Turkish Kitchen
3rd Avenue b/t 27th-28th street
11.05.2010
Turkish Kitchen
Some of my new Turkish friends recommended Turkish Kitchen to us, claiming it was the best Turkish restaurant in the city. We loved everything we ordered and can't wait to go back.
Paris Sandwich
The most delicious and CHEAP Vietnamese sandwiches we have had in the city. We both got the chicken sandwiches and paid $8 total.
113 Mott Street
(between Hester and Canal)
*If you've never had Vietnamese sandwiches, you should change that. The signature sandwich at most Vietnamese places has pork but I prefer chicken over pork. Add to that shredded carrots and daikon radish, cucumber, cilantro, and delicious sweet dressing and you will have the most wonderful burst of flavor in your mouth.
10.16.2010
Anella, Greenpoint
(Photo from NYTimes. The one on my phone didn't do it justice!)
Oliver jumped right into the bread in the flowerpot. The menu rotates but here's what we loved:
- Appetizer of King Oyster Mushroom, Smoked Bacon, Sunnyside Egg (for him) and scallop/sweet potato ceviche for her. Delicious.
- The Chatham Cod, Coco Beans, Roasted Tomato, Sherry Vinegar entree was delicious and tasted like fall. Oliver had a pork chop which was good, but I don't think he liked it quite like I loved the cod.
We were so full, but we couldn't pass up the Almond Date Cigars (dates wrapped in phillo dough) with Honey Whipped Cream for dessert. It was a feast.
9.28.2010
STK
Last night, I had a work dinner at STK located in the meatpacking district. The food was unbelievable. If you are looking for an upscale steakhouse with a cool ambiance for a special occasion, I recommend it. I loved the mashed potatoes and the truffle fries too. The peanut butter s'mores for dessert were not too shabby either.
Note: It may have tasted better since I didn't have to pay.
http://www.stkhouse.com/
26 Little West 12th Street
New York, NY 10014
646-624-2444
Note: It may have tasted better since I didn't have to pay.
http://www.stkhouse.com/
26 Little West 12th Street
New York, NY 10014
646-624-2444
8.18.2010
Breeze
Breeze is a Thai-French fusion restaurant that we recommend. We happened onto it a couple of years ago and have gone a few times since then. Go for lunch and get the lunch special for $6.95.
Located on 9th Ave and 46th Street.
Located on 9th Ave and 46th Street.
The Biryani Cart
I'm typically a little skeptical of the food carts, but I'm a sucker for Indian food, so when Jordan told me about this cart, I wanted to try it. He told me that his coworkers will walk blocks and blocks to eat there. It won a vendy award so it must be good, right? We recommend the Chicken Biryani. It's cheap too.
Located at 46th Street and 6th Ave.
Located at 46th Street and 6th Ave.
8.15.2010
The Meatball Shop
Loved it. Dan had a hero sandwich with the traditional meatball and tomato sauce. I had the vegetable meatballs with pesto sauce.
And they have great ice-cream sandwiches.
I know I'm not the only one who's been here, so feel free to add any comments.
84 Stanton Street
8.11.2010
Brunch: Gottino
We had a delightful, light, and well-priced brunch at this lovely little West Village gem. We sat in the back courtyard and loved their toats, waffles, steamed eggs, and fresh-squeezed oj. FYI portion sizes are small.
52 Greenwich Avenue
BCD Tofu House
We haven't eaten a ton of Korean food, so we may not be the best judge, but we really liked BCD Tofu House. It was cheap and quite the experience (ie, lots of free stuff put on our table that we didn't recognize). I ordered the soup that literally was still at a rolling boil when placed on our table. Yum.
17 West 32nd Street
5.30.2010
best mexican food we have had in the city!!
cafe el portal.EVERY SINGLE THING in the menu is SO GOOD!
174 Elizabeth St.
near. Spring St.
5.28.2010
Wafels & Dinges
We finally got around to finding the Wafels and Dinges truck and were not disappointed. Thanks Rubi and Stanton for the heads up!
