Archive | December, 2012

Too much chocolate is a myth

31 Dec

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You may think getting a hot chocolate and a chocolate chip cookie at Jacques Torres Chocolate is excessive. I can happily report that is not the case. First of all, the super-rich beverage comes in a small cup, so you can feel good about that. I got the “Wicked” version, which has just enough bite (ancho chili, smoked chipotle chili, cinnamon, allspice) without being too overwhelming. (They also have Original, Caramel, Peanut Butter, etc.). And the cookie, well—the cookie is so special that it would be unfair to your taste buds not to try one. Super buttery and surprisingly flat with chocolate chunks, it is available HEATED TO PERFECTION!

I sat at the cutesy counter on Amsterdam Ave. feeling like a sophisticated 12-year-old. I tried to read my book but was too distracted by sips and bites to turn pages. On my way out it took extraordinary effort not to purchase additional chocolate covered malt balls, milk chocolate covered pretzels and salted caramels. Amazingly, the thought of more chocolate did not make me want to vom at that point (although spending an extra $40 on fancy candy did).

Yum Jacques Torres yum.

With at least six locations around the city, you’re never too far from cheating on your new year’s diet.

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Solving your Penn Station problem

7 Dec

“Near Penn Station” always seems like a convenient place to meet for food or drinks when someone is coming or going—until you remember it’s actually a wasteland of crowded sports bars overrun with rush-hour douchebaggery. Well, I found a spot! Not necessarily a destination in itself, but a yummy, spacious, well-decorated, clean, much-needed option in that area: CASA NONNA.

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Order light Italian bites like salami, cheese or antipasto platters to go with the focaccia-like table bread: little triangles of crispy, garlicky, cheesy goodness. A wood-fire oven churns out perfectly thin-crust pizzas (from $15), and the pastas (from $20) are made in-house. Main dishes (carne/pesce) are a little pricier. The arancini, by the way, are perfect.

Casa Nonna‘s location (38th b/t Eighth and Ninth, but closer to Eighth) near Times Square also makes it convenient for pre-theater. In addition to the huge, marble pizza bar, there’s also a comfy beverage bar in front, where you can get free snacks with the purchase of a drink during happy hour.

This venue happens to be strikingly huge—good for groups, office parties or events. It’s so big that I wondered how they afforded the lease, until I realized it’s owned by ESquared Hospitality, parent company of BLT Steak/Burger/Prime/Market/Fish Shack, etc.

Ultimately, this is the best place I know of in the area for dependable food in a warm and inviting space. While it’s not cheap (it’s still midtown, after all), you won’t feel completely hosed. They also take reservations, which are prob unnecessary … but may be worth the peace of mind if one of your drinking or dining companions has a train to catch.

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