Eating Your Way Through the Big Apple : Chapter Six

Eating Your Way Through the Big Apple: This weeks installment... Italian
Morandi
211 Waverly Place
Phone: 212-627-7575
The meatballs, the fried artichokes, omg.. everything!

Patsy’s
61 W 74th St, New York 10023
Btwn CPW & Columbus Ave
Phone: 212-579-3000
I can only speak for this location and you should ask for John. The pizza and salads are soo delicious and they can make me amazing pizza with no cheese and you won't miss it.

Due
1396 3rd Ave, New York 10021
Btwn 79th & 80th St
Phone: 212-772-3331
An upper east side staple!

Basta Pasta
37 W 17th St, New York 10011
Btwn 5th & 6th Ave
Phone: 212-366-0888

Max
51 Avenue B, New York 10009
Btwn 3rd & 4th St
Phone: 212-539-0111
Best lasagna in the city.

La Locanda
737 9th Ave, New York 10019
Btwn 49th & 50th St
Phone: 212-258-2900

Lil Frankies Pizza
19 First Avenue
Btwn 1 st & 2 nd street
Phone: 212-420-4900

La Vela
373 Amsterdam Ave, New York 10024
Btwn 77th St & 78th St
Phone: 212-877-7818
Bueno upper west side neighborhood spot, consistently good.

Eating Your Way Through the Big Apple : Chapter V

This weeks installment is... Diner Food & 3am Feedings


7A
109 Avenue A, New York 10009
At 7th St
Phone: 212-475-9001

Westway
614 9th Ave, New York 10036
Btwn 43rd & 44th St
Phone: 212-582-7661

Viand Original
673 Madison Ave, New York 10021
At 61st St
Phone: 212-751-6622

Viand Cafe
2130 Broadway, New York 10023
At 75th St
Phone: 212-877-2888

What Used to be Diner 24
102 Eighth Avenue
At 16 Street

Cafeteria
119 7th Ave, New York 10011
At 17th St
Phone: 212-414-1717

Pop Burger
58-60 9th Ave, New York 10011
Btwn 14th & 15th St
Phone: 212-414-8686

Pizza Bar
48-50 9th Ave, New York 10011
At 14th St
Phone: 212-924-0941

Corner Bistro
331 W 4th St, New York 10014
At Jane St & 8th Ave
Phone: 212-242-9502

Gray’s Papaya
2090 Broadway
At 72 Street

The Waverly Inn
16 Bank St , New York 10014
At Waverly Pl
Phone: 212-243-7900

Veselka
144 2nd Ave, New York 10003
At 9th St
Phone: 212-228-9682

Eating Your Way Through the Big Apple : Chapter Three

Eating Your Way Through the Big Apple : Chapter Three
This weeks installment is... Spanish.. Caribbean.. Mexican Food

Mexican
La Esquina
106 Kenmare St, New York 10012
At Lafayette St
Phone: 646-613-1333
try: lamb chops, shrimp, the corn, the everything.

Mama Mexico
2672 Broadway, New York 10025
At 102nd St
Phone: 212-864-2323
try: the guacamole.. they make it for you fresh at the table

The Taco Truck, yes it is a truck.
on 96th street west of Broadway
try: it all, super tasty, don't fear the truck.

Mexicana Mama
525 Hudson St, New York 10014
At 10th St
Phone: 212-924-4119

Bonita
338 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn 11211
Btwn S 2nd & S 3rd St
Phone: 718-384-9500

El Sombrero aka the Hat
108 Stanton corner of Ludlow
try: frozen margaritas in the summer.. $5 and a buzz

Spanish / Caribbean
Malecon
4141 Broadway, New York 10033
At 175th St
Phone: 212-927-3812
try: roasted chicken, best in the city. ONLY they one on 175th

Café Fuego
9 Saint Marks Pl , New York 10003
Btwn 2nd & 3rd Ave
Phone: 212-677-7300

Havana Central Union Square
22 E 17th St, New York 10003
Btwn Bway & 5th Ave
Phone: 212-414-4999

Flor de Mayo
484 Amsterdam Ave, New York 10024
Btwn 83rd & 84th St
Phone: 212-787-3388
try: peruvian chicken and plantains.

El Castillo de Jagua
113 Rivington St, New York 10002
Corner of Essex St
Phone: 212-982-6412
try: pernil or cubano

Negril
362 W 23rd St, New York 10011
Btwn 8th & 9th Ave
Phone: 212-807-6411

Eating Your Way Through the Big Apple : Chapter Two

This Weeks Installment is... Date Spot

Meat Packing
One Little West 12th
1 Little West 12th St, New York 10014
At 9th Ave
Phone: 212-255-9717

Spice Market
403 W 13th St, New York 10014
At 9th Ave
Phone: 212-675-2322
*The atmosphere is incredible. Its worth checking out if even just for a drink.

