New York City

Uncle Boons – Finally!

Posted on March 31, 2016 by Ziggy

Shaky initial reviews, death in the family, Michelin, the dog ate my restaurant sheet – Just some of the reasons why I never made it to Uncle Boons before. The bizarre Michelin star actually helped for about 5 minutes since I happened to see a tweet of the leak before the news broke out, and I was able to reserve a table immediately. But on the day of the visit, I had to cancel, and reservations since then are virtually impossible. Just like Pasquale Jones, and others who use Resy for roughly 20% of their tables, reservations are hard to get. Solution: Another gondola stroll throughout Little Italy while you wait for your table.

Ironic isnt it? That Nolita, which means North of Little Italy, that famous food street, is arguably the best food neighborhood on the east coast. Estella, Cherche Midi, Rubirosa, Pearl & Ash, Osteria Morini, Pasquale Jones, Balaboosta, Uncle Boons are just some examples of what you’ll find in this little tiny Foodie paradise. Thats an impressive list of Z-Listers, and Z-list wannabes. Taking that Little Italy, Chinaton stroll is one way to combat the NoLita popularity. Though I fear, one day, one of these “Ciao” guys trying to lure me inside a Little Italy establishment will give me an offer I cant refuse. Btw, when a total stranger says ciao to you out of the blue, there’s zero chance that he’s Italian.

When you walk inside Uncle Boons you immediately notice two things. 1) How uncomfortable everyone looks. 2) Rotisserie chickens slowly spinning behind the glass. Clearly the chickens are there to serve as hypnosis, especially against French Rotisserie chicken loving Michelin inspectors. Otherwise, how else would you explain the anti-Michelin scene at the bar and on the side of the entrance. One woman was practically bent sideways while enjoying her Yum Kai Hua Pli. Considering there are two other rooms, one with communal tables, leading you to your table is like the dining version of Russian roulette. We survived the bullet at first it seemed, but then realized the third wheel of the booth next to us, has his back practically leaning against our table. The place is so cramped, taking pictures of the food means taking pictures of your neighbor food as well.

But all is well at the end when the food is this good. The two Per Se veterans created a Pok Pok like menu that is very far from your average Thai. Just like Pok Pok’s Andy Ricker did, Matt Danzer & Ann Redding traveled all over Thailand, gathering inspiration. And just like at Pok Pok, creative drinks is part of the game, and a certain chicken is more than just sitting pretty for Michelin inspectors.

Frog Legs – If you’ve never had frog legs before, this is a good place to start. If you had them before, order it still. Garlic & soy marinated juicy fried legs over addictive glass noodles, and lemongrass & Thai herb salad. There’s not a whole lot of meat on those bones understandably, but every bite counts in a big way

Crab Fried Rice – A pretty standard fried rice with heaps of chunky crab. The flavor is there, but if there was one thing missing from that texture is some crunch by way of socarrat

Rotisserie Half Chicken – By itself, with all its tenderness and juiciness, the chicken would have been a solid but somewhat dull dish. Which is where the sickest green mango salad comes in, along with two dipping sauces. The lemongrass, Ginger sauce in particular works like magic with that chicken

Seafood in Broth – Another terrific dish. Red Snapper, prawns and clams in a rich Turmeric broth. Mrs Z’s favorite dish of the night. Mine was the chicken

Beef Ribs – I almost ordered it, and sort of wish I did after the table next to us got it. The best thing I can tell you for now is that it smells amazing. Next time I would order it along with the chicken with banana blossom salad which I was all set to order until the waitress warned Mrs Z that its extremely spicy.

