Go or No Go

Farmstead

2010-05-17T20:56:00.001-07:00

No question, Farmstead is currently the most underrated, under-the-radar restaurant in Napa. This is hands down my favorite new spot yet I feel like they do not get the buzz they deserve and here is why...

Having the unavoidable experience of interfacing with tourists on a daily basis for the last 5+ months, I have come to observe one possession they all share---an itinerary. Whether they are crazy planners or "fly by the seat of their pants" types, people have picked up pieces of information on Napa before they arrive. I have seen widely varying degrees of these itineraries. One nutjob was elated to show me his three-ring binder. I immediately knew he was heading down the path of psycho when he commented on the printed labels of his favorite wineries he used to adorn the cover. Yikes! Most commonly, I hear, "I told my friends and family I planning a trip to Napa and my brother-in-law told me to go to _____, my co-worker was at ______ in '05 and loved it, or the people we just met said ______ was their favorite." Based on all these tidbits, itineraries are created.

Whether they use Martha Stewart craftsmanship or jot down mental notes of "oh yea, I heard about that place and want to try it," everyone goes off recommendations in Napa! Farmstead has not been around long enough to get on those suggested lists. The cycle perpetuates because then new visitors are not trying Farmstead! The business is certainly not lacking, do not get me wrong, but this place should be blowing everywhere else out of the water!

Executive Chef, Sheamus Feeley (former legend at Rutherford Grill), is a winner. In addition to the best personality of any back-of-house guy I have ever met, you genuinely want him to succeed. His energy spreads through the gorgeous restaurant.

I have been to Farmstead on two occasions. For completely unrelated reasons, I turned vegetarian from the time between my first visit and most recent. This burger is the single reason I may revert. Every ingredient is pure perfection. Namely the mustard is so delicious, I was straight up dipping everything in it. Potatoes, lettuce, anything I could get my hands on! The second time around, I selected the black cod. The fish was just dandy, but the roasted beets and asparagus in Meyer lemon sauce highlighted the restaurant's farm-to-table philosophy and thankfully made me forget any feelings of burger envy.

The chocolate pie is easily the best dessert I have had anytime in recollection. Again, each component stands out with flavor yet blends together to form magic. Determining the winning layer is a tough call, but I will go with the crust.

As you can tell, I am mostly gushing with positivity. I will note the service is just adequate, and I strangely did not enjoy any of the four wines I have tried there. Good thing they have a $2 corkage fee (all proceeds benefit the community), because their outdoor bar is sure to be a big hook in the summer! Regardless, I have nothing but love for Farmstead.

Slowly but surely, Farmstead will see all the success they deserve. In the meantime, I will enjoy being able to get a table there at a decent hour!

Go or No Go? Go.

Bouchon Bakery

2010-04-22T19:59:00.000-07:00

Man, I love where I live! Drugs have never been my thing, but Bouchon Bakery is about as close as it gets (and probably worse for me). Regularly, on a day off, I will wake up leisurely and join one of my housemates on a lovely stroll to the bakery. I feel very European, and I like it.

Before I lived with them, both my housemates were already well on their way to Bouchon Bakery addiction. Almost every morning, Duncan will go for his ritual coffee cake while Erik opts the blueberry muffin route. Both orders are accompanied by double espressos. Must be nice to have such lenient metabolisms.

I entered the scene as quite the amateur, but I am quickly establishing my roots as a regular. For example, this morning, on my coffee run, I was greeted by four fellow enthusiasts.

I have never had anything there I would not recommend, but the most to-die-for thing I have tried so far is the seasonal fruit croissant. Fuggtaboutit! Any morning that starts with one of those bad boys is bound to be a good day. Personally, any sweet treat with almond flavoring has my seal of approval. Add fresh fruit, particularly when they used the Barlett pears, and you have a home run!

Warning: their pastries are extremely rich. I actually don't enjoy eating that stuff on my own. I suggest splitting most items with another person, if not two. Keep in mind, if you are ever looking for a partner, you know who to call. ;-)

Go or No Go? Go

Auberge du Soleil

2010-03-22T19:26:00.001-07:00

Walking to our table, the commanding view virtually locks in that this place will be getting a "go." To me, all sights in Napa are breathtaking, but Auberge's terrace allows you to lounge, imbibe, and soak it all in. A privilege they are happy to provide at a pretty penny, of course.

I am taking quite a risk for my first official Napa entry. Perhaps putting at stake one of my only Napa friendships and my currently ideal living situation, I recognize my flocks of fans are counting on me to deliver the truth. To Duncan's defense, 1) he was not working the night I dined and 2) he cooks exclusively for "the fancy side."

We sat in the bar section, and I will admit we did not eat a lot. I do not have a picture of our pommes frites with aioli. My camera was being repaired due to another dining mishap at Redd and my photographer was new on the job. Honestly though, who screws up french fries??? They were like the leftover french fries accidentally added to your doggy bag when you never had any intention of eating cold, soggy potatoes.

This scary concoction was the hamachi tartare. Usually, I am a huge fan. In fact, Max, my dad's college roommate, made some over the holidays that was so amazing, I have been reliving the blissfulness in my mouth ever since! Keep in mind, Max is a lawyer and does not run a world class restaurant. The dashi gelee almost gives me a gag reflex thinking about the glob now. The texture was mysterious, and the smell was funky, too.

After barely putting a dent into either dish, thankfully Ryan questioned if I thought something was off. That moment fully confirmed Ryan was legit and sealed the deal that we were going to get along.

Fortunately, I have gained a new friend out of the experience as I potentially lose another.

Go or No Go? No Go.

Go or No Go Part 2 - Napa

2010-03-18T21:56:00.000-07:00

Go or No Go is finally making a comeback! Burnt-out on all things NYC, even the blog is relocating to Napa.

Former Philosophy: In New York's world of endless options, which destinations are worth a trip to dine. I was so confused by all the subjective ratings and reviews with point systems, stars, letter grading like the restaurants were back in middle school, and Frank Bruni's brilliant prose. Ultimately, I wanted to know...should I go there or not?

New Rationale: In addition to essentially playing Napa Valley concierge at my tasting room gig, I have already started to get visitors out here. If not actual friends or family, I will often get a call that someone's aunt and uncle are planning their anniversary trip to Napa or a co-worker will be here for the weekend. Despite wanting to pretend they are coming just to see me, I was recently told Napa is the #3 most popular vacation within the US (behind Disney and Vegas). Regardless, I am constantly pressured to offer up my insider info as a local to make their limited time special.

