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Seriously Impress a Date at 2nd Floor on Clinton

8 Jul

You know those ridiculously pretentious speakeasys made for the masses? This is not one. 2nd Floor on Clinton is basically an old studio apartment that has been converted into a tiny bar. The furniture is a mix of antique couches and lamps and a few chairs that look like they could be in Seinfeld’s apartment. Bookshelves make it super homey—sit by the window and look out on the LES below. There are even a few mini shutters for privacy/eavesdropping.

The bar is only open Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Enter through the back of Barramundi (which is a pleasant place in itself with a happy hour that goes until 9). Cocktails are $14—don’t stay for too many. Next time I am trying the Topsy-Turvy: Death’s Door vodka, honey liqueur, fresh ginger, lime and club soda. And Topsy is the name of a donkey, if you must know. See if you can find the old framed photograph of him on the wall.

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Fit for Foodies! New spot near Times Square

28 Jun

Not all of us can dine at Esca. But across the street on that same corner of 43rd and Ninth is the slightly more affordable but very new and innovative Elsewhere. Open and airy (acoustics a bit loud when full), this place is a magical addition to the area. Try The Sound cocktail, made with vodka from Long Island, mezcal, pink peppercorn syrup and lime juice. In fact, the bar is only stocked with artisanal spirits—no big brands. Munch on Bacon Butter Popcorn while checking out the menu of seasonal ingredients from local farms. (Or maybe opt for the Lavender-Rosemary Popcorn; you might reach maximum butter capacity from the Biscuits with Brown Butter and Crushed Black Pepper.)

Entrees are similarly special: I had Pan-Seared Tilefish with Sauteed Swiss Chard and Rhubarb Buerre Blanc. And a 5-Spoke Tumbleweed (it’s a cheese, dummy!) Poutine. While a $14 side seemed a bit ridiculous, it was the only exorbitantly priced thing on the menu—and it came on a huge plate. For dessert: the not overly sweet and pretty much perfect Chocolate Bourbon Icebox Cake with Bourbon Vanilla Ice Cream.

You can eat well near Times Square!

You can make a reservation!

You can enjoy pleasant, knowledgeable servers!

You can go on a MONDAY when the already reasonably priced wine list is half off!

Menus here.

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Who Doesn’t Like Candy?

27 Jun

A new-ish store has opened in Manhattan. Or should I call it a shop. Or perhaps shoppe, since it’s filled with sweets from the UK. Owned by a former restauranteur from England who goes by “Jigs,” The London Candy Co. is filled to the brim with Cadbury, Thortons and Terry’s (you know—the chocolate orange), along with “digestive” biscuits and Walker’s crisps (salt to offset the sugar). When I visited, Jigs was handing out candy to kids on the street like a British Willy Wonka.

And not to worry if you find yourself on the Upper East Side at 9am without chocolate on the brain—the place also serves Stumptown coffee.

Cheerio.

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Where to eat near Penn Station (or Port Authority)

21 Jun

You know when friends come into the city for dinner via Penn Station and want to stay in that area because of time constraints? I used to cringe because the options were so limited/gross/uninspiring. But last night I discovered Mercato on 39th b/t Eighth and Ninth. It’s a solid, reasonably priced Italian spot with a cozy, rustic interior—practically unheard of in this No Man’s Land. Pastas run about $12 to $15, entrees are a few bucks more. Expect interesting apps, quite a few fish options and a decent list of Italian wines. Mercato won’t change your life, but it could very well save an evening.

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I ate a cookie and died

3 Jun

Usually I am kind of meh about sweets but last night at a party I had a cookie from the Upper West Side’s Levain Bakery and it pretty much rocked my world. (Levain is French for leavening.) The thick, gooey concoction was almost like a scone in consistency—so amazing that I forgave the nuts in the chocolate chip variety. (The only four flavors are chocolate chip walnut, dark chocolate chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin and dark chocolate peanut butter chip.) Seriously, what do they put in those things???? Is it wrong to eat them for breakfast? Anyway, the place has been around for years and apparently I was the last one to know about it but never have I ever put something so yummy in my mouth. Order online here.

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$5 craft beer (where you least expect it)

1 Jun

Open since 2009,  The Pony Bar still surprises people when I tell them about it. The seriously solid selection of 20 American craft beers—drafts like Abita, Troeg’s, Ommegang and Victory—are just $5. Location is weird: the No Man’s Land where Midtown West meets Hell’s Kitchen. But it’s very convenient if you find yourself in the Theater District. Get a buck off during happy hour from 4:20-5:20 pm or go for the gold and become an official Pony All-American by completing a 100 beer cycle. (I dare you.)

Pony up!

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Paulie Gee’s pizza in Greenpoint, plus Mike’s Hot Honey!

22 May

Finally made it to Paulie Gee’s in Greenpoint and am happy to say it’s totally worth the hype—and the schlep. First, the pies have cool names, like King Harry III, Cherry Jones and Anise and Anephew. Second, they taste damn good: Neapolitan style with a chewy, charred crust. It’s also a comfy space: rustic, with nice lighting. But back to the pies. Try the Hellboy with Mike’s Hot Honey. You think spicy honey sounds weird? Me too. But it’s yummy. Mike happened to be bartending the night we were there; buy a $6 bottle of the sticky stuff from him. (You can also get it online.)

Go to Paulie Gee’s, stuff your face, experience hot honey, thank me later.

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Eat at Recipe on Upper West Side

18 May

The dearth of decent restaurants on the UWS is matched only by that of Times Square (but at least that area is slightly redeemed by theater).

That’s why Recipe on Amsterdam and 82nd is such a lovely surprise. This charming eatery has about 25 seats and the ingredients are fresh, local and seasonal. Everything is made in-house, from the Tomato & Buffalo Mozzarella Tart to the salted caramel in The Best Dessert I’ve Ever Had (also known on the menu as Chocolate Pignoli Tart) with mascarpone gelato—OMG. The tables are tight because the place is so small but you’re likely to strike up a conversation with your neighbors over the food, anyway.

Bottom line: If you find yourself on the UWS, there’s at least one solid option. Just do yourself a favor and make a reservation.

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Champagne in the Powder Room at Beauty & Essex

5 May

A celebratory meal last night landed us at Beauty & Essex on the Lower East Side. Enter through a pawn shop into the foyer; the main seating area is a large, open space with a skylight. Expect Prohibition-era cocktails, small plates—and champagne in the ladies’ room!?!?!?! A little bit awesome. It’s scene-y and pricey but the lobster tacos almost made it all worth it.

Pig out at Mary Queen of Scots

27 Apr

In the old Allen & Delancey space, Mary Queen of Scots is comfy, a wee bit pricey and sure to be appreciated by pork-lovers. (I rarely eat meat but opened my heart and mouth so I could enjoy this place more fully.) First you get a choice of bacon bread (vs. focaccia, wtf?). The menu offers pork belly and pork carbonara; starter snacks include sausage rolls and bacon-wrapped dates. Even the scallops are served with ayrshire pork, while the broccoli rabe has as much smoked pig as green stuff (unnecessary).

Order an inventive Scotchtail, skip most of the fish in favor of something meaty and save room for dessert, which was the most creative course. Whether you choose the chocolate stout cake with beer foam, pretzels and malt ice cream or the peanut butter sandwiches over whiskeyed bananas and honey ice cream, you will be pleased (but also fat).

P.S. Chips and curry sauce.

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