Liz Like Thai

Ladies Who Lunch

This past Friday was a lovely "Girls' Day" with Melissa - a wonderful partner in crime! We went to Spice (http://www.spicethainyc.com/spice/home/index.html) on 199 8th Avenue. The weather was AWFUL and I was not prepared with what I had worn. General nastiness - cold and rain.

Once I got into the restaurant, I ordered a hot pot of tea. There were several selections and I went with the Lychee option - so tasty! I also loved the tea pot - so cute and dainty!

Hot Tea Please!

Like most Thai spots in the city, there is a Lunch Special from 11:30 AM to 3:30PM. Depending on the protein, you can get an appetizer and entrée for $8-$9. I decided to get the Duck Wrap (a bit like the P.F. Chang lettuce wraps but saltier) to start.

Duck Wrap

For my entrée, I ordered the Pad Thai with chicken. It was tasty but a bit too sweet. Pad Thai is such a standard dish to order yet there is so much variance from place to place. I will continue my search for the ultimate Pad Thai.

Chicken Pad Thai

If you're in the Chelsea area for lunch, check it out. These places are best to visit during lunch for the best deal!

Cheers,

Liz

 

Aces!

Cocktails at The Ace Hotel Lobby Bar

On Thursday, I had a first date and decided to meet at The Ace Hotel (http://www.acehotel.com/newyork). I've had good luck here in the past and I always figure that even if the date doesn't work out, I should still have a great cocktail.

Sometimes I don't take pictures of cocktails on my dates because I want to have some semblance of being cool. The first cocktail I ordered was a Bulleit Rye Manhattan. It was fabulous. Like most classy establishments, the cocktail is served with brandied cherries and not jarred Maraschino cherries. This is a game changer! I loved the cocktail. Perfect balance.

As my second cocktail, I ordered one of the seasonal features. It was a spiced apple cocktail with brandy. Delicious. I'm really glad I changed it up and didn't just get another Manhattan - even though they are incredibly tasty.

I felt the date went well but only time can tell. To be determined. Either way, I had two awesome drinks.

Cheers,

Liz

 

The Dove Parlour

This is what it tastes like when doves...drink?

This past Thursday, the Luxury and Retail Club at Stern hosted a holiday get together at The Dove Parlour (http://thedoveparlour.com/), a great little cocktail lounge near campus. I've visited this lounge multiple times because of its incredible Happy Hour. Sunday through Thursday, most martinis and specialty cocktails are $7 (as compared to $11).

One of my favorite choices is the Spiced Peach Cobbler. It is made with peach vodka, honey, cinnamon and organic vanilla soy milk. It reminds me of a slice of peach pie with ice cream. It is delicious and dessert in a glass!

The Spiced Peach Cobbler

If you happen to visit the Dove, the French Lavender and Silk Road Margarita are also lovely. This is a great deal during Happy Hour and I encourage you to explore!

Cheers,

Liz

 

Pour on that Milk & Honey

Great Spot Hidden Near Madison Square Park

After we had one drink at The Long Room, my date suggested that we go to a classier establishment: Milk & Honey (http://www.mlkhny.com/newyork/). Once we got out of the cab, I realized I had walked by this location several times. It is right next to a McDonald's and completely non-descript. I feel that is the point - You only know if you're in the "know" - I guess now I am. I just thought it was a random door - consider me informed! Luckily, we didn't have to wait and could be seated inside immediately. You enter through a velvet cloaked entryway - swankfest.

The server came by and asked for what we would like to drink. You can get a unique cocktail based on your spirit preference and taste profile or order a standard cocktail. For my first drink, I asked for a spiked egg nog, bartender's suggested prep. It is holiday time, so why not be festive!

Spiked Eggnog? Yes Please!

The cocktail was lovely. Not too strong or too creamy - perfection! For my next cocktail, I got an "interpretation" (quotes very necessary) of a Manhattan. I didn't take a photo because I like to contain the crazy during a date. I can only take so many photos on a first date. I need to let out my cocktail obsession drink by drink, not all at once.

I would highly recommend Milk & Honey for a date, catching-up with a friend or just grabbing a well-crafted cocktail solo. Get after it.

