Featured Request of the Day! - Bridal Shower

Request: Best Restaurants for a Bridal Shower

EE's Recommendations:

1. Trattoria Cinque  363 Greenwich Street nr. Franklin St.  I'll start off by saying that this place is such a hidden gem, especially for large groups. I've been to a number of larger parties here and have always had a blast! They have 2 rooms private rooms that accommodate large parties and offer a sit down dinner, passed hors d'oeuvres and have a great cocktail list. They allow you to tailor the party to your liking, making it the perfect venue. 

Trattoria Cinque

2.  Alison Eighteen  15 W. 18th Street nr. 5th Ave.  If you are looking for a place that'll truly impress both parties, Alison Eighteen undoubtedly will. It opened this year, but trust me Alison is no newbie to the industry.  The space is delightful and the food is up to par.  They have a private area downstairs that will accommodate up to 100 people for the occasion.  Similar to Trattoria Cinque, you'll be able to customize your event however you would like! 

Alison Eighteen's private room

3. Locanda Verde 379 Greenwich Street nr. North Moore St. The room is absolutely stunning and the food is some of the best I've had anywhere in the city - especially their chicken for two and scrumptious pastas.  I guess you can tell it's one of my favorite restaurants for any occasion! If it's in your budget and they have availability, you must book their private room.  

Private room and customized menu at Locanda Verde

Featured Request of the Day!

Request: Dinner with friends in the East Village

EE's Recommendations: 

Guacamole Trio, Mercadito

1. Mercadito 179 Avenue B nr. 12th Street I love Mercadito for large groups because they have a menu that is just for sharing for parties of 7 or more! You can pick a price point of $30-$45 per person and you get all different types of their delicious Mexican food. Everything from their guacamole to their ceviches and tacos are unreal. 

2. Supper  156 East 2nd Street nr. Avenue A Delish, lively Italian restaurant that isn't on the major $$$$ side. Great wine list and fun atmosphere. The restaurant has a back room and lounge area to accommodate larger groups. Make sure to save room for dessert! 

3. The Toucan & The Lion  342 E. 6th Street nr. First Ave. This is a newcomer and it's getting a lot of buzz so book immediately if you're planning on taking part! It's an Asian gastropub and boy is the food yummy! When I was there, we ordered a bunch of small plates which is especially great for a larger party. Their menu is really diverse, but if you like burgers, you must get one for everyone to try!

Featured Request of the Day!

Request: Downtown Vegetarian friendly options 

Indochine's Pineapple Caparinha

EE's Recommendations:

1.  Indochine 430 Lafayette St. @ 4th St. I'll start off by saying that their cocktails are some of the best around!  Personal favorite - the Pineapple Caipirinha.  The great thing is that the food is incredible as well - the ultimate in exotic with both French and Vietnamese undertones. What is more perfect then that? They even have a section on their menu dedicated to vegetables for you or your vegetarian friend! Bon Appetit! 

2. Dirt Candy 430 East 9th St. @ Ave. A  You won't find meat on their menu, but you won't miss it either when you are here.  Everything about the place is unique including the menu which lists dishes based on the main ingredient.  The food is delicious and all vegetarian! wEE highly recommend corn.  Curious?  Check it out for yourself!

Veggie deliciousness at Dirt Candy

3. Northern Spy Food Company 511 East 12th Street nr. Avenue A The menu is built to fit the season. Whenever possible they are making your dishes with locally grown, raised, caught, and crafted products, procured from people who do those things with care. Don't you love that?! Not only is the food delicious, they have a robust beer and wine menu and a great cocktail list. Our favorite libation? The Salvadoran Fence - Jalapeno infused Lillet blanc, Punt e Mes, watermelon, basil, lime, Angostura bitters. Thirsty?

Featured Request of the Day!

Request:  Cocktails on the UES - great for a date!

EE's Recommendations

JBird Cocktails
Photo: New York Press

1. ABV 1504 Lexington Avenue nr. 97th St. Uptown, we know but your date will marvel at this choice for sure. This is a new addition to the UES and the wine and cocktail list are worth the shoe leather to get up there. The Piedmont Fizz and the Sippy Cup are excellent choices and if you guys are going the vino route, prices by the glass range from $5-$8. And they are GOOD. If you get the munchies, the food does not disappoint with a hearty selection of meats, cheeses and wood-fired pizzas.

2. JBird Cocktails 339 East 75th Street nr. 1st Ave. This hidden speakeasy is an offshoot of the Midtown location that has been around for years. If cocktails are your flavor, this is the place to be. Dimly lit, romantic, and the barkeeps know what they are doing. A full menu of fizzes, sours and old favorites fill the list - the Imperial March is my personal favorite. Yummy eats also available into the wee hours. 

3. Earl's Beer and Cheese 1259 Park Avenue nr. 97th St. We know - such a random location and your date might be like "whaaaa?!" but it makes this hidden gem extra special. Why is Earl's the hottest spot on the UES these days? Well, you feel like you're instantly transported to Williamsburg and are one among the BK-lookin' crowd. Very relaxed vibe for a more low key date night. If you two are beer drinkers this is the place - the beer list is no joke with several delicious options on tap, and the small plates are AWESOME. The Asian gnocci and beef? Such a treat. 

Featured Request of the Day!

Request:  Affordable group dining (25 people) for a 33rd birthday celebration! 

EE's Recommendations:

Dining Room at Palma

1.  Palma 28 Cornelia St. nr. 4th St.  Husband and wife duo opened up this magnificent restaurant and has expanded their 35- seat dining room into the Farm House out back.  The room is absolutely magnificent (it's an actual kitchen with a fire place) and the food is out of this world.  They offer a $60 tasting menu. 

2.  Trattoria Cinque 363 Greenwich St. nr. Franklin St.  I'll start off by saying that this place is awesome!  I've been to a number of larger parties here and have always had a blast! 

3.  Alta 64 W 10th St. nr. 6th Ave. I've been here for a few different events here and I've always had such an amazing time.  They've got a private room that accommodates up to 24 people.  The sangria is STRONG, delicious and a perfect amount of fruit, juice and alch!  But don't worry, the drinks aren't the main draw here, it's their mediterranean tapas that keeps everyone coming back for more.  

Trattoria Cinque

4.  Nonna 520 Columbus Ave. @ 85th St. Mangia, mangia, mangia!  What you'll get here is a ton of delicious Italian food even approved by my Italian Grandmother (which says a lot!).  The ambiance is homey and you seriously won't believe the prices for the amount and quality of your food and drink!

5.  Supper 156 E. 2nd St. nr Ave. A.  I had my birthday here a couple months ago and they gave me their lounge area downstairs (equipped with tables) to accommodate a party of over 20.  Great company along with delicious food and a bottle or two of wine made for a very memorable night.