For up-to-minute truck location call: 866-429-7329
Which food trucks to do you love?
5.10.2010
Kashkaval
Ok, so we used to live in Hells Kitchen and always went to this place for the baklava but never sat down and ate dinner. We finally did and it was awesome! The best is the cheese fondue with your choice of vegetables or meat for dipping. From the front, it looks like a small deli/market, but the back is filled with small tables and a bar. Late night on weekends can be a bit of a wait, but if you have time for an early dinner or something during the week, check it out! Oh- and you have to try the Baklava!! The chef is Turkish and its delicious! Its on 9th Ave between 55th and 56th St.
Edgars Cafe
This place is a great "off the beaten path" dessert cafe. They have great salads and sandwiches and yummy pies. If you're on the Upper West Side and you're looking for a place to sit and snack- its perfect. Located on 84 St. between Broadway and West End. Its also famous for being situated on the former mansion of Edgar Allen Poe and was the spot where he wrote The Raven.
4.29.2010
Hungarian Pastry Shop
1030 Amsterdam Avenue, at 110th St.
We love baked goods and this place has one of the most amazing chocolate eclairs I've ever had in my life. I don't know anything about Hungarian pastries, but I do know that they have some familiar tasty sweets here. They're also open late - 11:30 pm! And right across the street from St. John - another perk!
4.09.2010
Zaitzeff
Hardest name to pronounce or spell out but some of the best sliders we've had in New York.
I had one with a fried egg and jalapenos :)
So good.
Zaitzeff's website.
I had one with a fried egg and jalapenos :)
So good.
Zaitzeff's website.
3.24.2010
B.R. Guest Restaurants
Another restaurant group that will always aim to please is B.R. Guest Restaurants. I've eaten at Blue Water Grill, Atlantic Grill, Blue Fin, and Isabella's. My favorite of those four is Blue Water Grill in Union Square. Isabella's would come in second, located on the Upper West Side. The group also owns Ruby Foo's and Dos Caminos. I've seen quite a few reviews on Dos Caminos that have been favorable.
Danny Meyer Restaurants
A friend of mine asked me for a "nice" restaurant suggestion the other day. I asked, "what is the price range?" She said, I don't know, just a nice restaurant. Well, if you are looking for something nice - which I believe means a great ambiance, infallible menu, great service and a decently priced bill at the end ($20 - $40 a plate, probably $100 bill for two by the end), you can't go wrong with any of the Danny Meyer Restaurants - I haven't tried all of them but I have tried Union Square Cafe, Gramercy, Tabla, Blue Smoke, and Shake Shack. I've been very impressed with all of them, Gramercy Tavern takes the cake though.
Next time I'm at the MOMA I'm going to try Terrace 5.
Next time I'm at the MOMA I'm going to try Terrace 5.
3.08.2010
Woo Lae Oak
148 Mercer
212-925-8200
woolaeoaksoho.com
Noveau Korean! This is the chicest "cook-it-yourself" restaurant. Great for a different date and if you want to get really cozy, ask for a seat upstairs. You are required to take your shoes off as you sit on the floor, so don't wear the socks with holes. It's dimly lit, some spaces are sectioned off with bamboo for more intimate settings and each table has it's own grill.
My suggestion is to have someone order the pre-fix to try some of the different appetizers like rabbit wrapped in bacon and daring desserts. Main entrees run the gamut from duck and pork to chicken and filet minon brought to the table raw. All of it is delicious, depending on your skills at the smokeless grill using chopsticks. It's pricey ($30-$50), but worth the entertainment and countless laughs over the lost lumps of flesh in the grill.
212-925-8200
woolaeoaksoho.com
Noveau Korean! This is the chicest "cook-it-yourself" restaurant. Great for a different date and if you want to get really cozy, ask for a seat upstairs. You are required to take your shoes off as you sit on the floor, so don't wear the socks with holes. It's dimly lit, some spaces are sectioned off with bamboo for more intimate settings and each table has it's own grill.
