The Gotham Palate

A Diamond in the Bronx – Review of Beccofino

November 23, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

By LISA M. NGUYEN

Beccofino
5704 Mosholu Ave
Bronx

Fettucine alla Bolognese at Beccofino - Photo by Lisa M. Nguyen

Beccofino displays as a rustic place with brick walls and checkered tablecloths, and even Christmas lights that hang from corner to corner. Seating is about no more than 40 and is intimate enough that everyone seems to see which one of their neighbors are going to step in. With friendly waitstaff where they feel horrible for telling you to come back, they manage to make room for my party of 4 on a busy night.

With a small space and a small menu, this Zagat rated restaurant puts out some large taste. Their goat cheese, arugula, and pear salad is a unique and fresh way to start an appetizer. They use warm, caramelized walnuts and dried cranberries, where this salad hits all of your taste buds. Beccofino also offers a wide selection of wines for a small restaurant. Even some bottled beers from local breweries in New York are added to their menu. Their drinks are affordable with beers ranging from $6 and up. You can order the wines by the glass or you can buy you and your date a bottle as well.

Forget about store bought dry pasta, and prepare to enjoy some fresh hand cut fettucine. The fettucine bolognese is a hearty sauce with some fresh pasta, taking only a few minutes to boil, coming out hot and something most people haven’t tasted yet. Beccofino brings out not your typical chicken parmigiana, but some amazing meals like mussels and tender calamari. And if you’re not into seafood, they have a variety of meats including veal and hanger steak, and of course chicken. And dare to try their desserts. Beccofino creates a hazelnut biscotto ice cream, large enough to share, but so delicious that everyone will want their own. They also serve up a very classic tiramisu, no gimmicks about it, made perfectly with fresh mascarpone cheese, espresso, and lady fingers.

The prices are affordable, the pastas are no more than $20, their sandwiches are about $12, and share a dessert because it’s plenty for less than $8.

There’s always a parking spot right outside on Mosholu Ave. And if you end up taking the subway, you can catch the 1 train right to the end, and it’s also within walking distance.

What’s On…Bayard Street? (Between Mott and Elizabeth)

November 22, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

BY CAROLYN ONOFREY

What’s On…Bayard Street? (btwn: Mott and Elizabeth Streets)
Chinatown

Photo by Carolyn Onofrey

The colorful past of Bayard Street in Chinatown began in the early 19th Century as its location landed it in the famed Old Sixth Ward and internationally known slum, 5 Points. Disease and unparalleled violence for over 70 years made Bayard Street a place that most did not venture. Mott (at Bayard St), came in to the news again in 1989 when police confiscated 820lbs of heroin from Peter Woo, then 71 and owner of Tai Pei Liquors, who was the largest importer of heroin at the time. Today, Bayard Street is still shrouded in a bit of mystery, located in the heart of Chinatown where we hope things haven’t been cleaned up too much – however, there are some wonderful finds for those seeking a different kind of adventure.

Hot chocolate drink with puffed rice @ Bubbly Tea

55B Bayard Street – Bubbly Tea
The name says it all – Bubbly Tea is the go-to location in Chinatown for bubble tea (tea mixed with tapioca beads). With many flavors, hot or cold, to choose from and a bonus snack menu, who can resist some Bubbly Tea? *They often have drinks on promotion; ask the cashier what you can get for a discount!

Durian hanging in the window at #59 Market

57 Bayard Street – Bayard Meat Market
Fresh, reasonably priced meat is what you’ll get at the Bayard Meat Market. Satisfyingly clean surroundings and a selection of dumplings and other cooked foods available for take-out make the Bayard Market a stop for many on their way home from work at night.

59 Bayard Street – Bayard Fish Market
Right next door to (and the sister market of) Bayard Meat Market is the Bayard Fish Market. A good selection of fish and shellfish as well as fresh produce make this, and the former, the only place you’ll have to stop before you head home to make dinner.

61 Bayard Street – Yuen Yuen
Unsuspecting Yuen Yuen has been a staple in Chinatown for as long as (at least the people who know it’s there) can remember. Yuen Yuen serves comforting home-style Chinese food at prices that don’t seem to have risen much since the beginning of time (most dishes come in at about $5!). Don’t let the non-existent decor deter you – stop in and try one of the glutinous ball soups and the almond tea.

