Feasting at Feast

An Accurately Named Restaurant

Aish and I wanted to catch up over brunch. I love trying new restaurants and I put a lot of thought into selecting this location because Aish is a vegetarian. I bring this up because many restaurants do not offer good options for vegetarians for brunch that are exciting. When I looked at the reviews and saw the menu, I knew Feast (http://eatfeastnyc.com/) would have more than enough choices for her (and me!).

As an interesting side note, Google Glass users allegedly panned the restaurant after one user was asked to remove her glasses. Heaven forbid! The story is a bit egregious (Glass wearers referred to the restaurant as "bigoted"), so check it out: http://ny.eater.com/archives/2014/05/feast_viciously_panned_by_enraged_google_glass_users.php

Feast offers an awesome brunch special: $26 includes one cocktail (mimosa, bellini, or "beery mary") or non-alcoholic beverage (fresh squeezed OJ or bottomless coffee), a bakery basket & yogurt parfait & daily juice shot & other item (was a deviled egg) for the table and one entrée per person! WHAT A DEAL!

Entrance

Don't you love the rustic look of the menu? Fresh flowers are also on each table

I am so glad I chose the Beery Mary. I would describe it as Bloody Mary mix with beer poured on top of it. It was absolutely refreshing and tasty! I've had Micheladas before and this was much better.

Beery Mary

I didn't bring the right lens for my camera (still learning!) so I had to take several shots of the shared plates to capture everything we got! My preference was the baked goods, deviled eggs, juice (carrot and orange) and yogurt parfait.

Deviled Eggs - really tasty and well seasoned

Yogurt Parfait

Cinnamon rolls, scone and bread (maybe carrot?)

Aish ordered the croque-madame. Since she is a vegetarian, she didn't get the prosciutto on it, which I would argue is the best party.

Croque-Madame

I ordered the Baby Back Benedict - served with grits, greens and BBQ hollandaise. It sounds like an odd combination, but it was one of the BEST benedicts I've ever had! The ribs were succulent, flavorful and uber tender. DELICIOUS!

Baby Back Benedict

This is a lovely restaurant with tasty good, great ambiance and very affordable pricing. You simply must check it out!

Cheers,

Liz

 

Brazen like a Fox

Unlimited Bloody Marys = Great Idea

Michelle is a great friend, and in many ways, an unofficial leader of Block 3. During my time at Stern, she has made efforts to organize many large events. I realize that organizing the conflicting schedules of students, working professionals and new-parents is no easy task! When she organized brunch last week, I was delighted to attend!

The Brazen Fox (http://brazenfoxnyc.com/) offers a complimentary Mimosa or Bloody Mary with each brunch entrée. Instead of just one, we went with the Unlimited Bloody Mary (and could switch to Mimosas) option. The restaurant needs to work on its site advertising, because I couldn't find details on this to report back on the pricing (we split a large check up). Anyway, it was like $15-$20. Given the amount of time we were there, I felt we all got our money's worth.

Blood Mary 1 of ....?

I thought the Bloody Mary had a good flavor to it - a bit spicy and bold without being overwhelming. Since the drink is fairly salty, I switched out with a Mimosa. This was the right move.

For my entrée, I wanted to get something savory. This is something I struggle with (sweet or savory?) but after the Bloody Marys, my destination was set. The Brazen Burger was calling my name. It has cheddar cheese, house-made aioli, tomato and lettuce. I ordered it medium and it came out at that temp.

The Brazen Burger

While I enjoyed the burger, I found it very greasy. I don't think it was from the cheese and aioli, but rather from the meat used itself. A delicious burger tends to be a higher % fat (maybe 20 % fat vs. 10% you may purchase) - this is what makes it taste so good! I found it a bit excessive though.

Matt ordered Bacon Bowl (yes this is a food item). You get home fries, eggs any style topped with melted Cheddar Cheese in a crispy bacon bowl.

Just when you thought you've seen everything - the Bacon Bowl arrives!

Matt had positive things to say about the order. What is not to like about a bowl of bacon?

Overall, this is a great spot for the unlimited deal. I would probably order something different next time, maybe the Pork Belly Grits or Smoked Duck Hash.

