotechnics and continuously sprouting pizzaiolo stardom, it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that there are still places out there that deliver a good, solid sit-down pizza without the fanfare-induced fuss, long waits and high price tags.
Large Custom Pizza topped with spinach, black olives and shitake mushrooms
Vezzo Thin Crust Pizza is just one of those places and a low-key Murray Hill corner standby with spacious sidewalk seating. For primetime dining time for two on a Saturday evening, the wait was less than five minutes for an indoor table and approx. 20 for a sidewalk table. Although it was a warm but crisp September night, hunger dictated that we opt for the table that would be most rapidly available.(more…)
Everyone who works in Midtown knows that it’s difficult to find lunch without draining your bank account, especially if it’s quality food you’re after. I was skeptical about this area’s offerings as well, until I happened to walk by E. 41st St., where I found a block of Japanese establishments. There’s Chiyoshi Sushi, Yagura Japanese Sushi, and BOOKOFF, a Japanese used bookstore that also sells manga and import CDs. And then, like a beacon in the dark, there’s Café Zaiya.
Café Zaiya’s steady stream of customers told me that despite the recession, this place is still going strong. Three separate lines snaked out to the entrance. The front door kept swinging open to usher in more hungry people, each person trying to elbow past others to scan the lunch racks. Convinced, I decided to check it out. (more…)
Participating restaurants will showcase the mouthwatering bounty of local food and drink – as a prix fixe, a special entrée, a dessert, or a pairing with a wine, beer, or spirit made in New York State. Restaurants will make contributions to Greenmarket, a program to benefit Youth Education Project, which works to teach and nurture the eaters of tomorrow.
To book your table and view the list of participating restaurants, click on the image below.
Move up your dinner reservations and attend a food event that’s the first of it’s kind: NYC’s top-dog food critic and former New York Times restaurant critic, Frank Bruni will dish on food criticism, the restaurant biz and reveal a bit about his private self as well in a conversation with eater.com’s Ben Leventhal at next week’s NYC Food and Wine Festival. See details below and click on image for additional information.
From NYC Food & Wine Festival website:
Whether or not one agrees with his reviews, everyone recognizes the power wielded by former New York Times’ restaurant critic Frank Bruni. By offering praise or withholding it, he could forever change, with just a few keystrokes, the future of a struggling eatery or a once-honored dining establishment. Despite the controversies he sparked during his five years with the paper-or perhaps because of them-he has greatly influenced our collective expectations of dining out. In his first appearance since leaving the critic’s post, on October 8, Bruni will share something of the exacting standards to which he holds those whose work he critiques. He will also regale us with stories from the field, offer thoughts about the future of the restaurant industry, discuss his most talked-about reviews and even sign his surprising memoir, “Born Round,” in which he divulges some fascinating background about his history and relationship with food. Bruni Unveiled – Frank Bruni Conversation with Ben Leventhal, 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Friday, October 9.
Inconspicuously housed behind a charming storefront of an otherwise bustling West Village artery, Gottino offers a garden of delectable pleasures– both literally and figuratively. In the warmer months it’s possible to savor inventively-combined gourmet delights and discover a list of select, non-generic Italian wines in the sweet, ivy-laced garden of this adorably ambitious “gastroteca,” as chef/owner Jody Williams insists on calling her debut gem.
N'duja
The menu features seasonal small plates, salumi and artisinal cheeses representing all regions of Italy. It’s the perfect place to satisfy the urge for a “spuntino,” a small bite in between meals. (more…)
For a bar called “fast,” (”veloce” is Italian for “quick”), Bar Veloce in Chelsea delivers swiftness in all the ways that are desirable in a gastro wine bar. The fast factor is mainly derived from the fact that the menu items that are rapidly prepared and can be almost just as rapidly consumed. The menu is largely comprised of Italian antipasti specialties including bruschette, tramezzini, cheese and salumi and a varied assortment of panini. Bruschette and tramezzini range between $3-$9; panini are priced between $8 – $10. The wine list is long and exclusively Italian and is representative of the country’s northern and southern regions. The “by the glass” selection is generous and the wine list provides clear and to the point descriptions of each wine. Wine by the glass prices range between $7 – $14.
The decor is rustic, warm and straightforward. The bar area features an exposed brick backdrop with rows of wine bottles arranged parallel to the ceiling that give the illusion that they are floating. In contrast to the vibe of some other establishments in the neighborhood that seem to cater mostly to chasers of vacuous trends and hipster validation seekers, there is nothing obnoxiously self-conscious or even gimmicky about the decor or the vibe here. There is seating at the bar–an area that can accommodate approx. 15 people– and bar style tables with high stools surrounding the perimeter of the space. Prices are moderate and service is courteous and not rushed.(more…)
Whether it be a power luncheon or a first date, sushi restaurants are an ever popular destination of choice. Whether you’re a seasoned sushi-diner or are barely beyond the initiate stage, snippets.com offers some solid advice to help you avoid embarrassing table gaffes. Click on the image below for a free lesson in sushi-eating etiquette.
Fresh from a weekend trip to Boston, my friend and I arrived back in the brusque city streets of Chinatown where the scents of fish markets, dumplings and automobile exhaust accost you from every angle and the food is plentiful. Famished (notice how most of my entries mention my hunger pangs), we trudged along to Mott Street, my wheeled luggage jolting up and down over crooked sidewalk cracks.
Destination: Teariffic.
Squid Balls & Shrimp Balls Noodle Soup. Photo by Sarah Ip.
I had the Squid Balls & Shrimp Balls Noodle Soup ($4.85) and small hot Honey Green Tea ($2.55). I liked the squid balls, which had a chewy give, but for some reason (more…)
THE NEW YORK RESTAURANT REDUX: FRANK BRUNI WITH MIKE COLAMECO
Two restaurant insiders discuss what a New York City eatery needs to be successful today. Frank Bruni was the restaurant critic for The New York Times until August 2009. He is a contributing reporter for The New York Times Magazine. His new book is Born Round: The Secret History of a Full-Time Eater (Penguin Press, Aug 20, 2009). Mike Colameco is the host of WOR’s Food Talk and the author of the new book Mike Colameco’s Food Lover’s Guide to New York City (Wiley, Aug 24, 2009).
Sun, Nov 8, 7:30 pm, $35
MAX BRENNER: FOR THE LOVE OF CHOCOLATE
With gigantic vats of churning chocolate, famous desserts like the chocolate pizza and 12 varieties of hot chocolate served in custom mugs, Max Brenner, the Bald Man, has become an international sensation. His new cookbook, Chocolate: A Love Story Little (Brown and Company, Nov 2, 2009), is a must-have for every chocolate lover. Join his delicious conversation with culinary historian and cookbook author Francine Segan, and try some of his celebrated chocolate treats.
Tue Nov 17, 7-8:30 pm, $40
FRANCINE SEGAN’S WORLD OF TASTING: PIE: TASTING AND HISTORY
Francine Segan’s World of Tasting returns to the 92nd Street Y by popular demand. The author of The Philosopher’s Kitchen, Shakespeare’s Table, Movie Menus, and The Opera Lover’s Cookbook presents a tasting and lecture series that explores the past and present of our favorite foods and drinks from (A)pple pie to (Z)eppolis. Tonight she explores the fascinating history of pies, both sweet and savory. Find out the stories behind pie-eating contests and the three-foot-high pasta pies served to Italian royalty; pie recipes that won $25,000; why the expression “American as apple pie” is grossly and untrue and much more, including tasting of mock apple, lemon meringue and banana cream pies, tarts and savory pies. Recipe handouts allow you to indulge your sweet tooth at home.
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FOOD OUTINGS
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Fri, Nov 13, 10:30 am-1 pm, $45
DOWNTOWN CULINARY TOURS WITH ALEXANDRA LEAF: NOSHES AND NIBBLES IN THE WEST VILLAGE AND SOHO.
Join culinary historian and gourmet food expert Alexandra Leaf on exclusive visits to some of the city’s most luscious eateries. Get backstage access to world-class restaurants and shops, and participate in scrumptious tastings. Today it’s the West Village and Soho, including tastes of delectable artisan treats, fresh mozzarella, sublime chocolate, Sicilian rice balls and homemade cannoli. The tour ends with a glass of award-winning wine from a local winery. Leaf is the author of The Impressionists’ Table and Van Gogh’s Table. She teaches at the Institute of Culinary Education and is a member of Les Dames d’Escoffier International.
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COOKING DEMOS
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Thu, Nov 12, 7 pm, $45
COOKING WITH MIKE COLAMECO AT THE DELIA/CARL SCHAEDEL AND CO. SHOWROOM: THANKSGIVING SIDE DISHES
There’s more to Thanksgiving than turkey. There is stuffing! Cranberries! Sweet potatoes with mini-marshmallows! Chef Mike Colameco presents bimonthly cooking demonstrations at the Delia/Carl Schaedel and Co. showroom. Offered exclusively through the 92nd Street Y, his classes cover the basics and help home cooks become more proficient. Colameco has a daily show on WOR-AM and a weekly series, Colameco’s Food Show on Channel 13. All classes meet at the Delia/Carl Schaedel and Co. showroom at 969 Third Avenue (58th Street).
“Too few soaring exceptions to be above the average Billyberg dining experience”
A Review of El Almacén
BY ELENA MANCINI
El Almacén 557 Driggs Ave. (near N. 7th. St.) Williamsburg, Brooklyn 718-218-7284
Caustic charm, overly-contrived rustic decor and decently executed cuisine with a few soaring exceptions characterize this bustling Argentine Billyberg restaurant, falsely billed as Mexican by New York Magazine.
Corderito - Lamb chops
Let me start with the high points:If you’re a carnivore,–there’s little point to come here if your not–by all means the skirt steak, entrana. Thick, velvety-tender and served with chimichurri and potato-gratin, it towered above all of the four entrees and every item in the three course meal that my party of four and I ordered.
A somewhat distant second would be the lamb chops, the corderito. Succulent and elegantly marinated in chipotle bbq sauce, the lamb chops were tender and rich with flavor. While well seasoned and skillfully grilled, it does not quite deliver the palatal gratification of the skirt steak.(more…)
This giant walk-around tasting on November 2 features the city’s finest chefs and mixologists–all handpicked by New York’s culinary editor, Gillian Duffy–to give you the city’s best flavors in one room.
Taste an array of dishes prepared by some of the city’s most renowned chefs including Blue Hill’s Dan Barber, Dovetail’s John Fraser, Pegu Club’s Audrey Saunders and Marea’s Michael White. Enjoy, get inspired and chat with some of your favorite chefs. For a list of participating restaurants click here.
A portion of ticket proceeds will be donated to City Harvest, one of the city’s leading organizations for fighting hunger.
Ippudo
65 4th Ave
(between 9th St & 10th Streets)
East Village, NY 10003
(212) 388-0088 / ippudo.com/ny
Ippudo. Photo by Sarah Ip.
College students, take note: Ippudo is not your MSG-laden instant ramen packet. In fact, it’s a far cry from the run-of-the-mill supermarket variety, taking ramen to another level.
My friend and I were in the area for a Susie Suh / Big Phony show later that night at Joe’s Pub. It was a teaser of a fall to come: Brisk, chilly and decidedly ramen-worthy weather. What better way to warm up than with ramen?(more…)
Candy corn and Kit Kat bars are great, but for dental health’s sake, let’s keep in mind that there are other ways to embrace the spooky spirits that won’t line the dental industry’s coffers and are a little more gourmet-tasting as well:
Whether you’re hosting Halloween dinner or just want to have healthy, bite-size alternative available for the sugar-frenzied hoards of Trick-or-Treaters flocking to your doorstep, this Eye-Ball Caprese-saladfrom EvilMadScientist.com is a fun and easy gourmet treat.
“Top Chef Season Seven’s Open Casting Call and Talking to Top Chef Casting Top Dog”
BY ELENA MANCINI
The Emmy and James Beard award winning chef competition series, Top Chef Los Angeles ,will be hosting an open casting session for Season 7 at Craftsteak in New York City, this Sunday, November 8th.
Ever ask yourself what the casters of this high voltage food competition show look for in a contestant? I recently had the opportunity to gain some insights by speaking to Nick Gilhool, the Head of Casting for Magical Elves in Los Angeles and the guy in charge of casting Top Chef.
Aside from seeking out people who look like they’re “at the top of their game” or ” on the way to the top,” Nick looks for people with toward whom he has an immediate emotional response. “If someone made you laugh or cry, you know they’re going to be interesting.” When asked to name a contestant that he knew he absolutely had to cast, Nick immediately offered Top Chef, Fabio Viviani from Season 5. What was it about Fabio that struck an instantaneous chord with him? “He made us laugh,” Nick recounted. “I instantly wanted to get to know him more and I was curious to get to know his take on any given issue. The ability to induce curiosity is always a good indicator with entertainment.”
Nick, who has been with Magical Elves for two-and-a-half years, was not only approachable and easy going but also refreshingly upbeat. No doubt that attitude is also corroborated by the fact that he casts for a show that was voted number one food show on Cable T.V. and that he has what sounds like the coolest job in the world! Nick described his job as “hugely thrilling” and “like Christmas morning every day.” He loves the fact that he gets to constantly meet “cool people who have strong perspectives on life and learn about what they’re doing and find out what makes him tick.” And of course, the fine dining only sweetens the pot.
Oh and food show junkies, if you’re hungry for a new show to devour, look for Top Chef spin-off, Top Chef Just Desserts to air on Bravo sometime in 2010.
So do you think you may have the chops for competing on Top Chef? Open casting calls for season 7 will be held at six other locations throughout the nation. Click on the image above for details. Deadline for video submissions is December 4.
Otafuku
236 E 9th St
(between 2nd Ave & Stuyvesant St)
East Village
212-353-8503
Otafuku. Photo by Sarah Ip.
Tokyo, here I come! Well, almost. At least for twenty minutes I can pretend while chomping on my okonomiyaki(Japanese grilled pancake), brimming over with beef, shredded cabbage, katsuoboshi, special sauce, mayonnaise and aonori (seaweed powder), along with six creamy, fried takoyaki(octopus) balls. For a mere $9, Otafuku brings it hard.
Occasion: Post-wedding. My friends were wed on Halloween. As to the curious questions from passersby concerning our “costumes”: “You mean these? We just got married!” Yes, here comes the wedding party, dressed in black dresses and dapper tuxes. After clinking champagne glasses and scarfing down vegan cupcakes (albeit tasty), I was ready for some real sustenance.
Takoyaki. Photo by Sarah Ip.
