I've Got a New Friend: Elberta

Brunch in Prospect Heights

After our visit to the Brooklyn Museum, we (Miranda, Miranda's two friends and Jenn) were hungry for brunch! The researcher that I am, I had already chosen a place to go within walking distance (10-15 minutes) of the museum. I read positive review after positive review of Elberta Restaurant & Bar (http://www.elbertarestaurant.com/). I know I've found a great spot when there are multiple things I would be happy to order!

When we got seated at our table, our server shared with us many of the drink specials. We all started with the Bloody Mary ($6!). The drink was fantastic and such a great value. It had a kick to it and the veggies were yummy - olives and cornichon pickles. There were also other options such as a 1-hour unlimited mimosa ($10 or $12) and several other options at great price points.

Bloody Mary

While we waited for our food, we ordered biscuits for the table. Each order has two biscuits and is only $2, again great value. We had 5 in our group so we placed 3 orders. The biscuits were served hot and with butter, fresh fruit jam and honey. DELICIOUS!

Biscuits! NOM

For my entrée, I ordered the Shrimp & Grits, served with bacon, onion and cheesy grits. It was exactly what I felt like! Given I already had a Bloody Mary and Biscuits, I stuck with the savory breakfast theme. The dish had four large shrimp and huge slices of thick bacon. I devoured it!

Shrimp & Grits

My friends ordered the Southern Fried Chicken & Waffles with bourbon maple syrup and the Three Ranchers Eggs with cheddar cheese, capers, Andouille sausage and country toast. They all loved what they got!

I look forward to going back, if I'm ever in Prospect Heights!

Cheers,

Liz

 

You Make Me Crazy St. Mazie

An Attempt at Dinner Becomes Just a Drink

Since we couldn't eat dinner at M. Shanghai, Christine suggested that we try an alternative place: St. Charles Cellar (http://stcharlescellar.com/). We put our names down (there was a wait...in BROOKLYN, I know!). I guess everyone that wanted to go to M. Shanghai had the same idea as us. We were told we would have to wait about 30-45 minutes for our table located downstairs (hence the restaurant name). Naturally, we went to the bar upstairs, St. Maize (http://www.stmazie.com/), for a cocktail while we waited.

The majority of us went with the Brown Derby, made with Bourbon, Fresh Squeezed Grapefruit Juice and Honey.

Brown Derby

The drink was super refreshing and went down easy. We waited until we finished our cocktail and then we PEACED OUT. We were starving at this point and we still wanted Chinese food! Michelle was smart enough to start ordering delivery while we were en-route to her apartment. We proceeded to have a delicious meal at her place. Yay for back-up plans!

I'd definitely come back to St. Maize and St. Charles Cellar. Ideally when I'm not starving. The venue has live music daily - nice touch!

Cheers,

Liz

 

Rye One, Get One Free!

Awesome Happy Hour in Williamsburg!

To celebrate the end of a long week, some of my close friends at Stern (Michelle and Christine and their significant others) wanted to go out to dinner to celebrate Chinese New Year. Last year, I went to a great spot in Williamsburg (M. Shanghai) and we wanted to go back for a meal to celebrate this holiday.

Before our dinner, we joined Michelle's husband Ilya at the Bar Below Rye (http://www.barbelowrye.com/).

We found it!

There is an awesome happy hour Monday to Saturday from 7pm to 8pm; the deal is Two for One for Beer, Well & Wine. I ordered a Manhattan - even though I am in Brooklyn, it is always in my heart!

Hey there Manhattan! How are you?!?

While we were sipping on our cocktails, we asked the bartenders about the many different bitters on the bar. He entertained our questions and let us give them a little sniff. I really loved the Grapefruit Bitters.

It isn't always bad to be bitter!

After we closed the tab out, we headed over to M. Shanghai. We were shocked when we saw the sign below:

Looks like we need to whip out Plan B

While at first we were sad, we quickly realized that the owners of a Chinese restaurant may want this important holiday off to celebrate! I hope the owners and employees had a wonderful night!

I'd recommend checking out Rye if you're in the neighborhood - especially during Happy Hour! We didn't get any food though I did smell the Mac & Cheese someone got - YUM!

