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Bonnie Tandy Leblang | Bite of the Best - Part 2

Bonnie from BiteoftheBest.com

About Bonnie Tandy Leblang

Blogger Bonnie Tandy Leblang has been covering food since before it was hip to do so! She’s penned magazine, newspaper and syndicated food columns in addition to cookbooks. Follow her on twitter @BonnieBOTB and on Instagram@BiteoftheBest and at @BonnieBOTB "I eat for a living!” is her mantra, sharing what she’s sampled so you’ll know where (or where not) to go, plus what food products and gadgets to try. For her full bio go to the about us page.
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A Taste of Utsav, Theatre District, NYC

Currently, with all the scaffolding surrounding the building, finding the entrance to Utsav isn't easy. The bi-level Theatre District restaurant, located in a skywalk between 46th and 47th Streets, serves authentic Indian, Indo-Chinese and Bengali cuisine. Recently, owner Nandita Khanna invited me to sample the menu as Utsav began its 26th year in business. (Utsav is a Sanskrit word meaning "festival.") As guests of the restaurant, we began with cocktails. I chose the Old Fashioned with a green chili infusion, served with a wooden stopper to retain the added smoke ($18), while my dining partner enjoyed the refreshing Saffron Sunrise, made with vodka, saffron liqueur, Aperol and ginger beer ($18). [...]

By |2026-06-06T12:24:24-04:00July 4th, 2026|NYC Restaurant Reviews|0 Comments
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Brunch at La Grande Boucherie NYC, Midtown, NYC + Every Brilliant Thing

Every Brilliant Thing, Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe's play about a person creating a list of everything wonderful in the world to help their mother cope with depression, is at the Hudson Theatre. It's a feel-good show that's not to be missed. Lucky for us, we saw it with Mariska Hargitay in her Broadway debut, as we all sat on stage as part of the audience. For those who aren't Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU) fans, she's been the star of the show since it premiered in 1999, more than 27 years ago. That makes her character, Detective-turned-Captain Olivia Benson, the longest-running character in an American primetime live-action [...]

By |2026-06-07T10:52:18-04:00July 2nd, 2026|Big Apple Life, City Bites, NYC Best Bites, NYC Restaurant Reviews|0 Comments
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Bargain Lunch at Pan Asian Amber Village, West Village, NY

I had no idea you could still get a $13 two-course lunch at a sit-down restaurant in the West Village. I discovered Amber, a pan-Asian place that a pickleball friend raved about. She and her hubby are regulars, so I had to check it out for myself. Amber Village on Sixth Avenue offers a 2-course $13 lunch that includes a starter of miso soup or salad, plus two small vegetarian egg rolls, then an entree. Four hungry adults dug into two of their $13 offerings, ordering the shrimp & veggie (eggplant, sweet potato, broccoli) tempura, and chicken coconut green curry. To that, we added their chicken lettuce wraps ($14) and [...]

By |2026-06-30T15:53:32-04:00June 30th, 2026|City Bites, NYC Best Bites, NYC Restaurant Reviews|0 Comments
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The Luncheon Sets at Jeong Yuk Jeom, Koreatown, NYC

Something’s new in Koreatown. Jeeong Yuk Jeom has introduced a new luncheon menu built around what they call “sets.” I was invited in to sample these reasonably priced combinations at Jeeong Yuk Jeom — generous spreads of food that could satisfy a lumberjack. My guest and I could barely make a dent in them. We were seated upstairs in the bi-level space, with a BBQ unit built into the table for tableside cooking. We laughed that it left absolutely no room for playing footsie under the table. We started with two unusual cocktails: the Spring JYJ, made with Ketel One and Chambord ($19), and the September Suntory Whiskey Ginger Highball [...]

By |2026-05-29T11:39:13-04:00June 28th, 2026|Big Apple Life, NYC Best Bites, NYC Restaurant Reviews|0 Comments
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Brunch at Faubourg, Montclair, NJ + Art In Bloom, Montclair Art Museum

One chilly, rainy Sunday recently, I headed by train to Montclair to visit friends, have brunch and see the Montclair Art Museum, where my friend exhibited during their annual Art in Bloom, the museum’s nationally celebrated biennial exhibition, where contemporary floral designers create fresh interpretations inspired by works on view throughout the museum. We first spent a lovely afternoon having brunch at Faubourg, the go-to spot in Montclair, according to the friendly folks I met on the train. Lucky for me, it was jazz Sunday, although one of my friends would have preferred classical. Two of us opted for the bargain-priced $43 prix-fixe menu, including our Bloody Mary, a breakfast [...]

