Named as an homage to Homer Simpson, known for his appetite and love of Donuts, Homie’s is coming from Montreal to New York, to compete head to head for best donut in the city. With a large selection of doughnuts besides the classic glazed or vanilla glazed, or Boston cream, as well as some of their own creations, like Ferrero Rocher, Cannoli, strawberry cheesecake or…
Driven by the rapid shift toward high-quality, boutique production, diverse Mediterranean terroir, and innovative, tech-driven viticulture such as specialized drip irrigation to manage arid climates, Israeli wines are up and coming. The Israeli Wine Producers Association (IWPA) is promoting nearly 40 local wineries like the ones below, that are available online and in store:…
Taking its name from Robert Gair, the paper bag industrialist who created a manufacturing empire in Dumbo, Brooklyn, Gair is the kind of restaurant you would barely notice, probably because the front is kept busy with all the people who want to take a photo of the Manhattan bridge. Too bad, because…
Roughly translating to “Big door” or “Large household”, Ootoya is a popular Japanese restaurant that originated in Tokyo in 1958. In fact, few years ago, while being in the Japanese capital, we had a lunch there, where they serve the same concept called “Teishoku” that is a Japanese set meal usually composed of rice, soup, main dish and pickles. I love the concept because you get everything…
With several locations in New Jersey, Rumba Cubana is a good spot in Jersey City, near Hamilton Park, for a nice Cuban brunch. With a vibrant atmosphere, it serves a wide range of Cuban and Latin food, with so many mouth watering dishes that you would want to try everything. It starts with their Cuban tapas. I admit that I am not of big fan of the guacamole cubano ($9.95), simply because the plantains made it hard to eat and get a good amount of guacamole on it. I would have…
I recently received a coffee grinder from AMZCHEF to try. As I opened the box, I immediately saw how slick it looked with its anti-static silver body and its led panel. But, what makes it more interesting is its 48 grind settings, from coarse to fine, that you just need to adjust depending on the coffee machine you have, from French press, drip or espresso, giving…
Fire and Oak in the Westin Hotel is one of my favorite restaurants in Jersey City: nice atmosphere and great food there always makes for a nice evening. While Jodi always goes for their pizza (margherita - $20 or the Newport made with eggplant - $21), missing their no longer served Detroit pizza years ago, I enjoyed their steaks, especially their steak frites ($46), composed of a hanger steak and…
Meaning “grilled meat” in Japanese, yakiniku is what can simply be described as Japanese BBQ. Originating from Korean cuisine in Japan, it is simply bite size meat, usually beef, pork or chicken, that is grilled on either a charcoal, gas or electric tabletop. It’s been since a memorable trip in Japan years ago since I had Japanese BBQ, so I was…
I love coffee. So, when Amzchef proposed to send me their espresso machine to review I was quite excited. Especially as I could try it along their coffee grinder that is awesome.
This stainless steel machine looks slick with its LED control panel that allows you to choose between single shot or double shot espresso (what I usually drink), steamed…
If you always wanted to eat like a king, you should go to Crab House Times Square: the opulent decor, from the main dining room behind the bar to the various private rooms, with its gold Pegasus and giant chandelier will certainly make you think that you are royalty. The food as well: this is an all you can eat (AYCE) restaurant, where, for $168, you have two hours, from the time your drinks arrive, to ordering from their menu, from mainly seafood options to Wagyu ribeye lit on fire, Wagyu kalbi (rib) or Wagyu fried rice, with very…
Walking down Chelsea, we stumbled upon Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tart, a small joint serving sandwiches, coffee, basque cheesecake, cream puffs and, of course, cheese tarts. I admit that when going there, I did not know that the Japanese cheese tarts originated from Hokkaido, Japan, a large dairy production region, when in 2011, in Singapore, Shintaro Naganuma of the Kinotoya bakery, served tarts directly from the oven, causing the warm center to have that melting texture that made its success. I was…
Located in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen, Mercato is like your neighborhood Italian restaurant: cozy and warm, with a welcoming service, its menu showcases classic dishes. As I started off my meal with a Negroni, they brought us some lentils with capers in olive oil that was pretty good with bread and a nice way to open my appetite…
For her birthday, we asked my mother-in-law where she wanted to go and she picked Longhorn Steakhouse. This chain has an interesting story: it was founded on August 10, 1981, by George McKerrow Jr. and his father, George McKerrow Sr., along with Bill Norman and Bill Dukes, in Atlanta, Georgia. With its western saloon aestetics, it became popular in 1982, when,…
Founded in 1888 by Rabbi Dov Behr Manischewitz, the brand began in Cincinnati, Ohio, originally focused on mass-producing kosher matzo and then expanding to other products, becoming part of Jewish life, present in Sabbath, Passover seders and other moments where food is not just about sustenance, but sharing a moment with love ones. In 2026, Manischewitz released…
What is so special about Salswee, the Asian-French bakery that has taken NYC like a storm two years ago? People are raving about the fruit shape cakes, but I admit that I was less impressed by it than by their viennoiseries that were deliciously buttery and flakey. Don’t get me wrong, they are doing an amazing job shaping and decorating these little cakes that really look like mini versions of fruits, but it is more something I would try once to see what…
Located at the bottom of the luxurious William Hotel, few steps from Grand Central, The Shakespeare is an unpretentious English tavern that serves classic pub food. With a dining room separated from the bar, this dark but homey place only suffers from a shortage of staff that requires patrons to be patient and enjoy drinks as they wait for their food. With the cold weather, I was glad that they offered hot drinks ($16) like mulled wine, Bailey’s coffee, although I would…
Crafting 100% cold-pressed organic juices, made with Fair-Trade certified and non-GMO ingredients, with no added water or sugar, Wonder Juice is releasing two new vegetable juices: Clean Green and Veg8+Cayenne. Whether you are health conscious or need a snack, these juices are a perfect way to get a dose of vegetables.