Cheers,

Liz

 

Yerba Buena Perry

A Yummy West Village Brunch Spot

Last week I went to Yerba Buena with Aish, a new friend of mine from school that went with me on an East Village Bar Crawl. This weekend, I returned for a first date! He chose this spot without knowing it is one of my favorites for brunch. I knew this was a good sign! Yerba Buena Perry (http://www.ybnyc.com/media/yerbabuena.html) has a sister location in the East Village. You should know that the East Village location has a very limited cocktail menu for the unlimited hour (4 choices) whereas the Perry location has 7 CHOICES! Is there even a question? Also, I've tried most of the cocktails (they are all delicious and not diluted garbage) and for $15 for an hour it is a great value!

I got the same things each time I went to Yerba Buena. I LOVE what I got last time and was craving it! I started with the Anti-Hangover Mary, made with Svedka Vodka, Tomato Juice, Tapatio Sauce and Lemon Juice.

Anti-Hangover Mary

The Bloody Mary was great. If I have too many of them though, I get so dehydrated. So I started to think about what I wanted to get next! Our Trio of Fries came. It is fried slices of avocado, watermelon and hearts of palm. It is an incredibly unique appetizer. I got it the first time I came here and have ordered it every time since!

Trio of Fries

The sauce of the left is a Spicy Mayo with Latin American influence. It complemented each of the fries. The ketchup-like sauce was not my favorite.

Next, I ordered the Pisco Guajava, made with Pisco Porton, Guava and Lemon Juice. SO refreshing!

Pisco Guajava

For my entrée, I ordered the Cachapa Benedict, made with sweet corn cakes, asadero cheese, poached eggs, Serrano ham and Yerba Buena-aji Amarillo hollandaise. DELICIOUS.

Cachapa Benedict

I ordered the benedict both times and it was excellent twice! The second time I ordered it was served on a bed of crispy shoestring potatoes. Otherwise, exactly the same. Consistency can be good!

As my final cocktail choice, I got the Brazilian Bellini, made with Leblon Cachaca, Passion Fruit and Sparkling Wine. The passion fruit is bright and fresh - great!

Brazilian Bellini

On my visit today, I tried the Cava Sangria, made with Grand Marnier, Lepanto Brandy, Blackberry Brandy, Peach Liqueur and Fresh Fruit. I didn't snap a picture - sorry! It was refreshing and (way too) easy to drink. I highly recommend it!

Unlike many unlimited brunch spots, the food is as good as the cocktails here. Check it out!

Liz

 

Hudson Malone

A New Cocktail Spot in Midtown East

Last week, I checked out a newly opened bar (within the last three months) and was pleasantly surprised by the overall awesome-ness of the location: Hudson Malone (http://www.hudsonmalone.com/). Previously, it was a different bar and changed ownership. The entire décor of the spot was redone. I especially loved the detail on the ceiling. I forgot to snap a photo but it is tin pressed - beautiful, ornate detail. The overall feel is intimate - you can enjoy a cozy conversation with your friend or date while perched on dark wood furniture, seated at the polished bar.

The owner, Doug Quinn, built his reputation at PJ Clarke's, a New York institution. The bar is named after his two sons - ADORABLE. He also has his "Quinn's Laws" posted. My favorite is: Mediocrity Sucks! I don't recall the name of our bartender but I do remember he introduced himself and shook my hand! When does that even happen anymore? This simple gesture demonstrated to me the commitment to customer service and creating an enjoyable atmosphere.

From the cocktail menu, I ordered the Manhattan No. 2, made with Bulleit Rye, Sweet Vermouth and Bitters. It was DELICIOUS!

Manhattan No. 2

My date ordered the New York Old Fashioned, made with rye, sugar and bitters.

New York Old Fashioned

As my next cocktail, I ordered the Sinatra Smash, made with Whiskey, Lemon, Mint and Sugar. Really tasty!

Sinatra Smash

He ordered a pint of Guinness, so I didn't take a photo. I'd love to come back here for a bite to eat. The beef in the burger is ground daily from a top NYC butcher, Pat LaFrieda.

I look forward to my return!

Liz

 

Analogue, Comparable to Other Awesome Cocktail Places

I Made A Grammar Joke!

Prior to our late night (12:15am) show at The Comedy Cellar, we headed to Analogue (http://analoguenyc.com/) for a pre-show cocktail. I heard great things about this spot but couldn't go previously because it opens at 5pm and I was always in the neighborhood around 4pm. Oh well, solved that problem!

