Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Brunch at Resto

http://nymag.com/restaurants/reviews/underground/31506/

This past Saturday my girlfriends Mariana, Evelyn and I tried out Resto for brunch.

Located in Grammercy, this spot is truly one that can't be missed.

We met around one o'clock and easily got a table. After perusing the menu, we placed our orders. While waiting for our meals, Mariana and I enjoyed their very generously pored mimosas and Evelyn settled into a cup of warm Stumptown coffee.

The place has a very rustic charm, with wooden tables and hardwood floors. The servers are very friendly and encourage you to sample their extensive imported beer selection.

We were all very pleased upon arrival of our entrees; Mariana and I ordered the Belgian Hangover pasta; a delicious mix of Vermont ham, Gruyere, sunny egg, and black pepper. True comfort food without being overly heavy with an appropriate portion size.

Evelyn ordered the Burger With Fried Egg Gruyere, red onion, pickle, and mayo with a side of fresh greens.

"Resto was a quaint yet fun dining experience. It is a great place to go and catch up with friends, and if you are hungover, be sure to try the Belgian hangover pasta -- a true cure," said Mariana.

Although we were tempted with dessert we ended up settling the bill. Our stomachs full and hearts warmed by conversation, we went on our way into NY.

Friday, October 29, 2010

Dinner at Arturos

http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/arturos/

Last evening I had dinner at Arturos; a pizza place in Greenwhich village. I must say, I love this place!

My friend and I split a large pizza (we should have done the small; our eyes were bigger then our stomachs) with pepperoni and green peppers. The crust was the perfect combination between thin and normal. The cheese, pepperonis and green peppers were fresh and delicious.

The atmosphere is very relaxed; red walls adorn the space with photos hung in vintage frames. You can tell they haven't done much with the place but that's what gives the restaurant character. The lighting is good and they offer a nice outdoor space should you want to join al fresco (which many patrons were doing thanks to our balmy fall weather here in the city).

I paired my pizza with red wine while my friend had Peronis. It was a nice night of conversation and good food- what more can you one ask for!

After dinner we headed over to Pravda (http://nymag.com/listings/bar/pravda/) where we enjoyed the vodka and the scene. It's a great place to mingle. I really like the vibe in this place and the crowd is usually good.

Now off to Dallas for H. Ween weekend...enjoy and stay safe!

Friday, October 22, 2010

Appetizers and Wine at Del Friscos

Last evening, my girlfriend Evelyn and I headed over to Del Friscos for a bite to eat after picking up our clothes at Saks (friends and family) where I proceeded to also get a mini make over at Channel:).

Del Frisco's (http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/del-friscos-double-eagle-steak-house/) didn't disappoint. Evelyn and I weren't super hungry so we decided to order sirloin tips with potatoes to have with our pinot noir (for me) and pinor grigio (for Evelyn).

Upon first bite our eyes got wide; the sirloin tips were perfectly cooked with strong flavor. They were mixed in with mashed potatoes- the mashed potatoes had garlic cloves which added a nice robustness.

"It was dinner taste in an appetizer portion; just fabulous," said Evelyn. The cost for the appetizer is $12.95; a steal for two people!

I know for a fact I will be going back again soon.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Drinks at Flat Iron Lounge

Last evening I met a friend at Flat Iron Lounge (http://nymag.com/listings/bar/flatiron_lounge/). The place has a great vibe with art deco decor. I liked the ambiance, soft lighting and suburb service.
I had a refreshing vodka cucumber concoction while my friend had the Cherry Smash. The crowd was mostly couples although a few singles mingled at the bar area.
Getting a table was easy; note, when you enter, the place seems desolate. The actual lounge area is through the rounded ceiling.
The menu offers a nice mix of classic and original cocktails. The focus remains entirely on drinks versus fussy appetizer fare. They offer no food options.
I suggest this place as a pre or post drop off before a date or a great place to catch up with a friend. The noise level is medium with 40's music playing in the background.
The Flatiron district is making some waves in the culinary scene right now; next I want to try out the newly opened Eataly (http://ny.eater.com/archives/2010/08/first-look-at-culinary-funhouse-eataly.php). Stay Tuned!

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Derby Saturday

Yesterday, my girlfriends and I were out in full force celebrating Derby Day.
We started our day at The Union League, which was co-hosting a bash with the NYJL and NYAC club. The fashion's were great (note: Dress code was enforced; one of my male friends was asked to leave as he was not dressed up to par) and I saw some amazing hats. One girl had on these great boots (Tan with white- like a chic cowboy boot) paired with this really cool navy silk dress.
I did run into an Ex so that required me to keep my tactfulness in check- he did text me later to say how "great" I looked. Keep in mind this is the second time I saw him this week (after a brief encounter at Hillstones on Park South). Isn't looking good always the best revenge? He is off to Chile for a week for work. Pretty much run of the mill NY jerk so not looking to go back there.
I truly feel Spring is the time to make fresh starts and traditions. Don't waste the pretty!
After the derby party at the Union league, Evelyn and I went to meet our friend Mariana at this very cool penthouse in Hell's Kitchen.
It was four stories with four guys living there; we got in trouble for opening up a bottle of champagne, requiring me to go and apologize to the host. He was very gracious and the bubbly got our early evening off to a fun start.
The party had a bit of a frat-party like feel to it but the views were spectacular and the music really good. Ev and I did talk to two guys who seemed to be interested but left without getting our contact information- I guess such is life. Or as I like to say, Next.
We winded down our evening at my friend's Kevin's place in Grammercy. A mutual friend was having a party at Porch but I was too tired at that point to carry on. As my friends all know, I am not the late night girl. My rest and sanity trump late nights these days.
That brings me to Sunday- I am looking forward to a great spring day in NY hopefully walking in the park. On a closing throught, spring is in the air and new horizon's are upon us!

E