tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35618032012-01-23T17:55:39.972-05:00Salli welcomes you into the vast world of her New York food obsession.SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.comBlogger6121100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-86721047288366072742011-11-13T00:42:00.001-05:002011-11-13T16:37:50.347-05:00

When I first started blogging in 2002, the food blog was still a novelty. I was inspired by an even older blog, Bread, Coffee, Chocolate, Yoga, which apparently ceased publication in 2009. Restaurant blogging is a difficult activity to maintain, because a blogger needs to have a lot of time, extra money, and motivation. Also, a new food blog seems to pop up every day, so it is difficult to be

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-24052557390297093442011-11-03T01:14:00.000-04:002011-11-03T01:14:26.444-04:00

New York Taste: A World of Flavors is taking place next Monday (November 7), 2011 at Skylight SoHo, 275 Hudson Street. General admission starts at 7 p.m., and participating restaurants include Fatty Crab, Morimoto, and Hill Country. Don't miss this!

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-48663086696264779272011-10-13T11:09:00.000-04:002011-10-13T11:09:13.587-04:00

It's never too early to start thinking about the annual Chocolate Show! It takes place from November 10-13 this year at the Metropolitan Pavilion. (It spent one year at the Javits Center, which did not suit it quite as well.) This year, the show is especially focused on United States chocolate, and will showcase 65 chocolatiers.

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-53365457750226124382011-09-03T23:06:00.000-04:002011-09-03T23:06:30.341-04:00

I realize that this list might seem premature, as 2011 is only three-quarters finished, but here is my completely subjective "Best of 2011" list. Be forewarned that the categories are entirely arbitrary. Best Milkshake: Shake Shack's "Fair Shake." This thick vanilla milkshake, spiked with 100% arabica, has an exotic coffee flavor. (Various locations) Best Scones: Harney and Sons SoHo. These

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-79005571146109020452011-08-16T12:41:00.001-04:002011-08-16T15:28:08.918-04:00

In 2009, Bon Appetit published a recipe for chicken al mattone, or, chicken under a brick. The author of the recipe was Sfoglia's former chef Ron Suhanosky, who counted it as one of his signature dishes (the other is pappardelle alla Bolognese). I would not be exaggerating if I said that this is possibly the most delicious chicken dish in NYC. (I rarely write about forgettable or unappetizing

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-12634190163547161882011-08-14T21:07:00.003-04:002011-08-15T08:44:29.588-04:00

Almost nothing pleases me more than a cozy neighborhood restaurant in the middle of a residential block. Two-week-old East End Kitchen, the successor to the defunct Le Boeuf A La Mode, is right around the corner from me, and I had the good fortune to celebrate my aunt's seventieth birthday there tonight. (I don't know if it was the restaurant's good fortune to serve us, as my aunt has a laundry

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-81731684619281543542011-08-11T11:29:00.004-04:002011-08-11T11:42:29.135-04:00

Today's Sweets News focuses on treats both French and Japanese.Le Moulin A Cafe. The former La Mediterrannee has transformed itself into a French bakery, complete with macarons, pains au chocolat, and shelves full of imported French butter cookies. I stopped by there today for a croissant and a La Colombe cafe au lait. Only downside: the place refuses credit cards for purchases under $10. (1439

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-76216029336131224882011-08-04T20:37:00.003-04:002011-08-04T21:00:02.917-04:00

One of my guiltiest summer pleasures is a box of three "Texas tenders" (huge battered chicken fingers with a choice of dipping sauces - I get the buttermilk ranch) at Hill Country Chicken. (I don't know what it is about summer that makes me want to subsist on fried foods and barbecue, but Hill Country fulfills all these inexplicable cravings.) And now, with the free lemonade refills, it's even

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-78562792531943872342011-08-04T14:28:00.003-04:002011-08-04T14:35:08.119-04:00

Great news for gourmets on the go... on Monday, August 8, the new Upper East Side Fairway gets a new companion: Fairway Café to Go (240 East 86th St.). Baked goodies, sandwiches, and fresh-roasted coffee are on the menu from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. One special new baked item is the Scarborough herbal bread with parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme.

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-87593227424832468612011-07-15T15:35:00.004-04:002011-07-15T15:40:17.120-04:00

You may have heard that there is no such thing as a free lunch, but if you are a child, this rule doesn't apply at NYC pools in all five boroughs. The SchoolFood Summer Meals Program provides a free, well-balanced lunch to anyone who is 18 years and under, or who has a disability. Today at the John Jay Pool in Manhattan, the lunch consisted of a sandwich on whole-wheat bread, a plum, a side of

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-38142574948026397572011-07-15T14:45:00.003-04:002011-07-15T15:03:13.343-04:00

I always find that cheese (and tea, for that matter) never taste as good at home. When I visit places like the Bedford Cheese Shop and the Murray's stand at Grand Central, I feel like some magic is being performed. The cheese specialist takes a glistening silver implement, rakes it across some plump white or yellow slab of deliciousness, and gives me a tempting taste. I proceed to buy a half

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-86158846785007880612011-07-10T15:01:00.004-04:002011-07-10T15:10:52.117-04:00

Ah, Butter Lane, why didn't I find this cupcakery before? The moist, not-too-sweet chocolate, vanilla, or banana cakelets with their lovely dollops of buttercream have sent me over the moon. What other bakery gives you a choice between French or American chocolate toppings, as well as French or American vanilla? Out of all of the different cupcakes I sampled, from chocolate cake topped with

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-43356511114033871742011-07-05T12:45:00.006-04:002011-07-05T12:53:19.265-04:00

Although it's easy to pack up a picnic basket and head to the park, this is New York, so there's an even easier option... you can actually order food and have it delivered to the park! Here are a couple options.Carl Schurz Park: For those lucky enough to live by this beautiful waterside park and playground, there is an added bonus, that of Pintaile's Pizza (212-396-3479) delivery. In addition to

