Let the little girl inside you be pampered with the sweets and tea from Alice’s Tea Cup. I’ve been to the Upper West Side location several times, for tea, food, and sweets, and for several different occasions. Each time, a guaranteed success. My recent visit was once again, satisfying. I must say, Alice’s Tea Cup is my favorite spot to spend a relaxing afternoon.
No Comments | Posted on November 30, 2011 | Categories: Dining, From the Blog, Manhattan, Upper West Side
For a brunch-obsessed city like New York, finding the perfect waffles can be harder than finding a needle in a haystack. But Wafels and Dinges, a food truck, and Penelope in Midtown East, come pretty close. Both approach waffles with radically different approaches, but both are sure to satisfy any cravings for hot waffle-y deliciousness.
Wafels and Dinges Truck
Wafels and Dinges specializes in Belgian waffles, which are usually lighter, thicker, and crisper than their American counterparts. With a menu that ranges from the traditional Brussels wafel to a BBQ pulled pork wafel, there’s something for everybody. When we visited, we decided to sample a Brussels wafel with almost everything (spekuloos spread, strawberries, Belgian chocolate fudge, nutella, and whipped cream).
Roger’s take: This waffle had everything I want from a waffle, and more. It was light, crispy, flavorful, and comforting. Even with all the dinges (toppings), it still wasn’t too sweet.
Cathy’s take:The Brussels wafel is as light as air. The signature spekuloos sauce, made from Belgian gingerbread cookies, is finger-licking good. The combination of both is divine. If you don’t mind eating on the sidewalk, W&D is as sweet a food truck as can be.
Wafels and Dinges Waffles
Cost: $5-6 per wafel, $2 for unlimited dinges
Lightness: 4
Amount of sweetness (1 is the least sweet): 3.5
Overall yumminess: 4.5 Read the complete post »
No Comments | Posted on November 30, 2011 | Categories: From the Blog
I have yet to meet a college student unfamiliar with the Styrofoam-cup borne salty, starchy and occasionally spicy snack that is “ramen.” Yet, relatively few have experienced the pleasure of encountering the dish from which it was derived. Featuring niceties like fatty roast pork, soy-soaked eggs and hand-pulled noodles, the bowls on this list bear little resemblance to that tangle of noodles laced with the occasional microscopic kernel of corn, carrot cube, or pea. Just be careful. After the real thing, reverting back to that Cup ‘O Noodles will be painful indeed.
Ippudo
65 4th Ave. (btw. 9th and 10th St.)
Ippudo is more than a pretty space. Widely reputed as among the best purveyor of ramen in New York City, the restaurant lives up to both its hype and impossibly chic interior. While the “Shiromaru Hakata” may be the classic, I personally recommend the “Akamaru Modern.” While the solitary slice of pork accompanied by only some stringy black mushrooms and a confetti pile of shredded cabbage may look like a measly lunch, suspend your judgment until mixing that scoop of red miso into the pork bone broth. The first slurp of the deep, complex, and incomprehensibly rich broth will remove any doubt as to the legitimacy of the meal; the last will have you convinced there’s no need to eat again for another month.
3 Comments | Posted on November 29, 2011 | Categories: Dining, From the Blog
The first bite was a revelation, the second an infatuation, and by the third, an obsession. That’s the kind of devotion that Uruguyan restaurant Tabare will inspire. Meandering from the subway, we almost thought we had gotten lost. Located on an unassuming block in South Williamsburg, Tabare is truly a hidden gem, serving authentic Uruguayan fare with a classical twist, and a godsend for any and all foodies.
Walking in, we were struck by both the waft of truffle oil and the beautifully rustic interior. Empty wine bottles and Latin American decorations adorned the stripped wooden walls, lit by dim golden hues. A cadence of Spanish could be heard from Tabare’s Uruguayan patrons as young, cool couples and friends filled the restaurant – Tabrare is perfect for anyone looking to impress a special someone. Bruno, the bartender and one of the owners, had lived in Uruguay for a decade and explained that Uruguayan food has heavy Italian and Spanish influences. In other words, the gnocchi and chorizo on the menu were as authentic as the empanadas.
2 Comments | Posted on November 29, 2011 | Categories: Brooklyn, Dining, From the Blog, Native's Pick, Williamsburg
Employees Only doesn’t need the rave review I’m about to write to get lots of business. They’ve recently been named Best Cocktail Bar in the World. They could be setting a New York record with almost seven years in business still going strong and keeping standards high.