My suggestion is to have someone order the pre-fix to try some of the different appetizers like rabbit wrapped in bacon and daring desserts. Main entrees run the gamut from duck and pork to chicken and filet minon brought to the table raw. All of it is delicious, depending on your skills at the smokeless grill using chopsticks. It's pricey ($30-$50), but worth the entertainment and countless laughs over the lost lumps of flesh in the grill.
2.24.2010
SriPraPhai
Where do the owners of good Thai restaurants go when they want to go out for Thai? Apparently, they hop on the 7 train and ride it a few stops into Queens. The last time we visited SriPraPhai we ran into Pam of Pam Real Thai Food (404 W. 49th St.) and her son. They told us that it is the only Thai restaurant that they eat at in the city. I feel that this is pretty solid proof that SriPraPhai has been rated #1 for a reason. It really is that good.
This is homestyle, authentic Thai. If you're all about presentation and food that looks beautiful, then you can probably find better. If you're all about taste, then this is the place for you. I recommend going with a group and ordering a variety of appetizers and dishes to share. Last time six of us feasted for just a bit more than $100. And in an effort to wrap this up...please do try the larb gai.
64-13 39th Ave. Woodside, Queens
2.10.2010
Gina La Fornarina
I consider myself a foodie at heart, brunch being my specialty. I happened upon this place last Saturday and fell in love. It's only been open 2 months. It's on the NE corner or 73rd and Amsterdam. It's Italian with pasta's, pizza's and prosciutto but, I had a spinach frittata that was delicious. My friend ordered the Gina's breakfast pizza with eggs, prosciutto and sauce all on the pizza. However, the biggest surprise was their hot chocolate. TDF-to die for! It was more like hot pudding! I always hesitate ordering hot chocolate because it's watered down, not "chocolaty" enough or served lukewarm. Gina serves beautiful presentations, it's family friendly, large menu to choose from and lots of light. They serve lunch and dinner as well. Average meal for brunch was around $12. The service was attentive and we weren't pushed to leave after a 2 hour gossip session with my girlfriend.
279 Amsterdam (73rd)
Take out/Delivery
212-595-6900
gina-lafornarina.com
279 Amsterdam (73rd)
Take out/Delivery
212-595-6900
gina-lafornarina.com
2.09.2010
2.08.2010
Egg
Egg
135 North 5th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Brooklyn, NY 11211
We ventured to Egg in Williamsburg for Brunch over the weekend and loved it. The menu is simple and food delicious (all organic and local - which made us feel safe as we had watched Food, inc. the night before). The buttermilk biscuits are a must. Dan inhaled the candied bacon. Very affordable (our meal was $20). Cash only.
2.04.2010
Cafe Habana
17 Prince Street
Jordan and I crave the corn from here on a daily basis. We strongly recommend you take a jaunt to the corner of Prince and Elizabeth in Soho and partake of the goodness that is Cafe Habana.
Jordan and I crave the corn from here on a daily basis. We strongly recommend you take a jaunt to the corner of Prince and Elizabeth in Soho and partake of the goodness that is Cafe Habana.
2.01.2010
Indus Valley
2636 Broadway @ 100th St.
This place is a little pricey, but we've never had a dish we don't like. It's a really great example of a typical north Indian restaurant and they are always very friendly, even when we bring in coupons. There is also a nice ambiance and it is conveniently close for all of those living in Harlem.
This place is a little pricey, but we've never had a dish we don't like. It's a really great example of a typical north Indian restaurant and they are always very friendly, even when we bring in coupons. There is also a nice ambiance and it is conveniently close for all of those living in Harlem.
Dervish
146 West 47th Street
I worked for Turkish people and they loved this place. It's a nice little restaurant that plays "live jazz" on Saturday nights. They serve all sorts of Mediterranean treats and have a special Ramadan (err...Iftar) menu during the holiday. It's never been packed when we go and the service is really friendly.
