NYC Tastes

Mr. T and I planned a lazy Saturday of wandering around SOHO and Mother's Ruin was the first stop for some fuel. Mr. T went for a down home favorite- Fried Chicken and Waffles. While I stuck to more traditional brunch fare- The Bacon, Egg, Cheese and Grilled Tomato sandwich. Both of these entrees were delicious. The chicken had a nice spice in the breading and the thick cut bacon on the croissant sandwich was smokey. They had a slushie machine as well that I just had to check out. My Raspberry Ginger Caipirinha was a bit too tart but I enjoyed the novelty of the cocktail. If we find ourselves wandering in SOHO again I would stop back at this place in a heartbeat.

One of my favorite RW meals from last year is once again a winner.  I love that they offer a glass of wine with the RW menu for a lower cost, definitely helped with the savings.  Once again they brought out the piping hot rosemary rolls to begin. Onto my appetizer the Diver Scallops. I was concerned about the combination of almonds and grapes but it completely worked in a strange subtle way.  The entrees looked wonderful but I asked to sub in another appetizer as my main. I just couldn't eat here without having my favorite Steak Tartare in the city.  I could honestly eat one of these every single day.  But wait there's dessert! Coffee and Doughnuts to be exact.  What's not to love about this fabulous meal!  Our service was great, my company was even better and the price was incredibly friendly.  This may have to be an annual RW meal from here on out.  Quality Meats

A good happy hour can be hard to find  but Ilili is churning out a pretty great one if you're looking to unwind in a nice setting with a few cocktails. From Beirut with Passion- Basil Cilantro Mint Infused Vodka with Sparkling Passion Fruit. This was so refreshing and delicious it may be one of my favorite new cocktails. The Shrimp Hommus wasn't too shabby either.  I practically wiped the bowl clean with the puffy warm pita bread. Ah yes Ilili...you are my new Happy Hour spot for sure. Ilili NYC

The first of Mr. T's birthday celebrations came last week in the form of dinner with his folks. We had a great table at Hearth and began with an amuse bouche of chilled pea soup. Onto appetizers Scallop Carpaccio Shiro Plum, Radish, Wild White Strawberry, Shiso  Rose Veal Tartare Spring Onion, Sugar Snap Peas, Parmesan,  Quail Egg, Lemon Our mains Roasted East Coast Halibut Head-On Prawn, Corona Beans, Wild Spinach, Taggiasca Olives. Veal and Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Cannelloni Parpadelle with Pork and Rosemary And a side of Gnocchi to share. Everything was excellent. I loved the bright, citrus notes on the scallop carpaccio and the gnocchi was downright heavenly.  I was so full I have no idea how I found room for dessert. Chocolate Semifreddo with peanut brittle... and three piping hot Raspberry Bombolini to end.  The meal was just fantastic and the wine parings our waiter ...

I'm always on the hunt for the best chicken wings in the city and I have to hand it to the Lazy Boy.  They know what they're doing out there in White Plains. Their signature Tequila and Citrus wings were absolutely addictive.  There was something about that sauce that had me licking my lips the entire meal. The Buffalo Wings were amazing as well.  The wing had a nice crisp exterior, delicious sauce and the blue cheese on the side was excellent.  These are the best wings I've had since going to Blondie's. The beer selection wasn't too shabby either.  I asked for the beer list and was handed a book about an inch thick with beers from all over the world.  I don't make it to White Plains much but I'm pretty sure I just found my favorite spot. Lazy Boy Saloon

I don't know why it's taken me so long to get to Pearl this year.  Every time I come to this place I have an outstanding meal. We started with a pot of delicious steamers. Followed by a big, crisp Cesar Salad. Onto the ridiculously amazing Salt Baked Shrimp with that addictive tarter sauce. Scallops with roasted corn and tomatoes. And of course the Lobster Roll.  I know people argue back and forth about whose is best in the city but time and time again I come back to Pearl. All of this paired with a delicious glass of rose and completed with a Butterscotch Praline sundae. I enjoyed each and every moment of this meal.  The food and service were spectacular- no wonder Mr. T proposed to me after a meal here :) Pearl Oyster Bar

Is this week going slow or what!  I really need something to help me get to the weekend.  Lucky for me there's a Payard Bakery in town. This is the Tout Vanille made with Mexican Marscapone Cream and Tahitian Vanilla Bavarois. Look at those gorgeous layers of sable beton and bourbon vanilla pound cake.  Mmmm...the weekend is near. Payard

Today's cocktail comes from the lovely bartenders down at Tribeca's Ward III the Savoir Faire. AIR Quinoa Vodka, Cocchi Americano, Fresh Lemon, Honey Syrup & Peychaud's Bitter. Ahhh....heaven in a glass:) Ward III

On a gorgeous summer day there is nothing better than sitting outside, soaking in the rays with a cold beer.  The rooftop of Eataly has the perfect venue for doing just that.  We stopped in last Sunday and started with a Dogfish Head Namaste. I've had this is in a bottle before but I have to say it's so much better on draft.  The crisp, herbal undertones were great for the hot summer day we were experiencing.  Onto food I ordered the Bistecca con Salsa Verde- Doley Ranch skirt steak with watercress and pickles maitakes. Mr. T ordered the Pollo Con Pesto di Olive- Pennsylvania chicken thigh with a Tuscan bread and tomato salad. Both dishes were excellent- I loved the salsa verde on the steak and Mr. T couldn't get enough of the crispy skin of the chicken.    Add in the fabulous view outside and I'd say we had a pretty perfect little Sunday lunch. Birreria

Just a twenty minute subway (PATH) ride away is a cute, airy and welcoming restaurant from a Momofuku alum- Thirty Acres.  Let's talk food.   To begin Oysters with a Beet Cocktail Sauce. Let's check out this oyster up close- Yum.... Grilled Octopus with chipotle, eggplant, oregano and lemon. Beet Salad with cherries, ricotta, mint and pine nuts. Fingerling Potatoes with bacon, creme fraiche and chives. Whole Brook Trout with summer squash, bell pepper and bacon. And to finish a homey and tart lemon bar with whipped cream. From the crispy skin on the trout to the smokiness of the bacon in the potatoes, this meal was spot on.  Every dish was creative and delicious with big bold flavors.  This chef certainly knows what he's doing in the kitchen. Oh and the best part- it's BYOB right now!  Mr. T and I picked a fantastic bottle of Savigonon Blanc from Jersey Wine next door and even scored two b...

It's the start of the weekend again. Time to stop the work and just chill out with a drink or two at the new German Bakery & Bar Landbrot.                                                                                     They have four different Hoss beers on draft and a delicious Cava Rosat.  Not to mention about twenty mouth watering pastries and huge salty pretzels that looked amazing!  What a great way to start out the weekend. Landbrot Bakery

I was lucky enough to be invited to Chocolat Moderne for a private tasting last week.  I walked in and Joan and her husband gave me a warm greeting like we were old friends.   Since my last visit they've had some incredible success such as winning the Sofie Gold Award for their Lime Moderne Bar.  The bitter dark chocolate and sweet butter toffee seem to meld together perfectly with the addition of acidic lime juice.  But don't stop there... honestly it gets even better. If you like a little kick to your chocolate the Kashmir Spice infused with Cardamon and Cloves would be an excellent choice. I always like a little salty with my sweet so the coarse sea salt bar with almonds was right up my alley.  I almost tried to take this tray home with me :) Another Sofie Award winner was their Karma Sutra Hot Chocolate which placed Silver. But I stuck with the signature chocolates when ...