Cheers!
Liz

 

The Long Room

Midtown Hotel Bars Close at 12 (Just FYI)

This past Saturday, I had a first date and we were originally going to meet at Lantern's Keep at the Iroquois Hotel. For a cocktail lover such as myself, I was very impressed with his suggested. Many times picking a location can be daunting for either party. I had wanted to go to this bar for a while and walked by it daily on the way to my internship this summer. Finally! I would go...but, little did I know, this wish would not be granted.

Just as a heads up, Yelp! isn't always right. The website said that the bar was open until 1AM. Both of us were coming back to the city form Thanksgiving travel, so we planned to meet for a nightcap. I showed up at midnight to have the bartender ask for my "last call" - boo! Instead, I asked for a back-up recommendation. A girl has to be resourceful. This is how we ended up at The Long Room (http://www.thelongroomnyc.com/). It has a gastropub atmosphere with live music - maybe not the best first date location. Anyway, we both ordered a Bulleit Manhattan and made the best of it. I was pleased when he recommended our next location: Milk & Honey!

Read my next post for details!

Liz

 

Thankful for Whiskey Down

Vegas Baby!

What better way to prepare for Thanksgiving break than to go to Vegas with nearly thirty people from Stern? Honestly, I cannot think of a better way. Can you? Somehow we thought it would be a good idea to stay in Vegas for four nights and nearly five days. It was pushing it to the extreme, but we were there with the Stern Adventure Club, so it is sort of expected levels of debauchery.

During the trip. I got some serious bonding time with some awesome MBA1 ladies. Jenn and Miranda are special ladies and share my passion for a bar that we frequented over the weekend: Whiskey Down (http://www.mgmgrand.com/nightlife/whiskey-down.aspx). I knew it would be a special place when the bartender made Miranda an "extra spicy" Bloody Mary with his "special ingredients". We are still not sure what he put in the drink; sometimes it is best to have some mystery, especially in Vegas.

The bar is located in the MGM Grand (where we were staying) and it is conveniently located right near the elevator bank! It makes it easy to pick up a to-go cup.

My New Favorite Bar in Vegas

The drinks were affordable (by both New York and Vegas standards). Most of the specialty cocktails (typically $15) at $10-$12 and were fantastic. My favorite of the weekend was the Down-Home Punch. Served in a mason jar, it is made with Woodford Reserve MGM Select Barrel Bourbon, White Peach, Fresh Mint, Lemon and Tea. You know a casino means business when it has its own bourbon. #jealous

Down-Home Punch

If you're in Vegas and happen to be in the MGM Grand, I highly recommend this spot. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Cheers,

Liz

 

Gyu-Kaku Happy Hour for the Win

Desperately Seeking Cocktails

Last week, Melissa and I went to Gyu-Kaku (http://www.gyu-kaku.com/ny/eastvillage.htm) for its fantastic Happy Hour (everyday from 11:00am to 6:00pm and 9:30pm to 11:00pm Mon-Thurs). I ordered the Saketini as my cocktail, a mix of vodka and sake! All cocktails are 50% off - all liquor brands too!

Saketini

We ordered a bunch of plates to share, including the rib-eye, hangar steak, and shishito peppers. If you use FourSquare make sure to check-in so you can get complimentary edamame! Both of us check-in, so we each got a bowl!J

Rib-Eye for BBQ!

Shishito Peppers

We had an awesome lunch! This is such a good spot to go during happy hour, otherwise it is a bit pricey.

Cheers,

Liz

 

Murphy & Gonzalez

Hidden Gem for Fajitas Near NYU

Before a night class last week, I caught up with Christine. We wanted to meet somewhere close to campus and I've had good luck at Murphy & Gonzalez (http://www.murphy-gonzalez.com/). 

My favorite thing to order is the chicken fajitas. They are DYNAMITE! I mean, look at that photo. 

Chicken Fajitas

If you're hungry and feeling like Mexican near campus, this pub is a surprisingly good spot for fajitas.

Cheers,

Liz

 

The Grey Dog's Coffee

Catching up with a Friend over Breakfast

I've heard countless positive reviews about the Grey Dog (http://www.thegreydog.com/) and had not managed to go yet...that is until last week! I was in the mood for great food and conversation. I don't have any more classes with Zach (a dear friend) this semester so catching up over breakfast sounded like a plan. We both had to be on campus at 8am, so we both needed a welcome distraction after.

