NYC Tastes

This year's Memorial Day Weekend was a bit different than in the past.  Instead of hitting up the usual BBQ's and bottle shares we stayed right in the city for the entire weekend.  Mr. T was still recovering from a brutal cold so we decided to take a break from friends and just enjoy the empty city at a slow relaxing pace with a trip downtown to the Financial District.  Mr. T had never seen the new World Trade Center  Oculus or Brookfield Place so we explored that two spots, then over to the 911 Memorial and the downtown Eataly, through Stone Street until it was finally time for a drink at the new Beekman Hotel bar Fowler & Wells.  Cocktails seemed in order after our long trek- a Pink Lady for me and the Jungle Bird for Mr. T. This spot was opened by Chef Tom Colicchio and it's absolutely gorgeous.  The main room feels like an elaborate old library with large wooden bookcases lining the walls, big plush blue chairs and couches surrounding...

I've been eating oysters nonstop since our return from Boston and the incredible  Row 34 .  One of my first stops back in NYC was Upstate where the fabulous oysters went so quickly I couldn't even get a picture.  But we were with friends which was a great excuse to also share some new dishes like the Crab Cakes.  Crispy outside, grease free and accompanied by an arugula salad dressed with habanero honey.  OMG...my spicy sweet addiction has found another love. I highly recommend the trout if it's on the special board; dressed with a light citrus sauce glaze that gave just the perfect amount of acidity to the fish. Of course the Seared Scallops with mushroom risotto is always worth an order.  This restaurant is so spot on and guess what...they just opened up a new place right around the block with more seating, more seafood and online reservations.  Welcome Edwin & Neals to the hood! Upstate NY 95 1st Avenue New York...

After our Brooklyn crawl we landed in the East Village hungry for some fresh seafood at one of our favorite places Upstate Oyster Bar.  As usual with such a popular and tiny space we had to wait about an hour for a table.  Luckily they take your name and send a text when it's ready so it's really just a little extra free time to walk around or grab a drink or two nearby.   The menu changes daily but I highly suggest starting out with a big round of fresh oysters and one of the specials of the day.  On my visit the Scallops with Mushroom Risotto were absolute perfection. Big and crispy outside with that hearty rich pasta...yum. Mr. T ordered his usual seafood go-to the Bouillabaisse chock full of fresh lobster, fish, shrimp and crab meat.  The meal at Upsate always ends with a free slice of lemon pound cake which is just delightful but I had bigger plans for my dessert :) We recently celebrated my friends birthday at nearby Spanish restaurant Huert...

We survived the hurricane with lots of liquor, Bon Chon, a whole pizza and a great time with friends. I have to say we had a pretty rocking hurricane party and luckily everything turned out okay. Of course I freaked out Friday and bought more rations than one should ever need but hey- better to have than have not right? Anyway- this review is actually from last weekend before Hurricane Irene. Not really upstate but at Upstate restaurant, the newly opened little seafood place in the East Village. Sandwiched in a small space where Permanent Brunch used to be- it’s easy to walk right on by. Luckily we were on the lookout and grabbed the tiny four seat table up front. I was all about oysters and excited to try out the ever changing market menu. Unfortunately as you can see they only had one oyster from the East Coast that day. This was extremely disappointing since I never care for West Coast as much. But hey- let’s try some new things right- so we ordered a huge plate to sha...