Nibbling On New York

A little taste of Maine... Brooklyn Style.

2012-01-02T07:04:00.000-08:00

Restaurant : Red Hook Lobster Pound
Location : 284 Van Brunt Street | Brooklyn, NY 11231
Website : http://www.redhooklobsterpound.com/

I have ventured up to the coastal cities of Maine a couple times and Portland, Maine holds a near and dear spot in my heart. There are so many local eats in this artistically driven town that has so much to offer. From delicious chowders to authentic Italian gelato all the way to what Maine is known for! Lobster of course!

The Lobster Pound started in Portland, Maine where you can find the original restaurant. A couple named Ralph Gorham and Susan Povich shared a love for Portland Maine lobster and started up a casual takeout eatery in the Brooklyn Flea Market. The super authentic factor in their business is the delivery of Maine lobsters everyday. Thats right! 7 days a week baby. Saves us the trip and we still get the delicious and fresh tastes their coastal towns have to offer! At market price.

This stirred up enough business that soon enough, the Red Hook Lobster Pound was born!

Bunnie's Rating

Money : Moderate... I mean it is lobster. But they are very fair and you can buy fresh lobster at market price. Lobster rolls go for about $16 each and a lobster dinner (1 1/2 lb fresh maine lobster with their own coleslaw, potato salad and fresh corn) goes for $25... now c'mon... for NYC thats not bad for lobster!! Soups are $7 for about a generous sized cup and $10 for a mac n cheese loaded with lobster. So no, this isnt a cheap place... but considering saving yourself a trip to Maine with gas... this is a deal!

Must Try : The lobster rolls and the mac n cheese. And if you have room... the downeast bisque... I'll explain more later...

Type : Very casual. There are two doors... one side you can order from... and the other side has some indoor picnic benches to sit and chomp on your lobster. You clean up after yourself so its a real no-frills place.

Reservations : No reservations. Cafeteria style!

Okay! So bringing on the food!!

I'm going to begin with this delicious nibble (my personal favorite) the Lobster Mac n Cheese. Now, this Mac n cheese is no joke... not tiny bits of left-over-and-possibly-frozen lobster meat... but large juicy (and generous) chunks of lobster meat mixed in with four different kinds of cheeses and organic pasta. This is definitely a nibble worth having!

Now to their lobster rolls. They have 2 offered... a Maine Lobster Roll which is more of a cold lobster salad type with a touch of mayo (or you can ask for no mayo since they mix everything fresh... nothing is pre-mixed and sits there) and a touch of spices and of course some chopped up celery for crunch. And there is a Connecticut Lobster Roll which is a hot, freshly steamed lobster roll brushed with clarified butter sauce. Both come on a buttered and toasted roll (believe it or not, the roll is ALSO from Maine!). They also have a shrimp roll (maine shrimp tossed with spices) and a lobster BLT (for the bacon lovers!! I mean, who isnt??) But first time around... I say get a hold of that lobster roll! And if you bring a friend... get one of the Maine Lobster rolls and one of the Connecticut... split and share! Best of both world!!

And if you have room... get a cup of the downeast bisque... delicious and creamy with a tiny smoky bite at the end... with chunks of lobster, clams, shrimp and haddock... its yummy.

Connecticut Style Lobster Roll

One last taste from Maine worth having here is the soda...

They import (of course) their root sodas from Maine with flavors like lemon lime, ginger, and mandarin orange... but I recommend the blueberry. It is Maine after all.

Pros:

Everything is amazing. The food is yummy and fresh. The staff is super friendly and very fast. You get an authentic taste of Maine lobster without having to fork over loads of cash so they can put it on a fancy plate with some garnish... And its the perfect alternative for lunch when you visit Red Hooks IKEA! The Lobster Pound is literally a 2 minute drive away... and I mean, Swedish meatballs can come later...

Cons:

Can get crowded sometimes... especially meal times like any other places. And since everything is made fresh, they can run out of things. Not a huge deal... a new batch of soup or mac n cheese is usually in the making... so if you aren't in a rush... take a seat and wait it out a bit. Theres nothing really else in that immediate neighborhood. Parking can sometimes be a little tough... but they do have take out! Oh and Im pretty sure they don't have a bathroom...

But fear not... I believe they are having a renovations between January 9th to 23rd! So get your bites of lobster before they close their doors for a couple weeks... but who knows? Maybe a lobster clad bathroom will appear when they return!

Well everyone... I hope you get the chance to get down to Red Hook for a sample of Portland Maine (Brooklyn Style)

Til next blog...

Eat. Drink. And have Dessert!!!

Well hello there 2012... I think its time we get acquainted ...

2012-01-02T05:27:00.000-08:00

Hello there Nibblers of New York,

I hope you all had a wonderful new year! Now I know its been quite awhile since I posted... life just sometimes can get a little crazy/busy...