I remember when Planet Hollywood started 35 years ago, being promoted by Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwartzenegger and Bruce Willis: it was a real phenomenon, with all the memorabilia from Titanic, Terminator and Alien being displayed in their restaurants. I only went once to a Planet Hollywood, in Hong Kong in 1998 and still have a small shot glass that I bought as a souvenir with my drink. Then, moving to New York, I never thought about…
Located on the Lower East Side, Gotham Burger Social Club has made the headlines for years now, with many considering that they serve the best smash burger in the City. So, as we were looking for a place to eat, we decided to give it a try. Cool vibe, reminiscent of old school joints, I was glad to see that they at least had a vegetarian patty ($10), made with Impossible meat, on their menu for Jodi. Obviously, if it was not for the little green flag on top of the burger, you could not tell with one was which as they both looked the same, being made with…
When you think about a snack to get while watching a movie, at home or at the movie theater, you immediately think about popcorn. At least, I do! And so, I was excited when the PR from Tommy Popcorn reached out to see if I wanted to try few samples. Doing some research, I realized that Tommy Popcorn is an homage to the 1950s movies, Inspired by a fictional filmmaker Tommaso “Tommy” Marino, who…
Lafayette Grand Cafe and Bakery is one of these institutions in New York, where you have no doubt you will get a nice brunch there, so, when our friend Jeannine visited during the holidays, we proposed to go there on a Sunday. The highlight would of course be the meal, but also the bakery, this place being known for its …
I love to make fresh juices, but, what I do not like is having to squeeze or chop fruits and vegetables. That is why I love the AMZCHEF Cold Press Juicer: with its 4.6’’ chute, you can simply put whole vegetables and fruits in it and it will do its magic at the push of a button. Quite easy. Another easy thing? Cleaning! With four detachable parts, it all goes…
Taking its name from a tree in the Mexican mountains, Oyamel is one of the many restaurants from Chef Jose Andres, that serves Mexican cuisine at the bottom of Hudson Yards. The place is big, colorful, with lots of light from its floor to ceiling windows and a nice vibe…
For our last meal in Savannah, we had an early dinner since we booked a 7pm ghost tour, and decided to try Sunday Sunday, as we passed by earlier and it seemed to be a popular place. We arrived as they opened the restaurant at 5:30pm and it was perfect being empty, quiet, but started to fill up fairly quickly…
We noticed Lulu’s Chocolate Bar as we were walking towards a pick up point to a Savannah City Tour. Just the name simply made us want to try this place. I mean, a chocolate bar? Well, it is not just a chocolate bar and they consider themselves a dessert restaurant that is all we needed to know. Entering the place, your…
We passed The Emporium Kitchen & Wine Market as we were strolling around Savannah and decided to give it a try for lunch one of the days we were in the area. We did not have a reservation (none available) but decided to try anyway, and got a chance to get seated on one of the high top tables located close to the pass. We first…
Finding a restaurant on Christmas can be a challenge and, as we were staying at The Alida Hotel, we got a reservation at Rhett. I am glad we did as this place was really packed, and decided to eat outside since the weather was pretty good. I started the meal with sipping on a cocktail called Second Glance ($16), made with Four Roses Bourbon, Amontillado Sherry, apricot and sea Buckthorn, a plant with…
I was looking for a vegetarian restaurant for Jodi and could not really find a pure vegetarian place in Savannah, rather restaurants serving vegetarian or vegan dishes. But, I stumbled upon Shuk, a restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine. I knew she would love it as much as I did and so, we walked past…
One of the best meals we had in Savannah was at Cha Bella, a farm to table restaurant where we were able to get a reservation on Christmas Eve. There, they make everything, buying produce on a daily basis at the Forsyth Park market (the names of the farmers are even mentioned on the menu). We started our meal with some hot house made…
I am a huge fan of Chef Hemant Matur who is known for being the first Indian Chef in the US to obtain a coveted Michelin star across two New York City restaurants: Devi and Tulsi. I followed him across the years in his culinary exploration, with Saar Bistro being his latest venture years ago before opening Veerays last year. I love the concept that is well represented there: this is the first Indian speakeasy in the Big Apple and you get that feel from the beginning, with its small entrance that brings you to a comfy, lounge like…
I was recently invited to try Leonetta’s brunch and, as I was checking out the menu and information about the place, I realized that the Chef and owner is also the Executive Chef and partner at Jack & Charlie’s no.118, and is not unknown: it is Ed Cotton, who was at some point the sous-Chef of Chef Cat Cora on Iron Chef America and participated in Top Chef season 7 among other TV appearances. So, I…
Just a couple of weeks ago, the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, released an official map of wine regions, split into seven areas: Judea, Samaria, Galilee, Negev, the Coastal Plain, the Valleys and the Carmel Mountain range. It is not that wine is new as it has been produced for thousands of years, with innovation coming into play for several years now, with techniques like drip irrigation that has revolutionized agriculture, making Israel one of the fastest wine growing regions in the World. The diversity of its soil and microclimates offer endless possibilities: from bold reds to crisp whites, it is surely putting Israeli wineries on the map, with more than 40 of then joining the Israeli Wine Producers Association.
It’s always exciting when you find an unusual place and it is how I felt when I found Coffee Project New York. We were with our friend Jeannine, looking for a coffee place since we were too early for our brunch reservation, when I noticed this place on Google Map, a comment mentioning their Deconstructed Latte ($12). I was thinking that this was probably a marketing thing where they would just give me an espresso and a some milk that I would need to mix myself, but it was not the case. When I ordered, they told me…
With just 500 sqf, Little Bar is one of the smallest restaurants in New Jersey. But it might be small, its experience is bigger: delicious craft cocktails and interesting small plates, without forgetting desserts, make this place worth knowing. Perfect for a date or a casual drink in a relaxed atmosphere. Surely, their cocktails, besides having interesting names, are creative (they have a full bar and can probably make any cocktail you cannot find on the menu). For instance, I got their La Vie en Rocks ($20, a reference to La vie en rose from Edith Piaf), that is…
I was wondering why El Vez, a Mexican restaurant on Vesey St, near battery Park had a portrait of Elvis and found out that, it is the name of a Mexican impersonator of the King. With locations in Philadelphia and Fort Lauterdale, the New York restaurant is huge: 300 seats…
When you love Korean BBQ and hot pot, and you do not know which one to pick, you might want to try Kpot Korean BBQ and Hot Pot in Jersey City (they have locations all across the US, in Alabama, Michigan, Missouri, etc.). They serve both. And by both, I mean you can have either one of them for $31.99 per person or, for an additional $5, you can get…
I really like the concept of hot pot and was really looking forward to try ZhangLiang Malatang in Jersey City. What I did not know is that Malatang is a popular Sichuan street food, where you choose a variety of ingredients like meat, vegetables and noodles, that are then cooked in their kitchen in either a broth or a dry spices mix, that can be quite spicy. Quite interesting as you do not know what you will end up with.