Dessert – I feel like the Yelp fave coconut ice cream sundae is a bit overrated. Though it didnt make Mrs Z make a Robert de Niro face and start spitting profusely as she normally does with coconut. The condensed milk soaked Brioche was like a French Toast gone wrong. I dont expect greatness out of Thai dessert, so I’m not deducting anything for that. Uncle Boons is quite possibly the best Thai in NYC right now

Uncle Boons
7 Spring St (Nolita)
$$$
Recommended Dishes: All of the above (except the Brioche)

Categories: New York City, SoHo, NoHo, Nolita | Tags: Best Thai in NYC, food, restaurants, Travel, Uncle Boons, Uncle Boons NYC | 4 Comments

Babbo – The Taj Mahal of NYC Italian

Posted on March 26, 2016 by Ziggy

To fully appreciate Babbo, one should arrive 15 minutes early. Stand outside, check out the menu listed that includes today’s specials, and pretend that you are waiting for someone. But more importantly, check out the people arriving. There will be the boring arrivals – the locals and those who have eaten at Babbo before. And then there are those with that special sparkle in their eyes. The same sparkle you get when you finally reach Machu Picchu. I saw a grandma with her well dressed family, pausing in front of the sign, exhale a huge sigh, followed by a smile (unless it was gas). I watched a family of four taking their time, taking it all in, with a particularly thrilled dad who asked me to take a picture of the happy with family. I happily obliged, and charged them $20 (the Times Square Elmo going rate at the moment). The only time I’ve seen this type of foodie pilgrimage in NYC was the last time I waited for a slice at Di Fara. There’s always something special about visiting a place that means so much more to other visitors. Much like visiting the great churches of Europe, or the Taj Mahal

Babbo Ristorante is Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich first out of many ventures, opened in 1998. One of the most celebrated Italian restaurants in NYC history, still going very strong even with an ageless menu. Not many realize that Batali’s first was not Babbo, but a partnership at Pó, also in West Village, 5 years earlier. Outside Babbo looks like just another neighborhood Trattoria, oddly situated on a quiet residential part of Waverly Place (may mean something to the 16 and under, unless they are like my kids who’ve been to Taim Falafel too many times). Talking about Waverly Place kids, there were surprisingly quite a few on this particular night, some even arriving with their American Doll lookalikes. The irony here comes after a tweet the other day where someone asked Batali if he would be willing to open a predominately kid friendly establishment. In which he replied, kids are more than welcomed in any of his establishments already, and that he wouldnt want to alienate adults. After all, we are talking about Italian, the granddaddy of kid friendly cuisine.

The transformation from Babbo outside to inside, is like that of a Minetta Tavern, a time machine. Buzzy atmosphere, full bar, best of Batali ipod blasting in the background, and a VERY full staff. Some looked busy, while some could have easily gone on a late afternoon siesta, even with the full house. This is to me the one major difference between eating in the US and Italy. The traffic around you is undeniable, which is why louder than usual music is required sometimes. Not so much a complaint, but an observation. When you score the friendliest waiter in the city of New York as we did on this night, complaints become observations. On to the food….

Grilled Octopus with “Borlotti Marinati” and Spicy Limoncello Vinaigrette – Although it was somewhat unevenly cooked the last time, it was still good enough to not share one between four octopus loving freaks. “Two Octopuses please”. This time perfectly cooked, with a nice snap, and tenderness all around. The tangy Vinaigrette, and the Borloti, aka Cranberry, aka Pinto and Cannellini had a baby beans, just add to the joy.

Pig Foot “Milanese” with Rice Beans and Arugula – Once in a while, not too often, I bump into one of those “I dont get it” dishes. Its a popular staple on the menu, but I just dont get it. It tasted like a potato latke gone wild. The one that Jewish mothers throw out because it didnt come out as the other potato latkes. Stringy, gelatiny, fried, and very flat cutlet, with a surprisingly flat flavor profile. The only miss of the night.

Beef Cheek Ravioli with Crushed Squab Liver and Black Truffles – Great dish, and by far Mrs Ziggy’s fave. If you feel any affection toward chicken liver this dish is especially for you. Here its much about the sauce making its best Marsala interpretation, but with Squab liver mixed in with mushrooms, adding more richness to the buttery beef cheeks pureed inside the triangular ravioli

Black Spaghetti with Rock Shrimp, Spicy Salami Calabrese and Green Chilies (top)- Another menu staple that I’ve had before. Its a fairly dry pasta, but packed with flavor and txture. The squid ink Spaghetti has that nice sweet heaviness to it, with that crunchy salami, shrimp, and occasional garlic, like the gift that keeps on giving. This is one of those dishes that makes you Google recipes when you get home.

