Crabs!

Crabs galore at Back Forty's Crab Boil
Photo: J. Zanuzoski, Eatery Expert 

Tomorrow is the final crab boil hosted by Back Forty.  They have been boiling all week long for the ocean-loving masses that couldn't Jitney out to far Long Island lands but prefer Avenue B as their sojourn. I went a couple weeks ago and let me just say, try to squeeze into this last crab chowdown if you have the chance. $60 (includes tax and tip) will get you buckets and buckets of crabs, straight from Montauk. Not only are the crabs delicious (and all male), you can savor some truly legit spiced cornbread, corn on the cob, roasted herb potatoes and if you can fit anything more down your pipe - a seasonal fruit cobbler to finish it off. Wash everything down with a pitcher of beer or my personal favorite - a Back Forty Red & Black cocktail.

This is what summer is all about. Soak in the final days and crack a few crabs while you're at it.

Must try - Back Forty's Black & White 
Photo: Vicki Wasik, Star Chefs 

The Best of the West: Guide to the West Village

The West Village is known for it's vibrant community, expensive real estate and of course, the bevvy of dining options that are not only strong in quantity, but quality.Whether you are looking for some late night eats, a place to impress a first date or your significant other or birthday party spot, here you go. by Lauren Saiger

Squid Ink Paella, Alta
Photo: Jennee Wong

1.  Alta 64 West 10th Street nr. Sixth Ave. Great for LARGE PARTIES.
Their small plates, strong sangria and private room is absolutely the perfect venue for a party.  

2.  Anfora 34 Eighth Avenue nr. Jane St. Great for FIRST DATES. Their cozy banquettes, wine selection and impressive cocktail menu will give your date a sense of your impeccable taste right off the bat.

3.  Annisa 13 Barrow Street nr. 4th St. Great for SPECIAL OCCASION DINNER. It's modern, elegant and the food is perfect.  Opt for the tasting menu. It's worth it!
  
4.  Bar Pitti 268 Avenue nr. Bleecker St. (no website) Great for PASTA and PEOPLE WATCHING. Not only is Bar Pitti a great place for celeb spotting and al fresco dining, but the food is out of this world. Grab your favorite friends, ask for a round table and chow down on their famous Rigatoni Pitti (turkey sausage, peas, cream, tomato, parmagiano).

Barbuto

5.  Barbuto 775 Washington Street nr. 12th St. Great for SUMMER DINING. Their garage doors open in the warmer months so every seat feels like you're sitting outsideThey've got a full bar, delicious food and it's the perfect spot for any occasion. They've also got a Chef's Table for up to 14 guests in the kitchen.
 
6.  Buvette 42 Grove Street nr. Bleecker St. Great for LATE NIGHT DINING. A perfect spot for a delicious midnight snack meant for the most epicurious Francophile. They're open until 2am and serve the most delicious croques monsieur.  Perfect ending to a night out!

 7.  Cafe Asean 117 W. 10th St. nr. Greenwich Ave.

Fresh breakfast pastries, Cafe Cluny
Photo: Cafe Cluny

Great for CASUAL DINNER. Our favorite Pan-Asian restaurant in town. Make sure to try one of their noodle dishes like the Mee Udang - shrimp, egg, water spinach, pork belly, and noodles in a spicy broth. You will surely be back for more. 
 
8.  Cafe Cluny 284 W. 12th Street nr. West 4th St. 
Great for BREAKFAST MEETINGS. They open at 8am sharp in time for an early morning meeting or a hearty breakfast after the gym.  It's charming and the perfect venue to start off your day.

9.  Commerce 50 Commerce St. nr. Bedford St.
Great for DOUBLE DATES. It's located at the end of Commerce Street on a charming tree lined street.  The food is delicious and perfect for sharing whether it be their chicken, porterhouse or stuffed branzini.
 