64 Bayard Street – Mei Li Wah Bakery
Stop at Mei Li Wah for the pork buns and leave happy, very happy. At 80 cents each, it makes it easier to ignore the huge vats of MSG that pile up on the sidewalk outside.

Chinatown Ice Cream Factory

65 Bayard Street – Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
Authentic Asian flavors make the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory a go-to for year round ice cream treats. Stop by for flavors including black sesame, green tea, red bean, and almond cookie for a truly authentic Chinatown experience (at truly Manhattan prices).

65 Bayard Street – Old Sichuan
The Sichuan province in China is known for its spicy food and numbing Sichuan peppercorn. Old Sichuan aims to please those looking for just that. While not the spiciest Sichuan in the city, it ranks among the best of its kind if you’re in Chinatown. Nicer than average Chinatown decor make this haunt a go-to for out-of-towners.

66 Bayard Street – Nice Green Bo
The dumplings are indeed nice and the decor indeed green at Nice Green Bo. Stop in if you’re passing by to give their soup dumplings a try (in an area where the soup dumpling reigns king) – but don’t make it a special trip.

Famous lamb burger at Xi’an Famous Foods

Famous lamb burger at Xi’an Famous Foods
67 Bayard Street – Xi’an Famous Foods
This NYC mini chain pumps out cheap and crave worthy fast food style Chinese food. Most say the cumin spiced lamb burger is the only way to go here (and indeed, it is addictingly delicious), but lamb and pork centered noodle dishes can certainly hit the spot also.

69 Bayard Restaurant

69 Bayard Street – Sun Lin Garden
Chinatowns favorite (and maybe only) “diner” serves the drunken college aged of Chinatown 24 hours a day. Dollar bills line the walls, and while it might not be food you’ll enjoy when you’re sober, regulars all have their own go to at 3AM earning this place a spot in the books as an NYC landmark we hope won’t ever go away.

69 Bayard Restaurant
70 Bayard Street – Neighborliness Bakery
Okay, so it’s not the cleanest place on the block, but the name says it all. Clientele is comprised mostly of an older set of neighbors making this place intimidating for some, but a natural choice for others. Sweet treats and coffee occupy most of the menu and are best for takeout if its Chinese desserts you’ve got a hankering for.

72 Bayard Street – Hsin Wong
Try Hsin Wong if you’re in the mood for the wonderful world of Chinese roast meats. Roast duck and pork are the stars of the menu here – but most will agree the congee is reputable as well. The lunch hour can get crowded and rushed, so try Hsin Wong for dinner at prices that will make you smile.

Filed Under: Chinatown, Featured, Informational, Neighborhood News, Reviews, Round-up Reviews Tagged With: Carolyn Onofrey, Chinatown, Chinatown NYC Neighborhood History, Food History in Chinatown, Foods and Neighborhoods in NYC, Monthly Column by Carolyn Onofrey, NYC, Reviews of Neighborhoods in NYC, What's on Bayard St., What's On Column

Taco Enfant Terrible takes Manhattan – Review of Teqa

November 21, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

BY ELENA MANCINI

Chef Chris Goossen

Teqa
447 Third Ave.
Murray Hill
212-213-3223
http://www.teqanyc.com/

Murray Hill has gotten a lot of press lately for its notably upgraded restaurant scene over the past couple of years. Amid Les Halles Resto, Zengo, Terroir, inoteca, Teqa is firmly among the key players in raising the neighborhood’s foodie profile. Open for under two years, Teqa is a airy, elegant dimly-lit relaxing space designed by Lesly Zamor with a spacious bar and a decor that evokes South Beach and L.A. more than it does New York. It has recently managed to lure the creative genius of Los Angeles chef and taco guru, Chris Goossen to helm its kitchen.

A fierce, wife-beater-donning 38 year with a boxing background, Goossen’s demeanor is both provocative and entertaining, to say the least: think: the non-compromising standards of Gordon Ramsey, and the badass mystique of Anthony Bourdain, but the L.A. version of both. Goossen’s passion is to celebrate the authentic flavors of Mexico with his inventive and inspired Nouveau Mexican dishes. Goossen has created 42 original tacos with ingredients from around the world. With two decades of the restaurant business under his belt before coming to New York, Goossen brings a wealth of culinary and business acumen to the table. His previous chefing gigs include Dome and Bottega Louie in L.A. and starting his legendary Knockout Taco Truck in the City of Angeles, or “Lost Angeles” as it is cheekily referred to on his fore-arm-lengthed tattoo. Goossen’s reads like an L.A. story through and through. Prior to knocking it out of the park with his taco truck, Goossen had worked as Mark Wahlberg’s private chef for five years.

