NYC FOODIE QUICK BITE: GNOCCO

Al fresco dining in the spring and summer is highly coveted in NYC. I had a beautiful outdoor dinner with my family last week at Gnocco, a great Italian restaurant in the East Village, and I recommend you dine here too. Gnocco is a wonderful place. A charming and beautiful space, with fantastic food. What more can you ask for?

A special of burrata with cherry tomantoes was creamy goodness.

The Gnocco ($12.45), homemade deep fried dough with a selection of typical northern Italian cold cuts, was absolutely fabulous. These light and airy pillows of dough, placed with silky and delicious meats, was truly heavenly.

Insalata Nizzarda ($9.95),imported tuna, green beans, black olives, anchovy, sweet red peppers, scallions, potatoes, chives, and quail eggs, in a red vinegar and extra virgin olive oil dressing, was an addictive salad. I rarely crave salads, but this salad I could eat on a daily basis.

The Tartufata pizza ($19.95) is a must order. Fresh mozzarella, truffle sauce, mushrooms, and Speck, make for a truly magical pizza pie. It doesn't get better than this folks. I might say I have culinary orgasms a bit too often, I can't help it, I'm easy. Even if you like to play hard to get, this pizza will get you. Trust me.

So if you desire to dine outdoors in a stunning patio, or if you just want a fabulous meal in a charming spot, Gnocco hits the spot. You might not have an orgasm like me, but you'll be plenty satisfied.

Gnocco
337 E. 10th St. (bet. A and B)
New York, NY 10009
212-677-1913
www.gnocco.com

NYC FOODIE QUICK BITE: THE NATIONAL BAR & DINING ROOMS

The National, Geoffrey Zakarian's "Grand Cafe", or what I would call an American Brasserie, is a great restaurant. I stopped in two weeks ago and was extremely impressed with the perfectly executed fare by Executive Chef Paul Corsentino.

Crispy pork ($12) with onion soubise, pickled japapeño, apple, and grape is excellent. 

Beef tongue ($14), with brussels sprout slaw, bone marrow, and pickled turnips is a revelation. This dish is unbelievable. I don't eat beef tongue often, but if you are going to eat it though, order this dish. The tongue is "like butter", and the addition of bone marrow, takes the dish to another level. A level of pure amazingness.

The "Ugly" Burger ($17), served with pickled jalapeño, NTLSauce, house pickles, lettuce, and your choice of cheese (I went with cheddar), is a fine burger. The pickles gave the burger some nice crunch, and it was definitely satisfying. Also, the fries that come with the burger need to be talked about. They are absolutely fabulous. I so love when chefs take their fries seriously, and these are some serious fries. Perfection.

Rabbit trofie pasta ($25), with artichoke, parmesan, and tomato is delicious. I loved the use of artichoke in this dish, they were perfectly cooked, and a great complement to the rabbit meat. Fabulosity.

You MUST save room for pastry chef Marisa Croce's desserts. Her Mocha Praline Sundae ($10), was one of the best desserts I've had all year. Espresso gelato, hazelnut brittle, and fudge sauce, made me make sounds in front of my dining companion (which was my father) that I should not have been making in public (or in front of my father). This dessert was pure awesomeness. You need to try it for yourself!

Dining at The National is extremely pleasant, and the food is great. If you are seeking a good meal, look no further. The National Bar and Dining Rooms is the perfect place.

The National Bar & Dining Rooms
557 Lexington Avenue (and 50th)
New York, NY 10022
212-715-2400

www.thenationalnyc.com

NYC FOODIE QUICK BITE: M. WELLS

Have you heard of M. Wells yet? It's been getting rave reviews as of late. It's a diner in Long Island City. But, it's not your typical diner. M. Wells is a diner serving fantastic, fun, playful, and awesome eats! I recommend going with a group like I did two weeks ago, and sharing everything. It'll be one of the most fun dining experiences you have.

When was the last time you saw veal brains on a menu? When was the last time you ate veal brains? Order this dish at M. Wells, although the texture is a tad "custardy", there is some nice crunch and great flavor to the dish. I loved these brains!

Bone marrow with escargot was delicious.

I usually enjoy my oysters plain, but the addition of a coffee sabayon on the ones served at M. Wells complemented these oysters perfectly.

