NYC Favorites: Advanced Must See

"Didn't I tell you this was a wonderful place?"

Photo Source: 

http://loveisspeed.blogspot.com/2011/11/my-favorite-movie-everbreakfast-at.html

Breakfast at Tiffany's is one of my all time favorite movies. In fact, I actually had breakfast at Tiffany's one morning (kinda by accident) and it was kind of perfect. In honor of that classic New York movie and moment, here is a list of some places that are worth seeing if you have extended time in the city:

1. The Guggenheim.

 Classic New York City museum, needs no introduction!

2. Chinatown.

 Chinatown can be daunting and crowded but its worth it to feel like you are in a different city for a few hours. I love to head down there just to walk the streets, grab a bubble tea and maybe dim sum with friends.

Little Italy

 is also nearby (but mostly getting taken over by Chinatown) but its fun to walk up the street lined with Italian restaurants.

3. Union Square.

  The unsung hero of NYC parks. I love Union Square (and sure I'm a bit biased because I lived nearby). But it has a farmer's market open all year (complete with local wine, jam and cheese), great shops and a Christmas market during the holidays. Plus, two of my all time favorite stores are nearby

Union Square Wines

(offering free wine tastings basically every Saturday from 2-5) and

The Stand

 (an amazing bookstore).

4. The Highline.

  Eco-friendly park built on an old elevated railway. Offering great views of Chelsea and the Hudson river.

5. Chelsea Market.

  I have to admit that I lived in NYC for two years and never visited this market until right before I left. Big mistake! (Though I blame the misery that is traveling east-west in NYC). This market is just full of interesting stores and restaurants. All I can say is check it out now!

6. Theater.

  The BROADWAY! Check out the student rush deals or TKTS daily deals before springing for the full priced tickets. You can easily see a show in the city for $40 if you research. (Though don't even bother for Book of Mormon tickets).

7. The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

8. MoMA PS1.

 This modern art space is located in Long Island City. If the timing is right check out PS1:Warm Up - its a 

9. SOHO (Alternative Flatiron).

 For those shopaholics, SOHO is a must see for NYC's latest trends. I prefer to head to SOHO for speciality food shops and tiny boutiques that aren't offered elsewhere. A personal favorite - Vosges Chocolate. Beginners beware, it is always crowded down there, so be sure you know where you are going or you WILL be run-over by locals. The overcrowding in SOHO is why I prefer Flatiron, basically all the same shops are there, but they are much bigger.

10. Eataly.

 The must see Italian Market in the city. Sure Eataly is a global chain, but the NYC location features at least five restaurants and a roof top brew-pub. My favorite is the vegetarian bar, the dishes are fresh and delicious. FYI - wine is served at most restaurants!

And that wraps up my favorite NYC sights, check out the must see sights for

beginners

if you want to revisit old classic spots. As always, I'd love to hear some comments on your favorite places in the city!

Cheers!

NYC Favorites: Drinks

So it's no secret - I love a good glass of wine. With this interest in mind, I spent the better part of my time in NYC hunting down some of the best places to grab drinks in the city. May fun times be held by all!

1. Dead Rabbit.

 My all time favorite bar in NYC, ever (as of 2013)! For me a favorite has three key components: excellent drinks, distinct ambiance and quality service. DR has all of these and then some! Think historic five points NYC (circa The Gangs of New York movie) with creatively mixed drinks and none of the violence. Grab a table on the second floor - it is worth the wait. There you can choose from a vast range of traditional drinks popular throughout history or go for a modern special. The only downside - this bar is about as far downtown as you can go. Solution -just grab yourself a gentleman (or lady) who works on Wall Street as a date.

2. Corkbuzz Wine Bar.

 A favorite classic wine bar. I first discovered CB when I read an article about the owner, she was the youngest female Master Sommelier in the field. Naturally, as a supporter of Accomplished Ladies, that alone was enough for me to check it out. I was not disappointed - the decor is warm and classic, the service was friendly, attentive and knowledgeable and the wine was great. The list itself is very diverse. Only downfall is that is a bit pricey but worth it for special occasions.

3. Terroir Wine Bar.  

If a wine bar was worthy of my "friendly neighborhood wine bar" Terroir would win hands down. It's a cozy bar with awesome staff - just a great place to hang out during the week. Full disclosure - the list is Riesling heavy - but there are plenty of alternates on the list as well.

