NYC Tastes

It's been such a crazy summer it's hard to believe August is here and I haven't even talked about July!  Here's a quick recap of some great moments over the Independence Day weekend in Vermont. The first stop of the trip was Prohibition Pig Brewery for beers and some of the best Peel N' Eat Shrimp we've had in years. These were plump, juicy and dusted with the perfect amount of seasoning. I would expect shrimp like this on the coast somewhere, but certainly not in Waterbury, VT.  The following day we drove out to Hill Farmstead and spent the day drinking some wonderful beers on their patio including 2014 Flora and Juicy Batch 3.  Then we made the obligatory pit stop at Parker Pie for a surprisingly great Steak Sandwich, that was so good I forgot to even snap a pic. Saturday we checked out the new  Lawson's Brewery  in Waitsfield.  We've been enjoying their beer for years at can sales, but to see the new facility was really amazing.  ...

This past Memorial Day Mr. T and I opted out of travel for a glorious "staycation" in the city.  Since most people head to the beach, we were left with quiet streets and a multitude of open reservations to great spots like Oxomoco; the gorgeous, sun soaked Mexican spot in Greenpoint that received a Michelin star last year.  I don't understand every aspect of the Michelin award process, but I have to assume the Spring Pea Tlayuda had something to do with that honor.   This beautiful round of masa was stretched thin, layered with creamy quesillo, salsa cruda, mint, serrano and scallion.  It was slightly spicy yet refreshing; like biting into a the perfect garden vegetable pizza. For a classic Mexican egg dish order the Chilaqulies Rojos, a crunchy mound of tortillas and egg dressed with warm red salsa, queso fresco and crema (pictured here without cilantro). For something a bit more intense, I would suggest the Hamburguesa Pambazo; a rich patty of dr...

Summer weekends call for festive, fruity tiki drinks and King Thai has some of the best. This tiny Miami themed spot in Crown Heights not only whips up amazing cocktails like the Pina Banana with with rum, pineapple and banana milk or the Monk's Respite with gin, coconut and honey, but also offers a fantastic selection of wine and beer which includes a rotating selection of Hill Farmstead . Of course all these great beverages are best paired with their big, crispy beef and cheese empanadas.  But for those that don't love empanadas (who are you strange people) King Thai also allows guests to bring in their own food to nosh on.  Is there anything not to love about this spot?  King Thai Bar 1095 Bergen Street Brooklyn, NY 11216

If I had to give my five favorite spots in NYC, the Russian Vodka Room would definitely make it onto that list.  This place has absolutely everything I love; strong, delicious cocktails, a dark kitschy decor, nightly piano players and some of the heartiest food in the city, like this big bowl of Russian dumplings. These little uneven pockets of pasta  (pelmini) come  stuffed with a choice of beef, lamb, cheese or potato alongside a big bowl of sour cream and a heavy sprinkle of dill. This is stick to your ribs comfort food, made even better alongside a house infused vodka.  The Russian Vodka Room also has one of the best happy hours in NYC with $5 infused shots and $8 martinis from 4:00-7:00 every day.  It's almost impossible to leave this place without a big happy smile.  Russian Vodka Room 265 West 52nd Street at 8th Avenue New York, NY 10019

There's no shortage of incredible cocktail bars in NYC.  In fact, the city is so flooded with them it's easy to forget about one of the best that started the mixology movement years ago, the fabulous Pegu Club.   We stopped into this second floor SOHO spot right before dinner Friday night.  The long elegant bar and wrought iron laced windows overlooking Houston were just as gorgeous as I remembered and the cocktails just as perfect. Mr. ordered the Pegu Club made with London Dry Gin, bitters and orange curacao; a classic drink from the 1900's that packed a tropical snappy punch.   I ordered the Earl Grey MarTEAni per a friends suggestion and it did not disappoint.  Made with Earl Grey Tea infused gin, lemon juice and egg white, this cocktail was the perfect balance of sour and savory. I loved it so much I bought a bottle of Earl Grey Gin for home in hopes of recreating this fantastic drink.  Alas I am no match for the incredible Pegu Cl...

I can't remember the last time Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby fell on the exact same day.  Not to mention it being a fabulous sunny Saturday on its own.  This called for some serious day drinking, away from all of the crowds over in Alphabet City. First stop The Wayland, one of my favorite Avenue C spots for a Rosé Sour garnished with fresh leaves of basil. Then onto the new hot spot Loverboy for a boozy brunch carafe of vodka, St. Germain and peach puree paired with a slice of the signature Loverboy pizza. Cut square with a crunchy buttery bottom (reminiscent of Pizza Hut) and a blend of melted house cheese, crisp pepperoni and ramp ranch dressing drizzled on top; this was one messy, decadent and delicious slice. Then up the block to Mace Bar for a round of herbaceous drinks including this fantastic Fennel Pollen cocktail which tasted just like a warm McDonald's Apple Pie (in a very good way).   The Wayland 700 East 9th Street ...