Chelsea
Buddakan
75 9th Ave, New York 10011
Btwn 15th & 16th St
Phone: 212-989-6699
*Love this place and I want to move into the grand dining room.
Try: Wasabi Dumplings & General Tso's Dumplings

Matsuri
369 W 16th St, New York 10011
At 9th Ave
Phone: 212-243-6400

Upper West Side
Nice Matin
201 W 79th St, New York 10024
At Amsterdam Ave
Phone: 212-873-6423
Try: Everything is delicious. I could eat the asparagas buschetta daily.

La Vela
373 Amsterdam Ave, New York 10024
Btwn 77th St & 78th St
Phone: 212-877-7818
*Neighborhood spot
Try: Scaloppine Alla Milannaise, Polo Ripleno and all the pastas.

Mama Mexico
2672 Broadway, New York 10025
At 102nd St
Phone: 212-864-2323
*Very festive Mexican restaurant
Try: The Gucamole they make it for you at the table, mmmm.

Ocean Grill
384 Columbus Ave, New York 10024
Btwn 78th & 79th St
Phone: 212-579-2300

Upper East Side / Midtown
TAO
42 E 58th St, New York 10022
Btwn Park & Madison Ave
Phone: 212-888-2288

Sushi Yasuda
204 E 43rd St, New York 10017
Btwn 2nd & 3rd Ave
Phone: 212-972-1001

West Village
Il Buco
47 Bond St, New York 10012
Btwn Lafayette St & Bowery
Phone: 212-533-1932

Corio
337 W Broadway, New York 10013
At Grand St
Phone: 212-966-3901

Blue Ribbon
97 Sullivan St, New York 10012
Btwn Prince & Spring St
Phone: 212-274-0404

Red Bamboo
140 W 4th St, New York 10012
Btwn 6th Ave & MacDougal St
Phone: 212-260-7049

Soho / Nolita
La Esquina
106 Kenmare St, New York 10012
At Lafayette St
Phone: 646-613-1333

Balthazar
80 Spring St, New York 10012
Btwn Bway & Crosby St
Phone: 212-965-1414
*Love
Try: The fresh seafood & Oysters.

Freeman’s
End of Freeman Alley, New York 10002
Off Rivington Btwn Bowery & Chrystie
Phone: 212-420-0012
*Beware of the taxidermy on the walls not appetizing.
Try: Hot Artichoke Dip, 3 Cheese Macaroni and Grilled Cheddar Toasts.

Lower East Side / East Village
Casimir
103 Avenue B, New York 10009
Btwn 6th & 7th St
Phone: 212-358-9683
*Romantic and Reasonably Priced
Try: Fish or Steak. They also have a great wine selection.

Nomad
78 2nd Ave, New York 10003
Btwn 4th & 5th St
Phone: 212-253-5410

Esperanto
145 Avenue C, New York 10009
At 9th St
Phone: 212-505-6559

Brooklyn
SEA
114 N 6th St, Brooklyn 11211
Btwn Berry St & Wythe Ave
Phone: 718-384-8850

DuMont
432 Union Ave, Brooklyn 11206
Btwn Metropolitan Ave & Devoe St
Phone: 718-486-7717

Eating Your Way Through the Big Apple : Chapter One

This is my first installment of, Eating your way through the Big Apple...
I'm a self-proclaimed foodie and I want to share with you mine and my peers favorite places.
Do you recall that survey I emailed you, you know the one you didn't respond to. Riiiight well I asked you all those questions to help compile a master list of "our" favorite places to dine. Living in New York City really allows you to explore the world through your taste buds and at any price range. I'm hoping to encourage you to try some of these places and hopefully suggest new ones I have yet to enjoy. These restaurants, at least the ones which I can vouch for are consistently superb. I don't f' with places that can't always get it right.

This weeks installment is... Brunch

Meat Packing
Pastis
9 9th Ave, New York 10014
At Little W 12th St
Phone: 212-929-4844
* This place is packed, the food is worth the wait and always consistent.
Try: Omlette aux Fines Herbes, Eggs Norwegian or any other tasty thing that grabs you.