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-1306221866155051372011-06-27T12:53:00.007-04:002011-06-28T15:17:24.791-04:00

"Can you believe these prices?" an incredulous tourist asked her friend while perusing the compotes and jams at Eataly. "I'll see you outside..." I really wanted to take the woman aside and tell her where the deals at Eataly were, but I'm sometimes wary of talking to strangers. So, since I wasn't able to impart this information to her, I will lay it out here. It's true that many of the prices at

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-76443875119547310182011-06-20T15:20:00.005-04:002011-07-24T15:06:19.817-04:00

When I think of breakfast pizza, I usually picture being at the airport before 8 a.m. and dejectedly looking at the unappetizing slices under the heat lamp. But there is one place in the city that makes a truly delicious breakfast pizza: Farinella Italian Bakery Pizza & Panini. This pizzeria, which specializes in paper-thin crust pizza, makes a delectable morning slice which is dotted with salty

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-39609771420957776412011-06-09T22:52:00.003-04:002011-06-09T23:00:13.534-04:00

This Sunday, Fairway’s Café and Steakhouse (2127 Broadway, 212-595-1888) will be celebrating the 2011 Tony Awards with a three-course prix fixe menu and lots of champagne. If you are especially knowledgeable about the theater, you might win a $100 Fairway gift card, as there's going to be a contest to see who chooses the most Tony winners. As for the menu, it will dishes like jumbo lump crab

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-63827012195987307172011-06-04T20:13:00.002-04:002011-06-04T20:41:28.229-04:00

The latest gem in David Burke's empire is four-month-old David Burke Kitchen. Located at the edge of Chinatown, it features its proprietor's emphasis on farm-to-table food. The restaurant's atmosphere is rather incongruous; a loud techno soundtrack provides a jarring backdrop to a rustic room decorated with photos of farmhands. As the volume escalates, it becomes difficult to concentrate on how

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-38861865116539242852011-05-27T16:04:00.006-04:002011-05-27T16:19:49.104-04:00

Here are your Sweets News items for May 27, 2011:The temperatures are climbing, and just in time for the summer weather, Payard Bakery (116 West Houston St.) is serving up delectable macaron ice cream bars. The bars come in flavors like chocolate brownie with Mexican vanilla bean ice cream, toasted coconut with coconut mango sorbet, and berry with strawberry cheesecake ice cream. I still miss

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-29564914589098594812011-05-17T19:47:00.003-04:002011-05-17T20:13:03.539-04:00

You could be forgiven for assuming that Alloro was just another of the many red-sauce Italian restaurants that the Upper East Side seems to be so fond of. The room, with its black candelabras and emerald-green nailhead chairs, evokes Old World charm. The food, however, is surprisingly - and excitingly - contemporary. Sweet flavors such as licorice, cocoa and coffee show up in unexpected places; a

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-59754145936086436902011-05-13T20:08:00.005-04:002011-05-13T23:23:06.404-04:00

As I wrote in a previous post, I really miss Midtown East's Yakitori Torys. Fortunately, there's a great yakitori place that's not too far away: Yakitori Tori Shin. This very authentic restaurant specializes in exotic chicken parts, but there is much more on the menu. The other night, my companion and I went there to check it out. At the risk of sounding corny, I could liken our meal to a

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-55083609706162387572011-05-09T11:16:00.004-04:002011-05-09T11:34:01.617-04:00

I needed a place to celebrate Mother's Day, and I had a pretty tall order to fill. We were meeting our friends the Olives, who have two little girls, one of whom is an avid reader. Both girls love rice and miso soup. We also had someone in our party who avoids all wheat, spices and added oils, several people who were trying to save money, and my very active 16-month-old toddler (Baby Vates), who

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-74540272464056690422011-05-04T21:29:00.009-04:002011-05-04T21:45:24.021-04:00

I stopped by the Redeye Grill (890 7th Ave., 212-541-9000) tonight to preview this special dessert, which was conceived in honor of the Kentucky Derby. This very R-rated mint julep pie, which comes with a snifter of Jim Beam, will be offered from 3 p.m. onward at The Redeye, Trattoria Dell’Arte, Café Fiorello and Bond 45. The dessert will only be available on Saturday - stop by and try it, and if

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-44139243883642429902011-04-30T11:37:00.004-04:002011-04-30T11:48:18.899-04:00

There are two things that invariably improve my mood: coffee and chocolate. So it was with glee that I walked through the doors of Little Brown Chocolate Bakery & Coffee. I'd been waiting for it to open all winter. The cafe bills itself as a "chocolate & coffee love affair," and thankfully, you can have a menage a trois with both of them. Another slogan that might apply to this place is: "Have

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-10186585648513483152011-04-24T19:17:00.004-04:002011-04-24T19:27:25.236-04:00

When I think of the words "vegan, kosher and healthy," the word "delicious" doesn't immediately follow. However, the hummus at Hummus Kitchen could be described as unreasonably delicious. Adorned with plump whole chickpeas, it's sprinkled with lots of paprika. Its texture is made unctuous with olive oil, and its flavor is rich with tahini. This warm hummus puts those plastic supermarket

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-50691136826065664522011-04-15T15:44:00.002-04:002011-04-15T15:47:28.890-04:00

Here's some very sweet Easter news. On April 24 (Easter Sunday), Benoit (60 West 55th St.) will be holding a special dessert buffet, which includes lemon tarts, strawberry cake, raspberry shortbread stacks, chocolate mousse, and meringue "floating islands."