Cue Otafuku. Otafuku is a true hole-in-the-wall in this New York City dining oasis. The eatery only specializes in a few items, but makes them with skill and enthusiasm. Choose from four “Combos,” each a slightly different combination of okonomiyaki, takoyaki and yakisoba. My friend got Combo C: the Yakisoba and Takoyaki set. I had Combo B, Okonomiyaki and Takoyaki. My takoyaki morsels were crispy on the outside, moist and chewy on the inside (but I don’t suggest poking them). They contained chopped octopus, scallions and ginger. The takoyaki alone would have filled me up. Drenched in thick batter, they were larger than life – both in bite and in flavor.
Okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake, is a Japanese term that translates into “cooked as you like it.” It originated in the Kansai region of Japan but can be eaten most anywhere in the country. Toppings and cooking methods vary by region, with each area putting their own twist on this classic favorite.
The okonomiyaki here was more doughy and liquid-like than I had anticipated, but that’s not saying much since it was my first time having it. The consistency was probably watery due to the high volume of cabbage. I prefer one that’s a little more dense and solid. Still, after chowing down on Combo B, I’ve safely concluded that okonomiyaki is to takoyaki as Bonnie is to Clyde. I challenge you to find a better partner in crime!
Combo B: Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki. Photo by Sarah Ip.
Save for a tiny bench in front, no other seating could be found. But it must be the way to attract customers. Even in the rain, people stopped by after watching my friend and I dig into our piping hot take-out plates.
The staff is boisterous and helpful – the kind of folks I could see myself having a friendly chat with. And they’re fun to watch at work (making my okonomiyaki from scratch!). My server asked me if I wanted “everything” on my okonomiyaki. I eagerly nodded “yes.” He immediately drizzled a swamp of brown goo all over my okonomiyaki and takoyaki. A little bit overboard in taste – salt and a strong fish flavor from the katsuoboshi arrested my tongue – but I appreciated the thought. Guess I’m not that big a fan of the Otafuku sauce, which is like a thicker, sweeter Worcester sauce. From what I gather, Otafuku sauce is more powerful when applied to heat. Although it’s tempting to dig right in, be careful not to zing your tongue in your anticipation.
Combo C: Takoyaki and Yakisoba. Photo by Sarah Ip.
The yakisoba, unfortunately, did not live up to the same quality. The noodles were a bit greasy, and I could make the same at home. My Combo was definitely more filling than my friend’s, and he had to help finish mine, which is saying a lot since I can “eat like a horse.” For $1 more, you can also order taiyaki, or sweet Japanese fish-shaped cake.
Prices are fair for the portion size, and the warm-in-your-belly food shoos the hunger pangs away. Otafuku serves up authentic (for New York) Japanese street food. Now that’s fast food I’d be willing to have on a regular basis
Wow your Thanksgiving guests with this elegant bundt cake that celebrates sophisticated flavors of autumn. The recipe will be featured in Chrysta Wilson and Amy Reiley’s upcoming book, Kiss My Bundt and is a Bon Appétit Blog Envy Bake-Off Contestant.
Voting is taking place now. Click here to submit your vote. Note: quick online registration required.
Image from fussyeater.com
For step by step directions for making this lovely seasonal dessert, click on the image above.
Kudos to Eric Asimov for featuring the wonders of amari, Italian digestifs. My friends have long heard me sing the praises of these great tasting, wonder-working postprandial herbal drinks. My nonna prepares her own miracle-working digestivo at home–nocino (walnut liqueur). It’s prepared with cloves, walnuts, spirits and espresso. As with everything she makes, she distills the nocino by instinct, so I will simply have to watch her make it next time I visit Naples.
Click on the bottles above for Asimovs article on ” amari.”
Among the commercially available varieties of these digestive elixirs, my favorite is Amaro Ramazzotti.
Pick up a bottle to take it to your Thanksgiving party, you and your hosts will be happy you did!
Kunjip
9 W. 32nd St
(between 5th Ave & Broadway) Koreatown, NY 10001
212-216-9487 – www.kunjip.net
If Koreatown was a high school, Kunjip would be the popular kid. It’s one of Koreatown’s more established late-night standbys and the go-to place for all things concerning Korean cuisine. And everyone knows it. The restaurant, which means “big house” in Korean, never lacks customers. From your first step inside, a menu is shoved in your face. Before you even get a table, you’ve probably already placed your order.
Budae Chigae. Photo by Sarah Ip.
This time around, I hadBudae Chigae(12.95), which means “army stew” in Korean. (more…)
CHRISTOPHER KIMBALL AND JACK BISHOP: TASTING WITH THE TEST KITCHEN
Christopher Kimball, the host of America’s Test Kitchen, and Jack Bishop, the show’s editorial director, discuss its upcoming 10th season and invite members of the audience to join them onstage for a tasting. Kimball is also the host of Cook’s Country TV and the founder, editor and publisher of Cook’s Illustrated and Cook’s Country magazines. Bishop oversees Cook’s Illustrated and Cook’s Country magazines, along with the Web site. The ticket price includes a copy of their new HolidayEntertaining magazine and a tasting of a delicious treat.
Tue, Dec 15, 6:30 pm, $18
EATING FOR A NEW YOU IN THE NEW ECONOMY
Eating healthily doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Learn how to reduce calories and cut costs while discovering creative ways to balance dining out, ordering in and properly stocking a pantry. Obtain tips for determining when it’s worth spending extra for organics and supplements and how to take control of your trigger foods. Heather Bauer, RD, CDN, is the author of The Wall Street Diet and the founder of Nu-train, where she and Stephanie Middleberg, MS, RD, CDN, provide lifestyle-driven nutrition counseling.
Tue, Dec 15, 7-8:30 pm, $40
FRANCINE SEGAN’S WORLD OF TASTING: LA DOLCE VITA! ITALIAN DESSERT TASTING
Francine Segan’s World of Tasting returns to the 92nd Street Y by popular demand. The author of The Philosopher’s Kitchen,Shakespeare’s Table, Movie Menus, and The Opera Lover’s Cookbook presents a tasting and lecture series that explores the past and present of our favorite foods and drinks from (A)pple pie to (Z)eppolis. Tonight it’s Italy’s sublime pastries and dessert – think cannoli, gelato, rum baba, biscotti, amaretti, granite, and marzipan. Discover the roles Christopher Columbus and Casanova played in Italy’s chocolate history and learn about the sweet advantage Italy had over the rest of Europe in developing dessert. Learn about special Carnival, Easter and Christmas desserts and the many influences Italy has had on America’s classic desserts. Includes a tasting of dozens of desserts and hand-on practice “sculpting” with marzipan.
Sun, Dec 20, 7 pm, $39 (includes a kosher buffet dinner)
JEWS AND CHINESE FOOD: A LOVE AFFAIR
Just in time for the most important day on the Sino-Judeo calendar (more…)
My visit to Paris last summer was short, but what I remember most is obviously the food – especially the incredible pastries. I’ve never eaten so many amazing foods in one weekend. I definitely gained back some of the pounds I had lost living in London, where the only food I managed to fall in love with was fried chicken.
Le Barricou - Image from Le Barricou's website
Tuesday night I took a journey back to that romantic city via Le Barricou, 533 Grand St., in East Williamsburg. According to its web site, the bistro offers southern French dishes. (more…)
I decided to try out Lederhosen one night when I was poking around the West Village because my friend Stephanie had spoken highly of it and told me that I MUST go there.
Bratwurst and Bratkartoffeln at Lederhosen - Photo by Carolyn Onofrio
Set down a few steps from the street, it was warm and inviting.The dining room was comprised of several wooden tables and little else aside from a large mural that covered all three walls floor to ceiling of, what I would assume, was the German countryside.(more…)
Thanksgiving is the favorite holiday of every gastronome and, consequently, of every oenophile. Who knows what the Pilgrims drank with dinner? Ale? Cider? We might throw a cider or two into our Thanksgiving case and I don’t have a bad word to say about fine ale, but this is a holiday for wine – light, refreshing red wines with acidity to tackle cranberry sauce and character that will marry strange combinations.
But wait. Thanksgiving is over. Why am I writing a piece that everyone else finished weeks ago? This is, in fact, a post-Thanksgiving wine review. Use it as a recommendation for what to buy next year if you would like or, better yet, look for a wine to have with dinner tonight. The vino that we fret over this one day of the year happens to be my favorite anyway, so I would recommend most of these on an average day.
On my plate last Thursday, fish-pie shared a space with wild turkey and some sort of citrus salad (we had a potluck but provided turkey, pie and some vegetables.) Is any wine perfect for such a plate? Not at all. But this is the fun of Thanksgiving wine buying and why it has become such a foodie sport. If you’re much, much richer than I am, you can buy good Burgundies and Northern Rhones and call it a day. For you, I am not writing this (although I would love an invitation to next year’s dinner.) The rest of us are left to choose from wines under $20.(more…)
Little Saigon
253-09 Northern Blvd Douglaston, NY 11362
(718) 631-8000
Service with a Song – Review of Little Saigon
BY SARAH IP
Sometimes it can be hard to muster enthusiasm over food when your daily staples consist of PB&J toast, ramen and chicken (albeit cooked four different ways, at the end of the day it’s still chicken). Lately, these have been my home meals. My lunching and snacking habits at work aren’t much more inspiring. Granola bars, nuts, raisins, copious ham, egg & cheese sandwiches, tacos, a cheese slice.
Thank goodness for Little Saigon! When I’m stuck in a food rut or just longing for some quick Chinese-Vietnamese food, Little Saigon provides fuel for the brain.
Pho. Photo by Sarah Ip.
Mainstays: Pho, lemongrass shrimp fried rice, chicken/beef satay, spring rolls, any of the bun(or rice vermicelli) dishes, and bottomless refills of oolong tea – a full-bodied, nutty brew with a tinge of sweetness. The curry’s not bad either, although it definitely tastes more Chinese than anything else. (more…)
Time is ticking and that ball that will land us into the lap of a new decade– and hopefully a happy and prosperous 2010– is poised to drop in twenty days from now. Whether you’re looking for a party that’s posh and trendy or something a little more downbeat, Schecky’s guide will help you locate the venue that’s right for you and in your price range.
Click on image for 2010 party listings brought to you by scheckys.com
Whatever you decide, I hope that you’ll ring it in in style, conviviality and lots of delicious flavors!
This past weekend I was fortunate enough to get a reservation at the, barely three month old, SD26. Located at the southeast corner of Madison Square Park, I made my way with my two dinner dates to SD26. When you first walk in, you are greeted with a modern, yet cozy wine bar setup with high sleek stools at the bar, and low booth space on the opposite wall. The hostess led us through the bar (which I wouldn’t have minded staying for a drink in) and into a large lofted dining room with an open kitchen complete with Chef’s Table.
Our hostess dropped us off at our table and we were promptly greeted with a glass of Prosecco, a computerized wine list and a selection of homemade breads (very, very good bread). Not only was it a fun and novel way to choose a wine, but with about 1,000 labels in their cellar a computer was also the only way I would ever want to look at a wine list that large. I finally decided on a modestly priced glass of red wine at $13.
Computerized, Touch-Screen Wine List at SD26
The menu was comprised of small plates (some of which were available in larger sizes). Our waiter suggested we order 3 to 4 plates per person. (more…)
“Return-worthy despite the misses – A Review of Karahi”
BY BETH KAISERMAN
Karahi
118 Christopher St., between Bedford St. and Bleecker St.
West Village
(212) 965-1515 / karahi.com/
Up until last night, I hadn’t been out in the West Village since the summer, when the sun and humidity dehydrated me and made me sweat.
Last night, the food at Karahi provided a nice amount of heat for an evening out.
Karahi, NYC
I’ve been lucky; I often had delicious Indian food made by my Indian friends for three years in college. (So good that my roommates and I would eat it even if we had just finished our own dinner.) Thus, I always predict to be slightly disappointed by any Indian restaurant I try. But this one offered a nice intimate atmosphere and a good variety of dishes to choose from. The restaurant’s cuisine is “one of “Purifying,” bringing together simplicity and lightness,” according to Karahi’s web site. I agree with that statement; the flavors in the dishes weren’t too complex and were almost refreshing in a way. I love Indian food because it exhilarates the palate.(more…)
Exterior of La Estufa Restaurant - from laestufarestaurant.com
La Estufa is a personal Inwood neighborhood favorite of mine. A former tiny rundown bodega, it is in its new incarnation under consideration for a Zagat listing; it is close by (a flight of 102 steps – downhill– away from my apartment); and the waiters are uniformly friendly and eager to exchange the latest gossip about prominent sports figures, as well as to recommend their favorite foods. It’s a communal dining experience—their parting shot after filling your order is always to sing out “Enjoy!”(more…)
How often do you go to a restaurant nowadays and notice an item on the menu that includes truffle oil? It’s easily one of the more popular ingredients to add complexity to dishes and for those of us who enjoy the unmistakable aroma and earthiness; it is a welcome addition to just about anything. Truffle oil also allows us to add that special something to a dish in a far more value conscious way than ordering a dish with actual white or black truffles. Truffles are among the most expensive items in the culinary world and some of the higher end New York City restaurants will charge hundreds of dollars to indulge in a menu with truffles in every dish. Which is why it was so interesting to hear about the $50 prix fixe White Alba Truffle dinner at Sapori d’Ischia in Woodside, Queens.(more…)
Visit The Gotham Palate’s online shop for wonderful gifts for that foodie you love. Purchase a mug, apron, tote bag, T-shirt and other fine items that celebrate good food, service and ambiance. Click on any item below to link to the shop.
Shopping at The Gotham Palate Shop allows you to engage in conscious spending because 15% of all proceeds are donated to Food Bank for New York City.
Indian Road Café
New American Comfort Food 600 W. 218th Street at Indian Road 212-942-7451 / indianroadcafe.com
“The Last Café on the Only Road” – A Review of Indian Road Café
BY CLAIRE McCURDY
Image from http://wahi.typepad.com/the_streets_where_we_live/2009/02/indian-road-cafe-trivia-night-tomorrow-.html
Indian Road Café, the last café on the only road in Manhattan, is a show-stopper. There is just nothing else like it in the city. Indian Road Café is set in a part of New York where vestpocket, postage stamp, tiny and minute storefronts are the rule. It physically subsumes the space once occupied by a decrepit supermarket, whose floorboards were a public hazard. Indian Road Café is expansive, with a panoramic view of the Henry Hudson Bridge, the river, a long expanse of grass and trees with a few yellow and red leaves still hanging from them, and the Columbia University Boathouse. It is roomy and relaxed and extremely comfortable, so that an individual or a large party can sprawl about and relax. A friend of mine once kayaked up the river and carrying the kayak across the lawn to the restaurant to join me. It was exhilarating! So not New York.(more…)
I had wanted to try out Nero D’ Avola (AKA Nero) for a long time. I’m a little embarrassed to say, but I’m a Meatpacking lover and the location sold it for me. A few of my friends had also been there for various occasions and didn’t have anything bad to say about it, not to mention it was on the MTV show The City. Don’t get me wrong, none of these things made it a credible destination but I decided it would be a good place to take a friend of mine from Miami.