The kickoff for Mr. T's big birthday weekend began Friday night at Mother of Pearl.  This hopping little tiki bar in the East Village is entirely vegan and the drinks go way beyond the realm of old wooden tiki cups. How about the bourbon and passion fruit Shark Eye served inside a shark glass dressed with maraschino "blood"?  Or the tremendous Sugar Cane Magik; a delicious blend of coconut cream, pineapple, lime and almond topped off with a bottle of Ron Zacapa Solera rum.  It's a crazy tropical paradise right on Avenue A.  This place gets insanely packed on the weekends but they accept reservations for large parties which I highly recommend.  Mother of Pearl 95 Avenue A at 6th Street New York, NY 10010

This year's Memorial Day Weekend was a bit different than in the past.  Instead of hitting up the usual BBQ's and bottle shares we stayed right in the city for the entire weekend.  Mr. T was still recovering from a brutal cold so we decided to take a break from friends and just enjoy the empty city at a slow relaxing pace with a trip downtown to the Financial District.  Mr. T had never seen the new World Trade Center  Oculus or Brookfield Place so we explored that two spots, then over to the 911 Memorial and the downtown Eataly, through Stone Street until it was finally time for a drink at the new Beekman Hotel bar Fowler & Wells.  Cocktails seemed in order after our long trek- a Pink Lady for me and the Jungle Bird for Mr. T. This spot was opened by Chef Tom Colicchio and it's absolutely gorgeous.  The main room feels like an elaborate old library with large wooden bookcases lining the walls, big plush blue chairs and couches surrounding...

It's not every day that Mr. T gets excited about a brunch dish.  In fact our recent visit to the Llama Inn might be the very first time I've seen him actually happy at brunch and that's even with the loud bumping music playing overhead.   The Llama Inn is a new Peruvian restaurant located on the odd stretch of land below the Brooklyn Queens expressway in Williamsburg. We were just stopping by for a quick bite but ended up staying all afternoon after this dish completely blew us away- the Beef Tenderloin Stir Fry. Two perfectly fried eggs sat atop a mound of beef, french fries, tomato and slices of banana with a rich, slightly spicy sauce covering the base drizzled with rocoto pepper crema.  Everything about this dish was incredible- the meat was tender as a filet, the french fries somehow stayed crispy and the banana imparted a sweet tropical flavor that brought it all together. In addition to the incredible food the other big draw was obviously the Lla...

Brunch is somewhat of a recent event in Buffalo.  Years ago there were only one or two spots that understood the importance of runny eggs and fruity cocktails on weekend mornings.  However there's been a big shift recently and now lots of new places offer brunch; Martin Cooks being one of the best. The bright lively space was absolutely packed my last visit.  Luckily my friend Ben has the same feeling as me in these situations- more time for cocktails!!  I started with the Apothecary Reviver made with Rum, Thai Basil, Cucumber and Kale (gotta get those veggies in) before moving onto to  a juicy Blueberry Mojito. Once seated we had a chance to peruse the menu which changes seasonally. I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate Spring than a gorgeous bowl Shrimp & Asparagus Risotto. This dish has everything I could ask for at brunch; ultra creamy risotto, bright slivers of asparagus and a cheesy fried egg on top. ...

Once again it's supposed to be a cold and rainy weekend ahead.  My plan is to catch as much of the warm sun today before it vanishes with some happy hour drinks at the Clover Club. Weekdays from 4-7 this sleek Brooklyn cocktail bar offers half price drinks on many of their specialty cocktails like spicy Moscow Mules and tropical Coconut Daiquiri's.   You can relax in the vintage leather banquettes in back or grab a seat by the open doors up front for prime people watching and sunshine.   The Clover Club 210 Smith Street at Baltic Street Brooklyn, NY 11201

Cocktails from Julie Reiner of Clover Club and the promise of churros were the two reasons I found myself at Leyenda.  This cozy little spot in Cobble Hill just oozes with such a warm festive atmosphere I immediately know it's going to be a great night when I start here. There's a cocktail for everyone on this list; the Buena Onda with Yerba Mate infused pisco for a little pick me up, the Brooklyn Burro for a taste of the tropics or the Pan-Am Sour with Cachaca, bourbon, lemon, orange with a Malbec float for when you just feel like getting a little bit crazy :) There's small plates perfect for sharing like Spinach & Manchego Empanadas, Pupusas and rich Ham & Cheese Croquetas with bechemel and chilies. In addition to a few larger plates like the Churasco Skirt Steak that's charred to a gorgeous crisp on the outside with a red belly.  We always get the chimichurri sauce on the side for Mr. T 's cilantro allergy (heehee just more for...

After a lovely brunch at The Reynard we made our way over to The Gorbals and directly to the rooftop bar.  The sprawling patio space houses an array of picnic tables, benches and cabanas perfect for just about any size party. We started with a round of cocktails; classic Negroni Prima and twisted tiki style Pineapple Darby made with rum, pineapple, lime and almond milk...    ...then moved onto their signature Jet Pilot Slushies filled with rum, cachaca, grapefruit cinnamon and mint.   The slushies were incredibly refreshing for the hot humid day we were having but something about the mix of ingredients tasted a bit odd.  I'd stick with the shaken cocktails like the cucumber, coconut Poolside Swing instead. Oh to see those bright blue skies again... The Gorbals 98 North 6th Street Brooklyn, NY 11249

The long weekend trip continued with more cocktails after brunch down in the Cobblestone District at shabby chic Balleyhoo. I absolutely LOVE this bar!  It's divey but sleek with a touch of serious rockstar and their cocktails are off the hook.  Mr. T stuck with his classic Negroni order but I went off into jam land with the made to order Jam Session. It's super simple; pick your spirit, pick your jam and they create the rest!  My friend Adam was creating all sorts of amazing concoctions...bourbon with Victoria plum, white rum and grapefruit... ...and my absolute favorite vodka with Morello cherry. There's really nothing I love more than a fabulous pink drink :) Ballyhoo 211 South Park Avenue Buffalo, NY 14204