Top 10: Best Holiday Gifts for Foodies

It's that time of year when the snow and holiday stress starts to mount almost simultaneously, so while the Eatery Expert team can't control the weather, we certainly can help alleviate some of that stress by providing 10 excellent and delicious gift options for the epicurean in your life. All of these gifts are available for purchase online and are still shipping, but not for long...

Place your orders today so your food-loving friends' taste buds will be satiated just in the nick of time!

1. Taste:NY - So we're a little biased, but of course we think our assortment of NYC-made treats is the best out there and completely fit for a foodie. Ten delicious treats are included, like the The Redhead's Bacon Peanut Brittle, Mamoun's Hot Sauce, & Chef Sara Jenkin's Porchetta Salt Rub. Order while supplies last! Bonus: Free pick-up or delivery for residents in New York City and Brooklyn! $91.99

2. City Shuffle Dining Deck: Lead your friends to places they would never try in neighborhoods they would never go by giving them a deck of deals! Some of our favorite bars & restaurants are included like Coppelia, Jimmy's No. 43 & Pure Food and Wine. Every card is a $10 gift certificate. Perfect stocking stuffer? We think so! $19.95- $29.95, Available at Union Square Holiday Market, Barnes & Noble (86th St. & Lexington Ave.), and Bed, Bath & Beyond locations in New York.

3. Hands-On Cooking Classes at The Astor Center 399 Lafayette Street @ East 4th Street Wishing your significant other would learn to make you that romantic lobster dinner you have always dreamed of, or how about an authentic Tuscan feast? Take one of the many diverse cooking classes together at the Astor Center and enjoy hands-on training from culinary experts. Feast on the fruits of your labor while a sommelier tells you which wine pairings go best with the dishes you have prepared. The pairings are usually included with the class! Prices vary; $129-$150 per person


EE Tip: Take a class with Chef Emily Peterson - her Italian pasta making class is our personal favorite!

4. Daniel Boulud: Cocktails and Amuse-Bouches for Her and Him: World-famous chef Daniel Boulud and DANIEL mixologist Xavier Herit put together this two-volume collection of sophisticated drink recipes, making the classics a bit more mod. Each book has 20 cocktails and 10 amuse-bouche recipes to inspire it's recipient to finally throw that cocktail party - of course you'll be the first on the guest list!

5. Fat Toad Farm Caramel: A favorite of Top Chef Master Rick Bayless, this farmstead caramel is made the traditional Mexican confectionery way known as Cajeta in a small, family owned goat dairy farm in Central Vermont. While most caramel sauce recipes are based on sugar and high fructose corn syrup, cajeta is dairy based, making Fat Toad Farm’s variety incredibly silky and creamy. Available in a variety of flavors including Original, Vanilla Bean, Cinnamon and Coffee Bean. Sounds like the forbidden fruit just got a heavenly makeover. $26.95 for 4, Bedford Cheese Shop, 229 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn

6. 508 NYC Craft Beer Growler: The ideal gift for the beer aficionado in your life, 508 NYC offers growlers-to-go of their brewed-on-premises craft beers. Bring along a growler of a new brew from New York's only gastrobrewery and you will be the best guest any holiday host could ask for. Make sure to tell the giftee that they can take their growler back to 508 NYC for a refill anytime. It will cost them $17, but they will always remember that you were the one that got them hooked. $24 for growler filled with special brew. Available for pick-up at 508 NYC, 508 Greenwich Street @ Spring St. 

7. Jonathan Adler Shoes Salt & Pepper Shakers: These stylish shakers just give the foodie in your life all the reason to season! Not only are the shakers pretty snazzy, the shoebox packaging is just amazing as the product. $48.00

8. Edible Manhattan Magazine Subscription: Published six times a year, it is the most delicious reading any city guy or gal can do between bites of their weekend brunch. Everything about up-and-coming local purveyors, chefs, restaurants, markets, shops and tastemakers is included, accompanied by gorgeous food porn-esque photography. You'll probably buy a subscription for yourself - it's only natural. $35 for one-year subscription

9. Hudson Baby Bourbon Whisky: The perfect gift for the man that loves to watch Boardwalk Empire with a glass of something respectable in his hand. A single grain bourbon, made from 100% New York corn. This was the first whisky produced by Tuthilltown Spirits and the first legal pot-distilled whiskey made in New York since Prohibition. How does it taste? Mildly sweet and smooth with hints of vanilla and caramel. Sounds like the holidays to us. $45.00, Yorkshire Wines & Spirits, 1646 First Avenue @ 86th Street

10. Treatful E-Gift Cards: We know, gift cards aren't the most creative gift of all, but when you're redeeming a dinner at Gramercy Tavern or Buttermilk Channel, who can really complain about that? The way you gift a 'treat' is you select a restaurant from a large, quality list, set your gift price, and add a personalized message. Your e-card will be delivered instantly via e-mail. 

