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I Love Your (Rum) House!

Drinks, Hotel Bar, LoungeLizComment

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?

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!

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

 

Instead of Brunch, How About a Cuppa Tea?

Brunch, Tea, FrenchLizComment

Bosie Tea Parlor for Brunch

Instead of enjoying to an unlimited brunch, Courtney and I decided to class it up with Afternoon Tea at Bosie Tea Parlor (http://bosienyc.com/).

Bosie Tea Parlor

Bosie Tea Parlor

I wanted to order the Dorian Gray Tea, which of course they were out of! The waitress suggested Earl Grey Crème Tea. It was OK. I sort of felt like a novice because I lacked the ability to detect the tasting notes listed in the tea menu. It felt like when you have wine and cannot pick up the tobacco smoke essence. What gives?

Earl Grey Crème Tea

Earl Grey Crème Tea

We ordered the Bosie Tea Service for Two ($55). You get a two-cup pot of tea (per person) from $5.95 / $6.95 teas (not the premium-priced teas, that is a supplement). I misread this as two-pots of tea. HUGE mistake. I drank the tea too quickly - before my food even came! Other tea services I have been to have unlimited tea which is much more realistic. The service also included two mini scones with clotted cream and jam (DELICIOUS), choice of two macaroons (I chose passion fruit and milk chocolate and salted caramel - YUM), and three portions of tea sandwiches. We picked the egg salad, cucumber and curried chicken breast. The chicken was the best, followed by the egg salad and the cucumber.

Bosie Tea Service

Bosie Tea Service

Everything was brought out at once. This took A LONG TIME! It would have been better if items were brought as ready so you could pace yourself. We got so hungry by the time the tower arrive that we stuffed our faces. It was embarrassing. The spot seemed a bit understaffed at such a busy time so water refills (since I chugged my tea) were few and far behind. I'd recommend going during a slower time and not weekend brunch.

Beautiful Presentation!

Beautiful Presentation!

The check is presented in a classic NYC book! What a nice touch. Check this spot out!

Cheers,

Liz

 

Let Me See Your Peacock!

Dinner, Drinks, Desserts, British, Lounge, Hotel BarLizComment

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! 

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

Bramble

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

Arbor Blush

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...

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!

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

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

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

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

Drinks, New AmericanLizComment

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

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

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

Brunch, Drinks, MexicanLizComment

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!

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!

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

Dates, Dinner, Drinks, Happy Hour, MexicanLizComment

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!

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

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

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!

Dates, Drinks, LoungeLizComment

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

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

Maple Leaf

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

Cheers,

Liz

 

Rocking Moroccan Martinis

Drinks, MoroccanLizComment

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

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

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

 

Bao Chicka Wow Wow

Dinner, Wine, Asian, FrenchLizComment

Baoburg in Williamsburg is a Little Gem!

Last week, I caught up with Christine at a lovely little (this is an understatement!) restaurant in Williamsburg. The spot is called Baoburg (http://baoburgnyc.com/) and it describes itself as "artisanal cuisine" - the dishes certainly lived up to this hype. The restaurant has about 20 seats and many of the seats are counter style. We ended up sitting on two counter seats facing a mirror. This choice made it easy for me to check that I had nothing in my teeth, an unintended benefit.

To start our meal, we ordered a bottle of Ramon Bilbao Albarino, a nice Spanish white that was reasonably priced at $25. Our server presented the wine a bit awkwardly. It wasn't chilled already, so he brought it over in an ice bucket but did not open it. We were sort of confused since the bottle cap was a screw off - do we open our own bottles now? Is that what "artisanal" means? I attempted to take it off and it didn't work, so I asked the server. Naturally, I loosened it for him so it was soooo easy for him to open. Once it was open, it was a nice wine. We were desperate for a drink, so warm was going to have to do for the first pour!

We ordered several plates to share and were very pleased with our choices! We started with the Cheesy Truffle Fries with BACON ($7). The fries were a lovely start while we waited for our entrees to come.