Mint Love Letters with Spicy Lamb Sausage – Like a love letter from the Mario to Ziggy. “Dear Ziggy, in honor of your unconditional support and love for Eataly, Lupa, Po, and other establishments I’ve been involved with over the years, I’m sending you these refreshing, delectable ravioli filled with peas, mint, and cheese, topped with spicy sausage tomato ragu. As you can see, the mint and the sausage, compliment nicely, and dont overwhelm… unlike your wallet by Eataly’s Venchi chocolates. Seriously, I know you are obsessed with Piedmont chocolates, but look at you. Time to give it a rest. And please please shave next time you come to Babbo. Its a Ristorante, not a trattoria so show some respect. Idiot! Love, Mario”

Barbecued Skirt Steak with Endive “alla Piastra” and Salsa Verde – Just a perfectly cooked, and marinated Skirt, sliced and arranged Jenga style, on top of an ultra thick salsa verde. A very respectable meat dish

Rabbit with Honey-Glazed Baby Carrots, Peas and Salsa Verde – I normally dont have high expectations from Secondis in Italian, no matter where I go as they rarely satisfy as much as the primis and the rest of the menu. But here they are given proper treatment, starting with this sweet, flavor packed rabbit

Dessert – A fine chocolate cake, and a finer Semifreddo. Another great meal at Babbo, a Z-List staple for ~~hopefully~~ many years to come

Babbo
110 Waverly Pl
$$$$
Recommended Dishes: Octopus, Mint Love Letters, Beef Cheek Ravioli, Black Spaghetti, Skirt, Rabbit, Semifreddo

Categories: New York City, West Village | Tags: Babbo, Babbo NYC, Babbo Ristorante, food, Italian West Village, restaurants, Travel | 3 Comments

Before You Ask For Another Recommendation…

Posted on March 17, 2016 by Ziggy

“Hi, my boyfriend and I are eloping in NYC next week and we would like some recommendations on where to eat near our hotel, but can travel anywhere pretty much. We are both HUGE Foodies and eat just about anything. But particularly we love Indian and Vietnamese. No chains please, and no Italian hehe we got plenty of those lol. Cheerio for now. Georgina”

A common food question on the message boards. Even if you are not one of those, I advise you to read the following before asking for recommendations

“No Chains” – I see this way too often. I’m sure it looks like an honest requst to many locals, but I cringe whenever I see this. Why would we recommend chains? You are asking for recommendations on where to eat in arguably the greatest food city in the world with the hope that we dont recommend Applebees. Its like telling us “kindly do you job and recommend something that doesnt suck”. It also begs the question, what is a chain anyway, but we wont get into that now. It just implies to me that the poster has no idea about the destination food scene, which is fine. That’s what this post is for.

“No Italian” – Whenever I see this, my first instinct is to recommend Italian. Italian in NYC is a complicated web of eateries ranging from NYC classic Italian to Tuscan, Sicilian, Venetian, and even Asian influenced Italian. Italian is everything and it is nothing. It took me four trips to Italy to understand what it means. There’s almost nothing in common between Roman food and canal food in Venice. We have an incredible array of chefs doing all sorts of wonderful things from great veggies, fantastic seafood, to Roman style pizzas, and Italian with an Asian twist. So, if you are sick and tired of the Italian scene in your city, its more reason to try ours. After all, that’s what Italians visiting from Italy do here. including chefs.

“Near our hotel” – Ok, I admit, I sort of like when they say that because in a city with 25,000 restaurants it gives me something to work with. But somehow, “Foodie” and “Near my hotel” just doesnt add up. While there’s a good chance that you will find some decent spots near where you are staying, why not take full advantage of the amazing dining NYC offers in other neighborhoods. Raise your hands if you are staying near Times Square. Now try East Village, West Village, Lower East Side for a totally different feel. And if you haven’t discovered Hell’s Kitchen yet, its time.

