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You’ll never drink Blue Moon again

29 Jun

I am a HUGE fan of summer beers. And microbrews. So it was sort of the best thing ever when I walked into a shop in Boston last weekend to find a rep from the craft label Clown Shoes offering a tasting of Clementine Witbier. Brewed in Mass., it’s a Belgian-style white that lacks that chemical taste (that I can no longer ignore) in many mass-produced wheat beers (like Blue Moon). And you never have to add a lemon or orange; this 5.9% ale is made with clementine, sweet orange peel and coriander for a refreshing zest. SO good. SO summery. SO wish I had another one right now!

Wheat beer not your thing? There are about a dozen more to choose from—check out the awesome art on the labels while you’re at it.

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Wait—what? There is a Brooklyn-themed bar in Manhattan. (Why?)

27 Jun

I know! I think it’s weird, too! But I decided to check it out because it’s near my office in an area with few bars. So, let me tell you about The Brooklyneer on Houston near Varick:

  • There’s a decent selection of NY beers: BK Brewery (of course), Captain Lawrence, Coney Island and Sixpoint (but I think I expected a few more).
  • Many cocktails are made using BK-sourced spirits and mixers (Brooklyn Republic Gin/Vodka, Q Tonic, KBBK Kombucha).
  • Much of the food is from BK vendors (pickles by Brooklyn Brine, preserves by Anarchy in a Jar, cupcakes by Robicelli). MENU
  • Apparently, the 30-foot long bartop was once part of the old Coney Island Boardwalk.
  • Our hipster bartender was most definitely from BK.
  • We had a jalapeno and cheese pretzel from Sigmund’s which defied our expectations—it was served hot with a spicy honey mustard (seemed like a strange paring but worked well), but, I might add, Sigmund’s is not in BK.

Warning from my sipping companion: Unless it’s happy hour, don’t expect BK prices. Pints start at $7 and cocktails are $12.

Toto, we are definitely in Manhattan.

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Jelly in a cocktail seems weird but tastes kind of rad

25 Jun

At James in Prospect Heights, the bartender scoops a bit of delectable jam into your drink. Choose from two signature flavors: lemon-chili or raspberry-pepper. Then pick your mixer: vodka or gin (or even soda water).

I asked which was spicier and went with the lemon chili. YUM. The jam is made in-house—the bartender adds Thai chili for the heat and red chili flakes to make it pretty. (See?)

It’s your own glass of perfection for $10.

While I have never eaten here, the food is supposed to be awesome. On a fun side note, the owners also run an event-planning business.

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REAL chefs come to your apartment and cook for you and your friends!

31 May

I am dying! Kitchit has arrived in NY from SF! This bespoke dining service is awesome. Basically you hire a legit local chef (oh, you know… from Edi & the Wolf, ABC Kitchen, Lure Fishbar, Perilla, etc.), plan a menu based on your budget/occasion and then he/she does the shopping, preparing and cooking—even the cleanup! And you? You’re busy drinking wine and shmoozing with your guests. Plus, BYOB means no markup.

And it does not even have to be expensive! You can plan meals for as low as $45 a head (although the sky’s the limit, depending on what you want). This is SO reasonable, even for a weeknight get-together—and a great alternative to trying to squeeze a big group into a restaurant or being forced to order from a prix-fixe menu. (Ew.)

Pay for your guests (if you’re generous), split the cost (if you’re poor) or charge people as a fundraiser (if you’re saving the world). And don’t worry about a small kitchen or lack of tools—these chefs are pros.

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Ramen in Harlem tastes good

29 May

Although I live uptown, I don’t usually write about local spots because most people think they’re too far. But the new Jin a few steps from my apartment left me beaming with Harlem pride. Yes, it’s at 125th Street, probably a schlep for you. But it’s right by the 1 train, so once you’re here, you’re there.

Small but not dive-y with its wooden walls and modern feel, Jin has bowls of ramen from $10. The place attracts students on dates without managing to feel like a Columbia hangout. But what really sold me is the option of vegetarian broth!! Most noodle bars only use pork and chicken stock, which tastes too strong for my quasi-vegetarian palate. The Shio Ramen was steamy and awesome with perfectly cooked noodles. I added Spicy Mayu paste to give it an extra kick. No apps this time but best picks seem to be Steamed Pork Bun and Kara-Ange (boneless fried chicken).

