NYC Tastes

2016 saw the closing of two of my favorite cocktail bars of all time; the incredible Russian vodka room Pravda and the formidable Campbell Apartments in Grand Central Terminal.  Unfortunately as 2017 comes to an end another great spot will be closing its doors, the fantastic Temple Bar. My first visit to this fabulous spot was way back in 2003 when Yankees (now manger) Aaron Boone hit a walk off home run against the Boston Red Sox to win the American League Championship Series.  It was easily the best night of my young NYC life.   We had been watching the game at nearby Tom and Jerry's for about six hours prior and decided to move our celebration over to Temple Bar.  I'm not sure if the bar was actually closing down for the night or if the bouncer noticed our glassy eyes, hoarse voices and general rowdy drunkenness, but we weren't allowed inside.  No this place required a bit more reserved behavior, a bit more class; neither of which we had at that mome...

To close out the big birthday weekend for Mr. T we ended with dinner at Bohemian.  It had been over five years since we last ate at this secret spot, tucked away behind a Japanese butcher store.  It had been so long I was actually worried they changed their secret phone number but luckily the number I had still worked and we were able to snag a reservation for Sunday night. The menu was much larger than I remember it being in the past. American dishes like Macaroni and Cheese and Grilled Lamb Chops were listed right along with the Japanese classics.  We decided to forgo the tasting menu and instead order a variety of plates a la carte (which actually was a much pricier option). To begin the gorgeous Tuna Lau'ai a super smokey bluefin tuna sashimi topped with white ponzu sauce and microgreens. Washu Beef Short Rib Sashimi with soy marinated garlic.  I absolutely love eating beef sashimi. None of the fat gets cooked off so it's extra rich and silky...

In search of another good happy hour spot we stumbled across The Lafayette; Andrew Carmellini's French bakery and bistro located on the corner of Great Jones and Lafayette. On weekdays from 4:00- 6:30 they offer a variety of wines and cocktails like the classic French 75 of gin, lemon and cremant & this delicious Ricky Rose made with rose wine, gin, creme yvette and creme de fraise. There's also a menu of small bites including Eggs Lafayette with smoked trout, thin salty Pommes Frites and a wonderful Beef Tartare Tartine with Tabasco aioli, celery and espelette.  For just $5 a bite and $8 a drink this may just be the best bar deal going in NOHO. The Lafayette 380 Lafayette Street New York, NY 1003

As part of my mini summer staycation the first stop was a fabulous lunch at the new Asia de Cuba.  Located in the old Butter space downtown the long sleek dining room was airy and bright during lunchtime with a crowd of mostly women sipping cocktails and chatting.  I honestly wanted to order everything on the menu...Crispy Calamari with bananas and cashews, Casabe Cakes with guava bbq pork but in the end it was the Snapper Ceviche that won. This was fabulous- lots of bold citrus flavors and just a touch of heat from the Thai red chilies and a flurry of crisp plantain chips on top.   The Seven Spice Chicken was also fabulous. I had worried it might be too spicy but it wasn't hot just really balanced with herbs and spices of cumin, cinnamon and mustard seed on top of this incredible creamy congri sauce.  This dish reminded me why I like dining alone so much.  When something is this delicious talking would just get in the way. For dessert a fudgy Tres L...

Mr. T and I celebrated our wedding anniversary last month at Il Buco Almenteri. This cute Italian restaurant had received so many accolades for its incredible food and rustic environment it seemed like the perfect choice for a cozy celebration dinner. Let's start with the good, like the salumi cured in house.   These ribbons of prosciutto were some of the most gorgeous velvet cuts I've ever seen.  Just look at that rich, deep pink color... My black truffle obsession was more than satisfied by these slabs of Truffle Tremor goat cheese.  It was cut with two sides rind, two sides creamy filling and served with a thick drizzle of fresh honey.  I devoured all three...silently pleased that Mr. T didn't want to partake in that wonderful funky flavor. Unfortunately our next course Ricotta Cheese was terrible.  It was served ice cold with slices of even colder kohlrabi mixed inside.  If it weren't for the pungent bitter greens on t...