But its a new year, its a new chapter... And its time to start nibbling again :)

So keep your eyes open... I have a couple nibbles in the works that should be up soon!!

And I have recently become a residence of our lovely Kings borough (aka Brooklyn)... so expect to see lots of new unknown treasures from this rediscovered neighborhood popping up!

Thank you all for your interest in my passion for finding all the hidden treasures this amazing city has to offer!

As always, Im open to recommendations if you find a hole in the wall worth 'nibbling' on :)

Until then,

Have an amazing new year...

And don't forget to Eat. Drink. And have Dessert!!! :)

2009-11-13T07:31:00.000-08:00

Restaurant : Udon West
Location : 11 West St. Marks, New York City, NY 10003
Website : http://www.udonwest.com/

Granted, there are many amazing places to eat on St. Marks. Sometimes I wonder how they all compete with each other! But I guess that's the wonderful thing about St. Marks... You don't have to make decisions until you are standing right there, in front of the store or restaurant.
So we were walking one chilly Autumn day and though...

"Hmm... something warm sounds good... maybe noodles?"

Udon West is definitely worth stopping for.
Being the ideal tiny hole in the wall in NYC, Udon West is squished between other flashier looking restaurants.
But who needs flashy for a yummy quick lunch?
So we stepped inside... Only to be intoxicated with the smells of soup broths.

We took a seat at the tiny tables in the back rather than the bar.
Udon West has a very cozy, tiny Japanese noodle bar type feel. With very friendly Japanese waitstaff and often filled with mostly Japanese clients...
Cant be that bad, can it?

Au contraire!

It was amazing!!!

Bunnie's Rating

Money : Cheap Japanese food (like $8-15) ... and they have great combo deals and great lunch deals!

Must Try : Everything we had was great. Personally, it might have been one of the best Chicken Katsu donburi I ever had!

Type : Extremely casual and extremely small... I wouldn't recommend coming with more than 3-4 people! Best I think is single or 2 people. Also keep in mind this is a 'cash only' place!!
Also, you get your own water from a little water dispensing machine by the bar.

Reservations : No reservations... first come first serve.

Okay! So bringing on the food!!

The Chicken Katsu Don
(For those who don't know, its chicken katsu over rice with egg and onions! SO GOOD...
And this combo came with soup!)

The little rice 'doughnuts' we had on the side were okay... nothing to rave about...

The curry soup with udon noodles and Shrimp Tempura
(you cant go wrong with Japanese curry)

And another combo...
Katsu with Nabe-Yaki Udon and a bowl of rice

Pros:
Everything was super yummy... the price was great for the quality... the service was fast, nice and efficient...
And actually, because the place was so tiny and could only fit so many, it never really felt overwhelmingly crowded! Great spot to hit for a quick bite with friends on a late night(I believe they are open til 3am) or even just to go and eat on your own at the bar!!

Cons:
Cash only can sometimes be annoying, but not a deal breaker.
Their rice doughnuts, although very cute, were not particularly as good and I expected...
But the other food made up for it.

So when in St. Marks and feeling like some Japanese food...
Although there are many many other great Japanese food places scattered all down the block (which I intend to blog as well!)... definitely stop in and give this place a try!

Til next blog!

Eat. Drink. And have Dessert!!!

Grilled Mexican Corn on the Corner of Prince and Elizabeth street

2009-09-25T09:07:00.000-07:00

Restaurant : Cafe Habana
Location : 17 Prince St. New York, NY 10012
Website : http://www.cafehabana.com/

Tucked into the corner of Prince and Elizabeth street is a delicious little Latin haven... fusing the savory tastes of Cuban and Central Mexico. The place didn't look like much when we first got there... but stepping inside felt like stepping into one of those little side street habanas in Mexico. Very small... very casual... with the delicious scent of rice and grilled corn permeating the air.

Bunnie's Rating

Money : Cheap... definitely a yummy cheap bite to eat with good quality Latin food!

Must Try : Their corn is famous! Definitely give it a shot!

Type : Casual small restaurant... I wouldn't come here with more than 4 people because the booths are very small and the restaurant is pretty cramp. But with all the open windows, theres always a nice breeze blowing through the restauarnt! Good place to go with a small group of friends... might be a little too noisy for children.

Reservations : No reservations... first come first serve. But this place DOES tend to sometimes have a line coming out the door so try (if you can) to not go at peak meal hours!

So speaking of the corn...

We had heard that their corn was some of the best Mexican corn around! Of course we had to give it a try!
My friends tasted their corn appetizer... grilled hot and sprinkled with cheeses and spices that slowly melted from the heat of each kernel. Add a quick squeeze of lime!

And let the entrees begin!

This was their pulled pork... served with a hefty portion of sweet, soft and juicy meat, Spanish rice, and some beans. The pork was really really good...

