It is always sad to see a restaurant closing, but also exciting when another is opening. So, yes, I was excited to visit Lemongrass, a Vietnamese restaurant that replaced City Lobster who was removed from these premises because of unpaid rent. At Lemongrass, you order at the counter and have a choice between summer rolls, rice plates, vermicelli plates, banh mi and Pho. I tried the first four, ditching the Pho for a cooler season!
Left Bank Burger Bar is, as its name indicates, a burger joint in Jersey City, few steps from the Grove Street path station that serves some incredible burgers. We were there few times and have never been disappointed, the burgers being delicious and creative. The only negative would be the fact that they do not serve milk shakes, that I love with a good burger, but that’s…
We were walking in Hell’s Kitchen, looking for a place for brunch, when we stumbled upon this small restaurant, tucked between two busy places. The menu being enticing, we decided to try it. This is how we discovered 9th Avenue Blue Seafood Bar and Eatery. Opened at the end of 2016, this place serves a wide array of Mediterranean dishes: pizza, pasta, seafood, etc. With the option to order from their brunch menu that had classics like waffles or eggs Benedict elevated with lobster, or regular menu.
It’s been a while since we went to Khe-Yo, the restaurant of Chef Marc Forgione located in Tribeca. The first and last time we went there, we had great food, but the music was so loud that we just wanted to eat quickly and leave. So, we decided to go back for lunch, as I was off during a weekday and sat outside, enjoying the nice weather…and the quiet.
Dim Sum Palace is not unknown to me, having dined at this place multiple times, trying some of their small fried or steamed dishes. It is always exciting to go there, marking with a pen on their menu your selection, sometimes probably going overboard as you want to try plenty of things, similar to what would happen in a tapas restaurant.
Have you ever been to a restaurant and, after seeing their menu, wish that you could order all of it? Or if one single ingredient could be changed, you would order that dish? It happened to me multiple times. But that problem is resolved at Il Gradino, “the step” in English, an Italian restaurant located on the Upper East Side that opened in May 2022. There, owner Diego Argudo, a veteran of the restaurant industry, decided to implement the concept of piacere (pleasure, enjoyment in Italian) that is interpreted that as “preparing the dishes your way”. Diego explained to me that…
Short for l’appartment, L’Appart is a hidden restaurant located in The District, a French marketplace located few steps from the World Trade Center. We discovered this place few years ago and could not wait to go back for our anniversary. With 28 seats and an open kitchen overlooking the spacious dining room, this place proposes a unique experience where the term hospitality meets its true meaning: from the moment you enter to the moment you dine, you not only feel welcome, you also feel special.
Chef David Burke is not unknown to me as I ate in many of his restaurants in the city and saw him few times on TV in shows like Top Chef. So, when I was invited to try David Burke Tavern, I was really excited because I knew this would full of surprises. As we arrived, we went to the upstairs dining room and sat next to a penguin, not a real one of course: a stuffed animal. You might have heard that, during Covid, to ensure that patrons would respect social distancing, Chef Burke bought…
This post is a bit overdue and describes our experience as we were walking around New York and noticed Le Fournil, a French bakery that I could not resist trying. The experience started well, with a wonderful and appetizing smell filling our nose as we entered the place. We decided to get three of their baked goods: a chocolate croissant (pain au chocolat), a raisin…
It’s been a while since I have been to Lokal in Jersey City. Not that the food is not good, but there is so much to explore in Hoboken, Jersey City and New York that time passed before going back there. So, when I got an invite to try their new menu, I was thinking that it would be a good opportunity for a revisit. I did not regret it: the food at Lokal is not just exciting, it is overall good in a relaxed atmosphere, not too noisy (well, it will also depend on the neighboring tables of course), with a breathtaking view of the city.
We ended up at Auntie Guan’s Kitchen as we were looking for a place close to the Path train, and passed in front of this place that makes dumplings, quite a few times. Classic menu with spring rolls that were good, crispy, although the ratio shell to filling was in favor of the former, and the Dan Dan noodles not as good as what I had at Hao Noodle or…
A few months ago, Charritos decided to redefined themselves as a Taqueria, changing totally their menu, keeping only their guacamole that used to be one of the best. Used to because the one they serve today, with a generous amount of salsa and tortilla chips is not as good, a bit soupy, as if their used a blender to make it, with not enough chunks of avocado in it.
I discovered Rubirosa many years ago but never posted about it. I cannot remember why. I also do not know why it took us that long to go back, this place being fantastic. Most of the people go for their pizza that is superb, with its crispy thin crust. What is great is that, if you hesitate a bit, you can pick two different pizza flavors, each going in half a pie. The classic, that is simply made with tomato and mozzarella is good, but the best for me is the Tie Dye that is made with vodka sauce, tomato, pesto and mozzarella.
We wanted to try Whipped Urban Dessert Lab, a vegan ice cream shop located on the Lower East Side and did not expect to see a long line in front of it. We waited a bit and then weere able to enter the shop that was not that big, making our way to the front where we could order on a screen, a system I always prefer when not sure what to get…
For few years now, for my birthday, we have been going to Porterhouse in Columbus Circle for dinner. I have never been disappointed by this place, always going for the same steak: the chili rubbed boneless ribeye. Always perfectly cooked medium rare, very tender, juicy, the chili rub enhancing the flavor of my favorite cut.
Located where Talde the eponymous restaurant of the Top Chef alum used to be, Hudson Hound opened in 2021 near the Grove street stop of the Path train. This outpost of this NYC Irish-American restaurant serves delicious comfort food with classics like the fish and chips or the full Irish breakfast that is composed of two eggs (you make them your way, so I chose sunny side up), Irish bacon (rashers), Irish sausage (bangers), roasted half tomato with herbed breadcrumbs, sautéed mushrooms, black & white pudding, boxty potato cake, baked beans, and a slice of house made…
It seems that mochi donuts are a thing, with plenty of spots opening, serving this delicious combination between an American doughnut and Japanese mochi that originated in Hawaii in 1992. The Chicken Factory that serves fantastic Korean fried chicken is now serving mochi donuts. Shaped with eight balls, these deep fried donuts have a slightly crispy outside and are chewy on the inside. Like classic doughnuts, they can be proposed in many ways: the classic with confectioner’s sugar on top, churros, coffee, cookies and cream, chocolate with coconut, etc.
We passed in front of Lexington Candy Shop few times, noticing their windows full of Coca Cola bottles from all over the world. So, it was time to try this close to a century old luncheonette located on the Upper East Side. Small, packed, with still this nostalgic feel, and the rudeness of the service that seems to be a signature, unless you are a regular…
I was really looking forward to trying the new location on broadway of Wolfgang Steakhouse, but, our dinner did not go as expected. It started well though. Entering the place, I saw some bottles of whisky against the wall, not knowing at that point that they have a very large selection of this delicious liquor, my choice that day being a glass of Kentucky Owl Confiscated.
Mischa, the new venture of Chef Alex Stupak from Empellon, is difficult to fairly describe. First, the place is hidden in an office building on Park avenue and if you pass by, you would probably not notice it. That could be on purpose, so only diners specifically looking for it would go there. Then, the menu is a mix of various cuisines, served with a twist, like the deviled egg floating island that combines two different dishes (the deviled egg that originated in Ancient Rome and the floating island that is a French dessert) in an elevated way. Light but also creamy, it is served with trout roe that…
We discovered Two Hands several weeks ago and were so enthusiastic about their menu that we decided to go back to this Australian restaurant. Why? Because their menu is truly exciting. Do they have burrata? yes, but served with kasundi, a mustard sauce made with fermented mustard seeds, dukkah, an Egyptian blend of nuts, seeds, and warm spices, and roti, an Indian bread.