Cubano sandwich, Coppelia
Photo: Coppelia 

10.  Coppelia 207 West 14th St. nr. Seventh Ave. Great for 24 HOUR EATS. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, late night or early AM when the bars close and you just need a grilled cheese. We're a huge fan of Chef Julian Medina.  Everything on the menu is great, but the fish tacos are extraordinary. No matter what you do, make sure to order them. Oh, and don't forgot to try one of their Pisco cocktails - one more drink won't hurt you at 4am.

Corner Bistro's burger

11.  Corner Bistro 331 West 4th St. nr. Jane St. 
Great for BURGERS AND FRIES This place is no frills and that's what makes it so special.  The juicy burger, melted cheese and a slab of bacon served on a paper plate is one of my favorite dishes in New York. Always bustling with a great crowd - it's a sure thing. 

12. 11th St. Cafe 327 West 11th Street nr. Greenwich St. Great for HEALTHY BREAKFASTS. Located in the heart of the West Village, it's probably one of my favorite spots for breakfast. The scrambled egg bowl is not only healthy, but filling and delicious. You can pick your ingredients and add a antioxidant-filled smoothie for the perfect balance and the best way to start of your day.

Black Tea Rose Latte, Grounded
Photo: Blog by Grounded

13.  Grounded 28 Jane Street nr. 4th St. 
Great for COFFEE AND WI-FI. It's a great place to grab a cup of joe, one of their jumbo peanut butter cups and check your Facebook to see who's poked you recently. It's almost like a really trendy library - very quiet and the perfect place to be productive and stay caffeinated in a perfect Village enclave. Make sure to try their specialty coffee and tea beverages, like their Black Tea Rose Latte! 


14.  Hudson Clearwater 447 Hudson Street nr. Morton St. Great for DINNER AND A MOVIE. It's hidden so make sure you know where you are going!  Once you find their hidden door, you'll be greeted by rustic decor, great food and strong drinks. After you are satiated, head to the IFC Center to catch a great indie flick.

Negroni, I Sodi
Photo: I Sodi 

15.  I Sodi 105 Christopher Street nr. Bleecker St. Great for COZY ITALIAN DINNERS. Chef and owner Rita Sodi knows exactly how to make her customers happy. It's small with only about 15 tables and a great bar that extends the entire length of the restaurant. They serve four different types of negronis which are all equally amazing - the classic being the best in the city in my opinion. The best part of I Sodi is it feels like a place for the neighbors, through and through. Regulars and newcomers are treated with a great warmth felt through the energy and the food. What's not to love about that? 

16. Perilla 9 Jones Street nr. West 4th St. Great for DINNER WITH THE FAMILY. Top Chef Season 1 winner Harold Dieterle has created this perfect neighborhood spot that is perfect for dining with your loved ones - it's not too loud, the food is diverse and expertly executed, and Make sure you start with the spicy duck meatballs. They are perhaps some of the best meatballs in the Village.

 17.  Morandi 211 Waverly Place nr. Charles St.
Great for AL FRESCO LUNCH. It's hard to pinpoint Morandi for being good for one thing, but the best time to come without a wait is for lunch. In the warmer months, pull up a chair at one of their patio tables and waste the day away over their paninis made with fresh focaccia bread and lamb-filled ravioli. Lunch just got a bit more delicious in every sense of the word. 

Lobster rolls, Pearl Oyster Bar
Photo: Pearl Oyster Bar 

18.  Pearl Oyster Bar 18 Cornelia Street nr. Bleecker St. 
Great for SEAFOOD. They've got the best seafood around including my favorite - the lobster roll.  Hearty and delicious lobster salad on a buttered roll topped with chives. They don't take reservations but trust us, it's worth the wait.

19.  Perla 24 Minetta Lane nr. Sixth Ave. Great for PRIVATE DINING. Perla's downstairs cellar is the perfect venue for a special occasion where you just can't dine with the masses. Everything from the cocktails to the and holds up to the 56-day dry aged ribeye for two ($95) will be memorable. The room seats up to 10 people, so choose your friends wisely.

