Freeman's - American - $$$

Website

I can honestly say that this place was so worth the wait! I had been wanting to try this restaurant for months and months and months. A girlfriend had asked to join me on my foodie adventures around the city, so I thought that this would be both, the perfect opportunity to try this restaurant, and the perfect place to ease her into food baby-ology.

So walking towards the restaurant down Freeman's Alley is so cute and romantic, and really sets up the restaurant well. It's decorated with animal heads, and flannel, and admission for men apparently seems to be an abundance of facial hair. The crowd is young and pretty. The cocktails are fabulous, the food is fresh and so so delicious. This place is officially, my favorite date place.

Since this was our first experience together, we kind-of just rolled up our sleeves and ordered everything that sounded delicious.

- Saw Mill Cocktail
It's made with Rye... get it?... and pear liquer, it is so smooth, I think I ordered 3...

- Devils on Horseback
Aaaaamazing. Prunes stuffed with blue cheese, wrapped in bacon, and fried. You pop this into your mouth and there's this warm explosion of melting cheese, sweetness, saltiness, it is just AMAZING.



- Artichoke Dip
Garlicy, cheesey, and huge chunks or artichokes throughout. It's SO good.



- Cheese Toasts
These were so perfectly crisp and had so much delicious cheese on them, we didn't even leave crumbs. Even the watercress salad it is served with was gobbled right up.



- Venison Cutlets
My friend ordered this and loved it. It's breaded and fried, and is an interesting alternative to the veal or chicken cutlet.



- Hunter's Stew
I ordered this one, and unfortunately was disappointed. It just wasn't for me. The others around me who had ordered this dish ate every last spoonful. But instead, I was devouring the creamed kale side that I ordered with it.





We did order a LOT for 2 people, and spent around $80 each. You certainly don't have to be such a high roller, but man... it is so worth it!

Palma - Italian - $$$

Website

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

Eataly - Italian - $$

Website

Eataly is great. It's a marketplace, a food court, a scene, and a tourist trap, all in one. The Mario Batali owned location sells all sorts of Italian goods, from chocolate and desserts to cheese and salamis, and breads, produce and fresh fish and meat. If it's Italian, it's there.





Next to all of the little markets- whether it's fish, meat, cheese, etc., are little restaurants based on the market it's next to. So you can choose based on what you feel like eating.

The first time I went, I had a fresh focaccia pizza from the bakery (to go) and it was excellent.

The second time, we came after a long night of drinks, we opted for the "La Pizza & La Pasta".



- Pomodora Pizza
(Great wood oven taste)






- Pasta alla Norma
(Fresh made lasagna pasta with eggplant and mozzarella)





Without wine, we spent $25pp.

Minetta Tavern - Burger - $$$

Website

OK. I've already posted Minetta Tavern, but the first time I went there, I had the steak- which is not what you're supposed to go there for. The Minetta Tavern Black Label burger is the talk of the town. It's considered the best burger in the city by many, who also justify the $26 price for what I like to consider as the single-childless-yuppie-with-money-to-spend's burger.

A friend of mine who is documenting his way through the best burgers of the city invited me along. We were on a mission. Even on a Wednesday night, the place was packed and loud as usual, making it really difficult to chat, but then again, the burger was so incredible, when it did finally arrive

there were no words spoken at our table, only "Mmmms"

It was amazing. The burger is pretty small, but I've read all sorts of articles about how the actual meat mixture used to make this burger is secret and exclusive to Minetta Tavern. It's essentially like the best steak ground up and cooked to perfection, then topped with carmelized onions. DO NOT think to put anything on this burger. It doesn't need anything at all.



We went with a certain technique to extend the life of this life-changing burger, which was by: cutting it in half, eating the first half in tiny bites, then eating the delicious fries that came with it, followed by the other half of the burger. At the end of the meal, I noticed that the knife bore the evidence of how perfect and fatty the burger is.




For me personally, the best part of the night was having Riad Nasr come out of the kitchen and speak to the guests at the table next to us. For all the times I have been to the McNally restaurants and dreamt of the opportunity to meet Riad Nasr- one of my favorite chefs and chef-owner pairings.... it was like too good to be true. And there he was, not even one foot away from me, with his name embroided on his chef's jacket. I dont know which experience was better-- the burger or the chef.

We finished the meal off with the Grand Marnier souffle, which well, was also amazing.



I so love Minetta Tavern.

Burgers and dessert about $45pp.

