Highlights: Proveleta, Ceviche, Lomo
Lowlights: Sorbet
Price:Dinner: Appetizers $9-39, Entrees $21-29, Sides $8, Dessert $6-8. Brunch: Entrees $12-28, Sides & Sangria Bar prices
Snouts: 4 out of 5
Location: 46 Columbus Ave. b/t 81st & 82nd phone, 212-873-5025
Usually when Restaurant Week rolls around in NYC, I have a ritual I partake in. I scroll the list of participants, view their RW menu offerings and more often than not, pass on making a reservation due to the utter lack of imagination put into the dishes. But, this year there was a glimmer of hope in one Calle Ocho, where they move beyond the typical soup/salad, chicken/salmon, lame dessert model and offer some creative dishes that are way flavorful.
Upon walking into the restaurant, I took note that I need to come back for happy hour since it seemed to be a scene, not in a bad way but offering up enough people to instill energy in the air without being too crowded that you are constantly maneuvering your drink for fear of someone knocking it all over you. I digress. We were led to the dining room and it was buzzing with all the RW participants. My friend and I were starved, so we ordered the Provoleta to hold us over while we perused the menu. I fell in love with this dish on my trip to Argentina, melted cheese can do no wrong and the fried black pepper bread it's served with makes an nice container for the gooey goodness. As if the cheese weren't enough to hold us over, we dove into the yucca rolls with black bean spread that kicks the regular bread baskets ass! A bottle of red was in order so we settled on the Altiva Malbec and placed our order.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Tia Pol
Highlights: Tortilla Espanola, White Sangria, Assorted Spanish Meats
Lowlights: White Sangria strength varies by bartender!!
Price: Tapas $1.50-16, Brunch $4.50-12, Lunch $9-9.50
Snouts: 3 out of 5
Location: 205 10th Ave. b/t 22nd & 23rd, 212-675-8805
Some friends and I have decided that we need to up our game with the opposite sex, so this summer we have implemented the Summer of Seduction. I won't go into details, in case my mom ever reads my blog (um, she hasn't yet but you never know!), but it's a points based system and whoever has the most points at the end of the summer wins! So, part of our routine thus far has been to meet at Tia Pol to share sangria, tapas, and our latest exploits (or mock each other for not having any or the ones we've had!).
First off, the staff is awesome! They have endured our sarcasm by joining in (including a poll regarding who our waiter look like- Brad Pitt in Kalifornia or Ethan Hawke in Reality Bites (it's Ethan, and that was one bet I won!!)) and they always know when to bring another pitcher!! The space is small, so I wouldn't recommend it for a group or even on a Friday or Saturday night, but on Sunday afternoon, it's perfect! The tapas is very old school, with not a lot of creative items on the menu, but what they serve is authentic enough to keep me coming back. I am a sucker for a Tortilla Espanola and their eggy, potato concoction whets ones appetite for
Lowlights: White Sangria strength varies by bartender!!
Price: Tapas $1.50-16, Brunch $4.50-12, Lunch $9-9.50
Snouts: 3 out of 5
Location: 205 10th Ave. b/t 22nd & 23rd, 212-675-8805
Some friends and I have decided that we need to up our game with the opposite sex, so this summer we have implemented the Summer of Seduction. I won't go into details, in case my mom ever reads my blog (um, she hasn't yet but you never know!), but it's a points based system and whoever has the most points at the end of the summer wins! So, part of our routine thus far has been to meet at Tia Pol to share sangria, tapas, and our latest exploits (or mock each other for not having any or the ones we've had!).
First off, the staff is awesome! They have endured our sarcasm by joining in (including a poll regarding who our waiter look like- Brad Pitt in Kalifornia or Ethan Hawke in Reality Bites (it's Ethan, and that was one bet I won!!)) and they always know when to bring another pitcher!! The space is small, so I wouldn't recommend it for a group or even on a Friday or Saturday night, but on Sunday afternoon, it's perfect! The tapas is very old school, with not a lot of creative items on the menu, but what they serve is authentic enough to keep me coming back. I am a sucker for a Tortilla Espanola and their eggy, potato concoction whets ones appetite for
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation- May 17th
Share Our Strength is one of the best charitable organizations in country. For someone who lives to eat, it's mind blowing that people in NYC don't have enough food to live. Help out by attending their event Taste of the Nation, NYC on May 17th. . Details below.
