Poco - Spanish - $$

http://www.poconyc.com/

Poco boasts that they are "One of the top 10 best brunches in NYC." I guess I could see that. For the entire 4 hour birthday brunch I was there for, the restaurant was packed. They have a good deal- 3 cocktails and your meal for $26. And everything on their menu sounds incredible. But sadly, my excitement was not satisfied, and my imagination, not fulfilled. I ordered the lobster benedict- very blah. I hardly tasted the lobster- it definitely wasn't fresh. I was more excited about trying the lobster mac n' cheese, which we ordered to share. I'm still wondering where the lobster in the lobster mac n' cheese was. Otherwise, it was delicious mac 'n cheese, made with manchego and asiago, and then topped with crunchy bread crumbs, very tasty. The bloody mary was one of the better ones I've had lately.



But all in all, I wouldn't recommend trying anything fancy here. Just go for a cheap brunch and don't expect an amazing meal.

Pipa - Spanish Tapas - $$$

http://pipa-nyc.com/

Pipa is the big sister to ABC Kitchen. An oldie but a goodie. In my opinion, best Spanish tapas in the city, especially for its value. (I think it beats Casa Mono big time). I've been to Pipa so many times and it never disappoints. In fact, whenever I go on a date with a guy I'm less than thrilled about, I always choose Pipa because I know that at the very least, I'll get a great meal out of the date. hehe. I also love the decor. It has this rustic, woodsy feel and the ceilings hang probably a hundred different kinds of chandeliers, all for sale by ABC home & carpet store. On Sundays and weeknights, they have someone playing Spanish guitar while a Flamenca dancer takes the floor. It's truly a great night out. It's loud, so not ideal if you plan to have a deep conversation over dinner.



These are dishes that I get everytime. All so delicious.

- Cheese Plate
(all Spanish cheeses are good. try the mahon, manchego, garroxta)

- Grilled Asparagus
- Calamari
(which happen to be the BEST calamari I've ever had, hands down. they're fried crispy and then coated in this delicious spicy/tangy sauce... it is divinity)
- Scallops
- Cangrejo flat bread
- Catalan spinach

I've actually never had the paellas because I never have room. Anyone had them? Any good??

meal came out to about $35pp