By |2026-05-31T19:21:41-04:00June 26th, 2026|Bites from the Road, USA, USA Restaurants, USA Travel|0 Comments
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*Happy Hour at Reyna, East Village, NYC + ||: Girls :||: Chance :||: Music :||

As this published, we learned that Reyna has permanently closed. We stopped into Reyna, which took over the old Le Midi Bistro spot, for happy hour before heading to the Vineyard Theatre to see ||: Girls :||: Chance :||: Music :||. The show, which varies each night, centers on a pivotal summer at a prestigious girls’ music program in Berkeley, where four gifted teenagers come together. As their relationships intensify, a sense of looming catastrophe beyond the campus walls forces them to adapt both onstage and off. Reyna, a woman-owned Mediterranean spot from Nicki Laborie, offers a golden hour (two hours, actually) from 4 to 6, Tuesday through Sunday. We [...]

By |2026-06-23T19:23:53-04:00June 23rd, 2026|Happy Hours, NYC Best Bites, NYC Restaurant Reviews|0 Comments
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Birthday Celebration at the Authentic Lebanese Au Za’atar, UES, NYC

I was the first to arrive and spotted Nina, the hostess, setting the lone outdoor table. Naturally, I began yakking with her and requested that our group be seated there. She told me she was new to the business, and I complimented her on her welcoming warmth while sharing my favorite hospitality tome, Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara, which champions giving guests more than they expect. As luck would have it, we did get that outdoor table for our 120-year birthday celebration — two Lebanese friends each turning 60. The celebrants took charge of the ordering, introducing the rest of us to some of their favorite dishes. Soon the table [...]

By |2026-06-21T08:13:31-04:00June 21st, 2026|Big Apple Life, City Bites, NYC Best Bites, NYC Restaurant Reviews|0 Comments
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Prix Fixe at Amalfi, Serra by Birreria at Eataly’s Rooftop, Flatiron, NYC

Eataly’s rooftop has been transformed into Amalfi, inspired by SERRA by Birreria’s ever-changing seasonal themes. I enjoyed their exceptional $27 two-course lunch with a friend on a perfect spring afternoon, on a rooftop surrounded by lush, garden-like lattice reminiscent of an Italian vineyard. We shared everything, starting with a thick slice of rustic Italian bread topped with whipped ricotta, pesto vegetables (including diced asparagus), pea tendrils and thinly sliced yellow beets. The dish was finished with green salsa, more whipped ricotta sprinkled with diced Taggiasca olives and breadcrumbs, all drizzled with white balsamic dressing. To accompany our meal, we took advantage of their Wednesday 50%-off bottles and ordered the Dolcetto [...]

By |2026-07-12T09:58:44-04:00June 19th, 2026|NYC Best Bites, NYC Restaurant Reviews|0 Comments
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A Happy Hour Sampling at the New Mexican Calaveres Social, Upper East Side, NYC

A friend and I stopped by Calaveras Social to check out their covered patio for an upcoming Happy Hour. This new Mexican restaurant comes from a seasoned restaurateur with acclaimed spots (Calaveras and Calaveras Corner) We kicked things off with their spicy margaritas ($10), some creamy guacamole and housemade corn tortilla chips ($16). Next up was the queso fundido ($21), bubbling with melted cheese, topped with savory crumbled chorizo, and served with fresh, warm tortillas. We shared an order of three Birria Tacos ($21), generously filled with slow-cooked, tender brisket and topped with pickled onions. The tacos came with a rich beef consommé for dipping, making each bite exceptionally flavorful. [...]