I worked for Turkish people and they loved this place. It's a nice little restaurant that plays "live jazz" on Saturday nights. They serve all sorts of Mediterranean treats and have a special Ramadan (err...Iftar) menu during the holiday. It's never been packed when we go and the service is really friendly.
Blue Smoke
116 East 27 Street
This place has amazing BBQ - and this is a claim made by two southerners. One of us is vegetarian, which is why it's also great that they have one of the most amazing veggie burgers we've ever had. The meat eater likes the pulled pork. The interior is always fun and lively and reminds us of pottery barn because of some huge metal stars they have hanging up. Owned by Union Square Hospitality/Danny Meyer people. Usually there is a 45 minute wait, unless you get there for an early dinner.
This place has amazing BBQ - and this is a claim made by two southerners. One of us is vegetarian, which is why it's also great that they have one of the most amazing veggie burgers we've ever had. The meat eater likes the pulled pork. The interior is always fun and lively and reminds us of pottery barn because of some huge metal stars they have hanging up. Owned by Union Square Hospitality/Danny Meyer people. Usually there is a 45 minute wait, unless you get there for an early dinner.
1.28.2010
Republic
37 Union Square West, right by McDonalds
It's gotten a little more expensive over the years, but it's a fun place to take people and the food is still good. Oliver likes the Grilled Beef (like Korean BBQ), and I like their Chocolate Truffle Cake (flourless - that's ok for dinner, right?).
It's gotten a little more expensive over the years, but it's a fun place to take people and the food is still good. Oliver likes the Grilled Beef (like Korean BBQ), and I like their Chocolate Truffle Cake (flourless - that's ok for dinner, right?).
Ghandi Cafe
283 Bleecker St (between 6th and 7th)
Food: Delicious Indian cuisine
Ambiance: the inside of a subway car meets the inside of a Christmas tree
Extras: Owner is awesome and if you go when it's not busy you get surprises like papadum to start and rice pudding at the end.
Yum!
Food: Delicious Indian cuisine
Ambiance: the inside of a subway car meets the inside of a Christmas tree
Extras: Owner is awesome and if you go when it's not busy you get surprises like papadum to start and rice pudding at the end.
Yum!
Tahini
23 3rd Ave, near Saint Marks Place.
It used to be called Chickpea and was so successful they sold their name to a small chain that is now around the city. Don't be fooled: the impostor (new) Chickpea "baked not fried" falafel sandwiches are nasty. Tahini is the new name for the original recipe. Delicious falafel, delicious shawarma, delicious shawafel. And they can put it all in a salad if you'd like! They also make homemade pita and hummus on site.
Enjoy!
It used to be called Chickpea and was so successful they sold their name to a small chain that is now around the city. Don't be fooled: the impostor (new) Chickpea "baked not fried" falafel sandwiches are nasty. Tahini is the new name for the original recipe. Delicious falafel, delicious shawarma, delicious shawafel. And they can put it all in a salad if you'd like! They also make homemade pita and hummus on site.
Enjoy!
1.26.2010
Insomnia Cookies
Insomnia Cookies
50 West 8th Street
b/t 6th Ave and MacDougall St.
They deliver cookies in the wee hours of the night to NYU students - not as far as Harlem - but I love the idea. They are open to walk-ins until 3:00 am.
The s'mores cookie is out of this world.
KESTE Pizza & Vino
This might be the best pizza I've ever had! The menu only consists of salads and pizza, but its amazing. It might not be the best place for babies, so plan on a date night for this one or bring kids that are old enough to sit in a chair. They don't take reservations, so you may have to wait, but its well worth it. Its in the heart of the West Village and the chef is President of The Association of Neapolitan Pizza of NY. Did you even know there was such a thing? You should look it up- its quite funny and interesting.
271 Bleecker Street.
A Salt & Battery
Authentic fish and chips, anyone?? This place is small and you probably wouldn't stumble on it. But run there now if you like the real thing. The fish was tasty, the chips were greasy and the guys behind the counter are really British.