“Can travel anywhere” – No you cant! You are vastly underestimating the size of this city just like you are vastly underestimating its offerings (no chains please). I sort of forced this one in after “Near our hotel” but you get the idea. Most respondents would be quick to suggest something anywhere in Manhattan with the reasoning that the poster would not mind taking the subway to East Village but I wouldn’t be so quick. If you are playing the “can travel anywhere” card, give us something else to work with to reduce the 25,000 NYC restaurants into something more manageable.

“We love Indian and Vietnamese” – This is great, but why is it my problem ;). While people will no doubt respond with fine Indian and Vietnamese suggestions, perhaps even including myself, I would suggest to skip what you like and try something different in the city of different. Unless of course you are coming from Pocatello, Idaho with one or two competing Indian. Pizza, Ramen, burgers, and the only in NYC Maine Lobster Roll!, are just some of things NY is known for. While there’s no doubt you can find some fantastic Indian here, it may or may not be better than what you get at home (I’m looking at you Brits). And Vietnamese food just never took off here. Eating something that you can easily find at home, not named Italian, is one of the worst travel offenses

Before asking a food question one should understand the vastness. NYC is a giant melting pot of world cuisine that comes in all shapes, sizes. and price points. There are no “Musts” (another popular word) as a result. To better answer your question, do a bit of homework first to get a sense of the destination. Guidebooks, food blogs, even simple Googling will do. If you care about food that is. On the other hand of the spectrum there are those that just “eat to live” and dont really care about any of this nonsense. They ask the questions anyway, mainly out of fear that they wont find something near where they are staying. All you need to do is go out of the hotel, turn right, and the world is your oyster. Tomorrow, turn left.

Categories: New York City | Tags: food, NYC, Travel, Where to eat in NYC | 3 Comments

Gotham West Update

Posted on March 13, 2016 by Ziggy

Latest on Gotham West Market and the next Most Interesting Man in The World….

https://eatingwithziggy.com/2014/03/28/gotham-west-market-top-eats/

Categories: Midtown West, New York City | Tags: Best food in Hell's kitchen, food, Gotham West Market, Hells kitchen, Travel | Leave a comment

A Weekend of Firsts: Mogador & Cookshop

Posted on March 7, 2016 by Ziggy

Cookshop

We visited two old timer, neighborhood spots for the very first time this weekend, and here’s what happened.

Cafe Mogador (Williamsburg)

Considering the amount of places we visit, it almost feels embarrassing that we never made it to this popular Tagine mecca in East Village or Williamsburg. Only the couscous gods can explain why it took me so many years, especially considering a well made Tagine is one of my favorite things to eat on this planet. With that said, now that I’ve finally done it, and made to the schlep to the Burg, I feel like the couscous gods need more explaining to do.

Once inside, its no mistaken that you are in a bustling neighborhood spot in the heart of Williamsburg. Arm Tattooed hipsters hovering all over, along with arm tattooed hipsters holding arm tattooed babies. You can tell that these are the coolest babies in the world. The ones that go to sleep before us. The quoted 20-30 turned into a closer to an hour, though we didnt mind as the bar was roomy and the drinks were good. Good Dark and Stormy.

Started with a nice Mixed Platter consisting of an Eggplant & Tahini concoction, an “I cant believe this is not Israeli” Arabic salad, and a surprisingly decent Hummus. In places like this, the hummus usually lacking the creaminess, and texture that I like. We also shared a tender tandoor marinated chicken, and a delicious grilled Halloumi cheese. Unfortunately, and quite shockingly, the fun essentially stopped here. The famous Tagine, with the choice of apricot & prune was fall off the bone tender and juicy alright, though somewhat one-note and sweeter than should be. Yes, apricot and prunes are sweet, I get it. But where are those bold Moroccan spices, the Taginess you bump into from time to time like at Bar Bolonat. The great Mogador Tagine is widely known for the best Tagine in town (Google it). This was more like a second place potluck dinner party with friends winner. The same, albeit, slightly lesser degree can be said about the Couscous dishes which are almost similar to the couscous you get with the Tagine. I would consider introducing those pearl like bubbly Israeli couscous instead to go a long with the Tagine. 133 Wythe Ave (7/8)