When an out-of-towner only has one long weekend to squeeze in all the culinary goodness Napa has to offer, they could use some help to make their decisions wisely.

Game on!

Gyu-Kaku

2008-07-07T15:12:00.000-07:00

Midtown East (also another location in the East Village)
805 3rd Ave. @ 50th St.
212-702-8816
http://www.gyu-kaku.com/

Lara, after years of providing me comic relief beyond compare (unintentionally), the least I can do is fulfill your one request from your trip to New York. First and foremost, Jess' wedding had already been checked off the list.

For months, Lara, Go Or No Go's biggest fan, had been pressuring me to find the perfect spot for a Go or No Go review the weekend of our college reunion in New York City. As a regular to my blog, I thought she would get the hint when I hadn't updated in weeks. Lara chose to ignore the facts and do whatever required to make sure her dream came true.

The weather was particularly crappy that evening. This was the kind of night you regret the cute outfit and high heels. Not to mention, I felt another pressure to please a crowd of almost 12. Each girl had a different objective in mind (opportunity for food blog appearance, seeing long-lost lovers and friends in New York City, avoid spending a lot of money, party it up, girls night out, bed, etc.).

My final decision was Gyu-Kaku, although I had never been there before myself (risky!).

While I cannot speak for the atmosphere at their other locations, this one has sky lights, which was cool during a lightning storm. The girls collectively decided Gyu-Kaku is the ultimate date spot, but also a fun place for a group.

The Japanese Barbeque concept is unique. You make your own food. That's right. You go out and pay people who make you do all the work. These people get away with it, and for that, are pretty genius.

I shouldn't say they do nothing. They do the dishes and setup everything for you. In fact, you have a small pit in front of you to prepare your food to your liking along with sauces in range of flavors. Lara was so obsessed with the spicy sauce, she tried begging for the recipe, which they would not share.

Essentially, we ordered a variety of simple proteins and vegetables. Everyone was actively participating and laughing as we each prepared our meat and veggies to the temperatures of our liking. The Bibimbap, a stone pot rice dish, was a fan favorite.

For dessert, we entrusted skilled culinary student, Emily, to cook our pancakes. Although, just shy of her degree, even the pro at the table struggled with this task. Thanks to the many cocktails and mounds of vanilla ice cream on top, you could barely tell the difference.

All in all, I was happy with the selection, if I may so say myself. More importantly, so were the guests. Lara, you can cancel that trip to Disneyworld now!

Go or No Go? Go

Jane

2008-05-22T09:20:00.000-07:00

West Village
100 W. Houston St. btwn Broadway & 6th Ave.
(212) 254-7000
http://www.ctrnyc.com/JANE/index.html

Due to a series of fortunate circumstances, I feel almost obliged to be nice to Jane. I don't necessarily want to though and if I wasn't struck by the unusual sequence of fate, I wouldn't owe this place anything.

The brunch-time call ahead reservation policy, a huge bonus, allowed us to put our names on the waiting list without standing around at the restaurant. By the time we arrived, our table was immediately ready (miracle #2). Miracle #1 was the parking spot that opened up right in front of the restaurant.

Everyone would agree on Jane's generosity from a quantity standpoint. Quality is a separate sentiment. The "Mimosa Cosmopolitan" was nothing more than a mimosa with a splash of cran. The first round of carb loading took place on the mediocre bread basket. Some interesting choices were included (ie. whipped strawberry spread replaced traditional butter), in theory, but not impressive. A theme that would continue throughout our meal.

For the next round of carb indulging, clearly, the waiter spotted me snapping photos with my camera and advised the kitchen to kiss up to me to get a good review. Well, unfortunately for Jane, bribery does not work on me (unless we're talking diamonds). Although this complimentary french toast, prepared with soft brioche and tasty vanilla bean flavor, was perfectly moist to almost sway me (out of the ordinary occurrence #3).

Other main dishes lacked the worthiness suggested in the menu. For example, the Lobster Benny, Eggs Benedict with lobster, was made primarily with claw meat (eww). I was way too full to eat my burger, but nibbled on the fries, because fries are never good as leftovers. Sadly, these were the poor man's version of the Spotted Pig's rosemary fries.

Overall, the extremely cramped quarters stressed me out for my intended leisurely Sunday brunch. I had to strategically map out my route to the bathroom. Although, I can imagine if I were paying a pretty penny for such prime real estate, I'd pile in as many seats as possible, too. Perhaps an option to keep on weekend brunch rotation for those fortunate enough to live in the West Village. For me, despite my handful of lucky flukes, I see no need to venture back.

Go or No Go? No Go

Lombardi's

2008-04-22T10:25:00.000-07:00

NoHo
32 Spring St. @ Mott St.
(212) 941-7994
http://www.firstpizza.com/

Lombardi's, America's first acclaimed pizzeria, was a great dinner spot for a rainy Friday night. Bare in mind, against the palates of many pizza connoisseurs, brick oven is not style. Even when visiting Napoli, the locals shot me evil eyes for peaking at the bottom to check out the burnt crust. How dare I oppose authenticity! The black crisps just taste carcinegenic to me.

Despite desiring a little more cheese (a pizza can never have too much cheese), the toppings are what make this pie. The spinach was so garlicky and delicious, even the biggest baby of them all, Tim, loved eating his vegetables. The Rosa Grande pepperoni were smaller in size than your typical pizza pepperoni. The small circles packed more flavor and the petite dimension allowed for even more in volume!

Burnt spots or not, I'm excited to go back to try other toppings, including their Clam Pie.

Go or No Go? Go

Spitzer's Corner

2008-04-14T11:48:00.001-07:00

Lower East Side
101 Rivington St. btwn Essex & Ludlow St.
212-228-0027

Now, when embarking in my restaurant selection process, I often have to take into consideration restaurants that will keep my boyfriend happy. Far from a foodie, finding something on the menu he'll actually eat is a challenge. A rare beer offering is usually what impresses him most. That's what brought us to Spitzer's.

While the beer options are comprehensive and cool, my scallop ravioli had no semblance of scallops. Both the texture and the content were off. The dish could have perhaps earned some points with a tasty sauce. Is any sort of flavor too much to ask?