Orecchiette at Nero D’ Avola
We showed up without reservations and were seated next to the door. Not ideal, but there really wasn’t another seat in the house. The place was smaller than I had imagined, packed with twenty-somethings on dates, celebrating a birthday, etc., all dressed to the nines no doubt ready to hit up their favorite Meatpacking club after dinner. (more…)
I’ve had my share of good pad thai before – from Boston’s Brown Sugarto Penang Grillin Stamford, Conn., and Soho’s Peep. But the best so far would have to be Pinto.
I picked this spot to celebrate my friend’s 22nd birthday because of good reviews from friends over the summer. It was just the three of us. For first-timers, the West Village can be disorienting and you can get lost even with a map. After sufficiently walking in enough triangles to make our heads spin, we finally made it.
Pinto was darkly lit, like a demure, mysterious lover trying to play coy. Small candles throughout illuminated the small L-shaped bar. Our bartender clinked glasses as she deftly blended liquors in the cocktail shakers. Our two male waiters, both lanky and tall, looked like they had popped out of a GQ magazine, or maybe just hipster Williamsburg – one in wavy, messy curls and the other in an asymmetric faux Mohawk that curled into a mini bouffant on top. They were men of few words but were very accommodating, especially when I asked one of them to bring out the cheesecake at the end and surprise my friend.(more…)
Best wishes for happy, healthy and prosperous 2010, from Elena and The Gotham Palate Team!
Elena, enjoying a glass of Valpolicella at Osteria Sottoriva, Verona
We are looking forward to helping you make it another great year of delicious NYC dining!
In the meantime, we thank you for your continued readership and offer you some of the highlights from 2009 at The Gotham Palate:
- I have had the pleasure and good fortune of recruiting a dynamic and diverse team of passionate foodies, see the Contributor’s Page for some of the writer profiles. If you’re interested in contributing some writing or joining the Gotham Palate Team, please visit the Submissions Page.
Click on The Gotham Palate Mug to link to The Gotham Palate Shop
- Finally, some images from my beautiful, battery-recharging trip to Italy this summer. Traveling from North to South, from Garda Lake to Bari, with stays in Reggio Emilia, Rome, the isle of Ponza, and Naples, was not only wonderful way to re-create and reconnect with family and old friends, but a deeply inspiring and palate invigorating time!
Historic Corato, Bari - decorated for annual San Cataldo Feast
Penne all' arrabiata - La Vinicola, Pompeii
Torte di baba' - Pasticceria Leo, Napoli
Chiaia di Luna - Isle of Ponza
Orecchiette di grano bruciato (roasted wheat orecchiette) - Taverna Sforza, Castel del Monte, Andria, Bari
A refreshing quartino Pampanuto di Puglia
Rice, mussels and potatoes - a beloved Apulian specialty
Looking for shelter and glass of something that would warm me up, I stumbled into Cavatappo Wine Bar. It was around 3 O’clock on a Saturday afternoon and there was no one in the place, save the help. Our waiter informed us that we had arrived just in time for happy hour, and proceeded to list off all the drinks that were included in the $4 specials… House wines, sangria, a few different beers, and the list went on. I settled for the Pineapple Sangria. The wine list wasn’t extensive but I later learned that it is always changing.
Bijaru Coffee Shop, probably named for Bijaru Cuba, is an Inwood treasure. It is a tiny little down-home Dominican place located right under the #1 elevated subway stop. Business hours are daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The owner, Maria Conlon, and her relatives run the place.
The place is a home away from home for many of the customers—conversation is top decibel punctuated with frequent rowdy laughter, even drowning out the Spanish language game shows on the TV overhead. Cuisine falls under the heading of Dominican fast food, like pollo guisado, (chicken stew) or plaintains, beans and rice, favorites— and indeed it is fast, orders and service, including take-out, can be under 5 minutes. So when you hear the #1 train roaring down the tracks you can grab your bag and be up the two flights of stairs in time to catch it.
Why do I love Bijaru? The caffe con leche—equivalent of a cappuccino—is delicious and costs $1.25, as opposed to the exalted prices elsewhere in this city. And you can buy a giant slice of homemade bread pudding studded with raisins to get your carbohydrate rush for the day—it easily lasts till early afternoon. And the folks are lovely. The owner is slowly but surely, and with great patience and humor, teaching me restaurant Spanish and critiquing my dress sense. (A big hit the other day—black wool coat with turquoise off-the-street scarf). She exclaimed, “Me parece linda!” and translated—“You look VERY nice!”). What a wonderful warm way to start the day—coffee, food, and compliments.
In a city of infinite food options, there are some places you walk by often and always think you’ll make time to explore someday soon.
I finally planned an earlier trek to work so I could stop by Hampton Chutney Co., 68 Prince St. There’s also an uptown location on Amsterdam Ave. between 82nd and 83rd Street.
Dosa - Photo by Beth Kaisermann
Perfect for a quick lunch stop, Hampton Chutney Co. serves up tasty dosas and uttapas with fresh chutneys, and it’s not a bad stop for a cookie, either. The restaurant began in Amagansett in the Hamptons, opened in SoHo in 2001, and established the uptown locationin 2006. The service at the SoHo spot was very quick and informal, with stools and small tables for dining in.(more…)
Taken from itchefs.com - Click on image for full event announcement
The International Day of Italian Cuisines of 17th January 2010 will be launched with a world premiere on 14th January to be held at the Italian Culinary Academy (ICA) in New York City. “Due to its history, NYC is the ideal capital of worldwide Italian cuisine,” says Cesare Casella, executive chef of Salumeria Rosi in the Big Apple, leader of the GVCI in USA and more than anything else director of the Italian Culinary Studies of New York International Culinary Institute. Participating in a symbolic collective cooking of tagliatelle in the New York City premiere, will also be Mario Batali, the American chef who, maybe more than any other, has contributed to acquainting the USA with modern oenogastronomic Italy. Batali is a scholar of ragù alla bolognese, having taken his first steps as chef in the city of Bologna and the surrounding province. The evening before, 13th January, also at the ICA of New York City, during a Gala Dinner, the list of the Italian Cuisine Worldwide Awards will be announced, to recognize especific personalities in different countries who have stand out in their dedication in making genuine Italian culinary culture known. The dinner will be prepared by Chicco and Roberto Cerea, chef patrons of Da Vittorio, Brusaporto, Province of Bergamo, recently awarded their third Michelin star, without any doubt, two of Italy’s most prominent chefs.
I met a group of old friends at Three of Cups recently. I had only been there briefly before, stopping by their lounge downstairs to pick up a friend. My experience, although short lived, did not make Three of Cups seem like the type of place I wanted to spend a nice night catching up over dinner and drinks with the girls. The place was packed with bikers, and metal and rock music were blaring from the DJ booth. Don’t get me wrong, a fun night out, but not my first choice for a weeknight dinner.
Pollo Milanese alla Tre di Coppa. Photo by Carolyn Onofrio
However, when I walked into the main upstairs entrance I was pleasantly surprised to find a small bar, a fireplace, and even some tasteful Christmas decorations. (more…)
Lazy Catfish
593 Lorimer Street
718-599-9055 Williamsburg
I first went to the Lazy Catfish about two years ago when a friend of mine got a bartending gig there. The first time I went he insisted that I try the food; always up for a new culinary adventure, I tried the food and was instantly hooked.
My friend no longer works at the Lazy Catfish, but every so often I make the trip. In this instance, a friend of mine had just moved to the area and I thought that he might enjoy the free cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon that are offered on Tuesday nights between 8:30 and 10:00. It was also a good excuse to order up my favorite chicken club in the city.
Chicken club sandwich at Lazy Catfish in Williamsburg
The Lazy Catfish is a rather non-descript bar in a pretty quiet neighborhood. There is a sign hanging over the red awing with “Lazy Catfish” on it in a hard-to-read font and can be easy to pass if you’re not sure what you’re looking for. The main bar area when you first walk in is decorated in worn red velvet. (more…)
“Purveyors of cheap delicious eats and more” – Review of La Nueva Espana
BY CLAIRE McCURDY
A review of La Nueva Espana
La Nueva Espana
“Spanish”- Rotisserie Chicken, with Dominican Sides
606 W 207th Street Inwood (212) 567-0500 – restaurantlanuevaespana.com
Interior of La Nueva Espana - from restaurantlanuevaespana.com
Dining in Inwood can be a great cross-cultural experience. It’s not just the food, it’s the ambience. The Dominican warmth of a place like La Nueva Espana is apparent from the moment one steps in the door. On a recent evening several waitresses immediately came forward to invite us, a group of five, to find our seats. A speedy executive decision was taken and my brother, sister in law, nephew and friend and I were quickly ushered upstairs to a spot which could accommodate us all, to an expansive room with a picture window, which gave our waitress a little quiet space to give us the grand tour of the menu. Seeing me brandishing my Spanish dictionary, she smiled and waved it away. Her excellent English abolished the need for me to attempt to bumble my way through the order in Spanish. She gave us a clear and friendly explanation of every dish we enquired about, all of which proved to be wonderful.
My brother and his family, from suburban Connecticut, very much wanted another visit to this New York City restaurant they had first tried over two years ago. They were eager to try its several new versions of chicken, which they remembered fondly. So we ordered the pollo al ajillo (chicken in garlic sauce); the pollo al limon (lemon chicken), pechuga de pollo con camarones (chicken with shrimp), and a sampling of the sides: red beans and rice, tostones (fried green plantains) and maduros (fried sweet plaintains). A near silence reigned for some time while we savored our meals. My pollo al limon was pungent, crisp, just slightly oily, and exactly what I had hoped. And the tostones, which were huge, were crisp, slightly sweet, not at all oily, and crackling—almost like potato chips, and a great offset to the densely sauce drenched main dishes.(more…)
Behind every delicious meal is a high quality oil. This statement holds true for most cuisines.
Choosing from among the vast array of cooking oils available in the supermarket aisles can be confusing enough,but sorting out fact from hype with the common misleading labeling practices furnishes a whole other layer of confusion.
The Gourmet Foodie breaks down the essentials behind shopping for a quality olive oil.
The Cerea Brothers: Chefs Bobbo and Chicco of Da Vittorio Relais & Chateux, Bergamo, Italy
After a twenty minute technical glitch induced delay, the fifty or so attendees were extended a warm welcome by Italian Culinary Academy Dean and Chef-Owner of Salumeria Rosi, Cesare Casella, who was donning a chef smock accessorized with his signature rosemary flair. Casella gave a gracious but informal introduction to the Cerea brothers, Chicco (Enrico) and Bobbo (Roberto), underscored their reputation in the European culinary world and emphasized the prestige and significance of the three-star Michelin distinction awarded to their family-run restaurant-spa, da Vittorio.(more…)
“Luzzo birthday bash – celebrating food and fun at Ovest Pizzoteca”
BY BETH KAISERMAN
Though the pizza oven wasn’t yet up-and-running, Luzzo’s pizza was on hand for the owner’s birthday party at his latest restaurant, Ovest Pizzoteca, 513 W. 27th St., in Chelsea.
Birthday party in progress at Ovest Pizzoteca - Jan. 2010
The celebration kicked off with plenty of Prosecco and a plethora of finger food, served buffet-style. While the music blared, a Queen concert was shown on the TV, since Queen is Luzzo’s favorite band, manager Eden Tesfamariam said. The restaurant is cozy and has a relaxed, informal vibe.
Row of Italian red wines - section of bar at Ovest Pizzoteca
The festivity was a preview of “aperitivo,” an event of free appetizers, drinks and wine specials that will be held for the after-work crowd from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. during weekdays at the restaurant. The appetizers served at the party included fried calamari, meatballs and various bruschetta. But the highlight was the amazingly smoky pizza brought in from Luzzo’s, 211 First Avenue. Ovest Pizzoteca’s pizza oven will be operating this week, Tesfamariam said.
The restaurant will hold its grand opening in February and will also have an event during Fashion Week, February 11 to 18.
Lazy Williamsburg mornings are the best – especially because there are so many great little stops for a laid-back breakfast.
French Toast at Bliss Cafe' - Photo by Beth Kaiserman
To accommodate my vegetarian houseguest, who had an irritating confrontation with bacon-laced French toast the previous evening, I suggested Bliss Café, 191 Bedford Ave., for brunch on Sunday. The café is all vegetarian and vegan.(more…)
I was excited walking into Bistrouge. It was a cozy little hole in the wall complete with a bar, a small open kitchen, exposed brick walls, and red leather banquets. The crew, including the visible kitchen staff were young, no older than 30 years old. My boyfriend and I were promptly greeted by our friendly waitress who can only be described as cute. Everything down to her lovely accent (somewhere out of the Netherlands perhaps) was charming, sweet, and sincere. She presented us with our menus, simple parchment paper on clip boards and scurried around the corner to her waitress station out of sight.
“Tender” lamb skewers at Bistrorouge - Photo by Carolyn Onofrey
The menu was comprised of mostly Turkish and Mediterranean inspired fare including Turkish beer and wine. Although not overly inspiring, the menu items sounded simple and light and so I was eager to try the tender lamb skewers ($16).
Our drinks came first, cocktails of Maker’s Markand Carpano Anticaoutfitted with chunks of Japanese cut ice (large, hand-cut ice cubes), which our waitress was quick to inform us was for a colder and less watered down drink. Strong, aromatic, and sweet, the Kentucky Sunrise 2.0 ($12) was a wonderful drink to sip on and had me wishing I was sitting under the hot Kentucky sun at the horse races. (more…)
BEST BURGERS IN THE BRONX! Share the mystery! – A Review of Pipers Kilt Restaurant
BY CLAIRE McCURDY
Pipers Kilt Restaurant
170 W 231st St Kingsbridge, Bronx (718) 548-9539
BEST BURGERS IN TOWN/THE BRONX! Truth in advertising. A sign outside the Piper’s Kilt makes this bold claim and it is born out by the menu and the customers. And after your eyes get used to the dim near-religious light, you will see a number of happy veteran (local, Irish descent) customers who can attest to the quality of the food and the beer. It is truly a neighborhood bar—as soon as customers (most of them) come through the door the barman calls out their drinks and one of his progeny scurries to bring it over as they eddy through the crowd. It’s also very friendly and sociable. An elderly customer in a bobble hat at the bar was kissed by no fewer than three effusive ladies.
