Colicchio And Sons
Let me begin with our departure from dinner. As we left the dining room and passed the open kitchen on our way out the door, I noticed Tom Colicchio, the celebrity chef and meticulous critic himself, standing next to me. I offered my had to introduce myself and what I said in my head was, “how is it possible we just ate a mediocre meal with you standing here managing the kitchen? You served up overcooked steak. Come on!” However, the words that actually came out of my mouth were, “Well, hello. I’m Mary Rambin. Thank you for having us…oh yes, we did enjoy it. Have a good night.”
Chicken! I know. But you can’t insult a man in his own kitchen, can you? Certainly not.
Backing up now, I’ll tell you what led me to my internal aggressive commentary. Colicchio closed CraftSteak saying he would reopen the venue as a more comfortable, personal space. I had never eaten at Craftsteak so I couldn’t compare the two, but I do know that what I saw when I entered was anything but cozy and quaint . With sleek dark wood and vaulted ceilings, the decor was actually quiet modern. However, it is a beautiful space to dine. I’m not a fan of open kitchens so the fact that his was right behind the hostess stand was a bit audacious, but I was willing to let it slide because it was SPOTLESS.
Looking back now I see the Tap Room as being the key to enjoying this restaurant. The setting is more casual, the brews on tap are distinctive, and the menu is a-la-carte.
In the main dining room, the noise echos off the high ceilings so you can barely hear the person sitting next to you screaming that their steak is dry. Yes, you heard me, overcooked sirloin! The rest of the prix-fixe meal was nothing to write home about either so I’m not going to bore you with the details.
The writer for New York Magazine seemed to share my sentiments and goes into much more detail in her review if you are interested.
I honestly was disappointed with Tom’s showing. He failed to offer a more personal experience or decent food. I might return for a pale ale and something simple in the Tap Room if I’m downtown meeting up for drinks, but I wouldn’t go out of your way to make it over to the west side.
It has been my experience that “celeb” chefs and restaurateurs truly earn their status in the industry. Food critics are very particular with their pallet and have no qualms giving their honest opinion. The future of a venue hangs on their every adjective, especially in New York.
Many hot-spots opened in 2009, but the two that stuck out in my mind from reading the reviews were Maialino from Danny Meyer (of Union Square Cafe and Eleven Madison Park) and Colicchio and Sons from Top Chef judge Tom Colicchio (of the the Craft restaurants). Coincidentally, they have a history as partners and won much acclaim for Gramercy Tavern, their collaboration which opened in 1994. Unfortunately neither of their new venues lived up to their past, in my opinion.
Details to get out of the way: On both occasions, we had to pull strings to get reservations, and I dined with foodies who were in agreement with my findings.
Maialino
Apparently restaurateur Danny Meyer inherited the nickname “Maialino” while he was eating his way through Rome one suckling little pig (the English translation of Maialino) at a time.
Located in the Gramercy Park Hotel, Maialino is a bright, breath of fresh air on the side of the dark and cavernous hotel lobby. After you pass the lovely authentic bar (that apparently serves some serious coffee in the morning), the space looks like a country kitchen lined with wood and accented with blue checked table cloths. I’d be happy to eat breakfast or lunch in this “traditional Roman trattoria,” but the decor didn’t seem sophisticated enough for the evening fare.
As I had read, the wine list was unique and even featured lovely vintages by the glass. Regarding the food, Sarah (my beautiful and beyond talented dinner date) said, “Although not my favorite rustic Italian offering in the city (which is Babbo), the menu holds its own and presents many solid dishes.” The key is to know which ones those are. The fried artichoke appetizer is a must and should be followed by one of their home-made pastas. A little piggy would be obvious the choice for an entree, but we chose the swordfish which was uninspired and bland.
After fully digesting my thoughts, I would say, that for those of us who follow the buzz of NYC’s latest to asses its greatness, Maialino is a well-rounded experience. However, it wouldn’t make my list of recommendations for Italian in New York.
Next Thursday I’ll be posting my experience with Tom and Colicchio And Sons.
(Maialino photo via)
You don’t have to be a coffee snob to realize they serve more than your average cup of joe at this Midtown coffee shop.
Originally from Portland, Stumptown Coffee has blessed the few New Yorkers who know that it exists in the lobby of the trendy Ace Hotel on 29th Street.
The beans are imported from all over the world, from Kenya to Burgundy, and offer depths of flavor one would only expect in a fine wine. Although it is served from a large container, each cup has been pressed by hand. Before you add creme, taste the coffee black; it’s as smooth as silk. If you prefer a latte, you’ll find the milk is steamed at the right temperature to make a dense, sweet foam so you won’t need sugar. And don’t you dare leave the counter without ordering a pastry. Each treat is worth the calories, I promise.
