Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Favorite NYC Spots: A through Z

NYC has so many different cuisines to offer. It can be hard to choose just one. Here are my top 26 NYC eateries that I believe deserve recognition for their fantastic food. There is one for every letter of the alphabet!

A: ABC Kitchen
  • Location: 35 East 18th Street, NYC 
  • Cuisine: Organic American 
  • Favorite Dish: Akaushi Cheeseburger with Herbed Mayo 
  • Price Point: $$$
Photo Courtesy of @EBBBMTL
B: Barrio Chino
  • Location: 253 Broome Street, NYC 
  • Cuisine: Mexican 
  • Favorite Dish: Ceviche Verde paired with a Watermelon Margarita 
  • Price Point: $$
Photo Courtesy of @BarrioChinoNY
C: 'Cesca
  • Location: 164 West 75th Street, NYC 
  • Cuisine: Italian 
  • Favorite Dish: Buratta with apple sage puree and crushed pistachios 
  • Price Point: $$$
Photo Courtesy of @Louie.The.Foodie
D: Delmonico's
  • Location: 56 Beaver Street, NYC 
  • Cuisine: Steak House 
  • Favorite Dish: King Crab Macaroni and Cheese 
  • Price Point: $$$
Photo Courtesy of @WineNDineApp
E: Essex
  • Location: 119 Rivington Street, NYC 
  • Cuisine: American 
  • Favorite Dish: Avocado Toast with Poached Eggs and Bacon 
  • Price Point: $$
Photo Courtesy of @KJFoodies
F: Fig and Olive
  • Locations: 
    • 808 Lexington Avenue, NYC
    • 10 East 52nd Street, NYC
    • 420 West 13th Street, NYC
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Favorite Dish: Six Pieces of Signature Crostini
  • Price Point: $$$
Photo Courtesy of @FigAndOlive
G: Gemma
  • Location: The Bowery Hotel, 335 Bowery Street, NYC 
  • Cuisine: Italian 
  • Favorite Dish: Risotto alle Ortiche 
  • Price Point: $$
Photo Courtesy of @CarloBigi
H: Hillstone 
  • Locations: 
    • 153 East 53rd Street, NYC 
    • 378 Park Avenue South, NYC 
  • Cuisine: American 
  • Favorite Dish: Spinach Artichoke Dip 
  • Price Point: $$$
Photo Courtesy of @CactusChew
I: Il Mulino
  • Locations:
    • 37 East 60th Street, NYC
    • 86 West 3rd Street, NYC
    • 331 West Broadway, NYC
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Favorite Dish: Truffle Ravioli
  • Price Point: $$$$
Photo Courtesy of @IlMulinoNewYork
J: Jack's Wife Freda
  • Locations:
    • 50 Carmine Street, NYC
    • 224 Lafayette Street, NYC
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Favorite Dish: Green Shakshuka
  • Price Point: $$
Photo Courtesy of @MGinnett
K: Katz's Deli
  • Location: 205 East Houston Street 
  • Cuisine: American 
  • Favorite Dish: 
  • Price Point: $$
Photo Courtesy of @JZTheFoodie
L: Little Park
  • Location: Smyth Hotel, 85 West Broadway, NYC
  • Cuisine: Organic American
  • Favorite Dish: Sopresini
  • Price Point: $$$
Photo Courtesy of @LittleParkNYC
M: Miss Lily's
  • Locations: 
    • 132 West Houston Street, NYC 
    • 109 Avenue A, NYC 
