|
For wonderful thin-crusted 'old-world styled' pizzas, Patsy's Pizzeria does not fail. Their pizzas are simple, yet oozes of wonderful flavors made of fresh, basic ingredients (plum tomatoes, fresh...
For wonderful thin-crusted 'old-world styled' pizzas, Patsy's Pizzeria does not fail. Their pizzas are simple, yet oozes of wonderful flavors made of fresh, basic ingredients (plum tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil). The crusts are classically thin, crispy, with blackened bottoms (not overly done).
While you can't go wrong with any of their pizzas, they also offer wonderful 'family' styled pasta dishes and zippy salads. Portions are epic! For our group of ten, there were plenty to go around and then some!
This moderately priced UES restaurant has plenty of seatings and offer friendly and fast service. Their delivery service is also fast and pizzas always arriving still-piping hot.
This saucy and thin-crusted type of gal is pleased.
Hide
|
|
Cha-An
Category:
Food & Dining
230 E.9th Street
New York, New York 10003
212
Tucked away on the stretch of Ninth Street, also known as Little Tokyo, this tea-serving place, sister to Soba-ya (owner is Bon Yagi -- Decibel, Sakagura, and Hasaki fame), matches her sibling quite...
Tucked away on the stretch of Ninth Street, also known as Little Tokyo, this tea-serving place, sister to Soba-ya (owner is Bon Yagi -- Decibel, Sakagura, and Hasaki fame), matches her sibling quite well.
Hidden upstairs, entrance indicated by a hanging banner and brown door that one can easily walk by and miss, is a gem of a find -- tea house with zen like appeal.
Walk up the dark, wooden stairs, push forth past the billowy curtains, enter the serene bliss of zenful agony of the leaves.
A replica of a traditional Japanese tea room, paper screen included, robe-cladded waiters, muted earth tones, soft flowy fabrics, sturdy bamboo and benches to sit upon, one is easily transplanted. In the corner, there's even a small zen garden too!
Seated, right next to the window, a friendly robe-cladded waiter, handed us our menus. A bit overwhelming at first, the menu has a superb and ample list of teas, and maps identifying where the leaves came from.
For both of us, we placed two orders of the three course desserts with your choice of teas. When you order two, no dessert is alike, more to share and sample!
Suffering from a major illness back in February, I've lost my taste for *milky* teas and have pretty much strayed away (sadly, still the case today). Testing out my taste, I ordered one of their herbal crimson chai, he ordered the royal yunnan tea.
Tea, perfectly steeped, arrived in clear, mini-biosphere shaped bowls. The waiter graciously poured into our large porcelain cups.
Desserts, arriving a pair at a time, were elegantly presented. Dainty bits in cute glasses and bamboo sets. How pretty one feels. First to arrive, red bean ice cream with sake and green tea ice cream. Both were served with almond/black sesame crisps.
Followed by the green tea macaroons, and black sesame creme brulee.
Last was a chocolate souffle with raspberry sauce with white chocolate on the side, and yokan.
Except for the yokan (which I'm never fond of), the desserts were superbly sublime.
They also serve food, cocktails and sake here too.
Plus, they offer traditional tea ceremony with lessons too!
Funny thing, an alternate choice, a surprise still, I was whisked away to this place and very pleasantly surprised.
A nice hideaway to spend part of your afternoon with friends or a date.
Hide
|
|
Bouchon Bakery, Thomas Keller's latest venture at the Time Warner Center, brings upscale mall food to the consumers.
Arriving after 2pm, first glance, open seating area on the left, off to the...
Bouchon Bakery, Thomas Keller's latest venture at the Time Warner Center, brings upscale mall food to the consumers.
Arriving after 2pm, first glance, open seating area on the left, off to the right, a long, wenge community table and to the far right, the bar where patrons can sit and eat their meals too.
The view of Central Park South is spectacular.
The color themes here are modern and fresh, springy greens, dark brown and white. Everything's very well presented. From the Christofle silver, to the lil dijon mustard jar, sugar packet sticks and modern glassware.
The waiters, donned in their JCrew-like light lime button-down shirts, are knowledgeable and friendly.