Of course you aren’t expected to know about each hand-crafted concoction at this seemingly simple coffee bar. Just ask one of the friendly baristas about what roasts they’re serving and what treat they….no, don’t ask….just order two pieces of french toast (one for you and the other for a friend whose day you are about to make) and thank me later.
I highly suggest you order your coffee “for here” and take a seat on one of the over-sized leather lounge chairs in the lobby of the Ace Hotel. The decor screams old-school, preppy hunting lodge, but the crowd will tell you it’s the coolest place to hang out during the day north of 14th street.
Warning: it’s REALLY hard to choke down the daily drip from Starbucks or the deli downstairs after you’ve been Stumped.
Stumptown Coffee – 18 W 29th (between 6th and 7th)
(Top photo taken with my iPhone. Ace Lobby via)
I believe New York Magazine wrote the most descriptive and accurate review of Co, it’s innovator Jim Lahey, and the rustic pies that made me double over in delight, but I’m going to give you my opinion anyway.
Damn that’s good pizza.
I’m usually the girl who passes on pizza all the while gazing at the dripping cheese with a lust that rivals a dog begging for bacon scraps at breakfast. So when a long time friend insisted we go to Co. for lunch, I decided to join him for JUST ONE slice.
Fortunately, or unfortunately depending how you look at it, they don’t serve pizza by the slice, they offer you perfectly crafted pies made on homemade bread covered in authentic Italian toppings. The combinations are so perfect, they won’t let you change or add any items. The dilemma is not that you can’t have it your way, but you then have to choose between 10 pies that each sound so divine.
We opted for the ham (prosciutto) and cheese and the Stracciatella (topped with roasted tomatoes, creamy buffalo mozzarella, and arugula) which was the clear winner. My one piece quickly turned into three….ok, three and a half. And just like in Italy, the fresh ingredients proved to be satisfying and not overwhelming.
The only part of your experience that might be a bit disturbing are the close quarters you must keep to enjoy your meal. Two tops are stacked closely and a communial table sits center stage in the small eatery.
So go on an off hour, find a space to kick back and enjoy a slice of heaven right here on the island.
Company – 230 Ninth Ave @ W 24th St 212-243-1105
As scheduled, my BluePrint Cleanse came today despite the blizzard!
I’m not cleansing, but I’ve missed the juice so much I asked owner and long time friend Erica to send some over last week for NYFW. Honestly, I didn’t think it would make it today, but minutes ago it arrived!!
If I was cleansing, I would greatly appreciate their effort because I would have prepared mentally and organized my schedule to accommodate the 3-5 day juice routine.
You can see from the picture, I ordered Juice ‘Til Dinner – 4 juices from the Foundation cleanse (my favorite), and 2 yummy vegan dishes.
I plan on throwing a juice and snack in my purse to take to the tents so I can stay healthy on the go between meals.
(Full disclosure: Juice Til Dinner provided for free.)
I can’t remember the last time I sweat as much as I did last night in Melanie’s spin class at Soul Cycle!
When she took my classes, she was the obvious rockstar (who, truth be told, is a stronger rider than I am).
Last night she commanded a packed room with an incredible playlist and perfectly choreography to hit the beats. She pushed us to the limit and we loved every minute of it.
I’m checking the schedule at all of the NYC locations to see when I can get back in her class asap.
check the schedule here!
Babycakes Moves West! (NYC and now LA)
My favorite “healthy” NYC bakery has finally made the move to the left coast, but for some reason settled down before they hit sand. Apparently the LES native insists on keeping “East” in their recipe! The trendy, gluten-free, wheat-free, sugar-free bakery is packed with downtown dwellers, but have left those of us living west of Hollywood salivating from afar. You would never know these sweet treats are better for your body than Sprinkles.
It’s definitely a step in the right direction, I am keeping my fingers crossed for a Weho location soon!
Los Angeles: 130 East 6th Street 213.623.5555
New York: 248 Broome Street (Btwn Orchard & Ludlow) 212.677.5047
Fall Back In Love With….
I posted this list last year (my comments are in italics), and am so happy to revisit it right as fall returns to NYC. I had forgotten about a couple of these places. So now I’m going to revise my statements just a bit. I’ll actually miss their warm dishes as the cold weather sweeps over the city.
NYC RESTAURANTS THAT I LOVE!!! WE OFTEN FORGET
What they all have in common: REALLY FRESH AND AMAZING FOOD, GOOD WINE LISTS, SO STYLISH, $$$$. But I feel like most of the good places in NYC are expensive.
