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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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Mushy peas are not just for babies

23 Apr

I learned this last week at Whitehall, a Modern British restaurant in the West Village, where everyone left happy after a group dinner. Cozy atmosphere. Terrific service. Super gin cocktails. And interesting food with British touches from the team behind Mary Queen of Scots and Highlands.

The Mushy Pea Fritters with Minted Yoghurt (leaving in English “H”) was prob my fave snacky item. Or the House Cut Chips with HP Sauce—our only mistake was not ordering more. App: Salmon with Celery Root-Horseradish Panna Cotta (where weird meets good). Mains ranged from chicken to sea bream to pork chop, and the best dessert was Bitter Chocolate Brownie (not bitter, yes warm, no nuts).

Don’t come here on a diet or a budget. But with a small group celebrating something special, you can eat like the queen for a day.

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Riverpark: Non-frenzied brunch spot may be my new fave

26 Mar

The schlep to get to Riverpark is well worth it for the calm that awaits. The site of Tom Colicchio’s nouveau American spot—led by chef Sisha Ortúzar—is on the East River at 29th Street. To get there you have to walk waaaay east, past Bellevue, through a business plaza and alongside a farm where much of your meal’s produce is grown.

Decor is modern and sleek, while expansive water views keep the vibe comfortable. I think my blood pressure dropped the minute I walked in. There’s outdoor seating for the warmer months but we thought indoors was just as relaxing—our brunch lasted two hours. They take reservations, can accommodate large parties, the service is outstanding and it’s somehow kid-friendly and appropriate for business lunches at the same time. No scene, no waiting, no NYC drunken brunch craziness.

Food is pretty good, too—menu features twists on typical brunch fare, like a breakfast sandwich with fried green tomato and pork belly, and brisket with a poached egg served over hash browns. To share, we had the creamiest avocado spread slathered atop thick toast, along with cinnamon donuts (which should be saved for dessert). Our friends’ toddler loved the homemade vanilla ice cream. This is one of the best places to bring out-of-town guests. Or just go with other city dwellers—and be glad you live here.

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Corkbuzz is for grown-ups

20 Mar

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Despite all its conveniences (and I don’t mean TGIF), Union Square can be overwhelming for visitors, especially adults over 30 who may be confused by students sleeping under an Occupy Wall Street banner.

Luckily there is now a calm and sophisticated place to pop in for a drink and plan your next move. Tucked away on 13th Street, the newish Corkbuzz Wine Studio features inviting, stylish decor with rustic touches. Stop in for a nibble of cheese and an unusual glass of wine (I tried a Chinon from the Loire Valley); sit on the couch by the front window if it’s still light out. With pours priced around $15, this place is not for kids—and that’s exactly why I’ll be bringing my mom when she comes to the city in a few weeks.

PLUS! Corkbuzz is also a place to learn about wines. In addition to classes, other educational events include themed dinners, Bring Your Own Bottle Night and the weekly Blind Tasting Happy Hour (Fridays at 5pm).

Photo: Originally published in WSJ.

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