Once I read somewhere that by living in Manhattan and eating out every single day you could spend at least three years without repeating a restaurant! I find that so fascinating and so frustrating at the same time. It’s so wonderful having so many options and, on the other hand, it feels like one can’t ever keep up with the City’s gastronomic expansion. One more thing to love about New York! I get quite anxious and doubly hungry: for the food, of course, and for all the great new places to know. It makes it really hard to write, since it’s difficult to know where to begin. I’ll just start with our last trip.
On our last escape to NYC Luv and I went to some great places. For dinner some of the restaurants we visited were: Eleven Madison Park, Commerce, Corton, Del Posto, Waverly Inn, Daniel and Gilt.
Eleven Madison Park (http://elevenmadisonpark.com/ ) is a beautiful place on the Flatiron District with an amazingly high ceiling, classy ambience and impeccable service. We sat at a great table by the window overlooking the Madison Square Park. The cuisine is French-American. The suckling pig and the Malted Milkshake are my recommendations.
Commerce (http://www.commercerestaurant.com/ ) is a cozy, loud and cheerful restaurant on a hidden corner of the West Village with a great cocktail list. It’s housed on a renewed historical NYC space, formerly Grange Hall which used to be a cute neighborhood spot often packed with martini-drinkers. The service is friendly and the spaghetti carbonara comes with a semi-raw egg yolk on top. Delicious! They also serve great homey entrées (I still haven’t figured out why that’s how Americans call the main dishes) to be shared, as well as great apple pie for 2.
Only a few blocks away from Commerce you’ll find the hidden Waverly Inn (16 Bank St, at Waverly Pl). It’s an exclusive, semi-private place where you might need to talk to a friend or two to manage to get yourself a table. Try stopping by a couple of days before and you might be able to make a reservation since there are no public phones or website. The spot is very romantic, quite dark with a fireplace and a welcoming garden on the back of its main room. Very beautiful people, sexy ambience and great cocktails! Depending on the day of the week you’re there try the mac n` cheese with truffles, a dish where comfort meets sophistication: just like the Inn!
Corton (http://www.cortonnyc.com/ ) was a wonderful surprise! This TriBeCa, French-accented venue seems very basic and simple at first but it serves some mind-blowing dishes. Their staff is perfect, the wine list is quite fairly priced and the sommelier did a great job with wine paring for us. The black truffle pasta with Gouda cheese and the Lobster are impeccable plates. But what will burned in my "gustative memory" forever is the Caramel Brioche dessert. I will never forget its test and texture. I was so lucky since, in fact, I initially ordered the Honeycrisp apple – I’m on an apple, cinnamon and honey dessert phase – and when our very kind waiter told me they were out of it I went for the Caramel Brioche. Best ever!!!!!
As for Del Posto (http://www.delposto.com/home.htm ), it is another one of Mario Batali`s masterpieces. The venue is impressive in basically everyway. The place is big and imposing with a gorgeous mezzanine and busy bar – with perfectly made cocktails - but still friendly. Great service, extensive wine list plus Batali-quality food. I always find tasting menus a great option, since one gets to taste all of the house’s signatures dishes and a few more. If you find it too much try the TRIS, which is basically three tastes of pastas to be shared by the hole table, no matter how many you are. The Garganelli is amazing. As for dessert try the chocolate and ricotta Tortino: very, very good!!!!
Well, Daniel (http://www.danielnyc.com/ ) will always be a classic with perfect haute-cuisine and service. Decoration is now different, a bit more modern, since it has gone through a recent renovation. Daniel is one of NYC’s top restaurant. It must be visited at least once. As I said before I always find testing menus, if possible with wine pairing, a wonderful option, especially in a top quality venue as this one.
Finally Gilt (http://www.giltnewyork.com/ ), I absolutely loved it! One of my best experiences in the City! It offers top quality food and service but much hipper and exquisite ambiance then most locations with its level. High ceiling, wooden walls and a sleek, funky bar create a sexy and hip environment. It is located at The New York Palace Hotel, one of the most beautiful and luxury in town, on Madison Ave & 50th St, a Must Go! It opened its door last years and already won 2 Michelin stars. The miso consommé, the waygu beef and the crème brûlée are to die for.
Enjoy dinner out in the City and Boa viagem!
Showing posts with label NYC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NYC. Show all posts
Monday, March 16, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Brunch and the City
Still in NYC, one of the great pleasures of my vacations is always Sunday’s brunch. It’s so family-like and, at the same time, great for people-watching. You get to eat the most delicious things and still have a cocktail, if you feel like. I just love it!!!!
Usually when Luv and I are in NYC the Sunday’s brunches are with some of his family which is always very special since we spend so much time apart. I have a sweet tooth so I often order pancakes or French toast and share with S., Luv’s little niece.