My dining companion and I had the opportunity to speak with Goossen briefly that evening. The first things that struck me about him were his fierceness and sense of humor. He asked us to pardon the wife-beater, and made a charming joke about the temperature in his workplace. When asked what his culinary vision and message, Goossen responded that his mission is to educate. He explained that “New Yorkers don’t get Mexican food.” They’re not accustomed to the heat and don’t yet have the palate for it. Goossen aims to change that. Part of his vision is also to prove that that fine food can be served on a taco. If you doubt his cred or dedication, Goossen’s created 42 tacos with ingredients from around the world.

Asked how he runs his kitchen, Goossen fired a reflex-like response: I’m a tyrannt. He talked about educating his kitchen staff by not coddling them. He practices breaking people down to build them back up and make them better than before. He summed up his approach by stating: “I’m the nicest a…(insert unisex body part) you’ll ever meet.” Keep reading to find out whether the dishes rise to match the persona.

The menu includes an extensive cocktail list, many of which are made with tequila and a reasonable selection of wines by the glass at the $10 range. Menu categories include appetizers, salads, (all within the $10 – $15 range) three distinct taco categories and main courses (between $17 – $24) and desserts (under $10).

I ordered a rose hibiscus tequila drink. The fresh juice flavors were very pronounced and added a natural bitter-sweet dimension to the sweet tequila undertones. My dining companion ordered spicy cucumber margarita. This was a margarita slam dunk, and is the drink that I will be sure to order on my next visit. Both cocktails were priced at $11.

DISHES SAMPLED:

Dinner began with an order of Taquitos de Carnitas and border chopped salad. The hard shell was filled with juicy braised pulled pork and flavored with salsa mexicana and a modest sprinkling of cotija cheese for creaminess. When taking our order, our server asked us about our heat-factor preferences, and we opted for mild-medium and the taquitos had just the right amount of kick.

Border Chopped Salad at Teqa

The salad was a refreshing segue to the grounding effects of the taquitos. It consisted of vibrant shreds of farmer’s kale jazzed up with jicama, bacon, breadcrumbs and a compelling citrus vinaigrette.

Hawaiian Tuna Poke

The Hawaiian Tuna Poke was an ingenious blend of flavors and textures. Made with fresh and generously meaty cuts of Tuna Poke sushi paired with avocado, jalapeno and a light sprinkle of togarashi, or Japanese chili powder, in a hard taco shell, this dish was excitingly scrumptious and lingered pleasantly on my blissful palate.

For the main course, I enjoyed the Oaxacan style fish of the day. On that day it happened to be the esc0lar. It was grilled with subtle seasoning which allowed for the delicate nuances of the fish’s flavors to shine through. The thick chunk of fish was flaky and moist and had a light, but highly enjoyable flavor. It was paired with an elegant smattering of roasted shitake mushrooms. I later read up and escolar and learned that it has been known to cause gastric distress because of its high-oil content if consumed in inordinate quantities. I’m glad to report that I hadn’t noticed any excessive oiliness and suffered no discomfort whatsoever at having enjoyed this dish.

Churros with Vanilla Sauce

For dessert we shared the churros with vanilla sauce. The churro orbs were crisp and puffy and had a dense but caky consistency. Resting atop a seductive bed of warm white wine-infused vanilla sauce, the dessert and the side of fresh berries that accompanied it was gone within less than a handful of minutes.

THE SERVICE: Knowledgeable and attentive without being intrusive. Our servers were consistently able to answer questions about the menu and provide guidance when necessary. Inquired about food allergies and heat-factor tolerance.

Offering a youthful vibe, foodie pleasures and reasonable tabs, Teqa’s an excellent choice for an intimate dinner or for small groups of adults. It also serves lunch and weekend brunch.