Yum! Chocolate chip cookies. Pretty hard to mess those up. Disappointingly, once their warmth faded, so did their appeal. You know if I didn't finish a cookie sitting right in front of me (esp. given I was still hungry from my lacking scallop ravioli), it must have been a pretty sorry cookie.

Spitzer's Corner is a decently legit place to swing by for drinks (primarily draft beer only), but eating there is a different story. In fact, with all the other great places in the neighborhood, missing a visit altogether wouldn't be a tragedy.

Go or No Go? No Go

Kingswood

2008-04-04T14:09:00.000-07:00

West Village
121 W. 10th St. btwn Greenwich and 6th Ave.
(212) 645-0018

My cultural attache, Jared, informed me of a new hot spot in the West Village. When I walked in, I immediately sensed the cool New York City vibe, but this place was not new. In fact, the scene was overwhelmingly familiar. Apparently, Kingswood (though, not Kingswood at the time) was the place of Miranda's wedding reception in Sex and the City. You more likely remember the part when Samantha reveals to her gal pals she has breast cancer.

Other than the noticably uncomfortable seating, the place was something worth raving about. Pathetically, for a shorty, like myself, the height of the table almost surpassed my chin. Fortunately, they left just enough room for my lips to reach my fab Kingswood Collins (Tom Collins). Featuring a different fruit every night, this particular evening was blackberry flavored. Who knew gin could be so good?

The food was solidly above average. My salad with pleasingly moist chicken and soft boiled egg was better than the wild mushroom risotto that followed. The risotto was too runny for my style, but to make up for the consistency mishap, the ricotta was super fresh. Perhaps the cuisine is nothing to write home about (or extensively elaborate on the blog, either), but Kingswood is surely a place I can see myself making repeat visits.

I'd be happy spending any Thursday night at Kingswood.

Go or No Go? Go

Mamoun's

2008-03-29T15:48:00.000-07:00

Greenwich Village
119 MacDougal St. btwn W 3rd and Bleecker
(212) 674-8685
http://www.mamounsfalafel.com/

Dude, I have discovered my new after-alcohol grub (and sober, too, for that matter). This little hole-in-the-wall has singlehandedly made me entirely re-evaluate my going out destinations. Knowing I can end the night at Mamoun's might be enough to make me consider dealing with the NYU infested bars of Bleecker St.

While others on our company bar crawl were tempted by greasy pizza shops, Craig challenged me to try Mamoun's falafel instead. Generally agreeing with Craig's opinions, I followed my fearless leader with enormous confidence.

I don't know why the falafel was green. I'm guessing from a lot of herbs. The color didn't matter, because the taste and texture were spot on. The tahini was perfect and just the right amount. The tomatoes were fresh and just the right size. The pita was the only component that did not score a 10 out of 10, but the other items surely compensated.

Claustrophobes beware. You'll need to join the rest of the eager folks outside scarfing down their pitas. Personally surveying the crowd, many of the guys didn't think one serving was enough. At $2.50, comparable to a slice of pizza, feel free to order more than one. For a late night snack, one was certainly sufficient for me.

Open 365 days a year until 5 AM, I expect to be back quite regularly. Craig, you are a Golden God!

Go or No Go? Go

Jadis

2008-03-20T12:48:00.000-07:00

Lower East Side
42 Rivington St.
(212) 254-1675
http://www.jadisnyc.com/

I hesitate to tell anyone about this place, because I selfishly do not want it to become overly crowded like most of the other trendier spots a few blocks away. Since my readership base is likely not nearly that of Frank Bruni's, I think I'll be alright. Plus, I will probably bring you all here at one point or another. :-)

I accidentally stumbled upon Jadis a couple months ago. My mistake was one of those good wrong turns where you end up discovering a gem you would never have found otherwise. I have been meaning to go back ever since, but recently my intrigue became a reality.

James, the owner and soul of the business, evidently puts his blood, sweat, and tears into the operation. In the intimate setting, we had multiple occasions to interact with James, which made the experience even more memorable. Tim made fun of me that I was trying to be friends with James. What can I say? He's a cool guy.

The pleasing wine list had an abundance of impressive glasses in the $6 and $7 range! For New York, or anywhere other than perhaps the Olive Garden, six dollars is a rarity. While the selection is French-focused, my Italian was also outstanding.

An assortment of quiche comprised a substantial portion of the menu. To sample a little of each, we tried the mini quiches. I'm not positive what the fillings were, but I believe one had to be the classic Lorraine with bacon. The crust was not traditional pie crust. Instead, the texture was more like phyllo dough, but delicious nonetheless. In fact, the lighter base was maybe more appropriate for the mini appetizer versions. I'm not sure if they use the same for the larger quiche.

I ordered the duck salad as my main course. The dish was exceedingly generous, especially for the price, and topped with a profuse amount of confit and dried plums (good combo!).

I can't think of anywhere else with a more charming atmosphere. The options aren't overwhleming, but the simplicity suits the scene. Without doubt, I'd go back again and again. My vision is to sit for a few glasses of wine, get some dessert or a light meal, have an intellectual conversation, and become friends with James.

Go or No Go? Go

Mr. Chow

2008-03-11T14:47:00.000-07:00

Tribeca
121 Hudson St. @ N. Moore
(212) 965-9500
http://mrchow.com/

The famous spot is the 57th location, but in Nobu's Tribeca/Midtown tradition, Mr. Chow brought his legend downtown. Julie chose the Tribeca one for her dinner with girlfriends birthday celebration. The entirely white restaurant was reminiscent of something you would see in Miami or LA, but glamorous nonetheless. I particularly liked that they do not attempt to overpack the place. In fact, the setting was fairly intimate.

The big no,no at Mr. Chow is asking for the menu. I went along with what was expected of me, but I would have preferred to at least know my options.

To start, we were served lettuce wraps in both chicken and veggie varieties. The flavorful hoisin sauce, candied walnuts, and crunchy lotus root made the dish worthwhile, but I couldn't taste the difference between the one with chicken versus the one without. As much as I avoid cheesy chain restaurants, the same dish at PF Chang's is certainly better.

Also for our first course, the scallion pancakes were more like knishes drenched in oil. For the non-Jews, they are nothing you want to try.

The seabass was pleasantly light---a shocker for Chinese food. At the same time, the lightness bordered on blandness. The fish tasted about as plain as the picture looks.