  • Cuisine: Jamaican 
  • Favorite Dish: Jerk Chicken with a Side of Mac and Cheese Pie 
  • Price Point: $$
Photo Courtesy of @MissLilys
N: Nerai
  • Location: 55 East 54th Street, NYC 
  • Cuisine: Greek 
  • Favorite Dish: Pastitsada 
  • Price Point: $$$
Photo Courtesy of @CChristou
O: Ocean Prime
  • Location: 123 West 52nd Street, NYC 
  • Cuisine: Seafood 
  • Favorite Dish: Teriyaki Salmon 
  • Price Point: $$$$
Photo Courtesy of @AnnieEatsTheWorld_
P: Philippe
  • Location: 33 East 60th Street, NYC 
  • Cuisine: Chinese 
  • Favorite Dish: Kung Pao Chicken 
  • Price Point: $$$
Photo Courtesy of Philippe Chow
Q: Quality Italian
  • Location: 57 West 57th Street, NYC 
  • Cuisine: Steak House 
  • Favorite Dish: Chicken Parm Pizza 
  • Price Point: $$$
Photo Courtesy of @QualityItalian
R: Rider
  • Location: 80 North 6th Street, Brooklyn 
  • Cuisine: American 
  • Favorite Dish: Dr.Funkenstein Pizzette
  • Price Point: $$
Photo Courtesy of @RiderBKLYN
S: Sushi Seki
  • Locations: 
    • 208 West 23rd Street, NYC 
    • 365 West 46th Street, NYC 
    • 1143 1st Avenue, NYC 
  • Cuisine: Japanese 
  • Favorite Dish: Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice 
  • Price Point: $$$$
Photo Courtesy of @AshleyParadiso
T: The Dutch
  • Location: 131 Sullivan Street, NYC 
  • Cuisine: American 
  • Favorite Dish: Poached Eggs with the chipotle hollandaise on the side 
  • Price Point: $$$
Photo Courtesy of @TheDutchNYC
U: Union Bar & Kitchen
  • Location: 300 Spring Street, NYC 
  • Cuisine: American 
  • Favorite Dish: Chicken and Waffles with a side of tater tots 
  • Price Point: $$
Photo Courtesy of @Work.Eat.Repeat.NYC
V: Vapiano NYC
  • Location: 113 University Place, NYC 
  • Cuisine: Italian 
  • Favorite Dish: Chicken Alfredo 
  • Price Point: $$
Photo Courtesy of @EvolutionOfAMan
W: Wollensky Grill
  • Location: 201 East 49th Street 
  • Cuisine: Steak House 
  • Favorite Dish: Rib eye Steak with a side of loaded baked potato gratin 
  • Price Point: $$$
Photo Courtesy of @SmithWollenskyNYC
X: Xi'an Famous Foods
  • Location: There are 13 locations in NYC so turn on your maps and find the one closest to you! 
  • Cuisine: Chinese 
  • Favorite Dish: Spinach Dumplings 
  • Price Point: $
Photo Courtesy of @DumplingGang
Y: Yves
  • Location: 385 Greenwich Street, NYC 
  • Cuisine: French 
  • Favorite Dish: Braised Chicken Meatballs 
  • Price Point: $$
Photo Courtesy of @GrubStreet
Z: Zuma
  • Location: 261 Madison Avenue, NYC 
  • Cuisine: Japanese 
  • Favorite Dish: Tuna and Salmon Tartar 
  • Price Point: $$$
Photo Courtesy of @YosefDadon
Although I only covered 26 eateries, I tried to encompass a variety of different cuisines and dishes. I truly enjoy being able to share awesome food with you all! Please mention any restaurants that I should check out in the comments section.

