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So one of my dreams/goals that I expect to reach living here in NYC, is knowing and being friends with chefs around the city. The experience that I had at Palma is exactly the reason why.
My friend, to keep it short, is friends with the Executive Chef at Palma, the handsome and charming, Raffaele Ronca. After greetings with kisses and catch-up chatter, Raffaele said one of the most desirable things every foodie-diner wants to hear: "let me just bring you a few dishes, ok?" Who knows better about the menu than the Chef who created it?
My wish was granted. We shared plate after plate of deliciousness. A fried artichoke heart dish- a texture and flavor I'd never before tasted and couldn't get enough of. Crab cakes. A perfectly seared sea bass. The most simple, delicious, amazing pasta dish: fresh made pasta, crushed tomatoes, garlic and basil. Divine. Dessert. There were so many "Mmmm" inspired bites accompanied with lip smacking sips of wine. It went on and on and on. In the end, he shared a glass of limoncello with us while chatting about cooking, food, and eating.
It was a fabulous night! There's nothing better than connecting with the person who created your amazing meal, and that experience lived up to the dream i've been building in my head.
The restaurant has an adorable, rustic feel that serves as a perfect setting for the type of food it serves. You feel like you're in Italy and you taste the authenticity. Nestled on the quiet Cornelia St. this makes for the perfect date spot.
Go and indulge. $50pp
8.27.2011
Republic - Noodles - $
Website
Republic was one of the first "ethnic" food restaurants I tried when I came to college in the city. (I grew up in the smallest, blandest town in NJ). It was very exciting to try Thai food, and at the time, Republic was all the rage-- everyone talked about how great their noodles were.
As far as the dining experience was concerned, this was one of the cheaper options (important for college students) that had table service. We loved it. Everything from the pad thai, to the glass noodles, their noodle soups, or satay. And since it's located in Union Square- walking distance from my school, and had the coolest space with the coolest communal tables, we frequented often.
I recently revisited Republic after a long hiatus. Its quality is still as great, although the wait time for a table is drastically reduced. The prices have also increased, but it has been about 10 years.
We went for a very simple old-school choice on the appetizer, the always-good: chicken satay. I followed that up with a beef noodle soup, very much like a pho. Their cocktails, thai iced tea, and juices are all also worth mentioning.
I still love this place and will highly recommend it to someone visiting from out of town. Not only is it delicious but its location is perfect. If you find yourself in Union Square, you should definitely stop here.
Expect to pay a mere $20 without drinks.
Republic was one of the first "ethnic" food restaurants I tried when I came to college in the city. (I grew up in the smallest, blandest town in NJ). It was very exciting to try Thai food, and at the time, Republic was all the rage-- everyone talked about how great their noodles were.
As far as the dining experience was concerned, this was one of the cheaper options (important for college students) that had table service. We loved it. Everything from the pad thai, to the glass noodles, their noodle soups, or satay. And since it's located in Union Square- walking distance from my school, and had the coolest space with the coolest communal tables, we frequented often.
I recently revisited Republic after a long hiatus. Its quality is still as great, although the wait time for a table is drastically reduced. The prices have also increased, but it has been about 10 years.
We went for a very simple old-school choice on the appetizer, the always-good: chicken satay. I followed that up with a beef noodle soup, very much like a pho. Their cocktails, thai iced tea, and juices are all also worth mentioning.
I still love this place and will highly recommend it to someone visiting from out of town. Not only is it delicious but its location is perfect. If you find yourself in Union Square, you should definitely stop here.
Expect to pay a mere $20 without drinks.
Kunjip - Korean - $
Website
I went here for lunch one day and had a great experience. The thing I respect about 32nd street is how Korean all the restaurants really are. Most of the customers are Korean and most of the waiters are so Korean, they can barely communicate with you in English. So you know that what you're having is an authentic experience and an authentic meal.
These restaurants are also efficiently run and perfect spots for lunch.
Everyone ordered different items from noodle soups, to bibimbob, or my favorite, the spicy udon noodles with the squid. I get this almost every time.
Try this place out for its good lunch special and an authentic meal.
Lunch $10.
I went here for lunch one day and had a great experience. The thing I respect about 32nd street is how Korean all the restaurants really are. Most of the customers are Korean and most of the waiters are so Korean, they can barely communicate with you in English. So you know that what you're having is an authentic experience and an authentic meal.
These restaurants are also efficiently run and perfect spots for lunch.
Everyone ordered different items from noodle soups, to bibimbob, or my favorite, the spicy udon noodles with the squid. I get this almost every time.
Try this place out for its good lunch special and an authentic meal.
Lunch $10.
Baby Bo's - Mexican - $$
Website
It's obvious that I love Mexican food. Authentic, Tex-Mex, fake Mexican, I don't care, I love it all. But Baby Bo's just might be one of my favorite un-Authentic Mexican restaurants in the city. The place is small and tightly packed with not only tables and people, but Mexican art and decoration everywhere you look. It has a great, inviting atmosphere without being the least bit cheesy.
There's usually a ditzy, slightly crazy woman who waits there, but if she gets your order wrong, don't get too upset. She means well and she'll make it right by you.
The food here is delicious. My favorite item is the enchilada with the chipotle sauce, seen below. It is insane how delicious it is. It also comes with rice and beans, all glued together with melted cheese, sooo good. When you sit at your table, you're given a basket of chips with freshly made pico de gallo. It is so fresh and flavorful, you could just have that and some margaritas and be perfectly happy. Order yourself one of their great margaritas and wait for your meal.