Jody Williams brings big French flavor to Grove Street

Photo credit: Max Poglia

The minute Jody Williams walks into Buvette during a bustling lunch service, she is greeted by a slew of friends and Franchofiles that are enjoying every morsel of her new Gallic venture. The lively, "everybody knows your name" atmosphere at her West Village gastroteque is exactly as it should be; homey and inviting, with no aires about it.

As I chat with Williams on a brisk fall day, we sit outside next to the signature Buvette bike, a French two-wheeler that you imagine the owner to be a lithe French woman with baguettes and greens hanging outside the shopping basket. At the moment, it is filled to the brim with wine corks. Williams situates herself near the front door so she can keep an eye on her gastronomes that serve as the host, servers, sommeliers, bartenders and baristas. It's a place built on the traditional way of working where "you roll up your sleeves and do every job," Williams says.

She has a zen-like quality to her, speaking from the heart with a genuine passion for cooking, serving, learning and teaching people about food. Her best advice for those that are thinking about becoming a chef? "Learn at the source. Feed your soul. Give yourself time. It takes a decade to really master the craft of cooking and be able to transfer it into your freedom as a chef in the kitchen."

Mousse Au Chocolat
Photo credit: Felicia Jamieson

Williams learned from the source herself. Before she traveled around Europe, she began cooking in San Francisco, working as chief steward at the Four Seasons Clift while Mario Batali was working in the kitchen as sous chef. "I took the job at the Four Seasons to see if working in food was what I really wanted to do. Mario was inspiring and there was a great energy about him and it affirmed to me that [cooking] is something I was [going to] do," says Williams.

Buvette at 42 Grove Street
Photo credit: Buvette

After learning the ins and outs of the kitchen, she  went to the source - Italy. "[Until then], I was always looking for something more real and traditional. I thrive in an environment where I'm extremely challenged and learning and it's new. I was further inspired by the [native] people that would always encourage me to cook, so [when] learning a dish I [received] a lot of affirmation from the culture and Italian and French people that would give me tidbits on their cuisine."

Not only has she learn from friends and patrons of her restaurants, she has surprised a few as well, by simply being a woman. "So often when I was working in Italian cuisine, there would be a group of Italians and they would ask the server 'Can I meet the chef - we would love to thank him' and when I came out and they realized I was an American woman and I spoke Italian, it was always a rewarding moment."

Fig tartine
Photo credit: Buvette 

She continues to surprise her French clientele that are strong in numbers at Buvette, which is always a good sign when the expats are dining in droves. "The French [guests] don't think an American will be making real cou qu vin or tarte tatin or aligot on par with traditional dishes and they are so disappointed when I come out and say "Can I help you?" in English because they assume a French chef is running the kitchen."

Maybe French expats feel so at home because that was William's intention, all along. Buvette is designed to feel like a romantic, yet rustic kitchen in Provence. From the chalked out map of France that details the wine list to the Warren Muller chandelier that hangs above a communal table in the back. You can see old meets new, traditional meets modern. She has nurtured a culture of food and wine where it isn't fussy or put on, but welcoming and accessible.  The bar is lined with small leather baskets filled with nuts, bottles of wine, fresh pastries, glass mason jars and cutlery, all things you would find in Mémé's house.

Photo credit: Buvette 

The love and attention to detail is found on the menu, as well. Williams showcases variations of croque monsieur, tartines, crepes and "just the right size" pastries to go with your morning or afternoon coffee. All are a perfect fit for her made up term of "gastroteque," a place that is suited for any time of day or night. "It can be your cafe, your early morning coffee, luncheonette, your before or after work bite, your indoor or outdoor picnic - it can be anything."