Monday, August 6, 2018

International House of ... Hair?

Last Sunday, after waking up slightly hungover from the night before, me and my two friends decided to go to IHOP for a quick breakfast. Little did we know, our quick breakfast turned into an hour and 45 minute ordeal that resulted in a free meal. But, we all left feeling nauseated.

Upon arriving to IHOP, we had to wait 25 minutes for a table as they do not take reservations, nor did we anticipate the hectic Sunday morning rush. We started to get hangry. Our server, a boy who looked to be about our age (22), had taken our drink order about 10 minutes after being seated. He was tall, fit, and had a very tight buzz cut with a hairnet on top. He had come back with our drinks and my friend (I will refer to her as T) had noticed a long strand of light brown hair attached to the outside her glass. She removed it in disgust but did not get upset about the hairy drink because it was on the exterior. T disregarded it and said "who knows, maybe it was mine." But I knew that was not true because the server had just placed the drinks on the table. 

We then hastily ordered our breakfast because we were growing more and more hungry after already being in the establishment for 35 minutes. I ordered plain pancakes with a side of hash browns, T ordered an egg omelette, and A (our third friend) ordered egg whites with a side of fruit. After a few bites of her omelette, T noticed a short black hair mixed in. Repulsed, T grabbed our server's attention and he was utterly embarrassed. He finished his apology by saying, "Well you know it isn't mine." T didn't find his words to be very comforting and she lost her appetite altogether. The server took T's plate away but A and I continued to eat because we were still starving.

About three minutes later, while digging into my hash browns, I also found a hair resting in the middle. The hair was dark brown and on the shorter side. I was annoyed at myself for continuing to eat and felt that I should have stopped when T did. We grabbed the server's attention again, showed him the hair, and he was mortified. After profusely apologizing for the incidents, the server removed the hash browns and A asked him to take her plate of egg whites as well. We were all no longer hungry at this point.

You are probably cringing at your screen while reading this right now. You may be asking yourself "Three hairs in a row? That is unreal. I don't buy it." Well unfortunately, what happened to me and my friends is a true story. We asked for the check to be brought out quickly but the manager ended up comping our entire bill. The manager was extremely apologetic and said she'd hope we return in the future. But three strikes and you're out. It is safe to say we will never step foot in IHOP again.

Friday, July 27, 2018

Ice Cream Essentials

After having a great meal, you can't skip dessert! Let's be real, no matter how stuffed you are, there is always room for some ice cream. NYC is home to a number of different ice cream shops and many of them put their own flare on this tasty treat. Here are a few ice cream shops that I feel are worth the extra calories:
  • Amorino
    • This cute parlor on 8th Avenue in Chelsea serves amazing gelato of all different flavors. When ordered in a cone, the gelato is scooped to look like a cute flower. If you are a chocolate lover, be sure to check out their Amorino Chocolate. They do not have toppings like most ice cream shops but they do serve macaroons that can fill the void!
    Photo Courtesy of @FoodwaliNYC
  • Ample Hills Creamery
    • This creamery is located inside of Bubby's restaurant which sits underneath the High Line. Ample Hills' ice cream as well as the toppings are made from scratch. They use hormone free milk and organic cane sugar for a natural flavor. All of their ice cream flavors are very rich and sweet. From "PB Wins the Cup" to "Nona D's Oatmeal Lace," there is a flavor for everyone to enjoy. If you can't decide which one to choose, purchase a tray of six to try a variety of flavors!
    Photo Courtesy of @AmpleHills
  • Big Gay Ice Cream
    • If you're ready for high energy after eating dinner, this is the place to go to fulfill your ice cream craving. All of the employees are energetic and the shop is very bright. I highly recommend ordering the "Salty Pimp" if you are one who enjoys sweet and salty combos. 
    Photo Courtesy of @SarahMakutaTV
  • Momofuku Milk Bar
    • With eight locations in NYC, you can find a Milk Bar whenever you get a sweet tooth. Milk Bar is known for their cereal milk flavored ice cream. The ice cream was created to taste like the milk at the bottom of a bowl of corn flakes. Aside from ice cream, Milk Bar also sells assorted cakes, truffles, pies, and cookies. They have something for everyone! 
Photo Courtesy of @TheReluctantFoodie
  • 10Below
    • Located in Chinatown, 10Below serves ice cream inspired by the streets of Thailand. The ice cream is made right in front of you! The liquid cream is placed on a cold surface and mixed with toppings of your choice. The liquid cream begins to turn into ice cream in the blink of a eye and then is rolled and served. To see how 10Below is able to create fresh homemade ice cream in less than two minutes, take a look at this video!



It's crazy that in one city, there are so many spots serving the same dish but in such vastly different ways. The next time you feel that you can spare some room for dessert, check out one of these sweet spots! Please let me know of any shops that you feel deserve the spotlight for serving awesome ice cream.

Monday, July 23, 2018

MMM... Chicken

After a recent scroll on Instagram, I came across a short clip of a little boy that made me laugh. You can take a look at the clip here. His catch phrase "MMM.. Chicken" is what has inspired this post! Sometimes, on the rare occasion that I don't eat out, I enjoy cooking. Here is a recipe for super crispy chicken tenders that I've recently tried and enjoyed!