When Caffe Buon Gusto opened in February in Hoboken, I was not sure what to expect, thinking that this would be another Italian restaurant competing with some great ones like Sorellina or Otto Strada, but was glad to see a new restaurant opening on the upper part of town that truly needs some more places to dine.
So, several weeks ago, we decided to give it a try. The place was…
It’s been 10 years since I dined at Keens Steakhouse, one of the oldest steakhouses in the city that some consider the best. I went back for the mutton chop that is their specialty, a dish they served when they opened back in 1885 that never gets old. This 26oz piece of meat priced at $68 is …
When Toastique opened in Hoboken, I was part of the skeptics: who would want to go eat toast on a regular basis? Alright, I admit that toast might not be my favorite when going for lunch or brunch, unless they have something unique. I changed my mind. Serving gourmet toast, Toastique has a great selection that will satisfy vegetarian and non-vegetarian, with the possibility to add items such as crab, poached egg or salmon to your toast. My favorite is the avocado smash, especially…
I discovered Bikanervala in Jersey City few years ago, after one of my co-workers brought some jelibis from there. This place, that specialized in vegetarian dishes and sweets is a true gem with a large menu and so many desserts that you get a bit overwhelmed when ordering at the counter. What I love about this place, besides the sweets, is their thali, that is a selection of few dishes served in a small quantity in a platter, that not only includes savory dishes, naan and rice, but also a dessert that, although small, is a nice way to end a meal. Of course they have the classics: samosa, dahi puri (these…
It took a while for Chip City to open in Hoboken, to the point that there was some doubt they would actually come to the mile square city. They finally opened at the very end of February, few blocks from Insomnia Cookies. To understand the concept, you have to know the story of Chip City that started back in 2017 in Astoria, where two childhood friends Phillips and Theodore Gailas challenged each other as to who would make the best cookie and several storefronts later, they…
It’s been a while since I have been so excited with a restaurant menu, so, when Blu On The Hudson opened in Weehawken, NJ, I could not resist trying that place and was so enthusiastic about their cocktails and food that we went back four times! Let’s start first with the cocktails: They have a full bar so you can get some classics, but, if you go, you better check for their signature cocktails that are superb and create a bit of a show when you see some of them being served in the dining room, the smoke from the dry ice adding a note to their creativity. I have tried:…
When Touch The Heart closed, I was wondering what would replace it and then learned that a vegan burger place, Jerrell’s Betr Brgr was coming. Opening a vegan burger joint just next to Mighty Quinn’s BBQ and few blocks from Shake Shack is a pretty bold move to say the least. So we had to try it. As we entered, we could not not notice the bright and fun decor of the place.
Located in the stunning United Charity Building, Hawksmoor is the 10th restaurant of a British steakhouse that two childhood friends decided to open in London in 2006. Coming to a city with so many steakhouses and even to a country where meat is king is a very bold move for sure. The place is incredible: This National landmark was built in 1893 by John S. Kennedy for the Charity Organization Society…
We were looking for a place to eat before going to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway when we decided to try Revel and Rye in the Marriot Hotel in Times Square. I only went to their lounge for a drink few weeks before and thought that it would be a good idea to try the restaurant, Revel and Rye.
I passed in front of Fine and Rare so many times that I really wanted to try this place. Little I knew that it is the sister restaurant of The Flatiron Room, my favorite destination for whisky, this place having more than a 1000 bottles. Both have a feel of old New York, with live jazz and bear the same initials and, although it does not have the same extensive whisky list as its sister restaurant, Fine and Rare has quite a large selection and allows some cocktails, like the espresso martini to be made with Old Grand-Dad Bourbon with bourbon aged coffee.
Located in the East Village, the Pineapple Club is a speakeasy that is a perfect spot for brunch (I would think that dinner is great but the noise level is probably not for me). Great service, great atmosphere and great food and cocktails are what is probably characterizing this place that is quite spacious.
For cocktails, being for brunch, it was good to marry an espresso and some vodka for an espresso martini that was…
Madame Claude is gone, long live Madame! Not a bad change of name in a way, considering that Madame Claude was the name of a famous Madame who, when arrested threatened to reveal who her influential clients were. So, we were curious to check out this French restaurant that, although a bit off the beaten path, is quite popular in Jersey City. Located in a basement, this is like a hidden gem, with a more modern decor than before, but with still some charm to it. The bar, called Panache (meaning done with flair) has…
It has been a while since I wanted to try Carbone, the Italian restaurant of Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi and Jeff Zalaznick. This popular place, that lost its Michelin star in 2022, is like stepping in an episode of The Godfather, from the decor in the back room to the Italian music playing in the background.
After going to the Monmouth Museum to see one of Jodi’s paintings that made it into an exhibition there, we ended up for a family dinner at The Pour House in Red Bank, NJ. A big restaurant, really crowded, with a mix of diners and patrons sitting at the bar, this place seemed to be like a neighborhood favorite where you hang out on a Saturday evening. Luckily, as we were a big table, we ended up in a “private” room, that only had one long table, more spacious and less noisy for sure.
If you follow me on Instagram, you probably know that I am a huge fan of Chocopain, a French Bakery that has few locations in Hoboken and Jersey City. So, when I heard that they were opening a new place in Jersey City, I had to check it out. So, I walked approximately 10 minutes from the Journal Square Path station, and found Chocopain on the ground floor of a Luxury Building, Le Leo, recently erected.
On a Friday evening, we decided to have dinner at Strip House Midtown, few steps from Grand Central. We had a reservation and were bit early; we had to wait until our table was ready, but observed several couples coming without any reservation being seated before us. The person at the desk explained that she was waiting for a good table for us: ok, I would give her that, our table being quite comfortable, on one of the corners upstairs, overlooking the restaurant.
We finally made it to Olivia’s in Hoboken. We wanted to go before, but reviews were not that great, people complaining about the cleanliness of the place. But we decided to give it a chance. We went on a Saturday evening, the place being packed, dark and with loud music that is definitely not something I like…
We discovered The Parisian Tea Room last year, as we were driving through New York to go to JFK Airport. I was really surprised to see this place in an area a bit off the beaten path, with not too much foot traffic, but surrounded by hotels and near Times Square. I am more a coffee drinker, but I do appreciate a good tea sometimes, herbal mainly with mint being my favorite, and we have tried quite a few places in New York; so, why not try this place? We went on an off day as I was off, picking a 11:15am spot rather than after 1pm.
When The Lola cocktail Lab and Eatery opened in Hoboken, I was curious to try it, wondering if the notion of cocktail lab would take precedent over the eatery concept. The place is big, with two main areas: the main dining room that surrounds the large bar, and a second dining room, more cozy and slightly quieter.
Earlier this year, we went to Ju Lan Club, a restaurant located where the Limelight used to be that serves upscale Chinese cuisine in an incredible setting. This place is huge and we only saw the main dining room that was beautiful, especially the murals on the walls that added to the aesthetic of the place.
The menu there is quite overwhelming, with specialty dishes marked with a crown. But there are so many that ordering each of them would be a gargantuan meal. They have classic Chinese dishes like…
The heart of Times Square have seen quite a lot of Asian restaurants opening and the last one I tried is Awe Sum Dimsum (pronounce “awesome” dimsum). This casual place is very similar to Dim Sum Sam that I tried few months ago: you order at the counter or on their POS, from a quite large menu and they will tell you when your meal is ready thanks to a buzzer that will be handed over to you after you pay. The Menu has quite a lot of items, but I admit that I was a bit disappointed not to see anything with duck, especially some Peking Duck bao maybe? So I ended up ordering har gow or shrimp dumplings that were perfectly made and delicious, fried eggplant shrimp that were just ok, slightly bland, and…
If you like Italian cuisine, Rossini’s is a great spot to know. Located closed to Grand Central, this Italian restaurant has an old school authentic feel, from the decor (it is fairly big: I counted three different rooms) to the attire of the waiters that is pretty formal.
