The Gotham Palate

2nd Floor on Clinton- “For Those Who Know”

December 10, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

BY STEPHANIE AMY COLLAZO
2^nd Floor on Clinton
67 Clinton Street
Lower East Side, NYC, 10002
Enter through Barramundi

Thursday, Friday and Saturday
7 p.m. – 2 a.m. last seating at 1 a.m.

http://2ndflooronclinton.com

2nd Floor on Clinton Seating Area; Photo courtesy of picasaweb.google.com/powe.tony/2ndFloorOnClinton2010

Unlike other speakeasy style bars there is no password involved in gaining entry to the 2^nd Floor on Clinton, people just have to know where to go.

Upon entering Barramundi I was both nervous and excited, I had never been to a speakeasy style bar before and couldn’t tell if I was headed in the right direction or not. I made my way to the back of the bar where through some glass tiles I could see a staircase. I was sure those were the stairs to 2^nd Floor on Clinton but just couldn’t figure out if the entrance was the door clearly marked Private or if there was some top secret hidden entrance behind the door clearly leading to the restrooms.

Entrance to Barramundi

Luckily I had scheduled a meeting with Tony Powe, owner of both Barramundi and 2^nd Floor on Clinton, because when I went to the bartender claiming to have no idea where I was going she told me he would be right up rather than playing a joke as Powe had explained she rather enjoyed doing to people looking for the secret bar.

“One time she told someone they had to go into the bathroom and flush the toilet three times and a secret door would open,” said Powe, as we made our way to the upstairs seating area.

The Topsy-Turvy; Photo courtesy of picasaweb.google.com/powe.tony/2ndFloorOnClinton2010

Mixologist Ken Eberle, a 16-year veteran of the NYC bar scene, created the cocktail menu. A few of the drinks on the menu had short stories explaining why they had their names.

The Topsy-Turvy, my drink of choice, was named for a donkey owned by Powe’s great grandfather. Ginger infused Death’s Door Vodka, honey liqueur, fresh lime and club soda make up the Topsy-Turvy. The drink was delicious; it was sweet and the ginger lightened up the sweetness of the honey.

The Maidens Prayer cocktail

I also tried the Maiden’s Prayer cocktail which was made of Castarede Armagnac “Selection,” Rhum JM VSOP, Cointreau, vanilla extract, sweet cream and nutmeg. This drink was a little strong for my taste but it had a lovely after taste.

Patrons of the bar can also order from a selection of handmade truffles (3 for $9) supplied by local chocolatier Roni-Sue’s. 2^nd Floor on Clinton carries six different truffles from Roni Sue’s cocktail collection including Absinthe, Margarita, Manhattan and Dark & Stormy.

The Tauster and Topsy-Turvy cocktails with a selection of chocolates

The Absinthe truffle had a nice licorice undertone that one would normally get from absinthe, and considering I am not a fan of dark chocolate, the pairing makes it more than bearable.

The Dark & Stormy, my least favorite of the truffles, featured Gosling’s rum, fresh ginger and lime zest. I didn’t quite get the lime zest flavor, and though the sugared ginger placed on top of the truffle added a bit of sweetness I found it’s flavor to be over powered by the dark chocolate.

Finally there was the Margarita truffle, which had to be my favorite of the three truffles I sampled while visiting 2^nd Floor. Once you bite into the Margarita truffle you get a burst of citrus flavor from the creamy center and the sea salt sprinkled on top completes the margarita experience.

Bookcase and seating area 2nd Floor on Clinton; Photo courtesy of picasaweb.google.com/powe.tony/2ndFloorOnClinton2010

2^nd Floor on Clinton has a very relaxing atmosphere. They do not permit groups larger than four and only allow a limited number of guests to enter at a time.

Table service ensures that guests will pace their drinking while the calm music and small groups encourage speaking in hushed tones.

This place is the perfect place to start your night. If you’re not sure if you are up for a night of drinking start at the 2^nd Floor on Clinton, if you decide you want to get your booze on you can always head on down to Barramundi for contemporary music and typical bar drinks.