By |2026-06-09T12:10:54-04:00June 17th, 2026|Big Apple Life, Happy Hours, NYC Restaurant Reviews|0 Comments
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Souvlaki GR Midtown, Midtown, NYC + Death of a Salesman

Souvlaki GR Midtown was our stop for lunch and conversation before heading to Nathan Lane's tour de force in Death of a Salesman— a performance that got him a Tony nod.  Laurie Metcalf’s performance was equally compelling, earning her the Tony for Featured Actress in a play. For brunch, my dining partners each tried to finish their Horiatiki (Greek Salad) with diced tomatoes, red onions, crumbled feta, Kalamata olives and enough cucumbers for a couple more meals ($17) with lots of pita to also accompany the melitzanosalata (eggplant, $9.50). I went American-style because I was hungry, ordering their brunch burger topped with an over-easy egg, bacon, Cheddar and caramelized onions, [...]

By |2026-06-14T10:46:22-04:00June 14th, 2026|Big Apple Life, NYC Best Bites, NYC Restaurant Reviews|0 Comments
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Jose Andres Mercado Little Spain, Hudson Yards, NYC + Big Apple Greeter

We kicked off our Greet outside the Whitney Museum and then strolled to the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway to start my visit. A "greet" is when a Big Apple Greeter (that’s me!) proudly takes visitors around the city as if they were longtime friends, sharing stories, local tips and the true joys of living in New York City. This time,  I welcomed a mom and one of her sons from the Midwest. We saw the beach, wandered the hills of Little Island, strolled through Pier 57 and ended at OfCorsica, the newest addition to their food offerings, which opened last fall. After walking the High Line to Hudson Yards, we [...]

By |2026-06-12T09:20:21-04:00June 12th, 2026|Big Apple Greeter, Big Apple Life, NYC Best Bites, NYC Restaurant Reviews|0 Comments
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Amazing New Orleans Brunch at Maison Premier, Williamsburg, Brooklyn

I don’t usually rave about a restaurant, but after an amazing New Orleans–style brunch at Maison Premier, I have to. Aside from an odd greeting at the door — “I can’t find my iPad” — the experience was perfection straight through dessert. We were seated outside on one of those long-awaited days when dining al fresco finally felt possible again. Colin Glensora, the service director, introduced us to absinthe through storytelling, show-and-tell and, of course, libations. He first brought us inside to see the bar area, where a beautiful four-spouted absinthe dispenser sat prominently at the front bar. Rather than serving us there, however, Colin recreated the ritual tableside with [...]

By |2026-05-23T16:18:23-04:00June 10th, 2026|Big Apple Life, NYC Best Bites, NYC Restaurant Reviews|0 Comments
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*** Happy Hour at Cafeteria, Chelsea, NYC

Cafeteria on Seventh Avenue in the Flatiron District, with its large garage doors thrown open to the street, was the setting for our ex.expat monthly happy hour. This is exactly what a happy hour should be: a lively room, an extensive menu that makes choosing difficult and a staff that could not have been more accommodating. There was a chill in the air that afternoon, so we asked if we could close our garage door. The team quickly obliged, though a diner seated near another door preferred hers open. In true New York fashion, the staff managed both requests with ease—leaving one open, ours closed and everyone satisfied. Around the [...]

By |2026-05-10T11:41:21-04:00June 8th, 2026|Happy Hours, NYC Best Bites, NYC Restaurant Reviews|0 Comments
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Birthday Fun at the Yacht Club, Chelsea, NYC

I first stumbled upon the Yacht Club last summer after a sun-soaked boat ride around Manhattan with friends. This time, I rounded up another lively crew to celebrate a birthday. We kicked things off with the cabana platter from the Lido deck menu—a spread of housemade hummus, tangy tzatziki, marinated olives, flatbread and crisp crudité ($28)—paired with a chilled bottle of Aligoté Rémi Jobard from Burgundy ($115). We passed plates, swapped stories and soaked up the awe-inspiring Hudson views. We donned our celebratory crowns, nibbled the mezze platter and a half-dozen fresh oysters and sipped the delightful white burgundy. If you haven't been yet, this seafood restaurant, under the guise [...]