Food wise, they have classics like the calamari fritti or melanzane imbotite (eggplant slices stuffed with ricotta and mozzarella) that they split into two portions as we were sharing.
We were looking for a New Orleans inspired restaurant in New York, when we stumbled upon 1803. Taking its name from the year the United States purchased Louisiana from France, Napoleon needing money to fund the war with the British, this restaurant serving creole cuisine, opened in October 2022. Spacious, with its French quarter feel and large bar, it has two floors, the second floor being where bands will play live music.
It’s always exciting when a new French restaurant opens, moreover when the Chef is not French, adding a bit of a challenge that he successfully overcame. Chef Adam Schop is well known in New York City, being the Chef and Owner of Miss Lily’s, a Caribbean restaurant located downtown. The part of Hell’s Kitchen Steak Frites bistro is located is not where I would typically walk to find a place to eat, going usually north of 42nd street: this is probably a mistake considering all the places there that I have never tried and this place is definitely adding some attractiveness to this neighborhood.
We have been waiting for so long for Kura Sushi to open in Newport, right where the mall sits. You may wonder why and the answer is simple: Kura Sushi is not your classic Japanese restaurant. It is a conveyor belt sushi bar! If you never tried this before, it is fun to do: the kitchen will prepare a series of dishes that will move around the dining room on a conveyor belt. Each dish, preceded by a sign telling you what it is, costs $3.70 (if I correctly remember) and they calculate the bill simply based on the number…
BBQ is one of my favorite meals and it is an artistry that I did not imagine was so involved until I saw The American Barbecue Showdown on Netflix. From the type of meat, the rub, the type of wood to use and the temperature, this is more than just meat on a plate for sure. One of the places I love in Hoboken for BBQ is House of Que.
We walked passed Marty’s in Jersey City quite a few times. Located in an old firehouse, this place serves some quite amazing burgers and shakes. I love the fact that they have a POS (Point Of Sale) when you enter, so it gives you more time to look at their menu and customize what you want, rather than being at the counter and feeling the pressure to order quickly because there are people behind you, probably with the same feeling, waiting.
It is no secret that I love Indian food and we sometimes venture to Newark Avenue in Jersey City for lunch or dinner, in some of the amazing Indian restaurants that are there. One of them is Masala Cafe. This place has an extensive menu with a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. We went there one Saturday evening for dinner and tried the following:
For appetizer, we had samosa that were crispy and…
When we visited Zaytinya in Washington DC back in 2018, I ended up regretting that it did not have an outpost in New York City. Well, this gap has been closed since July last year and it seems that this place does not stop getting full with a crowd eager to try some Mediterranean cuisine served mainly tapas style.
I passed in front of Mad Dog and Beans Mexican Cantina few times in the morning and was not sure what to expect from it and thought that going on a Friday before a major Holiday would be a good idea, expecting less people and so, less noise. I was wrong: as we entered the restaurant to inquire for a table, we ended up in a dark setting with a noise level that was definitely not for me…Fortunately, they had tables outside and the weather was still adequate for an outdoor dinner.
I guess that after Chef Dominique Ansel created the buzz with his Cronut that he was selling with limited quantity, causing very long lines around the block of his bakery in Soho, this has proved to be a good recipe for success. Is it what The Hive in Hoboken tried to do with its cinnamon rolls? Maybe. What is sure is that they have been quite successful! These cinnamon rolls are only available on the weekend, with a limited number, selling within one hour apparently. So we had to try it to understand what the craze was about. I admit that the first time we did not realize it was only offered on the weekend and went on…
Last Saturday, I was invited at Kings of Kobe in the Newport Mall, in Jersey City. Let’s first clarify one thing: there is no Kobe beef there, but rather American Wagyu, served in different forms: steaks, burgers, hot dogs or chili. Located across from the Cheesecake Factory, Kings of Kobe is fairly big with, on one side, a large bar, and the other, the dining room where upbeat music is played while you are waiting for your meal.
It’s been a while since I wanted to try Dim Sum Sam in Times Square. We went a couple of times and I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised. From outside, you would think that it is a small place, but it has a large dining room in the back as well as upstairs. This is more a casual spot where you will order at the counter and they will assign a number. You then go to the dining room, passing the kitchen with peking ducks hanging, where a TV will…
Continuing to explore to Tin Building by Jean-George, we decided to try The Frenchman’s Dough, the chef’s French take on an Italian restaurant, serving pasta and pizza, the latter cooked in a wood fire oven that you can see in the back of their open kitchen.
Shokudo opened in March 2020, right at the beginning of Covid 19, that is quite courageous, although I am sure that they wanted to open earlier, but getting permits from the city can be challenging and they not have had any other choice. So, why having another Japanese restaurant in Hoboken, Robongi, Yeung II, Sushi Lounge or Illuzion already feeding the Hobokenites hungry for sushi?
I discovered Aux Merveilleux de Fred many years ago, thanks to my friends Caroline and Arnaud, at a time where this fantastic shop was not yet in New York. The merveilleux is a cake that originated in Belgium, that consist of two light meringues that sandwich some whipped cream and are also covered in whipped cream and dusted with chocolate shavings. Chef Frédéric Vaucamps, Fred, decided to…
We like to explore the area near Grove Street in Jersey City as there are plenty of interesting places to try there. So, that time, we decided to go for a brunch to South House, a huge place that serves a Southern fare.
We sat in their front area that had this nostalgic atmosphere, with all these paintings on the wall and the wooden doors that gave me the impression I was going into a farmhouse, especially after seeing the milk cans that are used for tables.
It’s been a while since I wanted to try Jollibee, a Filipino chain with over 1,500 stores worldwide that opened its first location in the United States in Daly City, California on June 13th, 1998, and then opened a large spot in Times Square in August 2022. But it is not in Times Square that I tried it, but in Jersey City, a quieter location for sure!
I am not sure how many BBQ places Hoboken needs, having already House of Que and Myron Mixon’s Pitmaster Barbeque. But, I will not complain, to the contrary as I love Barbecue and Mighty Quinn’s is a great place to get some awesome slowed cooked meat.
What I love about this place is the variety of starters that are great for sharing or trying many dishes rather than settling for the usual curry or noodles. Here is what we had there:
Of course, I went for my usual Thai Iced Tea that I love!
We were going to South Street Seaport for an art show and were looking for a place to eat where I found Tajin, a Mexican restaurant located few blocks from the World Trade Center. This was the wrong choice unfortunately as we will discover it…
From what I understand, Sophra means in Turkish, a table set to eating a meal. And this was a nice meal that we had at Sophra Grill Midtown East. This casual place is a hidden gem that offers a wide range of Turkish and Mediterranean dishes.
I started our meal there with Ayran, a yogurt drink that has a slight salty taste, very similar to doogh that you would get in Persian restaurants.
Chili vs Cafe China seems to have been a story for some time, people confusing sometimes the two places. In fact, Chili is located where Cafe China used to be before deciding in 2021 to move two blocks away to a bigger location. Soon after, several former employees opened Chili and there has been a bit of a dispute as Cafe China accused Chili to copy their menu. I admit that when I saw the menu at Chili, I saw few similar items like the tea smoked duck, that made me think that it was owned by the same people.