4. The Ginger Man.

 Finally, a bar featuring beer! The bar reminds me of classic NYC with  modern twist. There is plenty of room at the bar with couches in the back to lounge on. The beer selection is HUGE. A must see for beer lovers in midtown.

5. Balkanika.

 Now some of you may be wondering why I would suggest heading to Hell's Kitchen near the heart of Times Square and the Theater District. The reason - diverse wines. This wine bar features wines from Eastern Europe including Croatia and Estonia. The food is decent and the service is usually lack luster. But I kind of enjoyed the sassy waitresses. It made me feel like I was in Croatia for a bit. Not worth a long commute, but its something different.

6. Le Bateau Ivre.

 If you want to feel like you left NYC and landed in France for a night, head to LBI. I found it one night on a whim but it has an extensive wine list featuring French wines. Best on nights where you could sit outside.

7. Elsa.

 Solid cocktail bar in East Village. A must see if you love gin based drinks.

8. Middle Branch.

 A midtown cocktail bar brought to you by the owners of Little Branch. 

9. Pegu Club.

 If you want a more high end cocktail experience in NYC, PC is a good choice. While I am sure there are fancier establishments, I enjoyed my experience at PC without feeling like I wouldn't be able to buy groceries for the rest of the month. 

10. The Biergarten at The Standard.

 If you find yourself in Chelsea craving a beer al fresco, this is the place to go. For those of you who have been to The Black Forest in Germany, this place may remind you of there, minus the forest and plus one overpass. Sure, it may not seem so magical to be sitting under an overpass while drinking beer, but its a nice alternative to the pricey club scene in Chelsea. (And you will be thankful if it rains). 

Bonus -- While I wanted to cap the list at ten, these two places were favorite neighborhood spots. First,

Pierre Loti Wine Bar

, a cute bistro with outdoor seating and a vast wine list. Second,

Zum Schneider,

 small but authentic bavarian beer garten.

Also, check out any of my favorite

Speakeasy bars

. 

Finally, if you are looking for a bottle of something to share at home, here are some Wine Stores worthy of a shout out:

 Union Square Wines and Bottlerocket Wine and Spirit. 

Cheers!

NYC Favorites: Beginner Must Sees

Photo Source: 

http://followpics.net/new-york-city-vintage/

Start spreadin' the news

I'm leaving today

I want to be a part of it

New York, New York.

Frank sure did know a good time when he saw one. New York City is my favorite city to visit in the U.S. because there is always something new and exciting to do. While my previous posts have focused on where to eat - this list of sights is for those first-time visitors who are looking to see classic NYC sights, with local insider tips.

1. Brooklyn Bridge.

  Walking the Brooklyn Bridge is my #1 most favorite thing to do with newbies in New York. On a nice day you have some great views of the city, the bridge is a historical piece in and of itself, plus you get some exercise to burn all those calories from cronuts, cookies, and drinks.

2. Central Park.  

When you head to the park, plan to just walk around (or maybe bike). Do not get in the horse draw carriages. Just walk to the center and enjoy some quiet nature in the heart of midtown.

3. 5th Avenue.  

Window shopping on 5th avenue during the day is fun - a bit hectic - but fun. However, my favorite time to strut along 5th avenue is at night, the windows are still lit up, but the streets are mostly empty. Its like walking through an art gallery for free. 

4. Times Square.  

I know what you are thinking - why would a local suggest heading to Times Square, which is NYC's biggest tourist trap? I love to go to Times to people watch. Go around dusk, grab a coffee and just hang out. You will see tons of interesting people. Plus there is shopping for you shop-aholics. (But my favorite shopping area is Flatiron).

5. Empire State Building.  

The history and the view of the city from the top can't be beat. Just get the basic ticket and take the elevator to the top.

6. MoMA.  

Museum of Modern Art. My favorite museum in the city. Even if museums aren't your thing, the store is definitely worth visiting.

7. Statue of Liberty.

  I recommend just taking the Staten Island Ferry for a great view of lady liberty. It's definitely the affordable option.

8. Rockefellar Center.

  There is decent shopping around Rockefellar Center, but I loved to just walk around here. There is a sense of celebrity because of all the TV studios. If you are hardcore, you could wake up early and be in the audience of the Today show. If you do, let me know how it is - I like to wake up early, but 6 am is a bit much.

9. Flatiron Building.  

My favorite building in the city! It's so distinctive. Plus Madison Square Park is a great place to relax or grab a burger from Shake Shack. 