By |2026-05-06T11:18:23-04:00June 3rd, 2026|NYC Best Bites, NYC Restaurant Reviews|0 Comments
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A Year Anniversary for Lola’s, NoMad, NYC

Melissa Clark’s review of Lola’s in The New York Times inspired me to book a table with friends—I’d been looking for a fun spot I hadn’t tried yet. Lola’s is the very first restaurant from executive chef and owner Suzanne Cupps, who’s sharpened her knives (and her skills) at spots like Annisa, Gramercy Tavern and Untitled. Lola means “grandmother” in Tagalog—Suzanne’s way of honoring her own Filapino heritage. She opened the doors about a year ago. Some stand-out dishes included: the Paraiso house salad—crisp gem lettuce, buttermilk ranch and (my favorite detail) crunchy pretzels ($24). We also devoured heritage pork dumplings nestled with baby bok choy, tamarind, Thai basil and [...]

By |2026-05-28T15:39:54-04:00May 31st, 2026|NYC Restaurant Reviews|0 Comments
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Seahorse, W Hotel, Union Square, NYC + Project Hail Mary

Instead of buying tickets for the day we planned to see Ryan Gosling in Project Hail Mary, I accidentally purchased them for the wrong day. The movie had begun when we arrived! As a result, we found ourselves with extra time before dinner, and the folks at Seahorse in the W Hotel happily accommodated our early arrival. While waiting for another guest, who was en route after learning of our earlier reservation, we began with their bread service: a house-made sourdough baguette and rich Normandy butter. We also ordered the special appetizer—sliced Culatello (the prized Italian cured meat known as the "King of Salumi")—paired with creamy La Tur cheese and [...]

By |2026-05-28T08:17:08-04:00May 29th, 2026|Big Apple Life, NYC Best Bites, NYC Restaurant Reviews|0 Comments
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Glasshouse Tavern, Theatre District, NYC + Giant

"Giant," starring John Lithgow as antisemitic Roald Dahl at the Music Box Theatre on Broadway through June 28, 2026, is not to be missed. His powerful performance should receive a Tony nod, for sure. Dinner at the Glasshouse, about two blocks from the theatre, was not as good. The food is fine, nothing outstanding, but good. The service is another story, starting with the unwelcoming greeting you receive upon entering. We each arrived separately and received the same unwelcome. Food was fine, especially the salads filled with a variety of goodies. Our Organic Green Salad ($18) contained mesclun, slivered radish, half-rounds of cucumbers, heirloom cherry tomatoes, pomegranate seeds (arils) and [...]

By |2026-05-04T08:13:44-04:00May 27th, 2026|NYC Restaurant Reviews, Theatre|0 Comments
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The Fairly New Cafe Zaffri, Union Square, NYC

What I really liked about Union Square’s Cafe Zaffi is that it’s run by four women—Mary Attea, Camari Mick, Nicole Vitagliano and Jennifer Vitagliano—who also operate Raf’s and the Musket Room. I dined there with three other accomplished women. The food was enjoyable, though the seating arrangement felt awkward, the noise level was high, and the dim lighting made it hard to see what we’d ordered. Still, we had a wonderful time, talking and laughing throughout the meal. The hostess seated us at one tiny round table and one small square table pushed together, which seemed to be the norm for other diners as well. We sipped Hauvette Petra 23 [...]

By |2026-05-25T08:16:15-04:00May 25th, 2026|NYC Restaurant Reviews|0 Comments
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Elizabeth Blau’s Honey Salt, Las Vegas, Nevada

When Dames dine together, abundance comes naturally—plates circulate, glasses stay filled and conversation flows easily.  At the annual Les Dames d'Escoffier International (LDEI)  conference in Las Vegas, that spirit was unmistakable during an evening at Elizabeth Blau’s welcoming Honey Salt, just 20 minutes off the Strip. In her keynote, Blau distilled mentorship to its essentials: visibility, leading by example and challenging the status quo. She truly embodies that philosophy. Throughout our evening at Honey Salt, her hospitality set the tone as dishes arrived generously—many sent out gratis by Blau herself—encouraging us to sample widely from her approachable, ingredient-driven menu. What followed was a lively, communal meal. We shared nearly every [...]

By |2026-05-20T16:55:04-04:00May 22nd, 2026|Bites from the Road, USA, USA Restaurants, USA Travel|Comments Off on Elizabeth Blau’s Honey Salt, Las Vegas, Nevada
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