NYC Tastes

We celebrated our anniversary this year at Bâtard, Drew Nieporent's charming and elegant French restaurant in Tribeca. After having just eaten at Frenchette and Le Coucou, I was a little hesitant on choosing another French spot.  But Bâtard not only meet all of our expectations, it stood out among the three as our favorite.   I began with a lovely Steak Tartare dressed with horseradish cream and everything bagel spice.  Mr. T had read the description from the menu, commenting that this dish was meant for me and he was absolutely right.  It had all the ingredients I love, with the heat from the horseradish pairing perfectly with the silky ribbons of steak and spice.  He chose the Carrot & Coconut Soup dotted with crispy sweetbreads, vadouvan and spiced peanuts.  There was a wonderful interplay of spicy and savory with the curry powder teasing the richness of the coconut and sweetbreads. Lobster Tagliatelle ($8 Supplem...

When I read the Best of 2018 lists this year, there was one place that appeared in almost every article, Frenchette; a lively little French bistro on the edge of Tribeca. Chef Riad Nasr and Chef Lee Hanson are in the kitchen; a dynamic duo who opened the kitchen of Balthazar together back in 1997. The space exudes a mix of characteristics similar to city's classic French spots; the bright, clean elegance of Balthazar and the cool, bar vibe of Raouls; but it's also decidedly different with a small, simple menu and a casual, laid back style of service. On the weekend lunch menu a rich, smoky Duck Confit served atop a bounty of root vegetables perfect for soaking up all the juicy drippings. A beautiful Brouillade studded with garlic Peconic escargot; a dish that truly showcased the French lust for butter.    Crispy Pomme Frites with an eggy mayo  and a scoop of creamy Salted Caramel Ice Cream for dessert. C'est magnifique! Frenchette 241 West...

I was invited to dine at Benares in Tribeca last week, a restaurant helmed by all star duo Chef Peter Beck of the Tamarind empire and restaurateur Inder Singh, formerly of Devi and Baluchi's.  The restaurants focuses on the classic Indian cuisine of Utter Pradesh, the western city where Benares is located.  Walking into the restaurant I was delightfully surprised by the beauty and size of the space.  Big cushy booths lined the wall with seating for at least six people, large round tables dotted the dining area and there was even a sleek little bar up front for those who just wanted to have a few cocktails. The menu boasts an eclectic mix of vegan, meat and seafood dishes with each meal starting with a whimsical bowl of rice crackers taking on a rainbow flair. Classic chickpea, potato and wheat crisp Papri Chaat got an exciting boost of flavor from the addition of coriander and pomegranate chutney. While the plump Tandoori Sh...

I tend to forget about the little neighborhood of Hudson Square. It's just far enough west that it stays off my radar until I have an event at City Winery or see the glowing neon light from the Ear Inn on the highway.  Which is too bad because I really love this quiet, quaint little neighborhood and even more I love it's quiet, quaint restaurants like the wonderful Houseman. The casual but elegant dining room is bright and welcoming with big windows overlooking Greenwich street and a long wooden bar running along the front of the house.  The menu is dotted with creative specialties like the Carrot Salad with tahini cream and chili, a confit Turkey & Pork Banh Mi and the incredible Houseman Burger. Two 5 oz patties layered with melted Swiss Cheese, caramelized onion and chopped mushrooms on a soft potato roll.  I asked for ketchup when this burger arrived but then never touched it- there was no need.  The mushrooms gave the meat an intense earthy fl...

People are always asking me to recommend the "perfect" NYC spot.  Something comfortable but classy, a place with great food and drink that Mom and Dad would enjoy but also a place for friends without those crazy Manhattan prices.  When I get this request I almost always send people to the same place- Walkers in Tribeca.   This isn't a place that's going to blow your socks off.  No this is a a neighborhood bar that's sophisticated yet comfortable with a variety of food always done well.  Regulars occupy most of the bar stools; a mix of young professionals, older couples and solo drinkers just stopping in for a pint and a chat.  The tables are usually filled with families.  Parents have some quiet time to talk while the kids draw on paper tablecloths with the free crayons. The menu includes everything from saucy Buffalo Wings with blue cheese and celery to Pan Roasted Salmon with roasted potatoes and asparagus.  I highly suggest che...

Happy Hours and Hamburgers; two of my favorite things in the world and they both come together in one perfect little package at Marc Forgione's American Cut.   Every day at 4:20 PM American Cut tweets out the number of burgers available in the bar; usually between 10-15 a day. The burgers go fast so getting an early spot is a must which means partaking in their incredible happy hour well. A menu of $5 wines, half priced Old Fashioned's and a small selection of appetizers including chili lobster Chicken Wings and $1 oysters are available from 5:00- 7:00 each day. It would be incredibly easy to make a meal of happy hour alone but don't skip out on the off-menu burger. Short rib, brisket and dry aged rib eye are blended together then piled high with beer cheese and bourbon caramelized onions resulting in a  juicy, funky burger that's absolutely incredible.  The fries are more of an afterthought.  They're long and skinny but lack the crispness of a good fry and co...

The next two days of Memorial Day weekend were completely boat themed.  The first was a stop at North Boat Lobster Company in Hell's Kitchen.  This place is basically just a version of the Frying Pan but with better food and drink prices and a boat that actually moves. I'm not saying the drinks were fantastic but they had a few additional beer options than just Bud Light and Corona plus a few decent bottles of wine perfect for sharing with a group. The menu is all about seafood with Lobster Rolls, Fish and Chips and some Cajun Spiced Peel and Eat Shrimp. The boat leaves dock at various points during the day for a 45 minute sail up the Hudson River.  The views were fantastic and not having to pay an extra ticket for the ride was a downright steal.  It got really crowded and a little bit like a Frat House at certain points but I would do it again for sure. On the opposite end of the spectrum from North River Lobster Co. is the Grand Banks,...

There are so many fabulous reasons to love Westville and it begins with the food.  They have a dizzying array of market sides that are some of the best crafted veggies in the city. They always have an egg scramble on the menu for those of us who like breakfast morning, noon and night :) Plus the service is usually fast, friendly and affordable. I stopped by their newest location in Tribeca for an evening scramble of spinach, fresh herbs and smoked gouda.  The dish was excellent as always but I was shocked to see how large and bustling this location was....easily six times the original and with a full bar!  They had a couple drink specials going on...one red wine, one white, a local draft beer and this Cucumber Gimlet.   It was bright and refreshing...not something I would recommend with an egg scramble but a delicious discovery nonetheless!  This new Tribeca location may be my favorite one yet. Westville

I always say my favorite thing about living in New York City is the ability to escape without ever really leaving at all.  Case in point...Bouley.  One step inside and it's like you've been transported to a gorgeous countryside restaurant in the south of France.  A wall of fresh apples greet you at the door and the arched ceilings provide a cozy, sophisticated feel to the room just perfect for a long romantic meal.   Bouley offers a 5 course tasting menu at lunch for just $55...still one the the best deals in the city.  To begin an amuse bouche of Strawberry Soup with tomato gelee and cucumber... ...and a decadent crisp topped with whipped potato and black truffle. I chose the Big Eye Tuna as my appetizer nestled inside a green apple and bergamot foam with Osetra Caviar... ...and Mr. T ordered a thick Sweet Corn soup with organic farm egg. Second course was an easy decision for us both.  The Porcini Flan w...