Upper West Side
Good Enough to Eat
483 Amsterdam Ave,
New York 10024
Btwn 83rd & 84th St
Phone: 212-496-0163
*You will wait on line, you will not complain, you eill get attitude and you will thank me after. Inside it feels like you were transported to a country kitchen in Vermont and the food will taste like a farm is in the back. Coffee, eggs, homemade strawberry butter, biscuits, etc..
Try: The Special Scramble, the thick cut bacon and the Farmhouse

Sarabeth’s West
423 Amsterdam Ave,
New York 10024
At 80th St
Phone: 212-496-6280
*Sterile cookie cutter environment, amazing service and excellent breakfast!
Try: Any of the omlettes

Upper East Side
Norma;s @ Le Parker Meridian
118 West 57th Street
Phone: 212-245-5000
Try: Everything.. delicious.

Fred’s at Barney’s
660 Madison Ave,
New York 10021
At 61st St
Phone: 212-833-2200
*Make a reservation
Try:Marc's Madison Salad and the Belgium Cut Fries

E.A.T
1064 Madison Ave, New York 10028Btwn 80th & 81st St Phone: 212-772-0022
*Expensive
Try: The Bread Basket and all the Salads

West Village
Extra Virgin
259 W 4th St,
New York 10014Btwn
Charles & Perry St
Phone: 212-691-9359
*Never Been

Pink Tea Cup
42 Grove St,
New York 10014
Btwn Bedford & Bleeker St
Phone: 212-807-6755
* You will wait on line and you will be cramped inside. Great service
Try: The pancakes are outstanding!

Cornelia Street Café
29 Cornelia St,
New York 10014
Btwn Bleecker & W 4th St
Phone: 212-989-9319
*Never Been

Lower East Side
Clinton Street Baking Co.
4 Clinton St,
New York 10002
Btwn Stanton & Houston St
Phone: 646-602-6263
*never been

Stanton Social
99 Stanton St,
New York 10002
Btwn Orchard & Ludlow St
Phone: 212-995-0099
*expensive, never been for brunch

Orologio
162 Avenue A,
New York 10009
Btwn 10th & 11th St
Phone: 212-228-6900
*never been

Brooklyn
Egg
135 N 5th St,
Brooklyn 11211
At Bedford Ave
Phone: 718-302-5151

Park Luncheonette
334 Driggs Ave,
Brooklyn 11222
At Lorimer St
Phone: 718-383-3571

Night of the Cookers
767 Fulton St,
Brooklyn 11217
Btwn Greene Ave & S Oxford St
Phone: 718-797-1197

Kobe Club

Kobe Club :
68 West 58th Street
212.644.5623
New York Times Review
http://events.nytimes.com/2007/02/07/dining/reviews/07rest.html?ref=dining

Now While the New York Times reviewer had a less than favorable experience at the Kobe Club I do have to share my splendid experience. I did not start out my meal being asked, "Am I scare?." While the 2,000 Samurai blades that hung above my head were a bit discerning my voracious appetite and curiosity for the culinary feat I was about to take on quickly wiped the fear from my mind. Once seated, we were handed these massive leather bound menus which featured many familiar steak house favorites with a few Japanese twists and turns. We could choose from American or Australian Wagyu or Japanese Kobe beef with a plethora of sauces and preparations. To be accompanied by fries, creamed spinach, mashed potatoes or a bevy of other familiar basics. mm mm good.

I ordered the surf and turf, cause why should I pick just one? 8 oz. of Australian Wagyu and a 1/2 lobster. I won't get into the appetizers but keep in mind they were delicious. Once your steak is served they offer you a trio of salts to choose from to enhance the flavor of your food. Now while the NYT reviewer found this to be laughable I thought it to be quite a fabulous addition to the $100+ a person meal I was already knee deep in.

Black salt from Hawaii, Pink Salt from Australia and Grey salt from France. In keeping with my Australian theme I chose the pink salt. Let's just pause here and have a moment of silence for the filet of beef that didn't need a knife to be cut. This was hands down the most succulent, luscious, delectable piece of steak I have ever eaten. For the record I would also like to state that I have eaten at some pretty awesome restaurants.

Dessert was more of the same traditional fare and just as delicious as the two courses that preceded it. The four other members of my party can vouch that they too had an excellent meal. I didn't find the restaurant to be gimmicky, I thought it to be a refreshing twist on the traditional steak house.

The only think that the NYT reviewer and I can agree on is this and I will quote her on it. "On the night when the server assured me of my safety, as I put my coat back on and headed toward the door, I suddenly found that I couldn't leave. Something was pulling me back, but what? No, it was one of those leather strings, which had wrapped like a tentacle around me. Scary indeed."

They need to get RID of those leather strings, very annoying.

