NYC Tastes

This past Memorial Day Mr. T and I opted out of travel for a glorious "staycation" in the city.  Since most people head to the beach, we were left with quiet streets and a multitude of open reservations to great spots like Oxomoco; the gorgeous, sun soaked Mexican spot in Greenpoint that received a Michelin star last year.  I don't understand every aspect of the Michelin award process, but I have to assume the Spring Pea Tlayuda had something to do with that honor.   This beautiful round of masa was stretched thin, layered with creamy quesillo, salsa cruda, mint, serrano and scallion.  It was slightly spicy yet refreshing; like biting into a the perfect garden vegetable pizza. For a classic Mexican egg dish order the Chilaqulies Rojos, a crunchy mound of tortillas and egg dressed with warm red salsa, queso fresco and crema (pictured here without cilantro). For something a bit more intense, I would suggest the Hamburguesa Pambazo; a rich patty of dr...

Pancakes have never been something I seek out in restaurants.  I see them mostly as a vessel for maple syrup and butter (two of my favorite condiments) rather than a crave worthy brunch dish. However after just one bite of the pancakes at Chez Ma Tante last weekend, my mind has been changed forever.  These beauties arrived piping hot with a spongy, fluffy interior and a crisp, almost brunt exterior that left the edges of each cake crunchy and slightly caramelized.  On top a heavy dose of pure Vermont Maple Syrup and a pat of rich, creamy Normandy butter.  These pancakes were perfect; soft enough for soaking up all that wonderful syrup but crisp enough to give each bite a satisfying crunch.   In addition to the incredible pancakes Chez Ma Tante has some fantastic brunch cocktails beyond the usual Bloody Mary or Mimosa.  Mr. T ordered a refreshing John Daly (iced tea, lemonade & beer) while I sipped on the Pick Me Up Negroni with espresso. ...

I'm a big fan of Greenpoint craft beer bar Torst.  Ever since it opened four years ago I've spent hours upon hours sampling their rotating drafts, scouring through the massive bottle list and chatting with the incredible bartenders.  However one thing was always missing from the total bar experience- the bar food.  They had the wonderful Michelin starred Luksus in the back room where I enjoyed an  incredible tasting menu ; but unfortunately that was just way to expensive for a casual beer drinker most evenings and has since closed its doors. In its place Torst has opened up the back room for more bar seating with a brand new a la carte menu of incredible dishes like Fried Maine Shrimp Sandwich with celery gribiche and hot sauce, a traditional Danish Hot Dog topped with scallions and daikon kimchi and the French Montana; a rich tender short rib sandwich topped with melted gruyere cheese and horseradish. The food is inventive and delicious, much more ...

Located just about as far west as one can go before ending up in the East River sits 21 Greenpoint; a new bar and restaurant by Homar Murray, Bill Murray's son.  This place was jam packed opening weekend with Bill himself behind the bar slinging drinks.  Now the restaurant has settled into a cozy, comfortable vibe serving excellent food and one of the best culinary deals in town. Every Sunday 21 Greenpoint serves a special tasting menu of four to five dishes using leftover items from the weekends dinner/brunch prep.  This allows the chef to have complete creativity with the meal and cuts down on the constant problem  of food waste. Plus the entire meal is only $21 which is an absolute steal in this city.  My first meal began with a wonderful Sauerkraut soup studded with chive, onion and a dusting of pepper. Next up Pickled Cucumbers layered with ribbons of fennel and onion. A fluffy golden brown biscuit served with creamy mozzarella butter, eg...

There are so many reasons to check out the massive German beer hall in Greenpoint Dirck the Norseman.  From the cozy fireplaces in the winter to the live music on the weekends this place has a little something for everyone.  Here are my Top 5 reasons to make the trek: #1- Chicken Schnitzel This stunning piece of poultry is so large it barely fits on the serving plate.  It's pounded flat but somehow retains a tender, juicy interior that's coated with crispy breadcrumbs and served with a beer-peppercorn sauce.  It's big, gregarious German food at it's finest. #2- The Wedge Salad I always love a good wedge salad but Dirck really kicks it up a notch using thick cut chunks of bacon and a house-made Bacon Maple Blue Cheese dressing studded with red onions and rosemary.   #3- French Fries German beer halls always seem to have the best fries (I was addicted to Zum's for a long time) and here is no different.  They're thinly sliced, crispy...