When going to Jack and Charlie 118 for brunch, there are definitely a few things that one must try. First is their Bloody Mary cart ($20) that they will wheel to your table so you can customize your own, picking first vodka or gin (I chose Ketel One vodka), hot sauce (I chose Cholula), the amount of horseradish you would like (or none if you do not like it) and a bunch of toppings like olives (marinated, stuffed with blue cheese…), bacon and others. Then proceed with…
Opened since 1888, there is no question that Katz’s Delicatessen is an institution in New York. So, I was looking forward to go there with our friend Alison and her son Connor as they were visiting. As we arrived, there was a line in front of the restaurant, but, fortunately, the wait did not last too long and, as we entered the place, they gave us each a ticket, not to be lost as otherwise you would have to pay a fee. They then told us that, if we did not want to wait, we could…
Located in the heart of Chinatown, Joe’s Ginger is an address to know for authentic Shanghai cuisine, and for soup dumplings. It is not the first time we went to this cash only place, and, each time, we had a delicious meal. So, continuing our culinary day with our friend Alison and her son Connor, we ended there for dinner. The place was quite busy, but we got a table fairly quickly and, after few minutes of our order being placed, the food started to come, the…
I was looking forward to try Pho Banh in Hoboken, simply because I love Banh Mi, this Vietnamese sandwich made with soft French bread. I was not disappointed: their “special” ($10), made with a generous portion of paté, charsiu and pork patty was flavorful, cucumber and pickled carrots adding some texture, and the cilantro, some freshness. They also have a vegan version, made with…
With three generations of chefs within the same family running a restaurant whose motto is « Now we can eat », Arthur and Sons is the kind of places that screams authenticity. With several locations in the city, it is the West Village one that we decided to try on a Friday evening. Reservation needed. Nice vibe, like your neighborhood restaurant where regular customers are coming for a family style meal. They do…
When Blue Anchor opened, few steps from the Hoboken Path Terminal, I was really curious to see what they would have to offer. So we went a few times for brunch and dinner to discover their menu that is mainly about seafood, but with other options, limited for vegetarians. With our meals, I had their OG old fashioned ($16) and the Captain’s colada ($18). For brunch, I wanted a frozé cocktail, but, by the time we finished our meal, it was not ready…
With few dishes that are a nod to French cuisine, I would more think that Cafe Cluny serves international food, from burgers to lobster rolls, pasta or these chicken dumplings buffalo style ($19) that are a cross between American and Chinese cuisine. Good idea, but I thought it did not deliver on its promise: the shell was thick as was the filling, giving to the dish a doughy-like texture. Or the burger ($28) where you…
Meaning “to feast” in French, La Ripaille is one of these iconic French restaurants that have been feeding hungry crowd for decades. Opened in 1980 by Alain Laurent, it fed celebrities coming to the West Village to try not only classic dishes, but also the own creations of the chef, like the Cassolette d’escargots a note facon ($22), where the traditional butter, garlic and parsley sauce is replaced with a tomatoes and cream sauce. Mon Dieu may some people say…
Taking its name from a Roman Catholic church in Milan, San Babila is an Italian coffee shop and restaurant on the Upper East Side that opened in the summer, where Chef Francisco Lamanna crafted a modern Italian menu. I admit that, as we entered, I saw that cozy coffee shop with mouth watering pastries facing the window, and thought that was it, until they pulled back a heavy curtain that was hiding a nice and warm dining room. I got…
Result of the collaboration between the team behind La Pecora Bianca (that is few steps from there) and Chef Einat Admony, from Balaboosta and Taim, Mama Mezze serves Mediterranean cuisine. The space is quite large and bright, with a fake orange tree in the middle of the dining room that makes you forget you are in New York. The menu is also exciting with so many mouth watering dishes you just want to…
Jersey City has quite a lot of nice restaurants worth a trip across the Hudson River and Liberty Prime Steakhouse is surely one of them. Opened since 2013, it definitely has the feel of a classic steakhouse: dimmed lights, dark leather (I love the small booth for couples) and a wait staff that you may wonder if you saw them in another steakhouse before…At least, to prevent patrons to complain about the light, they provide a convenient backlit menu that is classic, going from…
“You are what you eat” is how the mission statement of Heritage Grand Bakery, “Quality, health and tradition” was inspired from. Using ancient grains for its bread (the ancient grain bread is my favorite, but the focaccia they serve at the restaurant is also delicious with butter and olive oil), it is not just a bakery: next door is a restaurant that serves some delicious mediterranean cuisine showcased in an overwhelmingly mouth watering menu. We went there over a period of time, so, know that the menu changes from…
When I got an invite to go for dinner at Antoya a Korean BBQ located in Korea Town, I was quite excited as I love Korean BBQ, that I discovered many years ago when going to Seoul for work. Meaning “My dear Antonio”, Antoya is the construct between “Anto” part of the name “Antonio”, the son’s owner and “Ya”, a common Korean suffix added to the end of a child's name when you call them. Opened in 2018, it was on Michelin’s Bib Gourmand list in both 2021 and 2022, proposing an extensive menu of Korean dishes, from stews to BBQ, and an array of cocktails showcasing…
I remember the time there was this place selling ice cream downtown New York that everyone was talking about that we decided to try. At the time, I thought that it was worth going back there, even if I did not like everything. This was in 2014. Since then, I have been a big fan of this place, their ice cream being delicious. If you follow me on Instagram, you probably saw few times my stories, holding my…
Amzchef sent me a nut milk maker to review and I surely tried it extensively! As I drink soy milk and almond milk, I was curious to see how this small appliance would perform and I was not disappointed: the soy milk and almond milk I made was creamier than what I get at Trader Joe’s and the process was quite easy.
I hate restaurants like Aarzu! Once you eat there, not only do you regret they are not in your neighborhood and but it will also ruin any future experience you will have in an Indian restaurant. Well, when you know that Aarzu means “desire” in Hindi, you know a curse is upon you. A culinary curse. I admit that I did not expect such an incredible meal.
Meaning « perfect housewife » in Yiddish, balaboosta celebrates wife and mothers who are « the fearless emotional center of her family, who makes sure her table is not only full of gorgeous food, but also full of friends, love, laughter». A celebration that chef Einat Admoni, a James Beard Award finalist, showcases with incredible food inspired from Israel, but also her Persian and Yemeni roots.
Serving Cuban Chinese fusion in homage to the Chinese community that was once thriving in the Cuban capital, Havana, Calle Dao is not unknown to me. Cuban Chinese is not that common and people are always surprised when I mention such restaurant, forgetting that the long closed La Caridad was quite popular in New York at some point, being even mentioned in shows like Seinfeld. But Calle Dao is a bit different than La Caridad, a level above when it comes to dishes…and prices. Their black rice paella ($37) has been on the menu for years and is surely not to be missed with its clams, shrimp, calamari, mojo rojo and crema, in which you can add a grilled miso butter lobster (+$15) to make it…
Serving Mediterranean cuisine, Gotan is not unknown to me as I discovered this place few years ago in New York, where the owner, Rami Rosen, had several locations, before closing a few when COVID hit. Another place I knew of him is Yuki’s Coffee and Bakery in Hoboken, located few steps from the largest space the restaurant has ever occupied, with 5,000 square feet and two floors. The food there is fantastic, with two favorites of mine: the Gotan breakfast ($16.50), composed of an egg over easy, a Mediterranean salad, labneh, potatoes and a fluffy pita that is also served with my second favorite: the shakshuka ($18). This dish is a bit different from my family recipe that is a stew made with…
First was DoneRight Döner Kebab, and now we have Istanbul Doner Kebab, with a location that is more off the beaten path as it is on 8th, between Madison and Jefferson. Both restaurants serve Turkish doner, but the comparison might stop there as Istanbul Doner Kebab is not a fast casual place as DoneRight is. From the outside, I thought it was small, but in fact they have a decent size dining room, dominated by beautiful Turkish lamps. Their menu has a few vegetarian options, like the…
If you are around Manalapan in New Jersey, you may want to stop by The Greek Spot: this unassuming restaurant serves delicious food. We were there on a Saturday for lunch and had a great meal from their extensive menu. We started off with their zucchini fritters ($11) that were a lunch special. I did not expect seeing a small fried patty. Served with tzatziki, it was very slightly crispy on the outside, hiding a filling made with course zucchini, but also parsley, onion, dill, covered in breadcrumbs. They do have other vegetarian dishes (the fritters were vegan, not the tzatziki), like the…
Amzchef sent me their new Portable Desktop Kitchen Range Hood to try and I admit that it is even better than the previous one (review here), that I use regularly, as I think that it does a better job than the one I have on top of my stove. This one has 4 speeds, from low to high, ensuring adequate suction based on the type of food you are cooking. It is also perfect if you have a small kitchen or in an RV. The video below will show you how to use it and, at the end, you will see it in action!
