NYC Tastes

If food is art then Shawn Hergatt may be the Picasso of our time.  The most recent lunch with my friend Carrie was a breathtaking display of colors and textures that just seemed to dance across the plate. Haas Avocado- Spot prawn- Cucumber Blossom Tapioca-Local Black Bass- Iberico Chocolate- Lovage- Oats Everything from start to finish was exquisite.  There were multiple times throughout the meal where we would both go silent, as if our taste buds were commanding us to focus solely on the incredible flavors in each dish; like the delicate sweetness of the tapioca pearls elevating a simple fish to extraordinary levels.  For $35 this 3 course meal is an absolute steal. Sweet Corn Beignets drizzled with honey and Green Tea Macadamia were a parting gift from the chef....just a small delicious reminder of the amazing meal....

One of my favorite local breweries isn't even in NYC but across the Hudson River.  Kane Brewing is located on the coast of New Jersey and has been cranking out spectacular beer for three years now. Last night was their anniversary celebration at Barcade complete with 12 taps of Kane goodness.  I honestly planned to drink everything so I started with a few shorter pours. Highlights included the double IPA Overhead which is always one of my favorites... crisp and dry with lots of pine and citrus; Vanilla A Night to End All Dawns a massive stout loaded with flavors of chocolate cream, bourbon and Madagascar vanilla beans and the Sunday Brunch, a frothy imperial porter with flavors of cinnamon, maple syrup, chocolate and coffee.  It was almost like eating a big delicious plate of Cinnamon French Toast.  The event was crowded but not overbearing.  There may even be some great stuff left on tap today so get over to Jersey City and celebrate- Cheers! ...

There's nothing more fun than sitting back with a glass of wine and nibbling on small plates while catching up with an old friend.  Luckily there are a ton of bars in NYC offering just that like Boqueria. I hardly ever go to a tapas bar without ordering Datiles con Beicon...plump juicy dates stuffed with almonds and Veldeon cheese then wrapped in crisp bacon.  They're super rich and sweet...definitely something to share with a friend. As is the cheese...this time we tried the Rosemary Manchego a hard, nutty cheese with the strong evergreen flavor of rosemary in the rind.  The only thing I don't share is the Berza y Zanahorias salad.  Kale and cumin roasted carrots topped with pomegranate, sunflower seeds and dollops of labne yogurt drizzled with a citrus dressing. The flavor reminds me a bit of our carrots at  Manfreds and Vin  with that sweet, nutty flavor I love so much.  I usually ask to go light on the pomegranate seeds.  I really...

I love it when something new pops up in Eataly's pastry case. This month it's the decadent Di Vino...  ...toasted white chocolate mousse stuffed with wine and raspberry gelee on top a rice sponge cake covered in toasted chocolate. Who doesn't like a little wine with dessert :) Eataly

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...

Astoria Bier and Cheese is always a pit stop I make in Queens.  They have an excellent selection of beer, friendly staff and a surprisingly awesome list of sandwiches like The Italiano. Thin ribbons of Prosciutto di Parma, fresh Mozzarella and marinated Piquello Pepeers piled high on a crusty baguette...it's salty and sour...perfect for pairing with a crisp local IPA like the Other Half Hop Showers. The best part is enjoying it on the patio out back with a craft beer in hand and sun shining bright.  One of the last places to catch some summer rays. Astoria Bier and Cheese 34-14 Broadway Astoria, NY 11106

Last week Eric Ripert and Le Bernardin's master of wine, Aldo Sohm opened up a wine bar right around the corner from the restaurant. The menu is small...a selection of charcuteries, cheese and small plates like Grilled Foie Gras Lollipops, Spicy Chicharones and Truffle Pasta.  There's also a few "by the piece" options like a cheesy Romaine Salad Spear Gratinee ($4.25/piece) ...and a juicy Short Rib Skewer with fried shallot and red wine reduction ($12/skewer). The food is simple and rustic... the perfect accompaniment to the incredible wine list Aldo has put together for the bar. Wines by the glass begin at $11 and while the bottle list has some "knock your socks off" bottles there is also a number of affordable options proving that this is a wine bar truly meant for everyone.   Aldo Sohm Wine Bar 151 West 51st Street between Broadway & 8th Ave New York, NY 10019