NYC Tastes

It's been years since I dined at Colicchio and Sons.  I swing by the bar up front for a quick drink once in a while but an actual fine dining experience in the back is usually reserved for a special occasion; like a good friends blow out birthday meal.  There were many so many courses here's just a quick run down of the food: Hamachi Crudo with Citrus, Celery & Pistachios Charred Octopus with Citrus, Caramelized Endive & Chorizo Vinaigrette Beef Tartare with Jicima & Smoked Mayonnaise Campanelle with Ramps, Morel Mushrooms & English Peas  Halibut with Hearts of Palm, Fava Beans & Preserved Lemons Toasted Marshmallow, Olive Oil and Coffee Ice Cream The standouts of the meal were definitely the fresh, spring flavors in the Campanelle and the soft, fragrant lemon essence in the Halibut.  However nothing else truly stood out for a restaurant of such high caliber.  Our service was ...

Located over on the far West Side sits Toro, one of last years biggest openings in the Meatpacking District.  Of course this is a  bit of a scene but actually not as over the top as I thought it would be.  The inside is actually gorgeous; long threads of ivy line the walls, big windows overlook the Hudson River.  It's definitely big and brash but it's also kind of fun. The three of us got a table right up front and just started ordering as plates zipped on and off our table all night. We began with a variety of Pinchos like these Medjool dates filled with marcona almonds, blue cheese and wrapped in jamon serrano. Unfortunately these weren't that good.  The ham and cheese was incredibly thin, not providing the balance required for the sweet date.   Add the drizzle of honey on top and it was sugar overload. This being our first dish I was a little bit worried Toro was going to be a total bust but then the Deviled Eggs arr...

I always need a little something sweet in the afternoon...not something huge just a little bit of sugar to get me through the workday.  That's why I love Fatwitch.  They offer mini versions of their regular brownies and at $1.75 a piece these are a wallet friendly afternoon treat. Last visit they expanded their mini options to include the Caramel Fatwitch! Thick fudgy brownie with a thin layer of creamy caramel sandwiched in the middle.   It's the perfect little pick me up. Fatwitch Bakery