a dinner at Kirakuya

We took advantage of a deal on Travelzoo for Kirakuya Sake Bar. For $50, we enjoyed a three course meal with a bottle. The deal is pretty killer, considering it would set you back $150+ walking in without the pre-paid voucher.

Upon arrival, a welcoming chorus -from the entire staff- filled the dimly lit room. We were led to a cozy wooden table, backlit with amber lights. Our waitress wrapped our hands in cold towels, as we perused the sake list. Our decision was fairly simple- unfiltered with light hints of pear. From the three course prix fixe, we selected our two apps (salted cod, brushetta with berries and cream cheese), our three tapas (eggplant mozzarella dip with pepper and pork, tuna ceviche and thinly sliced rare beef with radicchio, tomato and balsamic reduction) and our two desserts (light cream with lotus, flourless chocolate cubes).

The food was quite good, and not too heavy- ideal for a warm summer night. The fusion was fascinating with Korean, Japanese and Italian notes. I'm not sure if I need to return, but I'm quite pleased with the experience.

Here's a video from another couple that took advantage of the deal.

21 Club

From the pages of Valley of the Dolls and scenes from Madmen, Sex in the City...the iconic New York '21' Club has been on my radar for some time. In celebration of my new job, we fell out of a cab to be greeted by the notorious cast-iron jockeys. Established in 1922 as a speakeasy, the venue has a sexy history full of celebrities, affluent regulars (which gifted the jockeys to represent the colors of the stables they owned) and serving every president since FDR, aside from George W. Bush. Come now, W, join the cool kids club? Few restaurants in New York City still hold dress codes, however, '21' Club requires a jacket and tie, as well those wearing jeans will not be permitted.

A doormen ushered us into the foyer where we requested a libation in the Bar Room, before taking our reservation upstairs. We settled in the corner and took in the walls and ceiling covered in antique toys. Two glasses of bubbly and a dish of wasabi peas, crostini and mixed nuts were placed before us by a warm, genuine cocktail waitress.

After finishing our bubbly, we allowed the host to lead us upstairs to the soft, pastel paintings of city streets. We tucked ourselves under the white linen table cloth and transitioned to cocktails, a vodka gimlet for myself. Pitch perfect. I decided to select my prix fixe from the Restaurant Week Menu, my company continued with the regular prix fixe.

For our starters, I had requested the grilled calamari- which was unfortunately no longer available. Our vibrant waiter noted that bay shrimp with fennel and cucumber had been implemented to satisfy. I agreed. My company chose the seared foie gras with warm polenta cake, smoked chanterelles, figs, walnuts and concord grape reduction. The foie gras would have been improved if it had been seared more lightly, but the concord reduction was quite excellent in its tart quality.

For our mains, we both selected the smoked Berkshire pork belly with honey vinaigrette, sweet potato and roasted poblano peppers- his plate with the edition of two chops. As well, we had a side of mushrooms, which were dominated by oyster and shitake varieties. The portions were surprisingly generous- I certainly did not make an attempt to finish my plate. I leaned to our waiter who was circling the dining room like a the prom queen--gay with laughter and jokes approaching an eyebrow raise, "Where is the restroom?"

"Come with me, dear. It's European style, we're going all the way downstairs." He took me right to the door, on his arm all the while. A detail, which both charmed (he gave me advice on scoring the leather soles of my heels) and a bit awkward. I was afraid to pee again after that. I mean...would I be expected to flag him down to escort me again?

The waiter wrapped the pork belly I didn't finish tightly for my Pug and asked to see a photo of him while we mulled over the Port list. I noted that the Scottish woman across the room couldn't take her eyes off our table (and her partner was gazing lovingly at her while she did it). What's with that? Perhaps my stunning Armani dress? I took a ruby, my company a tawny. For our finale, I requested the creme brulee with chocolate chip shortbread and my company left the cheese course in the hands of our waiter. The cheese selection was quite generous for one, the creme had clearly been over beaten. We conversed lightly with the couple adjacent- they were in town from Alabama. '21' Club is their must each time they come into Manhattan.

Image 1: NewYorkology, Images: 2-4 from my iPhone.