Dinner at Red Farm
Photo: Evan Sung 

20.  Red Farm 529 Hudson Street nr. Charles St. Great for CHINESE. Not only do they serve the best Chinese, it's cooked with the freshest ingredients and the owner Ed is classic New York. Must-try dishes: 'Pac Man' shrimp dumplings, Kowloon Filet Mignon Tarts, soft and crunchy vegetable fried rice and the three chili chicken. 
 
21.  Rosemary's Enoteca and Trattoria 18 Greenwich Street nr. 10th St. Great for LOCAVORES. Pick, prepare and serve. That's what they do here. They've got a rooftop garden where they grow and then prepare their scrumptious Italian dishes. The chopped salad "siciliana" features some of the best picks from the garden, including cherry tomatoes off the vine, escarole, artichokes and raisins.

Falafel sandwich, Taïm Photo: Dhale Bautista

22. Taim 222 Waverly Place nr. Seventh Ave.
Great for FALAFEL. I don't know how they do it, but they make some of the best tasting falafels I've ever tasted. A must-try is their mixed falafel platter to get a taste of their salads and assortment of sauces - the harissa is pure addiction! Such a bargain for the quality and quantity! 

23.  Tartine 253 W. 11th Street nr. 4th St. (no website)
Great for BYOB This place defines the West Village. It's low key, friendly and delicious. Their French food is perfectly cooked and everything on the menu is scrumptious and perfectly priced.

24. Tertulia 359 Sixth Avenue nr. Washington Place Great for SPANISH TAPAS. Chef Seamus Mullen has proven to the West Village and beyond that he knows how to craft and execute tapas. This small-plates restaurant is authentic and every dish screams España in the most delicious way possible. Whether you're in the mood for a small, delicious light bite or a full meal, Tertulia will deliver the goods.

25.  Wilfie & Nell 228 West 4th Street nr. Seventh Ave.
Great for GASTROPUB GRUB Meat pies, pigs in a blanket wrapped in bacon and Berkshire pork sliders accompanied by one of their cocktails or beers makes a perfect, casual evening with friends. It doesn't get better than this. This is what The Spotted Pig used to be - friendly, inviting and filled with the neighborhood that just wants to sit back and relax. 

Top 10: Indulgent Brunch Dishes in NYC

Top 10 Indulgent Brunch Dishes

It just happens to be National Waffle Day this Friday (August 24th) but why only celebrate one day a year? wEE love waffles every day. Who are we kidding? wEE love anything brunch related. So here we are to give you our top 10 awesomely indulgent brunch dishes in NYC. by Sarah Mintz, Contributing Writer

Norma's Chocolate Decadence French Toast

1.       Norma's - Chocolate Decadence French Toast Le Parker Meridien - 119 W 56th Street nr. 6th Ave. Simply stated, Norma's is ridiculous. For the ultimate sweet tooth like me, Norma's is a brunch mecca. For everyone else, Norma's is still a brunch mecca. Every menu item is more absurd than the next.  The dining room is modern and chic and the atmosphere is relaxing and calm. With all of that, you definitely don't expect the kitchen to whip up such extreme dishes as foie gras brioche French toast ($34), cheesecake-stuffed and coconut-rolled French toast with vanilla ice cream ($23), artichoke eggs benedict with a truffle porcini sauce ($25), or a zillion dollar lobster frittata with caviar ($100!). 

Whatever you do, you cannot leave Norma's without ordering the Chocolate Decadence French Toast ($25). Featured by Alex Guarnaschelli on The Best Thing I Ever Ate, the chocolate cake French toast mountain comes in at about 6 inches tall and with sliced sweet strawberries between each layer and whole pistachios and valrhona chocolate sauce drizzled on top, you've got yourself the most indulgent brunch dish in New York City. You may be taking care of your caloric intake for the week with this one dish, but each warm, rich, and decadent bite is worth it. wEE consider Norma's a good spot for a frou frou power brunch on an expense account or special occasion brunch, as not much on the menu is under $20. You'll definitely spend a pretty penny to indulge.