Filed Under: Featured, Food Trends, Mexican, Murray Hill, Reviews Tagged With: Chris Goossen, Elena Mancini, Knockout Taco Truck, Nouveau Mexican Food, Nouveau Mexican Food in NYC, NYC, Teqa, Teqa Murray Hill, Where to eat in Murray Hill

Showcasing specialty roasts and Brazilian delights – Casa Restaurant hosts Cafés do Brasil Week Brunch

November 15, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

BY BETH KAISERMAN

Kicking Off Cafés do Brasil Week at Casa – November 12, 2011

Cafés do Brasil sponsored a lovely brunch and coffee tasting Saturday morning at Casa, 72 Bedford St. in the West Village.

Casa is located on a cozy corner of New York City’s oldest street and serves up regional Brazilian home cooking. It was the ideal spot for an authentic experience in Brazilian flavors.

The brunch kicked off Cafés do Brasil Week, a week-long event during which 20 New York City restaurants will be serving Cafés do Brasil specialty coffees. The event runs until Saturday, November 19.

Brazil is the biggest coffee producer in the world. Attendees at Saturday’s brunch tasted three coffees — starting with Mogiana, a light-bodied selection from Minas Gerais, Cerrado from Sao Paulo, and Planalto, a rich option from Bahia.

Brazilian Farm Breakfast @ Casa

Eggs Florentine with Organic Baby Spinach and roasted potatoes with Linguiça

For brunch, Casa served each person a basket of sugar and cinnamon donuts, yucca and coconut cake and cheese bread “Pao de Queijo.” Along with the coffees, this was a perfect pick-me-up to start off a beautiful Saturday. The main dish was Eggs Florentine with organic baby spinach and roasted potatoes. Brazilian Specialty Foods provided sausage “Linguica” as an optional accompaniment to the egg dish. It was hearty and full of flavor.

For a complete list of participating Cafés do Brasil Week venues, see http://cafesdobrasil.com.

Filed Under: Brazilian, Coffee, Featured, Food Events, Informational, Reviews, Upcoming Events, West Village Tagged With: Beth Kaiserman, Brazilian coffees, Brazilian Coffees in NYC, Brazilian Specialty Foods USA, Cafés do Brasil, Cafés do Brasil Week in NYC, Casa, Casa Restaurant, Coffee events in NYC, Coffee tastings, linguica, NYC

Teasing Customers One Spice at a Time – Review of Spices and Tease

November 8, 2011 By admin 1 Comment

BY LISA M. NGUYEN

Spices And Tease
2580 Broadway (Between 97 & 98 Streets)
spicesandtease.com/ 347-470-8327
Upper West Side

This unique stand once started off selling at street fairs, being the odd one out with their robust aromas of different spices and teas, which included 30 varieties of homemade spice blends, over 70 original spices and 180 imported teas. While walking around Madison Square Park’s food festival, other stands were cooking pizza, hot dogs, sandwiches, and then there was Spices and Tease.

You’ll be able to find your classic tea’s, like Earl Grey and Chai, but you’ll also be able to try something out of the ordinary like their Dark Choco Orange Black Tea, made with orange bits, cocoa bits, cardamom, and pink pepper. This mix creates a comfort with the taste buds and turning plain water into a work of art. You can also try one of their other tea’s like their Mango Pineapple Chili, which they like to call their “Pirate of the Caribbean” tea. This mixture is made up with mango flakes, chili powder, and pineapple pieces. A soothing and flavorful mix.

Going for $7 for a small tin and $10 for a large, these fancy tins keep the tea and spice’s fresh, and are made for the perfect gift for your family and friends.

Filed Under: Featured, Food Events, Food Vending Trucks, Indian, Informational, Reviews, Upper West side Tagged With: Lisa Nguyen, Madison Square Park Food Festival, NYC, Spices and Tease, teas and spices, Upper West side

Farm-to-Table, Inspired and Whimsical Chinese Cuisine – A Review of RedFarm

November 3, 2011 By admin 2 Comments

BY BECKA WOOLF

RedFarm
529 Hudson St
(between 10th St & Charles St)
Manhattan, NY 10014
Neighborhood: West Village

Do you like faces on your food? Perhaps some googly eyes on your shrimp dumplings? RedFarm does.

