Bianca
5 Bleecker Street
New York, NY 10012
When I first moved to New York, a fellow teacher and close friend introduced me to Bianca, a tiny Italian place in NoHo. Bianca doesn't take reservations and rest assured, even if you think the nice Italian man taking names is flirting with you, you are almost guaranteed to wait an hour. But fear not! The restaurant is strategically linked to the wine-bar next door, Von. Von has a great selection of wines and you can even order a bottle to carry to your table at Bianca when it's (finally) ready. I usually go to Bianca for exactly what the my title suggests: cheap Italian. That being said, in an effort to be frugal, I haven't tried a lot of the appetizers but am occasionally blessed with a complimentary cheese plate if the wait for a table exceeds an hour. The main reasons to come to Bianca fall under the Paste section of the menu. The Gramigna con Salcicca E Peperoni is a fan favorite and is a big enough portion that leftovers usually provide lunch for the following day. The Tagliolini Ai Frutti Di Mare and the Tagliatelle Alla Bolognese are other great pasta staples. Overall, Bianca is a delightful experience - even the wait at Von is worthy of its own post - and when I am craving delectable and affordable Italian, I head to Bianca for Best I Ever ate.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
Best Carbonara
The Tasting Kitchen
1633 Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Venice, CA 90291
Most of you that know me well might have thought that this post would be about my own carbonara - taken from Jamie Oliver, but alas, I finally found one that I enjoy more. In an effort to stay local, all of my posts so far have been about places in NYC, but in order to stay honest about the best carbonara I ever had...welcome to a west coast review. Last April I traveled to LA to visit a friend and to celebrate a birthday. For the celebration, our hostess chose The Tasting Kitchen - I came prepared for an amazing meal after stalking the menu and reviews for weeks before the trip. We started our meal with some champagne and a plethora of appetizers, mainly creative salads and vegetable dishes. To be honest, my memory of the meal is so clouded by the amazingness of my pasta, that I only vaguely remember the starters, simply the fact that they were all amazing. There is nothing like being in the comfort of best friends, eating homemade pasta, and drinking great wine. Two of my friends ordered the Bucatini alla amatriciana, a dish that brought them back to their time spent in Rome. I couldn't resist ordering the Pasta carbonara, and I had high expectations based on the breadth of carbonaras in my past. I'm pretty sure I actually gasped when my pasta arrived, it was everything I had ever dreamed of: thick spaghettoni, sauce with the perfect amount of creaminess, thick (yet still crispy?!) guanciale, warm peas, and an egg yolk on top. I stuck my fork into the egg yolk - the final touch - and enjoyed every single bite. There were many high points to this meal that will stay with me forever, the food, the company, and of course the carbonara - Best I Ever ate.
1633 Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Venice, CA 90291
Most of you that know me well might have thought that this post would be about my own carbonara - taken from Jamie Oliver, but alas, I finally found one that I enjoy more. In an effort to stay local, all of my posts so far have been about places in NYC, but in order to stay honest about the best carbonara I ever had...welcome to a west coast review. Last April I traveled to LA to visit a friend and to celebrate a birthday. For the celebration, our hostess chose The Tasting Kitchen - I came prepared for an amazing meal after stalking the menu and reviews for weeks before the trip. We started our meal with some champagne and a plethora of appetizers, mainly creative salads and vegetable dishes. To be honest, my memory of the meal is so clouded by the amazingness of my pasta, that I only vaguely remember the starters, simply the fact that they were all amazing. There is nothing like being in the comfort of best friends, eating homemade pasta, and drinking great wine. Two of my friends ordered the Bucatini alla amatriciana, a dish that brought them back to their time spent in Rome. I couldn't resist ordering the Pasta carbonara, and I had high expectations based on the breadth of carbonaras in my past. I'm pretty sure I actually gasped when my pasta arrived, it was everything I had ever dreamed of: thick spaghettoni, sauce with the perfect amount of creaminess, thick (yet still crispy?!) guanciale, warm peas, and an egg yolk on top. I stuck my fork into the egg yolk - the final touch - and enjoyed every single bite. There were many high points to this meal that will stay with me forever, the food, the company, and of course the carbonara - Best I Ever ate.
* I never photograph food, but the thought of never seeing this masterpiece again was too painful.
