Hoards of people gather on the cement steps of Totto Ramen for a taste of their authentic Japanese food. My friend, Mike and I felt out of place, being the only English speaking individuals with our names written on the sign-in board, marked by unusual Japanese characters. You cannot go inside to wait for a table, you cannot have a drink while you wait. Simply … Continue reading Totto Ramen
The Spotted Pig has been on the top of my ‘must try’ restaurant list since I began my blogging adventures. For one reason or another it took me nearly a year to get here, but I finally made it. This West Village gastro-pub, serves some serious eats. They have a strict ‘no reservations’ policy, making it notorious for long waits. Like most popular NYC establishments, … Continue reading The Spotted Pig
My Dad has made his way down the dark steps of Wo Hop since his days at NYU. I have been going for as long as I can remember, with a tradition forming once I started college in Wisconsin. I quickly realized that in the Midwest, the quality of Chinese food would never live up to my high expectations set from days eating in Chinatown. … Continue reading Wo Hop
Late on a Saturday night, I texted my friend, Vildana asking for an inexpensive, yet fun, place for dinner in her neighborhood, the Lower East Side. Immediately, she responded Barrio Chino with tons of exclamation points, followed by elaborate descriptions of the margarita choices I needed to try. Trusting her insight, my friends Rachel, Amanda and I hopped on the subway to try our luck … Continue reading Barrio Chino
My love affair with mussels began at a young age. It has continued to flourish as I’ve grown, solidifying the fact that there are very few things better then a steaming bowl of mussels and crispy fries on the side. I had heard about Flex Mussels during the summer, and had been looking for any opportunity to go. Finally, six months later, the reservation was … Continue reading Flex Mussels
It’s phenomenal, classic Italian food, with a twist. And it’s the twist sets Perla apart from all others, ranking among the best newcomers in the lucrative New York City dining scene. It’s the addition of yogurt, pickled mushrooms and quince that will leave your mind reeling. Michael Toscano, head chef at Perla, seemingly reinvented the wheel. He pushes the culinary limits with such success that … Continue reading Perla
This adorable, Upper West Side, high end cafe reminds me of a small Parisian bistro, and I think that’s then point. The large, red awning stands out, without seeming gaudy. Tucked away on 70th between Amsterdam and Riverside Drive, you would know to look here unless you were a local or savvy with Yelp. However, the crowds know to come and at 12:30 on a … Continue reading Cafe Luxembourg
I never recommend Midtown as a hot spot for brunch or most dining experiences, for that matter. Instead, I redirect tourist friends to the likes of the Village or Uptown, causing them to steer away from over priced culinary traps. So when my friend, Vildana sent me a drop pin with our brunch location at 53rd and Broadway, I was a bit hesitant. She had … Continue reading Maison
The Political Foodie 