Famished, we didn't know what to order. Everything looked great.
Their cashew peanut butter and apricot jam sandwiches called out to the inner child. Cheese plates were luscious. The quiche special sounded divine. Next time, think I'll order that, or perhaps the pate, or tuna nicoise tartine ... decisions, decisions!
Decided to go with one of my faves, roasted beets and garden mache with goat cheese and toasted hazelnut. Perky with the right touch of vinaigrette.
For drinks, they have a variety to choose from, GUS (Grown Up Soda), Gus Meyer Lemon, coffees and teas. They also recently acquired their liquor license. I stuck with the ginger ale and my friend ordered the white wine with his hearts of romaine and free range chicken salad.
Desserts here are a sweet tooth's dream! Simply making a decision proved to be difficult. Bordering on a two hour lunch, work beckoning, I ordered desserts to go.
Packaged in a pretty brown and green box, I sampled the desserts:
- Chocolate bouchon: a cork shaped, intensely rich brownie biteful. Seriously tasty.
- Jardin: a chocolate/hazelnut mousse (I think) with mandarin orange bits infused with earl grey tea. There was a tiny layer of cake at the bottom too. Chocolate squares lined the edges. Looking decadently sweet, it was light in texture. Very tasty. The mandarin orange definitely added a nice touch.
Kudos to them: Attentive to detail, when the woman behind the counter first packaged the Jardin in my box, she smooshed the edges. She asked me to wait while she repackaged another one for me.
While I waited, I asked them if they would soon start selling bread. Right now, they don't have enough bakers to do so. Wouldn't want a riot to start over ten pieces of bread.
Would love to go back and try their other savory items.
Note: Eating at the cafe is a bit pricey compared to the take out area.
Hide
|
|
Tia Pol
Category:
Food & Dining
25th street and 10th ave
New York, New York 10011
(212) 675-8805
Be prepared to wait at this fun and lively tapas place.
This narrow place seats about 35 people. There's also a private dinner room at the far back.
Stake out at a small corner by the...
Be prepared to wait at this fun and lively tapas place.
This narrow place seats about 35 people. There's also a private dinner room at the far back.
Stake out at a small corner by the bar till your table is ready. Or eat at the bar.
The layout: bar in the front, followed by a narrow stretch of a few tables. Kitchen is on the left, parallel to a few of the dining tables.
While we waited, we ordered some drinks and snatched a small nook by the door. I had their freshly squeezed orange juice, friend had a glass of their dry, peppery wine.
About half an hour later, we were seated. We had a nice comfy seat right by the small kitchen. Lots of coppery pans. Plus, a great view of all their dishes: lamb skewers stuck on bread, a solitary fish, fried chickpeas, to name a few.
For the two of us, we decided on:
- patatas bravas: a delicious, crispy fried potatoes with middles that were tender and creamy. Drizzled on top was a spicy aioli. My favorite dish of the evening!
- paquetitos, envelopes of jam—n, Manchego and artichoke: ham folded into triangular shapes stuffed with manchego and artichokes. Lots of ham, didn't really taste the other two. Didn't particularly wow me.
- chorizo: chunky and juicy bits of sliced sausages. Done just right.
Always leaving room for dessert, we ordered the Torta Santiago, a Galician almond cake and the flan with orange sauce. Perhaps it was the orange sauce, but the flan tasted funky to me.
The restaurant is a jam-packed place, lively and loud --not overbearingly so you can't hear one another -- waiters always seem busy bustling about. The food is decent, a good place to catch up or take a date. Very appealing. I can see why it's a nice neighborhood joint.
Hide
|
|
Recently returning from Switzerland, like with my other travels abroad, I return on a food high, expecting the same fresh appeal of good food often to be disappointed here. Keeping this in mind, I...
Recently returning from Switzerland, like with my other travels abroad, I return on a food high, expecting the same fresh appeal of good food often to be disappointed here. Keeping this in mind, I had the most fantastic, orgasmic meal since my return.
Rainy night, deserted streets, it felt like a scene out of a movie. Soft and glittering. Rain will always cast a romantic light on the city. The tilted outdoor seats were the first glimpse of the place. Looking up at the sign, got it right.