The setting is an ultra-relaxed lounge with jazz music. It certainly ups the posh factor for cocktail spots on 8th Street (near NYU). Since we didn't have much time before our show, I looked over the menu and asked our server for recommendations. She recommended the Peche Bourbon (I already had my eye on it!). I couldn't find the list of ingredients on the website (still under construction), but the base of the drink is house-made Peach Bourbon. YUM!

Peche Bourbon

The drink was really lovely! I loved the shape of the glass. The peach enhanced the existing profile of the bourbon. I also snapped a photo of the back bar. Last year, I worked on a consulting project for Brenne (http://drinkbrenne.com/) and I was proud to see it on the back bar!

Swanky Back Bar!

If you find yourself in the neighborhood, give this spot a whirl. Great vibe, attentive servers and skilled bartenders!

Cheers,

Liz

 

Tao Downtown

An Awesome Setting for an Incredible Feast

After our fun day, Courtney and I met up with my brother for dinner at Tao Downtown (http://taorestaurant.com/downtown/). As I guessed, even though we had 8:15pm reservations, we were given a buzzer and told we would be notified when our table was ready. We walked through the main dining hall to the bar.

Incredible Ambiance - do you see that awesome statue in the background?

After looking at the cocktail menu, we all ordered a drink. I chose the Ruby Red Dragon, made with Finlandia Grapefruit Vodka, Yuzu Citrus and a Hint of Pomegranate.

Ruby Red Dragon

The backdrop of the bar is beautiful. I think I will come back here just for drinks sometime - a new date location!

The Back Bar - The Geishas are Ready for You!

We ordered a bunch of plates to share among us. My favorite was one of the small plates, Satay of Chilean Sea Bass with a Miso Glaze. I loved it SO MUCH that I found a recipe online and recreated it (http://allrecipes.com/recipe/miso-and-soy-chilean-sea-bass/) - it is spot on! Anyway, back to Tao!

Satay of Chilean Sea Bass

Our next course that came out was another small plate, Rock Shrimp Lettuce Cups with spicy mayo and jalapeno lime. I was SO DISAPPOINTED with this choice! Normally I love dishes like this but it really lacked flavor - which is shocking given the spicy mayo! Thumbs down. Boo.

Rock Shrimp Lettuce Cups

Courtney ordered the small plate, Crispy Rice Tuna served with spicy mayo and kabayaki sauce (whatever that is) - SHE LOVED IT! I didn't try it since I was too busy with my Sea Bass.

Crispy Rice Tuna

She also got the Pork Potstickers served with gochujang and sesame. She enjoyed it and I tried one. They were good. It is sort of hard to mess up potstickers!

Pork Potstickers

Since I figured many of the small plates would be SMALL, I ordered a Chicken Pad Thai for the table. It was really yummy and a big serving, even for a fancy spot like this! It was served with a pair of wooden tongs - cute touch!

Chicken Pad Thai

My brother decided to order several pieces of sashimi. It is served in a beautiful bowl on a bed of ice. Great Presentation!

Sashimi

After I finished my first cocktail, I ordered the drink Courtney first ordered: The Thai Basil Smash, made with Stoli Citrus, Thai Basil and (fresh!) Mandarin Orange. It was fantastic! The fruit was fresh (not canned) and the cocktail was very refreshing.

Thai Basil Smash

This is definitely a happening spot. I would recommend visiting for the cocktails and the ambiance. The food is fairly expensive for what it is, you're paying to eat at a trendy spot not necessarily to have a food-gasm.

Cheers,

Liz

 

I Love Your (Rum) House!

A Pre-Theater Cocktail!

Before our 3pm Broadway Show , Courtney and I ordered a cocktail at The Rum House (http://www.edisonrumhouse.com/) located at The Hotel Edison. I've gone to this place before with another close friend (Olivia) so I knew it would be a great place for a pre-show drink. Also, this spot has awesome hours (Mon-Sun 12pm - 4am). Many bars don't open until after 4pm or later, so keep this bar in your back pocket if in the area early in the day!

Don't You Love This Menu?

I checked Yelp! reviews to get some inspiration for my order. Based on some RAVES, I got the Tortuga, made with Brugal Anejo (a golden rum), Muddled Citrus, Fresh Ginger and Cinnamon.

The Tortuga!

