NYC Tastes

Please don't be put off by the crazy flurry of chocolate crunchies scattered across this cake. Things got a little jumbled as I carried this home but I assure you there were no crunchies lost in transit.  This is the incredible S'more Ice Cream Cake from Parm in SOHO. Most people are familiar with the original Pistachio, Chocolate and Strawberry cake (always a classic) but I prefer the insanity of the S'more with layers of Toasted Marshmallow, Chocolate and Graham Cracker Ice Cream layered with rich chocolate crunchies, a toasted marshmallow on top and a graham cracker crumble crust.   This is the perfect marriage of everything I love in life...which I why I shared with Mr. T for our anniversary.  One great marriage deserves another :) Parm 248 Mulberry Street at Prince Street New York, NY 1001 2

As summer winds down I'm trying to pack in as many delicious meals as possible while NYC is still relatively empty.  Once Labor Day ends the city morphs back into a crazed, fast paced mess of students, tourists and people who are so tan it's obvious they never set foot inside this concrete jungle all summer.  These are last moments to get an incredible meal at hot spots around the hood without a wait...like walking into a completely empty Parm at  7:00 Saturday night. I mean completely  empty; just us and the workers.  I'm not sure if the staff were so bored they put an extra dose of love into the cooking or it was just us being so thrilled to get a spot right away but this was the best Chicken Parm showing I've ever had.  The chicken was super tender, the cheese was melted just right and that spicy rigatoni on the side...OMG SOOOO GOOD!  It just doesn't get much better than this. Parm 248 Mulberry Street between Prince & Spring New York...

When it's this cold and nasty outside I find my inner adventurer start to wane.  I no longer look forward to trekking around the city in search of cheap dumpling spots, dessert shops or fancy new wine bars.  I find myself craving only the things I know and love; the places I can always depend on no matter what the occasion like Parm.  There's usually an order of Baked Clams to begin doused in melted butter and breadcrumbs, followed by the standard Chicken Parm sandwich or classic Saratoga Club. But each and every visit must include the Mozzarella Sticks.  These fat logs of fresh cheese actually taste like fresh mozzarella instead of that stringy crumbly mess you find at most places.  The breading stays firmly intact with a dusting of chopped parsley on top and a bowl of tangy sauce for dipping. Unfortunately these are so incredible they will you ruin you for any other mozzarella stick in the future.  So unless your completely wi...

It's been almost a year since my last meal at Torrisi offshoot Parm.  I had to cut myself off after becoming a bit obsessed with their hot, crispy mozzarella sticks and creamy Saratoga Club.  I went cold turkey after finding myself at the counter three days in a row.  Well my addiction has been somewhat subdued and I decided it was time for a return. I began with a blonde ale from the folks over at Alphabet City Bar on Avenue C.  It's always nice to see a local beer in a restaurant and this was light and refreshing.  I had been dreaming of the sticks and club but I was a little worried about my addiction returning so I skipped my usual order and went for the Chicken Parm.  Can you believe I've never had this here before? I asked for no bread so my platter arrived with two pieces of chicken, breaded with flavors of onion and garlic, mozzarella cheese melted to a toasty brown and doused in tangy tomato sauce. T...

I really can't get enough of this place.  I've talked about their wonderful Chicken and Meatball Parm sandwiches but that's not even the best part.  The best is their amazing Mozzarella Sticks. I'm not kidding, these are amazing!!!  Somehow the breading has no greasy feel.  The fresh gooey, cheese is encased in a crunchy, light breadcrumb mix that is so delicious and addictive I'm beginning to think I might have a serious problem on my hands.  I was there three times last week just for sticks alone. But don't stop there- The Saratoga Club is an absolute knockout as well. Look all the delicious layers of Chicken Salad, Bacon, Rosemary and Potato Chips.  It's impossible not to fall in love with this big, bold sandwich. And don't forget about the Buffalo Cucumbers.  I highly suggest an order of the spicy veggies with big crumbles of blue cheese.  Just writing about this food makes me want it...

I've had that damn meatball sandwich a zillion times at Yankee Stadium.  I really love it but I needed to try out the original joint.  Finally I had a chance this week- an open seat at Parm landed me an early dinner spot to try out the original. Since I've had the meatball countless times I decided to switch it up with the Chicken Parm.  This had the same wonderful tomato sauce, fresh basil, melted cheese and a crispy breaded cutlet that really stood out from the usual chicken parms in the city.  Yep- I'd eat this almost every day of the week. Parm

I always put a lot of thought into what to enjoy for the first game of the season.  One year is was Lobel's, last year it was Carl's and this year Parm was the perfect choice. This hefty meatball parm tastes just as wonderful as it looks.  Made from a mix of beef, veal and sweet Italian sausage.  This flattened meatball has a nice pink middle and lots of sauce and melted cheese.  The bottom bun gets soaked quickly but each one is made to order so you should be okay.  This simply reinforces my will to eat at the actual Parm and Torrisi in the city.  Someday Soon!