**I like a lot of carbonaras in NYC too, particularly the ones at Otto and Maialino
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Best Crostini
Locanda Verde
377 Greenwich St.
(corner of N. Moore and Greenwich)
New York, NY 10013
Locanda Verde has been on my list of places to go ever since I moved to NYC in 2008, but I knew it required a special occasion. So when my boyfriend, Oliver, got into business school this past summer, we immediately (literally... half an hour after he found out) walked over to Locanda Verde for a celebratory dinner. We were seated instantly - sans reservation - which only solidified my belief that with two people on a reasonable day and time you can get into any NYC restaurant. I had a glass of prosecco (it WAS a celebration) and Oliver had the Rosato Spritz which I was immediately jealous of, good thing he's a sharer. I ordered the Steak Tartara Piedmontese which was a tower of steak tartare topped with a fried egg and served with grilled bread, amazing. Next, I had the Girandole pasta with homemade duck sausage, chickpeas, escarole, and fiore sardo (pecorino). I really enjoyed this dish because it is a more creative and unique take on the Italian dish you see everywhere these days with sausage and some sort of wilted greens. Oliver had the special for his entree which was steamed sea bass served in a clay pot with clams and fennel, reminiscent of a fisherman's stew made in a crock-pot, just a little more delicate and updated. The standout of the meal was Oliver's first dish, the Blue Crab Crostini. The same grilled bread from the steak tartare was now fully incorporated into the dish, layered with crushed tomatoes, blue crab, and jalapenos. Each bite had an amazing balance of flavors - first the heartiness of the bread and tomato (reminiscent of spanish pan con tomate), next the fresh crab, and finally the spiciness from the jalapenos. All in all it was a special meal, and the crostini was the Best I Ever ate.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Best Drinks Near Grand Central
La Biblioteca
622 Third Ave at 40th St
New York, NY 10017
As a recent commuter from Westchester this Fall, I was challenged with finding the perfect place to grab a drink with friends before boarding the train at Grand Central. This is not an easy feat as most places around Grand Central are pricey, generic, and bland. I had almost lost all hope until a friend recently suggested that we meet at La Biblioteca, a tequila bar that is in the basement of the restaurant Zengo. The basement has a bar and stools as well as a lounge area with plenty of seating (waiter service) where we sat, and were instantly impressed with the large selection of cocktails, tequila, and finger-food. We tried the El Tamarindo cocktail which was the perfect spicy cocktail for hump-day, and also shared the Carne Asada and Grilled Mahi Mahi tacos. My friends and I were pleasantly surprised by our experience at La Biblioteca; it is a place in the neighborhood that might lure us back whether or not we have a train to catch. If you're ever searching for drinks near Grand Central, look no further, La Biblioteca provides the Best I Ever had.
622 Third Ave at 40th St
New York, NY 10017
As a recent commuter from Westchester this Fall, I was challenged with finding the perfect place to grab a drink with friends before boarding the train at Grand Central. This is not an easy feat as most places around Grand Central are pricey, generic, and bland. I had almost lost all hope until a friend recently suggested that we meet at La Biblioteca, a tequila bar that is in the basement of the restaurant Zengo. The basement has a bar and stools as well as a lounge area with plenty of seating (waiter service) where we sat, and were instantly impressed with the large selection of cocktails, tequila, and finger-food. We tried the El Tamarindo cocktail which was the perfect spicy cocktail for hump-day, and also shared the Carne Asada and Grilled Mahi Mahi tacos. My friends and I were pleasantly surprised by our experience at La Biblioteca; it is a place in the neighborhood that might lure us back whether or not we have a train to catch. If you're ever searching for drinks near Grand Central, look no further, La Biblioteca provides the Best I Ever had.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Best Radish Salad
Blue Ribbon Sushi
119 Sullivan Street
New York, NY 10012
For sushi lovers in NYC there are two enjoyable experiences to consider when consuming sushi. The first option is ordering in sushi from one of the million restaurants that offers all the usual suspects (california roll, crunchy tuna, etc.) as well as some specialty rolls. When I feel like sitting on the couch and having some standard sushi delivered, my favorites are the Third Avenue Roll from Nobi Sushi, or the South End Roll from Kaijou Japanese Cuisine. And then there are times when I crave extremely fresh and authentic sushi, which brings me to option number two, dining out, and Blue Ribbon Sushi is the chosen restaurant. Everything here from the edamame to the sashimi is exceptional. A few highlights are: Toro Tataki (a Japanese style tuna belly tartare with quail egg), Kaki Fri (fried oyster roll!), and the Kurage (jellyfish sashimi, delicious and comes with bragging rights). The standout on the menu for me ironically isn't sushi; it is the San Daikon salad which consists of three different types of radishes - daikon, red, and sprouts. The salad seems simple, but the three distinct tastes provided by the different types of radishes makes it complex and refreshing. It might not have a lot of competition in terms of other radish salads, but it is the Best I Ever had.
