NYC Tastes

I'm seriously digging vegetables right now of all shapes and sizes.  Of course throwing some delicious greens on top of a crispy pizza is always a fantastic idea....like the Spinach, Goat Cheese and Herb Pizza from ABC Kitchen. They use a whole wheat crust, slather it with some creamy, funky goat cheese, freah spinach and a handful of dill.  Then it's into the brick oven for a few minutes to get that golden brown crust and intoxicating aroma.  Apparently Oprah named this pizza as one of her top 20 "Mood Boosters".  I've never been a huge Oprah fan but I think she's spot on about this one. My mood would be classified as "elated" after delving into a slice of pie. I was so elated I barely remember the Roasted Beets with Yogurt, although I assume they were lovely since my Father gobbled them right up.  I was already into another one of my food favorites...diving into the Roasted Carrots and Avocado dish.  I didn't even take a picture ...

I'm in love with all things sourdough and seafood...so Dan Kluger's Crab Toast with Lemon Aioli is right up my alley. He takes a thick slice of sourdough bread and slathers it with olive oil before pressing onto a hot griddle.   Then add huge layers of fresh crab and spices like tarragon and rosemary and top everything off with dollops of Sriracha Mayonnaise.  It's rich, creamy and incredibly decadent.   This is definitely something to share since one alone may put you into a food coma...but it would be a good food coma:) ABC Kitchen

Monday I woke up- did some cleaning around the apartment (did that hurricane somehow come through the window?) and then walked down to ABC Kitchen for their $28 Lunch Special. I thought the place would be empty but it was packed with a 30 minute wait for a table! I grabbed my usual spot at the bar instead and ordered the prix fix lunch. Now let me start by telling you I was actually a little disappointed that I was eating here again. I hemmed and hawed about where to go a little too long and by 2:30 most places had stopped serving lunch. I was hoping to try out somewhere new and this was my last minute back up. Let me tell you…any doubts or disappointment I initially felt was blown out of the water with the very first dish. Watermelon and Tomato Gazpacho with Basil. I’ve never been a huge Gazpacho fan- it’s okay but I’ve never felt love for the dish. Well love came a knocking this day my friends. It was easily the best gazpacho I’ve ever tasted. Big pureed bites of heirloom tomato ...

We had a lovely brunch with Mr. T’s parents at ABC Kitchen about a week ago and I have to tell you I absolutely love the place! If you remember I went there for lunch once and was very conflicted. I loved everything but it had been slightly off for me. Let me tell you now- none of the food was off on this trip. First up my cocktail- a Basil Lime Daiquiri. This was absolutely delicious but could have used a tad less sugar. That didn’t stop me from enjoying the entire drink however :)   Let me start with a flurry of appetizers we shared. Crab Toast with Lemon Aioli Sugar Snap Pea Salad with Parmesan Cheese Dressing and Fine Herbs Roasted Carrot and Avocado Salad with Crunchy Seeds, Sour Cream and Citrus Cured Meats and Local Cheese Plate Wow- these appetizers were spot on. The Crab Toast was unbelievably wonderful. The crab tasted so fresh and sweet I only wish there was more to go around. The combination of crunchy seeds with the roasted carrots and avocado was...

You would think after a decadent and wonderful lunch at Bouley Saturday, followed by lots of beers and a giant cheese steak during football Sunday, that the last thing I would want to do Monday afternoon is stuff myself with more food and drink…Well if that’s what you think you don’t know me very well. I woke up on Monday feeling like a million bucks. Sunday I spent the entire day inside watching football and barely moved off the couch. All the energy I stored up doing nothing seemed to be pouring out of me and I was anxious to spend the day being active. I spent most of the morning shopping- everywhere from SOHO up to Times Sqaure when hunger finally struck me around 1:30 and I decided to head back near home for lunch. Since it was a Monday I figured I would have no problem just walking in for a bite. Man was I wrong! I opened the door only to be greeted by a packed restaurant filled with noise and multiple parties waiting for a table. I almost walked out after being quoted at lea...