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Chinese-Korean Fusion is a real thing

11 Jan

No, it’s not a gimmick. Yes, it’s good. And in this case, it’s also cheap and centrally located. The new Dong Chun Hong is a sit-down, worth-the-effort, Chinese-Korean spot on Fifth Ave in the low-30s serving signature noodle dishes and more. True—the lighting could be dimmed, but overall this place seems promising. I tried the Ja Jang Myun noodles with black bean sauce (with tiny bits of potato and pork). Apparently it’s a traditional Korean comfort food (my stomach certainly felt comfortable—but not uncomfortably full—after eating it). Bonus: This is one of the few places I’ve been to that serves OB Beer, a rare Korean lager. But back to the food. Even the seemingly boring Soo Cho Myun (a light, stir-fried noodle dish with veggies and seafood) was tasty and satisfying. Walls are adorned with art from local artist Joo hyun Kang, who creates her pieces using beads and sequins. This is an affordable, interesting, filling lunch or dinner option in midtown—with decor and quality to match.

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Jizake is no joke at the somewhat secret Sake Bar Kirakuya

27 Dec

Hidden on the second floor of a random building in K-town lies Sake Bar Kirakuya, which I’m told means “the place where people come and have a good time.” This is not your average East Village sake dive that stinks of fish. Upscale, sophisticated and intimate, Kirakuya offers a special collection of sake—jizake, actually—mostly limited editions from small companies that are not mass produced. Think beyond sushi and sashimi for food pairings (although both are available); the Japanese small plates here are light and affordable. But did I mention the sake? Each bottle has its own flavor and history that the sommelier can explain; he trained in Japan for five years before coming here. I also love that the owner is a solo businesswoman who can usually be found working the room. Definitely a place to bring out-of-towners to show them what makes this city so freakin’ awesome.

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Cheap, yummy steak in Williamsburg—really!

13 Dec

Maybe I should change the name of this blog to iknowcheapthings. Or ilikecheapthings. Because here’s another reasonably priced restaurant, this time in Brooklyn: St. Anselm (Metropolitan near Havemeyer).

As a recovering vegetarian I am weird about meat, especially the inexpensive stuff. But the $15 “Butcher Steak” at the reinvented St. Anselm was great—just locally sourced meat drizzled in garlic butter. Nothing wrong with that, or the $5 sides/veggies like pan-fried mashed potatoes, spinach gratin and long beans. I also appreciated the wine list—pours that will not make you poor (like LI’s Channing Daughters on draft).

The pseudo unfinished farmhouse interior contributes to a low-key feel. Still, it’s usually packed because so small. No reservations = yes wait. At least you can wait while sipping beer or wine next door at Spuyten Duyvil (also owned by Joe Carroll). It’s also across from The Commodore.

If you’re in Williamsburg, St. Anselm is one of the best new-ish deals in town.

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Craft beer bar in Union Square

9 Dec

Union Square always seems like a convenient spot to meet up because it’s so central. But when you actually try to think of a place, nothing spectacular comes to mind. Problem solved with Little Town NYC (15th and Irving). This is a small craft beer bar with NY-inspired food—Long Island clams, Coach Farm goat cheese, Buffalo wings, even a version of Rochester’s famous Garbage Plate. I dare you to look at this menu and not salivate. And the beer! Nearly 100 choices from NY’s “little towns” (get it?), as close as Harlem and far as Utica. Can’t decide? Draft tastes are $2 from 4-10p.m. Still overwhelmed? Pick a themed bucket and call it a day. Little Town is for sophisticated, serious beer drinkers—or people who love Hudson Valley grilled cheese.

Photos: Shaun Vakil

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Mmmm…wine and brussels sprouts pizza

7 Dec

Poor Upper West Side: Your prices are high and your food is mostly bad. Your wine bars tend to be predictable and underwhelming. Until the new Cotta aka Osteria Cotta arrived in your neighborhood.

It’s one of the best values I’ve experienced. Pick from a simple and satisfying menu of Italian apps, pizzas, pastas and dessert served in a warm, rustic interior: wooden tables, wine bottles lining the walls, an open upstairs that makes the place feel cozy and spacious at the same time. The low-lit atmosphere is good for a casual date but that’s certainly no requirement; I went with a girlfriend and had fun chatting up local patrons who knew each other—and the bartender. There were even a few children (not a plus for everyone, but at least the place is welcoming). Great prices for the area, including 50 wines under $50, as well as $12 pizza/pastas, $5 salads, $3-4 small plates, etc. Cotta is so new that its website is not even up, but the time to go is now … before what stands between you and your Baked Ricotta is an hour-long wait.

