NYC Tastes

I'm always on the hunt for quality sushi at an affordable price.  Back in the day I could eat just about anywhere but unfortunately after multiple meals at the greats like Hatsuhana ,  Cagen  and Sushi Yasuda I just can't go back to the neighborhood  sushi spots anymore.  And although  Sugarfish  is more affordable and close by the hour long waits continue to be an issue. So last week I headed to the Upper West Side to check out the much talked about Sushi Yasaka. This tiny little spot located just off the 1, 2, 3 train station is cozy with no frills.  Just a few small tables in the front and an L-shaped sushi bar in back perfect for watching the sushi chefs. I ordered the mini Omakase; that day a chefs selection of Snapper, Yellowtail, Ebi, Bluefish, Otoro, Saba and Toro Roll. Wow- everything was so fresh!  The otoro melted ever so slightly into the sushi rice, the ebi was delicate and sweet and the toro roll was just perfect.  A...

Last Sunday was one of the first perfect days of summer.  The sun was shining bright in the sky, the temperature hovered right around 76 degrees and it seemed like every single person in Manhattan decided to soak it all in with an al fresco brunch.  Of course I was one of those people.  I walked from one restaurant to the next trying to find a table in the sun; from Nomad to Chelsea down into the West Village until finally I found a spot at Greenwich Village staple Cornelia Street Cafe. I had been planning on a light meal but after all that walking I decided to go a bit heartier with the Huevos Rancheros.  Two grilled corn tortillas loaded with whole black beans, fried eggs, salsa verde and mounds of melted cheddar cheese topped off with a dollop of creme fraiche.   Paired with a crisp Vinho Verde and the fabulous weather outside- this was some serious brunch success.   Cornelia Street Cafe 29 Cornelia Street New York, NY 10014

Memorial Day weekend- WooHoo!   Time to break out the white pants, pop up some rose and start hitting up all those rooftops, patios and park parties.   This city has a ton of great events going on all weekend long but here’s a few especially for the food focused.   We even included something on Tuesday night for those who wish to extend the holiday weekend just a little bit further. Saturday May 27 th - Fried Chicken Doughnut Collaboration Southern food favorite Root & Bone and the incredible Doughnut Project are teaming up this weekend to serve a fantastic Fried Chicken Doughnut sandwich.  This isn’t just a regular doughnut either; it’s a Maple Bourbon Tabasco Glazed doughnut!  The sandwich is available at Root & Bone and the doughnuts will be at Doughnut Project all weekend long. Sunday May 28 th - Soft Shell Crabs at Toloache Celebrate Memorial Day by digging into some the seasons first Soft Shell Crabs in taco form at ...

I was incredibly sad when the elegant  Elan closed last year.  I spent so many Sunday's in their front window watching the bustle and buzz of Gramercy go passing by.  I prayed something wonderful would move into the space and something wonderful actually did! Scott Conant's new Italian restaurant Fusco. We stopped in for dinner Saturday night and my old spot at the front window just happened to be open.  A smooth, silky bottle of Chianti to share and we were off for a fabulous night. Thick crusty rolls served with freshly churned butter and a beautiful garlic broccoli rabe pesto to begin. This would have been enough carbs for most people but we just couldn't pass up an order of the Stromboli... ... layered with  squares of smoked mozzarella, salami and bright sprigs of rosemary. Since we did so much carbo loading to start we decided to go light for the mid-course and split the Truffle Pea Cesar appetizer. This was lovely-...

Ugh Monday.  It's bad enough that it's cold and rainy outside but the lingering effects of too much wine during Cher's Billboard performance last night has made it so much worse. Seems like the appropriate day to stay under the covers, work from home and order in a delicious breakfast. Creamline is my favorite new spot for a classic NYC breakfast sandwich.  All of their ingredients are sourced from nearby farms meaning everything is super fresh and all natural. I chose to stack these sandwiches this morning because why not   ¯\_(ツ)_/¯     If Cher can turn back time why can't I stack my breakfast sammies? Each sandwich comes loaded with melted cheddar cheese, thick cut sausage or bacon and a perfectly fried egg on an English muffin. The best part about Creamline breakfast- it's served the entire day!  So no matter what time the party lasted until the night before there will still be an incredible breakfast in the ...

2016 was Book of Mormon summer for Mr. T and I.  We were determined to win front row tickets during their daily lottery and showed up Tuesday- Friday for two months straight and NEVER WON. It was incredibly disappointing and we quit all together.   It wasn't until I found myself in Times Square for work last week that I decided to stop by again. This time as I was placing my lottery ticket into the barrel I suddenly felt a bolt of electricity.  Seriously if this had been a movie, magical beams of light, glitter and possibly even unicorns would have come shooting out from all sides.  I knew was going to win that day- and I did! Of course with less than a two hour window between winning the ticket and showtime we had to scramble a little.  I called Mr. T immediately to tell him we finally won and to leave work immediately so we could grab dinner before the show. I started to think of places we like in the area; Danji, Sake Bar Hagi, Don Antonio, etc. ...

My favorite happy hour in the city right now just happens to be inside my old favorite coffee shop Caffe Dante.  Mr. T and I used to come here years ago for their  frothy cappuccinos  and sweet Italian cookies.  The space has since been redone with much more emphasis on the food and drink menu and the addition of a long bar/table up front for extra seating.  Happy Hour here isn't called "happy hour" it's called The Negroni Sessions because every drink on their list is some take on the classic Negroni.  There's the spring time Lavender Negroni and the pick-me-up Coffee Swizzle Negroni made with mezcal, cold brew and bitters. There's the bright, citrus forward Negroni Frappe made with Junipero, Gran Lusso and orange juice... ...and of course even the Classic Negroni made with Bombay Sapphire, Campari and Maritni & Rossi Vermouth. Unfortunately word on the Negroni Sessions is out because this place is always packed! However ...