Opened by former Chinatown Brasserie chef and dim sum extraordinaire Joe Ng and Chinese restaurant expert Ed Schoenfeld, RedFarm has been the chatter of the West Village since its opening at the beginning of September, and rightfully so. Featuring communal tables and Ina Garten-esque décor, the menu features Greenmarket-inspired, innovative Chinese dim sum. The atmosphere is loud, the food imaginative and inspired. Think Joe’s Shanghai and Blue Hill’s restaurant love child.

RedFarm, NYC

RedFarm puts forth many winning dishes. The crispy spicy beef is the standout. Sweet and spicy at its best, the beef is served alongside roasted hot chiles and crunchy lotus root chips. The Kumamoto oysters with Meyer lemon – yuzu ice are incredibly fresh and satisfying, an oyster slushie of sorts. The Pac Man shrimp dumplings are as whimsical as they are delicious. As the waitress put the plate down in front of us, she laid out the scene: a piece of crispy fried, Pac Man-shaped sweet potato, resting on a bed of non-traditional but delicious guacamole, is chasing the four “surprised” shrimp dumplings (there is something different in every dumpling to accompany the shrimp, hence the “surprise”). The crispy duck and crab dumplings also have a unique presentation – the dumplings are modeled to look like sting rays, complete with eyes, and they sit on the edge of a bowl of sweet, rich curry sauce for dipping. Also delicious and worth ordering are the Kowloon filet mignon tarts, a one-bite tart topped with a mouthwatering, perfectly cooked piece of beef.

Pac Man shrimp dumplings at RedFarm

I also want to speak briefly to the wonder and pure genius of the Katz’s pastrami egg rolls. Yes, you read this right, the pastrami is straight from the one and only Manhattan pastrami institution Katz’s Deli. As a Jewish girl from the east coast, you better believe I have an appreciation for good pastrami, and these just blew me away. They are served with a tangy, creamy mustard dipping sauce. Naturally!

Not everything at RedFarm is a home run, however. The first time I dined there, I had the spicy Korean rice cake with Chinese sausage and shrimp, and adored the dish. My second time there, I noticed it was no longer on the menu and asked the waiter why. He said he “ate it all” (with no real answer), and suggested the wide rice noodles with shredded roast duck instead. They were disappointing –bland, oily and one-dimensional. They can do better. I just know it.

Kowloon filet mignon tart at Red Farm

RedFarm is certainly not cheap, most dishes in the 8-15 dollar range, which adds up quickly given the majority of the dishes are only a few bites. They don’t take reservations so expect to wait, the best option being getting a drink at Bayard’s Ale House next door. And never fear, you will get a text when your table is ready. As Ina would say, “How easy is that?”

Now, if only those spicy Korean rice cakes would make their way back onto the menu. Pretty please, Chef Ng?

Filed Under: Chinese, Featured, Reviews, Trendy Spots, West Village Tagged With: Becka Woolf, Ed Schoenfeld, Farm Food Restaurants in NYC, Greenwich Village, Joe Ng, NYC, RedFarm, Trendy Restaurants in NYC, Where to eat in West Village

Where chic crowds flock for seasonal, hearty and inspired cuisine- Review of dell’ anima

October 26, 2011 By admin

BY BECKA WOOLF

dell’anima restaurant
38 8th Avenue
West Village
dellanima.com/ 212.366.6633

Walk into dell’anima on a Monday night and you will swear it’s a weekend, or at least a celebration. And what a celebration it is. Chic crowds at the bar drinking shimmering reds, hungry hopefuls waiting for tables outside with fingers crossed, a group of vibrant women at a banquette near the open kitchen having ladies’ night out.

Photo courtesy of dell’anima

Dell’anima, which means “of the soul” in Italian, is exactly that – Italian food for the soul. Opened in 2007 by Gabriel Thompson, who has worked with culinary heavy-hitters such as Mario Batali, Eric Ripert and Joe Bastianich, and Joe Campanale, former Babbo sommelier, this West Village foodie hangout has an intimate, yet lively feel, and features traditional, updated Italian classics, and a selection of over 150 wines.

Start with the bruschette, one of each (they offer 5 different spreads, ranging from creamy ricotta and honey to rapini pesto, perfectly flecked with walnuts and pecorino), served with warm, crusty bread. The salads are memorable as well, especially the endive, dressed with a simple anchovy citrus vinaigrette, and the charred octopus with rice beans and chorizo.

