Posts Tagged ‘SoHo’

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Soho Park: More Than Just a Great Backyard

Thursday, September 9th, 2010

On a sunny Soho afternoon, you’re bound to find the garden of this all-American sandwich and burger joint packed with stylish shoppers. But it isn’t, as is sometimes the case, just for the great outdoor space — the food here is as legit as the labels on the clientele’s wardrobe. I’ve long been a junkie for the grilled cheese, but on a recent visit decided to try out their version of one of my favorite things on the planet…bratwurst. Since serving it on a hot dog bun would just be too boring (don’t worry, Shake Shack, you’re still doing juuust fine), this one is coiled and placed on a Kaiser roll with a delicious whole grain mustard and sauerkraut from Essex Street Market. So simple, but every ingredient shone through so well that it really made the sandwich something special. And alongside some zucchini fries with spicy sambal ketchup and a root beer? It’s one of many perfect summertime lunches that thankfully can be had all year round.

Posted by: Kim Partrick
Price: $-$$
Location: 62 Prince Street (at Lafayette)
Type of Food: American
Veggie Friendly? Y
www.sohoparknyc.com


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Hundred Acres: A Brunch Worth Repeating

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

There are so many great brunch joints around this city, it’s often hard for me to justify going to the same place twice, but this little SoHo gem is most certainly worth making an exception for. The modern two-room restaurant somehow manages to feel a bit old New York despite the décor, and the back room where we were seated was perfectly bright and utterly pleasant for a weekend brunch.

Now, as for the all-important food, it was a hit from the very beginning. To start, we shared orders of biscuits and doughnuts, and … heavens, where do I begin with those? First of all, don’t be fooled into ordering multiple plates of biscuits just because there are “only two.” These are hefty hunks of deliciousness that are only made better by the homemade apple butter and raspberry jam that accompany them. And the doughnuts…oh, the doughnuts. The dough on these suckers seems to have been just fried enough, so that the centers are perfectly gooey, even more so when they’re soaked in the fantastic lemon crème anglaise. For my main dish, the Mexican food junkie in me went straight for the chilaquiles, a baked dish of tortilla chips, tomatillo sauce, fried eggs, pickled radishes and cilantro. Served in an adorable single-serving skillet, the dish is best when you cut up the eggs and mix all of the ingredients together to make the perfect bite. It might have been better had I requested runnier yolks, since the tomatillo sauce is normally great when mixed in with them, but overall it was a lovely, generous finale to a truly pleasant Manhattan meal.

Since my choice of entrée might have been one of the more difficult decisions of my life, with so many mouthwatering alternatives available, I’ll certainly be back here soon. Same time next weekend?

Posted by: Kim Partrick
Order: biscuits, doughnuts, chilaquiles
Price: $$
Location: 38 MacDougal Street (near Prince)
Type of Food: American (mostly)
Veggie Friendly? Y
www.hundredacresnyc.com


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Village Tart: Sweet, Savory, and Sumptuous

Monday, May 10th, 2010

Village Tart

I believe Village Tart has a dinner menu. I’m pretty sure they have a bar and offer a wide array of libations. They may even offer a phenomenal and varied brunch. But honestly, I didn’t make it one step past the mesmerizing bakery display. It’s the first thing you see when you walk into Village Tart and I dare anyone to take their eyes off the scintillating array of baked creations devised by famed pastry chef Pichet Ong.

From the dulce de leche carrot cake topped with walnuts to the oatmeal ginger cherry cookies, every construction packs a wallop of flavor and plenty of unexpected elements. I opted for the “hazelnut skillet,” a light and cakey chocolate crust, topped with a nutella-esque hazelnut cream, chocolate, and whole hazelnuts. It proved the perfect combination of sweet and the slightly more bitter chocolate. My companion opted for the Frangelico-mint tart, a flakey crust topped with raspberries, Frangelico cream, and clumps of mint leaves. I got a big bite of mint, and it was wonderfully refreshing, the perfect spring treat.

Sure, it’s $6 for a slice of pie, but when it comes to an inventive pie or cake that I know I’d never make it home, I’ll willing to shell out for the privilege. I know I’ll be heading back soon. There’s a piece of dulce de leche carrot cake with my name on it!