Filed Under: American, Lower-East side, Reviews Tagged With: 2nd Floor on Clinton, Manhattan's secret places, NYC, Speakeasy in Lower East Side, Speakeasy in Manhattan, Speakeasy in NYC, Stephanie Amy Collazo

Divey and decadently delicious – A Review of Bill’s Bar and Burger

December 6, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

BY CAROLYN ONOFREY

Bill’s Bar and Burger
22 9th Avenue
Meatpacking District
212-414-3003/billsbarandburger.com

Bill’s Meatpacking decor

Although only opened for about a year now, Bill’s, nestled on the corner of 13th street and 9th Avenue, looks as if it has been serving up their sinful burgers for decades. The interior is cozy and divey, complete with red and blue checkered tablecloths, industrial looking lighting and kitschy murals on the walls. However divey this bar and restaurant may seem, it still manages to live up to the pressure of being hip due to its locale in the Meatpacking district. Young, attractive bartenders and waiters are the ones serving up your beer and burgers.
Part of the Bill’s allure is the increasingly popular alcoholic milkshakes that can also be spotted at the likes of Mel’s and BLT Burger (burgers and milkshakes, anyone?). The sickeningly sweet adult treats come in inventive flavors like the Campfire (made with toasted marshmallows) and the Toffee Coffee featuring Kahlua, Heath Bar, and butterscotch. Each will run you about $11.

Disco fries at Bill’s

I most recently came to Bill’s for a birthday dinner, and Bill’s happily accommodated the group of 10, which was a little large for the small space. We tried the famous disco fries ($4.50), topped with gravy and cheese and the sweet potato fries ($4.95) to start. Ten hungry girls gobbled them up quickly. The disco fries were the winner for me, the salty gravy soaking into the fries and the cheese adding another dimension of salty, gooey, goodness, but the sweet potato fries certainly had their fair share of fans also.

Bill’s Burger!

I kept my main simple, opting for the Bill’s Burger ($6.95) (a cheese burger with special sauce) and an order of the onion rings ($5.95) to share. The burger came out piping hot, dripping with juice. The special sauce added a hint of flavor and kick to the burger, and although I probably wouldn’t want to dip my fries in it, I would have missed it on the burger if it wasn’t there. I fell in love with the onion rings. Thinly sliced and beer battered, the tender, golden rings melted in my mouth and I found myself having trouble remembering to share.

I also had trouble remembering that Bill’s is a part of the B.R. Guest restaurant family. With glitzy counterparts like Ruby Foo’s and Blue Fin it was hard to imagine that the oh-so neighborhood-y Bill’s was owned by the same parent company. Bills’ second location in Rockefeller Center seems a bit more appropriate with a more contemporary feel, which just goes to show that B.R. Guest knows exactly what to do and where to do it.

Filed Under: American, Burgers, Meatpacking District, Reviews Tagged With: affordable places to eat in Meatpacking District, Bill's Bar and Burger, Burgers in Manhattan, Carolyn Onofrey, Fun, Meatpacking District, NYC, Where to eat in Meatpacking District

Divey and decadently delicious – A Review of Bill's Bar and Burger

December 6, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

BY CAROLYN ONOFREY

Bill’s Bar and Burger
22 9th Avenue
Meatpacking District
212-414-3003/billsbarandburger.com

Bill’s Meatpacking decor

Disco fries at Bill’s

Bill’s Burger!

Thanksgiving Fun Facts, courtesy of Libby O’Connell

November 19, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

BY BETH KAISERMAN

At a lecture by public historian Libby O’Connell at 92Y Tribeca on Wednesday, I gathered a few facts for the Thanksgiving table. As the tryptophan kicks in and conversation enters a lull, share these historical nuggets with your family and friends.

Dr. Libby O'Connell - Image from cable360.net

-The Pilgrims and Native Americans killed enough birds to feed 50 people dinner. There was wild fowl and deer meat, but there may or may not have been turkey.

-There was surely no cranberry sauce. Since there was no sugar yet in New England, plain cranberries would not have been a tasty addition to the meal. Potatoes also weren’t eaten at the time; they originated in South America.

-Pumpkins were probably served as a savory dish, filled with other foods. Corn was tough, so it was likely pounded and used as grits.

-Puritans and Separatists believed that wine and beer were gifts from the gods. So, there was likely an abundant amount of both at the first Thanksgiving.

-There were likely no forks, as they were believed to be too dainty. Most of the food was probably eaten by hand. Bigger forks were only used as tools for carving and serving.