Photo from cheapassfood.com
The burgers –- with mushrooms, onions, BBQ sauce, bacon, Swiss cheese, chili-topped— are taken for granted—you can order other things (steak, chicken, wraps, even salad) but really, why would you want to? Especially when the burger menu alone features a full twelve items including the heretical veggie and salmon burgers, and they’re all REALLY good. (more…)
After nearly shattering our vocals during three hours of intense karaoke, my friend C and I were on the hunt for victuals. Still unable to consume the more fiery offerings of Pocha 32 (notably, the kimchi and gochujang-soaked budae chigae), I chose Gahm Mi Oak for a change. From outside, sparkling white Christmas lights cast a soft glow over the people eagerly eating and chatting away within.
Gahm Mi Oak’s taste palate is actually more akin to a hybridized take on Korean cuisine than straight-up Korean BBQ. In fact, Gahm Mi Oak doesn’t even sell Gopdol (stone-bowl) Bibimbap, only the cold version, which C and I both had. At $14.95, it was one of the less expensive items on the menu, though it was rather light and not fully satisfying.(more…)
Baccala carpaccio with pancetta mousse and hazelnut-espresso crumble
Baccala’ carpaccio:
100 gr. Filleted baccala’
Roll the fillets of baccala’ into the shape of a cylinder. Wrap the roll in plastic food wrap and place into freezer until frozen. Cut the frozen roll of baccala’ into 1mm. slices.(more…)
The Chanel of Comfort Food – Ritz Carlton’s Classic Desserts Redefined
BY ELENA MANCINI
Forget the orchid petal garnished lavender-chamomile sorbet, the Ritz has introduced a new dessert menu that will make you want to forsake your New Year’s Resolution. Break out your “only this once” excuse and transgress! The taste rewards are worth it.
Ritz-Molten Chocolate Cake
With its recently launched new dessert line, Classic Desserts Redefined, The Ritz-Carlton is restoring the classics of American and continental patisserie to their natural glory by bringing them into the fold of their haute culinary repertoire, and proposing a concept that will goes down as easily as a cup of hot cocoa on a cold wintry night: dessert as the new comfort food. Not that it would take any effort to convince anyone with a sweet tooth of the healing powers of decadent chocolate or cheese cake, but comfort food in recent years has generally been associated with the hearty joys of meatloaf or Thanksgiving dinner, not necessarily a gorgeous hunk of double fudge cake or bread butter pudding. And from the look and the tastes of this new menu, the idea is bound to be a winner. (more…)
Creme Brulee - Classic Desserts Redefined by Ritz Carlton
INGREDIENTS:
26 each large eggs
2 1/4 cups granulated sugar
2 1/4 quarts heavy cream
3 each vanilla beans, split and scraped
METHOD:
Heat cream and vanilla bean seeds. Bring cream mixture to 158 degrees F, and cover with plastic wrap. Set aside. Combine yolks and sugar together until well blended. Add warm liquid to the egg mixture. Strain and pour 1 cup of liquid into 10 oven-safe bowls. Bake at 350 degrees F in water bath until custard is set (approx. 50 minutes). Remove from oven and allow to cool. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until needed.
ASSEMBLY:
Dust surface of each with granulated sugar and torch or broil until caramelized. Garnish with fresh berries.
Something for everyone – The five best beer destinations in New York City
BY CAROLYN ONOFREY
In recent years the popularity of beer has increased dramatically in New York. What was once a beverage enjoyed by few, usually of the male demographic, with the sole purpose of drinking to get drunk has now turned into flavorful, stimulating, and enjoyable experience suited for men and women alike. Here are my top 5 beer destinations with something to suit any mood or palate:
The Brooklyn Brewery is open to the public for drinks straight from source on Friday nights from 6-11pm and on Saturday and Sundays from noon- 6pm. They also offer free tours of the brewery where they brew some (but not all) of their beer, weekends at 1,2,3, and 4pm.
Decor is minimal, essentailly just picinic tables inside a large garage (it IS the brewery afterall), but bringing your own food is encouraged if you can snag a table for you and your friends. Come early on Friday nights, tables go quickly. With six rotating taps of Brooklyn’s finest, there is something for everyone and at about $4.50 per beer, this place is a steal! If you ask the regualars, “the beer just tastes better here.”
No New York beer list is complete without paying homage to the historical Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden. As the only original beer garden of New York City still standing, it is a must see because not much has changed since Bohemian Hall was constructed in 1910 by the Czech and Slovak immigrants who settled in Queens. Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden is a great place to grab picnic table filled with friends and family and enjoy a nice selection of Czech and German brews or even some delectable traditional Czech food. Lines can get long during the day on weekends in clement weather, but it is a lively experience that cannot be missed.
While not all the beers served at the Burp Castle are of Belgian descent, the atmosphere certainly makes it seem that way. Enter; a dark wood bar area, reminiscent of a library with high top tables and a mural covering every wall of the small, cozy space. Bartenders, knowledgeable and friendly and spotted occasionally in “Brewist Monk” garb. A quiet, neighborhood bar that will stay that way if the bartenders and regulars can help it… and they do help it, but shushing you if you get too loud. The taps are constantly changing and the chalk board listing what is currently available is always a thought provoking list of choices that most have probably never even heard of. While beers are a bit expensive, ranging from $6- $10 a glass (not necessarily a pint depending on the style of beer), it is well worth it to be able to enjoy your company (and your drink) as if you were in your own home.
Serving up only American craft brewed beers, The Pony Bar is the #1 spot to get your fix and support your country. There are 20 taps to choose from and usually 2 that you can find in the casks. With the tendency to get jam packed during after work hours, your best bet is to stop by on the weekend for a lunchtime beer. If you decide you’re up for the challenge, join the Pony All Americans, and in true American spirit overindulge in your favorite beers and get rewarded! 100 beers on your list and you’re inducted into the Pony All-American club. The prize includes an All-American brewery shirt, a video review of a beer of your choosing to be posted on the website, and first dibs on a seat to one of The Pony Bar’s destination brewery trips. There are also special beer events hosted by craft breweries from around the country fairly frequently. Check out their website for details on events. Happy drinking.
One of four Ginger Man bars (the other three located in Texas), The Ginger Man NY, with 70 taps and over 150 bottles has the largest selection of beer from around the world that you will find in New York City. With beer from Sri Lanka to Switzerland to Brazil and everywhere in between, there is truly something for everyone at The Ginger Man. If you can, stay far away from the afterwork crowd, as it may take you 45 minutes to get a drink at the bar. Try for a weekday or weekend afternoon for the best chance at grabbing any one of an eclectic mix of beers. You can even take home your own mixed and matched six-pack of any of their bottled beers.
Luca Maroni’s SensofWine NYC will be held at Cipriani 42nd Street for the second year in a row this February 4.
Click on the image above to view a youtube video clip of SensofWine NYC 2009.
Maroni, a noted Italian wine expert, will showcase 100 wines from over 40 producers. Last year’s event was a huge success with more than 1,200 attending.
The cost of the event for participants is $35. Alta Cucina members pay $30. In order to sign up for the event, please go to Alta Cucina’s store to buy tickets or visit
European Chic in Washington Heights – Review of Plum Pomidor
4009 Broadway near 168th St. Washington Heights, New York
212-781-3333 plumpomidor.com
“Excellence in everything!”
Plum Pomidor
Plum Pomidor describes itself as “European chic” and it does not disappoint. Its elegant facade stands out visibly from this part of Washington Heights, often characterized as an “emerging” neighborhood. I first visited Plum Pomidor, the newest of the Musabegovic family restaurants in the Columbia Presbyterian area, when it had first opened four years ago, and it is still going strong. The restaurant caters largely to the sophisticated clientele of Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. The décor is chic (in summer, boxes of bright green wheatgrass paired with bright green apples), huge vases bearing bouquets of flowers and vines, and neighborhood painters’ art on the walls all year round. Plum carries live music in the evening on the weekends and there is also a weekend jazz brunch.(more…)
A recent relocation via my day job landed me on a busy corner of Bryant Park. With no refrigerator or microwave in the office (is that even legal?) I have had to brave the cold concrete jungle in search of lunch every day. My first day out I happened upon Zeytinz. At first glance Zeytinz looked like a small, gourmet grocery store. This immediately caught my attention and I headed in. I was a little disappointed at first because it was not a gourmet grocery store, but I quickly perked up when I realized that it was, in fact a gourmet deli. (more…)
My mind is having trouble focusing these days. Maybe it’s because of our media-saturated, technologically-driven age. Maybe it’s the weather. Or maybe it’s because I can’t quite decipher Ihawan.
No, he’s not my boyfriend. Ihawan is a Filipino restaurant in Woodside, Queens, serving up home-cooked Filipino favorites, like Lechon Kawali(deep fried crispy pork with liver sauce on the side), Beef Kalderata (stewed beef) and Sizzling Sisig (pork ears and mouth marinated with lemon and hot pepper).(more…)
Aniello Mussella at the Vino2010 Inaugural Press Conference
Vino2010 is where “the world’s number one producer (Italy) meets the world’s greatest wine consumer (USA).” This was renowned wine-educator, Kevin’s Zraly’s lively opening statement for the vino2010 conference in New York City yesterday. According to the latest data, Italian wines represent circa 31% market share of U.S. wine imports. The year 2009 also signaled a 14% increase in the consumption of Prosecco in the U.S. These statistics about Italian wines in the United States were highlighted at yesterday’s vino2010 inaugural press conference at the Waldorf Astoria attended by journalists, wine producers and wine industry VIPs.
Showcasing wines from the regions of Apulia, Calabria, Tuscany and Veneto, Vino2010–the largest Italian wine conference outside of Italy–will feature 2,500 wines from Italy and over 450 wine makers.(more…)
Even if you don’t care about this year’s Super Bowl match-up, good eats are a must for pretending you do. So whether you’re painting your face to support the Colts or Saints, or you’re only there for the commercials, you should serve some food that scores a major touchdown.
Check out these recipes to kick up your Super Bowl party.
Indianapolis Colts fans:
Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Courtesy of cdkitchen.com
Most local Indianapolis restaurants have their own version of this meaty delight. Top these babies with onion, pickles and mustard for a big Midwest-style hit at your party.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 pound pork tenderloin
2 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup Italian-style dried bread crumbs
1 pinch garlic salt
2 teaspoons dried oregano
salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Directions:
Slice tenderloin into 1/4″ rounds. Place rounds between sheets of plastic wrap and pound until thin.
Heat oven to 325F.
Beat eggs and milk together and pour into a shallow dish or bowl. Set aside.
In a separate dish or bowl combine breadcrumbs with garlic salt, oregano, salt and pepper. Mix all together. In a large skillet heat oil over medium high heat.
Meanwhile, dip tenderloins in egg mixture, then coat with bread crumb mixture. When oil is hot, add coated tenderloin to skillet and fry until golden brown on both sides (not cooked through)! Place browned tenderloin in a 9×13″ baking dish lined with aluminum foil. Fry any leftover eggs and bread crumbs together for ‘breadings’. Add ‘breadings’ to baking dish.
Cover tightly and bake about 45 minutes or until meat has reached an internal temperature of 160F.
Cook up this gumbo for some quintessential Cajun fare.
Courtesy of Allrecipes.com
Ingredients:
2 pounds medium shrimp – peeled and deveined
salt and pepper to taste
cayenne pepper to taste
1/2 cup olive oil
2 pounds chopped okra
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tomato, chopped
1 cup chopped onion
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
12 cups water
1/2 cup chopped green onions
Directions:
Season the shrimp with salt, pepper and cayenne to taste and set aside. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the okra and saute for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the tomato paste, tomato, onion, garlic, celery and green bell pepper and saute for 15 more minutes.
Add the water and season to taste. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes. Add the shrimp and simmer for 20 more minutes. Finally, add the green onion to the soup and stir thoroughly.
For vegetarian Colts fans:
Creamed Corn Cornbead
Pretend you’re in the fields of Indiana as you down this moist and delicious cornbread.
Courtesy of Alton Brown on FoodNetwork.com
Ingredients:
2 cups yellow cornmeal
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
2 eggs
1 cup creamed corn
2 tablespoons canola oil
Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Place a 10-inch cast iron skillet into the oven.
In a bowl, combine the cornmeal, salt, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. Whisk together to combine well.
In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, eggs, and creamed corn, whisking together to combine thoroughly. Add the dry ingredients to the buttermilk mixture and stir to combine. If the batter will not pour, add more buttermilk to the batter.
Swirl the canola oil in the hot cast iron skillet. Pour the batter into the skillet. Bake until the cornbread is golden brown and springs back upon the touch, about 20 minutes.
For vegetarian Saints fans:
Fried Okra
Perfect for popping during the game, okra is great fried. Substitute artichokes or zucchini if you can’t find okra in your store.
Courtesy of Paula Deen on FoodNetwork.com
Ingredients:
6 cups oil, for frying
1/2 cup cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons House Seasoning, recipe follows
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 pounds fresh okra, sliced 1/2-inch thick
1/2 cup buttermilk
Directions:
Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to 350 degrees F. (You may not need to use this much oil; do not fill the pan more than halfway up the sides with oil.)
In a medium bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, House Seasoning, and cayenne pepper. Dip okra in buttermilk and then dredge in cornmeal-flour mixture to coat well. Carefully add okra to the hot oil and cook until golden brown. (It may be necessary to fry the okra in batches.) Remove from oil, drain on paper towels, and then serve immediately.
House Seasoning:
1 cup salt
1/4 cup black pepper
1/4 cup garlic powder
Mix ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
-1- What is your favorite Valentine’s Day wine pairing? We’re interested in both savory and sweet.
Asti-Spumante is my one-and-only-true-love Valentine’s Day wine. It’s sparkling, so you get that nice festive “pop” when you open the bottle. It pairs wonderfully with one of the most famous aphrodisiacs—oysters. Asti-Spumante’s crisp sweetness matches beautifully with the oyster’s salty sweetness.
Asti-Spumante is also great with appetizers, especially pâté, salami or cheeses. As a dessert wine, it serves a double duty purpose taking you from the start of the meal to the end. Plus, considering it’s a DOCG wine (guaranteed controlled origin denomination–Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) it’s very, very affordable and sold at a great value in the States.
Asti-Spumante is an ideal Valentine’s Day wine, because of its relatively low alcohol level, so you can sip it through the night and not get logy. Can’t have my hubby too pooped to pop on Valentine’s Day
-2- What wines would you pair with chocolate?