10. Financial District.

  Worth the trip downtown for one reason = architecture.

And that's a wrap for NYC beginner must sees. There is a lot to see in the city and it's impossible to see it all in one trip. So pace yourself, be adventurous and don't just sit in the hotel bar. Happy travels!

Cheers!

NYC Favorites: Manhattan Restaurants

Photo Source: 

http://www.jazzageclub.com/venues/the-classy-ciros-restaurant-chain/

Manhattan. This is the best place to grab a bite to eat - In the world! Yes, better than France, Rome and Tokyo. New York's edge can be described in one word - diversity. You can have quality food from all most every culture around the world. Some of my favorite spots are listed below:

1. Lower East Side Tacqueria (LES).

  Rational or not - LES Tacqueria may be my favorite restaurant in the city. It doesn't offer a fancy tasting menu or wine pairings but it does offer delicious food. My usual included a margarita, guacamole and two tacos. All of their tacos are awesome. And the service is always attentive despite the huge crowds out front. 

2. Blue Ribbon Sushi (South Village).  

If you love sushi, you will love blue ribbon. There are tons of options here and all are great.

3. Baohaus (East Village).  

Taiwanese Street Buns - pure awesomeness. Full disclosure, I went to baohaus before it became a household name - and it was definitely better in the early days. However, the buns are always tasty - my favorite is the fried chicken. 

4. Murray's Cheese Bar (West Village).

  Wine and cheese is definitely a match made in heaven. Murray's aims to exploit this partnership by pairing awesome cheese with complex wines. What's not to love?

5. Mighty Quinn's BBQ (East Village).

  A casual bbq spot with killer pulled pork sandwiches! A recent addition to the east village community, Quinn's has been an instant success. Definitely worth visiting to satisfy that bbq craving.

6. Crispo (West Village).  

Italian. Actually - my favorite Italian in the city! I have visited Crispo several times (and I try to never repeat restaurants in the city). The service is great. The wine list is great. Plus

7. Upstate (East Village).

  Cozy little establishment with fantastic seafood. I'll admit, I'm not a big raw bar person, but Upstate offers several delicious seafood dishes. If you have room, they usually serve a whiskey cake - yum!!!

8. ABC Kitchen (Union Square/Flatiron).

  A favorite among my NYC friends for brunch. 

9. The Toucan and The Lion (East Village).  

Asian fusion small plates - yes please! Plus, they have several inventive cocktails.

10. Beecher's Handmade Cheese (Flatiron).

  Cheese store upstairs, wine bar downstairs. I recommend the mac & cheese with wine (what kind - all of them!).

11. Hill Country Chicken (Flatiron).  

Their chicken and traditional sides are delicious - but I come here for the pies. They come in several flavors and sizes (including a personal size) - my favorite is the cowboy pie.

12. Momofuku - Ramen, Ssam or Ma Peche.

 David Chang is a culinary legend. He is the mastermind behind the Momofuku restaurant family. Ma Peche is the fancy fusion restaurant. The Ssam Bar is great for groups and features a huge slap of pork with sides. My favorite is the Ramen bar - offering simple and delicious ramen bowls. If you have room after visiting those three great spots - stop by Momofuku milk bar. They feature crack pie, everything cookies and red velvet milkshakes.

13. Cookshop (Chelsea).  

Rustic style food - best for brunch.

14. Num Pang.

  Cambodian flavors on perfect french bread - one of my favorite sandwiches in the city. The brisket is always the best. First runner up = shrimp.

15. Otto Enoteca Pizzeria.

  When I start a new restaurant list, I try to stay away from the well-known celebrity chefs. But I always had such a good time at Otto that this Mario Batali restaurant had to make the list. The feature here is pizza and wine. I usually stopped by for lunch when I could sit at the bar and talk the the bartenders about the best wines.

Now before my friends in Brooklyn get too upset about the lack of Brooklyn spots (of which there are tons!) a Brooklyn was posted previously!! So check it out.

Cheers!

NYC Favorites: Brooklyn Restaurants

Photo Source: 

http://www.screanews.us/NewYork/BrooklynOld.htm

For most Manhattan residents, a trip to Brooklyn is as painful as TSA security at the airport behind a large family with tons of kids. But I always enjoyed the atmosphere (and the lower prices) of Brooklyn. Most of the places listed below are still on my must see list. However, they are all highly recommended:

1. Pies n' Thighs (Williamsburg).

  Country style food with great service. I dare you to visit without trying the mac & cheese.