We recently discovered Fluffy, Fluffy, Go! In the Newport mall. Located in the third floor food court, this place is a little gem. Of course, the main thing to try there is their fluffy pancakes, a Japanese version where egg whites are beaten to give this thick and airy consistency to an all American dish. So, I went for their combo ($27.50) that came with their signature pancake, a sandwich (I chose the tamago ham sando), and a drink ( had a Thai iced tea). The pancake was very good, light and fluffy, covered …
I have always been a fan of Chef David Burke: his food is creative and exciting, sometimes whimsical, so every meal is something to remember. So, when I walked passed Park Avenue Kitchen by David Burke, I made a point to try it. We went for brunch twice, the second time being at the time of restaurant week, where, for $30, you get an appetizer and an entree. The menu had plenty I wanted to try, but I settled for the lobster dumplings that were sitting on a delicious tomato-miso dressing. Elegant, the shell was perfectly made, covering the deliciously cooked lobster...
President Cheese sent me a Brie to come up with a recipe and of course baked Brie is what comes immediately to mind. I mean Brie with a good bread is fine, but I often get Brie bites or baked Brie in restaurants, so, why not make my own? It is an easy recipe that will make for a great appetizer and takes less than 30 minutes to make.
We wanted to have a light lunch on a weekend and ended up at Spring Cafe Aspen, located few blocks from Washington Square Park. Their menu, that they describe as « healthy conscious » is vegetarian, with lots of vegan options, all prepared using organic produce and no refined sugars or processed food. Considering the dinners I had that week, I thought it would be a good idea…
There used to be a time where, if you wanted to eat a cheap meal, you would go to a Thai restaurant. And then, the past few years have seen the emergence of fancier Thai places, not only serving different dishes than the traditional curries or noodles, but also proposing interesting cocktails. Chalong in Hell’s Kitchen is one of them. Meaning “celebration” in English, Chalong is also a southern district of Phuket in Thailand. The restaurant, that opened in 2023, serves Southern Thai food. There, Chef Nate Limwong crafted a menu that is quite unique, centered on seafood and with limited …
Located few steps from the Empire State Building, Royal 35 Steakhouse is one of these little gems that no one is talking about (think Peter Luger and Gallagher’s for instance). Well, this is probably a mistake. This place that has been around for some time is worth knowing. I recently went with a friend and we shared an amazing porterhouse ($75 per person). I love the porterhouse experience: even if you do not order it, you cannot resist looking up as you hear the sizzling sound passing by. But, when it comes to your table, it is even better! The meat was perfectly cooked medium rare, with a…
I finally made it to Mary O’s Irish Soda Bread shop in the East Village, where Mary O’Halloran serves only soda bread in two shapes: loaf or as a unit with butter and a homemade blackberry jam. This place has been on my instagram feed for some time, but I admit that I was waiting a bit before going because of the wait (they open at 7am until sold out that is their everyday life considering how popular this place is). So, we decided to go the weekend of the 4th of July, thinking that …
Opened beginning of July where Park Avenue Cafe used to be, the Mile Square Cafe caught a lot of attention as it is the new venture of the Chefs behind O’Bagel, a Hoboken favorite who won the United States of Bagel competition. So I was curious to try Mile Square Cafe. It is a nice large space, bright and spacious, with a counter to place orders in the back and a bit of the view of the busy kitchen that does not seem to slow down. Coffee and tea are fairly standard, but what makes all the difference is their food that definitely stands out. They make focaccia in various ways: sweet with their surprising…
At Mustard Indian Eatery, he partnered with chefs Sharmeen Rahman and Lisha Khondokar who both have their own culinary expertise: Chef Sharmeen for chutneys, relishes, and curries, like Mughlai Gosht, a classic lamb dish with cashew, bay leaf, and cardamom that I tried. Creamy, comforting, the lamb was perfectly cooked. Chef Lisha who crafts vegan and vegetarian dishes like the Baigan Bharta in the vegan section, that is made with smoked eggplant, garlic, tomato and coriander, reminding me a bit of a spiced version of eggplant shakshuka. Both dishes were delicious with their …
Vegan food comes a long way. Having to eat in a vegan restaurant used to be, for non-vegetarians and even vegetarian, a bit of a chore, where you would go only if you had to. Then, it was often rebranded as “plant based”, giving it a cool and planet friendly image. Of course, there were exceptions, like Elizabeth’s Gone Raw in DC (now simply called Elizabeth’s), Vedge in Philadelphia, or the controversial change at Eleven Madison Park in New York. Of course, exceptions were not just reserved to fine dining: places like Double-Zero proposed some quite delicious food. So, I was very open to…
Replacing the regretted Hidden Grounds, Blue Angel Cafe & Bakery, a Korean coffee shop, opened a couple of weeks ago and we had to check that out. Of course, I cannot not comment about the fact that there are many coffee shops in Hoboken, but at least, this one is a bit different, competing a bit with Paris Baguette, but, fortunately located far from it, Paris Baguette being uptown and Blue Angel downtown, close to the path. The place is nice, very bright, with a large table in the middle of the room where lots of unusual products are displayed, and, next to the cashier, refrigerated items such as…
I was really excited to go to Shmoné, a modern Israeli restaurant that was awarded a Michelin star for the first time. Knowing that the chef, Eyal Shani, is also behind Miznon, that I love, we knew we would be there for a treat. We went on a holiday and made sure we had a reservation as this place can be packed. And it did fill up pretty quickly, in the dining room, where we were seated, and at the counter, where diners could observe the kitchen do their magic. The menu is definitely intriguing as, it showcases a lot of very creative dishes. For instance, the crab shawarma ($44) on tomato foam was something I had to…
Taking its name from a famous poet, Rumi Turkish Grill has been serving hungry crowds in Jersey City for several years, offering an extensive menu that makes you want to order everything. We went on a Saturday evening and the place was busy, but not to the point of overwhelming the kitchen as the food came quickly, or the wait staff who was welcoming and checked on us regularly. I love Turkish cuisine and was really looking forward to try few dishes. Here is what we had:…
Omakase seems to be a trend nowadays in New York. I wonder if it is the element of surprise of such meal that makes people love it. If you never had omakase before, know that this Japanese word means “I leave the details to you” and so, you will just sit at the counter and let the chef serve you whatever comes to mind. So, if you do not like raw fish or any seafood, this is …
Located at the entrance of the Newport mall in Jersey City, Buongiorno Gelateria serves an interesting selection of handmade gelato, like the Dubai chocolate that everyone seems to have right now in ice cream or coffee (theirs is pretty good but I am not sure I would get a full scoop), Rafaello chocolates, Kit Kat, etc. In fact, I got their Two Towers that was made with Kit Kat, Nutella and chocolate, a quite decadent mix that had some pieces of Kit Kat in it that added some crunchiness to it. I also…
I have known the brand President for its cheese and butter, the last one I tried being the Leerdammer, their brie and camembert being often in my parents’ fridge when I was a kid. So, when they proposed to send me their gourmet whipped cream to try, I was a bit excited. With the summer, it is perfect with ice cream, but I also enjoy it on pies, fruits, on top of my double espresso or a hot cocoa, and even just like that, without anything else. I mean, Chantilly was something I had often when…
The concept of bouillon was created by a French butcher, Pierre-Louis Duval, in 1855 who got the idea to serve simple and affordable meals in the bustling Les Halles, in the center of Paris, with broth (bouillon in French) being the base component. In the past few years, this concept saw a revival with many restaurants flourishing across France. There, classic French dishes are …
On our first night in Porto, we were looking for a place to eat when we found Auge, a restaurant adjacent to a rooftop on the 19th floor of the Porto Palacio Hotel. We first had a drink, a mocktail called “wild berry” (8 Eur) for Jodi that was made with mixed berries, mint, lime and club soda, and a Port wine for me, a Tawny Douro 20 yr. (20 Eur). Quite relaxing, the view of Porto was beautiful, especially as …
Another recommendation from our tuk tuk tour guide was the Mercado do Bolhao in the city center. This is an impressive open market, with its two floors, the first one full of tourists avid to eat seafood (especially oysters and shrimp), charcuterie, cheese, bread, pasta, you name it, and the second floor being a bit more quieter, with restaurants serving Portuguese specialties (one of them was vegetarian) and that seem to cater also to tourists. We just stopped by for sweets, having a …