Posted by: Nicole Price Fasig
Order: hazelnut skillet
Price: $
Location: 86 Kenmare St. (and Mulberry St.)
Type of Food: Dessert
Veggie Friendly? Y
www.villagetart.com


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Boqueria: Treat Yourself to Tapas

Tuesday, April 27th, 2010

Boqueria tapas

Calling tapas “cheap” is a dicey endeavor. On so many blogs, you’ll see tapas restaurant listed in the $ category. True, each small plate will probably set you back less than $10, but how many will it take to make a whole meal. In truth, more tapas places are likely priced in the $$-$$$ range. SoHo’s Boqueria makes no pretense of being an inexpensive tapas place but, for your money, you’ll get a fantastic, hearty, and authentic Spanish meal, in a fantastic atmosphere.

Boqueria flatbread

I was lucky enough to visit Barcelona earlier this year with three close friends, and we all reunited over tapas at Boqueria to reminisce. Naturally, we started with a pitcher of sangria, before launching into Boqueria’s extensive tapas menu. The rosemary manchego and pan con tomate (a Catalonian specialty) were necessities, as well as the addictive patatas bravas (roasted potatoes topped with spicy tomato sauce and roasted garlic aioli). The pan-roasted brussel sprouts with house-made chorizo were nothing special, but that was more than made up for by the rich and creamy salt cod fritters served with citrus aioli. Despite the extensive regular menu, we ordered quite a few options off the specials menu. Naturally, I was too busy chowing down to write down the specifics but, needless to say, everything was absolutely scrumptious, including the flatbread options with artichokes and Spanish ham (pictured above).

Boqueria churros y chocolate

We couldn’t pass on dessert. Oddly enough, we never had churros con chocolate in Barcelona, but that didn’t stop us from indulging in SoHo. Boqueria may not be a bargain but, between the delicious (and generous drinks), bustling, lively atmosphere, incredibly personable waitstaff, and, above all, fantastically flavorful food, you’re guaranteed to get a good value. And a dinner you won’t soon forget.

Posted by: Nicole Price Fasig
Order: pan con tomate, rosemary manchego, salchichon, coles de brusela y chorizo, patatas bravas, bunuelos de bacalao, artichoke and serrano ham flatbread
Price: $$-$$$
Location: 171 Spring St. (between W. Broadway and Thompson St.), 53 W. 19th St. (between 5th Ave. and 6th Ave.)
Type of Food: Spanish, tapas
Veggie Friendly? Y
www.boquerianyc.com


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Easter Brunch: Holiday Meal Deals for Under $30

Tuesday, March 30th, 2010

Easter. It’s just another excuse to jack up meal prices at some of New York’s ritziest restaurants. Or, if you’re judicious, it’s a chance to get dressed up in your Sunday best and enjoy a fancy prix fixe brunch for little more than you’d pay for your average all-you-can-drink morning meal. We’ve perused the Easter deals to find five special Easter menus for $30 or less.

SoHo Brazilian restaurant, Sounds of Brazil (unfortunately abbreviated SOBs), offers a three-course brunch along with their all-you-can-drink sangria bar for only $26.99. Enjoy such delicacies as banana-stuffed French toast, ginger lime snapper in a banana leaf, and feijoada (a traditional Brazilian stew of pork, beef and black beans), all to a non-stop bossa nova soundtrack.

If you’re looking for something a little more hearty, Meatpacking District steakhouse Macelleria is offering a $29 brunch with complimentary mimosa. The menu includes such Italian fare as ravioli al pomodoro, straw and hay tagliolini with peas and pancetta, as well as more brunch-friendly dishes like Sicilian egg toast with asparagus and truffle oil. and crepes with nutella.

In the same vein, Upper West Side Italian restaurant ‘Cesca boasts an impressive three-course prix fixe menu, plus a bellini or juice for $29. Once you’ve chosen from the salad, charcuterie, cheese, or soup of the day, you have to pick one of a whopping twelve entree options, ranging from the prosciutto fritatta to crespelle (chick pea and herb crepes) filled wtih sauteed granny smith apples, ricotta, and candied walnuts. Naturally, the menu also includees breakfast standbys like the “Tuscan toast,” served with mixed berries and chestnut honey. And don’t forget dessert!

Of course, Easter doesn’t have to be all fussy brunches and fancy eggs. Hell’s Kitchen’s Kiran Indian Cuisine boasts an Easter-inspired, and quite affordable, alternative. Enjoy a three-course Easter lunch for a mere $14.99, only slightly more than the cost of the average entree on the menu, which includes the standard curry specialties, an “Indian-style pizza,” plenty of kebabs from the tandoor oven.