Omelette Action

I enjoyed this place. The omelette wasn't the best I've had; it could have had more cheese throughout, it was more just layered in the middle than mixed throughout the omelette. I loved the sausage patties - delish!

Cheers,

Liz

 

Balls on Balls

The Meatball Shop is the #1 place for Balls

Last weekend, Meredith and I shared our last meal together at The Meatball Shop in Chelsea (http://www.themeatballshop.com/). I chose this location (there are multiple in the city) because it features the downstairs bar adorably called Underballs. I was heartbroken to see that the bar isn't open on Sundays!

I chose to order the Spicy Pork meatballs with the Parmesan Cream Sauce. You get 4 meatballs with an order. I got a side of broccoli so I could dip it in the sauce instead of the foccacia bread that comes with it. Sad panda. 

Do your balls hang low?

I love love love this place. The cocktails are great too but I chose not to imbibe. 

Cheers,

Liz

 

Take Me To Calexico

A Cancelled Class Visit Turns into a Mexican Lunch

Last week, my class was supposed to visit Kickstarter on Monday. Due to Veteran's Day, we had to move the visit to next week. Instead of heading right back to campus, we had lunch at Calexico (http://www.calexico.net/). 

We ordered guacamole, chips and salsa for the table. The guac was awesome and still chunky - I hate when it's too smooth. I'm still on that low carb kick so I ordered a Burrito Bowl without rice and beans but with extra meat. I chose the Carne Asada. It was delicious! I got the "crack sauce" which is a chipotle something or other. 

Carne Asada NOM

Cute artwork on the walls.

This is a nice Mexican spot. I would probably check it out again.

Cheers,

Liz

 

Miss Korea is a BBQ Expert!

Finally Visiting this Koreatown Favorite!

I live in Herald Square which is right next to Koreatown. This is super convenient when you have a friend visiting that wants to try some Korean BBQ! I've wanted to try Miss Korea (http://www.misskoreabbq.com/) for awhile. Every time I went before it was super crowded, likely because it was at dinner time. This time, we went for lunch before our musical (First Date)k

Miss Korea is Pretty in Pink

We ordered two entrees to split: Veggies & Tofu and Bulgogi (a thinly sliced marinated meat served in lettuce wraps). Korean BBQ places load you up with a free arrangement of veggies, may of them pickled. It is always interesting to figure out what the food is, as each place has its own assortment of "appetizers". 

Mystery Appetizers! Gimme that Kimchi!

Now, for our Vegetables and Tofu! Along with the vegetables, there was a certain type of apple served. There was also an interesting dipping sauce; it tasted somewhat like a fermented bean sauce. 

Eating Corn on the Cob with Chopsticks...it's hard

Finally, the star of the show arrived: Bulgogi! It is my favorite: nom nom nom!

Meat: it's what's for lunch

Out of the many Korean places I've been to in Koreatown, this is at the top of the list. I will definitely go back when my parents come to visit: they love the BBQ!

Cheers, 

Liz

 

Chocolate and Bourbon Are Besties

A Chocolate Lava Cake is Best Eaten with Friends

Saturday night, Meredith and I walked over to a dessert spot located very close to me. I've gone there several times and it hasn't let me down. It is called Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar (http://www.ayzanyc.com/midtown/index.html). Meredith had a hankering for chocolate and ordered the Lava Cake. 

Lava Cake is Best Served Warm and With Vanilla Ice Cream

For our cocktails, Meredith ordered the Chocolate Raspberry Martini. 

Pure Decadence. Served with a piece of chocolate.

I attempted to order a Bulleit Rye Perfect Manhattan. Unfortunately, the spot didn't have Bulleit Rye, so I had it with Maker's Mark. It definitely wasn't the same. I "struggled" through it because I am a good sport. 

This Perfect Manhattan wasn't quite "Perfect" without Bulleit Rye

If you're in the neighborhood and have a craving for a sweet fix, I encourage you to check out this spot. You will not be disappointed!