Cookshop (Chelsea)

Yes, I know, I know. I’ve never been to Cookshop. Like Cafe Mogador, this is another super popular neighborhood spot, and yeah, I do have some serious hood envy. But just like with Mogador, I never felt that this is a destination place. Cookshop is long considered as one of our premier Brunch spots, and now I see why. 40 minutes wait on a Sunday morning, even though the place is kind of huge. Its so big that the staff, when leaving and entering the kitchen area, is instructed to direct people to the vacant airplane like bathrooms that are in the same vicinity, but not directly next to each other. A couple of them are essentially in the kitchen. They can easily hire a bathroom attendant whose job would be to direct traffic while wearing aviation ground headset (its really loud in there) and sticks.

We had some major cooking plans that night courtesy of the Chelsea Market nearby but we did get enough of a taste here. We started with the Beignets, filled with Di Palo’s fresh ricotta that blended nicely with the dough. Beignets that NOLA experts may appreciate, though I cant say the same thing about the Bloody Mary. The kids opted for burgers. The older opted for a fried egg with hers, which had me shed a little tear. This is the most important milestone since she tried squid ink pasta in Venice. The burgers were nicely cooked, though the fries were salty to the point of uneatable. 100 kuddos points for removing the Beignets from the bill after mentioning this to the waitress.

The Baked French Toast here requires more attention than it gets. It comes with poached blood oranges, and a lovely, cinnamony cream with almonds. The nutty bread is just rich and sweet enough. Some of the best French Toasts we’ve had in NYC. The Roasted Broccoli & Cheddar Scrambled eggs, with caramelized onions and a fantastic supersized buttermilk biscuit was another solid dish, if not a tad too salty as well. We enjoyed Cookshop overall. In a way it reminds me of one of those SF Farm-to-Hipsters spots like NOPA, albeit not quite as good. 156 10th Ave (19/20)

Categories: Brooklyn, Chelsea, New York City | Tags: Brunch NYC, Cafe Mogador, Cookshop, Cookshop NYC, food, restaurants, Travel | 1 Comment

Taboon – Magic Oven

Posted on March 3, 2016 by Ziggy

Taboon Update…

Eating With Ziggy

Courtesy of Taboon

March 3, 2016 Update:

Taboon is better than ever. Our first visit since Efi Nahon came back to where it all started resulted in the best Taboon meal ever. After leaving his marks at Barbounia and more recently at Bustan, Efi is back with a vengeance at the place he helped built back in 2004. He got a Sicilian type offer he couldnt refuse. There he was at the kitchen, doing his thing while us and another couple waited patiently for our table. Best time I ever did! Since I had the opportunity to talk to the man next to the blazing, beautiful Taboon oven, like two ~~lovers~~ people near a fire place. Well, I’m sure he didn’t quite take it like that, and I already had a few drinks by then. Ok, just one.

You can tell just by looking at the menu that its no longer the same old Taboon, even though…

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Categories: New York City | 1 Comment

5 Destination Sandwiches

Posted on February 29, 2016 by Ziggy

A post about Sandwiches! How exciting! John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich (Kent county, England) must be rolling (the dice) in his grave. After all, he was the one that asked his servants to bring him something, perhaps meat, between two pieces of bread, so he could hold in one hand and not interrupt his gambling. After a while, town residents started flocking to the same shop asking for “give me same as Sandwich”. Yes, the sandwich was invented by someone who thought eating was a waste of time. Granted, 250 years before the invention of the Fuku.

Sandwiches in general rarely excite. They can be good or decent, but rarely you get that ‘Ratatouille Moment’ that makes you forget where you are and maybe even wet yourself a little. Well, bring your diapers to this journey, as we are about to change all that. I’m talking about a thrill, as in reaching for something in your bag and finding half a cookie you were saving for your spouse but forget to give her kind of thrill. Looking at “Best of” lists out there, I see an army of sandwiches that frankly dont sound very interesting (chicken parm, Italian, BLT). Sure they can be satisfying, but I wouldnt go out of my way for a nicely crafted club sandwich. These 5 on the other hand, are worthy of a subway ride across town, and dont appear on many lists for various reasons.