Taste of the Nation NYC
May 17, 2010
Grand Hyatt New York
109 East 42nd Street
Park Avenue @ Grand Central Terminal
New York, NY 10017
Taste of the Nation NYC
May 17, 2010
Grand Hyatt New York
109 East 42nd Street
Park Avenue @ Grand Central Terminal
New York, NY 10017
Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation® is the nation's premier culinary benefit, featuring top chefs and mixologists -- all of whom are coming together to donate their time, talent and passion to end childhood hunger in America.
Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation NYC 2010 will be an evening of tasting and toasting to support the fight against childhood hunger. This year's Taste of the Nation event will feature signature dishes and desserts from more than 50 of the finest restaurants in New York, along with a selection of top-rated wines and creative cocktails. An incredible auction, live book signings by top chefs and other exciting features await the evening’s attendees.Friday, April 9, 2010
Yerba Buena Perry
Highlights: Empanada, Ropa Vieja de Pato, Kumquat Caprihania
Lowlights: Trio of Fries, Slow Service & Loud
Price: Appetizers $8-15, Platos Principales $22-55, YB Fries $7-12, Vegetales $7, Dessert $6-8, Cocktails $12
Snouts: 3 out of 5
Location: 1 Perry Street at Greenwich Ave, 212-620-0808, www.yerbabuenanyc.com
Yerba Buena's reputation for serving innovative South American cuisine had intregued me for quite a while. I live near the Avenue A location, but in the past 2 years I was not able to get my ass in gear to try it out, so leave it to me to travel further than necessary to try the same food. The Perry Street location is typically designed with exposed brick walls, low lights, and tables a bit too close together. There is a modest size bar to grab a cocktail while waiting for your friends to arrive, which is where I started off my evening with a killer Kumquat Caprihania which was perfect for taking the edge off a stressful week. (not really, just got back from vacation, but it writes better this way).
The menu had an interesting array of dishes, some familiar and some new riffs on old standbys. We started out sharing the savory Empandas filled with manchego cheese that added a nice punch to spinach, and the accompanying hominy scattered on the plate added a nice textural component to the dish. The Trio of Fries could have been
Lowlights: Trio of Fries, Slow Service & Loud
Price: Appetizers $8-15, Platos Principales $22-55, YB Fries $7-12, Vegetales $7, Dessert $6-8, Cocktails $12
Snouts: 3 out of 5
Location: 1 Perry Street at Greenwich Ave, 212-620-0808, www.yerbabuenanyc.com
Yerba Buena's reputation for serving innovative South American cuisine had intregued me for quite a while. I live near the Avenue A location, but in the past 2 years I was not able to get my ass in gear to try it out, so leave it to me to travel further than necessary to try the same food. The Perry Street location is typically designed with exposed brick walls, low lights, and tables a bit too close together. There is a modest size bar to grab a cocktail while waiting for your friends to arrive, which is where I started off my evening with a killer Kumquat Caprihania which was perfect for taking the edge off a stressful week. (not really, just got back from vacation, but it writes better this way).
The menu had an interesting array of dishes, some familiar and some new riffs on old standbys. We started out sharing the savory Empandas filled with manchego cheese that added a nice punch to spinach, and the accompanying hominy scattered on the plate added a nice textural component to the dish. The Trio of Fries could have been
Monday, March 29, 2010
Taboon
Highlights: Red Snapper Ceviche, Hummus, Zucchini Cakes
Lowlights: Sea Scallops, far from my apt
Price: Meze $7-22, Bread & Sides $3-11.50, Soups & Salads $10-14, Main Courses $24-30, Dessert $10
Snouts: 3 out of 5
Location: 773 10th Ave. at 52nd St., 212-713-0271
After interviewing for a potential new job, I went to dinner at Taboon with a friend to re-hash and enjoy some Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Food. Everything on the menu was enticing, so instead of the usual app/main combo, we decided to share a bunch of dishes. While perusing the menu, we ordered a spicy, full bodied Syrah from Isreal, Clos de Gat Harel Syrah, my first Isreali wine which was a pleasant surprise.