I stood in the nook of their doorway. Peered in. Jewel box. The place reminded me of one. Stepped in.
I felt like I was transplanted to a non-specific place in Europe.
One takes in the view of the white tiled floors, high ceilings, exposed earthy wood beams. Rich, black velvety draped tables, invitingly appealing by the windows. Sleek and modern. Two steps down, covering the left, expansive wall to wall bar, a beautiful bouquet rests atop a counter, the home to concoctions of aperitifs and cocktails, numerous alcoholic bottles glitter atop their perches. To the right, paintings on the walls, movie motifs, tribute to the 50 and 60s. On the ceiling, lights in the patterns of concentric circles that reminded of shells and the helmet bowl that sugars are served in. Sweeping design, the ease of direction flows.
The eyes are easily drawn to the centerpiece of the room, the shimmering, hanging chandelier. Also in the center of the room, stairs leading down, where one catches a glimpse of an elegantly private back room. Looking beyond the chandelier, another back room is available.
Elegant, pristine, yet enchantingly embracing.
We were quickly seated. They gave us a spot right by the front windows!
Settling into our chairs, we checked out the menu. Mulled over our selections. I was debating whether to have the Bucatini all' Amatriciana (pasta with pancetta, onions, tomatoes & pecorino) or the Stinco di Maiale (slow roasted pork shank with patate della nonna).
A complimentary appetizer arrived, fennel served with anchovy sauce on olive oil. Then the cute and knowledgeable waiter dropped by and told us the specials! Placing our orders, warm rustic bread with soft centers and water quickly arrived soon after. Olive oil, poured onto a serving plate. Eating festivities commenced!
Appetizers we indulged upon:
- Fried artichokes served with a wedge of lemon (Carciofi alla Giudea) - their signature dish! This was an amazing treat. Arriving six (or was it eight?) on a plate, the artichokes were like beautifully dried roses. Picking up a bud, it did not have that greasy feel. I peeled a 'leaf' off and tasted it. It was thin and crispy like a potato chip! I peeled and ate away the outer layers till I reached the 'heart'. Took a small biteful of the delicious hot morsel. Again, a potato like consistency and flavor. I bet one could play and punch up the flavors with different seasonings. An addictive and fun finger food! Eye and tummy pleaser.
- Roasted beets with bitter honey (Barbabietola al Forno)- those who know me are well aware of how I love beets! This was a tasty salad served with mandarin oranges. Nice and light. Very refreshing.
As we were eating, we eyed the prosecco cocktails menu. We decided to imbibe and try their Lamponi. A concoction of pureed raspberries with champagne.
For our main concourse, we feasted on:
- Coda alla Vaccinara: braised oxtails with celery & semolina gnocchi. The semolina gnocchi resembled a biscuit. It had a nice texture. Taste was a warm buttery blend of cheese, garlic and semolina. Compared to my entree, we thought the oxtail was a bit chewy but still tasty.
- My decision was made when I heard one of the specials, the words, "braised pork ribs." I didn't even hear what would accompany it. So when my plate of three large pork ribs arrived served over beans, I was salivating. The pork was so tender, it slid right off the bone.
Normally, I am not fond of marinated ribs. I find the flavor to be spice-rubbed intense or the meat to be too chewy.
However, the ribs at Gusto were by far the most tender and tastiest ones I've tried in a long while. A symphony of spices, everything we ate here was like this. Perfect ribs.
Of course, the best for last, meals cannot exist without desserts!
Desserts:
- For the life of me, I cannot remember the name of this dessert. It started with Buddini *I think* ... a phenomenal chocolate dessert. Dark, bittersweet chocolate. Served like two gelato-pudding like scoops with whipped cream on top and fresh berries on the side. It was not rich or sweet. Lusciously perfect, light and fulfilling. Murmuring sighs of MMMMmsss. You know it's a knockout when no one talks. After eating one scoopful, we finally voiced how wonderful it was.
I would highly recommend this place. Whether it was the good company, perfect night -- not busy, friendly and helpful staff -- I found it to be one of the best New York meals I've had in a long time. Perfect fusion. Moderately pricey.
