westville east

This gorgeous little brunch spot in the East Village served us Prosecco in paper cups (so we could sit outside on those cute chairs). Need I say more?

Forum Bar

While picking up a few bottles of wine in Union Square, I considered the few drops trickling down my arms. The escalating threat of rain cajoled me into the Forum Bar. The 3500 square foot space offers an airy, open feel, with slightly offensive lighting. I settled into a seat at the fifty-foot mahogany bar and accepted a cocktail list. The decided to veto the only cocktail that peaked my interest: Julius Caesar (blood-orange puree, Grand Marnier, lime juice and vodka). It just seemed a little too- involved(?) for a rainy evening. I requested bourbon. The bartender raised a brow, I nodded: give me the bourbon.

After a few drinks, food seemed appropriate. To nibble, my company and I selected the Calamari and the Summer Tuna Rolls. The Calamari came in a cone with red and white sauces. Tender and light: a perfect snack for sharing. The Summer Tuna Rolls are composed of mango, avocado, cucumber and raw albacore with wasabi and sweet chili sauces. The dish is a decent contrast to the breaded/fried calamari. Above average, but short of spectacular. The mango enclosed in the thin wrap was well-ripened, which I found to be a pleasant surprise.

Zagat offers mixed reviews and a few angry people. It's a good place to scoop yourself into to avoid the rain, get a late-night bite and seat- but there are certainly more engaging spots in the East Village.


Image: Timeout New York.

b bar

It's probably been a year since I last settled into B Bar near Cooper Square. The bar/restaurant is made up of a dark bar, baskets of oranges and a large patio that makes you feel like you're in another country. Of course, when you raise your head to the graffiti, nouveau architecture slamming into the older broken down buildings: you realize you're in New York.


We ordered the drink specials: Spicy Margarita and Fresh Watermelon Martini. The margarita had a dominant flavor of Grand Marnier and muddled clove sunken to the bottom. A decent cocktail, but sip carefully, or you'll get caught in the back of your throat. I found myself quite pleased with the Watermelon Martini. Beyond say, a sangria or rum-based cocktail, this was the ideal hot weekend day cocktail. It tasted as though I was sucking juice from the melon.

I imagine brunch is pretty good, judging by the banana bread and butter that we were offered to nibble on. It held its own, even in the heat.

take some bourbon, scotch: in Shoolbreds

After warming up with a few cocktails at the Cherry Tavern in the East Village, we headed to Shoolbreds for a night cap. The easy Toille on the walls, cognac colored leather chairs and fireplace suit the good selection of bourbon and scotch.


We managed to snag the four chairs adjacent the fire and selected our drinks. I sipped a Booker's, others had IPA, or Eagle Rare bourbon.


While we offered conversation, a clearly intoxicated boy began to break dance, or rather put on a show that could be compared to break dancing: sort of. A bus boy brought us homemade warm potato chips to nibble on. Light, pleasantly crispy and moderately salty. These chips were made to be crunched on with bourbon, I am certain: this is their purpose.

I've been a few times before, and I'm certain that I will return to Shoolbreds.

197 Second Ave.

dinner at Mad Dog & Beans

I had the pleasure of meeting up with a friend, Jason, for dinner and drinks at Mad Dog & Beans near my apartment. The cantina rests on Pearl Street with low lights and tart-delicious margaritas. We started with the guacamole: spicy. The secret to good guacamole rests in the quality of the avocados- they must be ripened and stored properly (a secret I learned while working at a Southwestern restaurant during high school and college).

Mad Dog has this figured out. The homemade chips were well matched to the freshmade guacamole. We continued our meal with an offensively large chicken burrito and the Black Eyed Tuna ("Tuna Ceviche") which consists of thin sliced albacore with sesame seeds, tomatoes, serrano peppers and romaine. A sizeable salad with enough flavor and imagination to satisfy. I'm not suggesting that the food was spectacular, but certainly delicious and well-suited for the margaritas and Negra Modelo that we sipped on.

I think I'd go back...perhaps when my parents come to visit, or for happy hour...

take cocktails: at Ulysses

A friend asked me down to Ulysses for cocktails last night- a place I've been a bit curious about ever since I was warned, "Don't fall into the Ulysses trap," by a handful of folks at the Killarney Rose (the Jackie's Fifth Amendment of the Financial District--->a fight broke out in between shots of Jameson. I have to admit I was impressed with Tommy the bartender, who snapped over the counter is a micro moment: he's seasoned). Any who, enough of the bunny trail: Ulysses.

Packed. Absolutely. And on a Wednesday night. There was a nervous looking DJ and pools of power hungry young professionals scooped into dark, antique alcove-style booths with stools. The large pub is divided by snaking pathways with two decent sized bars and multicolored lights. Had there been a dance floor (with disco ball) and a more inspired DJ: things could get a little messy.

We drank champagne splits and ordered a pot pie. I didn't take a taste, but it looked good. A generous portion at the very minimum. Ulysses offers favorites such as: oysters, salads, burgers and standard appetizers. They are also featuring a lobster night on Wednesdays and weekend brunch. To punctuate the evening, I ordered an Irish coffee, which was spot on. The coffee hot, fresh- the bourbon warm and the whipped cream homemade.

I can foresee myself getting "trapped," but the dive-vibe at the Killarney Rose is definitly a bit more suited for an easy nightcap.

tapeo

Tapas, Sangria, Wine & Beer...

