NYC Wine Event!

Photo Source

Dear Enthusiasts! This post is for my NYC readers (or NYC Bound readers)! One of my favorite sommeliers, wine blogger/podcaster is hosting an event in NYC. Elizabeth Schnieder of

Wine for Normal People

, is going to be in NYC this week, Thursday October 3! Check out her blurb about the event below!

FULL DISCLOSURE -- you may have to pay for a glass of wine, but there is no cover charge, so still worth the trip to Times Square if you have the time.

"Another reminder to New York City Metro Normal Wine People! Come meet me and other normal wine people this Thursday night! I'll do a reading from the book and we can dork out and drink some nice stuff!"

Thursday, October 3. 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM at NIOS Restaurant at the Muse Hotel (Times Square) Midtown. 

http://www.niosrestaurant.com/

If you go, let me know how the event was in a comment!

Cheers!

Decisions, Decisions: Favorite Wine Bars

My Favorite Wine Bars!

Photo Source: 

http://www.janesgourmetdeli.com/Restaurant/TheWineWall.aspx

Dear Enthusiasts! I am shocked to learn that I have not yet shouted out my favorite wine bars! We have covered my favorite places to grab

drinks in NYC

and we have considered what to consider when

choosing a wine bar

for your evening - but - now I will give you all my insider tips!

New York.

  Let's start with the greatest city in the world. NYC! There are so many options here, frankly too many. Below are my top 5 favorites, places that I could go to night after night and always have a good time. I am

sure

 there are tons that I missed, if so, just shout out your favorite place in the comments section.

1. Amelie (Greenwich Village).  

I have probably shouted out this wine bar multiple times. But this place deserves it! The ambiance is great - sleek and modern, yet cozy. But what's even better is the food and drink. All the snacks are delicious, but the wine list is extensive. Added bonus - the servers are super fun! 

2. The Immigrant (East Village).

  I walked by this place most days for almost six months before I actually stopped by, but I was oh so glad when I did! This place exudes simple, rustic charm. The wine list is short, but full of complex choices. Go for drinks and snacks, but don't expect dinner!

3. Terroir (East Village).

  Go for the Riesling selection, stay for the snacks! But an insider tip - one of the best happy hour deals I have seen in Manhattan. 

4. Cork Buzz Wine Studio (Union Square).

  If you want to experience great wine served by a truly knowledgeable staff - this is the place to go! Co-founded by one of my favorite Master Sommeliers (and 1 of only 20 women), the wine list really offers a great selection. Tons of familiar wine styles and even more interesting new glasses to try. Plus the food is delicious!

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

  Wine + cheese = happiness. Need I say more?

Photo Source: 

http://www.allposters.com.au/-sp/

L-Instant-Taittinger-posters_i421309_.htm

Boston.

  Now some New Yorkers wouldn't dare admit that there is life outside of the city, but I love exploring new places. One of the first things I do when I visit

a new city is find a great wine store and wine bar within the neighborhood. So this summer when I lived in Boston, I quickly found 

Belly Wine Bar

 in Cambridge. Rustic style wine bar with a very creative wine list. I wouldn't head there for a filling meal, but the snacks were definitely delicious.

Baltimore.

  (No, it's not just like The Wire). I lived in Charm City for over a year and in that time I learned that Baltimore is not really a big wine town. No matter! I still stumbled upon

13.5% Wine Bar

 in Hampden. The wine bar has a extensive list and fun snacks. But just in case you needed another reason, Hampden is a must visit neighborhood all on its own - hon fest, hipsters, great food! (Plus my favorite wine store of

all time

 The Wine Source). 

Annapolis.

  I may love living in the City, but I actually grew up in Maryland (aka the mid-atlantic,

not

 the South for you Northerners). One of my favorite places to visit when I'm back in town is

 Red Red Wine Bar

 on Main Street. It a relatively new addition, but well worth the wait.

Wilmington (Delaware that is).

I recently visited family in the Wilmington area, so true to form, I researched the wine bars. My favorite is 

Pochi,

 a wine bar featuring wines and food from Chile. Delicious!

Cheers!

The Enthusiasts! NYC Wine Club: A Night Out on the Town

"Life is too short, and I'm Italian. I'd much rather eat pasta and drink wine than be a size zero."

                                                                                              ~ Sophia Bush 

Photo Source: 

http://www.hampshirewineschool.com/catlist.php?cat=64

Hey there Enthusiasts! This week the wine club is in search of a change of scenery. Well, in search for a great wine club really. This month, the wine club will explore what makes a great wine bar!

As usual, what makes a great wine bar is whether it suits your personal taste. If you like it, then it's a great spot. However, if you are looking for something new, I usually consider the following:

1. Formalities:

 I know its unromantic, but its the lawyer in me to start with logistics. Does the wine bar your looking at take reservations? Do they have an awesome happy hour? Sometimes having a reservation and some piece of mind is worth it.