As we were on our way to see the striking Sao Bento railway station (impressive blue tile work describing the history of Portugal), we stumbled upon the Time Out Market that is a little over a year old. I admit that I had no idea there was one there and so we had to check it out. Opened daily from 10am to 12pm, it overlooks the train station. Inviting, with lots of light thanks to its floor to ceiling windows, there is also a large outside area where diners can enjoy the good weather. Most of the restaurants were serving Portuguese cuisine, a heaven for seafood lovers, with few…
I finally tried a real Pastéis de Nata during my visit in Porto. I have tried this Portuguese egg tart in the past in Chinese restaurants, at Paris Baguette and even Trader’s Joe who proposed for a limited time frozen ones that were pretty good, but never what I would qualify as “real” ones. I mean, the closest were probably in Chinese restaurants as this delicacy was introduced in Asia, especially Macao as it was a Portuguese colony. Still, the one at Manteigaria, a store that is all around Porto where…
During a tour of the city in Tuk Tuk, our guide mentioned the Majestic Cafe, saying that the interior is worth a visit there. So, we decided to check it out. Originally opened in the 1920s, this cafe that went through ups and downs, is a popular spot for tourists who want to admire the beautiful art nouveau decor, with its curved wooden frames, large mirrors and stunning decorative details, or want to see one of the locations where…
Looking for a random place to eat in downtown Porto, we ended up at Raiz, a place that seem small, but little did we know they had additional dining rooms on the three upstairs floors. We decided to try it for two reasons: availability of vegetarian options that were sometimes very limited, and the fact that it offers lots of small dishes so we could try a bunch. Here is what we had:…
There are several dishes that are must have in Portugal and the Francesinha is surely one of them. What I did not know is that this decadent sandwich that originated in Porto at the beginning of the 1950s is inspired from the French Croque Monsieur. The story says that Daniel David de Silva, upon returning from France and Belgium tried to adapt the French sandwich to Portuguese palate. The result is a heart attack on a plate: …
Porto has quite a few Michelin Star restaurants and Elemento is surely one to visit. Located few steps from the Cathedral, the front of the restaurant does not give much hints about what is going on there, except the mention of “Fire Dining” under its name, that I am sure people read quickly as “Fine Dining”. No, it is the word “fire” that is written, and entering the restaurant, your nose cannot miss the smell of burning wood. The explanation is simple: everything is cooked with…
Angelina Bakery, not to confuse with Angelina Paris (the place near Bryant Park with the amazing hot cocoa), is an homage by Tony Park, who is of Korean descent but was raised by an Italian family, to his grandmother Giuliana, who taught him cooking and baking, and his daughter Angelina who gave her name to the quickly expanding franchise. The location in Times Square opened a couple of months ago and is much better than the one they have on 8th avenue: brighter, more inviting and surely a perfect spot for business. There are really two things I love there: their …
Dining at Lilli’s Victorian is like jumping into another dimension, but not just any, the one from Harry Potter. The entire decor reflects the magical world of the famous wizard: from the Hogwarts train station, to Dobby, to the giant Hagrid in the back who overlooks the dining room, as if he wanted to make sure all diners would behave. Lilli’s Victorian has an interesting menu, but what we wanted to try is their afternoon tea. For $50, you get assorted mini sweets (tier 1), scones with jam and pastries (tier 2) and sandwiches (tier 3). Two things happened when we ordered. First they told us that we need to choose two out of four sandwiches, a choice that is not indicated on their menu. That was fine, Jodi choosing …
When one of the descendants of writer Victor Hugo (« Les Misérables ») joins forces with the Serafina group, you get one of my favorite French restaurants in the city: Brasserie Cognac. It is in 2008 that Chef Florian Hugo started this adventure that continues years later with the same quality and superb French flare. Brunch or dinner are equally delicious, with dishes like the soufflé that are perfect any time of the day. Their cheese soufflé ($34) is definitely recommended: fluffy and cheesy, with a delicious golden crust. It is a rare dish to see on a menu, besides of course, the classic chocolate soufflé, and they execute it perfectly, reminding me a bit my childhood in France when my mom was making it for dinner, being less successful when it comes to the way the soufflé rises. For a smaller size appetizer, the…
The 2nd Avenue Deli is one of these iconic Jewish delicatessen that do not age. The food is simply comforting, large portions being the main characteristic of such place. However, I love the fact that they offer a half sandwich and soup, even if for $28.95, it is a bit pricey. For soups, I prefer the matzo ball over the borscht, the latter not being the best I ever had (Veselka it is). The matzo ball is light, bathed in a delicious chicken broth with pasta and carrots. A…
We passed in front of Shoo Loong Kan in Jersey City so many times, with sometimes people waiting outside for a table, that we decided to give it a try on a windy and somewhat cold Saturday. We showed up at 12pm and got a table right away. Good, considering that 30 minutes later, the place was full. Meaning “Little Dragon Ridge”, It is named after a location in the Shapingba district of Chongqing, known for its mountainous terrain that looks like a dragon. Originating from the…
We recently discovered Lolita in Midtown Manhattan. This place, that serves Mexican food has quite an amazing decor, vibrant and bohemian chic that make it a hot spot for a happy hour. Well, talking about happy hour, it extends until 7pm on Fridays, which were the days we visited them, so we took advantage of it for their margarita ($12) and empanada de platano ($7 for two). They do have other cocktails, like The Jerk, that, just because of the name, I had to order. It had so many components: with vodka, banana, lime, strawberry, ginger, allspice, jerk bitters, scotch bonnet and is carbonated (hopefully, I did not forget anything). It is as they describe it like a clarified and refreshing highball with notes of Caribbean fruits and spices. And for sure, they are generous with the vodka! Anyway, being …
We discovered Court Street many years ago but never went back until recently, for restaurant week, where I thought that they did an excellent job serving dishes that make you want to go back, capturing the spirit of the event. And we did go back. Serving hungry diners for more than 40 years, its bar is always full of people having drinks or eating on the high top tables, but I prefer their dining room, located in the back, that is quieter. The food there is very good, with a long list of daily specials. I mean long. Issue is: everything sounds good and you are a bit overwhelmed by all these choices, knowing that you …
The biscuit Babe in Hoboken is a recent addition to the food scene in the mile square city, opening March 2025 and shy of two months in operation when I visited them. Replacing D’s Soul Food Cafe, the space is quite nice, bright and beautifully decorated, with inspiring quotes on the wall that you can read as your mind wanders. Biscuits is their specialty and, of course, I had to try their BBL Drizzly fried chicken with honey butter, even if it was only 8am…The sandwich looked amazing, the reddish, shiny fried chicken pieces dripping in honey butter, being squeezed between a nicely made biscuit. It was …
Hani’s Bakery is one of these spots that get a crazy amount of attention on social media, whether it is Tik Tok or Instagram, with people raving about one of two things that are absolutely to try. So, on a day I was off, we decided to see for ourselves. As it was a weekday, there was no line and the place was not that busy, although we saw many people stopping by to get some goods there. We ordered at the counter after a lengthy discussion about what to get, as everything looked good. We then …
One of the most memorable trips abroad was when we went to Japan few years ago, visiting Tokyo and Kyoto. I loved the food and the culture. An opportunity we got later on was getting a subscription to Tokyo Treat, where you receive a box on a monthly basis for a subscription, allowing you to discover, every time, new sweets or snacks. So, when ICHIGO.inc, the company of www.tokyotreat.com and Sakura.co contacted me to try their …
I had Oxomoco in Greenpoint on my radar for a while, so, when I heard that they got awarded a Michelin Star, I had to definitely go and see for myself. Let me start with that strange name that refers in Aztec mythology to a deity associated with night, astrology and the calendar, and is said to be the first woman, akin to Eve. Isn’t food a good way to discover other cultures?