And this was the Sincronizada Toluca...
Yummy and light... tortillas with chorizo, mozzarella cheese and avocado with a side of salsa!

I had the Steak and Corn Salad...
Skirt steak grilled tender and sprinkled with crispies and their famous grilled corn and covered in their house vinaigrette... SO good...

Pros:
Delicious casual Latin street food with a seat! Great place to walk over to when you are shopping in Soho and want a nice quick cheap bite!

Cons:
Small menu... limited items. But what they do have, they do very very well.

So the next time you are in Soho and in the mood for some yummy Latin food... Definitely come by this place for a quick bite!

Until next time foodies...

Eat. Drink. And have Dessert!!!

Top Chef's Backyard Bliss on Prince

2009-09-20T08:02:00.000-07:00

Restaurant : 24 Prince
Location : 24 Prince St. New York, NY 10012
Website : http://www.24prince.com/

My friends and I were wandering around Soho one beautiful Monday afternoon and our tummies had just started to rumble... so the hunt for a place to eat became our mission. Going through our Goldilocks syndrome (This ones wait for a table is too long... This ones menu isnt very exciting... This ones too small... This ones too big...) Ahhh we FINALLY found a place that was JUST right...

A cute little place nestled in the middle of Prince Street, 24 Prince had a very welcoming entry...
Open and airy with friendly people and comfortable looking seating...
After seeing the sign that there was backyard seating, I was sold...
Ive always been one to love eating al fresco, but with streets in NYC just being way too close to the restaurant, with way too many cars... and way too many people crowding the sidewalks... Its just not quite so easy to find a good place to eat outdoors without feeling like your food and drink will constantly be sprinkled with little bits of NYC grimy yumminess...

The inside had a nice bar and nice seating, but my heart was set on the backyard... which was completely adorable! Nice seating with a simple gazebo if you weren't in the mood for direct sunlight.

Bunnie's Rating

Money : Moderate. The quality of the food without question is delicious!

Must Try : Their Iced Tea's were delicious! The have one infused with peach and one with pear... we tried the pear and it was SO yummy... if you like your iced tea sweet, just ask for some simple syrup!

Type : Typical small NYC restaurant layout... Long and narrow... but nicely designed with dim lighting... trendy... The place looks like it could accommodate large parties... (10-12 max?) But I would call ahead of time if that was the case... Otherwise, its a nice little lunch/brunch spot for a small group of 2-4 people... great little spot for a date or just catching up with friends.

Reservations : I was only there for lunch... haven't tried dinner yet... For lunch, reservations definitely weren't necessary.

*Insider Tip!*
Found out this charming little spot's chef and co-owner is Nikki Cascone! She was a Top Chef Chicago contestant for Season 4 on Bravo. A really sweet Chef who was trained at Jean-Georges and decided to start her own little place. I applaud you Chef Nikki... the food was delicious!

And speaking of the food...

Here's what my friends and I tried and all loved...

This was the Ham and Cheese Melt
(Mmmm cheesy salty goodness...)

The Chicken Sandwich
(Refreshing and delicious)

The Hanger Steak Sandwich
(Mmm... steak!)

And the Fish and Chips (herb fries)
(Mine!! ^_^) The Herb fries were AMAZING... and the Fish was flaky and sweet and not oily!

Pros:
The food and drinks were delicious... and the proportions of the dishes were perfect... and the ambiance was fun! Definitely a new hidden favorite in Soho!

Cons:
Seems like a place that could probably get pretty packed up in the evening... but other than that, nothing really comes to my mind!

So if you are in the Soho area... and can't think of a place to eat... Definitely give this place a try!!

Until next time foodies...

Eat. Drink. And have Dessert!!!

Delish BBQ Anytime of the year... WITH a reservation!

2009-09-18T18:37:00.000-07:00

Restaurant : Dinosaur Bar-B-Q
Location : 646 W 131st St. New York, NY 10027-7948
Website : http://www.dinosaurbarbque.com/nyc

Who doesn't get a craving now and then for some REALLY good BBQ?
I know I do... Probably ever other month or so?
And in a city like New York City.. who needs to ONLY have BBQ in the Summer???

My friends and I search high and low together to find the BEST BBQ NYC had to offer... and I think... wait, I KNOW we found it!!

Deliciously rich and moist ribs... savory side dishes... addictive appetizers... topped off with some good ole fashioned southern sweet tea! You really cant go wrong...

Bunnie's Rating

Money : Moderate-cheap (espcially for the quality and quantity you get)

Must Try : The wings... the ribs... the sweet tea... and the mac'n'cheese (if you are a true mac and cheese lover!) And if you are really lucky... see if they have the Cajun Corn for the veggie of the day... amazing...

