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Paladar
Category:
Restaurants
161 Ludlow St Frnt
New York, New York 10002
(212) 473-3535
Just went to Paladar last night; had not been there in ages. The restaurant is located on a lively, 'hipster' street in the Lower East Side, one of the hippest spots in Manhattan (and not very...
Just went to Paladar last night; had not been there in ages. The restaurant is located on a lively, 'hipster' street in the Lower East Side, one of the hippest spots in Manhattan (and not very accessible by bus/train; the nearest train is the 2nd avenue stop on the F line and then about a 10 minute walk to the restaurant).
As you near Paladar, you hear the loud music and the lively crowds (the doors/windows are open onto the street and on a lovely summer evening, a light breeze feels wonderful.
The bar is located in front to the right with diners sitting at low tables to the left and in the dining room in the back (caution: the front door is not wheelchair friendly as there are two to three narrow steps that lead into the restaurant).
The house drink is the mojito (rum, sugar cane, mint) but the other drinks are equally refreshing. I tried a champagne from Patagonia (for $6 it was decent but not real champagne because technically it can only be called champagne if it's from France). But the margaritas are good.
They don't accept reservations unless you're a party of six or larger and they will automatically add 18% tip to your total, whether or not you like the service/food.
I have to say the food is slipping and I'm disappointed by this because previously the food was outstanding.
I'd still recommend the arugula salad with cheese and walnuts (but how can anyone really screw this dish?), the sopes (which are corn tarts (four of them) filled with black beans, guacamole (yum) and cheese. These are very filling so if you do order these, then you may want to try something light as an entree or as another appetizer.
One of the best 'freebies' here are the chips (blue and yellow) that are served free with their corn and black bean dips. The corn dip is heavenly almost like a hummus, very creamy and tasty.
The ceviche (shrimp and scallops) was not very good. It was bland, not very citrusy (as promised) and lost in a pool of muddled citrus broth (kind of gross to look at and taste).
The market fish of the day was mahi mahi and it was okay; the grilled vegetables served with it tasted a lot better than the fish.
I'd say the very best part about my dinner at Paladar was the unexpected celebrity sighting - Dustin Hoffmann. He was there with his wife and one of his kids surrounded by his kid's friends (a table of 20 something hipsters). I'd say saying hello to Dustin (ultra friendly and yes, he is short) was the highlight of my dinner at Paladar.
My advice? Go during happy hour (5 to 7pm weekdays) and enjoy drink specials and indulge in the free chips and dips. And if need be, get the sopes; order anything else and you might be disappointed.
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Ohm Spa
Category:
Beauty Salons
260 Fifth Avenue (28th and 29th)
New York, New York 10001
(212) 481-7892
This is a new spa that recently opened in the Flatiron district. It's run by Kathy Yan and her husband Jonathon.
This spa manages to find the balance between great services and ambience with zero...
This is a new spa that recently opened in the Flatiron district. It's run by Kathy Yan and her husband Jonathon.
This spa manages to find the balance between great services and ambience with zero attitude. They try to personalize each massage and will ask you which areas need more work and which need less and will massage accordingly.
Besides massages, they also offer manicures and pedicures in a nail room that has flat-screen TVs so while your boyfriend waits, he can get his nails done and catch the latest sports game.
A cool vibe and good services. A must try.
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This store has the most beautiful hand-blown ornaments ever. I'm afraid to walk in here for fear of breaking something.
But even from the window display, one can see the pretty assortment of...
This store has the most beautiful hand-blown ornaments ever. I'm afraid to walk in here for fear of breaking something.
But even from the window display, one can see the pretty assortment of ornaments and other holiday-themed gifts. Plus, the figurines which can be used for any occasion are very pretty and the detailing well done.
The owner is very nice and very helpful. Stop in and support a local merchant even if it's not Christmas.
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If detective stories and mysteries are your thing, then this is the store for you.
Located on a pleasant street in the West Village, Partners & Crime attracts local mystery enthusiasts with books...
If detective stories and mysteries are your thing, then this is the store for you.
Located on a pleasant street in the West Village, Partners & Crime attracts local mystery enthusiasts with books and occasionally parties.
The store specializes in mysteries and has a wide selection but carries no other types of books. Calling all Nancy Drews and Hardy Boys.
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The Gifted Ones is located on a tree-lined street in the West Village.
They offer gift baskets for any ocassion with unique decorating ideas and fillers.
The baskets add up quickly so be sure...
The Gifted Ones is located on a tree-lined street in the West Village.
They offer gift baskets for any ocassion with unique decorating ideas and fillers.
The baskets add up quickly so be sure to choose wisely or you'll be looking at $100+.
But the employees are very helpful and won't pressure you.
I'ts a nifty traditional idea that somehow seems new. Send a basket full of love.
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The Jefferson market branch of the New York Public Libraray is one of the most famous landmarks in Greenwich Village with a working clock tower.
The red brick building used to be courthouse and a...
The Jefferson market branch of the New York Public Libraray is one of the most famous landmarks in Greenwich Village with a working clock tower.
The red brick building used to be courthouse and a women's prison but is now being used as a library.
It's a wonderful building architecturally both inside and outside. It's cavernous and the steps are wide. The library offers books, magazines, video and dvd rentals and internet access.
There's a lovely garden in the back which is open to all. Take a stroll and admire the flowers and rest on a bench and watch the world go by.
Worth visiting at least once.
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Being on top of the Empire State building is a must see/do for anyone living or visiting NY.
The views up top are remarkable on a clear day and the crowds not too bad.
It's very romantic...
Being on top of the Empire State building is a must see/do for anyone living or visiting NY.
The views up top are remarkable on a clear day and the crowds not too bad.
It's very romantic during the evening and it's nice just to see the different colors displayed on the building (although you can't see those while you're on top).
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Flight 001 offers very stylish travel accessories mostly carrying their own brand along with some vintage takes (Pan Am, anyone?).
The store is located on a hip part of Greenwich Avenue (near...
Flight 001 offers very stylish travel accessories mostly carrying their own brand along with some vintage takes (Pan Am, anyone?).
The store is located on a hip part of Greenwich Avenue (near other cute stores).
The salespeople are young and hip but pleasant to deal with.
Everything is pricey especially the cute little wallets (in all the pretty colors) and passport holders but the store does have sales on a regular basis.
Worth a trip before your trip.
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Olde Good Things has plenty to offer in terms of furnishings and accessories.
You can't miss this store because of all the mirrors they have displayed out on the sidewalk.
Inside, there are...
Olde Good Things has plenty to offer in terms of furnishings and accessories.
You can't miss this store because of all the mirrors they have displayed out on the sidewalk.
Inside, there are treasures to be found on two levels. Stick with the main level.
Lots of great wood pieces recently. Of course, everything looks nice and is priced nice too.
If you want to make a major investment in a good quality antique, then this is a good place to shop.
The owners/salespeople are friendly and very helfpul.
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This neighborhood gift store has cards, stickers, costumes (during Halloween season) and other party favors.
You're pretty much getting what you pay for - if it's cheap, then it'll look cheap...
This neighborhood gift store has cards, stickers, costumes (during Halloween season) and other party favors.
You're pretty much getting what you pay for - if it's cheap, then it'll look cheap and won't last. But this place is convenient.
They also sell a limited amount of local newspapers, magazines, soft drinks and other assorted items such as cigarettes and lottery tickets.
They're not the friendliest bunch but as I said, it is a convenient store in the neighborhood.
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