The M. Wells bibimbap served with seafood is truly tasty. It would give any Koreatown joint a run for its money, and in fact, I think this bibimbap has more flavor than any of the ones I have eaten in Koreatown!

The largest burger I have ever seen is served at M. Wells, as well. It costs $42, but it is meant for sharing (shared with 7 people is $6 a person which is a good deal!) It's not the best burger in NYC, but it could be the most fun to eat! This pic does not do it justice. This thing is humongous!

The surf and turf is another fun sharing dish at M. Wells. The surf, some scrumptious crawfish, the turf, a whole chicken (they were sold out of the short rib that normally comes with this dish.)

Definitely leave room for dessert. A pineapple upside down cake will leave you smiling for days. A banana cream pie will too.

So take a trip to Long Island City (it's the second stop on the 7 train, right next to the station entrance!), for one of the most fun dining experiences you will ever have. A diner like no other.

M. Wells Diner
21-17 49th Avenue (at 21st St.)
Long Island City, NY 11101

718-425-6917

NYC FOODIE QUICK BITE: EARL'S BEER & CHEESE

Beer and cheese. Sounds like a great Saturday afternoon to me. Two weeks ago the culinary stars were aligned and fate led me to Park Avenue between 97th street and 98th, an area of NYC I frequent--never. This is where Earl's is located, a restaurant I had read about in New York Magazine, which raved about the place. It is a neighborhood joint, serving beer, and cheese related concoctions by chef Corey Cova. It's a small little place, but the place is great! 

Spicy tomato soup ($6) with Sriracha, ginger, and scallion is fabulous. I wasn't to keen on having soup during 80+ degree weather, but my dining companion, "The Red Carpet Guy" wanted it, and I'm glad he did. It was fabulous!

Next came "the fanciest waffle in the world" ($17), served with foie gras, aged Cabot Cheddar, coffee-cured bacon, apple butter, and maple syrup. Ah, yes please. Decadent and sexy.

Definitely order a grilled cheese sandwich if you are at Earl's. We went with one with NY State Cheddar, pork belly, kimchi, and fried egg, served on sourdough ($8). It was fabulous! I loved the kimchi on this.

Of course, we were obviously on a diet, so we also had to get the Mac & Cheese ($8), with goat cheese, rosemary, and shredded chicken. It was truly fantastic. The addition of rosemary took the flavor too another level. The chicken was perfectly cooked and juicy. This was some great mac and cheese!

Since I'm trying to watch my figure, we ended this onslaught of culinary delights with Earl's rendition of bread pudding ($7). It's a maple pudding served with apples and topped with maple cotton candy and it is out of this world! This bread pudding, just like the rest of Earl's, blew my mind.

I love hidden treasures. You never know what to expect when dining in less inhabited areas. Earl's is fun, great, and special. Sit back, grab a beer (or 5), grab a bite, and have a blast!

Earl's Beer & Cheese
1259 Park Avenue (bet. 97th and 98th)
New York, NY 10029
212-289-1581

www.earlsny.com

NYC FOODIE QUICK BITE: BRIO DOWNTOWN

Fine Italian fare awaits you at the downtown offshoot of Brio, a newcomer to the culinary scene in the Flatiron District. I had a nice meal there last week, that satisfied my Italian desires.

Grilled calamari had a beautiful char, the accompanying mushrooms were sweet and delicious.

I love burrata. Brio serves a nice dish of fresh burrata with prosciutto. Silky goodness.

Bucatini All’Amatriciana with perciatelli, guanciale ham, vidalia onions, San marzano plum tomatoes, and pecorino romano was al dente and tasty.

A special of seabass topped with prosciutto wrapped shrimp was nothing too crazy. A sprinkle of lemon enhanced the flavor, but the dish was a bore.

Risotto with mushrooms and scallops was excellent. The fresh scallops bringing the flavor of the sea, the mushrooms, brought a nice earthiness.

End with a classic tiramisu, and your night of Italian delights in the Flatiron will be complete.

Brio Downtown
920 Broadway (and 21st)
New York, NY 10003
212-673-2121
www.brionyc.com

NYC FOODIE QUICK BITE: PUBLIC

The NYC Foodie had a little tasting at the restaurant Public last week, and it was quite fabulous. Public comes to us from the restaurant design and concept firm AvroKO. If you haven't been to Public yet, it definitely is worth a trip. The space is awesome. With multiple large rooms, it's a true pleasure to dine in. Chef Brad Farmerie's global cuisine, which I'd call Australian fusion, is great too.

