NYC FOODIE QUICK LUNCH: DEFONTE'S OF BROOKLYN (NYC OUTPOST)

When I heard that Defonte's, a sandwich shop from Brooklyn, was opening up across the river in the Big Apple I got excited, for they are known for their 'great' sandwiches, and I love great sandwiches!

I stopped in on Monday (their first day open) to check it out. I ordered the "Nicky Special", which was a cold hero with ham, capicollo, salami, fried eggplant, provolone, hot salad, marinated mushrooms, lettuce, tomato, oil and vinegar ($9.95). 

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I noticed that a lot of their sandwiches had this addition of fried eggplant which is unique, but I have to be honest, it did nothing to my sandwich. In fact, instead of being blown away by what I expected to be a fabulous sandwich, I was instead let down by a very bland, flavorless mess. There was no hot salad on it as it said either. This was their first day open so I'm sure they need to get out the kinks, but I was just not impressed. Also, they use shredded lettuce which I hate! I'd go back in a few months to give it another try, but the NYC FOODIE needs to be wowed!

The best sandwich I have had so far in NYC is at Alidoro in Soho. If you are a fan of a great Italian sandwich Alidoro is a must!

Defonte's of Brooklyn
261 Third Avenue (at 21st St.)
New York, NY 10010
212-614-1500
www.defontesofbrooklyn.com

Alidoro
105 Sullivan St. (bet. Spring and Prince)
New York, NY 10012

212-334-5179

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NYC FOODIE QUICK LUNCH: FRIEDMANS LUNCH

Last week I stopped by the 3 week old Friedmans Lunch (formerly Friedmans Deli)in the Chelsea Market for a quick lunch. The Chelsea Market is a great place to grab a quick bite to eat for there are many dining options in the cool market environment. Friedmans Lunch offers a nice rustic atmosphere to enjoy your lunch.

The menu has a nice array of salads and sandwiches, most of which can be made gluten free. I went with the Roast Beef with Melted Provolone which came with carmelized onions and horseradish mayo on an onion roll ($9.75). The sandwich was fine and I enjoyed the kick the horsradish mayo gave to it.

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I also enjoyed a side of Sweet Potato Fries with blue cheese aioli ($3.75). The fries could have been crispier, but they were really well seasoned.

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So, for a nice new addition to the Chelsea Market stop by Friedmans Lunch for a quick bite.

Friedmans Lunch
Chelsea Market
75 Ninth Avenue
New York, NY 10001
212-929-7100

www.friedmanslunch.com

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NYC FOODIE: FOOD AND FASHION WEEK NEWS

Some cool foodie/fashion news was just sent to me about an Elite Model Brunch. This event is dear to my heart because I love both food and models, put them together and I'm in heaven...


"A girl's gotta eat! Fashion and food collided this weekend as Neil Hamil, director of Elite North America, treated his top models to a special Valentine's Day brunch at Lure Fishbar. Models like Gemma Stooke, Gwen Lu and Damaris Lewis ran downtown in between shows to feast on chef Josh Capon's menu of Grilled shrimp cob salad and Steamed branzino with ginger, ponzu and oyster mushrooms.

They celebrated the holiday with customized conversation hearts courtesy of new website Modelinia.com with names like "Elite Rox" and "Model Love". After all they say the way to a girls heart is through her stomach..."

Lure Fishbar is one of my favorite NYC restaurants, I eat here even when there are no models present..(Make sure you try the rock shrimp tempura and the spicy scallop roll..superb!)

Lure Fishbar
142 Mercer St. (at Prince St.)
New York, NY 10012
212-431-7676

www.lurefishbar.com

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NYC FOODIE CHEAP EATS OF THE WEEK: VANESSA'S DUMPLING HOUSE

Since we are in a bit of a recession I'm starting the "NYC FOODIE Cheap Eats of the Week", where I let everyone in on my favorite 'cheap eats' destinations. I love to use the phrase "a good bang for your buck", and these restaurants will be just that!

To start it off, this week's "Cheap Eats of the Week" is Vanessa's Dumpling House which could very well be the best bang for your buck in all of NYC. After I stumbled upon this find last month, I could not stop coming back on a weekly basis. Why? Because not only is the food the cheapest I've ever encountered, it tastes really good too! We are talking prices of $1 (4 fried dumplings)-$2 (8 boiled dumplings). If you are a fan of dumplings then this place cannot be missed; it has some of the best! They have other cheap dishes too, such as a wonderful sesame pancake with peking duck for $1.75. That's right- that decimal is in the right spot! So for my top choice for NYC's best bang for your buck, check this place out and thank me later. Your wallet will NOT be any lighter.

Vanessa's Dumpling House
118A Eldridge St. (bet. Grand and Broome)
New York, NY 10002

212-625-8008

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NYC FOODIE GIFT IDEAS

I received an email about some cool classes that would make excellent gifts or activities for those Foodies in your life..Check it out--

Wine Uncorked –Thursday, 11/6, 6:30 – 9:30PM (3 hours lecture with tastings and pairings), $175
Students will explore a range of varietals and regions as instructors teach them how to taste like a pro and best appreciate the flavors that combine on the palate.

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Dinner –Friday, 11/7, 6 – 10PM (3 hours hands-on cooking, 1 hour dinner), $195
Students will learn how to create an elegant and delicious Thanksgiving meal including the best method of roasting a turkey at home and the secrets of creating the best gravy.

Chocolate Treats & Truffles –Saturday, 11/15, 3 – 7PM $195
Students will learn the techniques to make a goody bag out of chocolate and fill it with velvety chocolates of various styles and flavors including ganache, truffles and rochees.

Croissants –Saturday, 11/22, 10AM – 2PM, $195
Students will learn how to shape and bake croissants that are flaky, buttery and crisp.

The Epicure’s Christmas –Thursday, 12/11, 6 – 10PM (3 hours hands-on cooking, 1 hour dinner), $195
Students will learn how to prepare an impressive Christmas dinner that will include gravlax, roast goose, roasted orange sauce, celery root-pear puree, creamed spinach, cranberry cheesecake, gingersnap cookies, eggnog and glögg (mulled wine).

For More Info go to http://www.internationalculinarycenter.com/

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NYC FOODIE NEWS

For all you Foodies and Tennis fans who can't make it to the US Open next week check out this press release:

"From Friday, August 29 through Sunday, September 7 between 11:00 AM and 11:00 PM, American Express will once again present US Open Live at Madison Square Park, where New Yorkers and tennis enthusiasts can watch the excitement of the Open without having to head to the courts., Madison Square Park will be transformed into the ultimate tennis experience, including giant viewing screens and stadium seating. The event is open to the public and free of charge.

New this year, American Express has teamed up with NYC restaurants Country, Hill Country Barbecue Market and Rickshaw Dumpling Bar to add some unique food options to the park. Each of the establishments will create pop-up stands to sell and serve some of the signature items off their respective menus. And of course Shake Shack will be working overtime to handle the crowds of tennis enthusiasts on top of their usual loyal followers."

I'll definitely be stopping by. Hill Country is my favorite BBQ in NYC!!

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