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-22810508120465304322011-03-19T23:07:00.004-04:002011-03-19T23:09:46.266-04:00

Do you want to dine out and do good at the same time? Sunday is annual Time Out for Hunger day. 160 restaurants are participating in this exciting event that benefits the Food Bank for New York City. Even Cafe Grumpy is getting in on the action this year, so your great cup of joe goes towards a great cause.

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-4229905952632690842011-01-31T20:42:00.005-05:002011-02-02T18:43:12.236-05:00

Are you looking to make your Valentine's Day extra-delicious? Here are some ideas:Indulge in heart-shaped lobster ravioli at bahr|ché (26 Astor Place, 212-260-2220). The $45 Valentine's Day meal also includes champagne and chocolate bonbons.Put a Japanese twist on things with Kyotofu's (705 Ninth Ave., 212-974-6012) three-course dessert menu and a glass of champagne or sake. Warm raspberry mochi

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-17659276537469315342011-01-07T15:48:00.004-05:002011-01-13T01:44:25.374-05:00

Here is a bit of Sweets News that will be dear to every chocolate lover. Francois Payard's FC Chocolate Bar will soon be opening up at the Plaza Hotel (1 West 58th Street at Fifth Avenue). The location on the fourth floor of the Mauboussin jewelry store will be closing after tomorrow.And for everyone who misses the Lexington Avenue bakery-restaurant, a new patisserie at 1330 Third Avenue (76th

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-42725578382767201742010-12-31T21:39:00.003-05:002010-12-31T21:52:19.197-05:00

Yes, I know I just wrote about cupcakes. But that was before I walked by Sweet Revenge, which could be described as the Gwen Stefani of bakeries. This sassy little shop serves the most adventurous cupcakes around, and I've already become addicted to two flavors. The cinnamony "Crimson and Cream" is a red velvet concoction that sports a dollop of tart cream cheese icing shot through with raspberry

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-88726495715684179662010-12-30T21:38:00.004-05:002010-12-30T22:34:37.794-05:00

I remember visiting Maialino this past spring and being enamored of the fresh mozzarella and heirloom tomato salad. The simple but beautiful dish was served at room temperature for full flavor; chilling destroys the taste of tomatoes. I had also enjoyed the authentic carbonara - so many restaurants adulterate it with cream instead of letting the egg yolk create the sauce, but not Maialino.So I

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-84703797769985225382010-12-26T11:57:00.003-05:002010-12-26T12:05:00.099-05:00

Just in case you're not quite finished with your holiday overindulging, here's a tip for you: one of the most decadent experiences in NYC awaits you at 30 Prince Street. Open just ten weeks, Little Cupcake Bakeshop is already mobbed, and it's easy to see why. Not only does the place stock every flavor of cupcake imaginable (French toast!), but there are homemade whoopie pies and smores, black and

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-22235876608673909412010-12-20T10:44:00.008-05:002011-05-06T23:36:41.867-04:00

This was my dilemma; Baby Vates was turning one. Since we share a birthday, I wanted to throw a very special kind of party. The adults would need something delicious to eat while the children ran around like maniacs. Baby gyms like Kidville and Gymboree rent space out for parties, but food is obviously not included. Alice's Tea Cup has a baby/kid menu but is much too civilized. One restaurant

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-31098995274391742582010-12-15T10:18:00.005-05:002010-12-15T10:35:56.077-05:00

You're probably wondering what the heck this is, as did I when I saw it on the menu at Sandro's, a Roman restaurant on the Upper East Side. It's the brainchild of chef Sandro Fioriti, and the only reason to hope that the economy gets worse. The lower the Dow, the lower the price of all pasta entrees (except for the ravioli) until 6:30 p.m. Last night, that meant a huge bowl of fat, chewy bucatini

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-86682626022780294562010-11-18T19:19:00.004-05:002010-11-18T19:37:41.483-05:00

I must have consumed a pound of chocolate bars at last week's Chocolate Show. But there are so many ways to enjoy chocolate other than in candy form, and here are a few of my new (and newish) favorites in the city.72% Bittersweet Chocolate Macarons. One-year-old Bisous Ciao offers a wonderful, multi-colored array of macarons in flavors like salted caramel (the most popular), jasmine/green tea,

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-87875845953603534542010-11-12T14:41:00.023-05:002010-11-12T15:29:22.261-05:00

The buzzword at the 13th Annual Chocolate Show seems to be "raw," and I'm not sure how I feel about that - to me, raw chocolates tend to taste rather like paint. (And if I want to eat something healthy, I'll visit a juice bar.) Still, there's a lot to enjoy at this year's somewhat scaled-back show. (Remember when the event was so huge that it took over the adjacent building?)But first, if you

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-86423347452051128682010-11-07T20:50:00.002-05:002010-11-07T21:16:38.385-05:00

I still feel the loss of both Toraya, the Japanese tea and sweets room, and Ito-En's flagship store on Madison Avenue that included the kaiseki-focused Kai. Fortunately, New Yorkers still have Ito-En's Donguri, a cozy little slip of a place on an out-of-the-way Upper East Side block. I was craving some miso soup and hot sake last night, so I met a couple friends over there.As the night went on,

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-17317482293306081962010-10-07T17:07:00.003-04:002010-10-07T17:19:15.176-04:00

Here are two not-to-be-missed NYC food affairs:1. My own personal favorite - the Chocolate Show! Buy tickets here.2. NY Magazine's 12th Annual New York Taste on November 1st. This year, it will feature restaurants from Annisa to Zengo!