The fresh bread is really good, I loved my focaccia. Then we started with a trio of seafood which included a grilled scallop with sweet chili sauce, crème fraiche and a green plantain crisp, a fried Hama Hama oyster with shiso, sansho pepper, and wasabi-yuzu dipping sauce, and a marinated white anchovy on quinoa croquette with spicy saffron aioli. I loved all three of these babies, for they all had great flavor and texture. It was a true joy to eat.

Pig's head and foie gras terrine with a salad of frisee, mirin glazed pecans, pear, pomegranate and truffle dressing was excellent. A terrine that made me smile.

New Zealand venison loin, with Cabrales dumplings, oyster mushrooms and salsa verde was superb. I rarely eat venison, and I doubt many New Yorkers do, but if you are going to do it, this should be your go to venison dish. The meat is delicately tender and juicy, and that Cabrales dumpling is unique and addictively delicious.

Sticky toffee pudding with Armagnac ice cream and hot caramel sauce was sticky sweet goodness. A sexy ending to a great meal.

So for great food in a cool and well-designed environment, Public hits the spot. 

Public
210 Elizabeth St. (bet. Prince and Spring)
New York, NY 10012
212-343-7011

www.public-nyc.com

NYC FOODIE QUICK BITE: I SODI

Ladies and Gentleman I'd like to call your attention to a gem of a restaurant in the West Village. A true Italian treasure. A restaurant that is charming, simple, and serving some of the best Italian fare in NYC. The restaurant is chef/owner Rita Sodi's I Sodi, and I recommend you go.

Raw artichoke with parmigiano ($12), is a nice, rustic starter. I wasn't blown away with the dish, but I could taste the authenticity. 

The pasta at I Sodi did blow me away. Ravioli with spinach and sage was heavenly. Little pillows of joy, practically melting in my mouth. Spaghetti with pecorino and black pepper was also mind-blowing. Quite possibly the best spaghetti dish in NYC, I loved this dish. The dish is so simple, yet so perfect. The spaghetti perfectly cooked, the flavor and texture so wonderful. Order both these dishes and you'll see for yourself.

Grilled New York strip steak ($29) with arugula was absolutely fabulous. Not only was the steak perfectly cooked, but the flavor was awesome. Another hit.

A hazelnut semifreddo and chocolate flourless cake were simple, yet delightful endings, to a truly fantastic meal.

So if you crave one of the best Italian spots in New York City, drop by the pleasant and charming I Sodi. It doesn't get much better than this.

I Sodi
105 Christopher St. (bet. Bleecker and Hudson)
New York, NY 10014
212-414-5774

www.isodinyc.com 

NYC FOODIE QUICK BITE: 21 CLUB

Ah, the 21 Club, a NYC institution. An old school, historical landmark of a restaurant, catering to the wealthy and touristy. I had known about this place for a while; it's famous. I knew a jacket was required, that's the type of place this is. 

Well, it's also a place where my friend found a 30% off coupon on the Village Vines restaurant deal website, and that is the reason we went two weeks ago. 

The place is very dark, and has many toy planes, cars, and other miniature toys hanging from the ceiling. It definitely has character and a vibe all to its own. The service is top notch too.

Of course my main focus when dining out is the food. The food at the 21 Club is pricey. In fact, it's overpriced and ridiculous. My "Clayton's Jumbo Lump Crabmeat", a 21 Club classic, cost $28. The dish was fine and fresh, but unless Natalie Portman caught the crab herself, $28 is ridiculous.

Even more ridiculously priced is the "21 Burger", another 21 Club classic. This burger, served on a toasted Parker house bun, with frisée, preserved tomatoes, sautéed onions, haricots verts, and choice of potato cost a whopping $30. I will say that it's a pretty fantastic burger. I had no problems with it and I thought it tasted great. But for $30, if Natalie Portman didn't grill it herself, it's quite ridiculous. It should have at least gotten me drunk- it didn't. A side of pommes soufflées, an airy, puffed up french fry, was interesting, salty, and nice.

Valrhona Chocolate Soufflé ($13.50), with vanilla roasted strawberries and strawberry cheesecake ice cream, was a fine, classical ending, to a fine and pricey meal.

