Bro-ing Out

Every once and awhile you have to treat yourself to what I like to call "bro-ing out". And what better place to "bro-out" than a steakhouse. When I think of steakhouse, I think of a male clubhouse. You might see woman there, but its definitely a very masculine atmosphere from the decor and noise level to the menu. My friend Ed took me on a "business meeting" to Sparks Steakhouse on 46th Street between Second and Third Ave. Ed loves Sparks and visits it quite frequent so I guess its safe to say he's a regular. Developing regulars is a huge part of owning a successful restaurant, so I was very curious to why he was such a loyal guest. I was also excited because Sparks was started in 1966 by the Cetta brothers--Pat Cetta being a huge mentor to Danny Meyer (one of the most successful restauranteurs in the country). Maybe I watch the Sopranos too much but it was also cool to see the spot where Paul Castellano was gunned down allowing John Gotti to take his spot as head of the Gambino crime family.

Our reservations were at 6, but we didn't arrive till 6:30ish because we were chatting it up at the Beer Bar at Cafe Centro right outside of grand central. This is a cool spot if you're waiting for the train, but not somewhere I'd come just for a beer. They offered every table chips and salsa which was pretty cool. The restaurant was a lot bigger than I had imagined. We walked into the dimly lit space and encountered a bunch of men in tuxedos. Ed chatted up one of the guys in a remember me kind of moment then gave him a "handshake". We were offered a table right away, but Ed wanted to grab some drinks in the bar before we sat. There were two bartenders behind the bar--both of them wearing chef whites. It was a little disappointing when I learned that they didn't know how to mix a Manhattan. The old bartender just poured in the whiskey (I asked for Rye) and poured sweet vermouth on top of it. No bitters, no measurements. I also received it on the rocks after asking for a Rye Manhattan up. You would think a steakhouse bartender would know how to mix a Manhattan. I guess next time i'll just order some scotch on the rocks--don't think they could fuck that up!

We then moved to our table. The maitre d' who Ed chatted up remained close by all night and took very good care of us. He brought a cheese plate (not on the menu) to enjoy while we were looking at the menu. The cheese plate of Fontina was delicious and got me excited for what was about to come.

I picked out a nice Burgundy from Chassagne-Montrachet to go with our dinner. Known for their white wines, we went with red. Not only do I love Pinot Noir, but I didn't want anything to heavy and tannic so we skipped on the Cabs/Bordeaux blends. Our next course of lump crab meat hit the table only minutes after we ordered it. The kitchen split the appetizer onto separate plates which I love. Not that I mind picking off one plate--it just makes you feel special as stupid as that sounds. The crab meat was fresh and delicious--a nice light appetizer. Next we got a caesar salad in attempts to get our greens! By the final course, I was starting to get full; but my hunger crept back as soon as my sirloin steak hit the table. Charred on the outside and cooked beautiful Medium-Rare--my mouth started to water. Cream spinach and mushrooms played their roles; but my attention was so focused on the steak. After the sirloin, I couldn't fit anything else so we skipped on dessert.The maitre d' did bring us a 25 year-old port after we had paid our check.

Not only is it an accomplishment to stay in business for along as Sparks has, but they are constantly recognized with awards from Wine Spectator and always on people's list of NYC's great steakhouses. Its very old school, but it works. People might not rush back for their Manhattans, but they will rush back for the steaks...and the attention you will get if deemed a regular.

Whiskey Tasting/Wine Tasting

Whiskey Tasting at ICE

(coming soon)

Wine Tasting at Hearth

(coming soon)

Fidi Food

Food options here in the Financial District are not the best. You have some decent spots among the restaurants of Front Street and a few bars on Stone Street, but these spots could get old. Tired of going to Chipotle, I roamed the area looking for lunch. I ended up at Nicky's Vietnamese Sandwiches. I've passed by this small sandwich shop on Nassau Street before, but the "cash only" sign always made me continue my path. I never have cash on me, but today I do; so I stopped in. A three woman team ran Nicky's. One lady at the cashier while the other two held down the BOH (back of house). One lady was banging out sandwiches in the prep station while the other lady was in the kitchen actually cooking the food.