112 Greenwich Avenue (between 12th and 13th Streets)
112 Greenwich Avenue (between 12th and 13th Streets)
1.25.2010
Delicious Tamales
Here's another "secret"!
Outside the Mexican Consulate/Embassy there is a lady who sells delicious, super cheap, homemade tamales...out of a garbage bag/shopping cart. I think she is only there during the warmer months, for lunch on weekdays. I think she only charges $1/tamale...something crazy like that.
The address for the Mexican Consulate: 27 E 39th St
Outside the Mexican Consulate/Embassy there is a lady who sells delicious, super cheap, homemade tamales...out of a garbage bag/shopping cart. I think she is only there during the warmer months, for lunch on weekdays. I think she only charges $1/tamale...something crazy like that.
The address for the Mexican Consulate: 27 E 39th St
Kati Rolls
the Kati Roll Company
Spicy Indian food, wrapped up in naan (well, a similar bread to naan...I think). Delicious & cheap.
Two locations:
99 MacDougal St in SoHo
49 W39th St in Midtown
Spicy Indian food, wrapped up in naan (well, a similar bread to naan...I think). Delicious & cheap.
Two locations:
99 MacDougal St in SoHo
49 W39th St in Midtown
Tacos Carnitas
I can't find the name of this place but they have the cheapest BEST tacos! It's a literal hole-in-the-wall.
It is on 10th Ave between W47th & W48th St on the west side of the avenue. Go inside the mexican grocery store and all the way in the back is a hole-in-the-wall where you order up some delicious tacos. The pork (carnitas) are my favorite.
It is on 10th Ave between W47th & W48th St on the west side of the avenue. Go inside the mexican grocery store and all the way in the back is a hole-in-the-wall where you order up some delicious tacos. The pork (carnitas) are my favorite.
Eleven Madison Park
Eleven Madison Park
I know, crazy prices! We went here for restaurant week last February and it is our ALL TIME favorite place. So superb! Unfortunately they are not participating this restaurant week, but if you see them listed in the future, GO!
I know, crazy prices! We went here for restaurant week last February and it is our ALL TIME favorite place. So superb! Unfortunately they are not participating this restaurant week, but if you see them listed in the future, GO!
An Choi
An Choi
This Vietnamese restaurant was one of the NY Times best restaurants under $25 for 2009. It's small and not super-kid friendly but the food is delicious. We liked the Chinese crispy roast pig Bahn Mi sandwich and the Pho Chay vegetarian noodle soup. Salad rolls were tasty, too.
85 Orchard Street - Sunday to Saturday - noon to 10:30pm
This Vietnamese restaurant was one of the NY Times best restaurants under $25 for 2009. It's small and not super-kid friendly but the food is delicious. We liked the Chinese crispy roast pig Bahn Mi sandwich and the Pho Chay vegetarian noodle soup. Salad rolls were tasty, too.
85 Orchard Street - Sunday to Saturday - noon to 10:30pm
Community Food and Juice
Amazingly fresh and local food. It's a bit more expensive than the average UWS restaurant, but you will not be disappointed. Brunch is fantastic... may I recommend the eggs benedict or the french toast. Go early or be prepared to wait in line.
Broadway between 112 and 113
Broadway between 112 and 113
Georgia's Eastside BBQ
Georgia's Eastside BBQ
Great ribs (they literally fall off the bone) and you can't go wrong with the 90's rap playing in the background.
Two people can share an entree.
192 Orchard Street
Between Houston & Stanton
Open daily at noon
Great ribs (they literally fall off the bone) and you can't go wrong with the 90's rap playing in the background.
Two people can share an entree.
192 Orchard Street
Between Houston & Stanton
Open daily at noon
Risotteria and Cones
Risotteria
Great Risotto and Italian generally. It's on Bleeker and a great place to take out-of-town guests because you can stop by Cones, which is a few shops over for some excellent Gelato. Grom is also on this block, but I prefer Cones. It's not very kid-friendly, but a cool ambiance.