Type : Big and loud... The kind of place you would stereotype a biker gang to stop off at to grab a bite. But the place is always hopping with both a great food and bar scene... live band music on fridays and saturdays is always fun!

Reservations : DEFINITELY... They accept open table reservations or you can call. A warning... take their reservations very seriously... I reserve up to 2 weeks prior to eating there if I want to go on a friday or saturday night... no joke. If you decide to walk in... you will probably have to wait anywhere between 2-4 hours for a table... So... if that was the case... they have a take out booth right past the hostess desk!

*Insider Tip!*
Even with a reservation... aim to be at the restaurant with your WHOLE party about a half hour prior to your reservation... because you will still have to wait 20-30 minutes for a table...
Personally, I think reservations just means you get bumped to the front of the line!

So let me start out by saying their wings are AMAZING...
So good that we got this sampler platter (everything else was good too... MMMmmm Deviled eggs... Ol' Bay Shrimp... Onion rings...)

AND an order of Wings for the table! Our favorite marinade is the Mild Garlic Chipotle sauce...
Sweet and mildly spicy with a nice hint of garlic...
If your tongue prefers a more intense burn, they definitely have spicier ones...
But there's also (as always) extra sauce in jars on the table to share in case you want to customize!

Just a little zoom in of HOW DARN GOOD THESE WINGS ARE...
Fresh... juicy... falling off the bone...

(Im shocked you are still here reading this and aren't up in Harlem banging on Dino's door yet)

SO... On to the main event!
THE RIBS!!!

Delicious and tender... so amazingly good...

Pros:

Great place for groups big and small! If you reserve ahead of time enough, they will accomidate! The prices are decent, the food is good, and the ambiance is fun! But expect to be screaming over the restaurant noise at each other as the night progresses.
And afterwards, you can always stop by the Take-Out table behind the Hostess desk... they sell all the Dinosaur BBQ sauces for like $3 each!!!!

Cons:

Can get crowded and noisy really fast as it gets late... do NOT attempt on Fridays and Saturdays without a reservation... simply put... not gonna happen...
Also, make sure that when you bring friends or family, that they would be okay with the noise level... can get pretty intense... especially when theres a big game going!
Its pretty out of the way as well... so plan accordingly!

So... until next entry my fellow obsessive eaters...

Eat. Drink. And have Dessert!!!

ABC Brunch!

2009-08-13T11:20:00.000-07:00

Restaurant : Clinton Street Baking Company and Restaurant
Location : 4 Clinton Street (between Houston and Stanton street), NY
Website : http://www.clintonstreetbaking.com/

Hidden in the Lower East Side, right on the edge of alphabet city... far from train stations and the usual commercial busy street traffic... and father than the average tourist would care to venture, there is a true New York City brunch treasure.

The Clinton Street Baking Company has been raved about and voted best brunch, pancakes, and biscuits...
And definitely a place Ive long waited to try!

The shop is definitely a small place that you could walk right by if you didn't know it was there. But a friendly warm red casual entry scoops you right off the brick streets and once past the front door, you're surrounded by the warm smells of a pancakes, cookies, and cakes... and the low buzz of people eating and chatting.
You have two options... You can order baked goods right from the front door, or you can sit down and order some of their amazing food... Or better yet, do both!

Bunnie's Rating

Money : Moderate
Compared to what you get, the price is well worth the good food and friendly service.

Must Try : Pretty much everything!! But my favorite is THE PANCAKES!!! Personally I cant stop going back for the Banana Walnut pancakes... the best Ive ever had. They have blueberry ones too but I haven't tried them... yet. And Ive been told the biscuits are amazing...

Type : Charming and small... but the high ceilings keeps you from feeling too claustrophobic when you are packed into the seating booths.

Reservations : They do not accept reservations... so anticipate a wait! It could range from anywhere between 10 minutes to 1 1/2 hours...

Omelet

The Amazing Banana Walnut Pancakes

Pro's

Friendly staff... Comfortable casual brunch setting... consistently amazing food

Con's

Don't take reservations... Isn't a place for a big party (don't come with more than a party of 4 people or you will be waiting a VERY long time)

Overall... I have to say this is one of my top 5 brunch spots!
I'll definitely be back for more...

Until next entry...

Eat. Drink. And have Dessert!

So Soft... So Sweet!

2009-04-03T18:30:00.000-07:00

Restaurant : Kyotofu
Location : 705 9th Avenue (between 48th and 49th street), NY
Website : www.kyotofu-nyc.com

Tofu originated with traditional Chinese 'doufu', created by compressed soy, and cut into blocks. Variations range from firm(extremely dense) all the way to silken (extremely soft).
Funny enough, even though tofu originated in China... the Chinese refused to release their secrets of productions... It was the Japanese and Koreans who began to share it with the world.