Everything seems smaller to the American eye in Buvette, or to those that aren't aware that Buvette actually means diminutive or small. "I have a strong reaction to everything that is so big. I don't want a croissant the size of my hand or a muffin that's as big as a softball. I want things that are tailored to go with an apertif or coffee or tea." Her restaurant lives by this philosophy where it is a place to gather, a joining of friends. This seems very nuanced at Buvette, but it's a very old concept that Williams has embraced and welcomes New Yorkers with open arms.

wEE Recommend Buvette for Breakfast meetings, lunch with clients, romantic dinner date, late night bite in West Village.

Photo credit: Max Poglia

QuickEE Questions for Chef Jody Williams: 

1. Besides Buvette, where do you like to eat? 
I Sodi - 105 Christopher Street @ Bleecker St. 
Takashi - 456 Hudson Street @ Morton St.
Pearl Oyster Bar - 18 Cornelia Street @ West 4th St.
Taim -  222 Waverly Place @ Perry St.


2. What is your favorite "I just got out of the kitchen and need a drink" drink?
My favorite drink changes with the seasons. I always enjoy a Negroni - I Sodi has the best Negroni in town. I drink Campari and soda like it's water. This summer I was drinking sparkling Gamay. In the winter, I enjoy vin brulé, a mulled wine that warms you right up - I think it's perfect before you go outside and crunch your way through the snow. 


3. What do you think is your greatest responsibility as a chef?
Take care of the world. We all have a responsibility to ensure that our generation isn't stuck eating [food like] GMO salmon and teaching them how to eat real things. There is this whole idea of stewardship [as a chef] which is really great to see.  


by Joleen Zanuzoski, Eatery Expert

Top 10: Pumpkin Dishes

10. Ice Cream Sandwich with Pumpkin – The Meatball Shop

(64 Greenwich Ave. @ Perry St.)

 Imagine this, homemade pumpkin ice cream wedged in between your choice of homemade cookie.  Many associate The Meatball shop with having the best balls around.  It's true - they do, but what most people fail at  is saving room for dessert.  You can choose from a selection of their homemade cookies, but we highly recommend their seasonal pumpkin ice cream wedged between their chocolate chip cookie .  Perfect amount of spice combined with a creamy and sweet finish!  Or if you are feeling adventurous, mix and match the top and bottom cookie.  It's hard to go wrong!

9. Japanese Pumpkin Pancakes – Clinton Street Baking Co.

(4 Clinton St. nr. Houston St.)

They serve pancakes in the morning, in the afternoon and at night which makes us believe they know what they are doing.  In fact, they do!  Pumpkin makes everything just a little sweeter and these pancakes are proof.  They're adorned with a pumpkin seed streusel, warm maple butter and topped with pumpkin puree.   

8. Pumpkin Pizza – Forcella

(334 Bowery St. nr. Bond St.)

Forcella is a newcomer to Manhattan and they've already proven themselves with their pumpkin pizza.  Pumpkin once again steals the show as the key ingredient.  It is topped with smoked mozzarella, and speck from Alto Adige.  It's not too sweet, not too smokey, and not too meaty.  I bet Goldy Locks would think it's just right!



7. Pumpkin Pie – Good Enough to Eat

(483 Amsterdam Ave. @ 83rd St.)

Pumpkin pie - a staple at Thanksgiving dinner.  But we think it should be served year round.  In our quest to find the perfect pumpkin pie, it was a no brainer.  Take a look, you'll know why.  The crust is flakey and delicious and the pumpkin heavenly.  

6. Candied Pumpkin and sugared "Hay" – Prune

(54 East 1st St. nr. First Ave)

The most interesting  pumpkin dish we found.  Gabrielle Hamilton is well known for a number of reasons and this really should be one of them.  We're still not entirely sure how she makes the hay, but we don't care - it's delicious!  Add to that the candied pumpkin,  Greek yogurt and honey and you've got one heck of a dish.  

5. Pumpkin and Goat Cheese croquettes – Casa Mono

(52 Irving Pl. @ 17th St.)

Casa Mono is consistently one of the best restaurants in New York due to their ability to create exciting dishes.  This is one of those dishes.  Within the tapas style menu, the perfectly fried croquettes with a creamy and flavorful center truly standout!