Elias' Corner - Greek - $$$

Website (Astoria)

Everyone raves about this seafood restaurant for being the best in Astoria. I'm upset that my experience at this restaurant did not live up to the great hype that Elias' Corner gets. It's the kind of seafood restaurant you want to go to. There is no menu, there is just a display case filled with the fresh catches of the day. You basically go and pick out the fish you want and how you want it cooked: grilled or fried.

My friend and I however, had a different experience. We went on a Friday afternoon, and the service was awful. We started with salad, oysters, grilled octopus and the taramosalata (caviar spread). The oysters were a huge disappointment. They tasted bland and dry, and barely had any texture; it's like they were lifeless. I never had such a bad oyster before, which was so surprising, given that we were at a seafood restaurant. Then the grilled octopus, one of my favorite Greek dishes to get at a Greek restaurant, was the worst of them all. Totally charred on the outside, it had nothing but a burnt flavor, and was mushy and gooey on the inside- totally undercooked. Clearly, whoever made the dish had no idea how to prepare it. I complained to the waitress who only offered to take it back to cook it some more. Cooking it more would make it taste more burnt. How was that a solution? I explained this, and told her that it was not prepared correctly and that burning it more would not make it taste less burnt. All she said was "I don't know." She was so unaccommodating that we just asked for the check (she did not remove the bad dish from the bill) and left.







I wish this was a better experience for me, but I will definitely go back and try the seafood that the place is famous for. No octopus or oysters next time!

We spent $35 for just the appetizers.

the walrus and the carpenter - $$$ (Seattle, WA)

Website (Seattle)

It's ironic that while I was out in Seattle, this restaurant was posted on the front page of the NY Times Travel section, which is one of my go-to guides whenever I travel.

Known for its oysters, I was eager to try. The west coast has better oysters than the east coast, in my humble opinion, so this was the perfect place to try.

We started with an assortment of oysters. Delicious. Then we had these fried English peas- really delicious, smokey flavor like I've never enjoyed peas before.







The creme de la creme was the medjool dates dessert that we chose. Medjool dates are known for being fat, juicy, buttery and delicious. These are served warm on a plate covered in vanilla olive oil and sea salt. I still dream about how delicious this dish was. I never had that combination of flavors and textures before. It was just incredible. If I ever open a restaurant, or the next time I throw a fancy dinner party, I'm stealing this recipe.



Major compliments to the chef.

We spent about $35pp.

Tre Otto - Italian - $$$

Website

I've recently been exploring a lot of the restaurants on the Upper East Side, now that I have a project in the area. I have to admit that this one probably has the nicest ambiance and was most alluring from the sidewalk. It has a nice wine bar in the front, and a very elegant, modern decor. I had been saving this one for a client lunch.

So we finally went and sat in the back garden area. Super nice and serene, it was wonderful to find a place with al fresco dining. Italian food, al fresco dining, they go hand in hand. The place was filled with many old, Upper East Siders, most of whom were ladies who lunch. Their faces were all so botoxed and so made up, I wondered how they would even manage to open their mouths to eat.

Anyway, the service was really poor. It took about 10 minutes to get some water. 15 minutes to get bread that I had to ask for. And then another 5 for our iced teas. I kept hearing the table next to us ask for the woman's personal pizza about 5 times--- they were there for an hour and 20 minutes, and finally left WITHOUT getting her pizza. At that point, I was cringing and hoping that this wouldn't be the same for my client lunch.

We ordered the calamari for our appetizer and then decided to share the parmigiana pizza. After about 30 minutes, we got both the calamari AND the pizza at the same time. I hate when you get the appetizer with the entree, i mean, what is the point of ordered the appetizer then?? The calamari was so dry that we left it untouched, it was definitely not fresh. The pizza was actually very good, but very messy. It was the kind of pizza that just falls apart, so you must eat it with a fork and a spoon- nothing tragic.

Finally, after we paid and left- we walked past the kitchen in a narrow hallway to exit, and I saw one of the waiters eating our 2 leftover slices of pizza. It just grossed me out. I mean, there he was, in the middle of the hallway, not hidden or tucked away in the kitchen, and he was eating our pizza off the tray that it was served to us on. I'm all about not wasting food, and keeping leftovers, but the sight of it happening before we were even able to leave the restaurant just made me feel uncomfortable. I felt bad for the Owner, because it really appeared that there was no order in her kitchen.

I think I might give this place another chance, but when it's less busy and less crowded. It just gets an "ehh" for now.

Minetta Tavern - American - $$$

Website

Minetta Tavern is another McNally gem. This one is located on MacDougal St., amidst jazz clubs and falafel places, right in the heart of NYU's Greenwich Village. It is so inconspicuous, you could walk past it a thousand times and not really know it's there (like I did). I kept reading about how wonderful it is in New York Magazine, and couldn't wait to get the hard-to-get dinner reservation.