Tofu can be used in so many ways...
And one of my personal favorites is as a dessert!!
Also known as "doufu hua" in Chinese...
A sweetened silk tofu often served with a sweet syrup, or fruits or creams.

Kyotofu is a adorable little Japanese tofu restaurant that opened up on the west side known for their delicious sweet tofu.

A couple weeks ago, I went with a few friends to test run their brunch!
So while keeping sweet tofu in the back of my mind... we dived into some delicious 'pre-sweet tofu' nibbles...

This is their Mac n' Cheese...
Quite tasty... creamy with a crunchy top.
I would definitely recommend giving this a try!

This is their french toast...
Comes with a shot of syrup and sweet coffee and some home made sausages.
Pretty good as well...
Definitely a nibbling portion... but hey, we are ALL saving room for dessert...

AND... let the dessert begin!!

This is their Cheesecake...
Quite good!
Extremely light and creamy...

And the sweet tofu!!

Of course we ordered the 'Signature Sweet Tofu'
And I must say... it didn't disappoint!!
It was sweet, light and smooth...
Came with a cute little crunchy seaweed chip...
(Which was pretty much forgotten because of the yummy tofu)

And a little parting gift...
Some little coconut cupcakes!

Bunnie's Rating

Money : Cheap-Moderate
The prices aren't bad... but keep in mind this is more of a nibbling and dessert place... So dont come here expecting a huge filling meal that will leave you with a serious food coma...
But brunch does come with a free brunch cocktail!

Must Try : The sweet tofu of course!! And the Mac n' Cheese...

Type : Trendy and small... intimate. A good place for a small group of friends or a couple to grab a bite and sit and chat... The service is good and friendly... A very comfortable setting.

Reservations : I did, but I dont think its entirely necessary... Its a hit or miss...

Pro's

Very sweet and attentive staff... Good food... Intimate setting.

Con's

I wish they had MORE variations of the sweet tofu...
But who knows what happens in the future!

Until next entry...

Eat. Drink. And have Dessert!

A tasty 'Blend' of Cuban

2009-03-20T06:51:00.000-07:00

Restaurant : Blend
Location : 47-04 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, NY
Website : http://blendlic.com/

Craving some good Cuban food? Who doesnt?
What I like about Blend is it food definitely satisfies that craving AND its trendy restaurant environment brings it to a new, and more fun level!

They have some great 'tapatizers'! Ive tried the quesadilla and the calimari.
Both were delicious... but I think my favorite was these adorable little Empanadas!
This is the 5 piece sampler with pollo (chicken), carne (braised beef short rib), quesos (cheese), chorizo (spanish sausage),and espinaca y queso (spinach, cheese, and pecans). They were all really delicious! A good option for if you cant decide! Or are like me... and wanna try a little bit of everything!

And the entree!!
Always the classic and one of my favorites!!
The Arroz Con Pollo with some fried plantaines!

The Pernil (porkchop) is also fantastic...
Another good choice, if you feel like some seafood, is their Paella.

Bunnie's Rating

Money : Cheap-Moderate
They also have great a great lunch deal!

Must Try : The Empanadas were one of my favoite little munch to start out with!

Type : Trendy and friendly. I obsedrved couples, friends, groups, and families all eatting here before!

Reservations : Not necessary... yet

Pro's

Great attentive staff... quality cuban food... and a relaxed trendy atmosphere!

Con's

They are still in the process of getting their liquor license... so might need to wait a little to have a glass of wine or a nice cocktail.

Until next entry...

Eat. Drink. And have Dessert!

A Delicious Dip...

2009-02-23T06:01:00.000-08:00

Restaurant : Simply Fondue
Location : The Shops At Atlas Park
71-19 80th Street, Ridgewood NY
Website : www.simplyfonduequeens.com

My first taste of fondue ever was in Paris France. Delicious, savory, creamy bliss.
Who knew I could find some of to this amazing treat right in Queens, New York?
Simply Fondue's fondue isn't what I found in Paris...
But it is definitely a experience worth tasting!
Creative varieties of different cheese and chocolate fondues...
There so much to choose from!

Definitely better than a few of the typical fondue places I found in Manhattan,
where they only have classic simple fondues...
Like Swiss... cheddar.... and white chocolate... dark and milk chocolate...

And you cant beat the seductively trendy decor...

A cute little private booth for VIPs...

And let the fun begin!!

... and if you get a chance...
The 'Sextini' is delicious...

Beginning to heat up the pot...veggies... and bread chunks...
While nibbling on salads

First course...
The Strawberry Spinach Salad

Second course...
The Traditional Swiss Chalet (right) and Italian Fontina (left) fondues!

Soooo good... They were both amazing...

And now the Fondue Grill...

The Third course of the night...
You get to pick 9 items from the menu between 2 people...

Choices include things like teriyaki steak, jerk chicken, bacon wrapped pork, ahi tuna, salmon, scallops, coconut shrimp, etc.