4. Pumpkin Eggnog Pudding– Sugar Sweet Sunshine

(126 Rivington St. nr. Essex St.)

The pumpkin eggnog pudding is a ray of sugar sweet sunshine at this bakery in the LES.  The layers of pumpkin cake only add to the depth of flavor and the eggnog pudding and whipped cream add to it's fabulosity.  The Nog is served five different ways, A shot 10 oz, 12 oz, 16 oz & the grandaddy 64 ounce tub.  We recommend the grandaddy -  It's pumptastic!

3. Bergère– Buvette

(42 Grove St. nr. Bleecker St.)

 Ever wonder what a Bergère is?  Me either!  But now that I do know, I never want to forget! A Bergère translates to shepherdess in French so this is essentially a shepherd sandwich.  It's filled with brie, radicchio and roasted pumpkin on toasted French bread.   If shepherds eat this well then sign me up! 

2.  Pumpkin Coppetta - Otto

(1 Fifth Ave. @ 8th St.)

Otto may be known for their pizza, but their desserts deserve a lot of credit too!  This is a great example.  The rum ginger cake, cassata crema, coffee bourbon sauce, candied walnuts & cranberries make for a special combination with the pumpkin.  It's a no brainer - save room and order the coppetta.  

1.  Seasonal Pumpkin Doughnut- Doughnut Plant

(379 Grand St. nr. Essex St.)

"Mmmmm, Seasonal Pumpkin Donut."
        -Homer Simpson


I don't think we can put it any better. 

Autumn has Arrived! Top 10 Dishes of the Season

It's official, we are in the full swing of the Fall season and I don't know about you, but I can feel it! The season officially ends on December 22nd, so grab these fall-favorite dishes before they fly South for the winter.

(INSERT PICTURE OF EE ORIGINAL PICTURE OF GREENMARKET)

(PHOTO) Roasted Beets with Pistachio Cream at Lupa (170 Thompson Street nr. Bleecker Street) This dish is pretty un-beat-able! Beets with the yumminess of pistachios on top. Thanks, Batali. Fall looks good on you.

(PHOTO)

(PHOTO) Grapefruit Givre at Boulud Sud (20 West 64th Street nr. Broadway) Grapefruits are ripe for the pickin' beginning in October so this insanely creative dessert from Pastry chef Ghaya Oliveira is not only sweet, but sublimely seasonal. What's inside?  Oh, just some halvah crumbles and house-made loukoum that smells like roses. What's that on top?  Oh, just some cotton candy and black-and-white sesame tuile. Bon Appetit!

(PHOTO) DISH at ABC Kitchen (Waiting on Chef Dan to get back to me on description)

(PHOTO) Seasonal Fruit Jam at Recipe (452 Amsterdam Ave. nr. 82nd Street) The seasonal fruit jam is a staple for brunch at this cozy hidden gem on the Upper West Side. Past week's flavors have included (insert) (insert) (insert) but this changes weekly. Talk about hyper-seasonal jam! Served with this crusty brioche bread that you will be asking the server to bring more of, for sure.

(PHOTO) Tafelspitz with Apple-Horseradish at Seasonal (132 West 58th Street nr. 6th Ave.) Perfectly prepared flat iron steak with Oxtail consomme with apple-horseradish, spinach, and Swiss potates Rosti. This Austrian restaurant lives up to it's name every season, but it seems this time of year, they give it a little something extra.

Pistachio Doughnut at Doughnut Plant (220 West 23rd Street nr. 7th Avenue) You might not consider a doughnut a dish, but over here at EE, doughnuts are a religion. Head to the Grand Street location or this larger location in Chelsea to feast on their seasonal deliciousness of a doughnut.





(PHOTO) Seasonal Mezze Plate at Candle Cafe (1307 Third Avenue nr. 79th Street) This chic vegan restaurant is basically made of vegetables and seasonal fare. The seasonal mezze platter with roasted cauliflower that is fresh as can be and peak-season fennel as a garnish is veggie-licious!

(PHOTO) Kale Salad at Northern Spy Food Company (511 East 12th Street nr. Avenue A) Kale is all the rage and it's in season from October to December! This salad is a seasonal standout with Shelburne chedder, almonds, pecorino, and two baked eggs. This is a must-try dish!