And if you’d rather skip the fuss and get an old fashioned boozy brunch, La Palapa in the East Village is happy to oblige. But even they’re still getting into the Easter spirit with lavender margaritas and other holiday-inspired goodies.

Posted by: Nicole Price Fasig
Price: $$$
Locations: Sounds of Brazil, 204 Varick St. (at W. Houston St.)
Macelleria, 48 Gansevoort St. (between Greenwich St. and Washington St.)
‘Cesca, 164 W. 75th St. (at Amsterdam Ave.)
Kiran Indian Cuisine, 401 W. 53rd St. (at 9th Ave.)
La Palapa, 77 St. Mark’s Pl. (between 1st Ave. and 2nd Ave.)


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Kittichai: Smarter Than Your Average Brunch

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

Kittichai

Sure, classics like French toast, pancakes, or eggs benedict are delicious, but at some point you start to wonder why they’re worth spending so much money on just to eat out on a Sunday afternoon, especially when you’re stuck waiting for an hour in the cold thinking you could easily have whipped up the same breakfast yourself by now. (Not that I’m speaking from experience or anything.) Enter Kittichai, the Thai fusion cure for the ordinary brunch. They’ve got the standard keywords on the menu, but with modifiers you’d never expect (think pancake souffle, duck egg omelette, panang curry hollandaise). With a menu that intriguing, we just had to try it ourselves.

Not surprisingly, getting a table at this chic SoHo eatery can be even more difficult than deciding on an entree. The first feat accomplished, I finally settled on the Asian five spice French toast, accompanied by a fruit and basil compote. It arrived griddled to perfection, slightly gooey on the inside with just a hint of burnt crisp on the outside. The “five spice” part didn’t come through quite as much as I might have hoped, but that hint of savory still added a nice, unexpected layer of flavor to this breakfast standard. Granted, it’s possible I may have spread a little more of the fantastic fruit and basil compote than was completely necessary. Nicole opted for the equally intriguing lime leaf pancake souffle with lemongrass butter. To call this a “pancake” almost does it a disservice, because the incredibly light and fluffy texture of this semi-savory dish elevates it far beyond the elementary hotcake. The lemongrass butter pairs so nicely with the pancake that you have no need for that customary side of maple syrup (though it is provided, for you traditionalists out there).

A la carte, brunch entrees range from $9-18, but most of them are available on the brunch prix fixe menu ($20), which also includes unlimited specialty brunch cocktails. (The blood orange mimosa was a huge hit at our table!) If you’re looking for a great brunch spot for this Super Bowl weekend, look no further - but you’d better hop on those reservations!

Posted by: Kim Partrick
Order: Asian five spice French toast, blood orange mimosa
Price: $$
Location: 60 Thompson Street (between Spring and Broome)
Type of Food: Thai
Veggie Friendly? Y
www.kittichairestaurant.com


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Latke Cook-Off: New Twists on an Old Favorite

Monday, December 7th, 2009

Great Performances Kitchen’s motto is “Celebrate Food,” and it’s hard not to get excited about events like tonight’s latke cook-off taking place tonight at 6:30. Expect to sample all sorts of fun takes on that old potato pancake favorite, ranging from Sherwin Holloway’s Southern twist to Chef Victoria Saldana’s (of El Café at El Museo del Barrio fame) Latin-themed treats. Mulled wine, spiced cider and light snacks will also accompany the tasting.

And, to top it all off, while you’re busy fattening up, your $25 admission will be going to promote healthy eating education for local youth. There aren’t any calories when you’re eating for charity, right?

Posted by: Nicole Price Fasig
Price: $$$
Location: 304 Hudson St. (between Vandam St. and Spring St.)
Veggie Friendly? Y
www.greatperformances.com


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Boqueria: Sure, We’ll Help Celebrate Your 3rd Birthday With Free Things!

Thursday, August 6th, 2009

Boqueria
via Grub Street

It’s little wonder that tapas are such a hit in NYC, considering how perfect they are for large groups to share and enjoy. But with such popularity, choosing the perfect locale for your Spanish feast can be a bit overwhelming. Luckily, for the month of August, Boqueria is making that choice just a little bit easier.