French Fries TOTALLY count as vegetables!

French Fries TOTALLY count as vegetables!

Our first entrée that arrived was the Sparkling Ribs ($12), grilled baby back ribs tossed in a Cola cider sauce with truffle fries potatoes and a pickled garnish. This was absolutely fantastic! I was concerned I'd have to eat the ribs with my hands and this would result in sticky fingers. To my delight, the ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender. The cola marinade was so yummy.

Sparkling Ribs

Sparkling Ribs

Our next arrival was the Lamb Stew. I didn't take a snap of the menu and the entrée must be new as it is not yet on the Baoburg site. The dish was fantastic and influenced by Asian flavors. It was served with a poached egg on top, it really added to the creaminess of the sauce and overall nom-factor.

Lamb Stew

Lamb Stew

The final entrée was the Seared Duck Breast Noodle ($16). This dish was my favorite! Seared duck breast is served on top of fresh, thick ramen noodles, bok choy, shiitake mushrooms and poached daikon in a duck consommé. Since this is a broth based dish and awkward to share, I asked our server to have the chef split the entrée into two portions.  Instead of splitting it PRIOR to bringing to us, he brought two extra bowls for us to split it. This was a bit awkward but I managed because the dish was THAT delicious.

DUCK DUCK YUM

DUCK DUCK YUM

Overall, this is a solid new spot. I highly recommend checking it out!

Cheers,

Liz

 

Spotted! At Spot Dessert Bar Again!

DessertsLizComment

I Judge Myself So You Don't Have To!

After we finished up our East Village bar crawl, Aish and I were in need of a (non-liquid) dessert. Since we were already in the neighborhood, I suggested Spot Dessert Bar (http://www.spotdessertbar.com/). I didn't see the menu since I knew I would be getting the Chocolate Green Tea Lava Cake.

GET IN MY BELLY

GET IN MY BELLY

The cake was amazing and just as delicious as the first time I had it! I highly recommend it! I want it right now!

Happy Noms,

 

Liz

Please Don't Tell the Sharks

Drinks, LoungeLizComment

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 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 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...

Filipino, DrinksLizComment

...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

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

Drinks, LoungeLizComment

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

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

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!

Dinner, Drinks, New AmericanLizComment

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

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

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

 

Indian Lunch with Melissa!

Lunch, IndianLizComment

Discounts Make Food Taste Better

Last week, I met Melissa for a break from her recruiting schedule. I have this entire month off from school, so naturally, this gave me a break from doing nothing. Near campus, there is a great Indian spot that offers a lunch special. Previously, it used to be 50% off entrees and now it is 30% off everything if you eat at the location. If you take lunch to go, it is still 50% off. I don't agree with this confusing pricing scheme, but whatever.

Melissa loves the same things that I do, so we split two different chicken dishes: Tikka Masala and Korma. We also got a side of Peas Pulao and Garlic Naan.

NOM

NOM

The chicken dishes were delicious, but somewhat stingy on the pieces of chicken. A bit disappointing. If you get a discount, it is only worth it if the portions are still the same size. Worth a try for the carry-out.

Cheers,

Liz

 

Reliable Cocktails Down the Block

Desserts, Drinks, DatesLizComment

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

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

Espresso Martini

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

Cheers,

Liz

Dos Caminos

Brunch, Drinks, MexicanLizComment

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!

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!

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

Can You Samba?

Asian, Drinks, Happy Hour, SushiLizComment

If it is Happy Hour, of course you can!

After our wine happy hour at 8th Street Wine Cellar , Melissa and I were still hungry. Melissa suggested heading to Sushi Samba West Village (http://sushisamba.com/location/new-york/nyc-7). This restaurant has "SambaHour" which is a Happy Hour from 4-7pm and 11pm to close.