The thing about all of the McNally restaurants that I've been to and love, is that their food is always simple. It is simple, high quality food, served simply, in simple, non-portentous settings. So everyone can go and feel comfortable and enjoy their meal, without being snubbed or feeling a need to whisper and behave. And that's what makes them so appealing to the masses. Schillers, Balthazar, Pastis, Morandi, Pulinos... all the same. They are always packed with crowds and their food is always fresh and delicious, so customers always go back.

I went there with a client about a year ago after he let me choose the restaurant. He'd already been there, but I was so dazzled by the hype that I honestly researched the menu and had already decided what to order about a week prior to going. (Don't worry, I know just how dorky that does sound.) So I passed-up the highly praised black label burger for the bone-in steak, and was not disappointed. However, the tightly packed restaurant was not a very conducive setting for a client dinner, as it was extremely difficult to hear one another. We were even there on a Tuesday night and it was still very crowded! So go here with friends you don't really need to talk to, or don't mind shouting at.

Everything you will try will be delicious, but I will go back for their burger.

- Bone-in Steak
- Black Label Burger
- Lamb Saddle "Tranche"
- Roasted Bone Marrow
- Oxtail and Fois Gras Terrine

Miss Korea BBQ - Korean BBQ - $$$

Website

This place is fantabulous. Not only is the decor really nice and earthy, (literally the walls are covered with faux-rocks) but the tables are comfortably set up for BBQ. For anyone who's never had Korean BBQ, it's a great time. You literally have these mini BBQs set up at your table where you grill your own meats. Don't worry, you are not responsible for watching it or knowing how to properly cook the meat or handle your BBQ--- the waiters will frequently come by to turn the meat for you. Once you order your meal, the waiters will come and cover your table with tapas-like dishes of kimchi and radish and all sorts of dressed and pickled things that you can either snack on or wrap up with your beef. I never actually know what everything is, but it's all worth a try. All the veggies, pickles, and tofu have such a unique and delicious flavor.

I've been to a few korean bbq places before, but this one is probably the best. I find that the quality of the meat, the service, and the kimchi are the best I've had. Better than Seoul Garden, which was my favorite... until this place came along. The marinated beef is the way to go. It tastes a little like beef teriyaki... tender, juicy, sweet, yum. But try any of it. Also definitely get the Nakji-Bokkeum - spicy noodles with squid or octopus. It is SO good!

- Marinated short rib
(Beef short rib marinated in goodness)



- Nakji-Bokkeum
(The squid is so fresh and soft, the noodles are thick and have a similar texture, and the sauce is as sweet as it is spicy, and so delicious.)



I'd be curious to know if anyone has tried other dishes. Next time I go, I will get something new.

Expect to pay about $30pp.

Haru - Japanese - $$$

Website

Haru is a chain restaurant with several locations all over the city. It's a large, dramatically decorated restaurant serving mostly sushi and some select Japanese dishes. I met my friend at the gramercy location after work one night. We were actually headed to Japonais but were soon disappointed to learn that it had shut down.

Haru was just ok. I feel like sushi is sushi; a spicy tuna roll is a spicy tuna roll. And I'm not into fancy rolls with mango this or crunchy that. So that said, I have a hard time wanting to pay a lot for sushi, when I can always go to the East Village spots that first ever introduced me to sushi during my freshman year of college.

We did order a great appetizer and I tried scallop sashimi for the first time, which was delicious. Dunno that I'd ever go back though.

- Mad Crab
(A really delicious appetizer of crab and mushroom with a chili sauce. If I did ever go back, I'd definitely get this again.)

- Assorted sushis
(Nothing to write home (or blog) about)



Expect to pay an overpriced amount of $35pp.

Sorella - Italian - $$$

Website

When my friend said that he wanted to have Italian food in the LES, I did a quick search on nymag.com and chose Sorella. It is even better than the reviews it got. It's this great, unassuming place off Allen St., surrounded by Chinese restaurants and shops-- you would not expect to find it there. I waited for him over a beer at the bar, that also serves a full menu. We were seated in the back- which is a really cute and intimate setting with only a few tables. Each dish is about $15, but the portions are just right, so you need a "Qualcosina" with whatever Entree you later choose. We went with "Un po di pasta" and each bite generated an "Mmmmmm," it was THAT good. But the sensory overload didn't end there. The chef, a female, has an amazing mix on her ipod that she plays in the restaurant. So not only were we loving the flavors in our mouths, but we were singing and dancing to her great mix. I seriously can't wait to go back here and I highly recommend it.