Anyway, we decided to go to Oxomoco for brunch, that is served also weekdays. The trip to Brooklyn was not …
There is a new coffee shop in Hoboken, that seems to be the kind of businesses who wants to open in the mile square city considering how many have opened in the past few months or are scheduled to open. Question is: how many coffee shops do we need? I do not know and anyway decided to try anyway! So, Forum Coffee is new, replacing Cafe Amor, Hoboken being…
It’s been a while since I visited one of the locations of Luke’s Lobster, that I once considered, with The Lobster Place in Chelsea Market, one of my favorite locations for a lobster roll. There are plenty of places proposing this divine dish, but I often end up with a roll that has too much celery, overpowering the entire thing, or the lobster is overcooked. So, after going to Angelo Seafood Market in Hoboken, I decided to pay the one in the garment district a visit. But, instead of …
With a location in the east village, Tipsy Shanghai is a true find. Serving Chinese food in a beautiful decor, the dining room being decorated with tons of ornaments to remind you where you are eating, this place has an extensive menu. But there are few things that are a must have. The Wuxi pork ribs ($18) is definitely one, with a recipe that was passed from generation to generation since 1905. These ribs literally fell off the bone. Then there is the crab xialong dumplings ($7.95 for 4), pork and …
Opened in May last year, Diner 24 is trying to differentiate itself from an unfortunately dying breed of diners in the city. How? By serving big portions and crazy milkshakes. So I had to check it out and left perplexed: not that I was surprised that the huevos rancheros would just be ok in a diner (yes, they were and interestingly, our neighboring table ordered the same and the presentation was a bit different, with avocado on top; probably forgotten by the kitchen on our side), but I found that the 12oz double smashed burger they were offering, although it looked dry at first, was really good. The meat was juicy and nicely caramelized, with crispy bits on the outside. However, the onion…
Located in the posh Bryant Park Hotel, Koi serves an elevated Asian menu that is definitely worth a visit, even if a bit pricey. I should mention that they have a vegan menu that is not brought systematically to the table and you would need to ask for it. Of course, you can get a miso soup or some edamame, but I suggest the crispy rice that is in essence a sushi made with crispy rice that they propose with spicy tuna, yellow fin tartare or truffle avocado that is what we ordered. It is at this place that we tried crispy rice for the first time, many years ago, and we are never disappointed: you get the …
If you have never been to The Tin Building, you are truly missing an incredible experience. This food market from Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten is superb, with my favorite spot being their bakery that proposes delicious items, similar to what you would get in France. My favorite is their brioche au sucre that is better eaten there, as the sugar will fall in the bag on the way home, and their...
Shalom Japan in Williamsburg is an interesting find: there, married chefs and owners Aaron Israel and Sawako Okochi created a menu that merges their two cultures, Jewish and Japanese, giving a nice twist to both cultures, the most representative dish being their matzoh ball soup ramen that is made of chicken broth, wood ear mushrooms, scallions, nori, soy marinated egg (it is an add on), Mandel for some crunch and matzoh ball (I asked for a second one). This is a ...
Few weeks ago, Amzchef Appliances sent me this slow juicer and asked me to review it,. So, I played a bit with it, making orange juice, pineapple and apple juice, pomegranate and apple juice,...
It is a tall juicer for sure, and, when I unboxed it, my first action was to make sure that it fits under my kitchen cabinets, that was not a problem at all. The size is because...
Years ago, I have tried the lobster pasta at Avra Estiatorio, a fancy Greek restaurant with several locations in New York and since then, I have been drooling just thinking about it. The last time I went there, they were offering the dish for market price at $75 a pound, plus $20 for the pasta that I thought was a bit pushing the envelop as they could have thrown the pasta for free for anyone ordering lobster! Anyway, we went there on a weekend for lunch and I saw it on the menu for $64. So, I decided...
Smashed burgers are becoming a trend. It’s true that because of the way they are cooked, the taste will be a bit more pronounced, especially when the edges are slightly crispy and caramelized. So, after 7th Street Burger (my least favorite) and Dipped’n Smashed (my top burger joint) opened, I thought that would be it. This was until Mashed Burgers opened a couple of weeks ago, replacing Bareburger that suddenly closed. So we had to try it. The decor at Mashed is colorful and you cannot...
Don’t be mistaken by its name: Byrd is not specialized in cooking volatiles many ways, but is a nod to the American polar explorer, Richard Byrd, with their logo being the Arctic Tern. Yes, it is Byrd with a “y”. Located off the beaten path, it is one of those fancy restaurants in Hoboken that are worth a little walk. There, Chefs and owners Ehren and Nadine Ryan serve an array of interesting dishes to share or not, starting with snacks like their bbq'd Matake mushroom skewers smothered in soy caramel glaze...
I don’t know if you have noticed but there are more and more Japanese restaurant that are based on the principle of make your own box rather than just taking some pre-made items. Sushi and Co is one of them, with already three located in the city. The one I visited opened several weeks ago in the heart of Time Square in New York City.