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-16061165007498571922010-09-29T15:03:00.005-04:002010-09-29T15:21:39.308-04:00

Time flies. In December, my baby will turn one. And now Robataya, one of my favorite restaurants in the city, is celebrating its first anniversary from today through October 1. (I mean to post a review soon - the grilled sweet potatoes sprinkled with lemon juice are exquisite.) There will be a gift certificate lottery and a sake sale, and seasonal specialties like mackerel and matsutake mushrooms

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-92020081611499010992010-09-06T07:13:00.003-04:002010-09-06T07:23:47.809-04:00

I can never remember the farmer's market schedules; I just know that there were certain days that I hit the cheese jackpot at the Rockefeller Center farmer's market this summer. Slowly, I put two and two together and started to realize that it was the presence of the Valley Shepherd Creamery that was so mightily satisfying. The comte with a slight crunch, the ever-changing variety of Brie (would

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-68048007383889563752010-09-02T14:35:00.007-04:002010-09-04T09:29:29.794-04:00

This post is mostly for the out-of-towners, because judging from the crowds at Eataly, every New Yorker has already visited at least once since the opening day on August 31. (I've paid four visits and may pay another this evening.) Just in case you're not familiar, Eataly is a huge gourmet Italian market with eight separate restaurants inside focusing on different dishes like meat, pasta, pizza,

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-64925114320455852822010-09-02T09:16:00.004-04:002010-09-09T15:11:34.254-04:00

Here is a bit of EXTREMELY sweet news:September 15 is "Free Dessert Day!" Just book a reservation on Opentable.com and receive a free dessert at over 190 restaurants. A casa fox is serving a mini chocolate empanada with dulce de leche, while Sarabeth's Central Park South is featuring their Sarabeth's Signature New York Style Cheesecake.

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-7448853217095959802010-08-31T12:48:00.003-04:002010-08-31T13:00:54.655-04:00

You have a couple more hours to enjoy the celebratory $5.50 curry at Katsuhama. The restaurant has now been open for a whole year (not an easy feat in this economy). But if you're truly hungry, I recommend the daily lunch box special. What's so great about this is that you don't have to make a choice between cutlet or noodles - you get both. Yesterday I chose a small bowl of curry udon (other

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-48678075814194618562010-08-26T12:22:00.003-04:002010-08-26T12:28:13.910-04:00

Here's exciting news for the littlest foodies of Brooklyn: on August 28 and 29, the Brooklyn Children's Museum is holding a Taste of Brooklyn Food Fest. Kids will be able to make artworks out of pasta elbows, learn to make the best salsa, and eat sandwiches from Don Paco Lopez Jr. (Brooklyn Children's Museum: 145 Brooklyn Ave., (718) 735-4402.)

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-89918191197546841972010-08-19T19:59:00.003-04:002010-08-19T20:10:23.558-04:00

I've walked by this little Neopolitan restaurant so many times; today I finally stopped in for lunch. The white-walled, narrow room was brightened by an open backyard garden; the menu proved to be as appealing as the surroundings.Although I initially planned to start with the mozzarella in carozza with anchovy sauce, I instead ordered a frisee salad. But wait, it's much more exciting than it

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-4499089648842231912010-08-13T19:24:00.004-04:002010-08-13T20:02:30.917-04:00

I was so tired today; my baby had barely slept the night before. Walking down West 52nd Street between 6th and 7th Avenues, I happened to see the 3-week-old Joyride Coffee and Yogurt Truck. In addition to a Mariebelle mocha and your garden-variety macchiatos and americanos, the menu listed an intriguing beverage called the Kubota (named for the truck generator)."Three double shots of vanilla-bean

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-34810270839197775572010-08-08T10:21:00.003-04:002010-08-08T10:54:38.809-04:00

I have to preface this by saying that I am deeply saddened by the closing of Yakitori Torys; I preferred it to Yakitori Totto (both restaurants, as well as the new Hide-Chan Ramen, are part of the same restaurant group). However, I suppose Midtown needed another good ramen joint, and at Hide-Chan Ramen, the noodles are much more delicate and toothsome, and the broths more subtle, than those at

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-77165575955347046662010-08-03T17:50:00.003-04:002010-08-03T18:54:35.550-04:00

Here's a French restaurant that won't leave you feeling like you overindulged (I love Le Gigot, but after a dinner of their duck confit, I was full for a week). Lina Frey is a hip little spot on Houston Street that specializes in small plates under $10. My pal craved the frisee salad with lardons and blue cheese, but they were out of it, so she ordered the bruschetta, which was sprinkled with

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-86643854269441576082010-07-29T20:42:00.002-04:002010-07-29T20:46:24.975-04:00

Here's something sweet that will appeal to both kids and adults: undyed, all-natural cotton candy spun from maple sugar. Buy it at the Wood Homestead Maple Syrup stand at the Rockefeller Center Greenmarket for five more weeks, or just call 1-866-337-9787.

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-17757927828783523502010-07-18T10:43:00.004-04:002010-07-18T12:14:59.588-04:00

Ocean Beach's newest restaurant offers a delightful waterside dining experience at reasonable prices (well, reasonable for Ocean Beach). A friend and I chose it for a light lunch on a perfectly sunny beach afternoon. (We'd already overindulged on seafood bisque and fried flounder wraps at Nicky's Clam Bar before taking the ferry, so the giant pancakes at Rachel's weren't an option. Plus, we

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-69850884001348302462010-07-15T15:51:00.004-04:002010-07-15T16:01:49.565-04:00

I hear we're supposed to have another heat wave. At least through August 1, Rosa Mexicano has us covered; the restaurant is serving a selection of exotic Mexican ice cream and sorbet. Sea salt caramel, blueberry creme fraiche, sweet corn with caramel popcorn, and burnt milk with cinnamon-chocolate cookies are some of the ice cream flavors, while the sorbets include hibiscus-pomegranate and

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-53661831242906350222010-07-08T20:18:00.006-04:002010-07-08T20:59:32.281-04:00