Shun Lee Cafe

SHUN LEE CAFE : Dim Sum
43 West 65th off Broadway
212.595.8895
“Fried or Steamed” the waiter asks with open eyes I respond, "steamed," since I see this cart closest to our table. A young dim sum auctioneer approaches our table wheeling a large cart of smoking bamboo baskets. She then in the most rapid candor spits off in one breath “shrimp with scallion, shrimp shumai , shrimp with crab, chicken, pork, vegetable, chicken with shrimp,” and a slurry of other options which I could not grasp since she was testing my mental preparedness to understand her verbal dim sum onslaught.

Now armed with bamboo baskets of steamed shrimp dumplings and having conquered out first lesson in dim sumauctioneering we were ready for the fried cart. The fried cart was a piece of cake and now our table was booming with shumai , egg rolls, fried mango shrimp, sesame chicken and scallops. All that was left to do was dollop sauce on our plates and let the chops sticks balance our little tokens of Chinese fish and meat carefully to our mouths.

After polishing off 6 orders of dim sum and a shared entrée my dinner date turns to me and asks, "Why exactly haven’t you taken me here before?" So for this reason alone I felt it was important to try and persuade you to go there as well. While the dim sum in my opinion is some of the best in the city be prepared to spend a pretty penny on your meal. If you prefer Chinese food because it’s cheap and hot then I don’t recommend you eat here. This is a dining experience to be savored and enjoyed. Mmm mmm dim sum.

The Pink Tea Cup

THE PINK TEA CUP : Soul Food
42 Grove Street off Bleeker
212.807.6755
www.thepinkteacup.com

The pink tea cup in the west village can be described best as the place where you can commit one of the seven deadly sins, gluttony. Once a month I can be found waiting outside in the blistering heat or shivering cold for an uncomfortable table inside the 45 year old restaurant that houses the best pancakes to ever touch my lips and soon to touch yours. In general I'm not a devout pancake eater and consider them to be a whole mess of useless carbs and would rather eat a bagel. Yet in the case of the pink tea cup I am more than willing to starve myself for a day then gorge on their fluffy, buttery, tantalizing pillows of doughy sweetness, preferably with blueberries or pecans. While they have other tasty offerings which my friends can attest to eating my sole interest for dragging multiple people to the pink tea cup is only for pancakes, bacon and syrup. It is important to keep in mind that for the rest of the day post pink tea cup gorging you will be incapacitated, suffering from the itis and mostly would like to be carried home like a baby. These friends are the repercussions of some tasty soul food. Your answer to Roscoe’s chicken and waffles on the east coast.

Cafe Habana

CAFÉ HABANA : Cuban
17 Prince Street at Elizabeth
212.625.2002

Ok so most of my reviews so far have been favorable and usually force my mouth to salivate just upon the thought of the restaurant I am reviewing. Café Habana used to have that effect on me but sadly not anymore. I recall the days when Habana was just the tiny “to-go” cramped spot on Elizabeth, then the full restaurant opened and you could find Sapna and I there like clockwork on the weekends, or well whenever we were craving Cuban. Being a creature of comfort and a stickler for consistency Habana just doesn’t stand up. Maybe it got too popular and the quality of ingredients went down, or the chefs don’t put any love into the food anymore. Whatever it is Habana is wak and you should save your pesos and walk down to el Castillo on Rivington next to the Rivington hotel and drop $8.00 on an authentic Dominican meal, which is consistent, satisfying and unpretentious. I do still support the corn at Habana but for the most part you couldn’t buy me a meal there. Sigh. I’m sad about this one. Adios Habana.

NEYLA : A Mediterranean Grill

NEYLA : A Mediterranean Grill
3206 N. Street, NW Washington DC
This handsome gent I refer to as my boyfriend brought me to NEYLA in Georgetown for New Year's Eve. As you walk into NEYLA the sweet smell of grilled fish and meat dance by your nose to the beat of middle eastern hymns booming from the speakers featured all over the restaurant. As the hostess walks us through the dimply-lit taverna I am eager to sit down and see what's in store. They offer a special menu for the evening consisting of four courses. We begin with an amuse bouche which was a pumpkin/apple soup puree with a pan seared scallop. Honestly the most delectable little tease to wet your appetite. The following two courses consisted of bite sizes portions of hot and cold Mediterranean appetizers such as hummus, falafel, samosas, babaganoush, etc. After consuming copious amounts of appetizers I barely left room for another bite. With the arrival of our entrees mine balsamic glazed salmon and his filet mignon and grilled shrimp, I basically looked at mine for twenty minutes while watching in astonishment as Hakim could polish off his filet and shrimp. As the entrees are cleared and the music is turned up the countdown begins and next thing you know we have just enjoyed our last meal of 2006. If you are going to be in the DC area I recommend eating here.
Tasty.