My three favorite wines that I like to pair with chocolate are the following:
1) Brachetto, a sparkling red wine from Italy that is fruity, but not too sweet. Brachetto goes nicely with milk chocolate. The bubbles literally clean your palate in between bites.
2) Barolo Chinato, a very smooth, aromatic wine that pairs beautifully with dark chocolate. It’s made with Barolo wine that, depending on the maker, has been steeped with different spices such as cinnamon, coriander, mint and vanilla. Some say it was invented to pair with chocolate, created by a wine maker in Piedmont as a gift to his chocolate-loving wife.
3) Grappa, pairs with fine dark chocolate beautifully. Grappa and dark chocolate are like a perfect couple—each supports the other, making them both better, stronger and a natural match! The rich cocoa butter in chocolate cuts the alcohol bite of the grappa, while the grappa’s aromatics underscore the nuanced tastes in chocolate. Grappa also cleans the palate between bites, making you notice the full range of chocolate wonderfulness.
-3- Is wine an aphrodisiac? Is sparkling wine particularly so?
Yes, and yes!
Physicians, like Hippocrates who wrote the Hippocratic Oath that doctors still swear by today, prescribed sparkling wine for patients instead of the modern little blue pill. Of course, one tip to patients was never to over do the dose! “A little makes your sword stiff, a lot and it will not leave its scabbard”.
The ancient Romans highly associated wine with virility and live-giving energy. They celebrated Bacchanal festivals each year –wild drinking & sex parties to honor Bacchus, the god of wine— kicking off the growing season.
Casanova, the famous Italian 1700s lover, wrote in his tell-all memoir that sparkling wines added to passion in his hundreds of lovers.
-4- How do you go about finding a good wine pairing for desserts?
Sip nibble sip! Buy three different dessert wines or after-dinner liqueurs and taste them with the three main dessert categories: a chocolate dessert, a fruit dessert and a cheesy dessert. See which wine you like best with each type of sweet.
An easy way to find a good wine pairing for desserts is to make friends with a good wine or liqueur storeowner. Discuss what dessert you’ll be serving and ask for pairing suggestions.
-5- Can you recommend any inexpensive dessert wines or sparkling wines for Valentine’s Day? We’re particularly interested in wines under $10 and something that is amazing that is worth the splurge.
1) As I mentioned before, Asti-Spumante, a good DOCG Asti, is my go-to inexpensive wine when I want bubbles or something to pair with dessert. It is one of those retro things that may have gotten a bad reputation and is not that popular in the states. It should definitely be brought back.
2) For my big splurge I invest is a good red wine from Piedmont like Barolo.
3) Passito di Pantelleria– one of the best Italy’s most acclaimed dessert wines is my dessert wine splurge. It’s a pretty important wine, even in Italy, which has hundreds of important wines. In 1971 it became only the 3rd Italian wine to receive DOC status. It has a lovely bouquet and velvety, sweet yet crisp flavor which pairs well with anything.
A romantic oozy drippy decadent dessert for two. The cake batter can even be made the day before so you can just pop them into the oven right before dinner so you’ll be able to spend less time in the kitchen and more time relaxing with your guests.
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Raspberries or sliced strawberries, as garnish, optional
Butter two 3/4-cup ramekins or custard cups. With an electric hand mixer, beat the cocoa, sugar and butter in medium bowl until smooth and creamy. Beat in the egg yolks, then the whole egg and flour. Divide the batter between the two prepared ramekins. Press one Baci, nut side down, in the center of each ramekin. (If you like, at this point, you can refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking). Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake the cakes uncovered until edges are firm, about 18 minutes. Cut around the cakes with a butter knife to loosen them, then turn out onto plates.
Set foot into the bright, airy foyer of Rouge Tomate and it’s a few short steps until you realize that you’re in for an experience that’s a world apart from the average upscale Midtown East restaurant mold. The harmony of pale oak and natural light flooding in from sumptuously sized exposures that opened up to a lush, generously-sized dining room gorgeously characterized by more exposures, pale oak , majestic ceiling heights and lush drapery and furnishing accents in sensuous–yet, organically-true– hues of cherry red. (more…)
Nestled down a short, unsuspecting hallway in the lobby of the Le Parker Meridien; identified only by a neon sign depicting a hamburger, stood Burger Joint. Walking into the place for the first time, I really didn’t know what to expect. In fact, I wasn’t really expecting anything. However, I was still surprised to find a cramped room filled to the brim with suits, scarfing down burgers and fries like it was their job in digs no fancier than your average dive bar. (more…)
Mission: Restaurant Week lunch. Where to go? Only one place on my mind: DBGB.
Winter Squash Soup. Photo by Sarah Ip.
Classic pub fare has heart and soul – and DBGB Kitchen & Bar is no exception. Providing a high-quality dining menu with stylish drinks and an upscale environment, it’s where food and drink go hand-in-hand. The gourmet dishes are complex and refined; it’s definitely a cut above your average ‘ole pub. Because of the “gastronomic” prices, DBGB attracts more of an affluent clientele.
DBGB is the brainchild of Chef Daniel Boulud and was created to be a chill, downtown dining destination melding the British tavern with the French brasserie experience. Gastropub touches are evident throughout the restaurant: brass shelves displaying kitchen goods and utensils stand side-by-side with plush black seats and old-fashioned coat rack hooks…all in muted shades of black, bronze and grey. DBGB also takes a cue from the Bowery’s industrial background. The ambience screams understated chic. (more…)
Francine Segan shared fun food facts and discussed the culture of the 1860s at her recent lecture on the foods and dining customs of Abraham Lincoln at 92nd St.Y.
Image courtesy of freewebs.com
Coffee liqueur, ladyfingers, crisp cookies, Baci chocolates and Absinthe candy were served, but if it were the 1860s, the beverage choice would have likely been hot chocolate, Segan said. (She didn’t want to risk holding hot chocolate while walking on the slippery city streets Thursday night.) During Lincoln’s time, chocolate was only used as a drink, not as an ingredient in recipes or for candy. The first documented use of chocolate in an American recipe was in 1890.(more…)
If you want a free taste of Uncle Jack’s Steakhouse , just visit their website and turn up your speakers. The music? Yes, that’s a digitized rendition of New York, New York. You want a martini, baby? A steak cooked up real nice? Badda Bing! You want a joint with some real class? A place that doesn’t look like the New York section of Disneyworld? Fuggetaboutit.
Porterhouse Steak - Photo by Daly Clement.
Everything about Uncle Jack’s was probably a little gauche by the time Old Blue Eyes fled his little town blues. I knew what I was getting myself into, in other words, and just hoped that a ridiculous restaurant could cook ridiculously delicious steak.(more…)
Select NYC restaurants are celebrating a quarter of a century of D’Artagnan’s purveyance of fine French foods and wines from February 18 – 22. Enjoy special offerings and custom degustation menus paired with wines from South West France, created by famous chefs from South West France.
Reserve now to participate in this inimitable offering. Click on image below to find participating restaurants.
On an otherwise forgotten but often passed corner of the West Side Highway, stood Filli Ponte. When I walked up on one very chilly Saturday night, I was surprised by its quaint facade and very out of the way location just a few blocks south of the Holland Tunnel. Walking into Filli Ponte, I was engulfed by the smell of seafood and old money. We were escorted upstairs to the dinning room and greeted by an open space with large windows overlooking the Hudson River and the Jersey City skyline. The large space gave off a homey feel with an exposed beam ceiling and chairs upholstered in what looked like grandma’s couch.(more…)
Warm apple pie with vanilla ice cream at Friend of a Farmer
After being told there was no room (when there clearly was), at our first choice for dinner. My dinner mate and I luckily stumbled upon Friend of a Farmer a few doors down. Walking into a cottage-like place, we were greeted by a fireplace, baskets full of apples and butternut squash, and flowery wall paper reminiscent of an old bed and breakfast nestled in the Catskills. Immediately I loved the place.(more…)
An exterior of cerulean blue, very appealing on an otherwise somewhat dreary block, “sails” hanging in swags from the ceilings, so that you are meant to feel you’re on a ship under full sail; undulating walls at the entryway with teak and brass portholes; mellow sconce lights; wooden ceiling fan and walls of a warm cinnabar—it’s clear from the outset that Acqua ‘s décor is meant to evoke the sea and the Italian islands of Sicily and Sardinia. It is very attractive and calming, setting the diner at rest. As they say themselves, it’s a comfortable neighborhood setting.(more…)
While it was cold and slushy outside, movie clips, trivia and delightful Italian sweets warmed the audience of Francine Segan’s Food in Film lecture last week at 92nd St. Y.
John Belushi in Animal House - courtesy of Flickr
Segan told some weird and interesting tidbits – like Charlie Chaplin, a diabetic, once went into shock after eating a shoe made of licorice for one of his films.
Food can be used in films to underscore a point, highlight a character’s personality, or set the mood for a time period, Segan said. Who doesn’t fall a little in love with Bluto (John Belushi) as he gorges through the dining hall line in Animal House?(more…)
706 Amsterdam Avenue
(between 94th St & 95th St)
Upper West Side
(212) 932-2400 AyurvedaCafeNYC.com
Interior of Ayurveda Cafe'
The vegetarian Ayurveda Restaurant and Cafe is justly called one of the hidden treasures of the Upper West Side. From the beginning the customer recognizes s/he is walking into a very different world. The place is painted *orange* on the exterior– with happy although slightly dilapidated gilt decorations. And you must traverse a maze of little orange doors before you arrive at the center of the restaurant. Inside, the great benign elephant headed god Ganesha greets you. (more…)
Cowgirl Hall of Fame
519 Hudson Street
West Village
212-633-1133/cowgirlnyc.com
It had been a while since I’d been to Cowgirl, the first time being in 2005 when I first moved to the city. Walking in, it was just as I remembered. The bar to the left, always playing a great selection of classic rock hits, and a pint-sized General Store filled with candies, Native American themed accessories and Cowgirl apparel to the right along with the dining room, filled with all the Mid-Western, Tex-Mex kitsch you could ever want to the right.
Black Bean Burrito at Cowgirl
Sitting down with a group of my coworkers, we were greeted by our friendly waitress who was so personable, I could have sworn I had known her my entire life. We started off with a round of Cowgirl’s scrumptious margaritas ($8-$9 each), all engineered to our own specifications, salt and no salt, frozen and on the rocks, along with any one of the flavors they offered including blood orange, mango, and melon.(more…)
As my knife sank in, I could hear the juice flowing inside. The meat was perfectly tender, moist and flavorful, and the coating had the ideal crispy, slightly salty bite. Yes, this is the fried chicken from Pies-n-Thighs, which opened its new 60-seat location this week in Williamsburg.
Fried Chicken and Creamy Mac and Cheese - Photo by Beth Kaiserman
I paid $11.98 for a plate piled with three huge hunks of juicy fried chicken and a heap of creamy mac and cheese with a shot of hot sauce on top. Hard-earned dollars were well-spent on this truly amazing Southern-style fare (so Southern that the operation was shut down in January 2008 for having a pork smoker that’s illegal in New York.)
Fresh fall tulips and gerbera daisies. Hot cup of coffee. Hugs and smiles. This is a perfect Saturday afternoon lunch with my bestie.
After months of separation, my friend K and I finally made plans to meet up for some quality bonding time. Where better to catch up than at a cozy little café off of Union Square? Paradis To-Go is barely the width of a Pinkberry, complete with a pretty scalloped awning and green bench. Scribbles of pastel-colored chalk covered the menu boards, highlighting the Daily Specials. The two counter attendants reminded me of the lead pair in 500 Days of Summer – but more ‘hippie’ than ‘hipster.’ They were gushingly friendly and seemed genuinely interested in catering to us and making our experience a positive one.(more…)
Kalamansi lime and dark chocolate confections, chocolate-inspired cocktails, single origin chocolate gelato, equi-trade chocolate bars from Madagascar, and fine Dominican chocolate. All this and so much more will be available at the 92nd Street Y’s fifth annual chocolate event on Sunday, March 14 at 7:30 pm.
“This evening is designed for chocolate-lovers to meet with chocolatiers and talk shop. It’s also a celebration of chocolate in general with chocolate-based martinis, a chocolate fountain, an Italian sparkling wine that seems to have been made to pair with chocolate, chocolate gelato and chocolate cupcakes – all artisanal. There’s not an ounce of “candy” at this show,” says event producer Alexandra Leaf.
Chocolatiers and others from these companies will be on hand to chat and answer questions:
Guittard; Divalicious Chocolate; Madecasse; Pralus; MP Frederick, Confectioner; Chocolat Moderne; Sweet Revenge; GROM; LA Burdick; Taza; Gotham Wines; Rosa Regale Brachetto; Tumbador; Baking for Good; Michel Cluizel
I went to Spumoni Garden for what everyone in their right mind goes there for, the Sicilian pizza and the spumoni. I had heard about Spumoni Garden from many reliable sources, all with the same verdict: delicious. Despite the one hour subway ride on the N train to the 86th Street stop, I was excited to try out what my boyfriend and best friend grew up on and what super foodie (and fellow New Yorker) Adam Richmond from Man vs. Food raved about.
L& B Spumoni Garden's Sicilian Pie.
The first pleasant day of the year spelled lines upon lines at the outdoor seating window at Spumoni Garden, where you order your food and then take it to your seat at one of the red picnic tables, fast food style. The outdoor tables were probably the more authentic way of enjoying a Spumoni Garden Sicilian pie, but we opted for a seat in the dining room where we were greeted by a basket of fresh Italian bread complete with cheese and pancetta baked right in.(more…)
Having never been to Tao before, a place known in Manhattan for its see and be seen atmosphere, its delicious Asian fare, and of course, its giant Buddha, when invited I jumped at the chance.
Appetizer spread at Tao
I was surprised at how crowded Tao was, walking in to it on a Wednesday night. Not a table or seat in the place was free, and while waiting for our table (which we made reservations for about a week in advance), we sat (or stood, rather) in the equally, if not more crowded lounge area. The cocktail list was enticing with plenty of Asian inspired martinis at $12.50 a piece. I settled on the Jade Blossom, a mix of Midori, pear flavored vodka, and sparkling sake that was so good, I had to go back for seconds.(more…)
BCD Tofu House
17 W. 32nd St.
Koreatown, NY 10079
(212) 967-1900 /bcdtofu.com
BCD Tofu House Menu. Photo by Sarah Ip.