Of course I had to try this place as soon as I heard about it. It opened up next to Ceci-Cela, another favorite bakery, a couple weeks ago. Apparently it's a Portugal-based chain that expanded to various Brazilian cities. (When I think of Brazil, I usually picture bathing beauties or soccer players, not people who indulge in semi-sweet and bittersweet flourless cakes coated with rich, dark

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-10060828043093468802010-07-02T11:33:00.009-04:002010-07-04T14:19:49.220-04:00

I miss the old, wood-panelled Payard on Lexington Avenue; the new one, way up on the fourth floor of a Parisian jewelry store, is much smaller and quieter, with a fraction of the old menu. However, another location will open on Houston Street in a couple months, and I'm sure it will be packed with both goodies and people (like me).One treat I never glimpsed at the old Payard is the verrine, which

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-33253003503613294192010-06-28T10:34:00.004-04:002010-06-28T11:11:28.429-04:00

Smack in the middle of always-bustling Christopher Street is a calm, elegant Tuscan restaurant with its own brand of olive oil. I had always wanted to pay a visit, and my acquisition of a $20 OpenTable gift certificate was the occasion to finally dine there. Recently, Alto disappointed me with bland flavors at high prices, but I Sodi was the total opposite, and I'm now completely enamored with

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-19925811515190311142010-06-24T19:05:00.003-04:002010-06-24T19:20:46.211-04:00

It's a furnace out there lately, so I'm always looking for refreshment. B Koffie (370 West 51st St., 646-330-5515), the "first African coffee shop," offers cold-brewed coffee, pomegranate redbush tea, and acai berry green tea. (They also serve a nice cup of Ethiopian Yirgacheffe.) Down by the Christopher Street Pier (Pier 45), I like to watch the live tango dancers while sipping fair-trade "

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-75780499224228404992010-06-15T20:12:00.006-04:002010-06-15T21:19:22.083-04:00

Greenpoint's Cafe Grumpy has a competitor in this four-month-old (two months, if you count the addition of edibles), maroon-walled Nassau Street cafe, which features Stumptown Coffee. I stopped in today to share a cheese plate with a friend. I was immediately transfixed by the cherry pepper jam that Tanto, one of the chefs, was making, and he let me try a sample, saying, "It's great with cheese."

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-91527616660134217452010-06-05T10:26:00.007-04:002010-06-07T12:25:51.107-04:00

Walking into Todd English's brand-new Plaza Food Hall, I heard someone ask, "What are you in the mood for?" It wasn't a question with an easy answer. There was a sushi bar, a tapas bar, a brick oven for pizza, a cheese/charcuterie/bread/coffee/chocolate counter, a fresh seafood display a la Estiatorio Milos, an Asian dumpling bar, and a grill. Almost every seat was taken except a couple at the

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-43347521071702781192010-06-01T21:24:00.003-04:002010-06-01T21:44:22.363-04:00

Looking around us, my friend and I wondered why the clientele at Ayza was almost exclusively female. And why was everyone ordering chocolate-raspberry martinis? Finally the waitress provided an explanation; apparently, Tuesdays are "Girls' Nights Out," and if you make a reservation on OpenTable, you can celebrate your two X chromosomes with a chocolate-covered strawberry and a chocolate-raspberry

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-33415869715824453002010-05-27T12:35:00.004-04:002010-05-27T14:27:40.634-04:00

In my opinion, Chocolat Michel Cluizel makes the best milk chocolate bar on earth, so you can imagine how devastated I was when the company's little outpost in the ABC Carpet & Home store closed. But ABC didn't seem like the right venue; the newish shop on Fifth Avenue is a more intimate, charming showcase for the truffles, bars, and other goodies. The other day, I stocked up on salted butter

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-15063111473496289652010-05-18T11:28:00.003-04:002010-05-18T12:14:47.256-04:00

It seems that almost every kind of Japanese restaurant is represented in NYC (a restaurant which features the cuisine of Japanese Buddhist vegetarian monks recently opened, and of course there's the notorious pig-foot place Hakata Tonton), so it was only a matter of time until Osaka-style BBQ came to town. One-month-old Takashi is fast becoming the place to grill your own meat (and offal), I

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-50379399282648839122010-05-10T14:54:00.002-04:002010-05-10T15:00:02.634-04:00

A most refreshing treat came to Chelsea Market three weeks ago: People's Pops. These exotic shaved ices and popsicles are made with locally sourced produce and come in flavors like plum-tarragon, spiced rhubarb and organic lemon. They have already proved so popular that the stand goes through a 75-lb. block of ice every day!People's Pops: Chelsea Market: 75 Ninth Ave., people@peoplespops.com.

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-57052819328102987862010-05-04T18:11:00.002-04:002010-05-04T18:14:01.111-04:00

This just in: on Friday, Grom Gelato will open its third NYC store at Columbus Circle. Baby Vates and I just might head over there for some free samples!

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-65004532626817704322010-04-28T20:21:00.004-04:002010-04-28T21:13:16.721-04:00

La Maison du Chocolat doesn't hold any events for infants, but the boutique does throw sophisticated chocolate parties for children aged 6-12. Kids get to make, decorate and eat a fine chocolate dessert.Baby Vates and I will have to wait about six years to take advantage of this, but we did stop into the 30 Rockefeller Center location today for a semi-sweet hot chocolate and a light "Pleyel"

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-61425623072625007012010-02-12T22:33:00.002-05:002010-02-12T22:44:31.637-05:00

Because of my new arrival, I don't have much time to post these days - but I just had to pass along this information: on Valentine's Day, the Chocolate Bar (19 Eighth Ave.) is holding a Hot Chocolate Happy Hour. Buy one hot chocolate, get one free!

