The Gotham Palate — West Village

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.

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… 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!

Filed Under: Informational, Neighborhood News, Reviews, Round-up Reviews, West Village Tagged With: Bedford St. Greenwich Village, Blue Ribbon Bakery, Cafe, Carolyn Onofrey, Carolyn Onofrey's Monthly Column, Casa, Daddy O, Ditch Plains, Henri, ino, Lima, Little Owl, NYC, NYC Food and Streets, NYC neighborhoods, Quinto Quarto, What's On Column

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

Authentic dishes with neighborhood hospitality – Review of Cuba

June 13, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

By ERIN PALISIN

222 Thompson St. (between West 3^rd St. and Bleecker St.)
Greenwich Village
212-420-7878 / cubanyc.com

Photo by Erin Palisin

Looking for authentic Cuban food, authentic live music, authentic service and even authentic hand-rolled cigars? No need to dust off your passport and travel out of the country. Just walk down to Cuba, a neighborhood favorite located on Thompson Street in historic Greenwich Village. In a city that boasts tens of thousands of restaurants, sometimes choosing where to have your next meal can be quite a challenge. Although going to a celebrity chef’s local joint can be a culinary treat, sometimes your best overall experience can be found in a small, neighborhood hangout where attention to detail, creating a welcoming ambiance and having fun are key!

Rabo Encendido - Photo by Erin Palisin

Before you even walk in the doors of Cuba, you are greeted by an always smiling man busy at work in the front window crafting fresh, hand-rolled Cuban cigars (see picture below). This attention to detail and small added touch are evidence of the type of experience and service that keeps local New Yorkers coming back for more. Once you make it inside, pay attention to the Latin band or singer who is likely set up in the back corner entertaining restaurant patrons with lively Cuban music to dine to. (the music can be loud, so do not expect to have a very quiet meal)

And of course, after you take in all the initial sensory delights, there is food and drinks to be had! Start off with a house specialty mojito that will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the difficult decision of what to order. If dining with a group, a fun option is to order a variety of entradas (appetizers) and guarniciones (side dishes) to sample with the table as your meal. The empanadas (beef, chicken or spinach with manchego cheese), ceviche, and maduros (fried sweet plantains) are personal favorites. Adding an order of traditional moros (black beans mixed with perfectly cooked white rice) is always a good choice. If a tapas style meal is not what you are in the mood for, Cuba offers a wide variety of authentic entrees. Following the recommendations of our server, our table ordered the traditional Vaca Frita and Rabo Encendido; both hearty, well seasoned dishes served piping hot in a portion that could easily feed two people. Vaca Frita consists of a pan fried skirt steak that is shredded and marinated in a light but flavorful garlic, lime and onion sauce. The Rabo Encendido (pictured above), or braised oxtail, is served on the bone with a side of mashed sweet plaintains and moros in a very sweet, tomato based sauce.

Although Monday nights are often spent on the couch recovering from the weekend and preparing for the work week ahead, make sure to save some energy for a Monday night out at Cuba to enjoy one of the city’s best happy hour specials. Head down to Hemmingway’s Hideaway Room located on the lower level for $5 drinks (including house specialty Mojitos) and $5 appetizers. Or if you are looking for a unique place to host your next party, Cuba also organizes special events offered in a private room.

Perfect for impressing your next date or your group of friends, Cuba serves as an overall memorable experience from the moment you walk in to your sure to be satisfied departure.
There are plans for the venue to host free indie rock concerts, as well as a few ticketed events, throughout the summer making the Beekman Beer Garden a definite hot spot this summer.

Filed Under: Cuban, Reviews, West Village Tagged With: Cuba, Cuban Restaurant in West Village, Cuban Restaurants in New York City, Cuban Restaurants in NYC, Erin Palisin, NYC, Where to get great Cuban Food in NYC

Where the only way to say goodbye is arrivederci: Review of Pizza Roma

June 8, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

ELENA MANCINI

259 Bleecker Street (btwn. Cornelia St. & Morton St.)
West Village
212-924-1970 / pizza-roma.it

Pizza Roma - paying homage to its previous occupant, historic Zito's Bakery

New York City has been riding a gourmet pizza wave for a while now. The popularity stock on artisinal pizza peaked just as the housing bubble popped and while the housing market continues to straddle signs of hopefulness and teetering on the edge of kaboom, the pizza moment is perpetuated with vigor and in colorful and creative new guises.

