NYC Tastes

Summer in the city means long leisurely afternoons at Pier I Cafe, soaking in the suns rays and catching a nice breeze off the waters edge.    Located right off 70th Street at Riverside Park this casual cafe is a hidden oasis in the heart of the city.  It's quite similar to the Boat Basin but with more of a family friendly vibe.  There's lots of outdoor seating and a casual menu including burgers and hot dogs in addition to more upscale items like Blackened Salmon with corn & tomato salad and Grilled Skirt Steak. I like to take a walk up here late on Friday afternoons for their delicious Cesar Salad topped with sheets of Parmesan cheese and creamy dressing.  Paired with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc and some sunshine, it's the perfect way to kick off the weekend. Pier I Cafe 500 West 70th Street New York, NY 10023

I'm always on the hunt for quality sushi at an affordable price.  Back in the day I could eat just about anywhere but unfortunately after multiple meals at the greats like Hatsuhana ,  Cagen  and Sushi Yasuda I just can't go back to the neighborhood  sushi spots anymore.  And although  Sugarfish  is more affordable and close by the hour long waits continue to be an issue. So last week I headed to the Upper West Side to check out the much talked about Sushi Yasaka. This tiny little spot located just off the 1, 2, 3 train station is cozy with no frills.  Just a few small tables in the front and an L-shaped sushi bar in back perfect for watching the sushi chefs. I ordered the mini Omakase; that day a chefs selection of Snapper, Yellowtail, Ebi, Bluefish, Otoro, Saba and Toro Roll. Wow- everything was so fresh!  The otoro melted ever so slightly into the sushi rice, the ebi was delicate and sweet and the toro roll was just perfect.  A...

When I think of Amsterdam Avenue I tend to think of run down frat bars serving buckets of Bud Light to college aged kids.  At least that's the Amsterdam Avenue I knew growing up, but it's certainly not the case anymore. Shiny new stores and restaurants are taking over those grungy old bars and turning them into great new spots like the gorgeous restaurant TESSA. This place has a little bit of everything; a chic urban bar and lounge area up front, rustic exposed brick walls in the main dining room, a breezy sidewalk cafe and an elegant wine room in back for private dining.  The menu is Modern Mediterranean with a variety of small plates like this twist on a Tuna Tartare with chopped avocado, stonefruit and quinoa... ...a crisp, refreshing Watermelon, Feta & Heirloom Tomato Salad topped with fresh basil and lemon verbena dressing... ...and a creamy Burrata complemented by aged balsamic, beets, hazelnuts and a sprinkle of sea salt. Mains include a...

My first restaurant week meal of summer was an easy choice; a delightful brunch inside the iconic Hotel Des Artists.  The restaurant was absolutely stunning inside with large canvas murals adoring the walls painted by Howard Chandler Christy in the 1920's.  The space has an elegant but comfortable feel of "Old New York" and the scene at brunch was quite lively.  The meal began with a bread basket filled with thin bread sticks flecked with rosemary, a rustic brown studded with raisins and sunflower seeds and classic white baguette.   The restaurant week menu had options for both breakfast and lunch so I decided to have a reverse meal beginning with a lunch appetizer- thin sliced Tuna with Pantelleria capers and radish dressed with a light mustard sauce. Then onto breakfast with "Uova in purgatorio" baked eggs cooked in a spicy cherry tomato sauce with crushed red pepper, basil and toasted county bread. For dessert a White &...

Sometimes I feel like I'm living in an episode of Seinfeld.  I've fought for a chocolate babka, gotten sick on Black and White cookies, found myself more than a few times at the Nexus of the Universe and most recently had an incredible craving for a "Big Salad" (a la Elaine Benes).  So when this craving hit I decided to "Go Big" to the Seinfeld neighborhood the UWS and right to Fratelli la Bufala. Everything is big in here...the bread basket, the wine pours and even the customers.  One gentleman broke out into an Italian opera song once he finished his meal...talk about a great ovation.   My Energy Salad was enormous...chock full of tuna, hard boiled eggs and parmigiana cheese then studded with kebabs of chicken and smoked mozzarella.  It was a salad to end all big salads.  I barely made a dent in the bowl before having it wrapped up for later.  If you're looking to go big on the UWS this is the place for you. Fratelli la Bufala