If you examine the cocktail closely, you will see a large piece of candied ginger NOT an ice cube. I took a too large bite out of it - WOW! Packs a punch. The atmosphere of this place is very inviting and old-fashioned. Check it out!

Cheers!

Liz

 

Let Me See Your Peacock!

Oh My, Is That a Spotted Dick?

After our drinks at Hill and Bay, we headed over to The Peacock (http://www.thepeacocknyc.com/), a new British restaurant and cocktail parlor that recently opened in The William Hotel. It opened earlier in January 2014 and has a sister pub downstairs, The Shakespeare. How British! I just cannot help myself.

The Commitment to Branding is Noticeable! 

We arrived a little bit before our reservations, so we enjoyed a cocktail in The Library Bar. The setting is very much like a library with alcohol, so whoever named it should be promoted. I was automatically a fan. After reviewing the cocktail menu, I decided on the Bramble, made with Tanqueray, Lemon and Blackberries. It is served in a Julep Cup - love the detail!

Bramble

Courtney ordered the Arbor Blush, made with Rose, Kapp a Pisco, Green Grapes and Chandon Rose.

Arbor Blush

When Courtney tried my cocktail, she did have buyer's remorse. This is why you order more than one! We brought our cocktails into the main dining room for dinner. It is set at the back of the hotel lobby and separated by French Doors; it is a nice touch. It makes you feel like you're at a super secret location, especially since the dining room is fairly small. Nice touch! Additionally, the tableware was personalized.

It would be hard to pass this plate off as your own...

Even the BREAD PLATES had a Peacock - I was so impressed!

Hopefully that adorable peacock won't melt the butter!

While we reviewed the menu, we both ordered a Bulleit Rye Manhattan. It was delicious and STRONG. I sipped that puppy.

Bulleit Rye Manhattan

After I reviewed the menu, I decided on the Lancashire Hot Pot. It included Braised lamb shoulder, roasted vegetables, rosemary and Yukon potatoes. It was PHENOMENAL! I loved it! Since this is British food, it was a bit hearty/heavy. The portion was the perfect size since it was so filling.

Lancashire Hot Pot

Courtney ordered the Braised Chicken and Red Wine Risotto - she loved it! I didn't snap a picture though - my b! I was too focused on my meal, so you know it was yummy!

We had to get dessert. A group next to us had ordered four desserts and we asked their favorites. They said the Sticky Toffee Date Pudding and they ranked the Spotted Dick last. I was going to make a comment, but I contained myself. Naturally, I would hope most would not prefer to order such a thing! I kid, I kid.

The Sticky Toffee Pudding was served with a toffee rum sauce and sticky toffee ice cream. It was yummy!!!!! LOVED IT.

Sticky Toffee Date Pudding

Overall, I look forward to returning. The service was VERY slow. I will give this spot the benefit of the doubt since it is a new operation and a new staff. Hopefully that will turn around quickly or people will not want to return. I'm sending good wishes to The Peacock! Go get um!

Cheers,

Liz

 

(Murray)Hill and (Kips)Bay

New Spot Makes Murray Hill Less Awful!

Before our dinner at another spot in Murray Hill (2x in one night, I should be ashamed!), my friend, Courtney, and I wanted to grab a drink. We had just finished a movie at the Kips Bay theater and I saw Hill and Bay (http://www.hillandbay.com/). I'm in this area frequently since my brother lives up the street and I never saw this spot. It looked cool and I knew I had to check it out. So check it out we did!

We each ordered a cocktail. I'm all about trying new drinks and the Hill and Bay Spicy Martini, made with chipotle vodka, pickle brine and blue cheese stuffed olives, caught my eye.

Hill and Bay Spicy Martini

I requested extra olives so I could drink it. The drink was a bit zesty with the spicy vodka, so I sort of chased it with the olives. I am a cocktail Macgyver. Courtney ordered the CB6, made with Gin, Amaro, Marmalade, Regan's Bitters, Lemon Juice and Zest.

CB6

Although she drank it, she commented that the drink was very lemony! Overall, I love the vibe of this place and feel that the cocktails will get better over time. It is a new restaurant, so I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt.

Check it out before/after the movies!

Liz

 

Crema de la Creme

A Mexican Brunch Immediately Following a Mexican Dinner

One of my closest friends, Courtney, came down from Boston to visit me for the holiday weekend. Since I have been on break from school for about 6 weeks, each day sort of blends into the next, so the holiday weekend didn't seem that different than any other day this break. It was a pleasure to catch up with my friend though!

