NYC Tastes

Sundays morning brunch at the Studio always begins with some kind of pastry; a thick Chocolate Morning Bun, a flaky Sourdough Croissant or a slice of the delightfully swirled Chocolate Coffee Babka. After something sweet a brunch classic with a Middle Eastern spin, like the NYC bagel & lox with cream cheese reinvented here with a sour labneh and smoked salmon on a sesame crusted Simt bagel. Or the Poached Eggs with a beautiful spring pea humus studded with a rich lamb merguez and a fluffy grilled pita on the side. Sunday mornings are always best starting at The Studio. The Studio 23 Lexington Avenue New York, NY 10010

On the first floor of the Freehand Hotel sits Simon & The Whale, one of the city's hottest new restaurants helmed by Chef Matt Griffen formerly of Fedora and Bar Sardine.  The sleek space features a long wooden bar, cushy circular booths and wrap around windows that showcase the busy city streets outside. The menu is composed of delicious small plates like the bacon and gouda Zeppole served piping hot with a creamy mustard sauce. And a bright Arctic Char Tartare dotted with finger lime and smoked cream cheese on top of crispy multigrain toast.  I highly suggest beginning every meal with one of these dishes. Then move on to more hearty fare like Spaghetti Acqua Pazza, Roast Chicken or the delicious Fish Sandwich served on soft, fluffy poppy seed challah with creamy coleslaw and spicy dijonnaise.   This massive sandwich is a little bit unruly, but it's worth it for the excellent flavor .  Simon & The Whale is only open for dinner and has b...

Yesterday we checked out The Studio at the Freehand, today we'll go across the hall to the cozy little cocktail bar the George Washington. Situated inside the hotel's old library this beautiful room is decked out with dark mahogany walls, antique furniture and an all star line up of cocktails like the frothy For Sarah, a blend of gin, rosé, cardamom, pomegranate, creme, egg white and soda. And the bright, fizzy Opulent Cartel made with basil, fennel seed and preserved lemon. In addition to drinks there's a small menu of bar snacks including deviled eggs, Ostrea Caviar and a buttery pretzel twist served with  creamy goat cheese and  a sweet drizzle of honey. The George Washington bar opens daily at 5:30 PM.  The small bar usually gets packed by 7:00 PM so head early to guarantee a spot. George Washington Bar at the Freehand 23 Lexington Avenue 2nd Floor New York, NY 10010

The Freehand Hotel opened it doors to the public in February, taking over the old George Washington building directly across the street from our apartment. Having this hotel so close has really changed our culinary world, with the addition of two new restaurants, a cocktail bar and soon to be rooftop opening of the famous Broken Shaker Bar from Miami. Let's check out the Studio today... The Studio is Freehand's all day cafe and restaurant; a bright, airy spot located on the 2nd floor overlooking the bustling 23rd Street.  This is a great spot for a morning meeting when the restaurant is at a low hum with guests munching away at egg platters and delightful baked goods like the Simit Everything Bagel served with butter or a creamy herb labneh. At 11:30 (on the weekdays) the all day menu kicks in with specialties like the Freehand Burger stacked high with caramelized onions, smoked american cheese, pickles and a spicy harissa sauce.  The 23 Lex Chicken Club sandwich; t...

I absolutely love when it snows, it makes everything look magical with big flakes dotting the tops of yellow cabs and street lamps, turning the city into one big snow globe.  Last storm I headed to Fusco and found the perfect spot in their front windows for watching the snow fall while indulging in their brand new two course espresso lunch.   Guests have a choice of appetizer and pasta finished with espresso and biscotti for just $28. There were so many great appetizers to choose from; Hamachi Crudo tossed with chili and ginger, Kale Parmigiana Salad with almonds and a hefty Short Rib Spätzle served with bone marrow custard. I had an incredibly tough time choosing what to order, but it was the beautiful Burrata that won in the end, thick and creamy, studded with radicchio, fresh basil and pignoli vinaigrette. Onto entrees Fusco's Tajarin, a thin yellow pasta tossed with garlic, bonita flakes and clams that had all the freshness of the ocean ...

The newest location of popular West Village Boucherie just opened on Park Avenue South unveiling an absolutely gorgeous interior. All the wonderful elements of the previous tenant Florian remain intact, like the long beautiful bar that wraps around the front, with lively open kitchen added in the back and gorgeous flowers dotting the main room giving the entire space a romantic feminine flair. I stopped in for their "Green Hour" where select wine, cocktails and Boucherie Burger available at the bar for just $12.00. Dry-aged Pat La Frieda Beef topped with caramelized onions, aged gruyere cheese and a side of thick, crispy french fries to make it a filling meal.  Green Hour runs Monday- Friday from 4:00-7:00 PM. Boucherie 225 Park Avenue South New York, NY 10003