Lemongrass Grill- Financial District

Past the foggy eyed audience of drunks and man sunken over a microphone- slurring at the kareoke machine- is a long, green-lit dining room. Warm with spiced air, the tables were mostly empty.

Most beers were out of stock, and the waiter seemed to be pushing Chang beer pretty aggressively (cringe, that stuff tastes like licking someone's derriere). I sipped the Lemongrass margarita, which could have benefited from fresh lime juice.

For our mains, we chose the Chiang Mai Mee with chicken, coconut curry gravy, broccoli and dry shallots, as well the Sweet Basil with beef, pad bai ga brow sauteed with peppers, thai chili paste, onion and scallions. Both dishes were well spiced, generous in portion and quite filling. I find it difficult to find good Thai in New York City. I wouldn't say that Lemongrass is up to par with the quality found in Seattle, but it was decent.

Ward III

Noted for the "bespoke," Ward III offers a blue print for designing your own cocktail. If you're not feeling the creative itch, the menu features several selections with an affinity for bitters, spice and spirits. Dark and amber fill the long bar. With vaulted ceilings and logo design reminescent of vintage sensationalist newspaper headlines- the venue rests somewhere between speakeasy and Tribeca charm. New York magazine notes, " classy lounge-cum-restaurant." Win.

The New American bar food menu features small and large plates, as well a lengthy list of rules. Patience is perhaps the best noted, given the care the bar keeps take in crafting libations, as well their "I'll get to you when I feel like it, and your smile and gratitude will not be acknowledged," attitude.


We sipped Sweeter Heaters (silver tequila, fresh lime, red pepper flake, muddled basil and white peppercorn). To compliment the tequila, we nibbled the guacamole and house made chips. The recipe is extremely creamy, which I typically wouldn't care for, but well matched to our cocktail choice. For our second course, we shared the Mac & Cheese with "unpretentious" elbow pasta, cheddar sauce and crispy bread crumb topping. The dish is relatively bland, and the topping a bit too oily, but comforting.



Images: NY Mag

Slaughtered Lamb

My interest in the Slaughtered Lamb peaked when I noticed the venue featured in a sexy scene from New York, I Love You. A detail, which left me a bit surprised to discover that the bar is best described as a combination of dive pub and Universal Studios "horror" attraction. A small entry room houses the wooden bar, low dark wood booths cram a dining area in the back and a basement noted "Dungeon," rests below with games and pool.

I sipped the Blood Bath (one of the many cocktails or shots with awesome names like "murder," "slash," "knife"), which is an interpretation of sangria. The menu is limited to deep fried pub-grub, but the list of 80 bottled beers is noteworthy. The bathrooms were arguably the scariest aspect of this homage to An American Werewolf in London inspired venue: cramped, dirty and better to avoid. When I attempted to grab some toilet paper, the dispenser flew open and both rolls plopped into the toilet. Oops.


Images: NY Mag

a dinner at Landmarc: Tribeca

Having loved the Columbus Circle location, it wasn't difficult to get me into Landmarc Tribeca, for dinner. Much smaller, the duplex style dining room is clad in slate grey plank wood ceilings, exposed brick and champagne lighting. We ordered a bottle of Merlot to suit our steak craving and sank back in our booth.

The menu is American Nouveau with bunny trails in French and trattoria. We decided to get three smalls plates and one entree to share. The French Onion soup is a no-brainer- thick with gruyere and chunks of caramelized onion and baguette- the bowl is pitch perfect. Next the grilled octopus salad with potatoes, onion and chorizo vinaigrette and the endive salad with walnuts, crumbled blue cheese and sherry vinaigrette. Both were quite good, though endive would have been improved if it hadn't been chopped. The octopus is inspiring- shouldn't it always be served with chorizo?

Our finale, the fillet mignon with fries and dressed field greens, come in a heap with the chimichurri sauce. We requested medium-rare, which suited the buttery cut. The chimichurri had oil as the overwhelmingly dominant ingredient, a detail which I forgave as my pre-dinner Kir Royals and Merlot buzz weighed heavy on my appreciation.