Laree Adda in Jersey City was not really our first choice when going to Grove street, our first target being closed when we arrived. So, as we love Indian cuisine, we decided to give a try to their Pakistani / Indian casual eatery. This is not a table service restaurant: you order at the counter and they will bring the food once ready. So we decided to try few things there, especially their curries. For me, it was their chicken tikka masala that was good, but did not have enough…
It’s been a while since we went to Momosan, the ramen and sake joint from Chef Morimoto. So we decided to go there on a Friday evening and sat at the bar, preferring these seats from the communal tables that are in the back. And when sitting at the bar, you cannot miss all these bottles with Chef Morimoto on the label.
Jersey City Heights has some great finds and Los Tres Chilitos (the three chilis) is one of them. Serving Mexican cuisine, it has a quite extensive menu that can be a bit overwhelming, with some many dishes and options that it is endless. For instance, I got their enchiladas that could be with pollo (chicken), carne asada (grilled steak), quesillo (Oaxaca cheese) or vegetales (vegetables), and then with three types of choices: verde, roja, mole. So I ended up with chicken enchiladas with mole sauce. Served with refried beans and yellow rice, it was very good, not that I am an expert in mole. Still, that sauce, made with chocolate was delicious, not too rich and comforting.
Emma’s in Jersey City, right outside the Journal Square Path station, is truly an incredible find. We passed few times in front of it, but never imagined that their food would be so delicious, if it was not from someone Jodi knows who mentioned it casually. They opened right at the beginning of Covid that has been a bit of a challenge and is very courageous and we went there few times, seeing their menu evolve. They serve Southern cuisine and even smoke meat. Regrettably, at the time of the post, they do not have anymore their slow smoked BBQ St Louis Spare ribs that…
We were looking for a place Midtown for a dinner on a Friday evening when we stumbled upon Parker & Quinn, a restaurant located in the Refinery Hotel. Big, bright and not too loud, the kind of places I like.
This place that serves an American fare proposes some interesting cocktails, not just the classic ones. So I got tempted by The City is Mine, an original cocktail made with Great Jones bourbon,…
I discovered Black Barn few years ago and I have to say: this is one of my favorite places in the city for brunch or dinner. Their menu is mouth watering with so many interesting options that you would want to order every single dish. On top of that, you sit in a place with a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful decor that matches the name of the place, i.e. a barn, but without the smell!
I discovered Dim Sum Garden recently, thanks to one of my colleagues, Alex who recommended it, but with the caveat that he thought it was expensive for dim sum. I had to see it myself. The place is bright with few booths that I admit are not that comfortable…The way it works is that you will mark with a pen your selection and the dishes will come as they are ready. One of the original dishes is their sampler that is beautifully presented in a wooden tray that separates
After trying the T Brasserie in the Tin Building, our next stop was their vegetarian restaurant, Seeds and Weeds, on the second floor. Nice place, spacious, with lots of light, the green color and wood decor rendering perfectly the theme of the restaurant and giving a zen atmosphere to it.
We started off our meal by ordering beverages. Jodi got the same Cherry and yuzu carbonated soda she tried the last time, and I got the “red juice” that is made with beets and…
It’s been years since we had a meal at Cafe Fiorello on the Upper West Side. I discovered this place when a colleague of mine referred it as the best pizza in NYC. The rectangle crust at the time (not anymore) was good, but what I loved there was their open face lasagna, Parmesan ravioli and their chocolate mousse bucket that was always a treat.
So we went back last Saturday after a…
There are few places in Hoboken I would go for dinner in a heartbeat. Anthony David’s is one of them. The restaurant from Chef Pino who also owns Bin 14 Uptown is a true gem, serving succulent food for brunch or dinner, although, if I had to pick, it would be brunch where this place is usually packed.
Contrary to Bin 14, plates are larger, less crafted for sharing, and, strangely, they seem made for a more formal dining as opposed to Bin 14 that has a more casual feel. For brunch, I love their…
Few months ago, the owners of Barbes, a French-North African restaurant located Uptown Hoboken that serves delicious tagines and couscous, decided to open a French restaurant where the closed restaurant Cucharamama use to be. So we went there on a Friday evening, to check it out. The decor at La Boheme is great, with the very large black and white photos of French celebrities like Alain Delon, Brigitte Bardo, Serge Gainsbourg or Eddy Barclay, giving a bit of a nostalgic atmosphere to the place.
Jacques Brasserie used to be my favorite French restaurant when we were living on the Upper East Side and it has been 9 years since our last visit! So we decided to go back there for a lunch on a weekend. The place looks like what I remember: brasserie feel with a decor that would make you think that you just travelled across the ocean in a restaurant in Paris, besides the music being more international!
Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, simply known as Jean-Georges, opened a month ago a high end market at South Street Seaport, the Tin Building. This gigantic market proposes various restaurants serving French, Japanese, Chinese and Italian cuisine in the middle of a busy market place where you can get vegetables, fish, meat, cheese, cookies and all sorts of delicacy that would make you want to move in.
When Il Laboratorio del Gelato opened mid-July in Hoboken, I did not know what to think. I went to their spot on the Lower East Side many years ago and, although I thought it was an interesting concept, I never really craved it. The concept? Making hand-crafted gelato with unique flavors like olive oil, malt, buttermilk, cardamon, tarragon, mint, etc.
Dear Maud opened in July in Hoboken and I surely wanted to try this eatery. Our first attempt was on the Friday before Labor Day, thinking it would be quiet. We were wrong: the restaurant was not only busy, but they were blasting music that is something I really cannot stand while having a meal! So we went back for brunch the following Sunday. Quieter, but with still loud music, we decided to give it a try. Entering the place, we soon realized how big it is with the back area that seemed to be quite spacious and the bar area, also large, with its impressive bar that dominated the room. To start our meal, we decided to get…
When Plaka Souvlaki opened on Newark avenue, I was quite excited, not being too excited by Surf Taco, its predecessor, but more because I love Greek food and heard that they were serving souvlaki that is meat cooked on a skewer, not to be confused with gyro that is meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie. My favorite meat? Lamb!
We were looking for a restaurant for brunch on the Upper East Side when we found Who’s Jac W.?, wondering what the somewhat cryptic name was all about. Is it Jack? is W for Wife? My curiosity stopped when we looked at the menu and decided to give it a try. It is a spacious restaurant, with a cozy feel, but going at the beginning of service might not be the best idea as they were still setting up things…
We passed many times in front of Great Jones Distillery Co and it was time to check out the only active whisky distillery in Manhattan, opened 100 years after prohibition. We went for dinner and so did not get a chance to visit the distillery or even the lounge, but, as we entered, we could not miss the large copper pot that dominates the shop where you can buy some of their whisky as well as various merchandise like glasses, books, hats, etc.
Jack Austin’s in Weehawken closed its doors several months ago and has been replaced by Beneci’s, an Italian restaurant that we decided to check out. Most of the decor from the previous restaurant was gone, except these funny dog lamps that I guess they could not resist keeping. But I admit that the restaurant feels like a hotel restaurant and it is not just because of the fact that it is adjacent to the Sheraton.
Last Saturday, we were walking on the Upper East Side, after spending few hours at Museum of the City of New York in Harlem for a retrospective of New York music from 1980 to 1986, featuring Madonna, Blondie, Run-DMC, Talking Heads, Sonic Youth, John Zorn, Liquid Liquid, etc. So, as it was hot outside, we were looking for a new ice cream shop to try and found Sedutto, a small ice cream parlor with so many flavors that it will keep your head spinning. Imagine: they have regular ice cream (I counted 43 different kinds), sorbets (3 flavors), soft and hard yogurt, as well as spiked ice creams from…
We were in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, looking for a place for brunch when we stumbled upon Le Gamin (the kid in French), a French restaurant that just celebrated 30 years (they opened on Bastille Day 1992). I was excited to try this place because there were several classic dishes that I wanted to try. So, I started with escargots, snails bathed in a delicious garlic and herb butter sauce, that is what makes this dish awesome. So, yes, I could not resist dipping the fresh baguette they put on the table, forgetting what this was doing to my arteries!