Beijing Chicken, a signature dish at Mr. Chow, had my friend Betsy preparing me for a life-changing experience during our entire subway ride from 50th to Franklin Street. Come on, Bets. Really? The chicken was the best item I tasted that night. That being said, I would hardly describe the taste as spectacular.

During our dinner, the dining room erupted with loud noises. The excitement was as if a group of break dancers started doing their moves in Central Park and a crowd circled around with attention. In this case, all eyes were on a small man stringing noodles. Really? The entertainment was mildly cool for a couple seconds, but the near standing ovation was unnecessary.

In all fairness, upscale Chinese food never suited me. Although the decor is much nicer than the typical boards displaying the menu selection, the food itself is never far above your standard Chinese take-out. Mr. Chow, especially, is a lot of drama without the delivery. For the pretty penny they charge, the meal was not worth the money.

This experience sums up the exact reason I started this blog. Diners need to be demystified about the hype around some of New York's most overrated places to eat. Ultimately, I advise which restaurants are worth going to and which can be scratched off your list.

Go or No Go? No Go

Norma's

2008-03-02T14:47:00.000-08:00

Midtown
118 W 57th St. btwn 6th and 7th Ave. (lobby of the Le Parker Meridien)
(212) 245-5000
http://www.parkermeridien.com/norma-s.htm

Hands down the best brunch in New York City! Regardless of whether I have tested every single brunch spot, I have no hesitation making such a bold declaration. The only place I've been to that remotely resembles this level of bliss is The Bongo Room in Chicago. Both are musts, but Norma's accepts reservations so you don't have to salivate over other diners while you are waiting an hour.

When you are first seated, Norma's makes the first genius move of having one of their dapper waiters walk around with a pitcher of fresh squeezed orange juice. Everyone says yes before they have the chance to realize they're going to be charged eight bucks (free refills though)! I didn't mind the sneaky move. Why shouldn't they? Other places do that with coffee all the time. Coffee was Norma's downfall, in my humble opinion. Although many consider my liking for Dunkin' Donuts coffee wussy, nothing about this sludge was drinkable. God Bless You if you are able to finish the entire $6 pot they give you.

The hardest decision at Norma's is whether to go sweet or savory. Scrutinizing beyond the cutesy names is required to determine the allure of "Crepes with Style" or "Somethin' Fruity." I made a buzzer shot call and went for the Waz-Za, a waffle filled with raspberry hollandaise sauce, a bruleed top, and fruit everywhere. I really had no idea what I was biting into, but I knew it wasn't good for me and it was insanely delicious.

My parents had the Chocolate Banana Waffle Napoleon and Eggs Benedict Florentine. My only complaint about the waffle was the failure to mention the inclusion of hazelnuts. What if someone was allergic? My dad, a hardcore sweet tooth, had absolutely no complaints and savored every bite. While all the ingredients of my mom's dish were clearly top-notch, this pick didn't blow me away like the rest of Norma's creations.

Norma's is a special destination for over-the-top, gluttonous bliss. As my dad said, "that's something I could stomach once a year." I'm already looking forward to returning next February!

Go or No Go? Go

21 Club

2008-02-27T07:19:00.000-08:00

Midtown West
21 W. 52nd St. btwn 5th & 6th Ave.
(212) 582-7200
http://www.21club.com/web/onyc/onyc_a2a_home.jsp

Ahhh...let the gates to heaven open. I have officially experienced the Almighty 21 Club and lived to tell the story. First concocted as an underground speakeasy in the twenties, the 21 Club is one of New York's most historical dining establishments many years later. Today, the clientele is far from the lawbreaking, danger seekers from back in the glory days. The more likely hangout for these stuffed shirts is their local country club.

I can't help but comment on the unusual decor of randomness. Statues of horseracing jockeys on the outside and trinkets hanging from the ceiling on the inside look more like a jumbled mess than anything else. Apparently, the regulars feel at home with this paraphanelia while the once-in-a-lifetimers don't seem to get the joke.

Does that look like a $31 salad to you? I had to know what a $31 Cobb salad tasted like. Answer: it tasted like most other $14 Cobb salads. Although nothing was offensive about the meal, one would think the 21 Club could get a hold of a non-bruised avocado. Perhaps the blemish is a minor detail, but would Miss America shine a spotlight on a pimple in the center of her face? Don't worry, the other black spots are olives, not bugs. Black olives were not a terrible addition, but again quite peculiar. I guess one of the old timers liked that back in the 20's, also.

The dessert was able to redeem them slightly. Pleasing me when given cheesecake mounted on a shortbread cookie and covered in raspberry sauce is not difficult. This treat was more irresistible. I must have sworn 5 times that I was taking my last bite.

Stay with me for a second on my final conclusion. Hopefully my thought process will make some sense. My true opinion is 21 Club is a "No Go." However, I know realistically if I were to read some "Go or No Go" blog which told me No Go (even if I truly respected the opinion of the writer), I would still want to go to 21 Club. I think at some point, everyone feels the need to conquer their curiousity. So go ahead, get it out of your system, and realize the Almighty 21 Club is not the bee's knees.

Go or No Go? Go

Brasserie Ruhlmann

2008-02-24T18:41:00.000-08:00

Rockefeller Center
45 Rockefeller Plaza
(212) 974-2020
http://www.brasserieruhlmann.com

Located smack-dab in the center of tourist hell, Brasserie Ruhlmann should be the ultimate trap for out-of-towners. I am sure a fair share of foreigners have accidentally stumbled into Ruhlmann on their parade of the rink, the Today Show studio, and Radio City; however, the touch of genius from Executive Chef, Laurent Touroncel, happens to make this place much more.

To give you an idea, my father once told me about a market in Paris that opens at four in the morning. One particular stall offers onion soup (they don't call it "French" in France) to the merchants selling their produce. This soup is legend to be the best of its kind in the world. Trust me, I don't get up early for much, but for years, the 4 AM French Onion Soup was on my lifetime "bucket list." Since discovering Brasserie Ruhlmann, this event has been scratched off my to-dos. To me, nothing can beat Ruhlmann's Onion Soup Gratinee (gratinee being the best part).