I looked into some new spots for unlimited brunch. I heard about Crema (http://www.cremarestaurante.com/) and wanted to check it out. The deal is for a $21.95 Unlimited Mimosa Brunch. The price includes an entrée from a list with many good choices, coffee or tea and unlimited mimosas. The mimosas were constantly refreshed, which was nice! I hate when you go to an unlimited spot and you have to hunt down the server for refills. The quality was what you'd expect for the unlimited factor - likely made with a cheaper sparkling wine and some sort of OJ. It got the job done though! The coffee was also nice. While we waited for our entrees, of course we ordered the guacamole.

Guacamole!

Honestly, for $12 I thought it would be bigger. There is clearly a "That's What She Said" joke tucked in there. The chips weren't that great either. I love when they are hot and salted - these were cold and just seemed out of a bag. Not impressed.

For my entrée, I chose the Burrito de Mole Poblano, made with shredded chicken, Chihuahua cheese, beans, chipotle potatoes, corn and mole sauce. It was presented in an interesting way.

MEXICAN SUSHI!

I don't know about you, but I've NEVER seen a burrito presented this way. It still tasted delicious, I just thought due to the presentation it may have raw fish in it or be for a small child.

My friend ordered the Salad, it looked nice and HEALTHY.

If you go here, skip the guac!

Cheers,

Liz

 

Coming up Ros(a)y

Guacamole is Best Served in Massive Quantities

Last week, I went out to dinner on a date at Rosa Mexicano (http://www.rosamexicano.com/newyorkcity/unionsquare/index.php?action=page&id=1976&group_id=1955&location_id=9). There are multiple locations of this popular chain and we went to the one in Union Square. I haven't been to this location and it much larger than the one in Midtown East - the ceilings are higher and the vibe seems younger in general. There is also one on the Upper West Side. Naturally, we started with the Guacamole. It is delicious! It is made tableside. There are servers at the restaurant that push the Guac Cart around and are busy NON-STOP! People cannot get enough of that green goodness.

GUACAMOLE FOR DAYS!

After we were happily nibbling on yummy chips and guac, I ordered Frozen Pomegranate Margarita, made with silver tequila, pomegranate and lime juices. My date ordered a Michelada, specifically the Chelita. It is made with Tecate, fresh lime and Tabasco, served over ice with a salted rim. As soon as he tried it, he commented that he hated it. I tried it and agreed. Sometimes being adventurous doesn't pay off.

Frozen Pomegranate Margarita

For my entrée, I got the Chamorro (Crispy Pork Shank). It is a slow-braised "carnitas-style" with chipotle-creamed spinach and red bean-chorizo chili. SO TASTY! It is served with teeny-tiny tortillas to make baby tacos.

Chamorro / Crispy Pork Shank

The meal was delicious! My date ordered the Chicken Enchiladas - I tried a little and they were good, though a bit limey. I was glad with what I ordered.

There is a Happy Hour here Sat- Thurs from 4pm - 7pm in the Bar Area. Cocktails are $6-$7, Beers are $4 and a selection of appetizers and rotating tacos are $6. I will need to check that out!

Cheers,

Liz 

 

Strike When the (Flat)Iron is Hot!

Delicious Cocktails in Flatiron!

The Flatiron Lounge (http://www.flatironlounge.com/index_main.html) was on my list of cocktail spots to visit during my January break. Consider this mission accomplished. Before we headed to dinner, we grabbed a drink here and I liked the general vibe of the lounge. It was a Friday night, so naturally it was a bit crowded. We were unable to get a table or sit at the bar, so we enjoyed our cocktails on a countertop near the entrance. While this was more convenient that just holding our drinks, I kept getting bumped by people walking in and out. I ordered the Veruca Salt, made with Cachaca, Lemon, Blueberry Agave, Cocchi Rosa, Elderflower and Champagne. So tasty!

Veruca Salt

My date ordered the Maple Leaf, made with Rye Whiskey, Maple Syrup, Grapefruit and Lemon. It was served up in a coupe and well-balanced.

Maple Leaf

This is a great spot and I'd love to go back on a non-weekend evening.

Cheers,

Liz

 

Rocking Moroccan Martinis

Café Mogador For The Win!