Images: Venue Pages, NYMag

take cocktails at Anotheroom

It's been my habit, in the past few weeks, to wander out of the Financial District and into Tribeca. The dining and cocktail scene is a bit more mellow and typically more satisfying than the heavy plates served up to the Wall Street crew. Anotheroom surprised me with a few modest picnic tables outside and a contrasting deep, dark interior. Although it's noted as an after work spot- the concrete floors, slate bar and tattered chairs looked to appeal to youngish doting couples.

The high velvet couches and corner nooks are well-matched to the candlelit atmosphere- as well the chalkboard menu with tidy lists of European beers, domestics and wine. I sipped Kir Royals and my company a few different Belgian beers. The bar keep worked quietly, efficiently and seemed to tend to his DJ duties more (a welcome trait, considering those couples were more interested in batting eyelashes). Though when we requested a Sea Dog Pugsley Brewing blueberry ale, he noted, "This is a good beer for smelling. It's like pie." And it was.

On the play list: John Lennon, Silver Jews and Elbow. Sexy, no?

Images: NY Mag

take cocktails at The Bubble Lounge

Self proclaimed at New York City's premier champagne salon, The Bubble Lounge offers over 300 varieties of sparkling wine. The venue sits on the fence between garish and tasteful with hundreds of backlit bottles and poster advertisements (that you could likely pick-up at Linens N' Things).

We ordered a bottle of Aubry and sank into the low-set couches and patterned chairs. The flow of the room encouraged a coziness with your company, a buzzy-teenager type of love, to be sure. We refilled our own glasses once- which seemed to encourage our server to be more attentive.

To sum it up:

Businessmen scan the room for hapless young females to impress with bottles of brut. For those who do get lucky, there's the cozy Krug Room downstairs, where couples can recline and let the bubbly take effect. — T Sahara Meer

images: venue pages

a dinner at Flor de Sol

Within the cavernous dark dining room, we settled ourselves between the red curtains and iron chandeliers of Flor de Sol. Although the seductive tapas spot is located in celeb-saturated Tribeca, it tends to attract Wall Street social climbers, rather than the Hollywood vanguard. We shared a large pitcher of Sangria Blanco and nibbled on bread with extra virgin olive oil while putting together our thoughts on small plates for sharing. I had a few ideas, but it had been three years since I had last dined at this venue. One thing was certain- the seamless and unobtrusive service remained consistent with the familiar Bossa Nova soundtrack.

For our group of four, we chose six plates to begin:

Ceviche de Carmarones: shrimp marinated and lemon and lime juices. Fresh and with ripe tomatoes, the dish was pitch perfect for a balmy summer night.

Jamon Importado: cured and thinly sliced- the buttery ham came garnished with green olives and grape tomatoes.

Croquettes de Pollo: deep fried, the melty chicken flecked center would not be my first choice, but they were popular with the rest of my group- in particular, my Southern bred friend.

Calamares Romano: deep fried squid with marinara dipping sauce. All rings, the tentacle-free plate was surprisingly light.

Pulpa a la Fiera: Octopus sliced and simmered in spanish olive oil, paprika and parsley. A gorgeous presentation- neat and lined up in a filled in circle, the meat came expertly prepared in terms of the texture and marriage of spices.

Chorizo with Jalapenos: an evening special, this was my favorite dish with the smokey and spicy sausage juices flavoring the sauteed peppers.

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Given the generous portions for a tapas-themed venue, it came as a surprise that others at the table were in interested in perusing the dessert menu. I followed suit with my side of the table- tawny port, over sweets- the other side of the table requested a chocolate tart and spanish creme brulee. The port was lovely and an appropriate punctuation. The chocolate tart tasted pre-frozen and the whipped cream garish clearly originated from a store-bought can. Regardless, it was enjoyed by a few. The creme is something that I would have typically chosen for myself, ergo, it garnered my affection.






Image: Taste Spotting

a night at Kiss N Fly

The night began over vodka soda and hookah in Gramercy- we warmed our cheeks pink in preparation for club Kiss N Fly in the Meatpacking District. As to be expected, we fell out of cabs and into a horrendous line. Our host shuffled us through the crowds to the front of the line. The bouncer turned to her, "Show me your people," and one by one: we entered into the techno and lasers.