Public's Black Pudding Waffle

2.      Public - Black Pudding Waffle, 210 Elizabeth Street nr. Prince St. Indulge in more than just the trendy and sultry atmosphere at this Nolita charmer. You can always come back for Kangaroo at dinner, but for brunch the waffle is where it's at. The savory black pudding waffles come served with a decadent red wine glaze, poached pears and a rich whipped foie gras butter. For $13, you can't beat it.

3.      Maharlika -  Chicken 'N' Ube Waffle 111 First Avenue nr. 7th St. wEE recently recommended Maharlika for a casual, fun dinner in the East Village with friends, but who are we kidding? Maharlika's brunch is just as awesome as dinner, especially when you indulge in their Filipino take on chicken n' waffles. Let's work from the bottom up. The purple yam ube waffle has a natural fluffiness, hint of sweetness, and unique dark blue coloring. Next, the chicken. Huge leg and thigh pieces are seasoned and fried, making the skin crispy and meat juicy. Top it all off with a sweet macapuno (coconut) caramel syrup and anchovy garlic chive butter and you've got yourself a perfectly sweet, savory, and indulgent brunch for $17.

PS450's The Elvis

4.      PS450 - The Elvis 450 Park Avenue South nr. 31st St. Located on the "Over the Top" French toast section of the menu, the Elvis blows away its competition. Homemade French toast with chocolate, peanut butter, whipped cream, fluffernutter, bananas, honey and bacon for $12. You can also get an indulgent kick with the more savory Lumberjack French toast with sausage gravy and melted Swiss cheese topped with a poached egg for $13.  With my sweet tooth, I clearly favor the Elvis but either way you can't beat the price. For $25, you'll also get unlimited bloody mary's, bellinis, and mimosas, and homefries or a salad. This is a great spot to go with friends.

The Breslin's Fried PB & Banana Sandwich
Photo: Sarah Mintz, Eatery Expert

5.      The Breslin - Fried PB & Banana Sandwich 16 West 29th Street nr. Broadway April Bloomfield doesn't mess around. Just picture this. You've got a fresh out-of-the-oven brioche bun. Remove the innards and soak them all overnight in Maker's Mark (I know, this already sounds like a recipe for success). In the morning, stuff the brioche with the bourbon-soaked breadcrumbs, sliced bananas, and crunchy Skippy peanut butter (yes the light blue jar - nothing compares). Seal the brioche, dip it in egg and flour, and pop it in the deep fryer. Crunchy, gooey, creamy, smooth, sweet, salty, alcohol-laden. The perfect hangover cure can be yours for only $11.

Elephant & Castle's Eggs N' Apple Benedict French Toast

6.   ABC Kitchen - French Toast with Apples 35 East 18th Street nr. Broadway Who thought ABC Kitchen could get anymore incredible? Their brunch is one to add to any foodie's "must try" list especially with a french toast like this. Thick Texas-style French toast is soaked in batter for over 10 hours then fried to perfection. Finish it off with fresh apples, a blizzard-esque amount of powdered sugar and maple syrup. It is important to note that the syrup is served on the side - why every restaurant doesn't let you pour the syrup yourself I'll never know but that's another story.

7.    Elephant and Castle - Eggs 'N' Apple Benedict French Toast 68 Greenwich Street Avenue nr. 7th Ave. Can't decide whether you are in the mood for a savory or sweet dish? Elephant and Castle in the West Village is here to solve your burning brunch dilemma with gusto. The $13.50 eggs benedict is served over French toast with apples, bacon, hollandaise, and maple syrup. The crisp apples, salty bacon, buttery hollandaise, and sweet syrup make for a concoction satisfying all brunch-goer cravings. wEE highly urge you to splurge for the bacon ($14.50). That extra dollar will be the best dollar you ever spent.