We were looking for a place to eat on a Saturday on the Upper East or West side of the city, when I suggested to Jodi to go to Uno Pizzeria and Grill to get some deep dish pizza. I did not even finish my sentence before she said yes, pizza being one of her favorite dishes…Uno is quite known when it comes to Chicago style deep dish pizza as it is said that it is there, in 1943, that Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo, descendant of Neapolitan immigrants, decided to create an Italian-American version of Pizza.
My favorite spot for deep dish pizza in New York City is Emmett’s a small joint located Downtown Manhattan that we discovered many years ago while watching a food show on TV. There is something about this place that I love: some sort of nostalgia from the decor (love the bar with its bills from all over the world) and run down tables, with a warmth not just from the place but also from its staff that makes you want to go back. Their deep dish pizza is a must have and our favorite is the…
Have you ever wonder how donut should be spelled? Is it donut or doughnut? According to grammar.com, “More exactly, "donut" is the US spelling and "doughnut" is the spelling used more frequently in the UK”. Whatever it is, I love doughnuts, cake or yeast, classic or with a twist. So, as we were in Greenpoint, we decided to try Peter Pan Donut and Pastry Shop, a popular place that has fed hungry patrons since the 1950s and was even featured in Spiderman: No Way Home,…
Going to The Franklin Fountain in Philadelphia is like stepping in the past to indulge some old time ice cream, with some people thinking that this place has been opened for decades if not centuries, being maybe the oldest ice cream parlor in America where possibly, Benjamin Franklin used to go. It’s true that the owners have done a good job creating a place that truly looks ancient: from the decor to the way staff is dressed (by the way, they call them Jerks with an old meaning that does not mean how we would interpret it today!), and even some old time flavors. But, in fact, The Franklin Fountain opened…
Going to Philadelphia, there were few things we wanted to do, one of them was to have a cheesesteak and, our plan was to go to Geno’s, but the 100 degree weather made us want to go indoors. So, I looked up on the internet if there were more choices at the Reading Terminal Market to try something new as last year we went to Carmen’s Famous Hoagie. That is how I found Molly Malloy’s, a pub that sits right in the middle of the market. So, going there had few advantages:
We were looking for a restaurant in Philly’s city center that would be opened after 10pm on a Saturday evening, after an opening at MK Apothecary where Jodi had several paintings. In New York, this task would be easy, with so many choices that your selection would be based on your food craving. Not in Philly. Many restaurants were either already closed or would close at 10pm. I was not really into room service, so we decided to eat at Del Frisco’s Grille that was right next to our hotel. I am not going to lie: there could be worst choices and at first, I was eying their steak section. But, as it was pretty late, I decided to go lighter (dessert included as I admit that I have my own perception of what a light meal is).
Each time we go to Philadelphia, we treat ourselves at Vetri cucina, the amazing restaurant of Chef Marc Vetri who is one of Philly’s top chefs. Going to Vetri is such an experience: located in a townhouse, it is as if you were invited to someone’s house. The decor is warm and the perfect setting for an intimate dinner where you will be able to hear your conversation, even if there is music in the background (well, Jodi noticed the music, I did not!).
Indian food is one of these cuisines that we often crave and with the closure of Soul Curry in Hoboken, we did not have much in the city, Karma Cafe not being a favorite. So, when Empyrean Indian Kitchen and Bar opened, we immediately ordered food for delivery and were impressed by the food there. So, it was time for us, many months later, to dine in there and, similar to our deliveries, we did it more than once…The dishes at Empyrean Indian Kitchen and Bar are a festival of flavors whether you want it spicy or mild, vegetarian or non-vegetarian. Every meal starts with the papadum, these crackers…
We were in Green Point, Brooklyn on a Sunday, looking for a place for brunch when we stumbled upon Le Fanfare, an Italian restaurant with a neighborhood feel. It was not that crowded when we arrived early, if not for a party in the patio. I immediately loved the decor, designed by Milan artist and architect Giuseppe Amato, that sets this place apart: on the left were wooden booths were we sat; on the…
Sparks Steakhouse is one of these places that are part of the history of New York, like Keens, Peter Luger or the Old Homestead. Not that it is that old, but it is a major player in the New York food scene, to the point that when it announced in 2017 that it would close its doors because it could not reach an agreement with its landlord, everyone was stunned. Fortunately, they were able to…
We were craving Chinese food and had to be midtown, so I thought that Dim Sun Palace would be a good spot for us. But not the location on the Theater District that can be really busy, we went to the one on 56th street. The place was packed, but, fortunately, they have a second floor that was quieter.
I discovered Cafe China several years ago, as I was going through the restaurants in New York with one Michelin Star. At the time, I was not that impressed by the food, but admitted at the time that it might have been because of the choice of dishes we made. So I was curious to see how this would be this time, and admit that this was very good, with a very speedy and courteous service! Here is what we had:…
We were craving Chinese food and decided to stop by Chinatown for lunch on a Saturday. Our original target was full with a long wait, so we finally ended up at Joe’s Ginger on Pell Street. The restaurant was a bit busy so I thought that, probably, that little known secret about this place was out: this is the sister restaurant of Joe’s Shanghai, a popular place in tourist guides, made famous by its "Xiao Long Bao", these…
We found El Rio Grande, a Tex-mex restaurant located Midtown East, while looking for Mexican food in that area. Their menu looking pretty good, we decided to give it a try. We went on the Friday before the 4th of July, the place not being that busy, probably because people were traveling. As we entered, we could not miss the over the top decor, with the oversized cowboy boot and the bison with wings that was hanging on top of the bar…
Located close to Grand Central, Dock’s Oyster Bar is one of those seafood institutions that seafood lovers must visit. This restaurant that boasts an impressive dining room offers an incredible menu where the fruits de mer (seafood in French literally meaning fruits of the sea) are celebrated in various ways: raw, cooked, in sushi or in pasta are few examples. A good way to experience it is by starting with one of their seafood platters. The Royale plateau is perfect for two, but I admit that I could…
When Eleven Madison Park announced that they would switch to a plant-based restaurant, a lot of people could not believe it, thinking that it would be a mistake. I was not one of them. Don’t get me wrong: I am a non-vegetarian, but also appreciate a good vegetarian or vegan meal. I think that there is a place for everybody’s choice and sometimes the label put on something seems to stoke a fire, even in the culinary world. Think about it: a margarita pizza is vegetarian.
As Jodi’s friend, Jackie, was visiting for Alaska with her daughter, we ended up at Alice’s Tea Cup on the Upper West Side. It’s been a while since we went to this whimsical place, the last time being for their afternoon tea. As you can guess, the name comes from Alice in Wonderland and, if you did not guess before going, you get a hint as you enter the restaurant, although the first thing you get is the smell of the delicious cookies and scones that they sell.
So I was curious to see their menu and immediately saw one item that made me want to try it: the Hang 10 burrito that is a Cali burrito. I never had a Cali burrito until I traveled to San Diego and had one at Lucha Libre, one of the known restaurants there. Simply put (and hopefully not insulting anyone), it is a burrito where the rice has been replaced by French fries. It was made with chopped steak, lettuce, Jack cheese…
I recently saw a post from Hoboken Girl saying that the best burger in the city is at 10th and Willow Bar and Grill. So I had to check it out as for me it is between Antique Bar & Bakery and O’Neals, but you never know!