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Nerd alert! The NYPL rocks my world.

18 Nov

This may seem basic, but the New York Public Library is one of the city’s most efficient, yet underutilized services. And it is totally free (and free of hassles). So if you’re not doing it, you either don’t like learning (dummy) or are rich enough to continuously buy new books (lucky)!

  1.  Sign up for a free library card. (Get it delivered by mail, or pick up in person if you need to get your borrow on ASAP).
  2.  Login and search for a book.
  3. Request it be delivered to any library branch in the city. With more than 80, there’s definitely one near your home/office/gym/therapist.
  4. Get email saying it’s ready for pickup. (You don’t have to go right away—it’s held for a few days.)
  5. READ!!!! (You usually have three weeks, one week for Express books.)
  6. Slowpokes can renew online (with some stipulations).
  7. Return to any branch.
  8. Repeat.
  9. Become a total smarty! (Or at least be well read.)

Yes, I have heard of e-books. But not all titles available yet at NYPL. Visit its growing e-book collection.

Photo: Flick r/henry…

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Strip poker art exhibit opens tomorrow

11 Nov

Artist Zefrey Throwell‘s I’ll Raise You One is a seven-day public strip poker game—in a SoHo storefront window. Seven players will gamble away their clothes as a commentary on small stakes capitalism and winning/losing. “Guilt-free voyeurism,” promises the exhibit’s website. See for yourself. November 12-19 from 10:30 am-6:00 pm at Art in General (709 Walker, near Broadway).

Photo: © Zefrey Throwell

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Ridiculously cheap theater, no catch

4 Nov

If you’re under 35, there are two programs that offer cheap theater tickets to great shows, even on Broadway. FREE to sign up. No rush, no lottery, no camping out overnight—reserve your seats in advance like a real person.

  1. Hiptix: $20 for any show by the Roundabout Theatre Company—even Anything Goes. Bonus: Occasional post-show parties with snacks/drinks.
  2. LincTix: $30 for Lincoln Center Theater shows, including War Horse.
    Plus: An offshoot of LCT, shows at LCT3 feature the work of new playwrights, directors and designers. Tickets are always $20—for all ages.

Photo courtesy of flickr/MARCZERO1980.

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(The) Harrison is a town but it is also a restaurant

2 Nov

I used to think of Tribeca as “cold”—is that weird? Not sure if it was the staid architecture (brand-new apartment buildings) or lack of personality (meh bars and restaurants), but it always seemed a little off-putting. Well, I might be finally changing my mind. Last week I visited another great Tribeca spot—not new—that managed to make me feel warm and fuzzy.

The Harrison may be where locals eat, but the rest of us won’t be spit on for living above Canal. The yellow lighting practically beckons you from the street—I wanted to be inside! This place somehow manages to be comfy and lively at the same time, where solidly creative food and really great service round out the experience. (Owner Jimmy Bradley has been perfecting this mix for years at The Red Cat in Chelsea.)

So as you head into the holidays when friends and family just looove to visit, consider catching up in a classy, non-pretentious environment that is totally NYC (and anything but chilly).

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Thai Me Up, Thai Me Down

24 Oct

Maybe it’s the proximity to the Theater District and Lincoln Center but friends are always asking me for quick, cheap-eat suggestions near Ninth Ave in the low-50s. After all, a person can only eat at Empanada Mama so many times. The other night I found a new fave in the area: Pure Thai Shophouse. It basically blew every other mediocre, forgettable Thai place in the city out of the water. And while it is a bit cramped (not great for dates), the food was served quickly and was soooo good. How good? I almost rubbed my face in the peanut sauce accompanying the chicken skewers. My friend also raved about his Ratchaburi crab & pork dry noodle dish. I stuck with tofu and vegetables but asked for it extra spicy, then spent much of my meal crying into my Chang beer. Just kidding—it was awesome. (But this place is serious about heat, so don’t fool around if you’re not a pro.) Along with authentic flavors and decor, the funky soundtrack added a nice touch. That, and the fact that I spent about $23.

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