The fun event of this course was we were able to grill everything up in front of us!
So be patient... its yummy!

And the finger-licking last course...
The chocolate fondue!!

The Bailey's Irish Chocolate (on the left) and the Rocky Road Fondue (on the right)

Bunnie's Rating

Money : Moderate-Pricey
Keep in mind that this restaurant operates on a pre-fix set menu!
The four course that I experienced was about $40 for 4 courses...
But there is also the 'chocolate only' option for $10 per person!

Must Try : Everything!!!! They also have a great wine and cocktail list...
Try out the 'Sextini'!

Type : Trendy and intimate. A place thats more designed for couples... but has the great option of a party room in the back for events!

Reservations : On Fridays and Saturdays I would recommend reservations...
Call or go on opentable.com
The place gets very busy 7pm on!

Pro's

Friendly, helpful, and attentive staff... the fondue recipes are delicious
The ambiance is relaxing... and the whole experience is just fun!
Great date place to go and cuddle up in a booth and dip into some fondue!

Con's

Your party should either range between 2-4 max...
or have a huge party and reserve the party room...
The bathroom is a little weird... but has nice decor...
And you have to ask for water refills...

Overall a wonderful experience and I'm definitely planning on going back!!!

Until next entry...

Eat. Drink. And have Dessert!

A savory bite of Italy.

2008-07-27T17:35:00.000-07:00

Restaurant : Barbarini Alimentari
Location : 225 Front Street, NYC
Website : http://www.barbarini.net/

I lived in Rome, Italy for half a year and had yet to find a place in New York whos food could compare... and I can now happily say that Ive found it!
Barbarini is amazing... friendly and delicious...
Its the perfect place to go if you happen to be
downtown by the south street seaport and
want an AMAZING alternative to the malls food court options..

So let me give you a small taste of my personal favorites...

Their daily homemade spinach and ricotta Gnocci with homemade tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella...

Homemade Lasagna Bolegnese

Fresh Spinach Linguine and creamy homemade tomato sauce

And lets not forget desert...

Homemade Tiramisu!!!
(And I gotta say... one of the BEST Ive ever had in NEW YORK CITY...)

Need I say more?

Bunnie's Rating

Money : Cheap-Moderate
Sandwiches range between $7-10 and pasta ranges between $13-14 (but very sharable)

Must Try : You can NOT leave this place without getting a taste of that Tiramisu!
Type : Shop-like restaurant... limited seating.
Reservations : I dont know if they make reservations... crowds come at the peak of meal times, so it can be a hit and miss.

Pro's

Amazing food and friendly staff. And the prices make this place an amazing find!
Go before everyone else discovers this little treasure!

Con's

Limited seating so dont bring more than a group of 4 people.

Make sure you go and enjoy the next time you feel like treating yourself to some great Italian food!! Not a bad idea to go to before enjoying a nice concert over at the seaport!

Eat. Drink. And have Dessert!

Back for Brunch

2008-06-22T15:44:00.000-07:00

Restaurant : Masso
Location : 47-25 Vernon Blvd.
Corner of Vernon Blvd. and 47th
Website : http://www.lucaloungenyc.com/masso.html

Theres nothing like a delicious brunch to celebrate the weekend...
And thats exactly what we did!
With a wonderful coffee shop feel, this little restaurant in Long Island City, just blocks away from the Pepsi-cola sign stole my heart after the first bite of their eggs benedict!

The interiors have been cleaned up without demolishing the classical feel.
The ceiling keeps its original flare with the traditional New York copper ceiling decor. Even the bar still has the tiny ho

oks for each seat's occupant to have somewhere to hang their belongings.
During the warmer weather, the cafe doors open infront of comfy velvety curtains to allow the warm breezes to circulate. Outdoor seating is nice as well in this new and upcoming neighborhood.

Eats here range between $6-$15
And you cant have brunch without a delightful mimosa or a savory bloody mary!

They serve Brunch on weekends, and lunch and dinner all the time.

Bunnie's Rating

Money : Cheap-Moderate

Must Try : The fruit infused mimosas!! At $6-8 per drink, you cant pass this up on a Sunday!
Type : Cozy place... good for groups no bigger than 6
Reservations : Yes for groups larger than 4

Pro's

Great food, friendly staff, cozy en

Con's

Can get crowded at moments, so be weary!

Eat. Drink. And have Dessert!

A girl without her camera...

2007-08-26T16:27:00.000-07:00

Yes, tis a sad sad story I must tell.

I apologize for not posting for quite some time. I have recently encountered the depressing event of loosing ones camera. Believe it or not, it was actually IN a restaurant. The clumsy waitress bumped into my chair, knocking it down and cracking its screen. So sad.

I am however shopping for a new one...

So be prepared!

I will return with a lot to say. =)

Til then....