I always find Pastis ( http://www.pastisny.com/ ) and Balthazar ( http://www.balthazarny.com/ ) classics for brunch. The food is always amazing – great steak tartare and burger – some classic French dishes and both are always quite busy. Balthazar is well known for its bakery, so try some of their bread. As for Pastis, if you still can handle dessert after all, order their île flotant, light and sweet. You might consider booking a table a few days before or you may have to wait a few minutes. As a matter of fact, I usually like to book all my restaurants in NYC in advance, which for most venues can be done by using a reservation site called Open Table ( http://www.opentable.com/ ).
This time we went to Morandi (http://www.morandiny.com/ ) for one of our brunches. It was fantastic! Morandi is an Italian restaurant also owned by Keith McNally (from Balthazar and Pastis). I’ve been there before for dinner, which, by the way, is very good too, and now went back for brunch. I loved it. It has become a morning hot spot with great food and beautiful people, such as Cameron Diaz, whom I set side by side with by the way. I highly recommend the bruschetta with ricotta, nuts and honey and the focaccia “occiho di bue” which would be a thin pizza dough with a sunny side up egg, pecorino cheese and pancetta, unbelievable!! All three serve breakfast and lunch everyday and brunch on weekends.
If you’re going for real substance and comfort food, Norma’s at Le Parker Meridien (http://www.parkermeridien.com/normas.htm ), on midtown, is a must. The PB&C Waffle ‘Wich and Crunchy French Toast are insane. They serve breakfast and lunch everyday.
In case you are looking for something more sophisticated, romantic and/or with a beautiful view I would say: head to Brooklyn and try The River Café (http://www.rivercafe.com/ ) right under the Brooklyn Bridge and with the most sweeping view of the city.
Once again: have fun and Boa Viagem!
Usually when Luv and I are in NYC the Sunday’s brunches are with some of his family which is always very special since we spend so much time apart. I have a sweet tooth so I often order pancakes or French toast and share with S., Luv’s little niece.
I always find Pastis ( http://www.pastisny.com/ ) and Balthazar ( http://www.balthazarny.com/ ) classics for brunch. The food is always amazing – great steak tartare and burger – some classic French dishes and both are always quite busy. Balthazar is well known for its bakery, so try some of their bread. As for Pastis, if you still can handle dessert after all, order their île flotant, light and sweet. You might consider booking a table a few days before or you may have to wait a few minutes. As a matter of fact, I usually like to book all my restaurants in NYC in advance, which for most venues can be done by using a reservation site called Open Table ( http://www.opentable.com/ ).
This time we went to Morandi (http://www.morandiny.com/ ) for one of our brunches. It was fantastic! Morandi is an Italian restaurant also owned by Keith McNally (from Balthazar and Pastis). I’ve been there before for dinner, which, by the way, is very good too, and now went back for brunch. I loved it. It has become a morning hot spot with great food and beautiful people, such as Cameron Diaz, whom I set side by side with by the way. I highly recommend the bruschetta with ricotta, nuts and honey and the focaccia “occiho di bue” which would be a thin pizza dough with a sunny side up egg, pecorino cheese and pancetta, unbelievable!! All three serve breakfast and lunch everyday and brunch on weekends.
If you’re going for real substance and comfort food, Norma’s at Le Parker Meridien (http://www.parkermeridien.com/normas.htm ), on midtown, is a must. The PB&C Waffle ‘Wich and Crunchy French Toast are insane. They serve breakfast and lunch everyday.
In case you are looking for something more sophisticated, romantic and/or with a beautiful view I would say: head to Brooklyn and try The River Café (http://www.rivercafe.com/ ) right under the Brooklyn Bridge and with the most sweeping view of the city.
Once again: have fun and Boa Viagem!
Monday, March 09, 2009
Sporty NYC
What do I love about New York City? Well, EVERYTHING!! I love the restaurants, the bars, the shopping, the museums, the concerts, the people, the style, but mostly, I would say its buzz. I just adore seeing so many different people on the streets and so many exotic cultures merging together forming one great huge cosmopolitan city. So many flavors and smells, looks and stores. So many options!
I’ve been going to NYC since I was little. It was the first city I fell in love with, besides, my own, of course. Ever since I’ve been there for the very first time I miss it so much that I have to go back, at least, once a year or I can feel it physically hurt.
Luv and I just came back and it was one of our best trips ever. We had the best time. The thing about NYC is that it feels really homey nowadays, I feel as comfortable in NYC as in Rio. I know the city quite well but since it’s the “city that never sleeps” there are always new spots for one to know.
We went to great restaurants, interesting museums and some good shopping, of course. The one thing about this trip was that it was quite sporty, especially for winter vacations. As I said before, NYC is a place you can, definitely find a way to do whatever you like.
