Casa La Femme - Egyptian - $$$$

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To give you an idea of how fulfilled I felt by finally coming here, I have to let you know that I made reservations at this restaurant about 6 times in the last 5 years. Each time, I would get into some argument beforehand with whatever boyfriend I had at the time, and I would cancel the reservation instead of going. I didn't want anything to lessen the experience of Casa La Femme.

My father used to talk about this restaurant when I was younger, and often took family friends, out-of-towners, or clients there for dinner. It was as much about the food as the experience, so from an early age, I had to go. Judging by the pictures of the new location they opened downtown, still approximately 2 years before this reservation, I determined that whenever it is that I do ever get married, this would be the venue for my engagement party. The decor is very sexy. The next time they want to build a restaurant, I want to build it. Every last detail was given tremendous thought. The bar, the bathrooms, the dining room. Wow.

So you have to understand the magnitude of shock I felt, when I learned that a friend of mine who I went to college with, told me that her uncle actually owns the place. Jaw to the floor.




So I finallyyyy decided, screw it, it doesn't have to be a special occasion, I'm going to organize a dinner with a group of coworkers who know nothing about Egyptian culture or food (I, being half Egyptian, wanted to provide the experience)and make a night of it.

Since we were a large group of 8, we were given a tented table with a prix fixe menu. Great idea for groups because they brought out the mezzes for everyone to share- which you almost need to do when guests have no idea what Egyptian food is. Through the course of the evening, we sat in our tents enjoying both the Egyptian music playing in the background, as well as the gorgeous belly dancer who captured everyone's attention. Even the hookah was delicious. It was a great time for all.

Here's what we ate:

- Hummus, Babaghanoush, Foul
All the mezze dips were to share. Foul by the way, is like a staple of Egyptian breakfast food, along with tamaya (falafel). It's mashed up fava beans with spices and sometimes white cheese. This was a big hit at the table. And the fresh pita bread it was served with was soft and delicious. Below is a picture of the tamaya.



- Mahshi (or Stuffed Peppers)
This dish seriously brought me to another place. It was so spot-on and made me feel so incredibly nostalgic for my family back in Egypt that I took about 20 minutes to eat these tiny little things, just to prolong the experience. It is so flavorful and spicy and I only wish I could have had more.



- Moussaka
I was a little disappointed in this one. I was expecting it to come with a heafty layering of bechemel sauce, which Egyptians love oh-so-much, myself included. This was a leaner version, with cheese sprinkled on top, and unfortunately, while it was still very delicious, it did not bring me to the same place that the Mahshi did.

Most of my friends had ordered the fish couscous and were ooh-ing and ahh-ing over each bite. And one thing I should mention is that when the kitchen realized that they fell short of one of the couscous dishes, they brought out a whole grilled fish to hold the person down until their couscous arrived. That is excellent service. It was resolved before we even knew it was an issue, and it was done in excellent taste.

We easily spent about $85 pp with drinks. So worth it.

Please Don't Tell... - Bar - $$

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Ahh, Please Don't Tell. The infamous, not-so-secret bar anymore.

In order to go to PDT, you have to know that it even exists. And when you know that it exists, you have to call to make a reservation to get in. And when you want to get in, you have to enter through Crif Dogs, and find the secret door inside the phone booth. You enter the phone booth, pick up the phone, tell them your name, and viola, the secret door opens to the secret bar!

The drink menu keeps with the speakeasy theme. You know- back in the day, the bathtub gin tasted so bad, they would invent "fancy" cocktails to help mask the taste. And thus, you are presented with an impressive list of concoctions.

Even their food menu is impressive. We shared an overloaded crif dog, as well as the uber delicious tater tots. Perfect snacks.






Everyone has to come here at some point. It's worth it.

Ponte's - Italian - $$$

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I've heard that back in the 90s, Ponte's was a popular spot. Located in Tribeca, right on the West Side Highway, Ponte's makes a really great date spot for a romantic dinner. The views are breathtaking and the food matches the same.

We went there on their first night open after being closed for several weeks for renovations. So we knew that meant the food was going to be extra fresh and delicious. And boy, was it.

We started with the caesar salad, delicious, and then shared our entrees. We ordered the arragosta arabbiata (aka- the angry lobster) and it was phenomenal. The BEST lobster dish I think I have ever had. I would come back for this dish over and over and over again. We also ordered the steak, which to be honest, steak isn't the first thing that I think of eating at an Italian restaurant, but I was with a guy... what do guys know? But the steak was great too.



Seriously delicious food, and with the gorgeous view, it is highly recommended for a low-key, romantic Italian dinner.

Palma - Italian - $$$

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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

Republic - Noodles - $

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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 - $

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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 - $$

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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 - $

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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 - $$

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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) - $

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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.

JG Melon - Burgers - $

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Another burger adventure in the city, inspired by my friends' burger obsessions in the city. A coworker had recommended this place and I learned that it's Bobby Flay's favorite burger from "Best Thing I Ever Ate."

This old, original restaurant features walls of watermelon posters and paintings, and a simple menu of burgers and steaks.

- Cheeseburger
(A good one, but not my favorite. It's a good, no frills version of your typical cheese burger)

- Fries
(Really good, crispy-- I liked these more than the burger)

The burger alone is about $10, plus whatever you eat and drink on the side.

Eataly - Italian - $$

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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 - $$$

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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.

Katz's Deli - Sandwiches - $

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Katz has pretty much been around since forever and has kept true to the authenticity of the kosher deli. It's the place where Sally faked her orgasm in When Harry Met Sally, and when you go, there's a sign hanging from the ceiling over the her seat saying something like "I hope you're having what she had".

I still don't quite understand how the ticket system works, but when you walk in, you're given a ticket as you pass through the turnstile, which you're supposed to turn in on your way out. But you're sent straight to the counter, where there are almost a dozen men waiting to take your deli order. You have choices like liverwurst (my favorite), turkey, corned beef, pastrami, beef salami, etc. You choose your bread and mustard, and then you're given a plate of pickles.

It's not the kind of place that offers insanely large sandwiches like Stage or Carnegie Delis do, which are essentially catering to tourists anyway. Katz's is the real deal, and their sandwiches are normal-sized, pricey, but delicious.



You can also order the deli meats if you wanted to. All in all, every New Yorker has to go here at least once, and anyone visiting shouldn't miss out on this either.

Expect to pay about $15 for a sandwich and a drink.

David's Bagels - $

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Do yourself a favor. If you're in NYC and you need a good bagel, go to David's Bagels on 1st ave and 19th st. It will forever change the way you choose a bagel, and it will forever change the way you eat a bagel. It is so unimpressive from the exterior, but it will always be packed with people- evidence of what you're getting yourself into.

The bagels are perfect-- crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and always just... well, perfect. If you're from out of town, this is the perfect place to try a New York bagel, but DON'T get a bagel and creamcheese. You can get that anywhere. DO get a bagel with lox, or better yet, the smoked whitefish. Both are amazing here, and they're so New York, you likely will not find it outside of the city.

Even if you get whitefish, the bagel will be less than $7. Soooooo gooooooddd.