2. Ambiance:

 Are you looking for a place that is small and off the beaten path. Somewhere where you can see and be seen? Or somewhere with dimly-lit tables and a low key atmosphere. If any of the above is important to you, you will want to focus your search on specific types of bars.

3. Wine Region:

 Now - finally to the wine! Do you want to try something from a specific region or do you want to visit a place with a diverse wine list? Some bars will focus only on Italian or French wine - so if you are craving a creamy California Chardonnay, you may want to narrow your search accordingly.

4. Wine Selection:

 Similarly, if you are looking to try something new and different - I recommend looking for a bar with a diverse list of wines by the glass. This way you can try wines from many different regions without breaking the bank (or your liver for that matter).

5. Food Options:

 You may be thinking - duh! what wine bar doesn't have food? But don't over look this step. I've been caught at a great wine bar, craving something for dinner, and turning to bread and cheese for dinner alone (which is great - but expensive).

Just a few things to think about when choosing a wine bar! My ultimate recommendation - try something new!

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!

Vienna: Das Tigra

Third post from Vienna!

 As a resident of the great New York City, I get a lot of house guests. With every visitor I frequently hear the same question - "So what do you do for fun  on a typical weekend." Since I have been there for years and hit most of the typical museums, theaters and attractions, I am now proud to announce that my most common answer is... "um, go out to eat."

Fish Sandwich and Gerkensalat from a local fast food joint.

You may scoff at my choice of dining and wine over the cultural hustle and bustle that is New York City. But it is a passion of mine to research the best kept secrets, newest innovations and traditional favorites within the restaurant community. Which brings me to today's post! Naturally, this passion for restaurants doesn't stop with the five boroughs of NYC but follows me abroad, more specifically to Vienna. 

So our first stop was at a local fast food place that features fish (the name escapes me right now - but it was something Nordic if any Vis Mooties* want to check it out). I would describe it as a classier long john silver's - for those familiar with the seafood featuring fast food chains of the U.S. Be ware - the line moves swiftly - unless there are Americans trying to pay with their credit cards in front of you. But the food is affordable and tasty.

RH in front of CHAMPIONS - head there

 for overpriced "American" food

Then, I hit the town to explore with RH and we stumbled upon Champions - the "American Sports Bar and Restaurant." I always find these types of establishments comical. I wonder if the locals really like going there or if it is just a place for Americans to go when feeling nostalgic while abroad. Either way, I hope the locals come visit Philadelphia for a real Philly Cheese-steak (that is way cheaper that 16 euros they would pay at Champions) and the Americans hold out until their return and stick with the local fare. Unless they play Journey there - because that changes everything.

After a lot of exploring and a successful return to our neighborhood without looking at our map (all thanks to the expert - RH!) we headed to a local market for the essentials - candy and pastries. NYC has some great bakeries - but German/Austrian bakeries may ... (sorry I have to say it) ... take the cake! Everything is just better. Fresh bread, pastries, chocolates - the list goes on and everything just seems like a little more heart went into it than in most American supermarkets. No specific recommendations needed because everything is exceptional! Yes, even the haribo gummy bears that are available in the states are better here.

The essentials: apple turnover and gummiberkin

S

ome of you may be wondering - what is with the pizza? I can hear my younger sister pointing out, "C'mon K - I thought you only stuck to local fare when abroad." I know, I know - I blame the hotel concierge for this one. RH and I were in search of somewhere quick, cheap and good before we hit the Vis Bar. The hotel directed us to Vapiano. When he said the name, I thought - ok, Italian in Austria, this will be interesting. But, when I turned the corner I finally put two and two together - he sent us to

Vapiano

a chain Italian restaurant present in the U.S. where you are given a swipe card and order directly from the chef's station. 

To clarify, I am not hating on Vapiano. It is a great place to go with a large group, the food is affordable and tastes great. I just found it hilarious that I have been to the same chain restaurant (excluding typical fast food) in three large cities (NYC, D.C. and now Vienna).

I will end with a glimpse of what is to come in my next post. RH and I randomly walked by this restaurant, in basically an alley, with a line out the door (And its freezing and snowing in Vienna right now). I later learned that this was 

Figlmüller

, a famous Austrian schnitzel house that has been making this traditional dish since 1905. Get excited for this one folks!

The line for Figlmüller - a local hotspot that we plan to visit soon!

Cheers!

*Vis Mooties

- a colloquial term to describe student participants in the Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot, whose common characteristics include, but are not limited to, desire to be best friends with E.B. (Eric Bergsten that is); heard a law professor from Pittsburgh sing at least three songs on arbitration (yes ... songs); likely sang along with these songs, whether or not they will admit it; know honestly more than any normal person should know about witness statements, article 96 CISG, breach (whether fundamental or not), delay, avoidance and (of course) child labor; fierce competitors by day; people just searching for good times, a party or even (dare I say it) love around the corners of the Vis bar by night.