Resto's Belgian Hangover Pasta

8.    Resto - Belgian Hangover Pasta 111 East 29th Street nr. Park Ave. Too much Belgian beer might have sparked the creation of this buttery and creamy brunch dish. Whatever the reason, the Belgian Hangover Pasta ($16) at Resto will absolutely soak up any leftover alcohol in your system and is one not to be missed. The cheesy pasta is mixed with Vermont smoked and cured ham, 18-month aged Gruyere cheese, black pepper and topped with a sunny side up farm egg. While it may sound like a simple Carbonara pasta, the chunks of ham and oozing egg yolk atop the pasta makes all the difference.

Shopsin's Mac n' Cheese Pancakes

9.   Shopsin's - Sluttycakes 120 Essex Street nr. Delancey St. Pancakes might not quite fit the bill for National Waffle Day, but these little guys at Shopsin's are so indulgent and fun, who really cares? But do you want pancakes? Or do you want Sluttycakes? That's right, you can choose from many options including the Yama Sluttycakes made with butterscotch, sweet potatoes, and peach BBQ pork, and the Melba Sluttycakes made with raspberry, peach, and bacon cream cheese. Not to fret, you can always go with more traditional pancakes including variations such as mac & cheese, red velvet poppy and brown sugar banana pecan. 

Gramercy Terrace's Cereal Bar
Photo: Serious Eats

10.   Gramercy Terrace - All You Can Eat Cereal Bar 2 Lexington Avenue nr. 21st St. When's the last time you had a big bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch? Fruit Loops? Cap'n Crunch? Just hearing those names brings back nostalgic memories from my childhood. Eating cereal in my PJs while watching Inspector Gadget at the kitchen table? Okay, maybe that's just me. But anyway, who says we can't relive the glory days? Enter the unlimited cereal bar at Gramercy Terrace. Yes, something besides Maialino really does exist at the Gramercy Park Hotel. Head up to the 18th floor and while you will feel like you've transported onto your neighbors charming back patio, you've really just hit jackpot for an awesome all-you-can-eat continental breakfast buffet at the Gramercy Terrace. Take full advantage of the $19 buffet, which will offer you hard-boiled eggs, cheeses, pastries and most importantly the beautifully stocked cereal bar with a wide selection of cereals, milks, and toppings. There are 20 cereals, including Apple Jacks, Cookie Crisp, Golden Grahams, and Raisin Bran presented in rectangular glass jars. You may want to choose your cereals wisely since your selection between whole, skim, chocolate, strawberry, and peanut butter milk can be a game changer. Top it off with marshmallows, caramelized bananas, or a selection of fruit and you've got yourself quite an indulgent, memorable bowl of cereal.
                         ___________________________________________________

Sarah Mintz is a freelance food writer in Manhattan. When not working at her corporate desk job in Midtown or travelling across South America, Europe, and Southeast Asia indulging in exotic culinary adventures, she's out to discover the perfect dining experience in NYC. If you can't find her dining at the bar at Casa Mono or wandering through Chelsea Market, head to Bloomingdales, the West Side Highway running path, or Professor Thom's where she will be cheering equally for Michigan and the pizza-tray sized tower of nachos. Go blue!

Chefs wEE Love: Amanda Cohen, Dirt Candy (East Village)

Chef Amanda Cohen, Dirt Candy
Photo: Stephen Elledge

A Creative, Chic Way to Eat Your Vegetables - Eat Dirt Candy

by Alexi Melvin, Contributing Writer 

Chef Amanda Cohen's rebellious preparation of vegetables has taken Manhattan by storm, in the form of Dirt Candy, her restaurant in the East Village. The restaurant is small, chic and inviting. The dim purple lighting and simple decor give it a modern twist. As diners enjoy Chef Cohen’s creations, they can watch the culinary artist at work a mere ten feet away from their tables. Also, to add to her superpowers of being a masterful chef and restaurant owner, she is releasing her first cookbook tomorrow, Dirt Candy: A Cookbook: Flavor-Forward Food from the Upstart New York City Vegetarian Restaurant. 

