NYC FOODIE DISH OF THE WEEK: RUGELACH FROM BREADS BAKERY

The newly opened Breads Bakery in Union Square has some fabulous baked goods. The rugelach they bake is sensational. Try one for yourself and see what I mean. A culinary orgasm awaits.​

​Breads Bakery

18 E. 16th St.​ (bet. Union Sq. W. and 5th Ave)

New York, NY ​10003

212-633-2253

www.breadsbakery.com

NYC FOODIE BURGER OF THE YEAR: ALLSWELL

I love my burgers. The best burgers I've eaten have aged beef. A late night bite in Williamsburg a few weeks ago led me to the one of the best burgers I've ever had. The spot is Allswell, and their burger is outrageously fantastic! Juicy goodness, with truly magical flavor. That aged beef does a body good. Burger perfection. Order one for yourself and see what I mean, it's served until 3am Wed-Sat. Also, order a side of fried scapes, a unique green curvy vegetable, that I've never seen on a menu, but is sure darn tasty.

Allswell
124 Bedford Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11211
347-799-2743
http://allswellnyc.tumblr.com/

NYC FOODIE SANDWICH OF THE WEEK: ROASTED PORCHETTA FROM IL BUCO ALIMENTARI & VINERIA

Il Buco Alimentari & Vineria is a truly wonderful restaurant. I go during lunch more, when it is a tad tamer, and not as busy. And when I eat lunch here, I always order their Roasted Porchetta sandwich ($16) with salsa verde. Why? Not because I want it, but because I NEED it. After I eat one, I find myself craving it for during the week. It's the best porchetta sandwich in the World. It has got to be! The juicy and flavorful meat, will have your taste buds in harmonious joy, your buds will give a standing ovation to this meat. The addition of pork cracklings is awesome too, giving a salty crunch to the sandwich, that makes my heart and stomach blush. I love this sandwich and you will too. Trust me. Porchetta has never been so magical. Get one!

Il Buco Alimentari & Vineria
53 Great Jones St. (bet. Bowery and Lafayette)
New York, NY 10012
212-837-2622
www.ilbucovineria.com

NYC FOODIE SANDWICH OF THE WEEK: POTBELLY'S MEDITERRANEAN VEGETERIAN SANDWICH

I'm not big into chain restaurants, but when Potbelly's PR asked if I would try their new Mediterranean sandwich, I said why not? I stopped in recently to check it out, and was pleasantly surprised with the entire operation. They are a fine-tune machined in there. During the business lunch hour, it is jam smacked with people lining up for their tasty toasted sandwiches. 

The Mediterranean vegetarian option I tried, which was just launched on May 22, came with a red pepper hummus, feta cheese, artichoke hearts, cucumbers, and roasted red peppers. It was tasty as can be. I loved the hummus, and the crunch from the cucumbers. It is a great option for all you healthier eaters who want to satisfy your cravings for a healthy and flavorful sandwich.

Potbelly
(multiple locations)
www.potbelly.com

NYC FOODIE LUNCH OF THE WEEK: IL BAMBINO

I don't get to the outer boroughs enough. It's sad and silly. There is so much amazing stuff out there, beyond the island of Manhattan. A foodie friend of mine introduced me to an awesome panini restaurant in Astoria called Il Bambino, and I was beyond grateful. It's worth the short subway ride.

If it is nice out, you can take a seat in their pleasant backyard and then order the baby string beans ($9). I would have to say the best string bean dish I've ever had. Topped with toasted bread, shaved parmesan, and a truffle vinaigrette, they are to die for.

Truffled egg salad and speck crostini ($6.50), is an orgasm waiting to happen. Order it.

A panini of cappa ham ($11), bbq creamed onions, piquillo peppers, pecorino, and spicy mayo, is sweet, spicy, and absolutely wonderful. Panini perfection.

You may as well end with a panna cotta served with chocolate frosted flakes, and you can thank me later.

Il Bambino
34-08 31st Ave
Astoria, NY 11106
718-626-0087
www.ilbambinonyc.com