Luv and I play tennis, well he plays, I try. Anyway, we found a great place for tennis in the winter on Sutton Place called Sutton East Tennis (http://www.suttoneasttennis.com/). It’s a huge bubble built under the 59th St Bridge, at York Ave, with 8 heated clay courts and really nice people. In the milder weather months, there are 30, clay and asphalt, public courts, some recently renewed, spread over Central Park (http://www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/tennis-center.html).
Still in the tennis area, we had a chance to see the 1st Billie Jean king Cup at the Madison Square Garden. Amazing tournament, with two semi finals 1 set game and a 3 set final, disputed by the Williams sisters, Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jancovic. Won by my personal favorite Serena Williams, including a surprise appearance and beautiful speech from President Bill Clinton, the Cup is intent to be repeated on the following years. I highly recommend the event.
If you’re not in the City at this time of the year look for other sports events at the Garden or other venues, they always have something amazing going on for sports fans.
The best place for tennis apparel shopping is Manson’s Tennis on 53rd St between Madison Ave & Park Ave, they have it all and are very nice.
Another sport I enjoy is horseback riding. So that’s what we did in Central Park. It’s so much fun and you get to know some cute spots of the park and the most famous buildings around it. We took an hour and a half ride but you can choose also just one hour or two. The rides are guided and by appointment (http://www.riverridgestable.com/). They go out all year long, weather permitting, and offer ride to every levels, so don’t worry if you are not very familiar with horses.
For riding apparel shopping there is a great shop called Manhattan Saddlery (http://manhattansaddlery.com/) on 24th St (bt Park & Lex). For outdoor sports, in general, there is Paramount Sports (paramountsports.net) and Upland Trading Co (uplandtradingco.com).
If you are into running or cycling choose Central Park or the Brooklyn Brigde as route, both great. Some hotels offer running routes at the Park. But if you would like a guided tour, which I think is pretty fun visit http://www.cityrunningtours.com/ and schedule your run. As for bike riding visit http://wirednewyork.com/guide/biking/ they offer tour maps and website links to bike guided tours.
So, have a nice work out in the City and Boa Viagem!
I’ve been going to NYC since I was little. It was the first city I fell in love with, besides, my own, of course. Ever since I’ve been there for the very first time I miss it so much that I have to go back, at least, once a year or I can feel it physically hurt.
Luv and I just came back and it was one of our best trips ever. We had the best time. The thing about NYC is that it feels really homey nowadays, I feel as comfortable in NYC as in Rio. I know the city quite well but since it’s the “city that never sleeps” there are always new spots for one to know.
We went to great restaurants, interesting museums and some good shopping, of course. The one thing about this trip was that it was quite sporty, especially for winter vacations. As I said before, NYC is a place you can, definitely find a way to do whatever you like.
Luv and I play tennis, well he plays, I try. Anyway, we found a great place for tennis in the winter on Sutton Place called Sutton East Tennis (http://www.suttoneasttennis.com/). It’s a huge bubble built under the 59th St Bridge, at York Ave, with 8 heated clay courts and really nice people. In the milder weather months, there are 30, clay and asphalt, public courts, some recently renewed, spread over Central Park (http://www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/tennis-center.html).
Still in the tennis area, we had a chance to see the 1st Billie Jean king Cup at the Madison Square Garden. Amazing tournament, with two semi finals 1 set game and a 3 set final, disputed by the Williams sisters, Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jancovic. Won by my personal favorite Serena Williams, including a surprise appearance and beautiful speech from President Bill Clinton, the Cup is intent to be repeated on the following years. I highly recommend the event.
If you’re not in the City at this time of the year look for other sports events at the Garden or other venues, they always have something amazing going on for sports fans.
The best place for tennis apparel shopping is Manson’s Tennis on 53rd St between Madison Ave & Park Ave, they have it all and are very nice.
Another sport I enjoy is horseback riding. So that’s what we did in Central Park. It’s so much fun and you get to know some cute spots of the park and the most famous buildings around it. We took an hour and a half ride but you can choose also just one hour or two. The rides are guided and by appointment (http://www.riverridgestable.com/). They go out all year long, weather permitting, and offer ride to every levels, so don’t worry if you are not very familiar with horses.
For riding apparel shopping there is a great shop called Manhattan Saddlery (http://manhattansaddlery.com/) on 24th St (bt Park & Lex). For outdoor sports, in general, there is Paramount Sports (paramountsports.net) and Upland Trading Co (uplandtradingco.com).
If you are into running or cycling choose Central Park or the Brooklyn Brigde as route, both great. Some hotels offer running routes at the Park. But if you would like a guided tour, which I think is pretty fun visit http://www.cityrunningtours.com/ and schedule your run. As for bike riding visit http://wirednewyork.com/guide/biking/ they offer tour maps and website links to bike guided tours.
So, have a nice work out in the City and Boa Viagem!
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