If you watch Million Dollar Listing New York, you will share my excitement for seeing a Ryan Serhant listing! I was walking to my brother's apartment and saw his name. He is such a stud and also has a memorable personality: http://www.bravotv.com/people/ryan-serhant/bio

Only in NYC do you get crushes on Real Estate Agents

Cheers,

Liz

 

Where Did I Ever Eat B4?

Fresh Vegetables Served Up in the East Village

I caught up with my best friend's (WARREN!!) sister-in-law Tammi last night for dinner! She was visiting the city from Philadelphia with some of her girlfriends. As the resident local, I knew I needed to recommend an awesome spot for dinner that was very New York! Two friends, Lauren and Elizabeth, recently raved about B4 (http://www.b4nyc.com/), a New American restaurant that serves up reinvented comfort food in the East Village.

While we were looking over the menu, we were enjoying the delicious bread. There is a toasted garlic-bread and a fluffier focaccia style bread. I was glad they were generous with the refills! I ordered a glass of the Cabernet Sauvignon. Serving it in a mason jar was on theme for the restaurant but I prefer a wine glass. My grandma heavily influenced me into believing that the glassware changes the taste of the wine. I'm sure it's in my head, but it does change my perception.

Bottoms up!

We ate our meal family style and shared all of the courses. The first course was a bit tricky - Butternut Squash SOUP! The dish was fantastic so we got over sharing from the same bowl.

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

The flavor of the soup tasted like the butternut squash had been prepared with apple juice, onions and a hearty broth. Like a traditional casserole, it was dotted with marshmallows. This sweetness brought out the flavor. It also had a sherry-infused cream drizzle.

Roasted Pear & Arugula Salad

The sweetness of the pears and the sharpness of the Gorgonzola balanced the peppery bite of the arugula. It was topped with a honey chili vinaigrette and spiked pumpkin seeds. Loved it! 

Winter Kale Salad

Kale is still super popular, which is great for me because it is yummy! This salad was served with an herb buttermilk dressing, cucumbers (HUGE slices), pickled red onions (gave great flavor and color) and cornbread croutons.

Pork Chop

This meat was delicious and moist!!! The pan seared heritage pork chop was served with an apple bourbon reduction and a warm fennel-cabbage-red onion slaw. The combo of the slaw and the sauce were scrumptious!

Pumpkin Ravioli with Duck Confit

This dish was my least favorite. The raviolis were served in a sage brown butter sauce. The filling wasn't that flavorful or that plentiful - they could have been a bit more stuffed. Also, the duck confit seemed a bit overdone - I think it was potentially over fried. It was still good, but compared to all the other knock-out dishes, it didn't stand a chance.

Salmon

I loved this dish! The butter poached salmon had a mustard glaze, shitakes, red peppers and an INSANELY awesome butternut squash wild rice salad. I could eat that salad by the bucket! The salmon was also the perfect temperature - medium/medium rare and so tender.

General Tso's Duck

If you come here, YOU MUST GET THIS DISH! By far the star of the night. A pan-seared Moulard Duck Breast is prepared in a General Tso's style. It is served on top of a ginger carrot puree with haricots verts (fancy Fresh green beans). I wish I just ordered this for myself so I wouldn't have to share it, it was THAT good!

Check out the awesome vibe of the spot - so relaxed and welcoming.

Don't you just want to come on in?

A unique way to chill beverages

This is a wonderful restaurant. It has outstanding food and an inviting atmosphere. I look forward to coming here again and trying more dishes.

Cheers,

Liz

 

Heading Out West(ville)

Veggies for DAYS

Friday was a fun day! I had two girl catch-up dates on the calendar! Lunch and manicures with Kate to kick-off the day and THEN dinner and a cocktail crawl with Aish to round it out.

Kate suggested we meet up at Westville East (http://www.westvillenyc.com/) for lunch. I've heard GREAT things about this place from multiple people. I was glad she picked this spot. We both ordered a coffee to get the day going. Our server was very attentive and kept our cups full - this matters when you're thirsty AND tired!

We ordered a plate of three veggies to split. Each day, there is board outside and inside listing all of the vegetables and there preparation. We picked the Brussels sprouts, mushrooms and kale. They were delicious, fresh and tasty!

