NYC Tastes

It's always nice to see an old friend return...especially when that old friend is a big delicious Imperial Stout.  The good folks over at Founders decided to bring back their popular Canadian Breakfast Stout this year, a beer that's been gone since 2011.  This version is only available on draft and finding it around the city can be incredibly tough but it's so worth the energy. CBS is brewed with a blend of coffees and imported chocolates then aged in bourbon barrels previously used for aging maple syrup.  The result is a big creamy stout with the incredible nose of maple, vanilla and chocolate and flavors of even more maple syrup, toasted marshmallow, bourbon and coffee.  It's a bit sweet, a bit boozy but incredibly drinkable and smooth even with the 10.6 ABV. I was nervous this new batch wouldn't hold up to my fond memories of CBS years ago but it completely hit the mark in every way.  Now if I could just find some more...Cheers! Founders Brewing ...

Once again the space at 511 East 5th Street has changed hands.  What was once the incredible Seymour Burton then the amazing Goat Town has now become GG's....a neighborhood joint with a super chill brunch scene and a menu for just about anyone.  The Greens Salad is a zesty blend of baby head lettuce, nasturtium, fennel, sorrel and radish dressed in a light vinaigrette. The burger is pan seared with melted white cheddar on top, thinly sliced pickles, onions and secret sauce.  It sits on a soft potato bun perfect for ensuring each bite has ample bread coverage for soaking in all those pan seared juices.  There are a variety of delicious cocktails right around the $9.00 mark like the crazy Green Mary made with kale, cucumber, tomatillo and jalapeno and a delicious False Spring made with Aperol, grapefruit and Blanc de Blanc. We didn't get a chance to order their signature Grandma Pie at brunch but it's truly a fantastic pizza with ...

I was so excited yesterday to sit at Gramercy Tavern and watch the beautiful snowflakes fall outside while I nibbled on delicious food all warm and cozy with Mr. T.  That's actually what ended up happening except for the snow part.  As soon as we walked out the door the snow stopped and I was left to stare at the cold windy street outside instead of my winter wonderland.  I was pretty disappointed being that I absolutely  love  snow but the food and company was wonderful nonetheless.  Danny Meyer announced all of his restaurants would have no corkage fee during the storm so we grabbed a great bottle of wine and hunkered down for a fabulous meal. To begin a plate of delicious Roasted Island Creek topped with bacon and pineapple... ...then onto Sea Bass with cauliflower, quinoa and candied hazelnuts for me... ...and a Kuri Squash Chowder with Striped Bass, Mussels and Turnip for Mr. T.  Both were incredible.  I loved the creamy quinoa ba...

I only had time to fit in one new place when I was home for the holidays so I chose Oshun, the brand restaurant originally built in 1946 as the Waldorf Astoria luncheon counter.  The space was quite stunning with large frescos on the walls up front and a long oyster bar in back filled with fresh seafood. The lunch menu is composed of small plates with a choice of two for $10.95 and a variety of snacks and sides like these insanely rich and buttery Parker House Rolls studded with big hunks of sea salt... ...and a bowl of marinated olives perfect for nibbling over a glass of wine. I chose the Buffalo Clam Chowder and classic Fish and Chips as my entree.  The Chowder had three ingredients listed on the menu- bacon, cream and Franks Hot Sauce.  I'll admit this isn't something I would normally order but I found the spicy, creamy combination to be strangely satisfying...delicious even!  My parents did not agree and began...

I was absolutely stunned when Alex Stupak left his incredible dessert resume behind at WD 50 and dove into the world of tacos. Now over four years later I really can't imagine this town without his heart stopping Mexican dishes like the Melted Tetilla Cheese with Lobster Tomate Frito at Empellon Cocina and Beef Tartare tacos at Empellon Taqueria.  I just had to stop by for a quick look at his newest venture Empellon Al Pastor. The namesake taco comes on a thin corn tortilla filled with chili rubbed spit roasted pork and a solitary slice of pineapple.  It's saucy and hot; perfect for a quick bite on the run and exceptional with a crisp cold beer.  The usual suspects Tecate and Negra Modelo are on the list alongside beers from Thirsty Dog, Central Waters and Local Option. They also have a full page of margarita's to choose from including a Spicy Cucumber and Mezcal making this the perfect destination for just about anyone. Empellon Al Pastor 132 Saint M...

The Nomad Bar has a three Tartare's listed on their menu; the classic French Beef Tartare with horseradish and cornichons, the popular Tuna Tartare made with pine nuts, apple and mint and the lesser known Carrot Tartare, a dish created by Chef Daniel Humm years ago at Eleven Madison Park. Humm churns the carrot into slivers then mixes in sunflower seeds, mustard oil, chives, ginger and a spicy carrot vinaigrette before topping with a perfect quail egg and a sprinkle of sea salt.   This dish is created table-side at Eleven Madison Park but here it's a much more casual affair; arriving in a simple glass jar with a big bowl of Rye Chips. It's perfect for sharing at the bar or for snacking solo.  Just don't forget to pair it with one of the Nomad's amazing cocktail's in hand.   The Nomad Bar 10 West 28th Street & Broadway Nw York, NY 10001

My first leisurely lunch of the new year was at the wonderful Juni for the 3 course prix fix. We began with a bowl of house made Tagliatelle dotted with chunks of uni and winter truffle...   ...followed by a tender Black Cod with mint, calamari herb salad and a tiny bowl of Pommes Puree. These were so fluffy and light I was afraid they would dissipate into the air before actually reaching my taste buds. For dessert creamy Coffee Gelato and praline tulle covered in a zesty pear foam. What a perfect way to start off the New Year. Juni 12 East 31st Street New York NY 10016