I got the Pork Sandwich ($5.75), which came with a grilled bbq pork, pickled carrots, and cilantro. I think there might have been some daikon in there too, but the amount of carrots seemed to hide the other veggie. The portion size was a bit small, but it was fine for the price. The sandwich was decent, but I felt it was built wrong. The combinations inside the sandwich were so separate that bites would usually only get you one ingredient. Isn't the point of a sandwich to combine all ingredients in a delicious harmony? I rearranged my sandwich and it was much better when I got a little of everything. Decent spot to check out if you're in the area but nothing worth making the trip for. Supposedly the Pho is off the hook! Maybe next time I'm craving some Vietnamese!

Bon Chon (located on John St) is known for their Korean Fried Chicken. I'm no stranger to their chicken as I've ordered it several times from when I moved to the neighborhood. This time, we went there and boy was I surprised. The place was packed! Maybe its because the chicken is the bomb or maybe its because they were serving $3 beers. Maybe it was a combination of the two--good chicken and beer! The vibe at Bon Chon was lively and so not expected. Music was playing, TVs were showing the sports, and people were getting ready to start their weekend.

I'd definitely recommend checking out Bon Chon for their soy garlic/spicy soy garlic chicken. You could get regular size chicken, wings, or boneless--OR a combination of all three. The spicy soy garlic has some heat to it, so split it between spicy and regular if you're not sure. Also the combination platter is a good started. Yeah, its more fried shit; but its good. Wash it down with some cold summer ales and you will have a nice little spot that is very affordable. Maybe not a place to go if you're trying to get in shape for the summer; but its worth the calories if you're looking for untraditional fried chicken.

Luke's Lobster
A newcomer to the financial district is Luke's Lobster on South William St. Luke Holden, owner of Luke's Lobster started the business in 2009 (East Village location) after growing tired of his banking job. Growing up in Maine, he knew good seafood and he felt that NYC lacked a good lobster roll. With four locations in NYC, one in DC, and one food truck--Luke's Lobster is constantly referred to as New York City's best lobster roll. Luke's Lobster prides themselves on fresh lobster shipped right from Maine, but also affordable prices. Holden is able to sell a lobster roll for $15 while others sell lesser quality rolls for $24 because of his supplier--his dad. Luke's father owns a seafood processing company in Maine, so you could imagine he gets a pretty good deal.










Luke's prepares their rolls "Maine style" with chilled seafood atop a buttered and toasted New England-style split-top bun with a swipe of mayo, a sprinkle of lemon butter, and a dash of secret spices. This preparation allows you to really taste the fresh, deliciousness of the seafood while kicking it up a notch. There's something magical about lemon and seafood and the secret spices are subtle enough to add flavor without overpowering the seafood. I got the Taste of Maine which comes with half a lobster roll, half a crab roll, half a shrimp roll, a Maine Root Soda, a pair of Empress crab claws, and Miss Vickie's chips. This combination will set you back $21, but thats a small price to pay for experiencing the awesome, fresh seafood. The portions are kind of small, but its perfect for a light summer meal. The price must be worth it because Luke's keeps expanding and doesn't show any signs of slowing down. I'm interested to see how the Financial District location does considering the area gets pretty desolate at nights and on weekends. I think many restauranteurs are seeing a potential need for good food down here in the Fidi, so look for new restaurants popping up!

ABC Kitchen

Jean-Georges Vongerichten latest restaurant has gained much media attention recently as it won this years James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant. The restaurant focuses on local, sustainable, and organic ingredients for a more farm-to-table experience. Many restaurants try to to cultivate a loving relationship between delicious food and safe environmental practices; but Chef Dan Kluger nails it. To some--ABC Kitchen might seem a bit gimmicky to critics such as New York Mag's Adam Platt, but I thought it worked! Located in ABC Carpet, the space could be defined as casually elegant. Sam Sifton (New York Times writer) describes "the notion of the place is haute organic and Hamptons sustainable" as he goes on to compare it to the second homes of the wealthy. The space is brilliantly designed from the tables and chairs to the overall airy flow of the restaurant. The design also keeps to the concept using materials from local artisans to recycled paper.