Low-lit Tapeo draws in patrons with a friendly hostess on the street. I enjoyed the house white sangria- refreshing- subtly sweet and meant to be enjoyed with light bites and seafood. Vadim selected the Trappiste Rochefort Belgian Strong Ale. This is a serious beer. The finish is simply divine: even and robust. To nibble, we chose the Maine Sea Scallop Ceviche. The scallops were thinly sliced and topped with chopped mint, coriander, jalapeno, lemon and lime. Delightful and appropriate for a warm evening of outdoor dining. The jalapenos were prepared without seeds, giving the flavor of the spice, without the burn!

Happy Hour until 7pm: One Tapa, One drink, $9.95

52 Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn

on cocktails, fun fact-

I've been slowly devouring the recent New York magazine (Clay Felker tribute issue) as to make it last-nibble, by simple, slow nibble. Tormented by the fact that I only have a few short articles remaining...

I've paused on a book recommendation, "Drink: A Cultural History of Alcohol" (Iain Gately). I'm considering this my next read after the stack I need to finish from other good words. I suspect it will be as tasty- and yet dull in some points as is, "Cocaine: An authorized biography" (Dominic Streatfeild). You feel a slight flirtation with risque (?) as you pull it from the shelf, take it to the register and tote it around town, opening the pages on the subway-
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Any who, here's your obligatory fun fact- straight from New York

The cocktail was, "Popularized in twenties American speakeasies, where juices, bitters, and sugar covered up bad-quality Prohibition-era alcohol, the cocktail quickly became a dinner-party staple."

The belief, as follows, is that the dry martini is, "the only American invention as perfect as a sonnet" - H.L. Mencken.

take dinner at Papatzul

This evening we payed homage to Papatzul once more. This time for a complete meal post appetizing cocktail. Vadim and I met his folks, Irina & Alex at the bar for Tequila, Negro Modelo and their velvety delicious margaritas.

I'm kicking myself for having not caught the bartender's name. He's from Pueblo, Mexico (the city where the majority of Mexican NYC transplants hail from, I am told). This gentleman is the creator of the Papatzul Margarita recipe. A mastermind combination that hailed from years of experimentation. He is to be opening his own restaurant soon- and I will make note of it's location and offerings in due time...

After our cocktails, we were lead to a comfortable table towards the back of the dining room, which rested under a sky light, illuminated by a vivid green flood light. To start, no surprise here: we ordered the Ceviche and Chipotle Salsa and homemade chips.

The gritty details-

Irina chose the: Huachinago a la Veracruzana: Seared Whole Red Snapper with Tomato, Green Olive and Caper Sauce. (Pictured Above). A charming dish which was respectively not too fishy for Snapper. Alex opted for the Filete de Rez~ a Seared Sirloin with rice, sweet plantains & Poblano Peppers, a surprising decision, as he typically prefers lamb. Although the plantains were a bit heavy for a dish of this caliber-his plate was clean. Vadim preferred the Enchiladas San Marquenas- Braised Beef with Poblano Tomatillo Sauce. To be honest, the beef was nothing to be amped up, but the Tomatillo Sauce was delightful, and refreshing, for a heavy beef dish.

For my entree, I chose the Enchiladas de Pato al Mole Almendrado: Slow Roasted Duck in a Rich Almond Mole (pictured below). The almonds were an ideal consistency for the dense mole- and the duck was a beacon of perfection.

I'm not entirely sure how we charmed more food into our stomachs, but we each took a double espresso and an apertif. The espresso was a bit of a let down! Very weak. One certainly jones' for a robust and bitter espresso after partaking in Papatzul.

We shared the:

Nieve de Dulce de Leche con Palanqueta y Cajeta (Essentially caramel iceream with caramel sauce and peanut brittle)

(Pecan Brittle could have been a bit more crisp!)

as well the:

Mini Flan de Chocolate y Chile con Nieve de Canela:

Chocolate and Chili Pot De Crème with Cinnamon Ice Cream- reminiscent of something you might find at a corner cafe- to be enjoyed outside, along a bustling sidewalk. It should be noted that this, as well the Dulce were on par with portion size after a heavy meal. Modest, and yet ideal for sharing.

True to himself, Vadim requested the Churros con Espumado de Cajeta: delcious with the cinnamon mousse- although the dish was rather dense for a heavy meal. This would be an ideal dish to enjoy after a light dinner and a precursor to an evening promenade.

The meal was excellent, but I prefer Papatzul for margaritas & light bites.

Heartland: You've redeemed yourself.

In search of a quiet place to get a light bite and an espresso, I decided to give Heartland Brewery (Times Square) another chance. Having received shoddy service from sassy hostess staff in the past while getting drinks and appetizers with co-workers, I have been resistant to go back. (It happened twice!)

I stepped into the slightly over-air conditioned bar and ordered an espresso and spinach salad. The bartender was very friendly, offering me an espresso 'refill.' The salad was a perfectly proportioned plate for a quick lunch hour while you brief paper work. Furnished with goat cheese crumbles, julienned Granny Smith apples and cherry tomatoes it left me content.

Other notes: the Caesar salad isn't spectacular. It's almost too fishy. I would recommend trying the "Around the World," beer sampler when meeting with clients after work. It's tasty beer and offers a casual conversation piece. The appetizers are hinting on chain-restaurant quality, but decent for snaking while drinking.