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-37038070622480361492009-12-04T17:58:00.003-05:002009-12-04T21:26:58.861-05:00

I'm coming out of prenatal hibernation to give word of this very exciting event: National Brownie Day! On December 8, the venerable treat will be celebrated (apparently the first brownie recipe was found in a Sears, Roebuck Catalogue from the 1800's - factoid courtesy of Greyston Bakery. If you'd like a discount on Greyston's chocolate fudge brownies, espresso bean brownies, or walnut/brown sugar

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-77331629257159221102009-11-04T17:55:00.005-05:002010-02-12T22:45:37.175-05:00

I've always wished that a giant, multi-level Japanese department store would open in NYC - the kind that has a rooftop garden, an art gallery, a floor devoted to kimonos, and, of course, a floor devoted to restaurants. As it does not seem that this will ever be in the cards, I still enjoy a trip to the exquisite (and expensive) Takashimaya - especially the Tea Box Café.The East-West Afternoon Tea

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-59847708787510106282009-10-19T17:23:00.004-04:002009-10-20T12:53:00.676-04:00

If you are indisposed to leaving the apartment but must have a Jacques Torres chocolate bar within the hour, this service promises to deliver one to you!In other chocolate-related news, the 92Y is holding a "For the Love of Chocolate" book signing, interview and chocolate tasting with Max Brenner on November 15. For more information, please visit the 92Y Website.Don't forget about the most

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-1264508096261404102009-10-12T12:42:00.003-04:002009-10-12T12:57:27.818-04:00

With its clubby, congenial atmosphere, Destino seems like the local restaurant that's been around for years. It's only been open for three, but the meatballs have already become legendary, and live jazz at the bar helps to nurture a loyal clientele. (What a rarity live music has become in this city!)We were lucky to get in without a reservation; a large birthday party was dispersing. The menu

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-46599018156619200202009-10-03T10:28:00.005-04:002009-10-03T10:54:43.631-04:00

Dapper young gents in ties and newsboy hats fix sharp espressos and velvety cappuccinos at this heralded new coffee place. The adjoining hotel lobby, where most of the customers sit, is a very picturesque room in which to take coffee - as we sunk into comfy chairs, my friend and I admired the detailed mosaic floors and antique library desks. We also admired our Mast Brothers chocolate bars and

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-12335706342910905742009-09-29T17:52:00.003-04:002009-09-29T18:01:01.335-04:00

Today's edition of Sweets News focuses on online delights.If you're like me, the closing of Payard had you crying for a week. Fortunately, the bakery/chocolatier's E-boutique has been launched, and the site will eventually have news of... a new brick-and-mortar location!Earthy-crunchy chocolatier Pure Dark has just relaunched an online store as well. Here's a nifty tip - if you want to receive

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-45423680825029645172009-09-23T09:26:00.008-04:002009-09-23T16:05:26.619-04:00

On a mini-health kick, I decided to check out a couple of the newish UWS veggie cafés. My first stop was Peacefood Cafe (460 Amsterdam Ave., 212-362-2266), a vegan restaurant with an enticing bakery display (have you ever seen vegan tiramisu?). There were various salads and sandwiches; I ordered a tempeh avocado sandwich, chick pea fries, and a ginger lemonade. Unfortunately, I ended up being a

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-60369362152712117632009-09-20T20:37:00.003-04:002009-09-20T20:48:39.053-04:00

My friend and I were seeking a reasonable brunch in the East Village, and were glad to find that almost all of the brunch dishes at Belcourt were under $10. Our favorite item was to be only $7: a plate of piping hot buttermilk biscuits, smothered in berry preserves and housemade ricotta, with an undercurrent of honey. My friend's cranberry granola was unsweetened yogurt was positively ascetic

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-57551040431715360672009-09-11T09:53:00.003-04:002009-09-11T09:58:39.312-04:00

On Wednesday, Sept. 16, a delicious event is coming your way! Restaurants like Blue Hill, Hundred Acres, Gramercy Tavern, and Telepan will be participating in Just Food's 2nd annual "Let Us Eat Local" tasting benefit. For more information, please call 212-645-9880.

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-50389768835482563212009-09-01T13:42:00.002-04:002009-09-01T13:56:55.652-04:00

NYC may be souring on sweets, but I'm certainly not. My latest indulgence is the hot chocolate at Café Charbonnel NY, the chocolate café on the eighth floor of Saks Fifth Avenue. Made with dark and milk chocolate shavings, milk and a bit of heavy cream, it is full of cocoa flavor without being too rich. (Lately, there seems to be a trend of super-dark hot chocolate, but sometimes it is

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-89443739024155733412009-08-29T14:18:00.002-04:002009-08-29T14:28:54.886-04:00

How does a housemade mozzarella, anchovy, garlic, arugula, black pepper and olive oil pizza sound to you? To me, it sounded terrific, but there are so many other options on the menu at Motorino (the above item was a special). As at Franny's Brooklyn, Motorino sports a selection of appetizers and salads in addition to the pizza, but the prices are lower (and to me, the pizza is superior). There's

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-66798927441457199272009-08-24T17:07:00.004-04:002009-08-24T17:30:28.646-04:00

Takesushi, a six-month-old Japanese restaurant on the East Side, has a great lunch special for only $12. Today, it consisted of amberjack teriyaki with takuan pickles, five slices of tuna and fluke sashimi, simmered konnyaku, carrots and crunchy lotus root, two delicately fried pieces of pork tonkatsu over shredded cabbage, rice, soup and salad. The portions were not overwhelming, so my companion

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-30214994058568317882009-08-23T16:59:00.002-04:002009-08-23T17:02:28.939-04:00

"You carry chocolate bars around with you the way other people carry cigarettes," a friend once said to me. Are you the same way? Do you shudder at the thought of being without chocolate? Then you might appreciate this awesome Website, Chocolocate.com. It has links to over 1200 chocolate-focused Websites around the world, from Australia to Ghana to Wales. No matter where you travel, you'll never