Truly, everything I've had on the menu is good. Even the standard Salad "Ruhlmann" is jazzed up with a memorable oregano dressing. Also at lunch, the pesto chicken sandwich is incredible. Brasserie Ruhlmann could go head-to-head with many of the authentic, dime-a-dozen Parisian eateries.

I do warn you of the obnoxious service. I guess they've gotta have it to be truly French, right? Look past the snooty hosts and constant upselling attempts, and you'll enjoy your visit. If the day ever comes, check out Brasserie Ruhlmann once the weather gets nice. They offer lots of outdoor seating--an ideal spot for people watching under a shaded canopy. After all, you'll need some shade, because you won't be able to resist the onion soup, even in the summer months.

Go or No Go? Go

The Best News Ever!

2008-02-14T09:02:00.000-08:00

Name: Not sure yet (Pinch & S'mac)
474 Columbus Ave. @ 83rd St.
(646) 438-9494

Honestly, if today was anywhere around April Fools, I would question whether The New York Times was yanking my chain. I just read the greatest news of all time that Pinch (Pizza by the Inch) and S'mac have joined forces under one roof. Truthfully, my living room would be a far more ideal location than the old Colombus Bakery on the UWS, but this combo is undoubtedly worth the crosstown hike.

What makes this announcement even more special was last fall's sudden closing of Pinch's Gramercy Park shop. While I am slightly disappointed this arrangement took place behind my back, I now know where I'll be celebrating my birthday this weekend!

Go or No Go? Go

Aquagrill

2008-02-11T14:48:00.000-08:00

SoHo
210 Spring St. @ Sixth Ave.
(212) 274-0505
http://www.aquagrill.com

After desperately roaming the narrow streets of SoHo for a place to eat lunch (Blue Ribbon, Raoul's, Fiamma, the list goes on), we stumbled into the only one with lights on, Aquagrill. Apparently, restaurant owners do not let customers dictate their schedules in SoHo. To my satisfaction, the semi-accident was a winner in the end.

For starters, the choice of oysters will really blow your mind. We're talking dozens! In fact, so many they require a separate menu. Not my cup of tea for my first meal of the day, but I'd imagine you could find some special ones, if oysters float your boat.

The bread options were notably fantastic. So warm and oniony, the little piece of heaven literally melted in my mouth. Jalapeno cornbread, although not a personal favorite, was a crowd pleaser. Even Regan, who's usually a stickler with the healthy stuff, did not hesitate with a second helping.

Under normal circumstances, I would warn you to steer clear of the New England clam chowder. Thankfully, the option was not a permanent fixture on the menu. Just in case, do not order! The base was pure cream and excessive SALT. I managed to pick out the clams one by one, which still had intense residual saltiness. Potato and clam ratios are always a make or break determinant for New England clam chowder. In that test, Aquagrill scored high. The potatoes were barely noticeable while the clams were enough to fill the sea. Just the way I like it, but the salt was entirely too much of a distraction and destroyed any potential the soup had.

For my main course, I indulged with a decadent lobster salad. The seafood was accompanied with other all-star ingredients including: avocado, beets, grapefruit, and a champagne vinaigrette. All the components blended harmoniously. At a "market price" of $26, I felt a tinge of pain to pay that for a salad. In reality, the cost was actually fair given the amount of lobster meat. I was easily served an entire lobster worth of meat (and not just the claws). The vinaigrette was overly thick but tasty nonetheless.

Stop by Aquagrill for an enjoyable break during a day of shopping in SoHo. Its seafood fare will be light enough to allow you to continue to try things on, even after the lunch. Hopefully, they won't be serving the New England clam chowder.

Go or No Go? Go

'wichcraft

2008-02-06T08:58:00.000-08:00

Rockefeller Concourse (right by the rink)
http://www.wichcraftnyc.com/homepage/index.html

What could be more exciting than a new lunch spot opening in Rockefeller Center? Given the recent publicity of the rats in the Time Inc. cafeteria and the otherwise mediocre, at best, selection in the area, Collicchio's decision to expand his empire to our neighborhood could only be good news (or so I thought). I can think of few Manhattan locations as genius as Rockefeller for a much-needed, well-executed place to grab a quick lunch. All signs are pointing to $$$.

Despite the limited options, I do have my local favorites for indulgent, overpriced Midtown lunches. I already have my fancy salad spot, Just Salad. I technically prefer Chop't, but my office is a tad too far to make the trip on a regular basis. I am also quite committed to Devon & Blakely for soup, particularly the Turkey Chili. Thus, the only void left to fill is a sandwich place.

This picture actually gives the sandwich way too much credit...

Today, on my hopeful yet second misfortune at 'wichcraft, I ordered the grilled fontina with black trumpet mushrooms and white truffle fondue. Ten bucks, two bites, and five minutes later, I was hungry again! Not to mention, the overall taste was short of enjoyment. I am still kicking myself for leaving my camera behind for 'wich #1 (ham and cheddar with pear and mustard on cranberry-pecan bread). Insert pure black picture here. So much for looking forward to the cranberry-pecan bread.

One critical observation I noticed was, where were the snacks? Not only did the sandwiches leave room for more, but superfluous add-ons are key to this sort of upscale eatery where customers are willing to blow their cash on the extras. I once heard a ridiculous statistic about how much grocery stores make from the nonsense they strategically position by the registers. I'd like to have seen a variety of potato chips from an innovative brand or some unheard-of flavored popcorn perhaps. At the very least, they need fruit!

Don't get me wrong, I still have a non-sexual crush on Tom Collicchio, but Tom, 'wichcraft needs some work. On a positive note, I will say, I like that the sandwiches are not pre-made. That way, you are able to remove ingredients you don't want. Given the quirkiness of the menu, substitutions are a must. Where 'wichcraft needs work is consistency. On a Tuesday in Rockefeller, I am served an overdone disaster. If I go to a different location on another day, the story may not be the same. The even bigger problem, however, is the products are strange and not that tasty.

Go or No Go? No Go

Avra

2008-01-27T13:04:00.001-08:00

Midtown East
141 E. 48th btwn. 3rd and Lex
212-759-8550
http://www.avrany.com/

Selecting a pre-going out restaurant always requires an extensive thought process. Many factors need to be taken into consideration here:
1. mood of the scene
2. perhaps some fun cocktails
3. food not too heavy that will send you into a food coma and completely wipe out your desire to go out (aka NEVER do Mexican)
4. simulataneously substantial enough to allow for hours of drinking ahead

This particular Saturday, that spot was Avra (Estiatorio). Melissa and I had a night out planned for afterwards, so Greek was the perfect happy medium. Shocking but I've yet to find a really good place for casual Greek food in New York. I'm still on that mission. Recommendations are welcome. For a little more upscale than a Tuesday night neighborhood feel, Avra was a winner.