If I could celebrate every special occasion in life with a seafood platter and a magnum of wine, I would be an insanely happy girl.  Maybe that's not one of the best "goals" to have in life (don't worry I have others) but it's a fact I realized last month when Mr. T and I stopped into Gramercy Tavern for a little celebration.  Being that there were only two of us we skipped the magnum (obviously Mr. T's decision) but went all in for the Tavern's incredible new Seafood Platter.   Big, briny oysters and green apple studded scallops filled the first tier with Red Snapper Ceviche, creamy Lobster Salad and Miso Marinated Shrimp rounded out the second tier.  Everything was wonderful, the highlight being those delicate miso marinated shrimp that practically melted they were so tender. For entrees Mr. T chose the Wagyu Meatloaf with whipped potatoes and roasted vegetables. I had suggested he not order this dish; my mind filled with horrible visi...

My family came in for a quick visit last week and we kicked things off with brunch at Stephen Starr's buzzy restuarnt Upland.   I always enjoy Stephen Starr restaurants.  Even his big spots like Buddakan and Morimoto, while somewhat over the top, always leave me feeling excited. They bring me back to the way I first felt when moving to NYC so many years ago. Upland has very similar characteristics. Although much more laid back than bumping Buddakan his crisp blue and white checkered linens and gorgeous dining room lined with peach filled vases makes an exciting, more refined NYC impression. The brunch menu has a variety of egg dishes alongside pizzas, pastas and sandwiches.  I highly suggest the Quiche Lorraine, a smokey bacon and gruyere stuffed pie that was impossibly light. Two Eggs served with a thick slice of grilled country bread, spicy pork sausage and buttery smashed potatoes. Or for something a bit heartier the Porchetta & Egg Sandwich loaded wit...

The block of East 20th Street between Park Avenue and Broadway has always been a favorite of mine.  The beautiful Gramercy Tavern has been there for ages and newer restaurants like Barbounia, Fusco and ever crowded Sugarfish have really made this block a culinary Disneyland. The newest restaurant to pop up on this street is Middle Eastern gem Nur.  A place so tiny its easy to miss just walking by but quite possibly the best restaurant on the entire block. Nur was opened by Gadi Peleg of  Breads Bakery  and Israli star Chef Meir Andoni.  When I first saw the menu online I knew I absolutely had to come and try out one of my favorite dishes from our last London trip the Jerusalem Bagel. This warm pretzel like roll was very similar to the one we had at The Barbary  but with a fluffier texture studded with sesame seeds and served with a delicious za'atar and lima bean messbaha.  I love this bagel; it puts all other regular NYC bagels to sh...

Ahhhhh my neighborhood happy hour spot Barbounia.  I love absolutely everything about this gorgeous Mediterranean restaurant.  The long sleek marble bar, the festive music overheard and of course the cocktails I'm a little obsessed with the Basilka made with pressed basil, pear and St. Germain. I also love their small plates like spicy feta with jalapenos and lightly fried rings of calamari. Every food order comes with their incredible fresh baked rosemary bread that's perfect for sharing.  Happy Hour runs from 3:00-7:00 PM seven days a week with deals on wine, cocktails and champagne. Barbounia 250 Park Avenue South New York, NY 10003

I was incredibly sad when the elegant  Elan closed last year.  I spent so many Sunday's in their front window watching the bustle and buzz of Gramercy go passing by.  I prayed something wonderful would move into the space and something wonderful actually did! Scott Conant's new Italian restaurant Fusco. We stopped in for dinner Saturday night and my old spot at the front window just happened to be open.  A smooth, silky bottle of Chianti to share and we were off for a fabulous night. Thick crusty rolls served with freshly churned butter and a beautiful garlic broccoli rabe pesto to begin. This would have been enough carbs for most people but we just couldn't pass up an order of the Stromboli... ... layered with  squares of smoked mozzarella, salami and bright sprigs of rosemary. Since we did so much carbo loading to start we decided to go light for the mid-course and split the Truffle Pea Cesar appetizer. This was lovely-...

Even though it's a gross rainy day there's still reason to celebrate the fabulous Mexican culture with my favorite food in the world- TACOS! I'm planning to head to Casa Neta tonight for their absolutely incredible Short Rib tacos loaded with manchego cheese, guacamole and poblano rajas.  Plus they have a great happy hour from 5:00-7:00 which means delicious $10 margaritas. I honestly think it should be taco and tequila time every day- happy Cinco de Mayo! Casa Neta 40 East 20th Street New York, NY 10003

Ahhhhhh...Sunday mornings without a thing to do should always begin at Daily Provisions.  A piping hot cup of coffee for me and a bright green Iced Matcha for Mr. T perfect for kicking off the AM with some energy. Of course one can't survive on drinks alone so in addition to their amazing crullers a fluffy Egg Sandwich layered with thick cut Berkshire bacon and melted American cheese.  Ahhhh...e asy like a Sunday morning indeed. Daily Provisions 103 East 19th Street New York, NY 10003