Eat. Drink. And have Desert!

French Onion Soup Heaven

2007-08-14T18:57:00.000-07:00

Restaurant : La Bonne Soupe
Location : 48 West 55th Street
between 5th and 6th Avenue
Website : http://www.labonnesoupe.com/

No question, the best French Onion Soup Ive had in new york city. Within a cozy little bistro, La Bonne is nested between tall midtown structures, catching passer-bys off guard. Hidden amongst the blur of 55th Street, this lovely restaurant has been more and more discovered every year. The prices are very 'Midtown' but the portions and quality is unquestionable.

Appetizer

French Onion Soupe

(Lunch special is $6.50 for a large bowl,
regular large bowl is $15))

La Forestiere Crepe

(Mushrooms, Ham, Swiss and Bechamel Sauce)

And dont kid yourself...
Everything is fantastic and everything is filling!!

Great lunch place or a cozy spot for soup on a cold winter night.
A favorite of mine for about 4 years.

Bunnie's Rating

Money : Pricey (Good lunch specials).
Soup is $6.50 for weekday lunches,
but $15 all other times.
But is a good portion to share with a friend.
The Creps, Burgers, and Omlettes are around $12
but are large in portions and extremely satisfying.
Must Try : But of course, the Onion Soupe!
Type : NOT for large crowds.. you will be waiting forever.
More for a date or a nice lunch or dinner with a couple good friends.
Reservations : None are taken. Its a hit or miss.

Pro's

Cozy, friendly, and fast. The food is outstanding and consistent. Although it is midtown, the place is designed with a strong rustic French countryside feel.

Con's

Pricey. Not looking for a good deal in midtown. EXTREMELY addictive... Trust me, after trying the soup, you will return more than once!

Eat. Drink. And Have Dessert.

Japanese Knock-Out

2007-08-10T07:11:00.000-07:00

Restaurant :  Tako Sushi

Location : 7011 Austin St, Queens

Tel : (718) 575-5176

Tiny Basement Japanese Restaurant. Cute and charming and reliable.
Hidden secret that only the locals sneak off to. So skip by Uno's and Friday's where you will have to wait 2 hours for a table for 2. Have some friendly japanese food... unless you are in the mood for crowds and beer with a big screen.

Appetizers

Gyoza

Entre

Bunnie's Rating

Money : Cheap
Must Try : Tako Knock-Out Roll
Type : Group and Family restaurant
Reservations : Not necessary

Pro's

A comfortable and reliable place with consistently yummy food.
Never really too crowded... A good place to go when foot traffic gets to be too much on this busy street in Forest Hills.


Con's

Nothing really unique or special about it.
Service can be a little slow.
But would go back... Just not right before a movie.

Italian from the Giuliani's kitchen

2007-07-19T14:20:00.000-07:00

Restaurant : La Tavernetta

Location : 75-01 88th Street, Queens

Tel : 718.896.3538

A quaint, rustic little restaurant who's chef is rumored to have been Mayor Giuliani's personal family chef, has become another sweet addition to the local dining experiences sprinkled all over Queens. Nothing fancy, but nothing short of tasty and satisfying. The simple usages of ingredients applied to the traditional Northern Italian recipes makes you feel like you are having dinner at your friends Italian household. Bringing "Grand ma's family recipes" to a delightful level of comfort food.

Appetizers

Antipasta for 2

Eggplant

Dinner

Pork Tenderloin wrapped in Prosciutto

Lasagna Bolognese

Flounder Fillet Francese

Bunnie's Rating

Money : Cheap
Must Try : Veal Chop
Type : Couple and Family restaurant
Reservations : Not necessary early in the evening, but be prepared for crowds later!

Pro's

Small and personal. The food is comforting Italian and served with a smile. The owner is there everyday to shake your hand.
Very small. And they do great Take out.

Con's

Very small. No more than 15 tables.
So sometimes its empty, sometimes its flowing out the door.
Its nothing incredibly special, but its perfect for a yummy neighborhood eat.

What brings about the desire of comfort food? Emotionally, it reminds us of our childhood, or a wonderful time in our past. Memories are triggered by colors, smells, and tastes... essentially the essence of great food.

What is a wine without its smell? What is a cheese without its savory taste?

But aside from that... The satisfying feeling of bringing together simple ingredients and being able to create something so amazing. No need for culinary school or pastry classes... (although those do add to the presentation and preparation)

After all... a carrot at Per SE at Columbus Circle is the same as the carrot in your fridge.

Have a great weekend everyone.
Eat. Drink. And Have Desert.

The Food Blog Generation

2007-07-16T14:33:00.000-07:00

Food Blogger Meet

Whole Foods on E. Houston Street
at the Culinary Center

So many people, so many critics, so many food blogs. Its all the rage.