Paris Baguette opened few weeks ago in Hoboken. This South Korean bakery that opened in first location in 1988 proposes a French inspired offering. But I admit that I would probably not go there for a croissant or chocolate croissant that are good but would be better with more butter, preferring more their pain aux raisins or their chocolate twist that is slightly crunchy and buttery, their sugar twist, their Pastéis de Nata that is a Portuguese egg tart, or, more French, the palmier that is one of the best I had, being buttery and nicely caramelized. They also have their own interpretation of the…
A knife is to the Chef what a scalpel is to the surgeon. So, when a representative from Sakuto proposed to send me a Damascus steel knife complimentary for a review, I was quite excited. I admit that I never heard of Sakuto before, probably because I was not looking specifically at kitchen knives before, but learned that it is one of the most famous Japanese brands that originated in Seki, a city well known for its…
Adjacent to The Moma, The Modern is probably the most underrated two Michelin stars restaurant in the City. I do not know why. Anyway, we were looking for a place to celebrate our anniversary when we saw that they offer a unique experience that any food enthusiast would appreciate: a table in the kitchen that gives you an inside look to what happens in the kitchen. I have been to Michelin star kitchens before, from Noma in Denmark to Maison Pic in France, without forgetting Eleven Madison Park, and have…
Replacing City of Saints, Koocheh Coffee, opened few weeks ago in Hoboken. In Persian architecture, a Kucheh or Koocheh is a narrow alley that suits well this small place for sure. At Koocheh coffee, you get classic offerings of a coffee place, but there are few additional choices that are worth trying: chai that you can see more and more on menus, that, even if made from a syrup, is quite good, and their turmeric latte that Koocheh’s owner, Babak Moghaddam, told me…
Italian family style restaurants always remind me when I brought my family who came from France for our wedding to Tony Di Napoli for a welcome dinner. We not only had fun with my family singing what I would just call classic French celebratory songs (I will not give more details but you can guess that there was some good ambiance in the restaurant), but the food was delicious (if you go, get the meatballs). So, I was looking forward to going to Carmine in Times Square. We were 7 people and had to wait just a bit for a table, the big…
We passed in front of Uncle Momo many times and decided to try that place for brunch on a Saturday. The result? We went back several times for lunch and dinner, the food being very good. We mostly tried their Lebanese dishes, some being served with their house made pita that is superb and is a must have (you can order it for $1), perfect with hummus or babaganouj. If you are vegetarian, they do have a falafel platter (these falafel are light and crispy), but my favorite is the Momo’s breakfast that…
With its scallion pancake sandwiches, Win Son Bakery in Brooklyn, has been all over social media, people raving about the Taiwanese American sandwich fusion. So, I decided to try it. We went early right before Memorial Day, thinking that many people would be away. Wrong: the place was packed, we got lucky and found a seat inside. We ordered at the counter and it took a bit of time to get our food, the staff bringing it to you after identifying your order with the number they give you at the cashier that you place on your table. I got the mortadella egg sandwich, mortadella being one of…
Have you ever eaten in a disco, the music being so loud you can’t even hear what other people are saying? That is what I felt when I had dinner at Pink Taco in Times Square. They describe themselves as a “trendy eatery/bar with a rock 'n' roll vibe, serving Mexican fare, including tacos & margaritas”, that is for the most part correct, but the rock n’ roll part is more than a vibe. Good music, but so loud, that you just want to eat quickly and leave (at least that is how I felt). The thing is, the food took forever to come, and…
We were going to the Museum of the Moving Image in Long Island City, when we stumbled upon Sala Astoria a restaurant with a large tapas menu. Great place I have to say, with so many choices for vegetarians and non vegetarians. Of course the tortilla espanola is a must when having tapas and theirs is superb: moist with the egg very slightly runny, smothering the perfectly cooked potatoes and onions.
When Morelia Gourmet Paletas opened in Hoboken, I was really excited! I love ice cream, so combined with whatever topping you can put on top, this is heaven. The ice cream at Morelia is simply delicious, made fresh everyday, and creamy. When you go there, you first pick your paleta from their large selection, that you can then dip and cover with the topping of your choice: dark chocolate, white chocolate, crunchy…
If you are looking for a place for breakfast or brunch that proposes insane dishes and milkshakes, Brownstone Pancake Factory in Freehold is the right place for you. As you enter, you get the sense that this will be a bit crazy, the decor, with its fully functional carousel and sign in the back, setting the tone. Sure, you can get plain pancakes, waffles or French toast, but, looking at the menu, you will be intrigued and probably want to order something decadent. To start, check out their milkshakes: you can get a classic vanilla or chocolate one, but their “ultimate insane milkshakes” are…
The Burger Temple in Weehawken is an interesting place: located in an old bank (you can see the vault in the back) and with a cool decor, it is not just serving burgers, but also Colombian dishes like arepas or empanadas.
Created last year by the founders of Unregular Pizza, Unregular Bakery is quite original: do not go there if you are looking for classics. The vessels for their sweet or savory offering are laminated croissants or bombolone, these Italian donuts and you kind of get overwhelmed with all these mouth watering items on their menu, with lots of vegan choices. I did not really liked the filling of the BurraCroissant, that is…
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….
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…
There is no question that Antique Bar & Bakery is one of my favorite restaurants in Hoboken: their food is simply fantastic, their dirty ribeye being phenomenal and their bread pudding one of the best I ever had among other things that makes this popular restaurant a visit worth a trip to the mile square city. So, when they opened Antique on 112, few steps from their restaurant, we had to try it. The first time was during the Holidays, a perfect time as many people were traveling. The second was recently: the experience was totally different as the place was packed and the cuisine seemed overwhelmed with not just the orders from their hungry diners, but also the deliveries….
When La Isla Uptown closed, I was a bit sad, the place serving delicious Cuban food in a more spacious space than the downtown location. Martha’s came a few months later, who, leveraging on the decor of its predecessor, serves new American cuisine. We went there a couple of times, and tried some of their dishes. Here is what we had:…
I passed in front of the Scandinavia house so many times and never noticed that there is a restaurant tucked inside: Bjork Cafe proposes Nordic cuisine in a minimalist decor. We found it on Opentable.com, as we were looking for a place to go on a Friday evening few weeks ago.
This is not the first time we went for afternoon tea at The Plaza Hotel. We wanted to go during the Holidays, but it was impossible to get a reservation. So we went 2 weeks ago, on a Saturday at 11am. As we arrived, they asked if we had any dietary restrictions and gave Jodi a vegetarian menu that was not on their website. On my side, the only choice I had was the Holiday Signature Tea that they probably continue to serve in January. If you never had Afternoon Tea, it is composed of…
Since it opened in August last year, Toast x Bowl has been one of our favorite places for lunch on the weekend. This casual place offers an interesting menu composed of sandwiches and rice dishes with an asian flair. I admit that I am not sure which one I prefer, both being quite tasty.
The sandwiches are a take on classic egg sandwich. Made with a deliciously buttery toasted brioche, they top the moist scrambled eggs with whatever you will order. My favorite is the…
When Le Relais de Venise closed during Covid and remained closed until recently, I thought that was it. But then, I started to see people posting about this place. It did not take me long to go there, excited, knowing that the reopening triggered long lines, probably thanks to social media, a phenomenon that happened few years ago with Skirt Steak, a copycat from Chef Laurent Tourondel.
We went when I was off from work and, as they were supposed to open…
Have you ever been to Benihana? Or any Hibachi place? I love these places: they are fun and when the food is also good, this is even better. This was our first time at Benihana: we talked about going there for years but never did until the Holidays where we thought that it would be a good dining experience after seeing a show on Broadway. As we arrived, we checked in for our reservation, but they told us that we had to wait a little. The reason was that they needed all the people sitting…
When Dipped N’Smashed announced it would take over the space of Curry Up Now, few doors from Carlo’s Bakery, I was a bit skeptical: Shake Shack, 7th Avenue Burger and 30 Burgers (that I did not like) are just few blocks away. What would this place offer that would be different? Well, that is when the Dipped part of the name comes into play: they make fresh donuts that you can then customize. So we decided to give it a try, starting with a first visit just to try the donuts.