- Kale Salad
(Every bite of this salad is amazing. The crunchy kale, the sweet squash, the crunchy almond and the sweet/tart balsamic. It's amazing)

- Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad (Special)

- Tajarin
(Lamb Ragu with mint. The flavors were so fresh and perfectly cooked that you could taste each and every ingredient that was in there.)



- Oxtail Risotto
(This is the show-stopper. Serious OMG moments. Perfection. It is so good and gooey and the oxtail is so tender and perfect, and the melted cheese and the plums... it is just to die for. We shared, but I could have easily had a plate and a half of this on my own.)




With drinks, we spent about $55pp. I'll go back and drink water just to be able to go back again, and often.

Taverna Kyclades - Greek - $$$

http://www.tavernakyclades.com/ (Astoria)

What comes to mind when I heard the word "Astoria" is Greek. Home to the largest Greek population outside of Greece, Astoria is a playground for Mediterranean pleasure. With tons of outdoor cafes and restaurants, you can never really tire of all the great places and foods. One of the best and most popular Greek restaurants is Taverna Kyclades. Its specialty is seafood but everything here is so good. When I have friends visiting from out of town, or when it's a gorgeous day and I feel like eating outdoors, I choose this place for its ample portions, colorful mezze, fresh seafood entrees, and the best part-- the complimentary dessert at the end. This place is definitely better with a group-- the portions are too large for a couple, you'll end up taking home more than half of what you order. But sharing will also allow you to order and try more. I haven't had anything here that didn't make my eyes bulge and my mouth super happy.

- Greek Salad
- Taramosalata
- Grilled Octopus
- Kyclades Special
- Sardines
- Scallops
- Whatever their special of the day is



Expect to pay around $40pp

'inoteca - Wine & Italian plates - $$$

http://www.inotecanyc.com/home.php

Don't come here for a meal, but come here for a great glass of wine and some equally delicious bites. Ask to sit downstairs rather than upstairs (on street level). The downstairs part feels like you're sitting in an old wine cellar, and it's dimly lit, which I think is the perfect setting for drinking wine. While 'inoteca is known for their paninis, I personally think their bruschette is bette!

- Bruschette, tapenade
- Bruschette, fagiolo del giorno
- Bruschette, gorgonzola & fig
- Bruscheete, ricotta fresca & pomodoro
- Olives
(Best dish of olives. Loved them so much I ordered a dish just to bring home)



Price depends on your choice of wine.

Agnadi - Greek - $$$

http://www.agnantimeze.com/ (Astoria)

While I went there with two boys, neither of whom I am dating, this is a great place for couples and friends. It has a very cozy feel. Fortunately for my meal, I let our Greek friend order in Greek. Unfortunately for my blog, I have no idea what dishes were what. All I know is that we shared several dishes and they were all incredible. Not one was less than amazing, and as I browse through this menu now, they all sound amazing.

I especially love that they serve wine in these authentic Greek carafes. The decor is simple, you almost feel like you're having a meal in someone's home. And the walls are covered with black and white photos of old Greek celebrities. It's quiet and comfortable, and the meal is very satisfying.



With wine, we spent about $40pp.

Kashkaval - Greek, Fondue - $$$

http://www.kashkavalfoods.com/

What I love about Kashkaval is that you can essentially buy and bring home all the wonderful food you eat, at their deli counter. This is a great place for a date or a dinner with friends. Rustic feel, great wine selection and excellent Greek choices. You can get your typical selection of Greek appetizers, but do not miss out on the fondue. Kashkaval is a type of Greek cheese, so do yourself a favor and get the Kashkaval fondue- you won't find any like it elsewhere.

- Taramosalata
- Spicy Walnut Pepper Spread
- Babaghanoush
- Olive Tapenade
- Kashkaval fondue
- Chocolate fondue

About $40pp.

Blue Smoke - BBQ - $$$

http://www.bluesmoke.com/blue/

The fanciest of BBQ places in the city. It's just as good as Hill Country BBQ, but has a less authentic feel-- it's definitely a NYC take on BBQ. I've actually only ever been for business lunches and it's always packed with suits, but the meal never disappoints. Everything is delicious and I'll keep going back.

- Warm barbequed potato chips
(Served with blue cheese and bacon dip. It is the perfect starter to nosh on while you wait for your meal.)
- Chipotle Chicken Wings
- Texas Salt and Pepper Beef Ribs
- Brisket
- Sweet Potato Wedge with Maple Butter
(The sweet potatoes are soft and sweet inside but crispy on the outside, and they're served with a maple butter that is just delicious)

This is about $40pp and you always leave with a food baby.

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