Romantic enough for a date, charming, casual neighborhood place where conversations can be had. Great to catch up with friends.
Hide
|
|
Le Sabon
Category:
Uncategorized
834 Lexington Ave
New York, New York 10021
(212) 319-4225
A very pink shop of beautifully packaged bath and body treatments. The products, produced in Israel, are infused with minerals from the Dead Sea.
Sample some of their soaps, scrubs and lotions...
A very pink shop of beautifully packaged bath and body treatments. The products, produced in Israel, are infused with minerals from the Dead Sea.
Sample some of their soaps, scrubs and lotions at their beautiful flume spout sink. Word of caution, some of their shea butter soaps with their savory cake shapes will whet your appetite!
Favorites were the the moisturizing glycerin soaps entrenched within natural loofah. Hand cut, from a distance, they remind me of giant kiwi/lotus slices. I couldn't resist buying a few in grapefruit (an aquamarine blue) and fruit cocktail. Added soap bars in tea tree oil and citrus cubes to the batch too.
The salesperson, who spent most of her time on the phone, put each individual soap in nicely bow-tied packages. She added notes indicating which scent each were. Then she added a free sample of shea butter to my pink bag.
The loofah soaps have luscious scents and produce decents suds. Afterwards, skin is exfoliated and moisturized.
The glycerin soaps that I purchased lasted about a week.
Mmm, I smell nice, so does my hallway.
Hide
|
|
Tucked away between the busy streets of Lexington Avenue and 63rd Street, taking a few steps down, this Belgian inspired café with its ecru honey distressed walls and rustic furniture lends air to...
Tucked away between the busy streets of Lexington Avenue and 63rd Street, taking a few steps down, this Belgian inspired café with its ecru honey distressed walls and rustic furniture lends air to old world charm.
One takes in the eye-teasing and belly tempting feasts of savoury soups, well crafted open-faced sandwiches, generously piled and beautifully displayed salads, artisnal breads, thirst quenching drinks and decadent desserts.
The light menus, stuck into hardened slabs of artisnal breads, contains a selection of specialties that includes Meditteraenean inspired meals too.
One has a choice of sitting at the center of the room, a large wooden communal table, that easily seats over 15, where people rub elbows, eat hearty food and participate in engaging conversations. Or opt for one of the side tables for two or four. In the back, there is even a small greenhouse room.
On this given day, we chose to share the Meditterranean platter and the Curry Chicken salad.
The Meditteranean platter arrived served on a huge plate filled with bowlfuls of organic hummus, babaganoush, tabouleh surrounded by a sampling of their hearty, artisnal breads (walnut raisin, rye and wheat) and marinated olives.
The Chicken Curry salad spread over small slabs of wheat bread, sides of cranberry chutney, greens and a cantaloupe arrived on its own small ceramic chopping board!
Of course, one must wash the job down with fresh lemonades! We ordered their organic mint lemonade (lemony intense yet refreshing) and the oh so tart Cherry Lemonade. It was like biting into a fresh bottle of just preserved cherries!
The portions are healthy and plenty.
Don't leave without trying their cafe au lait. Served in cute bowls. Oh how European! They also serve Harney Teas here.
Sure, this may be part of reknowned baker and chef, Alain Coumon's "franchise bakery," but don't let that get to you. The food, all scrumptious and eye-pleasing, is enough to bring you back time and time again. Of course, they sell fresh baked bread (displayed on wooden racks) here too.
Staff are friendly and helpful. Moderately priced ($7-$18).
One might stumble upon this casual spot for a quick meal but end up lingering over the luscious foods and ambiance; perhaps even imagining, for a brief moment, they are on some estate in the countryside of Belgium.
Hide
|
|
"Ashes and Snow" a temporary structure, a traveling museum show-casing Gregory Colbert's photographs.
A show of 200 large scale photographic works, surreal images of elephants, humans, whales,...
"Ashes and Snow" a temporary structure, a traveling museum show-casing Gregory Colbert's photographs.
A show of 200 large scale photographic works, surreal images of elephants, humans, whales, birds and other animals interacting, is exquisitely done. Mesmerizing.
The images themselves hang silently. Sepia-toned, on Japanese papers, wonder if they are a form of photogravure? Just beautiful.
