Monday, January 28, 2013

January

Some standouts of January

Fatty Cue
Had a pretty good experience at the original Fatty Cue (in BK) when they first opened; although I remember leaving feeling like we didn't get much food for the price. I left the Fatty Cue in the West Village feeling the same way. The food itself was good, but not good enough to bring me back. We walked into a pretty empty restaurant; but it gained momentum as the night went on. The kitchen brings out stuff shotgun style, so when its done--they bring it out.

I started with a Fatty Manhattan-- a Manhattan made with some cherry cola syrup and waited for our food to arrive.  Both lamb and pork ribs were both tastey. The pork ribs were made with a fish sauce which offended some at our table; but I thought the flavor was pretty good. Pappardelle with goat was probably the most disappointing dish we had; but it wasn't bad! The duck laab was pretty delicious and would even give Kin Shop a run for its money; but portion size is what killed this restaurant. And although they have some delicious deep fried bacon, I probably won't be going back!




Frankies Spuntino 570
A Spuntino is defined as an informal meal/snack or a casual Italian eatery. It was only fitting that the place would be called Frankies Spuntino after all conceived by both Frank Castronovo and Frank Falcinelli. They started their vision with their original outpost in Carroll Gardens on Court Street. The original, Frankies 457 was so popular that it led way to other Frankie collaborations like Prime Meats, Cafe Pedlar, and Frankies 570. 





After wine tasting at both Maialino and Terroir, we ended here on Hudson Street for some food and drink. We started off with some blanc de margeux and some crostini. All the crostini were delicious especially the ricotta/honey/provolone and the kale with harissa aoli. Cremini mushrooms with truffle oil and chickpea with guanciale also were good bites. The oxtail pappardelle was a bit disappointing as I felt like it lacked seasoning. We had moved onto a bottle of 2002 Etna Rossa by Callabretta which was great especially considering its value on their list. 




For dessert Kelly brought us out one of their signature desserts--red wine prunes and marscapone. Although prunes don't excite me, the dessert was pretty good! 


Good spot with casual, comfortable atmosphere. Big thanks to Kelly O!



MarkJoseph Steak House
Depressing to see how many restaurants/stores in the seaport are still closed from Sandy. Unfortunately some of those restaurants will not be returning. Though being closed for a few weeks after Sandy, MarkJoseph steakhouse is up and running. The restaurant is blocked by construction, so its not an easy find. Good food and friendly service. Sat at the bar and enjoyed their restaurant week menu. Their started were quite boring so I went with the good old caesar salad followed by their steak sandwich. The steak sandwich was pretty good. The meat itself was tender and succulent; but the sandwich was loaded with mozzarella cheese. They could have dialed down the cheese, but nonetheless it was still delicious. Ended with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. I think the $25 price tag was pretty good considering the quality of meat in the steak sandwich. The appetizer and dessert were just an added bonus!

I'll have to go back for a dinner!

ABC Kitchen
Great vibe and cool space; but alittle weary about "Call me maybe" playing in the background. Sat at the second bar in the back, thats is more like a dining counter considering they don't serve drinks from this bar--thought that was a bit strange too. Waited forever for our food, but it was delicious when it arrived. Good experience here; but service could be tightened up a bit. Definitely a place to check out. Go for lunch and experience one of NYC best pre-fixe lunches. 


Gramercy Tavern
Love this place! Hospitality and service at its best. Enjoyed a funky Malvasia (La Stoppa, Ageno, 2007) from Emilia-Romagna and a Pinot Blanc (Prieler, Seeberg, 2011) from Austria while enjoying some roasted oysters. GT's roasted oysters with hot sauce is a must get. 

Went for lunch as well and they spoiled us! Started off with a cauliflower puree with trout roe which had great flavor. We then moved onto roasted oysters and duck liver mousse. This was the first time I had the duck liver and it was a home-run. First off they served warm, grilled bread which was awesome. I was telling Jackie how much I enjoyed a warm bread without the crunch. Pickled veggies accompanied the liver mousse and gave the dish an acidity that balanced out the richness. 

Duck Liver Mousse @ Gramercy Tavern

Our next course was two salads sent out compliments of the kitchen. I think I ate them so fast that I forget what was in them!

For entrees we got the arctic char and the cobia. The arctic char was served with sweet potato, yellow eyed peas, and a ridiculous lobster sauce. The cobia was served with mushrooms, bok choy, and potato dumplings. Both were awesome!


Cobia @ Gramercy Tavern



Old Town Bar
Exactly like the name of the bar suggest, this is a bar thats been around awhile and has won the hearts of many. 
Lady kicking dropped fork from table to kitchen only made me fall more in love with this place. 

Pete's Tavern
Another mainstay in the area. The bartenders are cool if you're not an asshole. So don't be an asshole and you'll have a good time. 

Flatiron Lounge
Great cocktails by Jared. 














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