Veggies NEVER looked so good!

Our entrees came right when we finished up the veggie plate - perfect timing! Kate ordered the Grilled Salmon Salad with mixed greens, fresh mint, baby spinach and cherry tomatoes. She seemed to love it! I didn't snap a pic but trust that it was beautiful.

I ordered one of the daily specials: a frittata! It was an Italian-style one, with mozzarella, red pepper, spinach and prosciutto. It was served with the choice of a side salad or fries - I went with the side salad. It was dressed lightly and delicious!

NOM!

I look forward to coming back to Westville for dinner and trying some different veggies! For vegetarians and all good food lovers out there, check out this spot. There is also a West, Chelsea and Hudson location.

Cheers,

Liz

 

Back to Back Forty!

A Dinner Out with a New Friend!

Last week, I planned a fun evening out with Aish, a lovely lady I met in one of my classes at Stern. She is HILARIOUS and I knew I had to impressive her with my knowledge of restaurants and cocktails. I knew Back Forty (http://backfortynyc.com/) would be a solid option for dinner. Although Aish is a gluten-free vegetarian she does not suck as a person. She was flexible in my restaurant choices and knew that I could find something suitable for her particular dietary needs. I instantly knew we would be best friends.

During my internship, we had a dinner at Back Forty and it was yummy! Fantastic cocktails and entrees. I really wanted to order the corn bread so naturally it was no longer on the menu - a "seasonal" issue. I was "upset" but managed to find something else on the menu. We each started with their signature cocktail, The Back Forty. It is made with George Dickel #12, Maple and Lemon. Each cocktail is $11; there is also an option for a large format carafe for $55.

The Back Forty

While I was sipping on this delicious cocktail, I selected the Crispy Duck Confit, served with Fregola Sarda (a style of semolina pasta from Sardinia, Italy), Turnips, and a Citrus Marmalade. It was absolutely delicious. I love duck and this one was prepared perfectly. I highly recommend it.

Crispy Duck Confit

Aish ordered the Housemade Pappardelle, served with a broccoli pistou, winter vegetables and Toussaint Cow's Cheese. It didn't look that pretty so I forgot to take a photo. What it lacked in looks, it made up for in taste, at least according to Aish and her gluten-free vegetarian palate.

Back Forty has great desserts but it was the first stop of our evening, so we wanted to have room. The donuts are yummy!

Cheers,

Liz

 

Cocktails by Color at Peels

Feeling Orange!

Peels (http://peelsnyc.com/) is a lovely New American restaurant near Stern. Based on Instagram pics and FourSquare check-ins, it is popular with a lot of my friends. I was excited to check it out with my good friend Liv. 

The cocktail menu is really unique. I love how the cocktails are organized by color. I am a huge fan of cachaca, passionfruit and grapefruit, so I went with orange!

The ice cubes are awesome! Huge square blocks that have a slow melt so they don't dilute the cocktail.

I will have to go back during the school year!

Liz

 

Back (Forty) to Visit Alphabet City

Mid-Summer Intern Celebration!  

I have heard good things about Back Forty (http://backfortynyc.com/) and was pleased to see we were having our dinner there! I have been meaning to spend more time in Alphabet City, so this is great way to do that! In order to celebrate our brands, I ordered the Back Forty. It is made with George Dickel #12, maple and lemon. I absolutely loved it! I'm trying to get more into whisky and this was a non-intimidating introduction.

After I enjoyed my cocktail for a bit, the food (and there was plenty!) started to come out. I didn't snap pictures, but the cornbread and fried chicken were delicious!! Really brought me back to Charlotte and Price's Chicken Coop. Below is a shot of the pork shoulder, slaw and bread (some sort of pita). Really good. We just ate obscene amounts of food, typical.

Also, there were DOUGHNUTS! So good! Check out this spot!

After, we went to Pouring Ribbons which is right down the street. A super exclusive, swanky cocktail spot. I wouldn't rank it as high as some of the other "list-only" places I've gone (Raines Law Room is much better), but I do like the atmosphere. If you're going to pay $15+ for a cocktail, I like to have service and a seat! It is worth a visit.

Cheers,

Liz