Until recently, the main purveyors of artisinal pizza in New York have been pizzaioli, certified by Neapolitan pizza guilds. Keste‘, Motorino, Pizza Totale an pizza fresca are but a handful of places that boast this honorable gastronomic distinction and a slamming Pizza Margherita D.O.C. to boot. Until now, the only competition vying for the spotlight along with the Neapolitans had been coming from a new crop of plucky New York pizzaioli, showcasing New York style pizza as evidenced by popular spots like Paulie Gees and Torrisi’s. It’s a case of apples and pomegranates, but the latter are worthy contenders, just this same.

Pizza Margherita

Pizza Roma’s authentic Roman-style “pizza al taglio” (pizza that is cut on request) brings an exciting alternative to the pizzascape. By the look of things alone, pizza al taglio resembles a home-style grandma square. Standard individual-sized squares are cut upon request with a sure-handed sliding motion of a pair of shears. At Pizza Roma, pizza is served at the counter, for those on the go, or in its charming and rustic dining room tastefully adorned with paintings of brightly-hued Fiats by Pop artist, Monica Casali. When weather permits, their newly opened outdoor garden will also provide a pleasing setting for a relaxing meal. While this place offers a hip, laid-back, authentically Roman experience, replete with young, hip, fresh-off-the-boat sounding servers and a stand-up wine list. These pleasant perks aside accentuate the real attraction here which is a savory, pizza made from high-quality ingredients at moderate-for-Manhattan-pricing (starting at $13 for a medium-size). Individual dinner pizzas come in two sizes, medium or large-sized rectangles, served on wooden cutting boards. But it isn’t the shape or the look of the pizza, that makes it unlike anything else that can be currently had in New York. It’s how it’s the science of how it’s made that makes the difference. Pizza Roma’s dough has a 96 hour fermentation period, that’s right: 4 day-aged dough. The result is that it makes for a much lighter, less yeastier-tasting dough and a strikingly more digestible slice of pizza. I can testify to this when during a recent weekend evening, after waiting 30 minutes for a table, I had a 10pm pizza Margherita followed by a walk and no trouble getting to sleep, which is typically an issue for me after dining late, especially if it’s pizza. The Margherita had the perfect texture and a good tomato to mozzarella ratio. The sauce was sweet, tasted natural and had a pleasing, mild tang. The mozzarella was tasty, mildly fragrant and properly melted without being overly runny. The crust was light and crisp, with moderate chewiness and was subtle blisters and chars which gave it an enjoyable smoky flavor.

Pizza Tartufina - Pizza with truffles and cheese

My dining companion ordered the Pizza Tartufina. This was topped with large slices of glistening truffles and meaty oyster mushrooms. A feast of flavors on a well-executed crust!

Crostata di Fragole - Strawberry Tart

If the stomach can withstand it, order a slice of the crostata ($5) for dessert. This light and crusty, fruit-preserve-topped tart will further boost the experience of Italian home-style pleasures.

For appetizer, go for the charcuterie or a caprese. Many of the salads are made with iceberg lettuce. For smaller appetites, skip the foccaccia crisps and go straight for a rectangle of stuffed pizza. The crimes of double-carbing aside, the potato stuffed pizza is a delectable expenditure of calories.

Filed Under: Food Trends, Italian, Pizza, Reviews, West Village Tagged With: Authentic Italian Restaurants in NYC, Elena Mancini, Excellent Roman-style Pizza in NYC, Former Zito's Bakery Space in NYC, Greenwich Village, NYC, Outstanding Pizza in NYC, Pizza in West Village, Pizza Roma, Roman-style pizza in NYC

A lovely luncheon – Review Corner Shop Café

March 1, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

BY STEPHANIE HARRISON

Corner Shop Café 643 Broadway (corner of Bleecker St.)
Soho / Greenwich Village
212-253-7467 / cornershopcafe.com

This pocket sized, newly opened café feels as if you were making yourself a nice lunch at home. The menu offers comfort food with an upgraded twist. The décor was warm and the windows allowed just the perfect amount of light to enter to brighten up the wooden tables and chairs. The waiter assigned to my table, Matthew, accompanied me as I waited for my guest to arrive – such great manners, and friendly demeanor. Most of the seating in the café is for two, but rest assured, you can bring a few more to stop in and enjoy the cozy atmosphere among the busy street of Broadway.

When you’re lazy and want to make something to eat, most people’s go-to is mac and cheese. When you’re out and you want something familiar, yet is still restaurant-approved standards, mac and cheese is the surefire choice. Of all the appetizers to choose from, Truffled Mac N Cheese – three cheeses, shiitake mushrooms, and fresh peas – stood out the most. The small is enough to share for two, even if your stomach is growling.

