A solution for all the bathroom controversies: "WC"

They there wine nerds!

If you find yourselves stressed out by all this drama over bathrooms and need to fill a spot on your travel bucket list - have I got a place for you! (Confused yet?)

Now this blog does not claim to be political one way or another. But I do enjoy following politics and current events, and when North Carolina enacted the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act (HB2), the uproar was immediate. I thought, how can we solve this rationally, and for me the solution has always been obvious. That same solution also reminded me of this lovely restaurant that's on my travel bucket list for the better part of a year. (Sure you're not confused?) 

Ok, I'll explain. I have a lot of family in Germany, and have been fortunate enough to go abroad to visit them a couple times. Before our first trip, my Dad told me, "if you are every looking for a restroom, look for 'WC' not men vs. women." When I looked up where this term came from, I discovered that translated loosely, the acronym stands for "water closet." In Germany, most water closet layouts are usually shared spaces between both genders. Meaning, each stall has a floor to ceiling sturdy door than can be completely locked, but everyone shares the sink and dryers. Admittedly, it was a little bit strange the first time I tried it to see men in the space, but looking back now, it just seems like a more efficient use of space. And who doesn't love that men now have to wait in line with the ladies?

All this potty-talk aside, the bathroom controversy reminded me of the German set up and this great wine bar that goes by the same nomenclature - WC. However, this time it directly translates to Wine & Charcuterie. According to their website, Wine & Charcuterie transformed a 100 year old former water closet located underneath Clapham Common tube station into a classic cocktail bar.

I love the concept! You get the "speakeasy" vibe that is currently popular in the U.S., but you get to experience this extra level history by experiencing a piece of the London underground! Definitely a place that is worth a visit the next time you are in London!

Cheers!

Restaurant Review: Osteria & Publican Restaurant Swap

Hey all, I know it's been a while since we talked, but much like old friends who haven't seen each other for a while, I know we can pick up right where we left off, inside jokes and all.

I had a couple photos lounging on my phone from October 2015, and they were too delicious, I couldn't keep them from the blog. So cast your memory back to days when the leaves were changing colors, the heat of summer was subsiding, and we all were counting down the hours until the Trump campaign would self-destruct (who knew - right?).

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Thank goodness for food bloggers. More often than not, they know about some truly awesome food events. It was almost buy chance that I heard about this awesome phenomenon, where the staff at Osteria would swap kitchens with the staff at the Chicago based Publican, for one night only.  I was lucky enough to grab a table for this event and taste a wonderful selection of dishes with a good looking guy to boot.

Check out the food we tasted below!

Gotta start with a cocktail.

I'll be the first to admit that it's getting a bit intimidating with the alcohol selection out there. Every establishment is pulling together craft cocktails, craft beers, brewing their own spirits in house - it can be a bit intense. But I challenge you to you all dear wine-nerds, that if you choose to imbibe, choose something adventurous or from another country. 

And when I saw calvados as a main ingredient in the Healer's Choice, I knew I had a winner. Calvados may sound Spanish, but it's actually French! It is an apple brand distilled in the French region of Normandy. It's deep apple flavor is great for an apertif on its own, or is a great addition to mixed drinks!

Healer's Choice: Ternheim theater whiskey, calvados, mint honey syrup, lemon, and angostura bitters.

When it came to the food for the evening, I will let the pictures speak for themselves. (May seem like a cop out) But really! The food was seemingly simple but layered with interesting details. We opted to order a few (sturdy) small plates and share, and it all was delicious.

Check it out below!

Publican oysters + hama hama. 

Charcuterie plate with whole grain mustard perfection.

Blood sausage, squid, green chili dressing served over veggies with parmesan and macron almonds.

Butterscotch pudding, vanilla ice cream and homemade oatmeal cookie.

The moral of the (photobook) story here is... if you have the opportunity to visit Publican while in Chicago, it is definitely worth it. While most of the plates weren't particularly veggie-friendly (and I can't speak for the full restaurant), it's a place your carnivore friends would love!

Cheers!

Philly Wine Week has Begun!

Holy two posts in one day batman! This one will be short and sweet, but I could not wait to share the news - it's Philly Wine Week!

What's that?! Think restaurant week, but instead of featuring food, they are featuring wine! (My favorite!) Be sure to check out the website - www.phillywineweek.org - for all the details! Two things I will be checking out for sure: (1) the awesome wine specials, and (2) "What Not to Pair" with Marnie Old and Brauhaus Schmitz. The drink specials, offered at all participating wine bars/restaurants are a great way for you to try a different wine at an affordable price. As for the pairing class, stand by for a full post on this exciting event. I will be sure to check in with my Oma (yep, that's German for Grandma) to see if the food and drink stands up to traditional German fare. (I have no doubt it is!)

So if you live in Philly, be sure to check out the wine week specials! 

Cheers! 

Boston: The Publick House

hOOH YEAH Boston! It's time for a restaurant review!

The Publick House

No shots, no pitchers...

 the motto of The Publick House in Brooklin, MA. And they mean it!

As for Decor - the ambiance is everything you could want from a classic pub. Dark wood, dim lighting, and gold bar rails. On nice evenings they open all the windows.

The Beer selection here is extensive. Everything that the group ordered tasted great. I ordered a beer called Stillwater Ale, made by Cellar Door in Baltimore, MD. (And no it wasn't because it was made in Baltimore - but Go O's!) I was drawn to this beer because the brewer highlighted the use of sage in the brewing process, which I thought was unique and delicious!

Finally, the food was just as awesome as the beer. We ordered the brussel sprouts and fries (known as the best of boston, and weren't half bad) to start. Then, practically the whole table ordered burgers for dinner. I went the "healthy route" and ordered the veggie burger - which was good, but not my favorite ever. However, the rest of the table ordered the traditional burger, which was excellent.

Basically, if you are looking for a great place to grab a beer and a burger with friends, Publick House is worth the trip. 

Cheers!

I wish I could teleport to NYC to visit... The Fourth.

 I may be a bit late to the game, but this new spot in East Village looks to die for! Open for brunch, lunch and dinner (though I would opt for Brunch right out of the gate), 

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!