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

It's officially rosé & rooftop season and the hottest new spot for both happens to be right across the street at The Broken Shaker NYC. This happening bar on top of the new Freehand Hotel boasts splashy pink drinks and lots of outdoor seating for just about any sized group. The west side of the restaurant has a row of two tops over looking Lexington Avenue. While the north side has room for larger groups with bright wicker chairs and kitschy wooden tables bringing a festive, tropical feeling to the space. The menu has a list of classic cocktails from the original bar in Miami along with a few new drinks made just for NYC, like the Everything Bagel Gin Fizz and the Curry in a Hurry, an homage to the fast casual Indian restaurant just up the street. The tropical, jungle like decor continues inside with a colorful DJ booth up front... ...and wooden walls matched with shiny tiled stools that evoke images of a very strange cruise ship. I dove into the Bad Attitu...

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...