NYC Tastes

When I heard Chef Jose Garces was opening an outpost of Amada in NYC I was pretty excited.  I've visited the original location in Philadelphia quite a few times and I love the lively atmosphere, the small plate menu and of course the incredible food. This new spot tucked away in the corner of Brookfield Place in Battery Park City has a very similar feel inside with a big open kitchen, bright tiled walls and lively Spanish music playing overhead. Since it was restaurant week I looked at the menu online and had my entire meal planned before even sitting down. However it seems they switched to a Restaurant Week brunch menu for Sundays instead which was a little annoying at first but then my basket of complementary brunch pastries arrived and I was a much happier lady. A trio of flaky Pain au Choclat, sweet Banana Bread and a powdered sugar croissant studded with cranberries and strudel.  This was a really nice way to kick off brunch and a surprise addition to the r...

The Tribeca Film Festival is closing out this weekend with a special screening of one of the greatest gangster movie's of all time.  Goodfellas will be celebrating its' 25th Anniversary. Didn't get your invite to the big cast and crew reunion party?  Well you can still celebrate just steps away from the festival at 2West inside the Ritz Carlton Battery Park.   Chef Philip Medora has created a special menu inspired by this classic Scorsese film with dishes like "Tommy DeVito's" Cheese and Salumi platter with fig jam & quince marmalade  and the  "Henry Hills" Fried Calamari served extra crispy with banana peppers and spicy marinara. There's also the delicious "Billy Batts" Grilled Flat Bread with caramelized onions, sweet Italian sausage and grilled sweet peppers... ...but to be truly gangster order the "Jimmy Two Times"; Veal, Pork and Beef Meatballs with shaved pecorino and marble rye garlic bread.   ...