119 Sullivan Street
New York, NY 10012
For sushi lovers in NYC there are two enjoyable experiences to consider when consuming sushi. The first option is ordering in sushi from one of the million restaurants that offers all the usual suspects (california roll, crunchy tuna, etc.) as well as some specialty rolls. When I feel like sitting on the couch and having some standard sushi delivered, my favorites are the Third Avenue Roll from Nobi Sushi, or the South End Roll from Kaijou Japanese Cuisine. And then there are times when I crave extremely fresh and authentic sushi, which brings me to option number two, dining out, and Blue Ribbon Sushi is the chosen restaurant. Everything here from the edamame to the sashimi is exceptional. A few highlights are: Toro Tataki (a Japanese style tuna belly tartare with quail egg), Kaki Fri (fried oyster roll!), and the Kurage (jellyfish sashimi, delicious and comes with bragging rights). The standout on the menu for me ironically isn't sushi; it is the San Daikon salad which consists of three different types of radishes - daikon, red, and sprouts. The salad seems simple, but the three distinct tastes provided by the different types of radishes makes it complex and refreshing. It might not have a lot of competition in terms of other radish salads, but it is the Best I Ever had.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Best Rock Shrimp Tempura Hand Roll
Koi
40 West 40th Street
New York, NY 10018
When I tried to convince someone to help me write this review, they suggested I describe Koi as "an oasis where Asian fusion flavors explode in your mouth like atom bombs." Case and point that midtown needs more substantial dining options. Although it took some convincing for me to brave the power-lunch posse at Koi (expensive, in the 40s, and overflowing with suits? No thanks) I was pleasantly surprised. Everything from the Kobe Beef Potsickers to the Mizo Bronzed Black Cod was delicious and the fish is always fresh. What I like most about Koi is that you get what you order; the creations and creativity aren't going to blow your mind but the tastes are consistent and good. If the special Double Tuna Roll is available when you are there, it is a must - fresh sashimi style tuna inside with spicy tuna on top. The highlight of the meal for me was when the Rock Shrimp Tempura Hand Roll arrived. The highly anticipated hand rolls were creamy, spicy, crunchy, and generally amazing. Once upon a time I heard about someone who was dared to eat ten hand rolls and did so on top of a full dinner. I don't have to see it to believe it, the rock shrimp tempura hand rolls are just that addicting and by far the Best I Ever ate.
40 West 40th Street
New York, NY 10018
When I tried to convince someone to help me write this review, they suggested I describe Koi as "an oasis where Asian fusion flavors explode in your mouth like atom bombs." Case and point that midtown needs more substantial dining options. Although it took some convincing for me to brave the power-lunch posse at Koi (expensive, in the 40s, and overflowing with suits? No thanks) I was pleasantly surprised. Everything from the Kobe Beef Potsickers to the Mizo Bronzed Black Cod was delicious and the fish is always fresh. What I like most about Koi is that you get what you order; the creations and creativity aren't going to blow your mind but the tastes are consistent and good. If the special Double Tuna Roll is available when you are there, it is a must - fresh sashimi style tuna inside with spicy tuna on top. The highlight of the meal for me was when the Rock Shrimp Tempura Hand Roll arrived. The highly anticipated hand rolls were creamy, spicy, crunchy, and generally amazing. Once upon a time I heard about someone who was dared to eat ten hand rolls and did so on top of a full dinner. I don't have to see it to believe it, the rock shrimp tempura hand rolls are just that addicting and by far the Best I Ever ate.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Best Grilled Cheese
Melt Shop
601 Lexington Ave @ 53rd Street
New York, NY 10002
After his many years of hard work and passion in the restaurant industry and kitchen, I was thrilled when my friend, Spencer Rubin, opened his first restaurant, Melt Shop, in midtown. Melt Shop is a restaurant focused on creative grilled cheese that embodies my personal opinion that you can melt cheese on anything and make it better. My first trip to Melt Shop was on a grey day in late April, little did I know that the tiny take-out window buried below Lexington Avenue was about to brighten my day. After being open for a mere two weeks, I was surprised (and happy) to find that there was a long line outside of the restaurant. When I finally made it to the window, I ordered the shop tots with melt sauce, the classic american cheese on white bread with tomato and bacon, and an arnold palmer. My meal was exactly what I needed on a grey day coming off of a two-week vacation - the grilled cheese instantly put a smile on my face. I couldn't resist the temptation to eat an entire half of my sandwich out of the to-go box before I reached my destination. Melt Shop is one of those places I go where I say to myself, they just get it here. Great design from the menus to the website, delicious food from the tots to the sandwiches, and friendly staff behind the counter. Melt Shop definitely filled a void in midtown and I can't wait to see it expand around the city, offering everyone the chance to try their grilled cheese - the Best I Ever had.
601 Lexington Ave @ 53rd Street
New York, NY 10002
After his many years of hard work and passion in the restaurant industry and kitchen, I was thrilled when my friend, Spencer Rubin, opened his first restaurant, Melt Shop, in midtown. Melt Shop is a restaurant focused on creative grilled cheese that embodies my personal opinion that you can melt cheese on anything and make it better. My first trip to Melt Shop was on a grey day in late April, little did I know that the tiny take-out window buried below Lexington Avenue was about to brighten my day. After being open for a mere two weeks, I was surprised (and happy) to find that there was a long line outside of the restaurant. When I finally made it to the window, I ordered the shop tots with melt sauce, the classic american cheese on white bread with tomato and bacon, and an arnold palmer. My meal was exactly what I needed on a grey day coming off of a two-week vacation - the grilled cheese instantly put a smile on my face. I couldn't resist the temptation to eat an entire half of my sandwich out of the to-go box before I reached my destination. Melt Shop is one of those places I go where I say to myself, they just get it here. Great design from the menus to the website, delicious food from the tots to the sandwiches, and friendly staff behind the counter. Melt Shop definitely filled a void in midtown and I can't wait to see it expand around the city, offering everyone the chance to try their grilled cheese - the Best I Ever had.
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