-Sarah Josepha Hale, editor of Godey’s Lady’s Book, wrote for 40 years proclaiming that the “feast of fat things” become a national holiday. Lincoln declared it a national holiday in 1863 to celebrate post-Civil War unity. Hale also wrote “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”

-Gimbels originated the idea of a department store parade in 1920 in Philadelphia. The balloons used to be released after the parades and float in air for 4 to 5 days, until one hit an airplane.

Happy feasting!

Filed Under: American, Food Events, Holiday-based Food Events, Informational Tagged With: 92Y Tribeca, Beth Kaiserman, History of Thanksgiving, Libby O'Connel, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving facts, Thanksgiving foods

General Greene falls flat – Review of The General Greene

November 16, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

BY CAROLYN ONOFREY

The General Greene
229 Dekalb Avenue
Fort Greene, Brooklyn
718-222-1510/thegeneralgreene.com

The General Greene interior

The General Greene is always jam packed with Fort Greene locals who happen to be locavores. Specializing in ingredients of the local persuasion, The General Greene comes complete with a local market at the back of the restaurant where, if you take your tab you can receive 10% off your purchase. The market specializing in local treats, many of which, like the homemade hummus are available not only in the store but on the menu as well. You can also pick up a vairety of imported specialities such as pasta and olive oil direct from Italy.

The restaurant space is cozy, if not a little dark, and the wait staff helpful, if not a little ditzy. We were greeted by our super cute waitress who needed to understand the menu a little better, having trouble answering some questions we had about the menu.

While I am certainly no locavore snob, I was rather surprised to find a Niman Ranch steak on the menu. My boyfriend had to have it, so we ordered that, along with a selection of three of their cheeses, a romaine salad from the specials menu, and a healthy plateful of their crispy fries.

Cheese plate at The General Greene

The cheese plate came out first, featuring a goat, semi-firm cow’s milk, and blue cheese, about which our waitress couldn’t give much helpful information. The spread came complete with a fig jam, honey, and cinnamon raisin toast. I was not wowed by anything on the plate. The flavors were boring and tame. There was even a hard skin forming over the cow’s milk cheese, alluding to the fact that it may have not been freshly cut off the wheel. I began to wonder if New York really had any good foodstuffs to offer, I quickly shook off the notion when I remembered the farmers markets I frequent and all the exciting things I find every week.

Romaine salad at The General Greene

The romaine salad came next. It was prepared simply with red onion, croutons, and a blue cheese vinaigrette. Although good, the salad was nothing I couldn’t have made better myself at home.

Niman Ranch Steak at The General Greene

The steak and fries came out next. The marinated steak with heaps of garlic was undercooked for the medium-well we ordered and much of it too fatty to eat. I was disappointed by the quality of the food delivered at The General Greene, expecting the food to at least come out fresh and flavorful, the high quality ingredients speaking for themselves. I question the sign in the window that says “2011 Michelin Star Recommended,” wondering which dishes the Michelin reviewer tried, but not caring enough to go back and find out.

Filed Under: American, Brooklyn, Fort Greene, New American, Reviews Tagged With: Brooklyn, Carolyn Onofrey, General Greene, General Greene Restaurant in Brooklyn, Genereal Greene, NYC, Restaurants in Fort Greene

Beyond booze and beads: the Tastiest Gems in New Orleans

November 15, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

BY BETH KAISERMAN

Meltdown Gourmet Popsicles
508 Dumaine St.
New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 301-0905

Photo by Lindsay Clendaniel - Taken from examiner.com/dessert-in-new-orleans/meltdown-popsicles-serves-up-gourmet-treats-to-fq-visitors

Though the draw of Halloween in the city is huge, this past Halloween weekend I opted for a family adventure – to the sunny, wholesome town of New Orleans.

I was with my college roommate, her parents, and a bunch of their neighbors – all of us Pittsburghers there on a weekend when the Steelers played the Saints at the Louisiana Superdome. Needless to say, there was a good deal of booze involved. In particular, I was attracted to the varieties of the local beer brand Abita on tap throughout the land. I was also overwhelmed by the food; it was my first time experiencing true Creole cuisine. When the weekend began with me in a bib peeling humongous BBQ shrimp at Mr. B’s Bistro, I knew I had just entered a food lover’s dream.