It’s well hidden. The doorman is dressed normally looks like he could be just hanging out. Through the window behind him sits the psychic surrounded by red curtains looking out and awaiting her next customer. The awning over the facade appears to have Arabic lettering on it; upon closer inspection one can see it is the letters EO turned on their side.
I went through the door and past the psychic and found a swanky, chic scene. I realized this is where all the well-dressed New Yorkers are. The crowd looks so accidentally fabulously I kind of want to be more accidentally fabulous. Drunk and rowdy seemed like a faraway notion. It’s the kind of place you go to to savor a cocktail’s flavors and concern yourself with the finer things in life. Read the complete post »
No Comments | Posted on November 29, 2011 | Categories: Entertainment, From the Blog
image credit to Zest'd.com
When I’m in New York, Shake Shack is my go-to burger indulgence. When I’m back home in LA, its In-N-Out. When I was given the option to review a different burger chain in NYC, I jumped at the opportunity. Just to expand my horizons. A little.
Bareburger prides itself on being completely organic. Each burger is crafted using only “organic, all natural, free-range, grass-fed meats; organic and all-natural cheeses; and organic vegetables.”
Read the complete post »
No Comments | Posted on November 29, 2011 | Categories: Dining, From the Blog
Picture the scene. A few good lads have just stumbled out of the local battle cruiser after a night on the lash and after sinking quite a few jars. They decide to search the town centre for some pukka nosh before catching some zeds back in their one up one downs, just off the high street. They have a butchers at a couple of dodgy kebab vans but reject them. If they are lucky and especially if they are in Scotland or the North of England (let’s say Whitby) they might come across a git mint chippy.
The boys will enter and hopefully be greeted by a motherly looking woman wearing a blue and white apron and a little white hat who will proceed to say:
“Alright mush? what can I do you for?” To which the boys will all ask for battered cod and chips, or these days maybe haddock (due to the overfishing of cod). She will hand them a huge battered fish with some very thick chips all wrapped up in a copy of the Sun newspaper. They will cover it in salt, vinegar and ketchup and then wolf it down. This is a Friday night
This is the experience that A Salt and Battery is trying to replicate and they have almost done it perfectly. The look is that of an English Chippy, the staff speak with British accents (they are British I assume) and the taste is pretty much identical, though of a higher quality than most (as the price would suggest). It is not wrapped in a newspaper, you are unlikely to get in a fight outside, and the chips aren’t as fat as they could be. Other than that, exactly the same.
The trouble is, I’m not sure why you would go all the way to Greenwich Village and spend your hard earned lolly, except for the novelty. Fish and chips, in general, are fine but they are not exactly works of culinary genius. It’s bits of fish and potato put in the deep fat frier. But do not despair me old muckers, there is more to this place than just Fish and Chips.
If you want the real British Experience try some of the more esoteric specials: The meat pies, Chips ‘n’ Gravy/ Curry Sauce (I didn’t ask if they had cheese to put on the chips but if they are worth their salt they will), mushy peas, etc. If you feel brave have a deep fried Mars Bar. You will not regret it (though your blood vessels might).
-Raphael Cormack
No Comments | Posted on November 22, 2011 | Categories: Dining, From the Blog
My weekend began with a delicious dinner at BAMcafe (catered by Great Performances), followed by live music. The space is gorgeous — high ceilings, brick walls, and red steel arches studded with lights evoke the class of a drive-in movie theater. BAM attracts a diverse crowd — a reflection of their wide variety of programming — and the dinner guests represented a microcosm of the Brooklyn community. Families with kids, 30-something couples on dates, singles standing by the large circular bar, teens, and septuagenarians alike enjoyed dinner, drinks, and bar snacks before a BAMopera performance or BAMcafe Live. A steady murmur of conversation permeated the space, making BAMcafe seem like the perfect place for catching up with friends and family at the end of a long week.
No Comments | Posted on November 22, 2011 | Categories: Brooklyn, Dining, Editor's Pick, Entertainment, Fort Greene, From the Blog
There’s no better way to connect with friends than over shared food and drink. So I learned last Saturday night on my visit to El Quinto Pino, a traditional Basque tapas bar with an urban feel. If you’re not familiar, tapas are small Spanish appetizer dishes designed for sharing, and typically served between the hours of 9 and 11. Located in Chelsea at the corner of W 24th and 9th Ave, El Quinto Pino serves up these Spanish nibbles at somewhat moderate prices ($6-10 per plate).