Don’t be afraid to go alone; the counter is made for solo dining. Watch the chefs in action: the head dude Mark is super accommodating and friendly, always looking up to greet repeat customers. Expect a wait during busy times (but only half as long as at Totto Ramen, Ippudo or Momofuku). Leave full, happy—and with your wallet intact.

And welcome to the neighborhood.

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Slightly Oliver is a slightly weird name for a bar

23 May

There’s a new-ish cocktail bar for adults on the UWS, right next door to the popular Jacob’s Pickles.

Slightly Oliver means “slightly drunk” in Cockney slang, and there’s clearly a British vibe happening, with Union Jacks hanging and $4 Oliver English Ale during happy hour (plus $4 punches and wines). I tried the Slightly Green Martini with vodka, green pepper reduction, dill elixir and a very non-essential sour mix. First sip was good but ultimately I chose a glass of white wine the next time around.

Bar snack menu had a Scottish egg, cod croquettes and rather pricey flatbreads ($12). The $16 fried chicken sliders were almost worth it; they had a kick and came with onion rings.

Most memorable was the decor: Behind the bar are unfinished wooden shelves lined with cool cocktail shakers, perfectly fitting for Slightly Oliver’s attempt to shake up a snooze-worthy neighborhood.

Full Menu

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Booze coming to the High Line

21 May

Is it just me or does the High Line keep getting cooler? Last year there were a few vendors selling ice cream and sugary treats up there; this year food options will expand to Northern Spy Food Co.,  The Taco Truck and more. And Terroir wine bar is operating a sit-down cafe with wine, beer, paninis, etc!

You can also see a 15-foot bronze sculpture of a headless giant.

More info about High Line’s food programs.


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The not-so-new Epistrophy is darling on Sunday nights!

18 May

As we head into the weekend  I think back to where I was last Sunday, a sweet little spot that’s been around forever but is clearly loved just the right amount.

Epistrophy on Mott is an Italian-ish cafe/wine bar named after a Thelonious Monk/Kenny Clark jazz standard. Sundays are especially charming, when a lively jazz band sets the mood. We sat by large windows that opened onto outdoor tables and wished our lives were Midnight in Paris.

Comfy and rustic, Epistrophy feels lived in—but you won’t be grossed out. The table bread has the consistency of cupcakes.The wine list is reasonable ($25 carafes, $18 house carafes!). Small-ish plates. Low lighting. Some hipsters. Cash only. I went with friends but it would make a good date spot. Or you could just sit at the bar and get lost in the music. Although it would help if you had a few tats. And a backless, bra-less unitard.

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Sometimes you just want to sit and munch on a taco

10 May

Without a scene. Near a subway. Where your marg can be made with lime juice instead of sour mix if you ask nicely. And the chips are free. And you don’t smell like fajitas when you leave.

And so I present to you … Tepito Taqueria & Cantina  on First Ave at 14th Street. If it were any closer to public transportation it would be on the L. This is a big space with good food and huge windows that open onto the street, keeping it bright and airy. There’s also a large table that’s great for groups. We tried the Mahi Mahi BLT Tacos (yes, topped with bacon)! Most tacos are around $15—not exactly Mexican-street-food cheap, but the accompanying black beans and rice make them meal-worthy.

In addition to Tepito’s selection of nearly 30 tequilas, there are also four Mexican beers on tap, which is rare. Happy hour is a big deal here: $5 margs (although I opted for the pricier Spicy Guayaba made with jalapeno-infused tequila and guava puree).

Overall, a convenient Mexican spot to grab a bite with a friend and catch up on convo without blaring music or drunk kids making out in the corner.

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Juice monkey

8 May

I’ve been wanting to get into juicing for a while now; the only thing preventing me was the cost of Breville juicers. But last night I saw Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead and it really made me think. As far as documentaries go, it doesn’t examine the deep social and economic factors that contribute to obesity—this is director Joe Cross’s first foray into moviemaking (he’s actually an investor/entrepreneur).

Still, I couldn’t help but be touched by the stories of people in the film (especially Phil the truck driver). These men turn their lives around by consuming only macronutrients in fresh fruits and vegetables and combining that with exercise. While a complete fast may be difficult/unnecessary/too extreme for some people, there’s no doubt that frequent juicing can improve your health.

Am I a sucker? Maybe. But an inspired sucker who will be buying a Breville juicer (with a 20% off coupon).

The doc is available streaming on Netflix; also here on Hulu for free.

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