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-82752578337729275292009-08-17T09:51:00.000-04:002009-08-17T12:58:13.617-04:00

Astoria boasts just about every cuisine in the world, but there aren't a lot of restaurants dedicated to locavorism (Brooklyn definitely beats Queens in this department). So it was a pleasure to find Vesta, an Italian place where the ingredients are seasonal and local.With a dim, cozy interior reminiscent of Brooklyn's Frankie's 457, Vesta is comfortable for the couple or the family. I recommend

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-62288211518202719292009-08-16T21:34:00.003-04:002009-08-16T22:23:04.998-04:00

On my recent trip to Paris, I ate a lot of outstanding bread and chocolate. This got me to wondering, which do I prefer? Fortunately, there are many delicious bread-and-chocolate combinations here in NYC, so I don't have to choose.One way to enjoy both bread and chocolate at once is to pick up Theo Chocolate's Bread & Chocolate bar. (I bought mine at T Salon's Chelsea Market location, 75 Ninth

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-40143140364968321312009-07-28T11:22:00.006-04:002009-08-16T22:23:19.105-04:00

I've just returned from a chocolaty trip to Quebec City, and will soon be headed off to Paris for even more chocolate (even though author Michael Steinberger says "au revoir" to all that)! I'll be back to regular NYC posting duty soon.

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-65330569660412615002009-07-23T11:10:00.004-04:002009-07-23T11:44:22.557-04:00

One of my favorite dining companions recently turned 40, and we decided to celebrate at Matsugen (we are usually over at Zenkichi in Williamsburg). Fortunately, her birthday fell during Restaurant Week (July 12-31), so we were able to enjoy a generous five-course meal at a reasonable price. (Maybe Mayor Bloomberg can have this extended to Restaurant Year.)At times, Restaurant Week portions are

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-73510610080488346152009-07-14T21:55:00.008-04:002009-07-14T22:58:42.240-04:00

Here is a sequel to Part I, with seven more countries to visit! (Where to go next? Egypt? Ecuador?)1. Brazil (also see Malagueta): Brasilianville Café & Grill. This $4.99/lb. buffet will delight both the carnivore and the vegetarian. Spoon some buttered rice onto your plate, and start loading up on black beans, corn pudding, grilled fish, fried mandioca, acaraje, beef and carrot stew, battered

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-38247991736647094352009-07-06T11:07:00.005-04:002009-07-20T16:30:37.270-04:00

What's better than a coffee shop that uses locally roasted, premium coffee beans? One that also serves homemade Italian ices! The cheery Cup on Norman, which opened a month ago in Greenpoint, serves orange, lemon and strawberry ices alongside a selection of coffee drinks made from Brooklyn's Kitten Coffee beans. And if you're especially lucky, you'll visit on a day when the blueberry butter cake

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-40517815847830103442009-06-30T12:30:00.002-04:002009-06-30T12:47:33.840-04:00

It's time for another edition of "Lunch Under $5!" (Not including tax.)Lox Spread on an Everything Bagel: Daniel's Bagels, one of my favorite bagel shops, offers both plain and whole-wheat "everything bagels." A generous lox spread sandwich (ask for tomato, and you'll have all four food groups) costs $4.95 - if you want chopped herring or egg salad instead, expect to shell out only $4. (Daniel's

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-71150710836198291892009-06-26T11:04:00.002-04:002009-06-26T11:28:10.485-04:00

Although the Fancy Food Show is not open to the public, one of its exhibitors - the country of Chile - has partnered with chefs Aaron Sanchez and Ryan Butler to spread the word about the unique ingredients it produces. Known for its wine, Chile also farms salmon and exports olive oil. The country is also home to interesting fruits like the murtilla (myrtle berry) and the carica.From June 22-July

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-19648554487039469682009-06-24T10:42:00.004-04:002009-06-24T16:28:56.094-04:00

I'm something of a pesto purist. So I'm always disappointed when I order a pasta al pesto and it arrives in a barely green, cream-laden sauce. Last week I had lunch at a restaurant (which shall remain nameless) where the "pesto" was a creamy tomato sauce with a few pathetic sprigs of dried basil. So, on my visit to Pepe Verde a few days later, I went up to the counter to inquire about the

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-34247012453682949452009-06-20T10:55:00.005-04:002009-06-20T11:20:15.740-04:00

You've got to love a restaurant that has one main course and a dozen desserts -not to give the main course short shrift, of course! Le Relais de Venise "L'Entrecôte", the newest outpost of a famous Parisian steakhouse, is now serving steak frites in NYC at a recession-friendly price of $24. For that price, you receive: some hunks of baguette (no butter - according to the server, the secret way to

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-49492864775961802342009-06-17T10:46:00.002-04:002009-06-17T11:03:48.444-04:00

Nestled among the barbecue houses of Koreatown is a great place for a quick, cheap meal: Woorijip. This small grocery-buffet offers many items which fit the bill for my Lunch Under $5 category. I stopped in the other night and came away with seaweed soup that tasted like the ocean, tricolor rice cakes, zucchini pancakes, glutinous rice with sweet red beans, delicious soy-boiled eggs, and a

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-66483541252527590252009-06-15T15:13:00.004-04:002009-06-15T15:24:21.648-04:00

NYC is home to the French Culinary Institute, the Italian Culinary Academy, and as of this past April, the Japanese Culinary Center (711 3rd Avenue). The latter is holding an introduction to the Japanese bento box on Tuesday, June 30, from 7-9 pm. A variety of sakes will accompany the rice, fish, meat, dumplings, vegetables, pickles and dessert.(To reserve a seat, E-mail