Visit either of their locations on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday, mention being a Facebook fan or Twitter follower of the restaurant, and lo and behold, you’re entitled to a free “Market Menu” item — whatever the chefs whip up using the day’s best Greenmarket offerings. Previous offerings include lamb bacon, marcona almond semifreddo, and peach sorbet. Heck, these would be worth a try even if they weren’t free! We hear the kind waitstaff won’t even ask for proof of your internet loyalty, but be sure to check Boqueria’s Twitter to get a preview (and a picture!) of that night’s freebie.

Posted by: Kim Partrick
Price: $$
Location: 53 West 19th Street (between 5th & 6th Aves.) and 171 Spring Street (between West Broadway and Thompson)
Type of Food: Spanish
Veggie Friendly? Y
www.boquerianyc.com


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SoHo Stroll: Eat, Drink, and Be Merry, All for Charity

Tuesday, June 9th, 2009

Who are we kidding here, you’re going to go out this weekend anyway, so why not get find some awesome bargains and support a great cause? Donate $20 to the Association for Community Employment Programs for the Homeless (A.C.E.) and you can get your very own silicone bracelet, good for a whole host of deals including a free glass of prosecco at Mezzogiornio, complimentary dessert at Dos Caminos SoHo, 10 percent off at Vosges Haut-Chocolat and more. The bracelet’s are good for as many deals as you can handle between June 11th and 13th. For complete details, visit SoHo’s Stroll’s website.

Posted by: Nicole Price Fasig


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The Hunt for The Perfect Horchata

Wednesday, May 6th, 2009

Horchata
Horchata at Taco Taco

Half the fun of eating at a taqueria or Mexican restaurant is the beverages. Drinkers have their margaritas, sangria, tequila, Coronas, or mezcal (if they’re feeling adventurous). For non-drinkers like me, the best options are the aguas frescas: jamaica, tamarindo, and horchata. Of these, my favorite is horchata, a milky rice drink flavored with cinnamon and sugar. It’s not at all hard to find in neighborhoods with large Hispanic populations — many 7-11s in California have it in their soda fountains — but you really have to look to find it in Manhattan.

BurritoVille (remember the BV?) was for a long time the easiest way to get your horchata fix, but that stuff was pretty mediocre, and the chain’s completely out of business now. Which means it’s up to the smaller shops to bring us our aguas frescas until McDonald’s decides to buy millions of gallons of horchata for its Chipotle outlets.

The three best places I’ve found to get horchata are Noche Mexicana on the Upper West Side, La Esquina in SoHo, and Taco Taco on the Upper East Side.

La Esquina, the little taco-stand/cafe/posh restaurant combo on Kenmare, has the most unremarkable version. A medium-size cup of it will run you around $4, and it usually takes two of them to sate my craving on a hot summer day. I mention La Esquina as a best horchata contender because sitting outside devouring killer tacos, grilled corn, and horchata is one of my favorite sunny Saturday afternoon activities, and La Esquina is the best place to do it.

Noche Mexicana, on Amsterdam and 102nd, has the best horchata deal to be had north of the Rio Grande. It’s just an unassuming hole in the wall, but go there soon, and order the homemade pork tamales with the large horchata. Make sure you order the large, because they serve it in a ginormous plastic bucket. If you’ve ever ordered a large egg drop soup from a takeout Chinese restaurant, you know the container I’m talking about. The bucket o’ horchata costs just under $5. I go there at least once a week, and am working my way through the entire menu. Haven’t had a miss yet.

The reigning King of NYC Horchata is, far and away, Taco Taco on 2nd Ave and 90th. I had it for the first time last week, and was completely stunned. Whereas most horchata has the consistency of 1 percent milk, Taco Taco’s was rich, frothy and sweet, with a spoonful of cinnamon sprinkled on top for you to stir in. It comes in a large glass, and costs a mere $2 (so you can get two or three of them). I’m not sure how authentic it is, as it doesn’t drink like any horchata I’ve ever had, but if this isn’t the horchata they drink in Mexico, than the Mexicans are missing out on something special. It’s enough to make your passionfruit-margarita-swilling friends jealous.

Got another good horchata spot? Lemme know in the comments!

Posted by: Kyle Monson

Noche Mexicana
Location: 852 Amsterdam Ave. (between 102 and 103 St.)
www.noche-mexicana.com

La Esquina
Location: 114 Kenmare St. (and Lafayette St.)
www.esquinanyc.com

Taco Taco
Location: 1726 2nd Ave. (at 90th St.)


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