Roberto Tuesday at City Sandwich – This Hell’s Kitchen Sandwich Award post looks extremely odd without the mention of only the best sandwich in the area. Most likely I havent discovered it in time. Slow roasted, delicious pork combined with salty Portuguese Bacon, jalapenos, sauteed onions and fresh spinach. All in that top notch signature Portuguese baguette that makes us go back to City Sandwich even on non-Tuesdays. 649 9th Ave (45/46 Hell’s Kitchen)

Lobster Press at Lobster Press (The Pennsy) – We need another food hall like we need another food hall. Yes it’s officially an expression now that we have as many food halls as pharmacies. But the brand new Pennsy, with only about 6 high end celebrity chef filled hall is quiet different. Marc Forgione’s Lobster Press may not have the biggest line in the room, but his Lobster Press, a Panini like pressed lobster sandwich may be the best sandwich in the neighborhood. More like a lobster salad with plenty of chunky lobster aided by a tangy lobster chili sauce. Try it with cheese or without. 2 Pennsylvania Plaza (Midtown West)

Pop’s Pastrami at Harry and Ida’s – The only sandwich spot on the Z-List says something about this place (My wallet says: slow down pal, I’m no PayPal). Something tells me there are 2 or 3 sandwiches here that could have made this list (my money would go on the pastrami dog, and smoked eel). But I’ve only had this marvelous pastrami sandwich loaded with think, beautifully spiced, juicy slabs of pastrami with buttermilk fermented cucumbers, dill and mustard. An homage to papa Harry’s original. 189 Avenue A (E. 12. Alphabet City)

Porchetta at Porchetta – This is one of those situations where describing the making process may lead a stranded web surfer who came here accidentally to choke on his own vomit. There are various ways of making Porchetta (Porketa) but generally it involves a whole pig, deboned, and stuffed with heart, liver (hungry yet?), and other parts you didn’t know exist. Along with a heavy hand of herbs, and spices, its then rolled, tied up, and slow roasted for hours before slicing for sandwich use. I’ve had it in classier joints that I didn’t enjoy as much, and in Italy. Here, the simple Porchetta in a Ciabatta is the real deal. Although the ciabatta isn’t arriving from Sullivan St Bakery anymore, it’s still holds its own. 110 E 7th (A/1st Est Village

Lobster Roll at Cull & Pistol – There are lobster rolls, and then there are lobster rolls. See the difference? There’s no shortage of lobster rolls around town these days but around 90% of them carry very little value, and wont fill you up. This one will. A hefty amount of mouthwatering, sweet claw meat is stuffed into a toasted bun, served along with excellent skinny fries. I prefer the Connecticut style, here at least, warm with a little bit of Mayo. Yes its $27, but at least you get a complete meal out of it. Chelsea market (Chelsea). Pictured at the top

Bonus Pick:

The Koreano at Fuku – This one is growing on me. A Chick-fil-A inspired David Chang creation. Fried to perfection, habanero marinated, buttermilk coated, and spiced some more thigh meat with cucumbers inside a rather simple potato roll that’s pretty much served as holder. The off menu Koreano adds pickled Daikon to the mix which adds more layers to the flavor profile. 163 1st Avenue (E 10th. East Village)

Categories: New York City | Tags: Best Sandwiches in NYC, City Sandwich, Cull & Pistol, food, Fuku Koreano, Harry and Ida's, Lobster Press, Porchetta, sandwiches, Travel | 3 Comments

The Hell’s Kitchen Survival Guide

Posted on February 23, 2016 by Ziggy

Major update to the guide. Organized, reworded a lot of stuff, dish mentions, Gotham West and much more. Painful read (for me at least) so save it for a flight or a very long bathroom break