To begin, you will need the following ingredients:
  • 4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup of buttermilk
  • 2 cups of flour
  • 1 teaspoon of hot sauce
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons of salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon of pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 48 oz container of Canola oil (don't worry, you won't be using all of the oil)
  • Heavy duty cast-iron pot
Instructions:
  1. Cut the chicken breasts into four tenders each.
  2. Pour buttermilk and hot sauce into a bowl. Stir.
  3. Place the 16 tenders in the bowl of buttermilk and hot sauce and let soak for 30 minutes.
  4. Crack the 2 large eggs into a separate bowl and mix them until beaten.
  5. In another separate bowl, mix the flour and spices together.
  6. Take a soaked chicken tender and dip it into the flour and spice mixture. Then dip the tender into the eggs and then back into the flour and spice mixture. You want the tenders to be coated.
  7. Gently shake off any excess flour and place the tenders onto a baking sheet.
  8. Repeat this process with all of the tenders.
  9. Heat the canola oil (approximately three inches of oil) in a heavy duty cast-iron pot.
  10. In small batches, fry the tenders for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown.
  11. Enjoy!
Chicken tenders happen to be my go to food. There are so many ways to make them but I feel this recipe keeps them juicy on the inside yet crispy on the outside. Try it out and let me know your thoughts on the recipe!

Top Five Pizza Places in NYC

One food that never fails at being delicious is PIZZA! No matter what hour of the day, you can always find a pizzeria open in NYC. From a $1 slice to a $70 pie covered in truffle, there is something for everyone. Here, in my opinion, are the top five pizza spots in NYC:

1. Joe's Pizza
If you're looking for a classic regular slice, Joe's Pizza is the place to go. With four locations in NYC, you can be sure to find a Joe's slice where ever you are. Founded in 1975, Joe's serves an authentic Italian slice from 10 AM to 4 AM everyday. If you're in a cheesy mood, be sure to ask for some fresh mozzarella on top.

Photo Courtesy of @DJSharad

2. Rubirosa Ristorante
If you're looking to sit down at restaurant that serves phenomenal vodka sauce pizza, look no further! Rubirosa is located on Mulberry Street. The menu offers a number of classic Italian dishes and an extensive selection of pizza pies. For the gluten free folks, don't fret because Rubirosa also offers gluten free pizza.
Photo Courtesy of The Infatuation

3. L&B Spumoni Gardens
Located in Brooklyn, this old-school Italian spot has an indoor restaurant as well as a pizzeria. L&B Spumoni Gardens is known for its square Sicilian pizza pie priced at $17.50. After you finish your pizza, make sure to get some homemade spumoni. If you visit L&B during the summer months, give yourself some time because the outdoor seating can get packed.

Photo Courtesy of @LBSpumoniGardens

4. Artichoke Pizza
If you're looking for a late-night slice, this is the place. Artichoke Pizza offers an array of pizza's but is most known for its creamy artichoke slice. Artichoke Pizza has numerous locations in NYC, but more recently opened a location in Miami. If you happen to stop at the 10th Avenue location at night, be prepared to wait in line with intoxicated club-goers that are also looking for their pizza fix.

Photo Courtesy of @ArtichokePizza
5. MAMO
This upscale Italian restaurant is one of the few in NYC that serves a pricey focaccia al tartufo pizza, that features fresh white truffle. MAMO is located on W Broadway in SoHo. Unfortunately, MAMO is currently closed due to a fire that broke out on the second floor. The restaurant will reopen in the fall so make sure to keep them in mind when you get your next truffle craving!

Photo Courtesy of @Mamo_NYC
Pizza is an extremely popular dish and NYC has so many fantastic eateries that offer it. If you think there is a pizza spot that deserves to be on this list, let me know so I can check it out! I am always looking for new places to explore.