Recent Recommendations from the Experts! 10/6/11

Thursday’s are for sharing!

Below are recent recommendations the EE team provided to the needy, hungry & thirsty that wrote in to us. Need a recommendation? Ask Eatery Expert

1.  Authentic Spanish tapas in the West Village– Tertulia (529 Hudson St. nr. Charles St.)

Chef Seamus Mullens brings big flavor on small plates to downtowners

2. Memorable meal for entertaining out-of-town guests – Perilla (9 Jones St. nr. W. 4th St.)

wEE recommend you order: Spicy Duck Meatballs with mint cavatelli, water spinach & quail egg.

3.  Family Dinner on the Upper East Side – Elio's (1621 2nd Ave. nr. 84th St.)

wEE recommend you order: Their veal parm!

4.  The Latest & Greatest in the West Village – Mas (La Grillade) (28 7th Ave. South nr. Leroy St.)

Modeled after a French farmhouse, you'll enjoy their seasonal plates year round.

5.  Great brunch menu below – Lyon Bouchon Moderne (118 Greenwich Ave. nr. Jane St.)

Choose from their extensive brunch menu with choices ranging from their barbecue pork on a potato bun or their scrambled eggs with black truffles, goat cheese and chives.

6. Breakfast meeting on the UWS – Momofuku Milk Bar (561 Columbus Ave.@ 87th St.)

Their famous crack pie! 

7.  Romantic date in Harlem – 67 Orange (2082 Frederick Douglass Blvd. nr 113th St.)

Hidden gem in Harlem! 

8. Impress a date in Tribeca – Silver Lining (75 Murray St. nr. W. Broadway)

Enjoy jazz and old fashion drinks all night long! 

9. Great lunch prix-fixe – Periyali (35 W. 29th St. nr. Sixth Ave.)

A great value, for $26 you can choose from an appetizer, main and then finish your meal off with a Greek dessert!

10.  Sunday night casual dinner – Celeste (502 Amsterdam Ave. nr. 84th St)

wEE recommend you order: Their artichoke and prosciutto pizza.

Recent Recommendations from the Experts! 9/29/11

Thursday’s are for sharing!

Below are recent recommendations the EE team provided to the needy, hungry & thirsty that wrote in to us. Need a recommendation? Ask Eatery Expert

1.  Mexican food, funky atmosphere  – Fonda Nolita (267 Elizabeth St. nr. Houston St.)

The food and space here will make you feel like you're on vacation!

2.  Unique dining experience – Romera (355 W. 16th St. nr. 8th Ave.)

Neurologist-chef Miguel Sanchez Romera has opened in the Dream Hotel downtown!

3. New hot spot Italian meal in the West Village – Frankies570 Spuntino (570 Hudson St. @ W. 11th St.)

They've got a place in Brooklyn, LES and now the West Village. It's a neighborhood spot, but if you're not in the neighborhood, it's worth traveling for!

4.  Romantic wine bar in Murray Hill – Terroir Murray Hill

Their 3rd location in NYC means they're doing something right! Their small plates and wine are perfect for a date or catching up with a friend!

5.  Fun dinner in Chelsea– Socarrat Paella Bar (259 W. 19th St. nr 7th Ave.)

Paella deliciosa!

6. Family dinner on the Upper East Side – Primola (1226 2nd Ave. nr. 64th St.)

Traditional Italian food in the perfect setting!

7.  Date night uptown– Hospoda (321 E. 73rd St. nr 2nd Ave.)

On the ground floor of the Bohemian National Hall and the Czech Consulate - we welcome you to New York's Bohemian Gastropub!

8.  Girl's night out in the East Village– Edi & The Wolf (102 Ave. @ 7th St.)

Austrian comfort food and wine in a very rustic and fun environment!

9. Grab a burger at the bar – Minetta Tavern (113 MacDougal St.)

It's true - reservations are tough, but if you're smart you'll grab a bite at their bar. Their Black Label burger is one of my favorites around - prime dry-aged beef cuts with caramelized onions on a delicious melt in your mouth bun.

10. Great Mexican, great margaritas in the Theatre District – Toloache (251 W. 50th St. nr. Broadway)

Perfect spot to grab a bite before the theatre, after work or a weekend dinner! Their guacamole trio and variety of margaritas will make your night!