So, its really inspirational to hear from someone who had a goal and a concept and a dream in mind.

Meeting Matt Armendariz was a fantastic expereince. His insight and tips were wonderful.
He is the author and photographer of Matt Bites and Matt Photographs.

A kind man with a warm smile. He openly discussed his perspective and experiences in the world of food blogging.

We were also in good company. Many other wonderful food bloggers, and aspiring foodies were present and expressing their ideas across the board. We had photographers, journalists, lawyers, doctors...

all with a common interest and passion.

Beautiful, Yummy Food.

But what people don't understand is that this is not all about just food. Its about peoples passion and adventure. Its about the drive to want to create and experience.

Food critics put us down because we aren't properly trained in out pallets to be 'good enough' to judge.

But who's to say whoever is good enough to judge anything? A book, a painting, a structure?

I am an Architect. And I love food. There shouldn't be a need to be a 'closet foodie'. People should be free to love and experience what moves them.

Moving On...

The meeting was fabulous. Food was placed before us to try and discuss. We were also taught little tricks of the trade when it comes to documenting and photographing food and drinks.

What I never realized was what an art it really is.
Its not about things looking 'pretty'. Photographs should have a concept and a story. The color, the texture, the shine... should all be our way of showing the world what beauty we have seen with our own eyes.

A little Trick of the trade that Matt shared that I found to be amazing!!

Just an ordinary bowl of chips...

No....

Wait...

MASHED POTATIES??

How did those get there??

Haha, photographers do this so the chips too perfectly placed and standing up!

Pretty huh???

And the perfect end to the perfect meeting.

Eat. Drink. And have Desert.

"Steak" Claim in Queens

2007-07-15T16:58:00.000-07:00

Restaurant : Uncle Joe's Steakhouse

Location : 100-05 Metropolitan Avenue, Queens

Tel : 718.268.3520

Newly introduced to the up and coming Metropolitan avenue in Queens, Uncle Joe's Steakhouse has become another charming addition to the growing collection of munching spots in the neighborhood. The sides and appetizers aren't anything to brag about, but the romantic "T-Bone for Two" is a nice item at a great price of $44. The quality and price cant be beat in a Steakhouse in Manhattan... and the quiet neighborhood and friendly attentive service is always a plus.

Enjoyed a quiet dinner with my boyfriend and my family last friday and would love to return. Food is fabulous all by itself. But shared with someone (or some people) close to you makes every bite that much sweeter.

Appetizers

Dinner

Free Range Chicken

T-Bone for Two

Tasty and Juicy.. well prepared and spiced with care.
No Steak Sauce Necessary =)

Bunnie's Rating

Money : Moderate-Cheap
Must Try : T-Bone for 2
Type : Good Couple and Family restaurant
Reservations : Not necessary. Still a hidden treasure.

Pro's

Yummy food for a great price. Friendly quiet neighborhood with a movie theater right down the street. If you are in the mood for steak and NOT the mood for crowds, this is the perfect spot for dinner and a movie!

Con's

Not located in a MTA-Friendly area so a car is a must. Nestled in a residential area in Queens, leaving not much except a small movie theater and a sweet little ice cream shop for post-dinner pleasure.

Eat. Drink. And have Desert.

Trendy Sushi with a Smile and a View

2007-07-09T10:53:00.000-07:00

Restaurant : SuTeiShi

Website : http://www.suteishi.com/

Location : 24 Peck Slip

Nestled in a charming corner spot within walking distance from New York City's South Street Seaport, there is an amazing little sushi restaurant. Named with love after the owners wife, SuTeiShi is a trendy, airy, and friendly place. Now as most of us know... trendy places often come with a side of snooty and flaming VIP list. Although reservations for Friday and Saturday nights is highly recommended, seats arent impossible to come by. The service is wonderful and the food is tasty and oh so pretty...

Here is a small sample from my visit last thursday:

Appetizer

Crunchy Shrimp

Eggplant

Entree and Sushi

And But Of Course...

Desert

Bunnie's Rating

Money : Moderate
Must Try : The Hot Rock is much fun!
Type : Good Couple and Group restaurant
Reservations : Yes for Friday and Saturday

Pro's

Located next door to the Seaport, allowing you to enjoy the view and get away from the tourists. Or BE a tourist and hide amongst the New Yorkers. Very cute bathroom. And a beautiful view of the Brooklyn Bridge.

Con's

This is not a place for happy hour. Parking is a hit or miss.
Be ready to dodge tourists, although they tend not to stray far enough from the seaport.

Eat. Drink. And have Dessert.

Yummy In The City...

2007-06-24T19:37:00.000-07:00

Yes, yet another food blog.

This shall be a record of some of the best experiences Ive had dining in New York. For my reference, and your benefit.

Because life without good food... just sucks.

Enjoy.

Eat. Drink. And have desert.