J, my friend from Boston, came to visit New York City. He, DY and I set off to embark on a Manhattan tour, stomping from Soho to midtown, in search of interesting sights and sounds. Mesmerized by the lights of Broadway, we continued on to Koreatown for a little something to fill our bellies.(more…)
Alexandra Zissu, author of The Conscious Kitchen and co-author of The Complete Organic Pregnancy and two other books in the works, talks about making key kitchen decisions with three criteria in mind: what’s good for personal health, what’s good for the planet and what tastes great. All with an eye toward keeping expenses in check. Learn, among other things, when to buy organic fruit, which seafood is safe to eat and sustainable and how to navigate farmers’ markets, giant supermarkets and every shop in between. Walk away knowing you can make the best possible choices for yourself, your family and the planet.(more…)
There are many ways to spend a relaxing spring evening. Sipping suds in New York City’s oldest beer garden is one of the most refreshing options.
Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden, 29-19 24th Ave. in Astoria, boasts a huge outdoor beer garden, refreshing beer pitchers and authentic Czech food. While no beer games are allowed, competitive souls can meet at the ping pong tables in the back of the beer hall.
Those who prefer sitting can plop down at a picnic table outside, where we enjoyed some Friday night jazz. My companion and I both ordered the baked palacinka, baked crepes with melted munster cheese, spinach and mushrooms. You have the option of chicken or vegetable, and I went for the chicken. We paired the meal with an ice-cold pitcher of Staropramen, a crisp and light Czech beer.
Palacinka at Bohemian Beer Hall
I wanted to try something completely different from what I normally eat, and achieved that by ordering this dish. It was creamy and rich, covered in a light, gravy-type sauce.
A downside of the dish was the lack of mushrooms; it only had two and would’ve been really tasty with more. The spinach was very flavorful throughout, so the dish is ideal for spinach fans.
The other drawback was it wasn’t that filling.
It would definitely be fun to go back and share some foods to get a variety of tastes. I’d especially like to try the schnitzel and pierogi, which I loved as a kid in Pittsburgh.
For the beer, you can get a half-liter mug for $5, but it’s more worthwhile to split a pitcher for $15. Beer options include choices from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Belgium, Germany and the U.S. There are also Czech cocktails and drinks, such as Slivovice, the traditional Czech plum brandy.
The garden celebrates its 100-year anniversary this year. The beer hall hosts a variety of events reflecting Astoria’s diverse ethnicities, and it’s a great place to hang out with friends when the weather is nice. It got a bit too cold after a while, but I can’t wait to go back to chill out once the warm weather returns.
Tortilleria Mexicana Los Hermanos
271 Starr St. Bushwick, Brooklyn
718-456-3422
Tortilleria Mexicana Los Hermanos, a little shack in Bushwick, cooks up the cheapest, most delicious tacos I’ve found yet in New York City. The ingredients are fresh, from the house-made corn tortillas to the crunchy lettuce that complements the spicy Mexican flavors.(more…)
Original Soy & Garlic Fried Chicken. Photo by Sarah Ip.
I love KFC. That’s Korean Fried Chicken (and not that other, Colonel Sanders-style chicken). No, this isn’t Southern fried chicken with grits and collard greens on the side. You’d more likely find it served with daikon(pickled radish). It’s not dipped in batter twice and fried to a crisp. Instead, Korean fried chicken is made with a delicate soy and garlic marinade, resulting in a light crunch.(more…)
In a tree-lined neighborhood where there is no shortage charming, character-filled nook-style eateries, The Place delivers both culinary substance and romance with a sophisticated and well-executed Med-New American menu and warm, unhurried service.
Vegetarian Moussaka
An intimate, cavernous space with arched walls and candle lighting makes this delightful restaurant “the place” of choice for a first date or an anniversary celebration. However, in the mild-weather seasons, a table in its covered sidewalk terrace is the way to go.(more…)
When I stumbled upon David Burke at Bloomingdale’s, I couldn’t believe it: an affordable way to enjoy the innovative, award winning gourmet that is David Burke. Engulfed by a plethora of orange objects, my guest and I were escorted to the back past a sleek, modern bar and a few tables. By the time I walked to the back of the small space, I was already visually spent on the overwhelming orange interior (complete with mini basketballs inside the tabletops, March Madness anyone?).
Dumpling Duo at David Burke @ Bloomingdale's
First we were served a softball sized dinner roll that was more croissant than roll and had a cheesy surprise in the middle. For starters, we ordered the Dumpling Duo ($10.50). The duo consisted in the flavors, which were both Asian, and at the same time very American. Nestled in a bath of barbecue sauce, the shrimp, shiitake, and ginger dumpling and chicken barbecue dumplings tasted offputtingly similar, only differentiated by the green onions in the shiitake ginger variation.(more…)
In the seemingly desolate area that the backside of The Port Authority Bus Terminal occupies, lie but a few hidden gems. One of them, a long standing (since 1933 to be exact) butcher shop specializing in homemade pork sausages of all kinds.
Esposito's Pork Shop, courtesy of Smoothjazzy on Flickr
The exterior of the establishment, unchanged since it’s opening 77 years ago, is inviting with vintage robin’s egg blue lettering and a friendly caricature of a pig. Look down a few feet and you are greeted by fresh meat hanging and displayed on trays and signs that could not be more utilitarian with block letters notifying passersby of the variety available for the day followed by the price.(more…)
Pocha 32
15 W 32nd St, 2nd Fl
(between 5th Ave & Broadway) Koreatown, NY 10001
(212) 279-1874
Green Tent. Photo by Sarah Ip.
Imagine yourself bundled up in layers in the dead of winter, sitting on a stool outdoors under a plastic green tent with gurgling pots of kimchi -infused casseroles, soups and spices mingling around you. Soju bottle in hand, pouring your sunbaenim (elder, in Korean) a shot and knocking the vodka-like substance back with a hearty “Kanbei!”…followed by a loud, vehement clearing of the throat. Slurping down ramyun like it was a race to the finish, burning your tongue in the process because you want to eat the noodles while they’re not soggy.(more…)
Featured in New York City magazine staples such as Time Out New York and New York Magazine as one of the top places in the City for pizza, I took my parents and some friends from out of town for a St. Patty’s day lunch at Lazzara’s. Walking into Lazzara’s, you can see that not much has changed since it was first opened in 1985 with its tin ceiling, brick walls, and outdated but fitting tables and chairs.
Chicken Florentine and Pizza Primavera at Lazzara's
Our waiter came quickly to get our drink orders and was more than willing to answer any questions we had about the menu (including the very interesting special of the day, corned beef pizza). I ended up (more…)
Francine Segan, food historian and U.S. Ambassador for Dolce Italia (recently seen on Food Network’s Dinner Impossible) leads an after-work tasting trip through Italy without leaving New York. Discover the wonderful world of Italian olive oil, wine, pasta and specialty desserts in this introduction to the best foods and foodie destinations in Italy.
Taste an array of nibbles, including several olive oils, unusual pasta dishes; the underappreciated sparkling wine Asti Spumante; and a wide range of Italian sweets including chocolates, cookies, licorice and candies.
When: Thursday, April 22, 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Where: 92YTribeca – Makor/Steinhardt Center, 200 Hudson St, New York City
Ah, the Gastropub; a rather new concept in the New York City area which has only gained popularity in the past 5 years or so and continues to attract vast followings as gastropubs continue to sprout up all over the place. For a beer nut and foodie such as myself, these places are heaven on earth!
On this particular Friday night, Gus and Gabriel was what was on the menu. Nestled down a few steps, and located in a tiny space that is easily overlooked, sits Gus and Gabriel, decorated in rich red wood which continues down a narrow hallway and into a larger dining room adorned with a nautical motif. When we arrived around 7:30pm I was a little surprised that the place was not more crowded. It did however, fill up by the time we were ready to leave a few hours later.
Complimentary basket of spiced popcorn at Gus and Gabriel
A small basket of spiced popcorn was delivered to our table as a welcome. (more…)
Khyber Pass was one of those places that I had passed regularly, several times a month, but had never been to. I finally stopped in when poking around the East Village one night, looking for a cozy nook to enjoy some warm food in.
Hummus at Khyber Pass
Upon entering, the sweet smell of flavored Hookah tobacco filled my nose and my boyfriend and I were lead to a table at the back of the restaurant. A corner booth, with well worn seats and an Afghani rug (with a thin sheet of glass over top of it), as the table top. The room was dark and inviting, filled with warm hues of red, purple, and orange; if walls could talk, I’m sure the stories of nights past would echo long after the last dish was served for the night. The service, I quickly learned due to the fact that we were asked 3 times by 3 different people if we were ready to order yet, was in typical East Village style, disorganized and ditsy.(more…)
Lectures and Tastings are currently taking a lunch break, but will return in June!
FOOD OUTINGS & COOKING DEMOS
Mon, May 10, 10:30 am-1pm, $60
UNITED NATIONS TOUR & DELEGATES DINING ROOM LUNCH
Take in the splendor of the celebrated United Nations building with a private guided tour! Learn the history of this institution, and visit the storied General Assembly Hall. Afterward, enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime meal alongside United Nations members in the legendary Delegates Dining Room. Enter at the United Nations Visitors Entrance, First Avenue at 46th Street. Registrants should go through security and meet inside at the group tours desk. Tour begins promptly at 10:30 am – please arrive at least 30 minutes early for security screening. Proper attire required: no shorts, jeans or sneakers; jacket required for men. No exceptions.
Mon, May 14, 10 am-1 pm, $45
Downtown Culinary Tours with Alexandra Leaf: NOSHES AND NIBBLES IN THE WEST VILLAGE AND SOHO
Taste delectable artisan treats, fresh mozzarella, sublime chocolate, Sicilian rice balls and homemade cannoli. End the tour with a glass of award-winning wine from a local winery. Alexandra Leaf’s Downtown Culinary Tours offer scrumptious tastings at renowned restaurants and access to world-class shops. Leaf is the author of The Impressionist’s Table and Van Gogh’s Table and teacher at the Institute of Culinary Education.
Thu, May 13, 7 pm, $45
COOKING WITH MIKE COLAMECO AT THE DELIA/CARL SCHAEDEL AND CO. SHOWROOM: SPRING/SUMMER VEGETABLES
BEVERAGE TASTINGS AND WORKSHOPS
Wed, May 12, 7-8:30 pm, $45
BLIND WINE TASTING
A wine lover’s delight! Spend an evening tasting six unidentified wines. Test your palate and learn how to become a better taster by removing your eyes from the equation.
Wed, May 12, 7 pm, $50
WINE AND CHEESE PAIRING
Taste an assortment of wines from around the world (red, white and bubbly), and pair each with a variety of cheese, chosen and led by renowned cheese buyer Martin Johnson. Learn which pairings work best and why. Develop a new understanding of food-and-wine matching and a refreshing repertoire of wines and cheese to serve at your next gathering.
Tue, May 18, 7-9 pm
WINE: THE ART OF BUYING AND TASTING
Learn more about wine so you can shop, sip and swirl with confidence. Find out how to identify the characteristics of major grape varieties, and taste wines around the world.(more…)
Approaching 60 Greenpoint Avenue, you might think Paulie Gee’s is closed. I did. But inside was a wooden-colored pizzeria buzzing with people digging into Paulie Gee’s Neopolitan-style pizza, and maybe a Mexican coke.
Paulie Gee made himself known as a pizza aficionado on the Slice pizza blog and developed his pizza recipe using his own brick oven in his Warren, New Jersey backyard.
Pizza Delboy at Paulie Gee's
Every ingredient that goes in the wood-fired oven at Paulie Gee’s, including the cheese, is fresh and local.(more…)
Who doesn’t love a little chocolate? Whether it’s chocolate candy bars, hot chocolate or truffles, chocolate holds a special place in many people’s stomachs. Francine Segan, food historian, led a tour of the unique chocolate shops that make New York City such a pleasure to peruse. This event took place on Apr. 28 and was hosted by 92Y Tribeca (200 Hudson St; 212-601-1000), a cultural and community center that holds lectures, tastings, wellness classes, films and culinary tours such as this one.
Of course, at 11 a.m., it’s essential to begin the day with a jump start: Segan passed around samples of different types of fine Italian confections, ranging from fruit-filled Venchi Giandujotti chocolate to Baci’s signature smooth hazelnut milk chocolate – the Baci was so good I wanted another! Two lucky winners had the privilege of taking home a box of Tuscan Biscuits with chocolate pieces (Cantuccini Con Pezzi Di Cioccolato).
To start off the Soho Chocolate Tour, Segan gave a brief talk on how chocolate is made and the process of cultivating the beans into the finished product. She covered tempering, seeding, melting and types of chocolate.
Did you know that…
…chocolate grows on trees and the pods must be plucked by hand?
…chocolate can only grow 20 degrees above and below the equator?
…cocoa beans can be made into wine (but result in a lesser quality chocolate)?(more…)
After a work week reminiscent of the never-ending story, I was in need of a relaxing night out with my boyfriend. My internal checklist for dinner consisted of good food, good atmosphere, and a good scene. Fig and Olive seemed like the perfect place, as I had heard many good things and its location in the Meatpacking District essentially sold me.
Located on a rather ugly strip of 13th Street sat Fig and Olive. Its cavernous interior was nicely divided into a large bar space to the left and dining area to the right. As we followed the hostess to our own personal nook, we took a step up to a level more fit for a flashy nightclub. The area was furnished with sleek white booth space, and allowed for a great view of the back of the bar in which shelving climbed to the ceiling illuminating a showcase of about a hundred bottles of all intriguing shapes and sizes of olive oil.
Olive oil from around the world at Fig and Olive
Our waitress greeted us with bread and an explanation of three different olive oils from around the word. I anxiously dove in to the different oils, transporting myself to Spain, Costa Rica, and Italy. I loved the attention to detail and needless to say, I couldn’t wait for the rest of the meal.(more…)
A child of the Bastianich/Batali family, Otto is a restaurant that I keep coming back to again and again for its great food and value.
Antipasti Spread at Otto
Walking in to Otto you are greeted by a wine bar modeled after an old train station with high-top tables to stand at and invited have a glass of wine while you are undoubtedly waiting for your table. The wine list itself, will keep you busy while you are waiting for your name to come up on the large train schedule style board with its list of a seemingly endless selection of bottles, more than a hundred deep.(more…)
Veselka appeared before me as an inviting Ukrainian diner. Specializing in Ukrainian comfort food, Veselka was filled to the brim on a Tuesday night with families relaxing over a heaping plate of stuffed cabbage and pierogies or a bowl of borscht.
Vegetarian Plate at Veselka
I sat down with a few good friends that I don’t see nearly as often as I should in the lofty, uninspiring space. I ordered their Vegetarian Plate ($12.95) from our pretty young waitress who was clearly straight off the boat, only making the experience more authentic. (more…)
With so much emphasis on what goes on the grill, what to serve for dessert for Memorial Day Barbecue can be a challenge to anyone who wants to venture beyond the ready-made stuff?
