New York, New York: the 4th, Food, and Karoke

I have been to New York quite a bit but since cooking has entered my life, I see New York in a totally differently light. This is why I had to go there with a mission, not only to see friends of course, but indulge myself in a food ‘tour’ of the city that never sleeps. With the help of my dear friend, Gerlyn, we devised a list of restaurants and New York type of ‘eats’ we were going to conquer. She made reservations and put together a list of friends to invite while I came up with other things to do during my stay. We ate well. See the summaries of all meals!
July 4th

Brunch: Courtesy of Gerlyn and Kirstin

What: All-European Meal and taste test of US Nutella vs. European Nutella

Dinner: BBQ on rooftop, started off with a frenzy in Fairway Market

What: All-American Meal of Burgers, Dogs, Potato Salad, Chips

Late night eats: Korean BBQ

July 5th
Lunch: Famed 53rd St. vendor

What: Chicken Gyro

Verdict: YUMMY for$4.00!

Dinner: Spotted Pig

What: Duck Egg with Tuna Bottarga, Chicken Liver Toast, Sheep’s Ricotta Gnudi with Brown Butter & Sage, Berkshire Pork Rillette with Cornichons & Mustard, Pan Roasted Halibut with Pea Puree & Escarole, Pot Roast Rabbit with Spring Garlic & Fresh Peas

Verdict: I made everyone try the Chicken Liver Toast and they loved it! The Gnudi was the highlight of the meal, light and fluffy but with loads of flavor! Overall, great Gastropub food!

July 6th:

Lunch: Bouchon Bakery

What: Brioche and TKOC - Thomas Keller's Oreo cookie

Verdict: I love a great brioche and this was good but a tad on the dry side.

Dinner: Degustation

What: 5 course tasting Menu

Verdict: Fantastic meal, well worth the $50! The set up was counter service style where you could see the Chef preparing the food. Highlights were Stuffed Calamari with Braised beef Chorizo Lentil Hash, Breaded Soft Shell crab with Romesco sauce, Philly style sirloin beef (not pictured below), and finally a solid cheese plate.

July 7th

Lunch: Sylvia’s Soul Food

What: Ribs, Fried Chicken, Collard Greens, Cornbread

Verdict: Cornbread, Collards and Ribs were the highlight. Meal was heavy since it was hot outside, especially during our hike!

July 8th

Brunch: Balthazaar

What: Steak Frites, Bloody Mary, Poached Eggs over Polenta

Verdict: Such the the novelty restaurant of NY with mediocre food, overrated and overpriced.

In between, we managed to watch the Fireworks, the most beautiful I’ve seen even with the rain, karaoked to what seemed to be a million songs, visited the MOMA, did an Urban Hike, and saw many friends, Amanda, Vin, Suzy, Dave, and cousin Michelle. A very special thanks to Kirsten and Gerlyn who gave me room and board for those days. Great conversation and coffee!