But only one particular food was captivating enough to seek out three times that weekend: popsicles. Meltdown Gourmet Popsicles, 508 Dumaine St., is a small, plain room filled with edgy, all-natural popsicle flavor combinations. Avocado was my first, and after that, I was hooked. Then came rosewater saffron and pineapple cilantro. While I usually loathe pineapple-flavored things, this was like having real frozen pineapple on a stick, with a delightful cilantro sensation as its supporting teammate. I’d choose Meltdown’s pumpkin pie popsicle any day, even if a freshly baked pie was looking me in the face. Yes, it’s that good.

I miss Meltdown. I miss people staring in jealousy as our popsicles dripped off the stick in the New Orleans sun. I miss the thrill of capturing that last sensational drop of fun before it hit the cobblestone.

These popsicles bring back memories of childlike innocence, but with adult-level flavors. If you need a break from the boozefest of Bourbon St., head on over to Meltdown for a memorable treat. While you might regret – or forget – that fifth Hurricane, Meltdown only offers more childlike excitement that keeps you coming back again and again.

Filed Under: American, desserts, Food and Travel, Reviews Tagged With: Beth Kaiserman, Dessert Trends, Desserts in New Orleans, LA, Meltdown, Meltown Popsicles, New Orleans, The best of New Orleans

A Swanky Lower East Side Staple – A Review of The Stanton Social

November 11, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

BY CAROL ONOFREY

The Stanton Social
99 Stanton Street
Lower East Side
212-995-0099/thestantonsocial.com

French onion soup dumplings – Photo courtesy of PetitChef.com

Since it’s opening in 2005, The Stanton Social has been a staple on the Lower East Side for inventive tapas in a swank setting, drawing the rich, famous, and fashionable from around the globe. Although getting a reservation may be a bit difficult on some nights, the upstairs lounge is a great alternative to the downstairs dining room for stopping by to meet a few friends for a drink at the bar or grabbing a sexy banquet space perfect for lounging and snuggling while you sip on a signature drink from the diverse cocktail list.
*Try the Cucumber -Vanilla Cosmo ($13) for a light and refreshing cocktail to sip on while you gawk at the cute bartenders.

Executive chef/owner Chris Santos has created a plethora of comfort food and inspired tapas from around the world. Standouts include the sweet and salty French onion soup dumplings ($12), served piping hot (don’t burn your mouth!) and covered with crisp and gooey cheese browned inside the broiler and the barbecue duck confit and black bean empanadas ($10), served with a blood orange jam and bursting with flavor and moist duck confit. Other can’t miss dishes include the sinfully, too-rich-for-your-own-good ‘Kobe Philly’ ($9) with a truffle and goat cheese fondue, and the nori spiced tuna tartare roll ($13), a refreshing start to your meal.

Doughnuts with chocolate, caramel, and raspberry sauce. – Photo courtesy of NYCFoodGuy.com

Try two or three of these small plates per person and don’t forget dessert! Classics like the warm homemade doughnuts and the double chocolate chip cookies are always a satisfying end to your meal.

Filed Under: American, Lower-East side, Reviews Tagged With: Carol Onofrey, lower east side, NYC, The Stanton Social, Where to eat on the Lower East Side of Manhattan

Another day another burger – Review of Paul’s

November 3, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

BY CAROLYN ONOFREY

Paul’s
Da Burger Joint
131 2^nd Avenue
East Village
212-529-3033/paulsburgers.com

Although I had passed by Paul’s many times in my East Village romps over the years and thought to myself, ‘now that is a place I have to try some day’, I had never been inside. The perfect opportunity arose when a friend of mine suggested Paul’s for dinner one night. I jumped at the chance and met him there on a crowded Friday night.

The service was slow and just accommodating enough to keep us seated. Our waitress looked and acted like she had been waiting tables at Paul’s since it first opened in 1989, which was probably close to the truth as Paul’s is a family owned and operated establishment. He assured me that the burgers would be worth it and we requested a complementary bowl of their pickles.

Pickles at Paul’s

The pickles were served in a bowl of their salty brine and were thick cut and crunchy. It was hard not to gobble down the whole bowl before our burgers came out.

I decided on the St. Mark’s burger deluxe ($10.90), served with my choice of their Cajun fries. The burger came piled high with sautéed mushrooms and fried onions over an American cheese burger. The mass eye appeal left me drooling before I even got a whiff of its heavenly fried scent. The burger was much too large to pick up as it was, so I cut it in half and was pleased to find a sinfully juicy center to bite further into.