Truthfully, we didn't get the entire Avra experience, because we didn't want to order too much. Melissa had on such a tiny dress, I wasn't quite sure how she was planning on eating anything. Melissa is petite, but Barbie would have a tough time squeezing into that sucker. I can vouch for everything we did have though.

A gratis three-way platter is served to all tables including: succulent Greek olives, hummus that we were addicted to, and radishes in which we had no interest. I sort of filled up on hummus. Great start to the meal! Although, note to self, I don't like Greek wine. Generalization? Yes, but this wine was so bad that it entitled me to rule out the entire country.

We started with the lettuce-less Greek Salad. The simple dish was comprised of large pieces of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, feta. Hold the peppers and onions. After all, we didn't want to be shunned at the party. One might think, how could anyone mess that up? Trust me, I've seen it done, but not at Avra.

Spanikopita is my staple at Greek restaurants. I know it's not good for me, but I like to convince myself it is because of all the spinach. Honestly though, this one may have been the healthiest I've had. Their version wasn't at all heavy or oily. Usually, at least the way I make it, the phyllo dough alternates layers with the spinach/feta mixture. At Avra, they just had one sheet of phyllo on the top. The middle was all spinach. It was sort of a win/lose situation. I was proud to be behaving myself, but the other way is just so mouthwateringly good.

Avra rubbed me the right way. The atmosphere and menu had a true authentic charm. I look forward to a return trip to try one of their many fish selections. Most likely I'd choose to go there for a semi-special occasion, but one where I don't want to break the bank as I usually do when I have any excuse to celebrate.

Go or No Go? Go

Destino

2008-01-19T13:36:00.000-08:00

Midtown East
891 First Ave @ 50th St.
(212) 751-0700
http://destinony.com/

Right around the corner from my apartment, I regularly passed this non-descript restaurant. A couple months ago, I come to find out Justin Timberlake is a part owner. Sure, I like my neighborhood, but it's not exactly home to any cool late night clubs, trendy boutiques, or celeb hot stops.

I was relieved the place did not scream Justin Timberlake. In fact, the scene was so disconnected from what I expected, I began to question whether the claims were true. Even more disenchanting was the loudest message Destino did scream, "BRIDGE AND TUNNEL."

While the B&T folk enjoyed their big meal out in the City, Melissa and I stayed in the neighborhood for a low-key outing. We were eating late, so by the time the server brought some bruschetta, I thought I could have eaten anything. The overly stale toast point and unripe tomatoes were my first warning signal. Messing up bruschetta is typically a recipe for disaster!

Melissa and I did halfsies, again. We wanted to go healthy. We decided on fish. Who really gets salmon at an Italian restaurant? Although the salmon seemed to be a strange choice, they were the ones that put it on the menu. The fish was along the lines of a plate served at a banquet hall wedding. You are able to consume about three-quarters before you realize it's lacking personality.

The menu features essentially any kind of basic pasta you could name. I was strangely craving tomato sauce, so we supplemented our meal with an order of Siciliana - rigatoni pasta, eggplant, tomato, fresh mozzarella. Again, no pizzazz.

Don't get me wrong, I don't expect every meal to be the pinnacle of gastronomy. I do however expect restaurants to accurately access who they are and portray themselves as such to the public. Would I try to get away with telling someone I'm 5'7" when I'm really 5'2"? I can put on some fancy stilettos and try to act the part, but at the end of the day, I'm 5'2". Get my point? If you are going to serve me the same thing I can get down the street at any local Italian joint, I don't want to be charged double the price just because a former Mouseketeer may or may not be involved.

If I have any luck, my destino will never bring me back there. Justin, nothing against your dance moves, but you're better off sticking with entertaining 13-year-old teenyboppers.

Go or No Go? No Go

Republic

2008-01-15T19:17:00.000-08:00

Union Square
37 Union Sq. West btwn. 16th & 17th
(212) 627-7172

As a disclaimer to this entry, Republic has many things going for it. Namely, the convenience and affordability factors keep this huge space packed around the clock. Located in the heart of Union Square, it's an easy meeting spot for locals and an opportune trap for tourists. Granted, I would probably prefer this place to the standard college dining hall if I were an NYU student, too.

We decided on the steamed vegetable dumplings for the table to share. I am by no means a master with chopsticks. In fact, I am virtually inept. Even the most skilled pros would have a difficult time maneuvering these massive dumplings. The dumplings were stuffed with lots and lots of vegetables, but the unsauced bites were slimy and par at best.

Melissa and I did halfsies. We started with a chicken salad made with cabbage, basil, shallots, peanuts, and citrus dressing. Where was the chicken? A few scrawny strips garnished on top did not suffice. For $5 though, that's what you get.

Next up, we shared glass noodles with chicken (or lack thereof, again), various unidentified vegetables, lime juice, and side of ginger dipping sauce. Of our party of five, four of us ordered the same dish. Perhaps this was a coincidence, because we all happen to have the same taste and glass noodles sounded too good to pass up? More likely, the other options were not more appealing. Again, the quality was tasteless unless you dumped on the ginger sauce.

The last thing I want is to come across as ungrateful for a nice meal. I always enjoy going out when friends' families are in town. Not to mention, I get a particular kick out of Melissa's mom, Janet. Ultimately though, the food was bland. That being said, on a snowy Sunday night, I would have been just as happy ordering take-out from my local Thai place.

Go or No Go? No Go

The Spotted Pig

2008-01-12T13:37:00.000-08:00

West Village
314 W. 11th St. @ Greenwich St. (NOT Greenwich Ave.)
(212) 620-0393
http://www.thespottedpig.com/

Don't bother trying to make a reservation, because The Spotted Pig is too cool to take them (and has eternal demand). I've tried getting into the Spotted Pig a million times before. Without fail, no matter the night or time, the wait is outrageous. Pathetically, I was never willing to give up and write it off completely. Frankly, this place intrigued me. How could it be so packed all the time?