Dirt Candy: A Cookbook
Photo: Clarkson Potter

The appetizers and entrees at Dirty Candy are named after their defining ingredients. During my recent visit to Dirt Candy, I was presented with the "Pepper" dish; a yellow pepper soup with smoky red pepper mousse and jalapeno chips. The "Tomato" dish was my favorite. Smoked feta enveloped in a tomato cake, cherry tomato leather, and a spring herb puree. Finally, I enjoyed the "Bean" dish, an addition to the menu that I did not notice on their website before visiting. A very pleasant surprise! Coconut tofu over green beans, accompanied by rice cookies with a bean mousse inside. Everything was absolutely delicious and unique to my tastebuds.

Pepper!
Yellow pepper soup with red pepper mousse
and jalapeno chips

In our interview, Chef Cohen talks veggies, and gives us the scoop on being the Chef/Owner of one of the top rated vegetarian restaurants in NYC.

First of all, tell us where the name "Dirt Candy" came from.

It’s a restaurant-eat-restaurant world out there so I wanted a name that people would remember. Plenty of places go for the random assemblage of letters and numbers (SPX 12), there’s the proper noun name (Fork, Table, Salt), the foreign word name (Mangia, Voltare, Kishu), and there’s the name name (Mary Anne’s, Thompson’s). I wanted something different, and since vegetables are candy from the dirt, I figured that Dirt Candy would be memorable, at the very least, even if people hated it. Now I’m seeing it pop up everywhere online as a reference to vegetables.

Tomato!
Smoked feta in a tomato cake, cherry tomato leather, spring
herb puree

How would you describe Dirty Candy to someone who isn't necessarily a "foodie?"

It’s a vegetable restaurant that doesn’t care about your politics, your health, or what you had for lunch. At Dirt Candy, the only thing we care about is cooking great vegetables.

So many people don't have enough appreciation for vegetables. Why are vegetables so important and unique to you as a chef?

Vegetables are the Wild West of cooking right now. No one is doing anything with them. Lots of people are cooking offal, and game, and seafood, but no one is just focusing exclusively on vegetables. The bad part about that is that I’m not considered “cool” by the press, but that’s far outweighed by the awesome part of that, which is that I’m on this roller coaster all alone, no one telling me what I can and can’t do, no one arguing with me, or telling me the “proper” way to do anything. Dirt Candy is my laboratory and every day I get to experiment a little more, pushing the boundaries of what can be done with vegetables.

Inside Dirt Candy
Photo: Michael Harlan Turkell

Were there certain moments throughout your career that served as inspiration for the concept of Dirt Candy?

Not to sound totally selfish, but Dirt Candy was made just for me. I’ve been cooking professionally for close to 15 years and over that time I’ve worked for, or consulted on, a lot of restaurants in New York City. In all that time I learned a lot, some of it about what NOT to do and a lot of it about what worked and what didn’t on the plate. I became convinced that there was a huge hole in the market where people who just wanted good vegetables weren’t being served. So Dirt Candy was the first time I could put my theories into action, and not listen to anyone else who was peddling conventional wisdom. Fortunately, I’ve turned out to be at least half right.

Your menu is constantly changing, but which few dishes would you say you have been the most proud of?

You’re asking me to choose between my children! But the most popular dishes over the years have been the Stone-ground Grits with Tempura Poached Egg, the Portobello Mousse with Truffled Toast and Pear & Fennel Compote, and the Cauliflower and Waffles with Horseradish Sauce. And people keep asking me when we’re going to bring back the Candied Grapefruit Pops.

Dirt Candy, street view
Photo: Michael Harlan Turkell

Is there a certain type of crowd that usually visits the restaurant, or is it a mixed bag?

I’ve been really lucky to have a mixed crowd here. I’d say about half my customers are people who are either vegetarian or vegan, but the other half are people who just like good food.

What are your top three favorite restaurants in the city? 