2. Ovenly (Greenpoint).

  Cute little coffee shop with great desserts. 

3. Lighthouse (Williamsburg).

  Modern bar with awesome snacks and plates. Known for a wide variety of oysters.

4. Aska (Williamsburg).  

Don't get scared off by the style of this restaurant - Scandinavian  It is fresh food, inventive preparation and an all around great experience.

5. Pok Pok NY (Columbia Street Waterfront District).  

Authentic (and I mean legit authentic) Thai food in Brooklyn. Plus, Anthony Bourdain tested and approved. Some reservations on the price and size of the restaurant - but its NYC - too be expected.

6. Blanca (East Williamsburg).  

This place is a real splurge and requires some planning - but if you consider yourself an advanced foodie, Blanca is a must see. Here you will experience an extensive tasting menu with wine pairings (likely to last 3 hours) with only 11 other patrons. I'll admit - reservations are tough to come by and the experience isn't cheap - but worth it for any advanced foodie out there.

7. Fisherman's Dawta (Downtown Brooklyn).  

One winter day in the city, I was craving jerk chicken. Like I wish I could go back to Jamaica tomorrow craving. If that ever happens to you, FD is the place to go. Many list this place as one of the best in the city.

8. Radegast Hall and Biergarten (Williamsburg).

  If you ever want to feel like you have teleported to Bavaria for a night, Radegast is a great spot. The space has a rustic, hunting lodge feel. Plus, they serve traditional German beers and have an excellent outdoor space for summer. 

9. Gywnnett St (Williamsburg).

  Modern American food - that looks super tasty. Seriously, I just looked at the menu online and I had to fight back the urge to make a reservation! I would recommend the pork belly and scallops. Plus, the make fabulous in-house drinks.

10. Rucola.

  Italian. Romantic. Delicious. Classic Italian options - be sure to save room for dessert! They have a blueberry almond cake... need I say more?!

There are probably hundreds of other must see spots opening in Brooklyn every day. I suggest you go there ASAP. If you are lucky, you may even see Jay-Z on

R train

- though I wouldn't hold my breathe.

Cheers!

NYC Favorites: Sweet Treats

Photo Source: 

http://sugarandspiceand.blogspot.com/

It's no secret, I love dessert. I would frequently skip a real dinner to try the latest dessert dish. That's why NYC and I get along so well. There are hundreds of shops that specialize in every type of dessert imaginable. Below is a list of some of my favorites:

1. Sundaes & Cones (East Village).

  My favorite ice cream place in the city by far. Their flavors are fresh and inventive. My favorite is lavender. 

2. Black Hound (East Village).

  If you are in the mood for cake, this should be your first stop. This isn't your typical bakery because they specialize in mini-cakes with intricate flavors. My favorite - Queen D. What is that you ask? Just hazelnut butter cake filled with mocha buttercream chocolate and raspberry preserves. I know, I know - perfection!

3. Kung Fu Tea (Chinatown).

  Awesomely authentic bubble tea. 

4. Dominique Ansel Bakery (South Village).  

First word - cronut. For those of you who have yet to hear - this is a croissant doughnut. People line up around the corner, at 6 am, and still rave about the pastry. If you aren't an early bird, the DKA is still worth a trip downtown. Words cannot describe it - just google and you will see.

5. Sugar Sweet Sunshine Bakery (LES).

 Now I take my cupcakes very seriously. I did the research and this bakery has the best cake and icing combo in the city. As a bonus the flavors are fun. Worth the trip downtown. I did it a few times already.

6. Big Gay Ice Cream Shop (East Village).  

Quality soft serve ice cream. 

7. Doughnut Plant (LES).  

If I have to say much more after doughnut, I'm not sure if this list is right for you. However, if you need more convincing, some of their most popular flavors include tres leches, creme brulee, carrot cake and pb&j. Good luck choosing just one! (No one will judge if you go for two).

8. Amy's Bread (Hell's Kitchen).  

This place is known for its bread, but I love this place for its coffee and oat scones. It is a favorite morning ritual - if you are an early bird, I highly recommend it. For you night owls, they also have cupcakes.

9. Clinton St. Baking Company (LES).  

Omigosh pancakes! My favorite breakfast option... by far! They had me at blueberry, but this place became a must see with their banana walnut pancakes. Full disclosure - they don't take reservations and the wait can be ridiculous, but most say its worth it.