Meaning “Hamburger construction site”, Cantiere Hambirreria is a truly unique place. Opened mid-December on the Lower East Side, this is an outpost of an Italian restaurant that opened on Lecce, Italy back in 2017. Beams, bikes and various signs give to this place a certain charm that makes you feel right away that you are in a special place.
Finding Metropolis, the new venture of Chef Marcus Samuelsson that opened few weeks ago, is a bit challenging if you do not know that it is inside the Perelman Performing Arts Center. There isn’t a sign outside indicating that you have to go inside the art center and immediately see a busy place with a sleek dining room.
It’s funny how first impressions are not always the right one and you sometimes need to give a second chance to restaurants. This is what happened with Saka. When this place opened in Hoboken, replacing Myron Mixon's Pitmaster Barbeque, I was a bit skeptical: there are plenty of Japanese restaurants already in Hoboken, so, what would this one bring to the mile square dining scene? Two things caught my attention…
Few years ago, gluten-free options were very limited, with mainly bread and pizza, people often commenting on the latter tasting like cardboard. But now, there are many more options, tasty options. I could mention for instance the donuts at Alfalfa in Hoboken that you would probably not guess are gluten-free if I did not tell you. Eating gluten-free used to be necessary for people with celiac disease or other ailments, but, many people started to adopt such diet and reported less bloating, better digestion and energy level. So, I was…
It’s been years we have been talking about trying The Grey Dog in Chelsea, but it only took a visit from our friends Gary and Jen to make us venture to this popular place. Too popular maybe as quite noisy, a bit disorganized and slow (they forgot to bring Jodi’s dish), but quick to bring you the check and get the bill paid so you can leave, when you are still trying to enjoy your dish….
I never know what to expect when I go to a restaurant located in a hotel: sometimes it is delicious like Fire & Oak in Jersey City, and sometimes, it is disappointing. So, going to Ramerino Italian Prime was a bit of a bet, their menu looking delicious. As we entered, the spacious dining room was empty that was not a good sign and I admit that the stale bread they served us was also not a good sign. At least, the espresso martini I started with was good, well balanced, upping a bit my hope that we would have a nice dinner. We started off with the melanzane that is baked layers of sliced eggplant,…
When the Pastrami House closed its doors, I was not that surprised. The food was good there, but the lack of space for dining left this place with no other option than being a take out joint, limiting a bit its customer base. So, very quickly after they closed in the Summer, construction began and Purple Rice opened in August, and we decided to give it a try. We ordered on their Point of Sale, where most of the dishes were presented with a photo, that I thought was a good idea as we had no idea what some of the dishes were.
Conveyor belt sushi, also known as kaiten sushi, is fun and changed the way we indulge in this beloved Japanese cuisine. As you take your seat, a sense of anticipation fills the air. The vibrant colors of the plates rotating on the conveyor belt grab your attention, casting a spell of culinary adventure. You watch with excitement as the chefs behind the counter meticulously craft each tiny masterpiece, a testament to their skill and dedication. The concept is simple yet ingenious, pushing you without even realizing it, to consume more than you would in a regular Japanese restaurant. So, when…
There are lots of Thai restaurants in New York, with few standing out: Zoob Zib is one of them. We went few times and it was always packed. What makes this place special: simply good food, from the classic pad see ew (Jodi ordered that dish every single time) to the chicken massaman curry (this is a sort of test dish for me - if they do not make a good massaman curry, this is a bad sign). But there are two things people should try there: their roasted duck and their noodles, that you…
Do you remember Carnegie Deli and its opulent dishes ? Little did I know that the owner of the regretted delicatessen owns a location in Edison, NJ named Harold’s NY Deli. Entering the place, you know that everything is big there, just by looking at the giant cakes with slices probably three times what a 24 layer cake in a steakhouse would be. Or the Lintzer tart that, with its 7oz, could feed an entire family…
We were looking for a place to eat near the Flatiron when we stumbled upon Effin Egg, a small joint serving breakfast all day. The main option on the menu is egg sandwiches and I admit that their selection is mouth watering, each of them prepared in various ways, although if you prefer a simple one, they have the Effin Boring that is simply made with scrambled eggs and cheddar, squeezed…
Barbounia has been around for years, but, each time I was planning to go, I changed plans. Not sure why, because this place, that serves Mediterranean cuisine proposes some fantastic food. It was so good that, after going for brunch, we decided to go back for dinner. Here is what we had:
Let’s start with the brunch. To start we got their fire-roasted…
7th Street Burger is a burger joint that reminds me a bit of Corner Bistro with its minimalist menu that is composed of 4 options: cheeseburger, single or double, or Impossible burger, also single or double, except that Corner Bistro has more to offer when it comes to drinks. Still, this place that started in the East Village back in 2021 and has now more than 10 locations, decided to open one in the Mile Square City, just a few blocks from Shake Shack, that is quite courageous.
We were recently in Berkeley Highs to see my niece, Rayna, perform in a school show, and so decided to grab lunch with the family. That is how we discovered Winberie’s in nearby Summit. This all American restaurant proposes a large menu that I admit made me hesitate a bit, but I finally settled for the chicken and waffles, a southern dish that I adore for its interesting combination of sweet and savory, crispy and soft. The chicken was really good: crispy, it was moist and most importantly, cooked all the way through. It sat on a waffle that was soft and chewy, with a slight crisp.
I love Blu On The Hudson and it has become my favorite brunch spot. Located on the waterfront in Weehawken, Blu On The Hudson serves an exciting menu. Let’s start with their cocktails that are very creative, I think the one that blew me away was their breakfast martini that is made with whisky: not only did it taste good, but the presentation with the focaccia and orange marmalade stuck on the side gave a certain dimension to it. I also tried:
Tony Boloney’s is not your typical pizza and sub place: their menu is probably what your cardiologist would NOT recommend. Known for its taco pizza that I did not get a chance to try, it is the right place for food decadence. Want a lobster roll? Theirs, the Lobsta Trap, is made with steamed lobster, aioli and bayou butter. Nothing too unusual you would say. Well, they lay the lobster on a bed of fresh and smoked mozzarella (lots of it)! This is not for the faint of the heart and you better get a bunch of napkins because it is very messy to eat, but so good. I thought that with all these ingredients the lobster would be overshadowed, but it was not the case. With the perfectly cooked lobster, each bite was a festival of flavor and worked well together, making it one of my favorite lobster rolls.
I have known Aba Turkish Restaurant for years and have never been disappointed with this place. The food there is tasty and comforting with a large menu offering vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, the former being as inviting as the others. After a great dinner in June, I wanted to go back there, but it was closed because of a fire in the kitchen. They will hopefully reopen quickly! At least, here is a glimpse of what we had:…
When thinking about Biergarten, I always think about German Beer, and Paulaner definitely embodies this concept. True to the Reinheitsgebot, Germany’s legendary beer making regulation dating back to 1516, restricting the making to specific ingredients, Paulaner sticks to the essentials: hops, malt, yeast, and water. Nothing more. That restraint is exactly what…