NYC Tastes

We're coming back onto the local beer scene this weekend with Other Half's newest can release created with the incredible people over at Arizona Wilderness. City Slickers is an American IPA brewed with Arizona prickly pear, lemon zest, Citra, Galaxy and Equinox hops. This beer pours a phenomenal ruby red color that looks just like the sunset bottom on the label.  Aromas of lemon zest, grapefruit and prickly pear jump out of the glass; it's so fruity I almost wish I could bite into it.  The flavor is more subdued lots of soft lemon, grapefruit and pine with a smooth finish.  I was expecting a bit more prickly pear flavor since the aroma is so strong but overall this beer is fantastic. It's the perfect easy drinking brew for Spring.  Cheers to the weekend! Other Half 195 Centre Street Brooklyn, NY 11231

Dollar oyster happy hours are everywhere but finding one where you can actually choose from a few different kinds and add on other raw bar items is a real treat.   Enter Good Night Sonny the newest cocktail bar from the folks behind the Wayland. From 5-7 every day they have special prices on all beer, wine and cocktails like Other Half Superfun, sparkling roses and spicy margaritas. Plump juicy shrimp, super fresh oysters and open windows looking out onto the action of St. Marks (serious action- we saw two people get arrested during our visit).  This is a great new spot to get happy in the East Village.  Good Night Sonny 134 1st Avenue @St. Marks New York, NY 10009

Saturday was all about beers and BBQ.  Mr. T and I began the day at Other Half grabbing some cans from their latest release then walked down to the water for a full on feast at Hometown BBQ. I swear we didn't mean to order so much food for just the two of us but walking into the incredible Texas style roadhouse the smell of BBQ was so intoxicating...by the time we got to the front of the line we lacked any decision making skills and just ordered everything. The Brisket was amazing; somehow each slice had the perfect balance of fatty and lean with a smoky, crisp char on the outside. I really enjoyed the Pulled Pork sandwich.  The meat was super tender, served without any need for BBQ sauce topped simply with a sharp vinegar based slaw (sloppy top love).  Mr. T preferred the mammoth Beef Rib coated in peppercorns and so incredibly rich I could barely get down more than one bite. For sides a thick buttery slab of cornbread and QUESO MAC ...

The newest venture from the culinary minds behind Quality Meats and Quality Italian comes Quality Eats; a twist on the classic neighborhood steakhouse in the West Village.  The atmosphere of the three couldn't be different.  Quality Meats exudes that quiet rustic elegance, Quality Italian is big and ostentatious (Chicken Parm Pizza anyone) whereas Quality Eats feels just kind of fun and funky; a place that's not taking itself too seriously but where you can count on a good time. I stopped in for a late brunch and sipped on the Hemingway Spritz; a delightful mix of prosecco, rum and luxardo maraschino topped off with a huge slice of juicy red grapefruit. For entrees the LA Eggs were excellent- crispy corn tortilla topped with fried eggs, melted cheese, salsa rosa and avocado paired with a side of bright greens.  I swear there is nothing better than a spicy, saucy, breakfast tortilla to cure any ailment leftover from a big weekend.  This is a...

It's Friday and it's time for something super fruity- Logsdon Peche 'n Brett an oak aged saison out of Oregon loaded with peaches (a pound and a half per gallon). This beer pours a gorgeous orange gold with a fluffy white head that dissipates almost immediately. The nose is a combination of peach flesh, oak and floral notes followed by flavors of tart juicy peach, lemon, yeast and a super dry bubbly finish. It's kind of like champagne meets sour peach gummy rings :)  I'm always shocked at the 10% abv on this brew.  It's so easy drinking I would never guess it to be so high.  Cheers to a fantastic weekend! Logsdon Farmhouse Beer 4785 Booth Hill Road Hood River, Oregon 97031

I'm starting to compile a list of al fresco dining spots for the summer and this beachy seafood joint in SOHO is first on the list.  Located right on the edge of Little Italy, Chinatown and LES; this place is the perfect spot for people watching of all kinds.  Tables of two and four line both sides of the street and the indoor space is bright and airy for those needing a bit of shade. The menu changes daily depending on the catch of the day and market veggies but a few staples include Tuna Poke with ponzu and peanut, Curry Mussels, and Big Fish Tacos served either crispy or seared.  Obviously I went fish tacos all the way (Dogfish that afternoon) served with shredded cabbage, guacamole and an ample drizzle of chipotle mayo. These tacos were AMAZING- super crisp, super spicy and the grilled flour tortilla actually held up to all the toppings instead of falling apart.  This dish and a delicious glass of rose in the sun make for a perfect afternoon. Seamores 3...

This week has been absolutely gorgeous.  Walking home over the Brooklyn Bridge with rays of sun on my back, smelling the gorgeous tulips in bloom all around Gramercy Park. It's officially time to put away those heavy red wines and slip into something a bit more light and lively.  I had the pleasure of sipping some fantastic wines perfect for the season last week with winemaker Laurent Prada of Barton & Guestier, the largest importer of French wine in the United States. The Vouvray is their most popular wine made entirely of Chenin Blanc grapes. It has a sweet but vibrant balance of fruit and acidity with flavors of crisp apple, pineapple and white peach.  It's fresh and light bodied; the perfect pairing for fried dishes like Maialino's Baby Artichokes. The Cotes De Provence Passeport Rose was much drier than the Vouvary with honeysuckle and pear aromas.  Rich notes of strawberry and raspberry dance across the palate making this a great wine for ...