A slice of this quick-and-easy-to-make peanut butter cup and pretzel terrine, courtesy of Real Simple Magazine will be a cooling crowd-pleaser. Sweet and savory, it’s sure to satisfy the range of palates and to be a hit with the kids.
Peanut Butter Cup and Pretzel Terrine - Courtesy of Real Simple
Click on the image above for the amazingly easy-to-follow directions on how to prepare this delicious treat. Oh, and Happy Memorial Day weekend to all!
After hearing about Sarabeth’s scrumptious lemon ricotta pancakes from various sources for the past year, I had some reasonably built up expectations. They weren’t quite as moist (or as lemony) as the hype would have warranted.
Sarabeth's lemon ricotta pancakes
For my meal, I picked the pumpkin waffle, sprinkled with pumpkin seeds and raisins, doused in a heap of sour cream and a drizzle of honey. (more…)
With all-you-can-eat buffets a rare sight in The City, I had been waiting for the perfect time to gorge myself on Sushi at Ichi Umi. After a short trip to Connecticut, I walked down Madison Avenue to 32nd Street and into the much anticipated megalith of Sushi and other Japanese/Korean fare that housed Ichi Umi. Walking in to the enormous sushi cafeteria we had about a 30 minute wait ahead of us. The place was packed, and it was mostly with Asian people. Most always a good sign when you’re getting ready to dine at an Asian restaurant.
The interior was pleasant with a painted ceiling to look like a blue sky and other shades of blues and greens lining the walls and various lighting fixtures, all designed to mimic the waves of the ocean. Not so pleasant were the ugly tables, sticky with who knows what, set up in a cafeteria-like inspiring fashion.
Buffet at Ichi Uni
I went up to the buffet and filled my plate about three times before I hit maximum capacity. (more…)
Foodies and cinephiles alike take note: online film journal Reverse Shot and New York food magazine Ediblebring you Eat This Film!, a summer screening series at 92YTribeca that looks at our relationship to food via the moving image. This series will highlight a unique selection of timely and timeless international shorts and features (fiction and documentary) followed by in-depth discussions with notable guest speakers, from filmmakers and authors to farmers and chefs. Whether set in today’s America, World War II–era Europe, or even among late nineteenth century Italian peasants, these films engage viewers in a dialogue about agriculture, the role of food in our lives and issues of sustenance in the world we live in. In Eat This Film!, great moviemaking is the main course.
Wed, Jun 9, 7:30 pm, $12
Film | FAST FOOD NATION
Join Richard Linklaterin person for his brilliant, humane, freeform fictional adaptation of Eric Schlosser‘s (also in-person) nonfiction bestseller never got the audience it richly deserved. More than just an exposé of the meat and processed food industries, Linklater’s Fast Food Nation is a sprawling, frightening survey of contemporary culture, prismatically told through the lives of a group of characters—from corporate puppet-men to exploited Mexican immigrants—who converge in one nowheresville Colorado town. An exhilarating rant against an entrenched hierarchical system that encourages exploitation right down the line,Fast Food Nation is one of the most courageous recent American films. Part of the series Eat This Film! Co-presented by Edible and Reverse Shot. Director: Richard Linklater. 116 min. 2006. 35mm.(more…)
Most seafood lovers would agree that crab cakes taste best right by the sea in Maryland, with a light beach breeze blowing and maybe a hint of sand in the back of your mouth.
I arrived at City Crab Saturday around 4 during Happy Hour, so I chose an ice cold Corona to accompany the meal. If I was hungrier I would’ve tried a half-price appetizer or a few $1 oysters. But with a nice basket of muffins and bread on the table, I knew that and a meal would be more than enough.
Crab cakes and sweet potato fries
In fact, the bread basket turned out to be the highlight of the whole experience. Marina Deck, my favorite restaurant in Ocean City, Maryland, serves up fresh blueberry muffins and other delicious breads, so my hopes were up for City Crab when I saw the bread basket. Unfortunately, the rest of the meal was a shabby excuse for a Maryland seafood experience. (more…)
Even though the New York City restaurant scene has experienced a series of revolutions (read: Batali, Vongerichten and David Chang to name a just handful) since that day in 1964 in which Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton were photographed underneath the awning of Le Perigord, this delightful Beekman-Place-neighboring flagship continues to shine as an oasis of Classic French cuisine and hospitality. For those whose celebrity-royalty radars don’t stretch that far back: think Brangelina of the sixties and seventies only more glamorous and far less self-conscious.
Le Perigord has retained a great deal of the formal elegance of Classic French’s heydey. Diners who enter the intimate and softly-lit dining room are welcomed by Gallic waiters donning bow ties and smoking jackets, who greet you in French. While the sartorial choice of jeans and a T-shirt might well feel out of place in this solid four-and-a-half decade old flagship of Classic French cuisine, the cordial staff is at a far remove from the stuffy and snubbing sort that rightfully remain the object of caricature. Le Perigord, which is still managed and graciously hosted as a labor of love by its owner of forty-five years, Swiss-born, Georges Briguet, is a neighborhood restaurant that continues to attract a loyal Sutton Place following and UN diplomats, as well as those who appreciate quality and Old World refinement without the noise and hustle that is typical of trendier establishments on the average yelper’s circuit. (more…)
Every time my boyfriend or I have guests in town, we like to show them the less touristy destinations in New York because those spots are why we love New York City and often times they are very affordable to boot!
On my boyfriend’s mothers most recent trip to visit us we decided to take her for brunch on Stone Street in the Financial District. Stone Street is still a narrow cobblestoned street that is only open to foot traffic. It has a line of bars and restaurants which mostly cater to the after-work Wall Street crowd where at 5pm on any given day of the work week you will see an overwhelming crowd of suits and the girls who wish to scoop one up.(more…)
Anyone with a rudimentary IQ for dining out in NYC knows that holidays in restaurants generally disappoint: oppressive masses, interminable waits, sub-par service and lacking food quality…you know the rest, and if you need a refresher, the culinary world’s enfant terrible and No Reservations star, Anthony Bourdain’s books will do an excellent job of reminding you.
Bring some adult taste and ambiance to Father’s Day by celebrating one day later with a special six course tasting menu.
On June 21, the Austrian-German bistro Seasonal, 132 West 58th Street, will host the Austrian wine importer Terry Theise at a six-course Austrian tasting menu paired with a selection of the country’s wines. The distiller Hans Reisetbauer will also pour some of his schnapps. The dinner, at 6:30 p.m., will cost $125 a person. Reservations: (212) 957-5550.
Terry Theise is a leading importer of wines from Germany, Austria and Champagne. An insightful and humorous writer, Terry has a forthcoming book to be published this fall by UC Press.
BY CAROLYN ONOFREYWined Up 913 Broadway Flatiron 212-673-6333/winedup.com I had been to Wined Up several times, always recommending it when in the area looking for a mellow place to stop after work. On my most recent trip I met some out of town guests for a drink and a light bite to eat on a Friday night.
Tuna Tartare
It was about 7:00 and the place was mostly empty (all but about 3 tables). The low lighting with the wine bottles stacked on illuminated shelves made for a very pleasant atmosphere. I ordered the Priorat ($12/glass), a wine from Spain that was neither wet nor dry and had a subtle taste. It was a pleasant wine to sip on as I waited for the other components of my party. (more…)
Portugal is giving us further reason to revel in the summer weather and it goes beyond pleasing their fans in World Cup soccer:
the wines and tastes of Portugal are now being featured at the first ever Vinho Verde week in NYC.
The Vinho Verde Regional Viticultural Commission (CVRVV) presents the first Vinho Verde Week, June 21-27, 2010. During the week, top restaurants
in New York City will celebrate the food-friendly nature of Vinho Verde by offering special pairing menus and by-the-glass selections.
Additionally, participating retailers will host Vinho Verde tastings and offer discounts on Vinho Verde purchases.
New Yorkers can enjoy these specials during the first week of summer, and they can discover firsthand why the fruity aromas and light, crisp, vivacious flavors of
Vinho Verde make the wines ideal for the warmer months. Vinho Verde wines have balanced acidity and are light in alcohol and calorie content, making them enjoyable
on their own or when paired with a fresh summer dish.
For a listing of participating restaurants and wine dealers, click on the logo above.
Swizz
310 West 53rd Street
Theater District
212-810-4444/1291swizz.com
More cheese fondue then you could ever eat! - at Swizz
Although I had experienced fondue a few times at friends’ parties, and certainly enjoyed a chocolate fondue fountain or two at various weddings, eating at Swizz was my first encounter with fondue at a restaurant. I had mostly shyed away in the past because it can get very expensive for a meal that you essentially have to cook yourself.
However, when my friend Stephanie suggested that we go to Swizz for dinner, I jumped at the chance as I knew that I would never be the one to suggest fondue and taking a look at that website, the prices looked more reasonable than I had seen at other fondue establishments.(more…)
Eggland’s Best held an event for food bloggers Wednesday night at the Institute of Culinary Education. The interactive event was a great way to meet other bloggers and taste some seasonal specialties.
Everything served was made with eggs, from appetizers to dessert. The best part? It was up to the food bloggers to cook for themselves, with the help of Chef Erica Wides, who recently participated on Choppedon the Food Network. Fueled by light appetizers and wine, the bloggers stepped up to the plate donning white aprons and chef’s hats.
Making Ravioi - Photo by Beth Kaiserman
Ravioli project - Photo by Beth Kaiserman
Ravioli voila' - Photo by Beth Kaiserman
I chose to help with the entrée – crab and lobster ravioli, with fresh peas, fennel, leeks, golden beets, saffron and chives in a lobster broth with prosecco sabayon (a lighter, foamier hollandaise-type sauce.) I rolled out ravioli with the help of a driven team and a very patient chef. I was excited to cook something I’d probably never try to tackle at home.
Ravioli voila' - Photo by Beth Kaiserman
Asparagus, white wine poached egg
salad - Photo by Beth Kaiserman
Though proud of my team’s endeavor, my favorite part of the meal was the salad: asparagus, radishes, morels, baby carrots and sugar snap peas, duck prosciutto, toasted walnuts, and a perfect white wine-poached egg, dressed in a light champagne vinaigrette. The salad was nice and crisp, and with the protein from the egg, this could be a great summer lunch.
Lemon Souffle' - Photo by Beth Kaiserman
Eggland’s Best president and CEO Charlie Lanktree answered egg questions as we enjoyed lemon pudding soufflés with mixed berries and rhubarb coulis.
The event was educational, interactive, and most importantly, delicious. Everyone was sent home with a gift bag that included Eggland’s Best’s new hard-boiled eggs in a vacuum-sealed pack.
The third annual Food Network New York City wine & Food Festival presented by Food & Wine and Travel + Leisure takes place October 7-10, 2010 and once again is hosted by and benefits the Food Bank For New York City and Share Our Strength. Building on the success of the 2008 and 2009 Festivals, the 2010 Festival is set to turn up the heat in New York City this Columbus Day weekend.
Food Network NYC Food and Wine Festival
The Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival is the only festival in New York to bring together both legendary culinary icons from around the globe and America’s most beloved television chefs. Mirroring the charitable component of its sister event, the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Food & Wine, 100 percent of the net proceeds from the New York City festival directly benefit the hunger relief organizations Food Bank For New York City and Share Our Strength.
To order tickets to one or more of the 12o exciting events, click on the image above.
Located in the heart of bohemian trendiness, stands D’Espresso, a sleek and shiny non-descript espresso bar with a decor-concept that could be exported to any international airport throughout the globe. While cold and characterless spaces are generally an immediate turn off for me, my taste buds and coffee-conditioned brain cannot resist the prospect of the being confronted with rich, robust flavors of an espresso done right. And since a name as straightforward as D’Espresso evokes such a specialized approach to the beverage, I could not simply walk away without giving the place a try.
Employing high quality Danesi beans, D’Espresso baristas delivered just that: a distinctly satisfying espresso that was muscular with balanced acidity and a wondrously thick patina of crema that lingered on the palate long after it was consumed, and served at the requisite hot temperature in preheated heavy pre-heated porcelain, I could not all too passionately begrudge its straightforward, no-frills to hospitality approach–to the point of lacking restroom facilities– for the two sips of heaven they deliver. Why? Espressos this good simply don’t come by all that often outside of this beverage’s motherland, and even there one word of mouth wisdom and discernment are in order.
Cappuccino at D'Espresso
One forth of the way into it and still no end to the foam
Happily, D’Espresso’s espresso accolades can be extended to its cappuccino. Made with the same Danesi beans and frothed into a hot meringue of milk and espresso, the cappuccino offers the perfect entree into the day and antidote to afternoon lulls. The under $5 double-shot skim caps that I’ve enjoyed there have been typically strong without excessive bitterness and made with a tight creamy froth that held past the quarter mark of the cup. As with the espresso, the cappuccino was served hot in pristine white, preheated Danesi porcelain.
For non-espresso drinkers, there’s little point of my recommending this place to you, but if you’re joining your espresso loving friends, the coffee bar also serves an array of Italian sodas and cold beverages.
There is also an assortment of tasty small sweets, danishes and baked goods to accompany the espresso experience and small tables and bar seating, which easily encourage a second round of these eminently encore-worthy espressos and cappuccinos.
Walking into Empire Coffee and Tea is like being engulfed in a delicious waterfall of coffee. The scent smacks you in the face as soon as you cross the threshold into the store, an aromatic candyland of coffee beans ranging from flavored blends like Kahlua Creme to more traditional breakfast blends to the $45.00/lb Jamaican Blue Mountain variety. With over 60 different beans and blends to choose from, you will not likely tire from trying each and every one of them.
Empire Coffee and Tea Storefront
Empire Coffee and Tea is a neighborhood spot, a place where the delightful staff knows all their customers by name and remembers the idiosyncricies of each individual’s cup. (more…)
Walking into the Ace Hotel made me wish I was having a shady 1940s crime drama-style rendezvous. At least part of that desire was fulfilled by having breakfast in the 1940s-esque atmosphere of The Breslin Bar and Dining Room in the hotel.
The owners of British gastropub, Spotted Pig, Ken Friedman and chef April Bloomfield teamed up again, to open the Breslin in October of ‘09.