We decided to go on a Sunday for brunch. The place was empty at the time we went and we got the impression they did not care much for us, maybe because we did not order alcohol. Who knows? So it took a while for our order to be placed. We started off with their fried goat cheese balls.
Have you ever been to a restaurant and have this feeling that things are not going to go well from the get go? This is what happened when we went for dinner at Terra in TriBeCa, after going to the New York Academy of Art for an exhibit where Jodi had a painting. It started with the host who barely said hello and apparently did not like the fact that I asked for a table that was not next to the sidewalk. Then, a first waiter came and took our order for drinks (I had a Mint Julep), before a second one came for the same thing. When we told…
We discovered Franklin Social two weeks ago, simply by seeing on Instagram that they had the 1947 beer on their menu. I know: it is weird because usually you go because you see a particular dish on social media, but no, this was this awesome beer that I discovered last year...
Located few blocks from Grand Central, Sinigual is a great Mexican restaurant: good ambiance and exciting menu come to mind when I think about this place that is quite big…
It has probably been 17 years since I have been to Sorrento’s, an Italian joint that serves large subs. So, as we were going to Freehold, I had a special request: to go to Sorrento’s for lunch. I admit that when we arrived, I did not recognize the place, not that it mattered much, as long as their menu was still mouth watering. And it was! Imagine: they serve subs with a bunch of meat, like ham, turkey, roast beef, salami, prosciuttino, chicken, roast beef or capicolla, that you can complement with cheese, and combine together in any way you prefer, making their 18 inches sandwiches even more decadent (yes…
There are few places in Hoboken where I would go for seafood. Halifax of course, at the W Hotel, and then The Stingray Lounge that I discovered few years ago. Located on the North part of Hoboken, they offer some delicious dishes that would satisfy any seafood lover: lobster, shrimp, crab or oysters to name a few. If you are vegetarian, it might be a bit more challenging, although they do not make a fuss about, like some restaurants would and I truly appreciated that they removed the meat from their cheese and charcuterie platter and did not charge us the full price that is often what restaurants do.
Beer gardens (biergarten in German) are great places for a comforting meal and it is really good to have Pilsener Haus and Biergarten in the North part of Hoboken. Interestingly, the crowd on weekends is made of families for lunch and early dinners, that is the crowd I prefer, usually quieter…Of course, going there, you expect beer and they have a large selection of beer on tap, in bottles or cans, as well as wine, ciders and sodas if you do not like beer.
I admit that my knowledge of Indo-Chinese cuisine has always been limited to very few dishes like Mandchurian cauliflower that is one of my favorites. So I was curious to see what Szechaun Mirchi in Jersey City was proposing. According to Wikipedia:…
I had Gran Morsi on my list of places to try for quite some time and, as Jodi went to an open studio at The New York Academy of Art, we decided to meet for dinner there. The place was nice, although a bit dark, making it challenging to see the menu, and we got to sit at a table in a corner, the kind that I always love, allowing us to sit next to each other and watch the dining room (people…
I am not sure what is the star of the show at Handcraft Burgers and Brew, the sister restaurant of Croton Reservoir that is next door. The burgers are amazing, not made with frozen patties, juicy, with a nice char. Although, I would go with the double patty so there is a good proportion with their amazing brioche bread. But the brews are also quite interesting as they…
I discovered Don’s Bogam few years ago, thanks to Jodi’s cousin, Jessica. This Korean BBQ place is great: good food, great drinks and courteous staff, a trifecta that makes for a perfect evening.
Eating at a Korean BBQ, there is always the excitement of getting the banchan, these small plates they bring at the beginning of the meal, with kimchi being usually the only sure thing you would get. And unless you ask, it is sometimes difficult to recognize what the dishes they are bringing are, or how…
It’s been a while since we have been to Bryant Park Grill and so, we decided to go for dinner on a Friday evening. The weather was nice but not enough for us to sit outside, so we ended up in the dining room, enjoying the noise level that I would love to see more often in restaurants.
When going to Gallagher ‘s, I always remember the first few times I went there: disappointing. But then, after they changed ownership and renovated the restaurant that clearly needed a new decor, I went back and was blown away. Not only did the place get a fantastic makeover, the food there has always been outstanding. Here…
I heard about the afternoon tea at Prince Tea House, so we decided to try as we were on a quest to try all the afternoon teas in the city. Interesting place for sure with a chic decor that is perfectly suited to the theme of this place.
We discovered Turkish Cuisine in Hell’s Kitchen few years ago and have been raving about their cotton candy dessert for some time. So, it was time to go back. Ok, the name is not that original, but at least you know what that this is a Turkish restaurant! We went on a Friday evening and the place was packed! I admit that I did not recall the decor that was full of little dolls and…
When people ask me what the best ramen place in NYC is, my answer is simple: Ippudo. I have been to this place for so many years and not once have I been disappointed.
It is a great experience. First, as you enter the restaurant, you are welcomed in Japanese (that always makes me think about an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm), and you are…
I really do not remember how many times we tried to go to Battello, an Italian restaurant located in Jersey City, with breathtaking views of the New York skyline. Well, weekends are more for private parties so we decided to go on a Monday a couple of months ago. Definitely ideal as there were not that many people, they sat us in the covered patio where we could admire the view while enjoying a delicious meal.
I cannot believe that it has been 2 years since we went to Basta Pasta, the US outpost of an Italian restaurant that opened in Japan in 1985, that I discovered few years ago and remains one of my preferred Italian restaurants in the city. Always packed, the menu there is amazing with so many mouth watering dishes that you are not sure what to get and just want to order the entire menu.
It’s been a while since we wanted to go back to Maiella, an Italian restaurant we discovered few years ago. So, as we were in Long Island City to see the opening of Peter Drake, the Provost of the New York Academy of Art and an amazing painter, we decided to make a reservation there, on a Saturday evening. Well, we went around 6pm and the place was not that busy and I enjoyed the fact that we could have a quiet dinner, until they started to increase the volume of the music and people started to come, large tables filling up with people ready to celebrate birthdays and other kinds of events.
We were looking for a place to eat near Bryant Park when we decided to try the new location of La Pecora Bianca. Although it was a Tuesday, we decided to still reserve a table: I am glad we did as the place was quite packed…and loud! The noise level in restaurants is definitely something I will never get used to, but we really wanted to try their menu.
I started off by ordering a negroni from…
We discovered L’Adresse a while back and decided to go back for dinner on a Friday as we were looking for a place close to Bryant Park. I remembered that I had a good meal there and was curious to know if they were still good considering that they opened a second location in the City, a sign that I took as a success for their venture.
The place was not that crowded and I really…
We were exploring the Financial District when we stumbled upon Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill at The Lowell, a luxurious apart-hotel. I knew Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken and was always curious to try this venture, having seen plenty of photos on Instagram that seem to showcase delicious food. We went on a Friday evening and, although the place was not that packed when we arrived, it changed as the evening went, the dining room filing up very quickly…
We decided to explore the Financial District when we stumbled upon Mezcali, a Mexican restaurant that opened few months ago. So we decided to book a table for the following Friday. Well, a Friday is always busy and this place was no exception: our table on the ground floor was located close to a table of screaming diners (the four of them sounded like there were hundred people, the alcohol not really helping), as well as a large table of corporate folks going there for a drink before the week end. We were there so there was no turning back, especially as I wanted a particular dish that I…
For a celebratory dinner, we decided to go to Porterhouse in Columbus Circle. We had a deal with Jodi: I would get my steak and she would get the dessert that she has been eyeing for some time…
To celebrate, we got two cocktails: the penicillin (Japanese whisky, honey, lemon, ginger and laphroaig 10 years myst) and a margarita…that was not what we originally ordered.