Let’s talk about the pastas. The beautiful, homemade daily, melt-in-your-mouth pastas. Dell’anima makes an exquisite Bolognese, with ribbons of tagliatelle pasta and fresh Parmigiano Reggiano, and arguably the best Carbonara I have had anywhere, with deliciously salty speck and a sunny orb of egg yolk in the center, dying to be broken. Stick to your ribs good. The menu also features well executed proteins such as orata, hanger steak and pollo al diavolo. And of course, don’t forget to order the Anston mills polenta and their sweet take on brussels sprouts with pumpkin seeds and cherries.

Photo courtesy of dell’anima

Most entrees fall within the $15-$25 range, but for those looking to save, the “Meatness Monday” prix fixe menu is a fantastic deal – 3 courses for $40. Not too bad if you ask me!

Don’t come here expecting heaping bowls of pasta and enormous, gluttonous portions, that’s not the point. The food is seasonal, traditional, hearty and inspired. You will leave dell’anima with that “I just went to an amazing restaurant” feeling, already planning your next visit. Maybe next time you be lucky enough to be among the chosen 6 who get to dine at the open kitchen’s counter, watching the magic happen. And yes, I used the “M” word.

Filed Under: Italian, Reviews, Trendy Spots, West Village Tagged With: Becka Woolf, dell' anima, Gabriel Thompson, Italian Restaurants in West Village, Joe Campanale Restaurant, NYC, Restaurants in West Village, Review of dell' anima, Trendy Italian Restaurants in NYC

What’s On… Bond Street?

October 20, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

BY CAROLYN ONOFREY

Bond Street
NoHo

This two block street, put on the map in the early 17th century was originally home to many of New York’s wealthy. The area was so popular in fact, that a bus was created to bring residents from Bond Street to their jobs downtown on Wall Street. The 1857 murder of Dr. Harvey Burdell took place on 31 Bond Street – a famed case where his wife, Emma Cunningham is said to have strangled and stabbed him at least 15 times. Though the case still remains unsolved Emma Cunningham will go down in history as the one suspected of this brutal, and famous murder. Today, Bond Street boasts only a few of its original Greek revival homes strewn in between luxury townhouses and lofts. Despite the seemingly dismal Bond Street economy with more empty store fronts than full, a few delectable restaurants whose menus you’ll want to save for a special occasion have weathered the recession.

6 Bond Street – Bondst
Come to Bondst for fresh sushi and refreshing tastes. This NoHo landmark can’t be denied its stellar sushi and 10 course tasting menu or its staying power for that matter, but is also known for the hefty price tag and sometimes stuffy atmosphere. If sophisticated sushi is your bag, then Bondst it is. *If you’re visiting Florida, check out Bondst on South Beach!

Tucked away downstairs - The Smile

26 Bond Street – The Smile
Uber trendy (maybe too much so for its own good), The Smile delivers American bites reminiscent of a home cooked meal, that is – if your mother was Chef Melia Marden.
Some say The Smile tries too hard to be the low-key hang out it is, but others are content as they hide-out in the corner noshing on dishes that’ll make you smile – even if the staff won’t smile back.

Tuna tartar with pork rinds and yucca fries @ Mercat

45 Bond Street – Mercat

It’s hard to upstage Il Buco next door, but Mercat holds its own with well thought out Catalan tapas and an ‘all Spanish, all the time’ mind-set. The transporting white tile of the open kitchen sets the mood, and the tapas complete the experience. Dishes can be on the pricey side, but worth it for a special occasion. *Try the tuna tartar with pork rinds and yucca fries.

Cozy at Il Buco – Photo courtesy of Il Buco

47 Bond Street – Il Buco
Il Buco keeps diners coming back for more with its delectable Italian-Spanish fare. It’s easy to guarantee that a meal at Il Buco will linger in your thoughts and taste buds for as long as it takes to come back again. *Start with the kale and end with the panna cotta!

55 Bond Street – Hung Ry
Bond Street is one of the only places where Chinese food and organic (at least in NYC), seem the norm. Their tasty hand pulled noodles and pledge for all things local bring a new standard and unconventional twist to the art of hand-pulled noodles. The prices certainly aren’t Chinatown, but neither is their mantra.