Everyone I've ever brought here loves the food, and we always leave feeling stuffed and buzzed-- always a great sign of a great meal.
Meal and margarita will cost you about $25.
It's obvious that I love Mexican food. Authentic, Tex-Mex, fake Mexican, I don't care, I love it all. But Baby Bo's just might be one of my favorite un-Authentic Mexican restaurants in the city. The place is small and tightly packed with not only tables and people, but Mexican art and decoration everywhere you look. It has a great, inviting atmosphere without being the least bit cheesy.
There's usually a ditzy, slightly crazy woman who waits there, but if she gets your order wrong, don't get too upset. She means well and she'll make it right by you.
The food here is delicious. My favorite item is the enchilada with the chipotle sauce, seen below. It is insane how delicious it is. It also comes with rice and beans, all glued together with melted cheese, sooo good. When you sit at your table, you're given a basket of chips with freshly made pico de gallo. It is so fresh and flavorful, you could just have that and some margaritas and be perfectly happy. Order yourself one of their great margaritas and wait for your meal.
Everyone I've ever brought here loves the food, and we always leave feeling stuffed and buzzed-- always a great sign of a great meal.
Meal and margarita will cost you about $25.
J.G. Melon - Burgers - $
Website
J.G. Melon is one of those old-school, hasn't changed since it opened, authentic burger joints. After a few good burger-ventures, a coworker recommended this as being one of Bobby Flay's "Best Burgers I Ever Ate."
This place feels so out of place up on the Upper East Side. It's a dark pub-like restaurant packed with people and tables. The menu is simple but the burgers aren't too cheap.
I went ahead and ordered the cheeseburger and split some fries. Burger was good, but certainly not my favorite. But for the sake of its reputation, I had to include this in my blog. If you're looking for that "normal" no-frills kind of American burger, this could definitely be it. I particularly prefer a juicier, fattier meat that melts in your mouth with every bite.
Burger and fries $15.
J.G. Melon is one of those old-school, hasn't changed since it opened, authentic burger joints. After a few good burger-ventures, a coworker recommended this as being one of Bobby Flay's "Best Burgers I Ever Ate."
This place feels so out of place up on the Upper East Side. It's a dark pub-like restaurant packed with people and tables. The menu is simple but the burgers aren't too cheap.
I went ahead and ordered the cheeseburger and split some fries. Burger was good, but certainly not my favorite. But for the sake of its reputation, I had to include this in my blog. If you're looking for that "normal" no-frills kind of American burger, this could definitely be it. I particularly prefer a juicier, fattier meat that melts in your mouth with every bite.
Burger and fries $15.
Fish - Seafood - $$
Website
In the summertime, all you want is seafood. So how appropriate to trust in a place simply named "Fish"? Everyone in there seemed very happily involved with their meals and conversations. After looking around to see what people were eating, I decided to go with the house Lobster special.
For $20, I got a 1-1/4 lb lobster, fries, steamers and corn. All fresh, all delicious, and can't be beat. My friend was perfectly content with her lobster roll as well. For the value of their lobster dinner, I highly recommend this place. There aren't enough good, affordable seafood restaurants in the city and this has now become a go-to spot.
$20.
In the summertime, all you want is seafood. So how appropriate to trust in a place simply named "Fish"? Everyone in there seemed very happily involved with their meals and conversations. After looking around to see what people were eating, I decided to go with the house Lobster special.
For $20, I got a 1-1/4 lb lobster, fries, steamers and corn. All fresh, all delicious, and can't be beat. My friend was perfectly content with her lobster roll as well. For the value of their lobster dinner, I highly recommend this place. There aren't enough good, affordable seafood restaurants in the city and this has now become a go-to spot.
$20.
Othello's Deli - (Astoria) - $
Website
Everyone needs a good, local deli. I found this one on yelp and decided that I'd stop over on one of my weekend bike rides. When I got there, I found it crowded with customers placing orders inside as well as seated outside. Good sign.
It's your typical deli with grocery items, fresh fruit, hot prepared foods and deli meats. I went ahead and ordered what's now become my all-time favorite sandwich: smoked turkey, lettuce, tomato, onion and kefalotiri cheese on a hero. The kefalotiri cheese is obviously a Greek cheese, and when in Astoria... it perfectly compliments the smoked turkey and is just A----mazing.
The fact that it's always packed and everything is fresh is a good sign. Othello's has since become my go-to deli. This makes a great pit stop before biking over the tri-boro for a randall's island picnic.
Sandwich and bottled water, $8.
Everyone needs a good, local deli. I found this one on yelp and decided that I'd stop over on one of my weekend bike rides. When I got there, I found it crowded with customers placing orders inside as well as seated outside. Good sign.
It's your typical deli with grocery items, fresh fruit, hot prepared foods and deli meats. I went ahead and ordered what's now become my all-time favorite sandwich: smoked turkey, lettuce, tomato, onion and kefalotiri cheese on a hero. The kefalotiri cheese is obviously a Greek cheese, and when in Astoria... it perfectly compliments the smoked turkey and is just A----mazing.
The fact that it's always packed and everything is fresh is a good sign. Othello's has since become my go-to deli. This makes a great pit stop before biking over the tri-boro for a randall's island picnic.
Sandwich and bottled water, $8.
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