Coat check is required, obnoxious and apparently notorious for losing your digs. In fact, it's urged by foursquare reviews to leave your jackets at home. The key to a good time is reserving a table with bottle service. Fifths of 42below and mixers scattered our table as we danced on the platforms behind the benches. I'm still working out the guy who was mopping between our feet at five minute intervals. We were splashing a bit...but a little aggressive, no?

Image: Club Planet

take cocktails at Libertine

My affection for hotel bars (Thompson in particular) has been further cemented with my introduction to The Libertine. Mahogany, caramel leather and colonial accents define the modern English tavern within the Gild Hall Hotel. The few times I've been in, I've sipped either Moet or a Ketel martini with a twist- noticing the dominantly male clientele and Thomas Crown chess den.


The menu is vaguely British inspired food, but classified as Nouveau American with Kobe beef hot dog, Fish and Chips with malt vinegar aioli and Devils on Horseback.

Other Thompson Hotel Bars you may be interested in:
Smyth, Thom Bar & Kittichai.

Images: NYMAG

an evening at Vintry

Motivation to slop through yesterday's blizzard proved bleak as I settled into a nap. Several text message beeps and a bleating roommate later, I pulled on my wellies and scarf. Trudging through the mess, I settled into Stone Street's new hot spot, Vintry, for wine and nibbles. A host approached immediately and negotiated a five minute wait for a table. He brought water and glasses of Pecorino il Feuduccio Colline Teatine Marche (2008) for sipping, while we pealed off our coats.

I took in the setting: perhaps the sexiest (collective) group of patrons I have ever encountered in the Financial District: saavy attire, sharp features and nibbling shamelessly on tapas between calculated sips of wine and bourbon. The venue is cozy- and quite packed. One who speaks with their hands will likely swat a fellow patron, or server. Small plates are served to match the 200+ list of bourbon/whiskey and impressive wine scroll.


A bottle of Caposaldo Prosecco (brut veneto, Italy) was ordered, as well the Lobster Stuffed Mushrooms and Tuna Tartar. The server brought the Lobster first: carefully dividing portions of separate plates. Tender and a bit hardy, the dish matched the dry and crisp bubbles of the Prosecco. The tartar came in a neat cylinder topped with creme fraiche and black caviar. Served with thin crustini and lightly dressed greens, the plate punctuated the meal quite well.


Image: Gothamist

Masa: it's love.

Sitting down to sushi from Chef Masa Takamaya is something that is deeply enjoyable- a pleasure I found myself in for the second time, last week. The Time Warner building setting would lend thoughts of kitschy American dining, but tucked within is a gold mine- between Landmarc, Masa and Bouchon Bakery.

We sipped on Fiji still water and mulled over the wine list. My dining partner selected a dry white Italian wine- to follow suit with our chefs choice of selections. The service proved impeccable, if not overbearing- and the fish gorgeously presented. New York Magazine highlights the seasonal menus, as well the magazine's food writer Adam Platt has rung bells of praise for the experience.

Boss Tweed Tavern

With countless nightlife options sprinkling the Lower East Side, we departed our Speak Easy without a plan. Welcome to the Johnson's offered a homespun temptation, but appeared a bit too hectic for the hour. We rerouted toward Spitzers corner only to be accosted by mildly haggered promo girl (bless her, it's below freezing out!). "Free alcohol!"

"Where? Indulged me"

"Boss Tweed! Take a flyer and for your friends too. Buy one, get one. I'll walk you there so you don't get lost."

The five of us shuffled into the dive and sloshed about: beer pong, piles of winter coats, $3 beers and $5 wells. We ordered a few vodka sodas and a a few beers: $8 total. Brilliant.

Well, I'll be back. Where else can I drink after paying rent?

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Thom Bar

I fell out of the cab and floated up the steps to SoHo's Thom Bar. Located in 60 Thompson, this New School Hotel bar is ranked among the top choices in Manhattan. The key to Thom Bar: getting a seat in one of the nooks in the back. Sunken couches and reasonably eclectic patterns offer the urban-chic you're seeking. A DJ offered Amy Winehouse, Jay-Z, among other main stream hits.