Great Risotto and Italian generally. It's on Bleeker and a great place to take out-of-town guests because you can stop by Cones, which is a few shops over for some excellent Gelato. Grom is also on this block, but I prefer Cones. It's not very kid-friendly, but a cool ambiance.
Chat 'n Chew
Chat 'n Chew
This restaurant is in Union Square and totally kid-friendly. It's not common combo for that area. The food is general American, but pretty tasty. They have great pies and classics like Mac n' cheese and chicken pot pie. And they have high chairs and crayons and a kids menu.
This restaurant is in Union Square and totally kid-friendly. It's not common combo for that area. The food is general American, but pretty tasty. They have great pies and classics like Mac n' cheese and chicken pot pie. And they have high chairs and crayons and a kids menu.
Taqueria y Fonda
Amazingly delicious, and CHEAP authentic Mexican food introduced to us by the Jones.
Located on 108th and Amsterdam.
Located on 108th and Amsterdam.
La Esquina
La Esquina
Good fish tacos. Best I've had in NYC. (But not as good as what you can find in CA.) They are expensive, like, $4/small taco. But a tasty treat if you are nearby.
Located in Soho.
Good fish tacos. Best I've had in NYC. (But not as good as what you can find in CA.) They are expensive, like, $4/small taco. But a tasty treat if you are nearby.
Located in Soho.
Wondee Siam
Wondee Siam
Probably our favorite Thai restaurant. Their shredded mango salad is especially yummy and spicy. (I think it is always listed on the "specials" menu.) There are two in Hell's Kitchen. And one onColumbus Amsterdam, between W107th & W108th. (Thanks Nikki!)
Probably our favorite Thai restaurant. Their shredded mango salad is especially yummy and spicy. (I think it is always listed on the "specials" menu.) There are two in Hell's Kitchen. And one on
Hummus Place
Hummus Place
Decent prices, simple menu.
They have a handful of locations: West Village, Upper West Side & East Village. Click here for addresses.
Our favorite items off the menu: hummus mushrooms, health salad, & the falafel. I generally don't like eggplant, but it is quite tasty here.
Decent prices, simple menu.
They have a handful of locations: West Village, Upper West Side & East Village. Click here for addresses.
Our favorite items off the menu: hummus mushrooms, health salad, & the falafel. I generally don't like eggplant, but it is quite tasty here.
Le Grainne Cafe
Le Grainne Cafe
This cute cafe in Chelsea is in one of the coolest looking buildings in Chelsea and has delicious crepes and sandwiches. It's a nice place for lunch and is reasonably priced.
This cute cafe in Chelsea is in one of the coolest looking buildings in Chelsea and has delicious crepes and sandwiches. It's a nice place for lunch and is reasonably priced.
Moustache
Moustache Pitza
This new East Harlem restaurant has a great interior and lots of unique menu options and is reasonably priced. I would recommend getting several of the appetizers and sharing a few pizzas. They make amazing pita bread that comes in white and wheat and is fluffy and delicious.
This new East Harlem restaurant has a great interior and lots of unique menu options and is reasonably priced. I would recommend getting several of the appetizers and sharing a few pizzas. They make amazing pita bread that comes in white and wheat and is fluffy and delicious.
Jackson Diner Indian Food
Jackson Diner
I think this place is the best Indian in the city. It's in Jackson Heights and there are a ton of great Indian options all around this place, but it's a huge restaurant with lots of options and all of them are good.
I think this place is the best Indian in the city. It's in Jackson Heights and there are a ton of great Indian options all around this place, but it's a huge restaurant with lots of options and all of them are good.
City Bakery
3 West 18th Street
Cookies are excellent too.
Arunee Thai in Jackson Heights
Arunee Thai
This Thai Restaurant is well worth the trek out to Jackson Heights. One of our favorite Thai places in the city. The neighborhood is fun and the food is delicious and cheap.
This Thai Restaurant is well worth the trek out to Jackson Heights. One of our favorite Thai places in the city. The neighborhood is fun and the food is delicious and cheap.
1.24.2010
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