It’s been a while since I wanted to try Cha kee, a Chinese restaurant that opened in September 2021 in the heart of Chinatown. there, Executive chef Akiko Thurnauer (formerly of Mission Chinese, En Japanese Brasserie, Nobu Tribeca), crafted an interesting menu, far from the classic Chinese cuisine you usually find: no vegetarian dumplings or scallion pancakes. In fact, the menu is quite limited if you are vegetarian, so it was a bit of a challenge for Jodi. Not for me.
I discovered Pepolino in TriBeCa many years ago. This Italian restaurant has been there for some time, that is no wonder when you tried their food. Comfy, it reminded me some of the delicious dishes we had in Italy, like their pappa Al pomodoro, a soup made with tomato, garlic and bread. A peasant soup that is very comforting.
Another classic is their melanzane e scarmoza that is made with thin slices of eggplant topped with smokey mozzarella. Good, with a nice smokiness, I just wished that the eggplant would have been more cooked since it was bit…
I recently discovered Osteria La Baia, an Italian restaurant that opened a couple of months ago in Midtown Manhattan. I was not sure what to expect, but the few times I went there, I was blown away: great service and delicious food are the two impressions that remain…
You may think when reading the title of this post that I made a typo in the name of the restaurant, especially when seeing a mural of a tiger in the back of the dining room, but it is not the case. The Y replaced the I, as nod to The Tyger, a poem by the English poet William Blake, published in 1794 as part of his Songs of Experience collection. At The Tyger, Chef Paul Donnelly, crafted a menu with dishes from Southeast Asia, but with his own modern interpretation. We liked it so much that we went twice, two weekends in a row…
We are looking for a place to eat for brunch near Grove St in Jersey City, when I stumbled upon The Ashford, a sports bar. That’s usually not the type of places I would go to, my noise tolerance being a low, but, when I saw that they had a loaded croque madame on their website (it had fried chicken in it), I could not miss it.
The place is quite big, with multiple floors and a rooftop, and of course, large screens all over…
We were craving dim sum and planned to go to Jing Fong in Chinatown when we realized that this place closed, apparently temporarily, the only location still open being on the Upper West Side. Smaller than its sister restaurant, this place was packed and we could only have a seat at the bar, opposite to the counter that had a view on the kitchen. I wonder if it explains why it took them so long to come get our order…
It’s been a while since we wanted to try Domodomo in Jersey City (although know that they do have a location in New York City). From the outside, the place looks amazing with its dark front and the dining room that can host close to 100 people is spacious with, interestingly, the sushi counter totally blocked from the kitchen view that is quite unusual as people like to sit at the counter to see the Chef preparing sushi and sashimi. They do serve an Omakase at specific hours and then, the eight seats reserved for this dining experience, can see the Chef preparing the sushi, otherwise, outside of this, they also cannot see…
Newark Avenue in Jersey City has some great Indian restaurants and our lastest discovery was Honest, a vegetarian place that serves street food.
The dining room looks like a cafeteria and I admit that I was not sure if we should order at the counter, but, quickly, a waiter indicated to us that he would take our order at the table…
I love Johnny Rockets! This burger joint with its 50’s vibe never gets old. As soon as you enter the restaurant, it is like going back in time, bringing memories of movies and TV Series I saw when I was a kid in France. Especially one of my favorites, the sitcom Happy Days, that I used to watch with my sisters and brother, not missing one episode. Good job for a place that only opened in 1986 in Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles: you would have thought that it started in the 50’s and was…
We were looking for a place to eat downtown when we stumbled upon EAK Ramen that we passed by multiple times and always wanted to try. I love ramen that has been a never ending trend in the city for many many years now: perfect on a cold day, comforting and delicious. So we decided to try the American outpost that started in Japan.
When Baar Baar opened a couple of years ago, everybody wanted to try this Indian gastropub where Chef Sujan Sarkar proposed a menu composed of a modern interpretation of regional dishes. So it was time for me to try and we decided to try it on a Saturday evening, for an early dinner. Yes, I like early dinners: first, of course, I can roam around the place and take photos, but I also like the quiet. So I did my thing at Baar Baar and was quite happy to be able to because their decor is stunning, cozy with a beautiful mural next to the bar.
We passed in front of White Mana Diner many times, but did not know the history being this tiny diner that sits in the corner of Manhattan Avenue and Tonnele Avenue in Jersey City. This place was built in 1939 by Paramount Diner, a company located in Oakland, NJ for the 1939 World Fair and is the sister restaurant of White Manna in Hackensack. Both diners take their name from the biblical food, manna, but lost an “n” because of a mistake when manufacturing the sign! It is said that this is in this place that the slider was invented. Surely, when you step in, you have the impression it is…
Their afternoon tea is fairly classic: you get scones, sandwiches and sweets, but instead of just a choice of tea, you can opt for coffee or hot chocolate. Of course, you can also have champagne for an additional fee. Interestingly, as we were eating our way through, the waiter came to our table and asked if we wanted some more! Trust me: I had enough food there!
We have a sort of tradition with our friends Gary and Jen: first a Museum, then brunch. So this time, we went to The Whitney Museum for the Jasper Johns exhibit and then ended up at High Street on The Hudson, a place that seemed quite popular, so I was glad that we had a reservation.
From the get go the waiter told us that they only serve regular coffee: no espresso in sight.
There are two places that I love for steak in Hoboken: Antique Bar and Bakery with their amazing dirty ribeye, and Dino & Harry’s, a steakhouse named after Dino Panopoulos and his father, Harry, who have owned it since 1991. This place was also used in the movie The Trial of the Chicago 7, representing the Haymarket Tavern where protesters clashed with the National Guard. So we were a bit overdue, and I did not regret it! The food there was amazing. Here is what we had:
I found Sonnyboy, an Australian Café, while looking for a brunch place on the Lower East Side. I was not sure what to expect to be honest, but was quite glad I found it. Not that big with tables spaced enough in these times of Covid, it has a cool atmosphere and a great service.
Menu wise, I am not sure what an Australian brunch would be so I would say that it is international. To share, you can opt for their banana bread that is quite good with salted…
We were walking from Jersey City to Hoboken when we noticed a small place on Grove street with what appeared to be mismatched china tableware on the table. We were wondering if it was a tea parlor or something of that sort and a quick search gave us the answer: Dullboy is a cocktail bar. Taking its name from a line in The Shining, the terrific book from Stephen King, forever associated with Jack Nicholson’s performance, it comes from the line: « all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy », meaning that if you do not have time off work, you are both bored and boring. Well, Dullboy is…
I had Casa Mono on my radar for some time now and we finally made it for brunch. This Michelin star restaurant serves dishes inspired from the Costa Brava where the Chef, Andy Nusser, grew up. In fact he grew up in the fishing village of Cadaques that I visited when I was a kid during a memorable trip with my Dad and my brother. This place is where Salvator Dali lived for more than 40 years and there is a museum with his art that I can still picture.
For years, each time I was raving about the cheesecake at Junior’s, people were talking about The Cheesecake Factory. So, when I discovered that there was one at the Newport Mall in Jersey City, I could not wait to check it out.