I sipped on the Clementine Cosmopolitan (even, tasty, mastered) before graduating to a Ketel Martini, up with a twist. The cocktail server kept a steady flow of drinks- a detail that I have affection for (attempting to flag an inattentive server is never sexy).


Image: Black Book Mag

Church Lounge, for cocktails-

Albeit massive and airy, the Church Lounge in the Tribeca Grand Hotel proved its trendy label with a peculiar ambiance. Sinking into low chaises, the group sipped vodka based drinks and prosecco. While I felt a bit vulnerable with the lack of coziness, the earth-toned decor and eclectic lighting kept me engaged. For a preliminary cocktail, I would recommend The Spa: muddled cucumber, mint, lime and vodka. Refreshing and spectacular, one is enough. Service tailed off towards the end, otherwise a pleasant experience.

a dinner at Balthazar

I took the pleasure of dinner at Balthazar, in SoHo, yesterday evening. New York Magazine noted on the venue, “masterpiece, an evocation of a Paris brasserie that out glows anything within brie-tossing distance of the Seine.”

A bit ruffled from my delayed six train, I settled into our table. Albeit tightly pieced between others burgeoning with patrons, it offered a cozy remedy to the Autumn chill. While considering the traditional French Bistro menu, I sipped on a Ketel Martini: up, with an olive. A bit wet for my taste, I forgave the vermouth after a few sips. House breads were brought with creamy, light beurre.

To start, my company ordered the Roasted Beet Salad. The plate came as a slight hill of greens with leeks, haricots verts, walnuts and fourme d'Ambert. A gorgeous little dish with well balanced flavors- if not a starter, it would satisfy as a light lunch with a glass of Pinot Grigio.

We switched to Pinot Noir and dry white wine to match our entrees. My partner selected the Steak Au Poivre with pomme frites and spinach. I catered to my shellfish craving with the Moules Frites. Leeks, shaved garlic, white wine and cream complicated the wonderfully fresh moules. The two plates were ideal for sharing a few bites of each. I found the steak to be spot on in terms of texture and spice (noted that cracked pepper is a staple in my dining).

The intimacy of the tables lent us to conversation with a handful of couples- the service teetered back and forth from lacking to overbearing. We declined dessert and caught a nightcap at Ulysses.

Images: Taraci

Apotheke

How many times were you reminded to "never judge a book by its cover?" I've shuffled through this alley several times. Cutting corners to pick up something, or to head home. And then he found a little buzz online about Apotheke.


A doorman leaned back in a cheap folding chair outside the Golden Flower. It must have been some time after midnight. We opened our wallets to pull out our IDs. He cocked his head back, "ID? Drinking is the ID at this bar." We released a chuckle and closed our wallets. Inside Michael Jackson was screaming (surprise, surprise) and the air was thick with honey and taupe lighting.


The gorgeously dressed, unusually attractive crowd leaned into each other's necks to speak. We leaned over a cocktail menu and made our selections. I chose the Spicy Basil ($15). A perfect cocktail. Not a hint of sweet (my interest at this particular moment) and smooth. The bar keeps clearly take an exceptional amount of pride in their work. Friendly, concise and rhythmic in their motions.

jeremy's ale house

I've been told that Jeremy's Ale House is the Seaport's Safe Bar. It served as a meeting up place during 9/11. I walked down to the open air spot to meet with friends in memory of a firefighter. Bras hang from the ceiling, the scent of fried seafood thickens the air. Beer is served in 32oz Styrofoam cups, $6 for domestics such as Coors or Bud light.

As the night progressed, patrons stacked their empty Styrofoam cups and toted them around like trophies. According to Jeremy's website, they serve the best clams and calamari. We ordered the clams which came battered and deep fried with fries. The platter is offered in a generous portion: light and fresh for fried food. We squeezed a pool of the house hot sauce (by my tongue: a cocktail of chili paste, Sriracha and ketchup) and dipped each taste in. For the simplicity of the food, it was quite satisfying. Or did the hazy 32oz buzz influence that opinion? Either way: cheap, young vibe and better than your typical dive bar.


Images: NY Mag

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.