I really love Legend, a Sichuan place on Seventh Avenue that serves my favorite Chinese food in Manhattan right now. Going to Brooklyn scares me, plus I’m lazy, but La Vara in Cobble Hill does fried food like nobody’s business. Their fried artichokes and the crispy chickpeas alone were worth the trip. And whenever I’m feeling fancy, Dovetail on the Upper West Side is the place to go. It always feels like a special Sunday dinner with Mom and Dad, which is not a bad thing. Sometimes it’s really nice to pull on your big girl pants and be an adult having a super-mature, sophisticated meal.

Who are some other chefs that you admire?

Most of the chefs who inspire me, or who mean a lot to me, aren’t the famous ones. The people who have changed my career and my life have been the other women working in professional kitchens who I’ve had the privilege of working alongside. You won’t read about them in a magazine, but people like Glory Mongin and Debbie Lee really changed how I work and the way I approach food.

After competing on Iron Chef America, are there any other TV shows that you'd be interested in appearing on?

I’m not built for reality TV. It takes me a long time and a lot of experimentation to get a dish the way I want it. But if they ever have challenges that last 3 months, let me know. That’s about my speed.

What are some of your guilty pleasures?

I’m incapable of feeling guilty about pleasure.

When you aren't cooking, what are you doing?

Sleeping.

Which cities in the world that you've visited have the best food?

I think you can find great food anywhere, but Hong Kong is where I really fell in love with vegetables.

If you were stranded on an island and could only have three food staples with you, what would you choose?

I’d choose to have tequila and triple sec (I’m counting that as one item), limes, and a gun. That way I could have a really, really nice margarita and then shoot myself. I don’t want to be stranded on a desert island!

If you could invite any celebrity to dine at your restaurant, who would it be?

President Obama, because…are you kidding me? He’s the president!



         ______________________________________________________________________

Alexi Melvin is a writer and an actress in NYC. She graduated from the prestigious Lee Strasberg Institute, and is currently getting her Bachelors Degree in Liberal Arts at The New School. Her passions include classic films, musical theatre, discovering great restaurants and traveling.

Friends Don't Let Friends Eat Alone

Friends Don't Let Friends Eat Alone

By Sarah Mintz, Contributing Writer

Imagine this: you're out to dinner on a summer evening in a restaurant's back garden taking in the cool breeze. After a sip of your crisp and perfectly chilled pinot grigio, you take a bite of your al dente fusilli pasta with octopus and sundried tomato sauce. You savor every last bite. You want to tell the whole restaurant to order what you ordered. Unfortuantely, not only do you not know anyone else in the restaurant, but you're also out to dinner alone. No one says eating out by yourself is wrong, but any social scientist can tell you that there is far more to food than health benefits. Sharing your dining experiences, and maybe a few bites from each others plates, create some of the most joyful and long lasting memories and if nothing else aid in your mental health! See where some friends like to take their friends for meals around town:

Roger, left, and friends

Roger Wilkes, Marketing & Sales Director: My friends and I love Peasant (194 Elizabeth Street nr. Spring St.) in SoHo because the dishes are just to die for. My two favorites are Osso Buco and the Suckling Pig. We met the owner-chef, Frankie, when it first opened several years ago when you couldn't get a reservation. He recently reminded us that we were among his first customers. He is a personable and fun guy who believes in staying involved in the creation of his food.

Abigail, far left, and friends 

Abigail Jorgensen, Publicist: "Tartine (253 West 11th Street nr. West 4th St.) is my go to spot in NYC and to this day is my favorite spot in the city to meet friends for dinner. It's also a great place to have a coffee solo and read a book. The restaurant is small, they don't accept reservations and there isn't a hostess so you form a line outside while waiting for a table, rain or shine. My favorite item on the menu are the mussels, but my friends always go for the spicy chicken with guacamole. They also have a warm tuscan kale salad which is dreamy and for dessert you can't go wrong with anything you choose." A very eclectic group of people work there and the energy is contagious: one of the waitresses bakes cookies in her spare time, sells them at Tartine & other bakeries around town, and sends 100% of the profits to Haiti. Another waitress is an amazing artist. [Tartine] is a must!