Cheers, Liz

 

Unlimited Mimosas at Essex

It's Saturday - Of course we're going to Bottomless Brunch

With my friend (Meredith) still in town, I knew a boozy brunch would be on order for her and her friends. I wanted to check out a spot that I had not been before, so I suggested Essex (http://www.essexnyc.com/). I had heard good things and I love that the spot takes reservations - woot!

There were lovely freshly baked, hot onion rolls brought out to the table. I didn't partake - noooo bread for me! It looked delicious though - ugh! The brunch special is $23.95 for an entree and "3" cocktails (mimosas, screwdrivers or bloody marys). I use quotes because they are constantly refilled, so who knows how many were actually poured. The quality of the cocktails weren't exactly thrilling, but sometimes quality can be dodgy when you get unlimited quantity. 

The Aristocrat - Potato Pancakes with Poached Eggs and Smoked Salmon 

Check out these HUGE sausage patties!

The Omelette - Spinach, Tomato, Sheep's Milk Cheese

Meredith ordered the potato pancakes and I got the omelette with a side of sausage. I was really happy with what I ordered. Poor cocktails though aren't an excuse, so I would likely return to old reliable Agave!   (http://agaveny.com/)

Cheers,

Liz

 

Ramen is Only 3 Hours, I mean 1.5 Hours, I mean 30 Minutes Away!

When You Need a Fix, Hit Minca!

One of my good friends, Meredith, visited me from California this past weekend. We met up with some of her friends for dinner. Originally, we wanted to conquer Ippudo. I've lived in the city for over a year and I still haven't gone. There really is no excuse since it is so close to Stern. I haven't wanted to wait. This past Friday was no exception! The wait (at the no reservation restaurant) was over 3 hours! So, we decided to walk over to Momofuku Noodle Bar (which also does not take reservations) which had a 1.5 hour wait.

One of Meredith's friends suggested going to Minca (http://www.newyorkramen.com/) instead, where the wait was *only* 30 minutes for the five of us! We walked over (by this point we had quite an appetite after searching for ramen!) and waited for our table. I have not gone to many ramen spots, so I wasn't sure what to order. The waitress suggested their most popular option: the spicy miso ramen. It was delicious!

The broth had a fantastic flavor, the pork was perfectly fatty without being gross and the noodles were perfectly tender. This meal was for sure a "cheat meal" as I've been doing Atkins for the past month and a half with great success. Sometimes, you need to live on the edge, even if that includes eating carbs. 

Spicy Miso Ramen!

I'm not a ramen expert, so I may not be the best judge. I really loved what I ordered. It was a big bowl and I left very satisfied having only spent $13 on the entree. Also, because this isn't as much of a tourist trap as Ippudo, you likely won't have to wait as long. I only have a sample size of 1 (my own experience) so I cannot guarantee a timely meal. Put your name down and grab a drink across the street at Ace!

Check it out!

Nom,

Liz

 

So EN Love with this Place!

Dinner with Famous People

This past Thursday, I had a truly special evening. In my Digital Media Innovation class, a classmate and I won the opportunity to have dinner with several heavyweights in the digital/tech industry. I knew that my professor (Greg Coleman) and the CEO of LinkedIn (Jeff Weiner) would attend. I didn't know that one of the largest investors in Twitter (Fred Wilson) and basketball legend Dr J (Julius Erving) would be there as well! 

I tried to remain calm and not embarrass my professor and his super important (and rich) friends. We dined at EN Japanese Brasserie (http://www.enjb.com/). I only took *one* picture. Naturally, it was of the super swanky drink I ordered: The Local Honey. 

Local Honey

This cocktail is made with Yamazaki 12 whisky. local honey with wasabi, Beefeater gin and royal bee pollen. It was DELICIOUS!

Our meal was INCREDIBLE. It was a pre-set menu and we dined on the following items:

Edamame - soaked in dashi (pretty basic, yet the addition was welcome)

Freshly Made Scooped Tofu - served warm with wari-joyu (not sure what the sauce is, but this was one of the highlights of the meal. It was so interesting and the texture was super creamy/soft. Also, it is made hourly!)

O-Tsukuri - chef's sashimi selection (definitely some of the best raw fish I've had in a long time!)