The intimate environment is enough to make a visit to El Quinto Pino worthwhile. Upon entering, my friends and I secured one of the few wooden tables near the window. With only 26 seats, the space, which feels more like a bar than a restaurant, is almost as small as its portions. Amidst the crowd of stylish young couples, and decorative chandeliers, the evening became markedly festive. El Quinto Pino deserves praise for creating an environment that feels close, but not cramped. The only downside? You’re guaranteed a wait for your table at peak hours. Luckily, the combination of tasty food and a happy atmosphere makes a wait worthwhile. And while the traditionally Spanish snacks will charm your taste buds, don’t expect to leave with a full stomach.
On a chalkboard in the back of the restaurant, El Quinto Pino showcases their rotating “Menu Turístico” offering specialties of a particular region. Their latest menu boasts Andalucían tapas; I opted for their standard menu. It contains many of the traditional dishes found at any Spanish tapas bar: Spanish tortilla, assorted olives and almonds, and ham and cheese croquettas. I tend to prefer the starchier, potato-based dishes because they are more satisfying than, say, a handful of Spanish almonds. It’s better value. I especially enjoyed their Patatas Bravas (roasted potatoes covered in a cream sauce), which arrived piping hot from the oven, perfect for sharing. I sampled Huevos Estrellados, a hot dish made of fried egg and potato. I would definitely order this again. After all, what could be more decedent than eating something so undeniably breakfast-y at ten in the evening? And if you’re feeling festive, a pitcher of Sangria is a welcome addition to your meal.
Visit El Quinto Pino if you’re looking to, as the Spaniards say, ir de tapas. Bring along friends and you’ll have an interactive dining experience that you’ll be apt to repeat.
El Quinto Pino, 401 W. 24th St. at 9th Ave, 212-206-6900 (No Reservations Accepted) Subway: CE at 23rd St.
No Comments | Categories: Chelsea, Dining
Though the museum it’s housed in may be devoted to modern art, Untitled’s haute take on “low-brow” diner fare is most decidedly post-modern. On a first take, the industrial-looking space is reminiscent of a diner, what with its wooden tables and maroon upholstered chairs. But the similarities to the corner greasy-spoon end there; as the egg-shaped stem-less wine glasses and glimmering china plates (and this is at breakfast, mind you), perched adjacent to that Heinz ketchup bottle reveal themselves.
Then, of course, there’s the food itself. While the menu offers the familiar (not to mention beloved) pancakes, omelets, and burgers, it is constructed around seasonably available produce and the offerings of “local food artisans.” Much like its celebrated “contemporary roadside burger-stand” cousin, the marriage of comfort and food-snobbery is a happy one.
bulb-like contraption for coffee
Crisp-tender rye-raisin-oat toast replaces tired “white or wheat,” fluffy green salads feature ribbon of carrot, baby-ramekins of house-made jam stand in for a plastic box filled with
packets of Smucker’s. The bulb-like contraptions that look like they were either stolen from a science lab or escaped from an avante-garde art exhibit dotting the tables are filled with Stumptown coffee, and desserts are imported from purveyors such as Four and Twenty Blackbirds and Blue Marble (like to Foodie Tuesday pies and Foodie Tuesday ice cream).
Filled with the soft chatter of museum-goers gearing up for a day at the intellectual playground of Museum mile (at 11:00AM, at least), it is the perfect way to ease yourself into a strenuous day of portrait-gazing. And, perhaps best of all, with equal parts young couples, middle-aged groups of friends, and solo diners (Tourists? Natives? It’s hard to tell) nibbling away, like at your neighborhood diner, it’s pretty much impossible to not feel comfortable.
Note: For better or worse, such a quality of food comes at a price, making this a good one to save for brunch with the ‘rents.
Untitled at the Whitney: 945 Madison Ave. (btw. 74th and 75th), New York, NY. (212) 570-3670. 6 to 77th St. Tues-Thurs: 8:00AM-3:00PM; Fri: 8:00AM-9:00PM; Sat & Sun: 10:00AM-9:00PM; Mon: Closed. $$$
No Comments | Posted on November 21, 2011 | Categories: From the Blog
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