We went on a weekday that I was off and surely our…
When I learn that Myron Mixon was opening a BBQ place where Soul Curry, my favorite Indian restaurant in Hoboken was, I was really looking forward to it. I met Myron Mixon aka the “winningest man in barbecue” and four times world BBQ champion in 2017, at an event organized by McCormick. We talked a little bit and when I told him that what we call barbecue in France is grilling, he told me: "when you go back to France, tell them that there is an old guy in America that is telling them that grilling is barbecue". I still…
With a last name like Vongerichten, I am sure people always compare you to the most known in the family or at least always make a reference as I am going to do it in this post. But you cannot not mention that Jean-Georges’ son, Cédric is, with his wife Ochi, the owner of Wayans, a restaurant located in Nolita that serves Indonesian cuisine with French influence…
I always loved delicatessen: there is something homey and nostalgic about these places, the only annoyance being the tourists invading obnoxiously places like Katz’s Delicatessen. Kosher or not, they have quite a classic menu, more geared towards the non-vegetarian than the vegetarian, cold cuts and all sorts of meats being the star. So yes, I was excited to go to the 2nd Avenue Deli. This time, we decided to go to their location on the Upper East Side on…first avenue.
We were walking around the mall at Hudson Yard, looking for a place to eat when we stumbled upon Miznon, an Israeli restaurant that replaced Bel Campo who had to close their doors because of a scandal. The place is big and they kept the same decor at Bel Campo besides few changes to make it their own. Interestingly, lunch was sit down but not dinner: we ordered, pick up and found ourselves a comfortable booth.
Dominique Ansel Workshop is like the laboratory of a mad scientist who is trying to find a secret formula. Items change on a regular basis with sometimes some of them being available only through the weekend. I wonder if it is not to test them and see if people would buy them before proposing them in his bakery.
Porter is an Gastropub in Port Imperial, Weehawken, that I had on my list for a while, thanks to one of my colleagues who raved about this place that opened in the Winter of 2020. There, Chefs Christopher Lim and Tara Glick crafted a modern American menu that caters to a wide range of diners, vegetarian and non vegetarian, made in the open kitchen. Accessible from the NY Waterway Port Imperial Ferry Terminal and the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, this is both a restaurant and a bakery and cafe called…
I discovered Muteki Ramen last year, as, loving ramen, I could not wait to try some of these noodle soups that they offer, the ramen scene in the Mile Square city being limited to Japanese restaurants having few offers on their menu and Vivi Bubble Tea and South Street Fish and Ramen downtown. Muteki opened in September 2020, during Covid and I admit that I mainly knew them from delivery and just decided to go check their restaurant after they messaged me on Instagram, offering a complimentary lunch to thank me for the shoutout I did previously on social media for this place.
It’s been a while since we wanted to try the afternoon tea at The Plaza Hotel in New York City: this is a must do, although pricey. We went on a Monday I was off and it was perfect: not too many people, quiet, the way I like! It was our first time at The Plaza and the doorman made sure we had a good reason to get in: you are either a patron or a guest to enter in this iconic place that is stunning, especially in this time of the year, dressed with Holiday decorations…
I am not sure how I feel about the Elysian Cafe in Hoboken. This place has been open since 1895 and that is quite a while, continuing to serve an hungry crowd, lines always forming outside. The Elysian calls itself a French bistro, but, putting French names on their menu and a very limited number of dishes like the steak frites or French onion soup, I would qualify it more as…
Serving Mexican food, Orale has quickly conquered the Hoboken crowd from day one. It is probably because of the creative menu they offer with only few standard dishes like, of course, guacamole (although they propose the classic one but also ), but most of their dishes have a twist making their menu unique. The decor, colorful and cozy, with its Mexican soda walls that are…
Jersey City has quite few gems and Lokal is surely one of them. I discovered this place back in September 2019, for their Grand Opening and we recently went there a couple of times for dinner. The place did not change if not for the outdoor dining that is probably the only benefit diners got from Covid: the floor to ceiling windows provide an unobstructed view of the…
We passed by Los Cuernos in Newport few times and so, as we love Mexican cuisine, we decided to give it a try on a Friday evening. Surprisingly, this place was not packed and, as the weather was nice, we decided to eat outside and drink as well, I decided to try their house margarita that is apparently made with their house tequila. Nice and a great price as only $8 (this was not a happy hour).
It’s been a while since we went to Black Barn, north of Madison Square Park and, as we passed in front of it, we decided to plan a visit for brunch, their outside setup being quite nice. So here we are, a couple of years later, ready to see how their menu evolved but also if we would have a better experience than before (dinner was great, but not brunch - this was before Covid).
If you like hot cocoa and French pastries, there is one place you cannot miss in Paris: Angelina, near the Louvres Museum. This spot that opened in 1903 is a little gem where the highlight of their menu is their hot chocolate that has been their recipe for success for many years. Even in the hot weather, you cannot resist it. So, when I heard that they were opening an outpost in New York, near Bryant Park, I was excited (beware that there is…
It’s been a while since we wanted to try Buvette in the West Village, but I admit that seen the lines of people waiting there with no possibility of reservation was a turn off. So, on a Monday I was off, we thought that it would be a good moment to try, people working. For sure the line was much shorter and we got our table in less than 10 minutes, showing up at 11am…
Instagram can be a great tool for restaurants as you get free advertising thanks to the photos they post or that their diners post. So, it is thanks to Instagram that we decided, last minute, to go to Sona for brunch. We had no plan that day and then I saw a photo from Chef Hari Nayak: it did not take us long to reserve a table and be on our way…
We passed in front of 12 Chairs Cafe in Soho many times, intrigued by the line in front of it as I never heard about this place before. The name comes apparently from the time their small cafe had only 12 chairs, a thing from the past considering that they expanded, with even a restaurant in…
Several weeks ago, Jodi went to Laduree with her friends Greg and Fletcher. She of course had to tell me what people ordered and that made me want to go back there. So, on Columbus Day, we decided to go back, myself being eager to get that vol au vent I had the last time we went.
As it was a Holiday, there were not that many people and…
I have always been a fan of Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, loving their steaks that they cook in butter and bring in a 500 degree plate to your table, sizzling, like hearing angels singing in your ear. But know that, unlike most of the chains, they are not consistent from one location to the other. I like the one…
I am a big fan of Brooklyn Chophouse. Funny enough, when I mention that place, people think that it is located in Brooklyn when in fact in it downtown Manhattan, close the the World Trade Center.
What I like about this place is their interesting menu that has Chinese food and steak! Interesting combination that they execute well. Although I was tempted to get their ribeye the last time we were there, we decided to stick to Chinese cuisine, sharing most of the dishes. Here…
I discovered Dulce de Leche thanks to one of my coworkers who brought the signature cake (aka the house cake) from this Argentinian bakery located in Jersey City and raved about the various items they offer. After tasting that cake (that yes, had dulce de leche in it), we…
We discovered Aunt Jake’s few years ago and loved their concept: they make homemade pasta and understand that sometimes diners would like to order a dish but the pasta might not be what they like or they do not see a sauce they love. So, what they do is that they propose a create your own concept where you can pick a type of pasta and a sauce. We were there for brunch and I surely did not need to do that because they had squid ink bucatini…
We were walking in Newport, looking for a place to eat, when we stumbled upon Fire & Oak in the Westin Hotel. At that point, we were not expecting much, thinking that a restaurant in a hotel would not offer an incredible meal, but that was ok, as we just wanted to sit down and relax after…
Going to Wild Ink in Hudson Yard was not our original plan. We wanted to go back to Miznon for dinner, but they did not have table service and we just wanted to have a nice dinner somewhere. So we roamed around the mall and ended up finding this place on the fifth floor. With its great view of the river and the Vessel, this place was quite busy, with few groups celebrating events and one of the dishes we saw the most passing by was their Peking duck that I would have loved to try, but they…
It’s been a while we wanted to try 10th Street Pasta & Pizza and we finally made it. Why did we want to try it? Many people say that it is the best pizza ever. So, on a Saturday evening, we decided to show up there, early because this place is always packed. It was crowded for sure, but we were able to be seated outside, even if the weather was still hot. This was not our best choice considering that the pizza itself was piping hot! Anyway, we decided to try their square classic….