Oysters with Ponzu - chef's selection (these were ok, I had one that was a bit "fishy" and it made me have to chug my lovely cocktail. Eek)

Lobster Ishiyaki - stone grilled lobster with a butter miso sauce (yum city, loved this)

Stone Grilled Kuroge Washugyu Ribeye - with ponzu and arajio (the marbling on this was insane, I can only imagine it was expensive)

Sushi Rolls - chef's selection (basic but nom. I tried an eel roll, I am so adventurous...it tasted like chicken, sort of?)

Seasonal Panna Cotta - with a hojicha cookie (the seasonal selection was chestnut, really lovely)

This restaurant is expensive and certainty worth it. I hope to return soon with friends, even if only for the drinks!

Cheers,

Liz

 

My Life is Full of Sen

Cocktailing Event at Sen NYC

Last week, I organized an event for a club (Cellar) at Stern at Sen (http://www.senrestaurant.com/nyc/). It was a hands-on cocktail demonstration with paired Japanese cuisine. The venue is super swanky and our small group had a wonderful time. I was enjoying myself and didn't snap too many pictures of the cocktails or food. I managed to get one before the activities started of the bar set-up. 

We had four different cocktails. The Shiso Spritz (highlighting Vodka and Shiso Leaves), The Sen Mojito (highlighting Katana Sake and Malibu Rum), The Sen Cosmopolitan (highlighting Sake and Triple Sec) and the Mizu "NYE" Cocktail (highlighting Prosecco and St. Germain).

We nibbled on sushi, tempura, chicken wings and chicken skewers. So yummy!

I'd recommend going back here. The best feature of the restaurant is its square bar. It is an awesome focal point. Check it out during Happy Hour!

Cheers,

Liz

 

Colicchio & Sons Tap Room

Dinner and Drinks

Tonight, I had dinner at Colicchio & Sons Tap Room (http://www.craftrestaurantsinc.com/colicchio-and-sons/). It was fantastic. The bread looked amazing but I didn't have any - I'm still doing a special diet and cannot have any of that, wah! I ordered a Ketel One and Soda. It was great, as usual.

For my entree, I ordered the Skate. It was DELICIOUS! It is such a light and yummy fish. If you haven't had it, definitely try it if you see it on a menu.

One of my friends ordered dessert. He got the beignets (little balls of fried dough goodness). Again, couldn't partake but I lived vicariously through him and it looked/smelled lovely.

Instead of giving patrons a mint or something else when the check comes, the server gave each of us a freshly baked pumpkin spice muffin to go! What a great idea! I gave mine to my friend.

Happy Sunday!

Liz

 

Tuttles!

Is Murray Hill Cool?

I went on what ended up to be a really great date this past Friday after my pre-date with Christine (heart her!). My brother lives near a bar I've walked by multiple times: Tuttles (http://tuttlesnyc.com/blog/). My date also lives in the area, so I suggested going there.  

A great feature of the spot is its exterior garden - it's a little too late in the season for it though. We sat at the main bar and had a great time. Sometimes it is too awkward to take photos of drinks on dates, so I didn't end up taking one. I ordered a Bulleit Rye Manhattan - if it ain't broke, right?

This is a great casual spot that is worth checking out if you're in the area, especially in the warmer months!

Have a good one,

Liz

 

Gramercy Tavern

Catching up with a Mentor over Manhattans

My old boss, John, was in town and suggested we catch up over a meal at the bar at Gramercy Tavern (http://www.gramercytavern.com/). He has been such a great mentor to me over the past couple of years; especially in my transition to business school from investment banking. To celebrate my job offer, I ordered a Bulleit Rye Manhattan. I need to support my brands!!

Bulleit Rye hits the Spot - the brandied cherries are a classy touch!

As an appetizer, I ordered four oysters. So yummy!!

Oysters, on the rocks

As my main course, I ordered the crispy duck leg with zucchini and grilled pole beans. Absolutely delicious. 

Quack Quack Nom Nom

To round out the meal, I finished with a Blue Bottle cappuccino.

I heart this drink

This place is super fancy (even at the bar area where we ate) - it has one Michelin star. It was a wonderful place to catch up with John. I will need to go back - that was one hell of a Manhattan!

Cheers, 

Liz