NoLiTa

Epistrophy

Walking through NoLiTa today, it’s hard to imagine the area once wasn’t filled with models, cocktail bars and fancy restaurants. But more than ten years ago when Epistrophy opened almost none of those places existed. Epistrophy was the cool neighborhood spot for a neighborhood that wasn’t yet cool. And even […]

Gato

Why Come Here? Mediterranean Crowd Pleaser from Bobby Flay, NYC’s Best Paella Gato, Bobby Flay’s first new New York restaurant in over ten years, opened to high praise in 2014. Clearly the word has gotten out as he still appears to be packing in the crowds every night. So yeah, I was a little late […]

Balzem

Note: I was invited as a guest of the establishment and received a complimentary meal. This was not in exchange for a positive review and opinions expressed are my own. Why Come Here? Great selection of Mediterranean small plates & wines in a casual rustic setting When it comes to […]

Yakitori Tora

Why Come Here? Best tongue in the city, tasty Japanese tapas Right Amount for 2? 2-3 yakitori plus four larger dishes For those unfamiliar, yakitori is kind of like Japanese BBQ. Skewers of meat (primarily chicken – and all parts of it!) are cooked over little pits of charcoal. Yakitori […]

Uncle Boons

Why Come Here? Elevated Thai cooking with authentic flavors, lively atmosphere Recommended for 2: 2 apps/2 entrees or 4 apps/1 entree Betel Leaf Wrap Having spent five weeks in Thailand, I like to consider myself a Thai aficionado of sorts. So any time a new “authentic” Thai restaurant opens up […]