My favorite dish of the night was the bright, vibrant Red Snapper Ceviche that had a nice crunch from cucumber and radishes and was mellowed by avacado. The Hummus was silky smooth and had the added punch of schoog, a Yemenite cilantro based salsa and the accompanying House Foccacia was the perfect dipping partner since the spices sprinkled on top added a different
Lowlights: Sea Scallops, far from my apt
Price: Meze $7-22, Bread & Sides $3-11.50, Soups & Salads $10-14, Main Courses $24-30, Dessert $10
Snouts: 3 out of 5
Location: 773 10th Ave. at 52nd St., 212-713-0271
After interviewing for a potential new job, I went to dinner at Taboon with a friend to re-hash and enjoy some Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Food. Everything on the menu was enticing, so instead of the usual app/main combo, we decided to share a bunch of dishes. While perusing the menu, we ordered a spicy, full bodied Syrah from Isreal, Clos de Gat Harel Syrah, my first Isreali wine which was a pleasant surprise.
My favorite dish of the night was the bright, vibrant Red Snapper Ceviche that had a nice crunch from cucumber and radishes and was mellowed by avacado. The Hummus was silky smooth and had the added punch of schoog, a Yemenite cilantro based salsa and the accompanying House Foccacia was the perfect dipping partner since the spices sprinkled on top added a different
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Robert at the Museum of Art & Design
Highlights: PDT sandwich, Papardelle with Wild Boar, Pan Roasted Peking Duck and Chicken Cooked Under a Brick, View of Central Park
Lowlights: Olive Oil Poached Sturgen
Price: Lunch: Appetizers $9-16, Pasta $15-26, Sandwiches $11-14, Entrees $11-21, Dessert $3-19 Dinner: Appetizers $9-18, Pasta $15-26, Entrees $21-35, Dessert $3-1
Snouts: 3 out of 5
Location: 2 Columbus Circle at 59th St., 212-299-7730 www.robertnyc.com
I am almost ashamed to admit that I had really never heard of the Museum of Art & Design (MAD) until recently, when I found myself going there twice in a week. The first time with with my niece and nephew on a horrible rainy Saturday and was soon followed by a birthday dinner for my mom. One each occasion, we all frequented Robert, the new high-floor restaurant at MAD. The space is decorated with bold colors and a lot of mod looking furniture, but the best feature is the view of Central Park and the UWS.
On my first visit, I wasn't too hungry so I split the PLT with my sister. Creamy buffalo mozzerella, salty pancetta, surprisingly tasty heirloom tomatoes and spicy arugula on a semi-sweet brioche bun quickly let me know that I was not in a second thought museum restaurant. My nephew declared his cheddar turkey burger cooked to perfection and my niece unsurprisingly ate every bit of her dark chocolate and vanilla bean ice cream. Although they serve sophisticated food, kids are more than welcome here and their lounge area in the middle of the room means more casual behavior (eg. reading at the table, hanging on your favorite aunt) is not looked down upon.
On my follow-up visit that Tuesday, I was eager to try the dinner menu to see if they could execute more complicated dishes as successfully as they had previously. Robert did deliver.
Lowlights: Olive Oil Poached Sturgen
Price: Lunch: Appetizers $9-16, Pasta $15-26, Sandwiches $11-14, Entrees $11-21, Dessert $3-19 Dinner: Appetizers $9-18, Pasta $15-26, Entrees $21-35, Dessert $3-1
Snouts: 3 out of 5
Location: 2 Columbus Circle at 59th St., 212-299-7730 www.robertnyc.com
I am almost ashamed to admit that I had really never heard of the Museum of Art & Design (MAD) until recently, when I found myself going there twice in a week. The first time with with my niece and nephew on a horrible rainy Saturday and was soon followed by a birthday dinner for my mom. One each occasion, we all frequented Robert, the new high-floor restaurant at MAD. The space is decorated with bold colors and a lot of mod looking furniture, but the best feature is the view of Central Park and the UWS.
On my first visit, I wasn't too hungry so I split the PLT with my sister. Creamy buffalo mozzerella, salty pancetta, surprisingly tasty heirloom tomatoes and spicy arugula on a semi-sweet brioche bun quickly let me know that I was not in a second thought museum restaurant. My nephew declared his cheddar turkey burger cooked to perfection and my niece unsurprisingly ate every bit of her dark chocolate and vanilla bean ice cream. Although they serve sophisticated food, kids are more than welcome here and their lounge area in the middle of the room means more casual behavior (eg. reading at the table, hanging on your favorite aunt) is not looked down upon.
On my follow-up visit that Tuesday, I was eager to try the dinner menu to see if they could execute more complicated dishes as successfully as they had previously. Robert did deliver.
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