Eating With Ziggy

Updated: February 17th, 2016

“One more block” is what I normally say to tourists who come to NYC to experience one of the best NY attractions (Broadway shows) along with one of the saddest NY attractions (Theater District Dining). One more block and you are in the middle of ethnic galore 9th avenue. To experience eating in NYC, one of the greatest food cities in the world, one should take advantage of one of its greatest strengths, ethnic dining. From amazing Sri Lankan food to fiery Thai. Most visitors don’t realize that you wont find any Theater District Restaurants on any “Best of” lists, but you WILL find some of the following. And if you insist on fine dining, why not go to something like Ma Peche, Lincoln, Marea, Betony or The Nomad which are not in the district but a short cab ride away or a nice stroll on Broadway. You already paid $300 to…

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Categories: New York City | 1 Comment

Emporio- Romancing the Stove

Posted on February 19, 2016 by Ziggy

I love Valentine’s Day. The Vermont Teddy Bear, 1-800 Flowers, Viagra/Cialis commercials are in full swing. Roses of every color sold everywhere. Macy’s perfume girls are out in full force. Restaurants offering heart shaped pizzas, and special Valentines Day menus. I love it because I don’t have to do and see any of this. These days I’m given special instructions, sometimes written, of exactly what’s expected of me. And I execute those instruction in the best possible way I can. “Throw out the garbage”, “Take the dishes out”, “Call your mother”…. stuff like that. I was told it’s called “Communicating”. Another reason V day isnt that special in my household is that it happens to be my youngest’s birthday. In your face Hallmark.

BTW, did anyone else notice that the Vermont Teddy Bear is getting bigger and bigger. This is so bizarre, that it almost looks like an SNL commercial. I cant even begin to imagine the look on her face when I bring one of these home. Who gets to go first out the window. Me or the bear. Most likely bet it’s the bear, with me stuffed inside it. I might as well bring her a small container full of ants hovering around a severed finger. It will result in just about the same reaction.

Back to Emprio. Oh, we havent even started. Emporio does two things well – both of which combine to about 35% of my body mass. Pizza and Pasta. You see me write about places that do pizza well, and places that do pasta well. But very rarely I come across a place that not only does both, but does both well. The “Romancing” also stands for Roman. And while I dont quite see those classic Roman “Cucina Povera” pastas like Carbonara and Cacio e pepe on the current menu, I dont particularly mind. In NYC, they open them, and slowly adjust to the demand and neighborhood. So a Sicilian place today, may not be so Sicilian tomorrow.

But the pizzas at this Aurora group owned were Roman alright. As usual I like to start any pizza relationship with the Madame, Margherita. And here it is a fine rendition, with quality raw materials including fresh Buffalo Mozzarella sitting on that wonderful Roman style super thin crust. Same kind of promise followed with the Emporio Margherita which simply adds Prosciutto di Parma to the basic. The pies, although thin, are not Matsoh like as in Marta’s house, but when the dough is as delicious as this, I’m more than ok with this. The Spicy Sopressata featuring fior di latte mozzarella was a ok. Sopresatta not quite as refined as others (eg. Don Antonio). And it wouldnt be a Roman pizza without a Roman pasta disguised as pizza. Here you got a fine Gricia, with Guanciale, Black pepper, provolone and pockets of fresh ricotta that you smear on other slices. Nicely done.

Pastas may have been specials on this V Day, led by the outragously delicious Gnocchi alla Norcina. Parsley green Gnocchi mixed with Porcini, house made suasage. more fresh ricotta and the kicker… crushed Black truffles. Albeit not exactly like “shaved”, its rare to see pastas with black truffles priced the same as truffle oil. More of that black truffles but not as defined can be found in the terrific Raviolacci. Pierogie like ravioli filled with ceamy burrata and topped with brussel sprouts leaves. The seafood Taglierini, while good, did not posses similar flavor explosions. Perhaps a little more of that Calabrian Chili or something to balance the “one noteness”.

Emporio is one of those names that have been on my radar for a while, but I somehow never found the right opportunity to go. A bustling, fun, casual trattoria in the bustling, fun, casual Nolita. Another marked improvement over the Little Italy spots just a block away. Go!