Filed Under: Neighborhood News, Reviews, Round-up Reviews Tagged With: Bond St., Buco, Carolyn Onofrey, Carolyn Onofrey monthly food neighborhood column, Food and Neighborhood reviews, Hung Ry, HungRy, Mercat, Noho - Food and Neighborhood NYC, NYC, NYC neighborhood reviews, The Smile, What's on Bond St.

What’s On… Bedford Street?

September 21, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

What’s On…Bedford Street?
West Village

BY CAROLYN ONOFREY

Many blocks in the West Village are culinary goldmines just waiting to be discovered, and Bedford Street is no exception. Home to the famed ‘narrowest house’ in the city at number 75 ½, owners such as Cary Grant and John Barrymore have called the 9 ½ foot wide house theirs. Chumley’s, a once famed speakeasy also called Bedford Street home at number 86 – local folklore tells the story of a man who had too much to drink and was kicked out of Chumley’s, thus creating the term ‘86ed’ known by the restaurant and nightlife industry as a way to do just that. Although talks of a reopening have been heard through the grapevine no moves have been made and the unmarked door remains closed. Bar d’O also once resided on Bedford Street, a landmark in the 1990s for some of the best drag shows around where Joey Arias honed his skills. 81 Bedford Street served as a CIA safe house for LSD tests in the 1950s. A two-way mirror conjoined adjacent apartments and allowed “testing” on unsuspecting “volunteers” lured into the apartment. Today, Bedford Street represents seven different countries, in the gastronomic sense, and provides us with stories of such a colorful past, making it a go-to destination for food and nightlife and reminding us why we love New York so much.

14 Bedford Street – Blue Ribbon Bakery Market
At this market outpost of the Blue Ribbon restaurants it’s all about the bread. Stop in for a to-go loaf of their delectable bread, or for the perfect nibble any time of day try one of their toasts which range in toppings from manchego and Mexican honey to pork rillette and cornichon.

14 Bedford Street – Quinto Quarto
Although you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to Rome, most agree that Quinto Quarto is just okay. Very reasonable prices and healthy portions of pasta bring most to this neighborhood spot; just remember to keep it simple and go pasta.

Cocktail @ Daddy O

21 Bedford Street – ‘ino
Best known for brunch and their mouth watering truffled egg toasts, ‘ino is a small piece of Italy (both literally and figuratively). A nicely sized Italian wine selection rounds out the mood and menu comprised of Panini and bruschetta.

27 Bedford Street – Cafe Henri
Named after its owner’s dog, Henri this cafe is the perfect spot to duck into and grab a classic French bite including a selection of crepes and a délicieux eggs Benedict.

29 Bedford Street – Ditch Plains
Named after a Long Island beach, you’ll find your surf shack favorites kicked up a few notches. From warm crab dip to lobster rolls and a complementary salt water taffy ending, Ditch Plains reminds the city’s Long Island natives of blissful Summers on the beach.
*It may be a seafood place, but try the ditch dogs!

44 Bedford Street – Daddy O

Come for cocktails and tater tots at Daddy O – a comfortable neighborhood bar where the bartenders are amicable and pour their love into every cocktail. Whether starting your night, or ending your night, cozy on up to a few of your favorite friends and sip away. *Really, try the tater tots!

46 Bedford Street – The Village Tavern
As your average sports bar, The Village Tavern does the trick. Prime times can get too crowded for comfort, so stop by during the day on a weekend for some QT with your game of choice.

63 Bedford Street – Snack Taverna
Don’t let the name fool you, Snack Taverna is a great place for more than just snacking. Solid Grecian fare featuring your standard – chicken, lamb, and fish make Snack Taverna an old standby for many. Locals flock to this place, making it hard to find a seat at prime times.

72 Bedford Street – Casa
Brazilian food just like your grandmother made (if you’re Brazilian that is), Casa features traditional Brazilian dishes and stews served in a cozy atmosphere complete with white cotton place-mats. Come early to beat the crowds and leave full, very full.

90 Bedford Street – Moustache Pitza
Known for their pitzas (oven baked pita dough with Med inspired toppings), Moustache is a favorite with the local crowd. Very reasonable prices and other classic Mediterranean entrees dotting the menu, mean no one is complaining about the simple, yet tasty fare.

