NYC Tastes

The city's newest winter wonderland has popped up on the rooftop of Eataly. The massive Birreria space has been decked out in wreath's of spruce, strings of white lights and hanging antlers to celebrate the season of winter in the Italian Alps. A gorgeous tree is the spotlight of the restaurant with cozy Adirondack chairs scattered around so guests can sip on drinks while watching the tree lights shine over the Manhattan skyline. Birreria still has it's regular menu of beer and wine but now they've added an entirely new cocktail list.  It's split into "hot" with delicious drinks like the Bombardino; a twist on the classic eggnog with Brandy, Zabalione and whipped cream and "cold" like the Diamondback  with Orchard Hill "Ten66" Pommeau, Dolin Genepy, WhistlePig Rye and garnished with a cherry.  There's also new menu additions including three preparations of the nutty Swiss cheese Raclette. The cheese round is heated up ove...

The weather is finally getting a bit blustery but up until Sunday it's been absolutely heavenly.  So heavenly that we got to have an al fresco brunch on Saturday...the weekend after  Thanksgiving!   We stopped into the Marshal; a farm to table restaurant known for sourcing all local NY ingredients.  I highly suggest starting any meal here with the biscuits.  These were straight out of the south with a buttery golden brown outside and a fluffy middle served with both pumpkin butter and whipped honey butter.  Two butters are always better than one :) The brunch menu had everything from savory Meatloaf Sandwich's to bright Brussels Sprout Salads with Cesar Dressing.  We were all on the egg game that day; Mr. with the Lobster and Bacon Fritatta and me with the classic brunch order of two scrambled eggs and bacon. I'll admit this sounds like a boring brunch order but I wouldn't change it for the world. These eggs w...

Shake Shack has really jumped into the holiday season this year by bringing back not just their decadent Hot Chocolate made with caramel sauce and sea salt but also a trio of holidays shakes. Gingerbread, Chocolate Peppermint and Christmas Cookie are the flavors and all three come topped with whipped cream in an adorable penguin cup.  These are only available until January 3rd so plan a trip to the Shack soon to try out one of these special creations.   Shake Shack Available at all locations except the airport

Hope you find something Rare today :) Goose Island

Each year I pick up a delicious cinnamon babka to bring for Thanksgiving morning.  Sometimes I buy it from Dean & Deluca, sometimes Russ & Daughters; this year I actually bought it from the new gourmet food shop and beer bar Mekelburgs.  It really doesn't matter where  I buy it. They all get their babkas from the same exact place Green's & Ackermans bakery in Brooklyn. These guys are the largest wholesaler of babka's in NYC and for good reason. The bread is light and airy with deep swirls of cinnamon and big sugar crystals scattered throughout that give a nice satisfying crunch.  It's a little sweet but not so much that it's mistaken for dessert (that comes in the form of pecan pie later) and is absolutely fabulous toasted up with a spread of butter.  Happy Thanksgiving! Greens Bakery Available in stores throughout the city.

On my continuing quest to find the best gyro in the city I stopped into Spartan Souvlaki in Bayridge.   At first I wasn't even sure this tiny spot was open.  No one greeted me at the door and the open kitchen was empty.  Then I heard a big explosion of laughter and everyone (chefs, waitresses, etc.) came walking out of the back together.  I instantly felt the love between this crew and they welcomed me like a long lost friend.    Instead of ordering just a classic Gyro I opted for the Gyro Salad filled with big juicy strips of lamb layered on top of lettuce, tomato, cucumber then drizzled with a light Greek vinaigrette and a flurry of crumbled feta cheese.  Being a lover of all things salad and gyro this was AMAZING!  If this place was in my neighborhood I would be eating here at least once a week. The salad came with a side of pita bread and tzatziki sauce so I basically could make my own gyro if I really wanted.  For a quick, deli...

There's little in life that makes me happier than a beautiful pink drink and a delicious brunch; both of which were accomplished at The Gander. Two pinks drinks to be exact.  A refreshing Raspberry Lemonade for Mr. T made with local raspberries & mint and the Itza Spritza for me with pisco, prosecco and raspberry syrup. For brunch I ordered the Omelet with creamy cheddar cheese, mushroom and scallion while Mr. T went for southern fare with the Shrimp and Grits loaded up with smoked mushroom and crispy pork cracklings. Everything was perfect. Food, drinks, service...Saturdays are just so much better with a delicious start :) The Gander 15 West 18th Street New York, NY 10011