Truffled Mac N Cheese at Corner Shop Cafe

You get the same feeling of comfort as the kind you can make on your own stove, but with the truffles added, and the three cheese compared to one, nicely compacted in a glass bowl, it just tastes so much more delicious. Just as smooth, warm, and with a small crunch of fresh peas.

Main course consisted of PB & Banana Grilled Sandwich and Yellowfin Tuna Burger. I know what most people are thinking, you can’t go from the most comforting of foods like mac n cheese and peanut butter and banana to yellowfin tuna, but yes, you can. The PB & Banana Grilled Sandwich was ordinary and could be chosen as a more filling dessert because of its sugary sweetness. Made with honey, walnut cranberry raisin bread dipped in French toast batter served with minted berries, this $9 meal is well worth it. If you dare to up the ante, request for a maple syrup on the side.

PB & Banana Grilled Sandwich at Corner Shop Cafe'

Sharing half a sandwich means you have to share half your burger. The Yellowfin Tuna Burger – cilantro, onions, peppers, sesame oil, served with fries (spicy, provencal, or plain) – was not like what I expected. The soft texture, crumbled pieces of yellowfin tuna and peppers and onions made this seem more like finger food than a full burger. The fries were accompanied with mayonnaise, which can also be used to add a little kick to the tuna burger. I definitely recommend this compilation of entrees – a mix of sweet, spicy, cheesy, and complete satisfaction.

The next time you’re shopping on Broadway and you’re looking for a place to take a break and put down your bags, consider Corner Shop Café for a homey, yet modern meal in a trendy, comfortable setting. Ask for Matthew if you want a change of pace from the frantic shopping and you want a nice and friendly server to wait on your every need.

Filed Under: American, Brunch, Reviews, Soho, West Village Tagged With: Corner Shop Cafe, Corner Shop Cafe' - Downtown Manhattan, Great places to eat in Soho, NYC, Soho, Where to have lunch in Soho

Spunto’s thin crust doesn’t fill pizza craving

November 1, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

BY BETH KAISERMAN

Spunto
65 Carmine St.
West Village
212-242-1200/ spuntothincrust.com

On Saturday night, I was a rebel. It was time to escape the norm and do something wild and crazy.

I ordered a pizza without red sauce.

Sweet and Sour Pork Pizza at Spunto

In an effort to expand my horizons, I opted for a pizza with sweet and sour pork, pesto, and green and red peppers. Luckily, my friend ordered the Classica (marinara sauce, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil), so I did have a taste of a more standard pie.

The idea to eat at Spunto came after spending an hour sitting across from Joe’s on Carmine Street. The amazing whiff of the pizza baking danced through the air, causing a serious pizza craving.

The pork pie was not what I expected; the pork itself was neither sweet nor sour; it was dry and had barely any flavor at all. The pork should’ve been the highlight, but actually just further contributed to an ill-flavored pizza. A thin crispy crust can be enjoyable sometimes, but that component just made the pizza even more parched. Also, it was seasoned with way too much rosemary, which hit first with every bite. The rosemary shouldn’t have served as the main flavor.

Normally when I hit a pizza place for the first time, I have to try a plain slice. In my attempt to be edgy, I was highly disappointed. Even though I was hungry, I could barely get through the individual-sized pie. Also, I never feel full enough from pizza that thin.

Mixed Greens with garlic vinaigrette at Spunto

I did have a tasty salad though: mixed greens with garlic vinaigrette. The dressing was really well-balanced and perfect with the fresh greens. I would certainly return to Spunto for one of their other salad options.

Next time I want pizza, though, I’ll follow the good smells and go to Joe’s.

Filed Under: Italian, Pizza, Reviews, West Village Tagged With: Beth Kaiserman, NYC, Pizza downtown Manhattan, Pizza in Greenwich Village, Pizza in Manhattan, Pizza in NYC, Pizza in West Village, sit-down pizza restaurants in Manhattan, Spunto, Thin Crust Pizza in NYC

An Understated Gem: Review of The Place

June 7, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

BY ELENA MANCINI

The Place
310 W. 4th St.
West Village
212-924-2711 theplaceny.com

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. [Read more...]

Filed Under: New American, Reviews, West Village Tagged With: Charming Romantic Restaurants in Manhattan, Date Restaurants in NYC, Elena Mancini, Med-New American Cuisine, New American Cuisine in NYC, New York City, NYC, Restaurants in Greenwich Village, Romantic Restaurants in NYC, The Place, West Village, Where to go for a romantic dinner in Manhattan