St. Mark’s Burger at Paul’s

The burger was everything that a fried onion, mushroom cheeseburger at a divey East Village burger joint should be. It was a greasy, juicy, down and dirty, heart-attack on a plate. The beef wasn’t the highest in quality with hard bits scattered throughout the patty, but I certainly walked away full and happy, if not a little sick.

Paul’s is advertised in neon lights outside the storefront as NYC’s Best Burger. While I wouldn’t go that far, it certainly got the job done. I might be back if I’m with the right company whose stomachs are made of steel, but until then I think I’ll stick with a burger that’s a little easier on the stomach.

Filed Under: American, Bushwick, East Village, Reviews Tagged With: Burger Joints in NYC, Burgers in East Village, Burgers in Manhattan, Carolyn Onofrey, Casual Restaurants in Manhattan, NYC

Mel’s Burger delivers! – Review of Mel’s Burger

September 10, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

BY CAROLYN ONOFREY

Mel’s Burger
2850 Broadway
Morningside Heights
212-865-7100/ melsburgerbar.com

Mel's Burger, Morningside Heights, Manhattan

Mel’s Burger opened on August 26th. The flickering neon sign reminiscent of Times Square circa 1940 is an inviting homage to what is now kitschy, old New York. Located in the heart of Columbia University territory, I expected to see a flood of college kids swarming the place and perhaps a stale beer smell from nights past. Instead, I walked into a rather large restaurant with an interesting selection of clientele ranging from senior citizens to families with young children, to of course, Columbia students. The interior was decked from head to toe in rustic wood and accented with fun elements like a black and white checkered floor, a large painting with the not-so-subliminal message “hamburgers delicious”, and the restaurant’s namesake spelled out in perfectly made-to-look-dingy lights.

The staff was energized and seemingly happy to be at work. Their number 1 concern for the entire time I was there was that I was having fun and that I was trying out as many beers on their impressive, craft heavy, list as I could possibly muster.

Cadillac Burger (bacon and cheese) at Mel’s Burger

Reading over the menu, with items ranging from their spiked milk shakes to their homage to the “original” Louis’ Lunch burger (let’s give credit where credit is due!) to the hand cut buffalo and disco fries and onion strings, I could tell that Mel’s really was all about having fun and enjoying food on a college student’s budget (burgers ranging from $8.50 to $12.50).

Fries and onion strings at Mel’s Burger

Also delicious at Mel’s, the French Dip!

While the stale beer smell may come with time, and the staff might not always be so giddy for work, it is safe to say that as long as they don’t change the special spice blend they use for their burgers and the recipe they use for their delicious french fries, Mel’s will be a staple in the lives of many Columbia students and the residents of Morningside Heights for years to come.

Filed Under: American, Burgers, Morningside Heights, Upper West side Tagged With: Burger Joints in Manhattan, Burger Joints in NYC, Burgers in Manhattan, burgers in NYC, Carolyn Onofrey, Manhattan, Mel's Burger, Morning Side Heights, NYC, Where to eat near Columbia University, Where to eat Uptown

Comfort food with a twist – Review of Gus and Gabriel

April 26, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

BY CAROLYN ONOFREY

Gus and Gabriel
222 West 79th Street
Upper West Side
212-362-7246/gusandgabriel.com

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. [Read more...]

Filed Under: American, Beer, Gastropub, Upper West side Tagged With: Carolyn Onofrey, Casual dining in Upper West Side, Craft brews in Manhattan, Craft brews in New York City, Gastropub, Gastropubs in Manhattan, Gastropubs in NYC, Gus and Gabriel, Manhattan, NYC, Where to eat in Upper West Side, Where to enjoy craft brews in the Upper West Side

2nd Floor on Clinton- “For Those Who Know”

Divey and decadently delicious – A Review of Bill’s Bar and Burger

Divey and decadently delicious – A Review of Bill's Bar and Burger

Thanksgiving Fun Facts, courtesy of Libby O’Connell

General Greene falls flat – Review of The General Greene

Beyond booze and beads: the Tastiest Gems in New Orleans

Another day another burger – Review of Paul’s

Mel’s Burger delivers! – Review of Mel’s Burger

Comfort food with a twist – Review of Gus and Gabriel

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