Emporio
231 Mott St (Nolita)
$$$

Categories: New York City | Tags: Best Italian in Little Italy, Best pizza in Nolita, Emporio, Emporio NYC, food, restaurants, Travel | 3 Comments

American Cut – An American Review

Posted on February 15, 2016 by Ziggy

I had a strong hunch about American Cut. Aided by clues I gathered here and there, there was enough to believe that it is one of the strongest, unsung heroes of the NYC steak scene. When our fine Hungarian Damian Lewis waiter asked us if we’ve been here before, I suppose I should have said yes, to save the usual 5 minute spiel about the menu and its content. I already had your signature steak, and even the chili lobster, even though I’ve never actually set foot at American Cut. But now I’m finally here, and I dont know what took me so long.

Remember when I said “now I’m finally here, and I dont know what took me so long”? Well, I lied! I do know. Living in NYC, and its ever evolving food scene can make you forget about good ole’ boring steakhouses rather quickly. Especially those classic, old fashioned ones, where the waiters are over 60 and the clientele is even older. The same fine dry aged cuts can nowadays be found in [name any Italian, American French, Portuguese, your uncle Bob, you name it restaurant]. Not to mention the many modern steakhouses like the fine, Z-List winner Bowery Meat Company in the East Village. But American Cut feels like a steakhouse like no other. Perhaps the perfect kind for those looking for that classic American steakhouse experience.

At the great risk of sounding like a Yelp review… From the moment we entered until the moment we left, with Hungarian Damian Lewis taking good care of the four of us during, its was pretty flawless. Long time EWZ historians will tell you that its a tough feat, as I always, I mean always find a flaw, or four. It was just about the opposite of our recent experience at the meat experts at Quality Italian in Midtown where the flaws just kept coming and coming like erectile dysfunction commercials. Perhaps a testament to eating in the heart of Midtown vs residential Tribeca. American Cut felt unique. Like old and new New York rolled into one. Comfortable, elegant, fun, theatrical, attentive, unfussy, with a great menu that delivers. Flawless!

Biscuits – I’ve had worst bread that I paid for than this complimentary beauties. Everything Seasoned, extra large biscuits with room temperature (key) buttery veggie cream Cheese. Its the Scarpetta affect (owned by same group) where you in danger of losing yourself and your appetite during the bread course. Save some for the salad

Caesar Salad – Excellent. Prepared table side, old fashioned by your waiter, with eggs and croutons. A fine rendition. And if there was ever a time and place to order the Caesar, it’s here

Octopus – Expertly cooked octopus, with marcona almonds, nutty romesco sauce, and celery for some reason. Solid starter nonetheless

Latkes – This was a side that we elected to have a starter. A very respectable version that would make any Jewish mother proud. That’s perhaps the best compliment I can give to latkes. A “bissel” heavy so be careful

The New York City Cut – The somewhat confusingly named signature dish. Its not a NY Strip, but a 20 oz bone-in rib eye, 30 day dry aged, rubbed with Pastrami spices. The spices aren’t as overwhelming as one might expect. Nor the layer of mustard seeds sitting underneath that just gives it a little more tang. Its a nicely marbled, high quality cut that couldn’t be cooked any more perfect. As I mentioned we already had this at half sister Khe-Yo nearby as a special. It was slightly different (without the mustard seeds) but with similar results. We ordered two of those babies.

Sides – This is where I feel American Cut separates itself from the rest. In addition to the Latkes, you got some very impressive sides here that makes ordering a little difficult. That’s one reason you should order the latkes or something else a starter. Unless we just hit the jackpot with the creamy, bacony “Dry Aged” thin sliced Potatoes, and the banging Brussel Sprouts infused with that spicy Khe-Yo Bang Bang sauce.

Dessert – The Crackerjack ice cream with popcorn ice cream is the undeniable crowd favorite here, but what stole the show for us was the AC Carbomb, chocolate bread pudding with boozy Jameson Butterscotch, bananas, and Guinness Ice Cream. As I said, flawless

American Cut Steakhouse Tribeca
363 Greenwich St
$$$$
Recommended Dishes: All of the above

Categories: New York City, TriBeCa | Tags: American Cut, American Cut TriBeca, Best Steakhouse in NYC, food, restaurants, Steakhouse, Travel | 2 Comments

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