Laura had a brilliant idea! For night 1 of her 3 days for 30 celebration, she suggested we suck it up and stick out whatever wait time they gave us. Given that were meeting up with a friend who we hadn't seen in a while, I was looking forward to spending time catching up over a couple cocktails (and I was being agreeable with the birthday diva's wishes).

Sabeen arrived first and put her name on the list---2 hours. After an hour and a half, I started to get antsy. Not only were we waiting, we were standing in a packed bar holding all our belongings. I must give kudos to the truly professional host staff. When Sabeen and I made our way back downstairs to the even more ridiculously packed entrance, the host immediately recognized Sabeen and recited our remaining wait time with precise accuracy.

Part of the appeal of The Spotted Pig is the likelihood of celeb sightings. Lizzie, Sabeen's work friend who joined us for drinks and an adorable Aussie who hangs out at The Spotted Pig quite a bit, had apparently seen the Olsen twins there earlier in the week. We thought our chances would be pretty high given it was a Thursday night but to no avail. No celebs although everyone in the place certainly acted like they were important enough.

You probably think this chicken liver is the grossest thing you've ever seen (so do I). You'd love it, if you close your eyes. I forced Laura and Sabeen into trying it. They weren't obsessed, but they ate it. :-)

After sufficient time staring at other tables' food, the burger seemed like the item to get. I personally despise Roquefort so I asked if they had any cheese alternatives. Nope. I thought that was a little strange but was fine with going straight hamburger. Yet just because I had accepted no cheese didn't mean I was prepared for something so plain. Burger + bun. Impressively, even with its bareness, this is a top-tier burger. I would have loved it even more if my bun wasn't burned. My concern for The Spotted Pig is my bun (and Sabeen's) don't seem to be flukes. Even in their website picture, where I'd think they'd try to put their best burger forth, the bun is charred. Is this somehow desirable in their books? After rambling on about the burger, the rosemary fries were also definitely scrumptious and addictive in nature.

Our Hotty McHotterson waiter did not hurt the fabulosity of our night. We left the dessert decision in his hands. He chose the Banoffee pie. What is Banoffee you ask? Aside from the most incredible dessert I've had in a very long time (ever is probably too big of a claim although it's a possibility), Banoffee stands for a combination of banana and toffee. Mouthwatering!

Overall, an ultimate New York evening. Assuming a decent patience level, I would call it wait-worthy. Certainly if you have 4 hours to kill, I'd strongly recommend hitting up The Spotted Pig.

Go or No Go? Go

ALLEN & DELANCEY

2008-01-09T18:27:00.000-08:00

Lower East Side
115 Allen St. btwn Delancey & Rivington
(212) 253-5400
http://www.allenanddelancey.net/

The short distance between the subway and finding the place was sketchy, to say the least. I've slummed it at my share of Lower East Side locales and typically dig the vibe, but these streets were somehow different. With much relief, we beat the odds and arrived safely.

Despite what was going on right outside the door, as soon as you entered, the setting was elegant and thoughtfully decorated. I especially liked the main dining room that was tastefully draped with plush red velvet. What I didn't realize at the time, those details would turn out to be the highlight of the experience for me (with the exception of my lovely company, of course!).

To wet the palate, they served bacon bread. The immediate reaction is complete sensory overload for your nose. I like bacon, but the invasive smell made me want to vomit! I was thrilled once the pungency finally escaped our table. Just as my nausea began to settle, without fail, another surrounding table would receive their bacon bread and the aroma would again waft through the entire restaurant. Despite my feelings of sickness, I was mildly intrigued. Really the bizarre creation tasted exactly as it sounds---pretty nasty.

The menu was an easy one to choose from. Call me boring, but I wouldn't dare try smoked ham knuckle or ravioli of sweetbreads. I played it safe with the Dorade, even though I didn't really have the slightest clue what type of fish Dorade was. Once I peeled away the substantial layer of skin, I was a fan. The fish was first-rate, but the accompaniments of onion marjoram stew and golden eggplant puree were not.

I'm glad we decided to venture for dessert, but the execution didn't quite live up to the menu appeal. We shared the sweet cream french toast with oatmeal ice cream and caramelized bananas...and bacon-infused caramel sauce? What? More bacon? You've got to be kidding me! The oatmeal ice cream was a success and paired well with the banana, but the "french toast" itself was a dry block and this place really has to get over the bacon obsession.

Allen & Delancey leaves me the most torn about a "go or no go" decision yet. Ultimately, what broke me? My big mouth new friend, Jared, told the manager about my blog. The manager asks me, "So, what is it?" I smiled and said "GO!". Now, I feel the need to stick to my word.

Go or No Go? Go

Hill Country

2008-01-06T16:55:00.000-08:00

Chelsea
30 W. 26th St. (just West of Broadway)
(212) 255-4544
http://www.hillcountryny.com/

This past weekend, I took a little trip to the Disney World of Chelsea, Hill Country. Multiple sources have told me Hill Country is a major hangout for good looking men. Good thing I went with my parents!

The scene screamed theme restaurant. While the concept was cute for New York City and successfully executed, I thought the place bordered on cheesy.

For those of you who have never been, part of the whole experience is an interesting dining procedure. Immediately when you walk in the door, a hostess hands you a meal ticket. Patrons use the meal tickets as they move from station to station to get all the fixin's of their heart's desire (meats, sides, desserts).

At the time, I didn't have the stomach for ribs or brisket. I know, I know. I should have manned up and gone with the required favorites at any BBQ joint. Instead, I went with the chili. While everything else on the menu seemed adequately priced, is it me or is $10.50 for a bowl of chili not cheap? My dad got some barbeque sandwich, and my mom got the BBQ chicken. So while judging a place without ever trying their prized picks may not be entirely fair, I'm satisfied never knowing.

I was most excited to sample some of the tasty sides. Strike One: I'd consider myself an easy judge of mac & cheese (even the bad ones are likable in my book), but this did not even close to impress me. Strike Two: The cornbread was just above average, but not good enough that I minded giving most of mine away. Strike Three: The lemonade was the biggest tease. The old-fashioned glass jar gave me hope of fresh squeezed perfection producing an equilibrium of sweet and tart. Sadly, they copped out with Country Time mix and water.

