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It seems like people are always saying they don't buy wine because they feel like you've got to get a Master's degree in tasting and put on airs just to get to lay down $45 on something to drink...
It seems like people are always saying they don't buy wine because they feel like you've got to get a Master's degree in tasting and put on airs just to get to lay down $45 on something to drink with dinner. Well, those people don't have any reason to complain anymore.
Best Cellars sells hand picked wines under $15. They're categorized not by some regional system of appellations and French districts, but by style of their flavor. The staff is knowledgable and friendly and there's always something out to taste. This is absolutely THE place to go in a pinch when you want to show up at somebody's house with a bottle of wine.
Oh, and did I mention, they pick good wines. Often the wines are kind of off beat, like a red Spanish Cava instead of a traditional French Champagne, but that's what makes this place so interesting. All in all, it's a great shopping experience.
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This new shop offers Harlem a desperately needed upscale wine shop. This African-American owned wine shop is sorely needed in a neighborhood that despite it's recent renaissance is still littered...
This new shop offers Harlem a desperately needed upscale wine shop. This African-American owned wine shop is sorely needed in a neighborhood that despite it's recent renaissance is still littered with ramshackle liquor stores where one suspects more than liquor is sold.
The shop itself is beautifully appointed and stocks a lot of great wines. There are themed tastings just about every Saturday afternoon where Harlem's wine-lovers come in to try offerings from various regions or styles.
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I heard about this Upper Manhattan store (take the A to the last stop and it's right down Broadway) through a friend who equated it to a supermarket of liqour, walking up to the place I could see...
I heard about this Upper Manhattan store (take the A to the last stop and it's right down Broadway) through a friend who equated it to a supermarket of liqour, walking up to the place I could see why. Okay, it looked like a NYC market, not one of those megamarkets out in the suburbs, but still it was quite large.
The great thing about PJ's was the selection. With a place that large you can find things that other retailers don't offer. In my quick run through I found some choice finds like Movia, the Slovenian winemaker, and a large selection of vermouths including the nearly impossible to find bianco style sweet white vermouth.
They've also got a friendly helpful staff who are good for recommending a vintage if you're looking for a particular style and give honest everyday opinions (read: they're not just pushing the expensive stuff).
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I know what you're thinking, "I'm not into all that earthy-crunchy extra healthy vegan stuff." Neither am I. Walking into the Gobo in the Village (there's one at 401 6th Ave. and another one on the...
I know what you're thinking, "I'm not into all that earthy-crunchy extra healthy vegan stuff." Neither am I. Walking into the Gobo in the Village (there's one at 401 6th Ave. and another one on the upper east side at 1426 Third Ave.) I saw wheatgrass and I got nervous. However, the menu opened my eyes to a whole world of options that had me thinking this might not be so bad after all. Then the food came and I was hooked.
I have yet to try anything at this restaurant that I didn't love, and I've tried about half of the menu. The main thing that differentiates Gobo from other places is that they're not afraid of spices. They jam pack everything on the menu with flavors aromas and textures that will blow you away.
Three of my personal favorites are the yam and yucca fries, the spinach dumplings (pan seared) and the scallion pancakes.
Not only is the food great at Gobo, but because it's vegan, nothing's too expensive. That leaves some money in your wallet for a glass or bottle from the wine list. The staff provides good advice on pairings as well.
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What makes Gracious Home so good is that it's in a small space in Manhattan and it's for people living in small spaces in Manhattan. I found a whole dining room set that collapses into an occasional...
What makes Gracious Home so good is that it's in a small space in Manhattan and it's for people living in small spaces in Manhattan. I found a whole dining room set that collapses into an occasional table about 10 inches wide. Downstairs they've got plenty of shelving and storage units for every room that hang on walls, fold up and generally get out of the way. Finally an inexpensive home furnishings store that isn't geared towards soccer moms from the suburbs and isn't in the suburbs.
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Yes, despite it's reputation for being the mecca of African-American culture you can also find good pizza right in the middle of Harlem. If you're into the "new wave" in pizza (which is about as new...
Yes, despite it's reputation for being the mecca of African-American culture you can also find good pizza right in the middle of Harlem. If you're into the "new wave" in pizza (which is about as new as French "New Wave" cinema at this point), then this probably isn't your best bet, but if you want a straight-forward pie delivered piping hot by a guy on a bike, then this is your Harlem spot.
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