But enough with the concept and on to the food! Spontaneity brought my friend Nadine and I here for lunch, so we sat at the bar. There might have been tables available, but the bar is the best spot to eat at most restaurants--in my opinion. The bartender was strictly business as he didn't seem to chatty. He gave us his recommendations and continued on. New York has been in a ramp craze for the past week, so it was a great treat when the kitchen sent out the Ramp and Goat cheese toast ($12) as compliments. The ramp toast was followed by raw diver scallops ($16) which were garnished with mint, apple, and lime. Delicious! The apple not only added flavor, but it added a nice texture component to the dish. The mint and lime made the scallops pop without taking away its fresh, delicate flavor. The pretzel dusted calamari ($13) were good, but a little salty. The calamari came with marinara and a mustard aoili that was boring--I was looking for something better. The Roasted Carrot and Avocado Salad ($14) was a good way to showcase Union Square's Green Market.

The Akaushi Burger ($22) and Over Roasted Maine Lobster ($37) were a good way to finish our savory courses. I wouldn't have usually gotten a burger, but the bartender swore by it. I'm glad I got it--it was delicious. The burger was topped with pickled jalapenos and herbed mayo. The lobster was lightly seasoned with a chili vinaigrette, oregano, and lemon. I never been to Maine, but I would imagine that this dish could make any "Maine-iac" happy.
































So stuffed, we ALMOST passed on dessert; but then the bartender told us that some people come just for the sundae. The sundae ($11) was a combination of salted caramel ice cream, candied peanuts/popcorn, whipped cream and chocolate sauce. This dessert was killer. I couldn't stop eating it. They also sent out a complimentary cookie plate, but I was too into the sundae to fully enjoy the cookies. Now I know why ABC Kitchen is the new hot spot. It had a great atmosphere and the food is awesome. Since the restaurant is seasonal, its exciting to see what will come on the menu next!

Suteshi

Probably my favorite sushi spot here in the financial district. The sushi is always top quality and the service is always on tops of its game. A little pricey, but worth it.

The Samurai Roll (Spicy Blue Crab/Cucumber/Avocado/Red Snapper) with The Perfect 10(10 pieces of assorted sushi along with a spicy tuna roll)

Untitled

Untitled is the name of the new cafe/restaurant inside the Whitney Museum run by the Union Square Hospitality Group. Danny Meyer's (CEO of USHG) love for art and hospitality combine to make this his second museum location--the first being The Modern, Cafe 2, and Terrace 5 located in the MoMa. Untitled is a contemporary take on the classic Manhattan Coffee Shop. The menu offers simple, yet seasonal comfort foods by Chef Chris Bradley (formerly Sous Chef at Gramercy Tavern). The "All Day Menu" offers both breakfast and lunch options. Supposedly dinner service will be happening soon on Saturday and Sundays.

Untitled was packed with people visiting the museum along with some regular neighborhood guest. My sister Kim and I sat next to one at the bar and we chatted about the restaurant scene. She loved Untitled and swore it was the best choice in the neighborhood. I'm not too familiar with the restaurant scene up there in the East 70's, but I'll take her word for it. We all chatted about how comfortable the bar chairs were...just saying!

Soha, a "tabla alumni" and good friend was working behind the bar showcasing her warm personality and knowledge of the menu. Paper menus doubled as place-mats while water glasses doubles as wine glasses. The cafe was pretty busy and they don't accept reservations so waiting a few minutes for a table is almost guaranteed. The chalkboard behind the bar serves as a "shout-out" to all their suppliers (an important aspect of Meyer's englightened hospitality).

The aged Gouda grilled cheese ($11) used thick cut bread and was cooked perfectly. A grilled cheese sandwich might seem simple, but its delicious when done right. The Untitled burger ($14) came with aged cheddar, roasted tomato, and grilled onions. The burger was well cooked and flavorful, but nothing to bring me back. Although we weren't boozing, the cafe offers wine, beer, and 3 cocktail options (bloody mary, mimosa, grapefruit/campari).

Its quite a trek for me, so I don't see myself returning to Untitled, unless its to visit some old Tabla friends.

Vegas (continued)

I forgot to include two dining experiences while in Las Vegas.

Mr. Luckys and Pink Taco, which are both in the Hard Rock. Mr Luckys is a popular spot among casino guests as its always crowded. They have some pretty good deals, but I wasn't impressed. I got wings and Ed got chicken tenders (3 little pieces). I got the wings, but they were less than memorable. I didn't feel too lucky with Mr. Luckys. Pink Taco on the other hand was a good spot. I've been here before for some margaritas and tacos; but this time we went for breakfast. I got a solid breakfast for a $10, so I guess its safe to say that I love the Pink Taco. Damn, I should have got a shirt!