10. Levain Bakery (UWS).

  Known for cookies, cookies and more cookies. They are super-sized and typically served with warm centers. Definitely worth a trip up town!

I look forward to comments or suggestions of new places to try! 

Cheers!

Boston: American Craft Beer Festival

Dear Enthusiasts! I think it goes without that I enjoy a good glass of wine. Ok, Ok - I may be a bit obsessed! But realizing that wine is not the only fermented beverage out there - this blog will finally cover a beverage that America's drink 20.8 gallons per person last year... you guessed it - Beer! 

History of Beer in America:

Dare I even try to address the history of this important beverage? Since there are some very high odds that I would not fully encompass the history of beer in this introductory post - I will just throw out a few fun facts:

• In 1587, Virginia colonists brew ale using corn.
• In 1643, Samuel Cole is the first to be licensed in Boston to operate a tavern.
• In 1754, George Washington enters a beer recipe into his notebook.
• In 1820, Brewers report business off due to increased consumption of whiskey.
• In 1935, Canned beer introduced by American Can Company and Krueger Brewing Co. of Newark, New Jersey.

Picture from ACBF - can you

 spot the awesome yellow pants?

American Craft Beer Fest:

With my first weekend in Boston, I decided visit the American Craft Beer Fest. Per the event handout, the ACBR is the "largest and most diverse celebration of American craft beer on the east coast." And they weren't lying - there were over 140 brewers there, serving 4-6 beers. So I grabbed my glass and started tasting as many beers as I could in the three hours I had.

Ranking System:

As I started ranking beers, it became quickly obvious that I needed to create a ranking system. So with the help of a few friends, we used the following (not-so-scientific) system:

1. Beers that drink like One Direction sounds (lowest)
2. Meh 
3. I'd have another but...
4. Beers that are awesome like a black skirt - goes with every occasion!
5. "Dance on the ceiling" good! (highest)

My Tasting Card:

In three short hours, I was able to taste beer from 22 different breweries. The results below are listed by brewery, beer type and score:

Relic Brewing Co.

 (Plainville, CT), Madeline Belgian Blonde - 4

Mayflower Brewing Co.

 (Plymouth, MA), Pale Ale - 2

The People's Pint

 (Greenfield, MA), Wheelman's Wheat - 3

*Night Shift Brewing

 (Everett, MA), Snow American Stout - 4.5

      White Coffee Stout with great texture and I really enjoyed the coffee taste.

Moat Maintain Smoke House & Brewing Co.

 (North Conway, NH) Matilda's Red Ale - 2

Idle Hands Craft Ales

 (Ipswich, MA), Triplication - 3.5

*Enlightenment Ales

 (Lowell, MA), Enlightenment Brut (Biere De Champagne) - 3.5 

      Definitely a floral scent and complex beer.

Kennebec River Brewery

 (The Forks Pit, ME), Summer Ale - 2

                                                                    Whitewater Wheat - 4

Port Jeff Brewing Co.

 (Port Jefferson, NY), White's Beach Wit - 1

                                                                 Party Boat IPA - 2

Mystic Brewery

 (Chelsea, MA), Welkin Ringer (E.S.B.) - 3.5

Long Trail Brewing Co.

 (Bridgewaters Corners, VT), Maple Maibock - 4

Otter Creek Brewing

 (Middleberry, VT), Copper Ale - 4

*Clown Shoes

 (Ipswich, MA), Barley Wine - 5

Redhook Brewery

 (Portsmouth, NH), Wise-cracker - 3

Anderson Valley Brewing Co

 (Boonville, CA), Wild Turkey Burbon Barrel Stout - 4

Somerville Brewing Co. (Slumbrew)

(Somerville, MA), Happy Sol Hefeweizen - 3.5

Wachusett Brewing Co.

 (Westminster, MA), Blueberry - 2.5

Smuttynose Brewing Co.

 (Portsmouth, NH), Short Batch #11 - 2.5

Green Flash Brewing Co.

(Denver, CO), San Diego Saison - 4

Sixpoint Brewery

 (Brooklyn, NY), Apollo Kristalweizen - 2

*Maine Beer Co.

 (Portland, ME), Mo Ale - 5  This beer was great, definitely worth finding and trying again!

If the brewery is starred above - its definitely worth seeking out at your local store! Happy tasting!

Cheers!