After dinner at Baoburg, Christine and I wanted a liquid dessert. She recommended Café Mogador (http://www.cafemogador.com/williamsburg/). I had heard of the location in the East Village and did not know there was one in Williamsburg - a pleasant surprise! The first cocktail I ordered was an Espresso Martini, which just so happens to not be on the online cocktail menu.

Espresso Martini

This was a lovely drink. I had about one sip of it until I accidently knocked it over with my elbow. It was quite embarrassing because I was not inebriated, I was simply clumsy. The bartender cleaned up my mess and offered to make me a new one but I was a bit traumatized and needed a break.

The next cocktail I ordered was a Mango Martini, made with Vodka, Mango Puree and Fresh Lime Juice. SO TASTY!

Mango Martini

When we got the bill, I was pleasantly surprised that the bartender removed the charge for the first cocktail that I spilled and was completely my fault. I thought that was a classy move. I'd love to come back here for a meal.

Cheers,

Liz

 

Please Don't Tell the Sharks

PDT Cocktails Pack a Punch!

Stop 3 of the East Village Bar Crawl led us to Please Don't Tell (http://www.pdtnyc.com/). I tried to go here once before unsuccessfully, so I was very excited when my phone rang that our reservation was ready!

Please Don't Tell is one of the worst kept secrets in NYC speakeasies. I guess you should blame the internet for that. Clearly, this blog post is only perpetuating the non-exclusivity, but I believe in the democratization of fantastic cocktails. PDT is located within Crif Dogs, an unsuspecting hot dog shop. The food is great fast food - who doesn't enjoy processed, shaped meat wrapped in bacon?

Within a phone booth, there is a number to call to make a reservation. A hidden door opens and a very small lady opens to invite you to give your phone number. I imagine if it isn't busy you can sit down right away, but I've never had the pleasure.

After checking out the menu, we got the Shark, made with butter-infused Bacardi Silver Rum, overproof rum, Frangelico, Blue Curacao, Lemon and Pineapple Juice, Cream, and Bittermens Elemakule Tiki Bitters. It is a beautiful blue hue and accessorized with a teeny-tiny umbrella.

The Shark

The décor at PDT is interesting to say the least. Many taxidermed animals decorate the walls. It adds a certain "something" for sure.

This raccoon was out at night, so it didn't have rabies. Also, it was dead.

This is worth a visit for any serious cocktail fan. Just be prepared to wait - there are plenty of bars nearby to stick around for a drink or two while you wait for a ring!

Cheers,

Liz

 

Filipino Egg Nog...

...What is Not To Love?

Stop 2 of our East Village Bar Crawl was at Maharlika (http://maharlikanyc.com/), a Filipino spot in the East Village. I mapped out several spots that were near each other, as one does for a bar crawl. I read rave reviews of this spot and wanted to visited for a bit. While some of the menu items seemed a bit aggressive for my taste preferences, I avoided having to order food by eating dinner at another place. I do want to go sometime for a meal, but I was focused on a VERY specific cocktail for tonight: the Sharon Cuneta, made with Black Seal rum, hand pressed coconut milk, nutmeg and cinnamon. It is topped with a generous portion of toasted coconut as well. It tasted DELICIOUS after soaking in the cocktail.

Sharon Cuneta

The cocktail was SO DELICIOUS! It is right at the top of my favorite dessert cocktails. It was $11 so not ridiculously priced either. I should have mentioned earlier that we put our name down at PDT (Please Don't Tell) prior to coming to Maharlika. We were told we would need to wait an hour (at least), so we were surprised when we were called after 30 minutes. We just ordered a second Sharon Cuneta and were kindly told me had 10 minutes or we would lose the reservation. The bars were separated by about 5 minutes on foot (in heels, it could be 8 minutes), so we had about 2 minutes to drink an entire drink. I'll let you imagine how we accomplished that task.

I highly recommend this cocktail. It is FANTASTIC and the vibe of the spot is cozy and welcoming. Check it out!

Cheers,

Liz

 

Evelyn, The Pleasure is all Mine

Finally Made it Here!

I put together a list of cocktail places I wanted to visit during my time off (http://www.personalitini.com/cocktailandculinary/2013/12/22/cocktail-places-to-explore-in-january) and Evelyn (http://evelynnyc.com/) was in the East Village section. After our dinner at Back Forty, it was only a couple of blocks away to get to Evelyn. We ran since it was cold and we were THIRSTY!