Besides the images, at the farthest end of this one-man exhibit, is an accompanying film.
Projected onto a large screen, a room offering several round wooded, tube-like seatings, provides an intimate viewing of Colbert's 35mm film. Narrated by Laurence Fishburne, a continuous hour long feature. Documenting, lending proof that his photos are real: humans can do incredible feats in water and animals are harmonious artists in their element. Unleashed, from the camera of Colbert's eye to our own.
Just wow. So impressive.
Also of note, is the museum building itself. Designed by noted architect, Shigeru Ban, it is constructed of recycled materials. Tall paper tubed columns and piled shipping containers.
In the interior, a long, wooden plankway extends to the end. On its side, thousands of soothing, soft-yellow stones. When you enter the hall, immediately the hush tones, serene elegance, ambient music and tranquil nature takes over.
Though please don't be like me: let your eyes adjust to the dim lighting, curb your enthusiasm and resist the urge to run right up and feel the material of the wall curtain: made of pressed tea bags. This and the *crunch crunch* of stones will draw security's attention. Oops.
The exhibit also coincides with the release of Colbert's novel.
Which brings us to the bookshop. Here, one can peruse and purchase his novel, monographs or the catalogue (7 hand bound small books). The books themselves are exquisite to look and touch:
"Printed and bound in Italy; the covers are created out of handmade paper from Nepal which is sealed with natural beeswax; interior pages are printed on handmade Italian paper; each book is hand sewn and tied with thread stained with hibiscus tea leaves."
While we purchased some of the small books from the catalogue, we were told that Gregory Colbert was in the store signing books. So all our books have been signed by him. :)
Show is till June. After that, it will be traveling to the West Coast and overseas.
Please dress warmly. Museum is right over the river and outdoors. Gets drafty fast.
The traveling museum. If it happens to arrive in your town, please make a point to see it. It's totally worth it, you won't regret it.
General Admission is $12.
March 5 to June 6, 2005
http://www.ashesandsnow.org
Hide
|
|
On a whim, an acquaintance chose this place for our "girls' night out" dinner. That said, I don't have much to say about this Murray Hill bar/fondue place.
I consider this place a joke when...
On a whim, an acquaintance chose this place for our "girls' night out" dinner. That said, I don't have much to say about this Murray Hill bar/fondue place.
I consider this place a joke when the first thing after you walk in, is that they ask you to pull out your id. You've got to be kidding me.
The laughs continue when they ask you pay $2 just to check your coat!
It was way too loud and young -- is there where post-college, male prepsters and booby girls go?
$10+ Drinks were over-priced, small in portions, and unless cough syrup is your thing, weak.
The fondue was a joke. One had to dig deep to get any cheese.
Though kudos to our server who was especially attentive and heard our orders. I know I couldn't hear a thing!
I didn't even want to stick around for desserts -- this is coming from me, a HUGE dessert person.
Take a dip elsewhere but here.
Hide
|
|
Throw out the clock, put on your smocks and paint to your heart's (or wallet's) content.
"Our Name is Mud," is a kids-friendly, great for all ages, pottery paint bar, You are the one to create...
Throw out the clock, put on your smocks and paint to your heart's (or wallet's) content.
"Our Name is Mud," is a kids-friendly, great for all ages, pottery paint bar, You are the one to create and design your own housewares! Over 100 items, you select your pottery of choice, and then let your imagination take over.
For the novice, they also offer paint pencils, stencils, sponges, and books to help unleash the creative you! If you don't like the design, don't worry, you can easily wash it all off and start over!
Ceramics are dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe, and all materials are nontoxic.
They also have adults only, late nights. Offered on Thursdays and Fridays after 5pm, no kids, food and alcohol are allowed. So one can have their own wine and cheese party!
The staff who run the place are enthusiastic, friendly, and very helpful. They know a thing or two about wines too. This place is awesome.
Though they have four locations, only three (Upper West Side, Upper East Side and Village) are actual paint bars.
Pieces are ready for pick-up a week later.
In addition to the cost of the pottery, they charge $5 by the half hour.
Great place to get reconnected with the child in you!
Hide
|