All in all, nothing was inedible, but nothing knocked my socks off. A telling sign is despite taking several pictures during the meal, I struggle to find anything worthy of uploading. Frankly, they all bore me and would provide you no further value. Since I am ultimately all about the food, this faux Texas dining hall just did not cut it. Dare I say, the food was no different than a roadside Cracker Barrel? If frequenting Hill Country is what it takes to find a guy in Manhattan, I'd rather be single.

Go or No Go? No Go

Temple Bar

2008-01-03T19:34:00.000-08:00

Cambridge, Massachusetts
1688 Massachusetts Ave.
(617) 547-5055
http://www.templebarcambridge.com

Certainly the majority of my posts will focus on New York. However, from time to time, every New Yorker has to escape.

While celebrating New Years in Boston, I spent an evening at the Temple Bar in Cambridge. Swanky, yet not obnoxiously so---this was my kind of place. Strangely, I've noticed these treasures tend to exist in suburbia but not often in the City.

Our semi-gluttonous meal began when our bubbly waitress brought us over a bread basket. I normally try my best to steer clear, but this one looked worth the vacation splurge. Cornbread always gets me. To my surprise, there was a jalapeno twist. I only had a bite and was no longer interested. To some, the jalapeno may be unusual (in a good way), but I think it walks a fine line in terms of mass-appeal.

Emily got the caesar as an appetizer. I swear I only had the intention trying a bite, but next thing I knew I polished off half the mound. Thanks, Em. The salad was a quality caesar with crisp romaine, good lettuce/dressing ratio, and plenty of parmesan. Made me think...you know what I haven't seen in a while? Tableside caesar. Granted, I'm sure if I dined at more creme-de-la-creme establishments, I could find more every now and then. Regardless, I encourage restauranteurs to bring back tableside caesar!

The entrees were the least spectacular part of our dinner. I had the salmon with mushroom ragout, red bliss "oven fries", and truffled watercress. Emily had the pink pepper scallops with parisian gnocchi, english peas, and chanterelle mushrooms in a meyer lemon buerre noisette. The only thing missing was...nevermind, they included everything.

We both had a similar reaction to all the entrees. Although we enjoyed the ingredients individually, something about the combination of flavors did not blend together. Each dish tried to squeeze in too many ingredients.

Somehow I made room for a side dish of brussel sprouts, the world's most underrated vegetable. Whenever I see them on a menu, I am compelled to order, because I feel so badly for them. I love brussel sprouts and don't understand why they get such a bad rap. Usually, once I make the bold move and insist that my dining companion try them, people are pleasantly delighted with their deliciousness. Next time, give them a shot!

So, while I will not be returning to Cambridge any time soon, nor am I suggesting anyone jump on the Fung Wah just to check out this place, I do believe it's a good spot when visiting people in Boston, especially if they are nerds at Harvard. After all, we all have to get out of the City sometime.

Go or No Go? Go

Stanton Social

2008-01-01T19:41:00.000-08:00

Lower East Side
99 Stanton St. btwn Orchard & Ludlow
(212) 995-0099
http://www.thestantonsocial.com

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!

The evening began with a bit of a rocky start. Because I am not the only fan of Stanton Social in New York City, this reservation was not an easy one to score. However, shame on me for thinking anyone gets anywhere by 7 o'clock these days. Thank god for the 15 minute grace period, but we still weren't looking good when only 1 of the 4 in our party had arrived at 7:30 (and I was not that one...early start to my New Years Resolution of making friends with the subway/weaning myself off of my hardcore cab addiction. Again, shame on me).

We finally arrive and while I totally get it, I thought it was rude when they gave us a mandatory departure time (8:45). Fortunately, they didn't end up enforcing the deadline, and I didn't feel like the service was rushed at all either.

The premise of Stanton Social is sharing a bunch of different dishes. Worked out well, because I seriously wanted everything on the menu and NEVER would have been able to dwindle my choices down to one. I love that about great menus---when you would be perfectly happy with anything!

So first up...the signature French onion soup dumplings. Almost everyone who has been to Stanton Social brings up the French onion soup dumplings, and I would guess 99% of the tables ordered them that evening. So even despite the extremely high expectations, the hype still understated the magnificence of these little dumplings.

Just when I didn't think Round 1 could be topped, I was pleasantly wrong. The Butternut squash and sweet potato ravioli with vanilla brown butter & candied pecans were pure heaven. Salivating as I think about them and upload the photo.

The other 2 dishes were solid although not as life-altering as the first 2. Red snapper tacos would probably be enjoyed by most people, but I have zero tolerance for anything spicy. Moo shu shrimp was a cute option to see on the menu. For a clever twist, the pancakes were more crepesque than your typical Chinese takeout places. The presentation was gorgeous, but the flavors themselves were not as memorable.

Overall, perhaps my favorite spot I've encountered so far in the city. A sure-not-to-disappoint selection and not outrageously expensive. Overhyped but I don't care. It gets a lot of hype for good reason.

Go or No Go? Go

Peasant

2007-12-28T19:47:00.000-08:00

Soho
194 Elizabeth St. btwn Spring & Prince
(212) 965-9511
http://peasantnyc.com

As I remember, the Italian lifestyle does not require you to work this hard. Having studied abroad in Italy, I know my fair share of basic Italian, at least enough to fake it every once in a while on a menu. Peasant's menu was created to make you look like a total fool. What's the point? They clearly know they are going to have to translate everything for you. Really, that's just wasting my time and the waitress' also (who didn't hide letting us know she felt that way). I was particularly offended when I asked how the Orata was prepared (some kind of fish she spared me the details on). Her response: "You have to filet it yourself. If I have time, I'll try to filet it for you." I opted away from the do-it-yourself option. God forbid I give them a little taste of their own medicine.

Grahamy and I shared the bufala salad. I know it's sort of "the thing" the finer the mozzarella, the more wet and runny it's supposed to be, but this really wasn't my thing (or Grahamy's). Being a Jersey girl, I've gotta say the tomatoes were noticeably superb and perfectly seasoned. For my main course, I went with the Agnello (lamb for all my fellow morons). Ah---it was decent. The polenta which accompanied was congealed into a shape that even my best attempts couldn't deconstruct.

I think Martinez's hen needed a pedicure.

I'll give points for the ambiance. Rustic and cozy place, nice for wintertime. Ultimately, I wasn't as disappointed as the rest of my group. Basically, I'm not mad I tried it, but I doubt I'll ever go back.

Go or No Go? No Go