Matt, far left, and friends

Matt Glazier, Financial Trader: A good group dinner spot is rare in NYC because it requires the right combination of three key criteria: food, atmosphere and price. Obviously the food comes first but when you think about balancing delicious food with a vibrant scene and affordable prices, the options start dwindling, but here are two that come to mind:

Schillers Liquor Bar (131 Rivington Street nr. Norfolk St.) Schillers is the right kind of loud; loud enough to give off the impression that you are fully immersed in the New York nightlife scene but just soft enough to hear everyone at your table clearly. The bar is expansive with a great list of specialty cocktails but I love the fact that they have wine on tap which is great for groups. They actually offer three types of wine; ‘Cheap’, ‘Decent’ and ‘Good’ which is both comical and genius because while you think you have a choice in the matter, 9/10 you end up ordering the ‘Decent’. In terms of food, I am a sucker for anything ‘Frites’ so I tend to go either Steak or Moules but the menu really has something for everyone with other highlights including the sizzling garlic shrimp, rotisserie chicken and a legit mac and cheese. With a lively Lower East Side crowd, entrée’s around 20 bucks and wine on tap, Schillers is in fact the perfect combination of food, atmosphere, and price. 

  

Piccolo Angolo (621 Hudson Street nr. Greenwich St.) Google search Piccolo Angolo and the home page immediately says ‘The Best Italian Food in NYC’. I’m sure places like Scarpetta and Babbo have something to say about that but for pure Italian cooking this is one of the best. The restaurant itself is very unassuming with a small store front on Hudson Street and a cozy dining room with exposed brick wall and about 20 tables. With that description it probably doesn’t sound like the idea group dinner spot but the in true Italian style, the staff of Piccolo Angolo loves to fill up the restaurant with as many patrons as possible and offers an amazing ‘Family Style’ Italian dinner for parties of 6 or more. For 60 bucks a person you get unlimited red wine and a three course Italian feast with antipasti, a few specialty house pastas (both the lobster and bolognaise cannoloni are legit) and a few secondi like the veal saltinboca. It’s a steal based on the amount and quality of the food alone but when you combine the unlimited wine option and the fact that you feel transported to Italy, it’s a no brainer. This is perfect for a boys dinner or a large family gathering.

Best Spots to Watch the Olympics in NYC

Olympic Celebrations in NYC

By Sarah Mintz, Contributing Writer      
There are seven days left to get in on the London 2012 action right here in NYC. Check out some spots on this side of the pond to watch the games and cheer on the USA! USA! USA!

Beaumarchais 409 West 13th Street nr. Ninth Ave. Get boozy during brunch at this Meatpacking staple on Saturday, August 11th when Beaumarchais will be hosting an Olympic-themed, champagne-filled "Beau Brunch", featuring drinks by Manhattan Milk.

Smithfield 215 West 28th Street nr. 7th Ave. Starting at 10:30am every day during the Olympics, the Smithfield is your place to see coverage on networks around the world. The Jameson whiskey-soaked wings and maple-glazed bacon alone are gold medal worthy, in our opinion!

Jones Wood Foundry 401 East 76th Street nr. First Ave. Transport yourself to London at this UK-inspired gastropub on the Upper East Side. Chef Jason Hicks has put together a Brit-approved menu including favorites like corned beef, potted shrimp, and bangers & mash. Cheer on your favorite medal contenders while you nibble on a meal of crispy golden fish and chips washed down with a Fuller's London Pride beer.

Kobe beef sliders, Nios

Nios 130 West 46th Street nr. Sixth Ave. Just inside the Muse Hotel in Midtown you will find Nios and an Olympic-inspired menu during this year's games. Five different bites will be offered based upon Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania including fried squid and kobe beef sliders. Just don't forget who you're rooting for after eating your way across the world! USA! USA!