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-21752869787238774352009-06-11T12:53:00.002-04:002009-06-11T13:05:03.676-04:00

Here are some sweet gifts for Dad! If Dad is a baseball fan, he knows that the Yankees and Mets are duking it out from June 11-14 and June 25 -28. Help him show his allegiance with some Yankees or Mets yellow cake cookies from Zaro's Bread Basket in Grand Central Terminal. (Available only during the Subway Series)Kyotofu is offering a "Cheers to Dad!" assortment of three types of artisanal

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-2052918844876060912009-06-04T11:11:00.005-04:002009-06-04T13:07:05.192-04:00

My private cooking lesson with Bettina Fisher whetted my appetite, so I enrolled myself in ICE's Cooking 101 (The Institute of Culinary Education: 50 West 23rd St.). This past Saturday, I attended the first of three sessions. Along with 13 other beginners, I donned an apron, filled my coffee cup and sat down at a table to listen to Chef Jane's colorful introduction. At our first class, which

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-82527352792708261382009-05-30T09:27:00.004-04:002009-05-30T09:43:52.566-04:00

Last night, a friend and I were searching for a cheap and delicious dinner. We were thrilled to discover that Kampuchea's amazing sandwiches can be found for $5 less at Num Pang Sandwich Shop (its sister restaurant). Why this is, I don't know... maybe it's because the menu is much less extensive. At any rate, I sunk my teeth into a special grilled Spanish mackerel sandwich ($7.75). The

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-90053535089935102842009-05-25T10:31:00.007-04:002009-07-14T22:40:13.409-04:00

My companion and I haven't lived in Astoria for very long, but we've already eaten our way around the globe! Here are some preliminary impressions, organized by country. (Of course, our journey is not over; there are many countries left to visit!)1. Afghanistan: Balkh Shish Kabab House. The fried scallion turnovers (bolanee gandana) at Balkh will neutralize any craving for those leaden scallion

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-41698971209155649582009-05-23T10:02:00.003-04:002009-05-23T10:18:00.395-04:00

It hasn't taken long for the subway platforms to heat up, even though the weather has warmed only recently. The other day, I stepped off of the Park Slope F train, craving refreshment. Fortunately, a cool drink and a cup of gelato were only a block away. Colson Patisserie, which is known for scones and muffins which are wholesaled to cafes around the city (Cafe Grumpy is one), also makes its own

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-11372501774360207572009-05-19T22:13:00.003-04:002009-05-19T22:47:18.118-04:00

Back in 2004, I traded in my Saeco Vienna Deluxe grinder/coffeemaker for the Nespresso D290, which is a convenient, capsule-based machine. A month ago, my Nespresso went on the fritz. My companion and I were in the middle of moving five years' worth of belongings to our new apartment, and we didn't have time to send in the old machine for repairs.We settled into the new place, but the kitchen

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-91214516095415444972009-05-14T14:51:00.006-04:002009-05-19T10:37:29.083-04:00

Here are a couple delicious tidbits from the Salli Vates inbox:On May 18 from 3-6 p.m., Grand Central Market will celebrate the beginning of grilling season at Grand Central Market. The special tastings will feature all of the hall's delights, including Murray's Cheese, Wild Edibles and Ceriello Fine Foods. (Grand Central Market: Lexington Ave at 42nd St.) (ETA: If you missed this event, with all

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-33942943524144374232009-05-13T08:47:00.004-04:002009-05-13T09:43:27.546-04:00

My companion and finally heeded the siren call of Astoria and all of its culinary riches - we moved there. I spent the past few days stocking up the fridge with taramosalata and tzatziki from Mediterranean Foods (23-18 31st St., 718-721-0221), skordalia from Angelo's Food Emporium (31-27 Ditmars Blvd., 718-278-0705), and still-warm, freshly made mozzarella from Rosario's Deli (22-55 31st St., 718

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-60649130358948428422009-05-03T22:24:00.002-04:002009-05-03T22:41:13.059-04:00

If I'd known about the sheer volume of noodles in a Kambi ramen bowl, I would've foregone the shredded pork and chive dumplings with gingery dipping sauce, the whole shrimp in glutinous rice wrappers, the perfectly chilled tofu topped with heaps of bonito flakes and scallions, and the refreshing julienned daikon flavored with sesame and soy. Well, now that I think about it, I'm glad I ordered all

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-74532778718549807822009-04-29T13:03:00.003-04:002009-04-29T16:47:41.652-04:00

Opinions are divided on when the recession will end. So, until it does, I've decided to initiate a new post category: "Lunch Under $5." Here are my latest finds. (Note: some of these restaurants have more than one location, but I've only included the location I visited.)Fried Whitefish Sandwich: This hefty filet, topped with cheese and lettuce and served on a soft mayo-spread bun, will set you

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-60082139791688174282009-04-25T21:59:00.001-04:002009-04-26T21:16:26.355-04:00

Just in time for this summery weather, there's a new gelato shop. Melt's official opening is tomorrow, but tonight they are giving out free crepes and gelato (that's why there is such a crowd on 2nd Avenue between 55th and 56th, in case you were wondering). The coconut gelato is much too sweet for my taste, but the chocolate is good, if more on the milk chocolate end of the spectrum than the dark

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3561803.post-48684531655788280152009-04-20T15:11:00.009-04:002009-04-21T15:45:52.559-04:00

Although we must say a sad goodbye to the Amai Tea & Bake House, we can say hello again to the Chocolate Bar (19 8th Ave., 212-367-7181) which is reopening on April 28 after relocating from the East Village. Executive Chef Gustaf Mabrouk will create new chocolate confections, including plain, raspberry and espresso Mallomars. (Now, if only someone could convince Chocolat Michel Cluizel to reopen.

SVhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17399522036005390400noreply@blogger.com0