Would I go back to the 21 Club? I might, as long as I wasn't paying. I will say that the place definitely has character, and it's a unique, historical, NYC experience. But, next time I dine on a burger that costs me $30, I expect at least a sexual favor in the bathroom for dessert. Classy.

21 Club
21 West 52nd Street (bet. 5th and 6th)
New York, NY 10019
212-582-7200

www.21club.com

NYC FOODIE QUICK BITE: BOHEMIAN

In the back of a Japanese butcher store in NoHo lies a hidden gem of a Japanese restaurant called Bohemian. There is no published phone number for this great culinary oasis, you must get it from someone who has been there before. This makes for quite the intimate setting, and lucky for me, I got that phone number.

I dropped by with a group of 8 this past weekend, and we had the $55 tasting menu. The place is not easy to find. I can tell you the address is 57 Great Jones St., and during the day you'll see the Japanese Premium Beef storefront, but at night that front is covered, so good luck. Once you find the restaurant, you still need to ring a bell to have a waiter let you in, but once that happens, it is pure bliss for the rest of your night. 

It's like you are eating in someone's living room. A very sparse and minimal room, a little garden underneath the far wall, a classic bar the opposite. It's relaxing, cool, hidden, and awesome. Paired with the awesome vibe, is awesome food.

A medley of vegetables served with an anchovy fondue, were fresh as can be and fantastic. The fondue, soothing and delicious.

Cold cuts from the butcher Herve Katz were fabulous. Each had a wonderful smokiness to them, and it was a wonderful second course.

A mushroom risotto croquette topped with sea urchin was unbelievable! A true orgasmic bite!

Pan Roasted branzino served with abundant roasted vegetables was fantastic! Not only was the fish delicious, the vegetables were better than they needed to be. It was all fabulous!

The ikura and sea urchin rice bowl was truly splendid.

The Wagyu-beef burger was superb. I could tell why Wagyu is more expensive than every other meat, for this meat was rich and unbelievable. The potato that came with the burger was great too.

We ended the meal with a sake panna cotta, which was simple yet amazing. Just like Bohemian.

If you get the phone number to Bohemian, I recommend you go. It's a unique experience, and one you'll never forget. 

Bohemian
57 Great Jones St. (bet. Bowery and Lafayette_
New York, NY 10012

http://playearth.jp/

NYC FOODIE QUICK BITE: BAOTIQUE

I stopped into Baotique this past week, another restaurant from Chef/Restaurateur Michael "Bao" Huynh. It seems Mr. Huynh opens up a new restaurant every week now, and all the ones I've been to of his are quite good. Baotique is no exception. First you need to find the place though, which is harder than you think. Baotique is located on the first floor of the lounge/club Covet on 55th Street, off of Lexington. The sign outside says "Covet", and there is a small menu outside for Baotique, but this can easily be missed- which is sad, because I think more people should be eating on Chef Huynh and Chef de cuisine Chase Tinio's great modern Vietnamese cuisine.

Crispy crab spring rolls ($9), with pork, shrimp, jicama, and lime fish sauce, will start your meal off right. I eat plenty of great spring rolls at Vietnamese spots in Chinatown, and these are just as good.

Seared scallops ($14), with radish parsnip puree, Chinese bacon, XO, and curry sauce, are excellent. All the flavors are well balanced, and they were a pleasure to consume. Everything is better with bacon, too.

Baby lamb chops ($14), served with a spicy Thai basil jalapeño pesto sauce, were perfectly cooked and tasty.

My favorite dish of the night was the fantastic and plentiful Crispy Berkshire pork belly ($22), with taro, New Year pickles, and a carmelized sauce. If you are a pork belly fan like I am, you need to order this dish. It was addictively delicious.

Spam fried rice ($11), with chinese sausage, pork, egg, and scallion, was a fine bowl of rice.

I loved the cuttlefish Pad Thai style ($14), thinly cut cuttle fish noodle, egg, chives, bean sprouts, and peanuts. Instead of noodles, they use cuttlefish that looks like noodles, in their take on Pad Thai, and it's an ingenious dish. There was a great tang to the flavor too.

So, if you are looking for really good modern Vietnamese food in Midtown, definitely stop in the sexy Baotique. I hope you can find it, because food this good, should not be missed.

Baotique
137 E. 55th St. (bet. Lex and 3rd)
New York, NY 10022

212-223-2829