NYC Tastes

Have you ever had a life changing cookie?  I think I might have last week at Locanda Verde. I stopped in to pick up a few breakfast treats but this Nutella Cookie was calling my name.  I could barely wait to get outside before trying a bite.  The soft, crumbly cookie had nice big sugar crystals on top and sweet, creamy nutella in the center. I was walking as I munched on my cookie and I felt light as air and hazy...it was as if I were in a Nutella Dream.  Maybe it wasn't "life-changing" but it was certainly another level of euphoria. I brought home a Baked Apple Pie for Mr. T and he may have reached another level of euphoria as well. This place really knows how to make some serious pastries. Locanda Verde

It was a drab and rainy Tuesday but you wouldn't know it from the mood resonating atop Three Sixty Tribeca.  Dozens of Italian winemakers were showcasing their very best along with the release of the next Slow Wine Guide edition and Slow Wine app.  The book reviews 400 different cellars throughout Italy, focusing on wine quality and value, adherence to terroir and sustainable practices.  It really helps users navigate the incredible amount of information available regarding Italian wines. The list of exhibitors at Vinitaly was astounding.  There was so much talent in the room it was difficult to know where to begin.  I made a long stop at Banfi, one of the first Italian wineries I ever had the pleasure of visiting.  Their Chianti Classico Riserva is always a solid favorite while the velvety, soft Brunello di Montalcino can make any meal an elegant affair. I tried out some...

I stopped into this little LES Latin restaurant on Sunday, excited to discover they were participating in restaurant week.  The place was absolutely packed with the typical brunch crowd of attractive people nursing hangovers with champagne and sangria.  At first I thought everyone was still ordering regular brunch but then I discovered Huevos Rancheros on the RW menu.  This  might be the first time I've seen a breakfast option offered. I began with the Con Coco Ceviche- Scallops and Shrimp tossed in a light coconut-curry sauce and topped with spicy blend of Thai chili, basil and red onions.  I loved having a bright, acidic start to the meal...it left my palate happily aroused and ready to take on my Braised Short Rib slider. Almost every head turned as this plate was carried to my table...the thick, meaty aroma was intoxicating.  I was expecting an average slider but the meat on this was so rich and so...

Tucked away on the Upper east Side sits Jones Wood foundry, a bar and restaurant for all things British.  We stopped in the other day to enjoy a few beers. After a few pints a little snack was in order so we split their burger with the traditional Stilton Cheese.   I loved the presentation- it's quite easy to tell we're in a British pub.  The chips looked fantastic but instead they were a soggy, barely cooked mess.  Luckily the burger was much better. The funky Stilton cheese gave a different spin on a normal burger.  The meat could have used a bit more seasoning but as you can see the bottom bun was soaked from the amount of juices.  If your craving a bit of Britain in the city this is a great place to put up your boots for a while and relax. Jones Wood Foundry

I've been a little obsessed with IPA's lately and this new one from Lagunitas is awesome.   It's called Lagunitas Sucks and obviously there's a story behind it.   Each year Laguinitas releases a Brown Shugga ale that's delicious.  Unfortunately they were over their capacity last year and didn't have enough time or resources to produce it. People were upset and Lagunitas issued an apology along with this beer because they messed up and frankly "suck".  You gotta love a brewery with a good sense of humor and you have to love them even more because the beer they came up with is awesome!   It's really crisp with lots of piney hops and citrus fruit.  It's a totally different style than the Brown Shugga so I can't really compare but I honestly like this beer even better.  Thanks for sucking Lagunitas! Lagunitas

I've been really sick of the sushi options in my neighborhood recently so I was thrilled when I heard about Sen coming to the area.  I stopped in for a solo dinner last week and took a seat at the large, square bar.  The interior is quite stunning...it feels a bit like a trendy club at first but is serene at the same time. I started out with a tasty Lychee Martini and perused the menu.   They had some sushi starters that sounded fantastic... ...as did the specialty rolls.  I decided to order one of each and began with the Yellowtail Tar Tar. The presentation of this dish was lovely.  The sushi chef came right over to explain the dish and pointed out the Mountain Peach.  I was happy to have this as a palate cleanser because each and every flavor in this dish was wonderful.  There was pickle and shallot, creamy egg and spicy yuzu...it was one of the most interesting and delicious sushi dishes I've had in a l...

I love how restaurant week always falls at the end of January so I can plan my three day weekend to end with a fabulous lunch.  This year the choice was Locanda Verde, one of my favorite restaurants in the city.  Locanda Verde has everything in my book, gorgeous, bustling atmosphere, fantastic food and now I'll add in a surprisingly great restaurant week menu.  Far too many times restaurants offer only two or three options, Locanda Verde offered almost everything on their regular menu for the 3 course prix fix.  I was so happy Mr. T came along with us so I could try twice as much :) He began with their creamy, rich Sheep's Milk Ricotta appetizer.  It was just as wonderful as always and they certainly didn't skimp on the portion sizes.  My Locanda Salad was absolutely enormous. Dried Cherries, speck and a vibrant hazelnut vinaigrette gave this salad a nice, hearty boost. ...