NYC Tastes

Summer's coming to a close which means shorter days, cooler temps and lots more food festivals! There's of course the New York City Food and Wine Festival in the middle of October followed by the incredible  Star Chef's ICC .  And in just a few weeks caffeine and BBQ lovers have two great weekend events taking over the city Taste Talks and the NYC Coffee Festival. Taste Talks will be held out in Brooklyn again this year with Chef Sean Brock curating the event.  It all kicks off with Mission Chinese Food's Low Country Boil followed by a Chicken & Waffles Brunch, the Future Food Expo, multiple tastings, workshops, panels and of course the All Star BBQ at East River State Park.  I still think about that spicy Boar Collar from Andy Richter of Pok Pok the inaugural year. The fest runs September 9th-11th and  tickets can be purchased here . The New York Coffee Festival   returns taking over the 69th Regiment Armory again September 16th-18th.  Fes...

Iron Chef Morimoto opened a ramen bar in midtown and because it's the incredible Morimoto this place is much more than just a noodle joint.  There's rich chunks of house made Peking Duck inside a crisp goyza shell with cucumber, hoisin and a sweet apricot chili sauce. There's a satisfying Braised Pork Belly Bao served with a wedge of lettuce and a smear of mustard mayo... ...and one of the most incredible poke bowls I've had in NYC to date.  Thick cubes of soy marinated tuna tossed with nori and scallion atop a bed of fluffy white rice.  I seriously have dreams about this bowl. And then of course there's Ramen available in small or large size with four different variations including spicy curry coconut and steamed Tokyo Chicken.  We got the standard Tonkotsu with thick strips of pork, mushroom and soft boiled egg all inside a silky, creamy broth.   Everything about Momosan was fantastic.  I really enjoyed the fun decor, the service was great and...

Saturday night I had a shocking revelation. The summer was almost over and I had yet to enjoy a single lobster roll.  Mr. T and I were actually on our way to Parm for their  incredible mozzarella sticks  but as we walked past Ed's all thoughts of Italian food went out the door and seconds later we were sitting at the bar with cocktails in hand and lobster rolls on our plate. Two top loading buns toasted on the grill with butter then stuffed with fresh claw meat, mayo and a sprinkle of herbs.  I was trying to be somewhat healthy with greens on the side but the long crispy french fries Mr. T got were a much better choice.  Paired with a refreshing John Daly this meal couldn't get a better summer time vibe. Ed's Lobster Bar 222 Lafayette Street New York, NY 10012

Sunday was another one of Mr. T's "couch days" which of course I just never enjoy.  The thought of sitting in one place all day just watching TV or playing videos games has absolutely zero appeal.  Apparently people find it relaxing; I think I would gouge my eyeballs out from boredom. So I set out on my own with Mr. T encouraging me to go do yoga somewhere and find my inner peace.  Obviously I did not go do yoga (I tried it once- not for me ) but I did find my inner peace and   an incredible burger at the cute little West Village spot Bar Sardine. I came here about two years ago when this spot was known Chez Sardine and enjoyed a wonderful brunch of Baked Eggs with ricotta cheese. Since then the name has changed along with the menu to include fresh new items like Asparagus Primavera with fried egg and salsa verde, Grilled Cheese with eggplant-tomato tapenade and of course the Fedora Burger. The patty's a blend of chuck and brisket topped with layer o...

It's an absolutely gorgeous day to be in NYC.  The sun is shining, there's actually a cool breeze instead of the crazy humidity we've had all week and the Union Square Greenmarket is hosting its 2nd Summer Friday of the year with the Beer and Spirits of New York Pop Up. All evening local brewers, distillers and cideries will be on hand giving out free samples of their beverages like From The Ground Brewery in Red Hook and Plan Bee Brewing in Poughkeepsie; possibly the nicest brewing couple in the business churning out refreshing honey Saisons and Wild Ales. Aaron Burr and Hudson Valley Farmhouse Cidery... ...and my favorite local distiller Port Morris with their stunning Pitorro Coquito.  Every time I have this spirit I'm floored.  It's got those great coconut, vanilla and cinnamon flavors of a regular coquito but there's no work.  It's all right there in the bottle ready to go. In addition to the free samples there are various food vendors on hand...

It's crazy to think almost all of my neighborhood happy hour places have closed over the past year- City Crab, Duke's, Tasca Chino....all boarded up and gone.  I've had to expand my search west for new options which landed me at Sagaponack; an adorable restaurant/bar styled after the breezy, beach life of Southhampton. During happy hour Sagaponack offers $4 draft beers, $5 wines and $9 cocktails; all of which are much better than the average happy hour choices.  The beers are from local breweries like Montauck and Braven Brewing, the wines are Wolffer Estate (the perfect summer rose) and the house cocktails are incredible!  I highly suggest the Smokey Farmer, a twist on an Old Fashioned made with Johnny Walker and wine barrel smoke, creating a big swirling cloud above the drink like some sort of neat magic trick.  Or for something incredibly refreshing the Rosemary Bramble made with Montauck Citrus Gin, Yuzu, Creme de 'Mure, blackberries and rosemary essence. ...

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...