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

The Boy Behind Brunch Boys

Yesterday, I was lucky enough to score an interview with Jeremy Jacobowitz, the legend behind Brunch Boys. For those unfamiliar with Brunch Boys, it is an Instagram account and blog that focuses on... you guessed it... brunch! Brunch Boys has over 451,000 followers on Instagram and a large following on YouTube, Snapchat, and Facebook. Jeremy is a Brooklyn native and has been in the media industry for years. He has had some pretty awesome career experiences along the way. Here are some of the questions I was able to ask Jeremy during our call:

Me: When did you start blogging and Instagramming?
Jeremy: They both started simultaneously four years ago. Back then there really was no food
                Instagram accounts. At first, I thought I was just going to do a [one time] thing just
                for Brunch Boys, but then I got the idea that maybe I'll own the account altogether.

Me: Where did your love for food come from?        
Jeremy: I was always around food since I was working for Food TV. I worked on a bunch of
               different shows but first started off working as a personal assistant on Worst Cooks
               in America. I moved on to other roles and was even a personal assistant to Bobby
               Flay. I was doing Brunch Boys on the side from what I had already been doing for
               years.

Me: What was it like working for Bobby Flay?        
Jeremy: It was great. Honestly, best job ever.

Me: Which do you prefer more, blogging or posting on Instagram?       
Jeremy: Majority of my content is on Instagram. When I blog it's usually pretty general. I
                prefer Instagram since all of my content is visual and pretty video heavy.

Me: Although it's a fairly new term, do you consider yourself to be an
        influencer? If yes, why?       
Jeremy: I do. I am paid because I am an influencer. That is where all of my money comes
               from.

Me: What is your favorite food?       
Jeremy: Definitely sushi.

Me: What is your favorite restaurant in NYC?      
Jeremy: Gato. It's on Lafayette.

I am super thankful that Jeremy took time out of his busy schedule to let me interview him. He was a pleasure to speak with and insightful into the world of influencers. I look at the Brunch Boys Instagram frequently for blog inspiration and restaurant recommendations. I look forward to checking his favorite restaurant, Gato, which happens to be owned by his former employer, Bobby Flay. If you are not already following Brunch Boys on Instagram, click here to explore the page. For more information on Jeremy and Brunch Boys in general, take a look at the blog here.

Monday, July 16, 2018

How to Snag a Reservation at These Trending NYC Restaurants

How annoying is it when you want to dine at a specific restaurant but you can't get a reservation because they're all booked up? Well here are some tips and tricks that I have learned to get reservations at the following restaurants.


           1.     Le Coucou

  •       This upscale and elegant French restaurant is located on Lafayette Street. Le Coucou is constantly booked up and requires advanced reservations. The trick to getting a reservation is to check OpenTable every morning at 10:00 am. At 10:00 am each day, Le Coucou releases upcoming reservations for 24 days in advance. For example, if you would like to dine on August 24, you would need to book that reservation on August 1.
           2.    Carbone

  •       This old school Italian restaurant takes classic dishes and refines them by adding a little bit of a twist. If you are looking to try out their infamous spicy rigatoni, you must know how to make a reservation. Carbone is part of Major Food group, a company that owns various restaurants in NYC. The key to making a reservation here is to avoid OpenTable as there is hardly ever any availability. To make a reservation, email reservations@majorfoodgroup.com. They will be able to give you reservation dates and times that are not listed on OpenTable. 
           3.    The Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare

  •       This sought-after spot combines French and Japanese cuisine for its 25 course dinners served at a price point of $395 per person, plus tax. The Chef’s Table is one of the hardest restaurants to get a reservation at because of its limited seating. The first seating is at 6:30 pm and the second is at 7:45 pm. In order to get a reservation at this exclusive spot, you must call on Monday’s at 10:30 am as you cannot make reservations online. Be sure to have your phone in close proximity when the time hits so that you can call immediately as spots book up at the speed of light.
There are many NYC restaurants that require reservations months in advance. Follow my tips to score reservations at the restaurants I’ve mentioned, as well as others. If you are interested in a particular restaurant that always seems to be booked, give them a call and ask when they release upcoming reservations. With a little bit of persistence and conversation, you can get a reservation where ever you’d like. Enjoy!

Favorite NYC Spots: A through Z

NYC has so many different cuisines to offer. It can be hard to choose just one. Here are my top 26 NYC eateries that I believe deserve reco...