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes at Breslin
When I tried to call ahead July 4 for brunch, the host informed me that they didn’t accept reservations, but said there was plenty of room. When we got there, the wait was only 10 minutes, and the host said we could start with a drink or coffee at the bar and bring it to the table. About 7 minutes in, my coffee arrived as we were told the table was ready. It was a bit difficult and awkward carrying a full cup of coffee to the table. Also, she failed to mention that we had to pay for the drinks separately at the bar. If staff members had been better coordinated, this would have been a good way to deal way to have guests deal with the wait, but as it played out, it was confusing and somewhat frustrating from the guests’ side of things.(more…)
Pig collection inside Pig Heaven - Photo courtesy of uppereast.com
My boyfriend had been bugging me to go to Pig Heaven with him for about a month. I had honestly never heard of the place, even though I am now aware of the accolades it has received from the Travel Channel and New York Magazine.
We traveled up to the slightly out of the way location on the Upper East Side and were immediately greeted by the owner and hostess Nancy Lee. She was dressed in a funky outfit consisting of leopard print and lame’, a prefect match to her equally as kitschy restaurant that was half filled to the brim with pig paraphernalia complete with piglet-pink walls and half reminiscent of a 1970’s backyard tiki barbecue.
Pork Ribs at Pig Heaven - Photo by Carolyn Onofrey
We sat down at our choice of any table in the restaurant and were greeted by our absolutely delightful waiter, who seemed more like a caricature of a person than real flesh and blood. It being our first time dinning at Pig Heaven, he was more than willing with helping to make our decision. Per our new friends recommendation, we ordered the fried meat dumplings ($7.50) to start and a large order of Pig Heaven’s famous pork ribs ($17.50) to share.
The ribs came out, piping hot, in 5 minutes. There was no waiting for this meal to be cooked. The dumplings came out shortly thereafter, crispy on the outside and steaming on the inside. While they were definitely a step up from your run-of-the-mill fried Chinese dumplings, I was expecting more from a place so well known and a dish so highly recommended. Next time I will save my dumpling outing for a hole in the wall in Chinatown.
The ribs however, were cooked to fall-off-the-bone perfection with a sticky sauce which was neither too sweet nor too savory. Although a bit on the fatty side, the ribs had a wonderful crust on top that made the gooey sauce that much more of a contrast.
All in all, I’m glad that my boyfriend insisted we stop by Pig Heaven for a meat-heavy dinner. The atmosphere, pleasant; the food, quite delicious and my stomach, very full.
After rave reviews from a coworker (an avid David Chang fan) of David Chang’s newest restaurant creation, Má Pêche I decided I had to make a reservation and try it out for myself.
7:30 on a Thursday night and the place was crowded but not packed. The clientele, at least on this particular night, was an older crowd well into their 50s who were, as I could only imagine from the way they wined and dined themselves, used to a comfortable lifestyle eating at all the finest spots in New York.
Photo by Carolyn Onofrey
My guest and I sat down in the rather cramped booth space along the northern wall and were greeted by a young, attractive male waiter wearing a long white apron, jeans, and sneakers. We started the meal off with a glass of wine which he didn’t know much about and asked a few questions about the menu which he nervously stumbled through. In the end, we settled on the pork ribs ($14) accented with lemongrass and basil with a caramel glaze to start. (more…)
Tucked away among the big name shops and restaurants, that makeup the bulk of Soho, is a little cupcake sanctuary. On Spring Street, just West of Broadway, is Baked by Melissa, a tiny kiosk serving up miniature cupcakes for approximately a dollar each.
Photo by Stephanie Amy Collazo
Baked by Melissa has a fairly original concept, mini cupcakes that come in about 10 creative flavors. Each cupcake is about the size of a dollar coin and most have frosting inserted directly in the middle forming a perfect balance between cake and frosting.(more…)
Some foodies might begin their New York adventures by eating at a celebrity chef’s establishment, with secret hopes of running into their white-coated heroes in the flesh.
I began my New York life by running into a celebrity chef – literally.
Last June while watching the Stanley Cup Final at Milady’s in SoHo, my friend saw Anthony Bourdain walk by. Naturally, I had to see where my meat-loving soul mate was going for his nightly imbibing and feasting. His destination would surely be a place worth checking out.
Unfortunately, that plan was cut short when I ran straight out of the bar and into Bourdain. As passersby looked on, he responded with a cool “No problem” and moved on with his evening. I did my best fake-casual walk down the street the opposite way. A block later my face cooled off, and I returned to the bar to watch my Pittsburgh Penguins clench the Cup. Needless to say it’s one of my most bizarre (and treasured) celebrity interactions.
Over a year later, I finally landed in the right place: Bourdain’s French brasserie, Les Halles.(more…)
The concept was simple, open bar (sponsored by DonQ Rum, mixing up variations on mojitos) and all you can eat BBQ featuring the delectable BBQ bits of Fatty ‘Cue restaurant in Brooklyn for $40.00 a ticket. The Dining and Libation Society hosts events just like this one every month, featuring a different New York City restaurant. With only a limited number of tickets available for each event (150 for this particular one), it is a great way to indulge your foodie desires in the company of like-minded individuals!
“Big Lou” Elrose and Pit Master Robbie Richter prepare ribs at the Beachside BBQ
As I arrived, hors d’oeuvres were being passed including grilled shrimp over mango salsa, a sweet and smokey treat, juicy sliders, a delectable oyster served in its shell, and homemade ginger ale, refreshing with a great bite.
A little bit of everything! - BBQ selection at the Beachside BBQ
After a few words from the new Dining Out editor from Time Out, Jordana Rothman and Rick Carmac, spokesman for Fatty ‘Cue, the BBQ was served buffet style featuring a dish from all the essential wildlife including cow, chicken, pig, and lamb. Stand outs were the pork ribs, a smokey and savory blend of Indonesian spices with a sweet smoked fish palm glaze and the oh-so tender 16 hour smoked Brandt beef, finished with a soy glaze and peanuts. The pole beans with with garlic and goat yogurt were a great side dish and complement to all the BBQ.
A Smore pie was provided by First Prize Pies for dessert, the perfect ending to a comfort food filled night; the only things that was missing was the campfire on the beach!
Ukrainian East Village Restaurant
140 2nd Ave
(between 9th St & St Marks Pl) East Village, NYC
(212) 614-3283
Hidden in the shadows of its competitors Ukrainian East Village Restaurant on Second Avenue in the Lower East side is serving up Ukrainian fare in a warm homey environment.
Bowl of Borscht at Ukrainian East Village Restaurant
It is easy to over look the Ukrainian East Village Restaurant especially when it is neighbor to long time Ukrainian hotspot Veselka. Hidden down a hallway you enter from the street you will find the Ukrainian East Village Restaurant. The décor is simple; refined wood paneling with a few paintings. From the moment you walk into the restaurant you get the feeling of walking into someone’s home, with a door bell ringing when you open the door to alert the servers of your arrival.
I visited the restaurant after a long day at work and the calm atmosphere was quite a relief after a hectic day of research.
Meat Pierogi at Ukrainian East Village Restaurant
The menu was simple and paid tribute to Ukrainian comfort foods like varenyky (pierogi), Ukrainian borscht, nalysnyky (blintzes) and mlynisi (potato pancakes). I ordered a bowl of Ukrainian borscht ($3.30) and meat pierogi while my companion ordered a cup of borscht ($2.45) and potato pancakes (9.95).
We were automatically served a complimentary basket of bread and butter, which is always a nice touch when visiting a restaurant for dinner, and the waitress was amazing when it came to refilling our glasses of water.
When the borscht arrived our waitress asked if we wanted sour cream, something we had never been offered at Veselka, so we quickly agreed. The borscht was sweeter then the borscht I am accustomed to, but regardless it was delicious. The borscht was quite hearty, after finishing the bowl I didn’t know how I was going to eat the pierogi.
The meat pierogi were a little bit bland but at $6.95 a plate I’m not complaining. I found it a bit odd that you have to pay .50 cents extra for sour cream but ordered it without making a fuss.
The potato pancakes were also delicious, big enough to share between two and they had a lovely crunch.
The entire meal cost a mere $26. I would recommend stopping in if your looking for a good home cooked meal in a comfortable, laid back atmosphere. Your stomach and pockets will thank you.
I had the pleasure of dining at David Burke Townhouse for restaurant week this summer. Located in a charming townhouse on East 61st Street, a white façade and large windows welcomed passersby with a glow reminiscent of candlelight. The quirky stuffed dog on a leash just outside the doorway hinted at the quirky nature of the food and atmosphere that was just on the other side of the door.
David Burke Townhouse reminds me of a cross between a doll house and a Lewis Carroll novel. Pinks, reds, and whites surrounds you with playful elements like blown glass balloons dotting the ceiling and a collection of jaunty drawings by Tony Meeuwissen.(more…)
In the heart of the Bronx lies a tiny Italian community, better known as Arthur Avenue. Mere blocks away from the hustle and bustle of Fordham Road, mom and pop shops welcome you with fresh mozzarella, espresso, and homemade pasta. I live and work near this area; something that I experience as both a blessing (fresh amazing food at my fingertips) and a burden (a diet that will never happen). I like to think of Arthur Avenue as one of New York City’s best-kept secrets, and these are my go-to places for visiting this gem of a neighborhood:
For mozzarella and bocconcini my family is a house divided. My parents and aunts like Joe’s Deli, while my cousins and I love Casa Della Mozzarella. They are both very good. I would get the bocconcini from Casa (either salted or not, they ask you what you want, I usually get the salted), and a regular whole mozzarella from Joe’s. Both delis have Italian goods as well (pasta, oils, cookies) but the mozzarella is the main attraction.
Addeo Gennaro and Sons, 2372 Hughes Avenue. There is another location on Arthur, just go to the one on Hughes.
Madonia Brothers Bakery, 2348 Arthur Avenue.
DeLillo’s Pastry Shop, 606 East 187th Street
Bread-wise there are two awesome places- Addeo’s and Madonia. Addeo’s sells an excellent round loaf. I sometimes have a meal of their bread with extra virgin olive oil, it’s that good. They also sell chocolate bread, but only on Saturday mornings, which if you’re lucky enough to get right out of the oven goes perfect with a cappuccino from DeLillo’s (best pastry shop in the area, next door to Casa Della Mozzarella).
Photo Credit: Jeffrey Abelson Photography via Flickr
Madonia’s is better known for their specialty breads, biscottis, and cannolis. They have a cranberry walnut loaf, a jalapeno cheddar loaf, and one with fennel- all delicious. They have a huge selection of biscotti, with about 12 different flavors. My favorite is the double chocolate-trust me, indulge.
Borgatti’s Ravioli and Egg Noodles, 632 East 187th Street, Borgatti’s
Borgatti’s is the go to place for everything pasta. They make homemade noodles– the fettucini are my favorite. They are also famous for their ravioli, which they have two kinds of — cheese or meat & spinach. I like the cheese best. Mario Borgatti, whose parents opened the shop 70 years ago, is usually there running the place with his son.
Biancardi’s, 2350 Arthur Avenue
Peter’s Meat Market, 2344 Arthur Avenue, located inside the retail market
For meat, head to Biancardi’s which is one door down from Madonia’s; or Peter’s Meat Market, which is inside the Arthur Avenue Retail Market. Both are top quality and have been around for generations. Biancardi’s has carcasses hanging around and offers a whole slab of prosciutto for you to buy. Peter’s carries calf brains, tongue, and all the stuff that could be featured on an episode of Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern.
Cosenza’s, 2354 Arthur Avenue
Randazzo’s, 2327 Arthur Avenue, Randazzo
Cosenza’s and Randazzo’s are the two main fish stores. They both have raw bars out front, Cosenza’s has a bigger selection of oysters, but Randazzo has a bigger selection of seafood.
Having fun with our favorite oyster shuckers at Randazzo’s
For a quick bite to eat without sitting down in a formal restaurant, Tino’s Delicatessen does the trick. They have eggplant parmigiana, paninis, and pasta- made just like an Italian grandmother would. They also sell imported goods from Italy- this place is one stop shopping.
Arthur Avenue Retail Market, 2344 Arthur Avenue
Cerini Coffee and Gifts, 2334 Arthur Avenue, Cerini
Teitel Brothers, 2372 Arthur Avenue, Teitel Bros.
Lastly Boiano sells fresh produce in the Arthur Avenue retail market, Cerini sells the best espresso machines, and Teitel Brothers has every Italian imported specialty you can imagine. They even sell you the whole parmigiano reggiano wheel!
Review of Just Sweet Dessert House 83 Third Avenue, (Corner of 3rd Ave and 12th Street) East Village – NYC 212-388-1380 http://justsweetnyc.com
Just Sweet had its grand opening July 16th, and as one of the 50+ dining options on Third Avenue it is sticking out for all the wrong reasons.
A few weeks prior to the grand opening of Just Sweet I passed by the store and quickly wrote down the name and location, positive that only something good can come of a place with such a name. After a friend notified me of his visit to the dessert only restaurant I quickly made plans to go there a week after the opening.
Bubble Tea at Just Sweet
When you arrive to the restaurant you can’t help but become excited by the bright colors and promising menu rife with numerous Asian-inspired desserts.
There are crepes with green tea ice cream, shaved ice topped with fruit, ice cream sundaes, tong shui (a sweet soup), bubble tea, sweet sticky rice and an array of special dessert drinks.
Mango Sticky Rice
On my visit I ordered the mango sticky rice ($5), toast with condensed milk ($3) and taro milk tea with lychee jelly ($4). While my companions ordered the chocolate castle sundae ($7) and strawberry delight shaved ice ($5.50).
Strawberry Delight Shaved Ice
Chocolate Castle Sundae
The waitress was quick to take our order but the kitchen was slow to deliver. It took over 10 minutes for the kitchen to produce my taro milk tea, it was delicious nonetheless, but a beverage shouldn’t take as long as the meal to be delivered.
Along side my long awaited bubble tea was the mango sticky rice. Mango slices and a white sauce, which I’m unfamiliar with, topped the sticky rice. The dish was beautifully presented in a clear square bowl. As soon as I took my first bite my expectations plummeted, though it looked beautiful it was terribly bland, the only thing sweet about it was the slightly mushy mango.
Next was the toast with condensed milk, which I waited over twenty minutes for only to be notified that they were out of bread.
After being terribly disappointed with my own order I went ahead and tried my friend’s desserts. The Strawberry delight, which was shaved iced, topped with strawberry syrup, strawberry slices, mixed jelly and a scoop of ice cream that cost a dollar extra, was actually really good. The flavors and textures mixed really well making their shaved ice the perfect summer treat.
The chocolate sundae was nothing special, chocolate ice cream with chocolate syrup, crushed oreos, cornflakes, and banana. It was good and the cornflakes added a nice crunch but for at $7 I’d say go to the super market buy all of the ingredients and make these at home.
Although the service was terrible I will probably return to Just Sweet for the shaved ice, in hopes of an improvement in service.