90 Bedford Street - The Little Owl
The Little Owl demonstrates what refined, well thought-out food is all about. The American-Mediterranean menu by Chef Joey Campanaro epitomizes why American cuisine is today a force to be reckoned with. *Try their soft shell crab to start or the signature pork chop.

122 Christopher Street (@ Bedford) Lima’s Taste Ceviche Bar
If you’re in the mood for ceviche, Lima’s Taste is your cure. Don’t forget to try the pisco sours!

Truffled egg toast @ ‘ino – Photo courtesy of Meng H. on Yelp.com

44 Bedford Street – Daddy O

Cocktail @ Daddy O

Pork sausage and empanadas @ Casa

122 Christopher Street (@ Bedford) Lima’s Taste Ceviche Bar
If you’re in the mood for ceviche, Lima’s Taste is your cure. Don’t forget to try the pisco sours!

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A discerning New Yorker’s grass-fed of choice – a Review of Bareburger

September 13, 2011 By admin 1 Comment

By Erin Palisin

Various Locations in New York City:

33-21 31st Ave (Astoria)
535 Laguardia Pl. (Greenwich Village)
514 3rd Avenue (Murray Hill)
170 7th Ave. (Park Slope, Brooklyn)

http://www.bareburger.com/

Maui Wowie Burger @ Bareburger

Ask 10 New Yorkers where they go for their favorite burger in the city and you will likely receive 10 different responses. However if you ask this New Yorker, you will only get one: Bareburger. Although a traditional, sloppy beef burger on a regular bun sometimes does the trick, the unique concept and combinations offered at Bareburger are what truly sets it apart from other burger joint competitors.

The Bareburger menu truly offers something for everyone. Diners have the option of choosing from 10 different types of patties: beef, turkey, veggie burger, portabella mushroom, lamb, elk, bison, ostrich, grilled chicken or Cajun spiced chicken. If that weren’t enough, you also have the option of using a multi-grain roll, brioche bun, iceberg lettuce wrap or wheat flour wrap, or a gluten-free tapioca rice bun. After viewing these options, diners can move on to what type of unique burger toppings they want to munch on. Custom designed burgers range from traditional Classic Burger with dill pickle relish, grilled onions and ketchup to the Maui Wowie Burger (pictured below) including smoked mozzarella, grilled pineapple, Canadian bacon, fried onions, roasted red peppers and ranch dressing. Since choosing among these options can be overwhelming, the menu also serves as a suggestion guide. Each type of burger combination comes with a suggestion as to what type of patty would work well. The suggestions have not failed me yet!

I am lucky enough to have a Bareburger located only two blocks from my apartment. Since I took my first bite of the Avocado California Burger (with the suggested veggie burger patty and a perfectly buttery brioche bun), I made it a personal goal to try every burger on the menu. I am proud to say I have successfully worked half way to this goal. Although no burger has disappointed, do not miss out on trying the Maui Wowie and Lamb Burger or my first and personal favorite, the Avocado California. In my experience, veggie burgers have been hit or miss; in this case it is a complete hit. It certainly helps that all ingredients are certified organic, fresh and perfectly paired together. The burgers are a smaller portion, so make sure to order the fresh cut fries and battered onion rings combo (with 4 kinds of dipping sauce, including Bareburger’s own sweet, special sauce); a perfect side to share with your dining companion. Finally, don’t forget to save room for a milkshake made, of course, with certified organic ice cream, milk and fruits. Milkshakes are a thick consistency and contain rich, tasteful flavors. Although you also may leave in a certified food coma, it is certainly one that you won’t forget!

Rings and Fries - Bareburger Combo

As explained on their website, Bareburger prides itself in only using organic ingredients for three reasons: It’s better for you, It’s tastier, and It’s better for the planet. Bareburger certainly proves that all three of these values are not only better for the restaurant’s concept, but better for their customers as well. Enjoy!

*Bareburger has been previously reviewed by Holly Hagan in 2009.
Click here to read her review on The Gotham Palate.

Filed Under: American, Astoria, Brooklyn, Burgers, Murray Hill, Park Slope, Pub Food, Queens, Reviews, West Village Tagged With: Bareburger, Best Burger in Astoria, Best Burger in NYC, Erin Palisin, Favorite burger in NYC, Grassfed burgers in NYC, NYC, Organic burgers in NYC

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