The cocktail list is very interesting. There is a section called "Spirited Phosphates" which are carbonated beverages spiked with booze and charged with CO2! The drinks are "poured" from an old-fashioned seltzer container, super cool. The smaller size is $7 and the bigger size is $11. OF course we got the bigger size. I chose the Bramble Cup, made with Four Roses Bourbon, Pimms, Blackberry Syrup, Mint, Lemon, Angostura Bitters and Phosphate (the Bubbly stuff!). The quality of this photo sucks. I tend to use my iPhone but hate using the flash when I'm out. I don't want to be annoying when others are enjoying their cocktail or meal with a BRIGHT FLASH. So, sometimes we get ehhh photos.

The Bramble Cup

Since Aish and I were having a cocktail crawl, we only got one drink here. The back bar was interesting. It looked like someone was trying to be romantic with the candles and then things got out of hand. It adds a certain mood for sure.

Bath and Body Works EXPLODED on the Back Bar

I'd recommend exploring this spot and sticking around for a couple cocktails. I wanted to be able to walk to our next location, so we kept it tame with one.

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

 

Reliable Cocktails Down the Block

Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar

For my third date with a certain someone, I wanted to pick somewhere romantic-ish while avoiding trying too hard. Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar (http://www.ayzanyc.com/midtown/index.html) is just the place for this type of mood.

During the colder months, Ayza has its outside seating tented with many heat lamps. While this seems like a good concept, it can get very hot outside. Even if it is the polar vortex and freezing, somehow it is Miami within the tents.

There is a FourSquare check-in for a free glass of white wine, red wine or sangria. Naturally, I took advantage of that. I'm all about a deal. After I had a glass of white wine and my date has the sangria, I ordered my favorite cocktail. The Raspberry Chocolate Martini is made with Chambord and Kahlua, served with an 80% dark chocolate truffle.

Raspberry Chocolate Martini

After I finished this cocktail, which honestly could take one sip, I ordered another one. The Espresso Martini made with Stoli Vanil, Kahlua, Chilled Espresso and White Cream de Cacao. It is served with coffee beans in it which is weird. It would be better if they were chocolate covered, as I thought it was and ate one. It was unfortunate.

Espresso Martini

This is a great date spot. Check it out and Check IN on FourSquare for your free drink!

Cheers,

Liz

Dos Caminos

Another Solid Brunch Spot!

Last week, Melissa and I continued eating our way through Manhattan. Because it was Saturday, the answer was BRUNCH. The question was: Where? Melissa, the smart native New Yorker that she is, suggested that we go to Dos Caminos Meatpacking (http://www.doscaminos.com/mexican-restaurant-locations/new-york-city). Who doesn't like trendy Mexican food?

I have been to some of the other Dos locations, but not this uber-hip one. Clearly I was excited! Dos Caminos offers a great brunch deal. It is not drink-until-you-embarrass yourself, though you do get one classy cocktail included in the price of your entrée. Agave (http://agaveny.com/) is a great option if you want to drink until you don't remember your name but the food is not as good - know your objective and you're good. Also, both of these Mexican spots take reservations which is fantastic. I don't have the patience to wait for a margarita.

The brunch menu has a nice selection of both sweet and savory options, all under $20 with the cocktail and coffee/tea. I continuously battle which to pick - such a huge life decision I know.  I ended up with the Machacado Breakfast Tacos ($14) made with beef brisket, scrambled eggs, Vermont cheddar and salsa a la Mexicana. Melissa is a good friend and advised me to order the salsa on the side. This was a good move as I think "a la Mexicana" translated means you may not like this salsa. The taco shells were soft - good news. I felt it would be awkward to have a crunchy taco shell for brunch, it is too early for all the loud munching. The coffee was a bit odd, but of course I drank it.

BREAKFAST TACOS GET IN MY BELLY!

For my cocktail choice, I chose the frozen prickly pear margarita from the selection that also included a frozen traditional margarita, Bloody Mary, screwdriver, mimosa, Champagne, orange or grapefruit juice. The cocktail was lovely - great level of sweetness without being cloying.

Sip Sip!

Overall, Dos Caminos is a solid spot. I do, however, take issue with the fact that chips are not brought out with salsa for free. For some reason, that just annoys me. I guess the trendy spots aren't into that.

Cheers,

Liz