Naturally, we started with a cocktail. We both ordered the Nina Fresa. It is made with vodka, strawberry, grapefruit and guava shaken with rhubarb bitters, lime and sugar. Normally, it is $14 - on happy hour, it is $7!!

How beautiful is that lime?

How beautiful is that lime?

Although we had the cheese plate at 8th Street Wine Cellar, we were still a little hungry. We each ordered one of the Happy Hour rolls. The Ezo roll is made with soy-marinated salmon, asparagus, sesame, tempura flake, and served with some yummy wasabi mayo on the side. Normally, it is $12.50 and I believe it was $6. It was really yummy although the ratio of salmon to wrapping was a bit unfavorable.

Let me see your Sushi Roll

Let me see your Sushi Roll

This is now a favorite spot for Happy Hour! I can't wait to return.

Cheers,

Liz

Wine Happy Hour!

Drinks, Lounge, Wine, Happy HourLizComment

A Lovely Spot Near NYU

I am always in search of a Happy Hour spot and I read about 8th Street Wine Cellar (http://8thstwinecellar.com/) near Stern that has a solid offering. The spot offers half-off bottles everyday. Although the selection is small it is tasteful. Naturally, since I was with Melissa, we went with the Montepulciano that was featured on special. We love a good red - pure heaven in a glass.

I haven't met a Montepulciano I haven't liked

I haven't met a Montepulciano I haven't liked

As we drank our wine, we were enticed to order the cheese tray. I can't recall what the daily selections were but they were yummy. It was a bit disappointing that the slices of cheese were VERY TINY. We were given an ample supply of slices of bread, which was nice, but that isn't the high ticket item. The cheese is and we wanted more!

The bread to cheese ratio is all wrong

The bread to cheese ratio is all wrong

If you check out this spot, go for the Happy Hour (half priced bottles of wine until 7pm Mon - Fri) but hold off on the food. Just not a good value.

Cheers,

Liz

The Smith...

American, Dates, Desserts, Dinner, DrinksLizComment

Where the People are Terrible and the Food is Great

After getting some drinks at Pierre Loti, we walked down the street to The Smith (http://www.thesmithnyc.com/) for our dinner reservation. I chose this place because I had heard good things about it from multiple people. Given the location, however, I was a bit worried that the place may be chockfull of the crowd that the area (Midtown) tends to attract (read: terrible people). Anyway, I was deadset on going here, so I was just going to have to block out the awful conversations held by the people sitting next to us. Topics ranged from unreturned Snapchats to Juice Cleanses.

As I mentioned in my prior post, dinner with a romantic interest is a rare event for me. This whole "online dating" situation I've found myself in doesn't tend to led itself to second dates or breaking bread with people. To say I was excited would be an understatement.

After looking at the menu, I decided to order a unique cocktail I had not seen before, the Dirty Jane. It was a reinterpretation of a dirty martini but instead of olives, it was made with pickled tomato. I tend to prefer a dirty martini made with pickle juice over olive juice, so I was looking forward to trying this - I'm glad I ordered it. It was practically an alcoholic salad.

For my main course, I got the salmon. It was served with mushrooms, Brussels sprouts, leeks, parsnips and bordelaise (a red wine sauce). It was quite yummy. The salmon was served as two smaller pieces instead of a larger piece. Which I think made it a little dry, even though I ordered it medium.

Of course we ordered dessert. Their menu is pretty tempting and when I read "S'mores Bread Pudding" I was done. It was made with a chocolate brioche bread pudding, graham cracker crumb bottom and homemade marshmallow topping with a honey anglaise. It was one of the best desserts I've had out in a restaurant. I would be happy to go here and just get drinks and dessert in the future. Cut out the crap with ordering entrees. Who really needs actual food? Desserts for life.

Check out those PICTURE skills!

Check out those PICTURE skills!

Anyway, this is a nice place, especially for cocktails and dessert . Be forewarned, it attracts a certain type of Midtown / Murray Hill-ish crowd.

Cheers,

Liz