Irving Mill 116 E. 16th St., nr. Irving Pl.; 212-254-1600. Quiet during the week, but packed on the weekends.
I’m not sure if it still gets busy, but I’m going to bet the southern-comfort-with-style is still noteworthy. The food is heavy and perfect for fall!
Little Owl (pictured above) 90 Bedford St New York, NY 10014 (212) 741-4695. Definitely need a reservation; there are probably only about 10 small tables. But worth the wait for the fresh Italian fare.
Hands down still on my top 10 list for NYC. Always puts me in a “New York State of Mind”
BLT Market 1430 6th Ave 212) 521-6125 The restaurant is in the Ritz, but it’s not stuffy.
My favorite of Laurent Troundel’s BLT offerings. Like any good “market” restaurant, the menu is seasonal and always fresh. However, I spoke to Laurent and he assures me the cod will continue to be a staple on the menu.
(The BLT in Los Angeles is a complete disappointment.)
Primehouse 381 Park Ave S NY 10016 (212) 824-2600. My favorite steak in NYC, but I haven’t been to the classics: Peter Lugar’s, etc. But what I do know, is the place has great steak and amazing people watching!!!
Haven’t been here in a while either so I can’t report on the scene or the steak.
Zoe 90 Prince St at Mercer (212) 966-6722 Not by any means chic, but it’s Meghan and I’s Soho hangout. They have a great wine list and a good variety of food. And now we know everyone there!
Maya 1191 1st Ave (212) 585-1818. Really good “Mexican” which means not really true Mexican, but still tasty. I also really like Dos Caminos (same owner as Primehouse) and La Esquina in Soho (which you need reservations for downstairs dining.)
I had totally forgotten about Maya, which was a pleasant surprise to find such a chic Mexican spot that delivered on food and atmosphere. Rosa Mexicana fails on both levels in my opinion.
Mercat 45 Bond St # A (212) 529-8600 The best tapas I’ve had thus far, and a fun atmosphere.
Macando has won me over as the go-to for tapas. I might go so far to say I prefer it to Casa Mono because the menu offers so many different flavors, the atmosphere is interesting and you don’t have to sit on top of the table next to you. And, this is a big one, you don’t have to wait an hour for a table on a random night.
Stanton Social 99 Stanton St (212) 995-0099 This is a restaurant with a club upstairs. AND, the BEST comfort food. There are these French Onion soup dumplings that melt in your mouth. Creative sliders, and chicken and waffles. My mouth is watering now!!
I ONLY go back for the sea bass skewers during happy hour. Delicious!
Places that aren’t a must, but really good: Bella Vitae, Josie’s, Sapporo East, Citrus, Kittchenette (my favorite brunch), Nobu Tribecca (amazing food, but the restaurant isn’t cozy), Blue Hill, Public, Frankies’s
I must apologize to Frankie’s 17 for not recognizing their restaurant on Clinton as highlight of NYC. To me it truly exemplifies what dining in NYC should be.
Places I want to go: Daniel (THE NYC restaurant), Bouley, Peter Lugar’s, Babbo
Babbo is now a favorite, but I have yet to try the others.
Places I thought were not all they were cracked up to be: Bond Street, Bobo, Mr. Chow, Asia de Cuba (much better in LA), Asiate, L’Impero (which is now closed), Allen and Delancey (I believe the chef left, but I can’t recall where he went.)
Going Out For Greek
Nothing says Greek to me like fresh feta cheese. Yum!
During the summer, I use feta to make “Andy’s Summer Salad” but otherwise, I mostly enjoy it in the cold weather months.
Which leads me to thinking about Greek food…I don’t know much about the cuisine other than I like Greek salad and despise hummus (it’s a texture thing).
My past experiences with Greek dining have been at the famous Milos in midtown, and a more low-key Uncle Nick’s in Hell’s kitchen. Milos is “the” NYC Greek restaurant that offers “the” freshest fish (and “the” iciest atmosphere if you ask me). I found neither the fish nor the facade to be impressive and much preferred my experience (and bill) at Uncle Nick’s. Many nights Nick’s is packed, but it’s worth walking past to stop in for a traditional, hearty meal after work. Obviously the Greek salad is amazing!
I have been meaning to try Kefi – one of New York’s not only notable Greek restaurants, but also best fine dining experiences. Started by the lovely Donatella Arpaia (of personal favorite mia dona and David Burke and Donatella), I have no doubt it will be impressive when I finally make it in.
Where are your favorite places to go for Greek? Do you have a recipe you love?
