NYC Restaurant Reviews

Our New York City restaurant reviews

Nanoosh, Upper West Side, NYC

Before heading to an  pre-showing of "Souls at Night"starring the amazing Jane Fonda and Robert Redford we stopped in at Nanoosh. Once it's released, I'd recommend the movie for romantics! At the Upper West Side of Nanoosh  — when you order two glasses of wine during happy hour ($5/ea), you get a serving of freshly made hummus with their fresh pita bread. Worth the trip. Everything at Nanoosh is fresh, flavorful  and organic. This time, I had the power plate with basmati rice; my "protein" choice the chicken shawa (a tad over cooked), my toppings, babananoosh and lentils with tzatziki as the sauce ($12.25). I'd recommend.   - bonnie BonnieBOTB [...]

By |2017-08-20T13:01:08-04:00April 6th, 2017|NYC Restaurant Reviews|0 Comments
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Triomphe, Midtown, NYC

Needing a quiet place for a business lunch, we ended up at  Triomphe in the Iroquois Hotel. The white-tablecloth restaurant was perfect noise-wise for a meeting. The food though was mediocre at best. The better choice was the seared Sichuan pepper crusted tuna over greens with roasted beets and walnuts ($25). The tuna was cooked to perfection — seared on the outside, raw inside. The free range chicken Caesar was not as good. Although the chicken was fine (albeit a bit dry), the charred romaine lacked the flavor I'm used to with grilled lettuce. Sadly, it didn't taste fresh. That and there was little if any chive Caesar dressing on [...]

By |2017-08-20T13:01:08-04:00April 2nd, 2017|NYC Restaurant Reviews|0 Comments
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Tavern62 by David Burke, Upper East Side, NYC

The publicist for the new Tavern62 by David Burke on the Upper East Side invited me to sample their new afternoon tea; I requested dinner instead to really sample the kitchen's talent. We had to laugh as we asked our waiter what was good and why. "I like it," was his only explanation, so we knew we were on our own. We chose the pretzel-crusted crabcake ($19) topped with red grapefruit supremes and a whimsical preparation of candied peppered bacon. The crabcake atop perfectly cooked green beans was carefully topped with a raft of pretzel sticks; it needed more crab. The thick-sliced bacon arrived hanging with clothes pins from wires, [...]

By |2017-08-20T13:01:08-04:00March 25th, 2017|NYC Restaurant Reviews|0 Comments
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Sarge’s Deli & Restaurant, Murray Hill, NYC

If you're in the Murray Hill area and looking for Jewish deli, stop by Sarge's, which is open 24 hours. I had a feta and spinach omlette ($11.95), which was mediocre at best. I can get better eggs almost anywhere in the city. My friends had the herring sampler platter that was worth the trip. That consisted of chopped, pickled, maatjes in wine sauce and in cream sauce, served with lettuce, tomato, red onion, cucumbers, olives and a bagel and cream cheese ($16.95). So if you're in the hood in the mood for deli items, stop by Sarge's. Skip the eggs.   - bonnie BonnieBOTB Follow @BonnieBOTB Sarge's Deli & [...]

By |2017-08-20T13:01:08-04:00March 19th, 2017|NYC Restaurant Reviews|0 Comments
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Mexican Radio, SOHO, NYC

Our afternoon was spent at Signature Theatre seeing the unique "Everybody."  I say unique as at each performance the actors pick their roles by lottery. This is modern take on a medieval morality play about travels toward life's greatest mystery. After the show, I had a craving for nachos and a margie. My friend suggested heading to Soho to Mexican Radio. Since the show was only 90 minutes, we entered the almost empty restaurant late afternoon. We sat ourselves down in the sunlit front window. M. the bartender admonished us for doing so; he said the tables were reserved, we needed to head to the dark back of the place. [...]

By |2017-08-20T13:01:09-04:00March 11th, 2017|NYC Restaurant Reviews|0 Comments
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Mamo, Soho, NYC

When I arrived at Mamo in Soho, I realized I had walked past the location many times, not noticing it. I'm glad the publicist invited me to sample the flavors of Provence with seasonal ingredients, a bit Italian style, of the Michelin-starred chef Massimo Sola — formerly of Eataly Roma and Ristorante Quattro Mori. Upon entering, you climb the stairs to the elegant room with tables spaced far enough apart to hear your dining partners. I liked that. I began with one of their special cocktails — the al pachilli — a blend of passion fruit puree, pineapple juice chili liqueur and absolut elixer ($16). Quite pleasant. For our antipasti [...]

By |2019-03-10T11:33:18-04:00March 9th, 2017|NYC Restaurant Reviews|0 Comments
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Almond, Flatiron, NYC

We chose Almond as it was half-way between the friend I was meeting and me and — most important — it was listed as having some of the best french fries (what we were in the mood for) in the city. It's a fairly large space, decorated country style with Ball jars on the shelves willed with fruits and veggies. I ordered their Sunday night bargain special ($16) for a cheeseburger with fries, a nicely dressed salad with good-tasting winter tomatoes and a large draft of Kelso Nut brown lager from Brooklyn. My friend had the appetizer portion of a tender braised short ribs ($14) with tender gnocchi garnished with [...]

By |2017-08-20T13:01:09-04:00February 23rd, 2017|NYC Restaurant Reviews|0 Comments
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Return to La Sirena, Chelsea, NYC

We’d been to La Sirena before so we knew exactly which cocktail we wanted and how we wanted the bartender to tweak it. We requested the spice me baby one more time — the blend of Montelobos mescal, Milagro blanco tequila, red pepper chili honey, hellfire bitters and orange juice instead of the grapefruit ($16) with a spicy rim. It was as good as we remembered. Don't miss the simple bruschetta ($11) topped with avocado and pine nuts plus a refreshing side herb salad with mint, parsley and basil. Also good is the crunchy farro ($17) topped with watercress and poached pear slices in a reduced wine dressing. The Aleppo [...]

By |2017-08-20T13:01:09-04:00February 19th, 2017|NYC Restaurant Reviews|0 Comments
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Mary’s Fish Camp, West Village, NYC

My friend said she wanted to try Mary's Fish Camp in the West Village, so we met there recently. It only has a few tables, and some counter seating. So if you decide to try it,  go early as they don't accept reservations. I tried the red snapper pozole with fresh avocado, sprinkled with hominy ($28) and a side bowl of fresh jalapeños; my friend, the bouillabaisse ($32).  To that we added shoestring crispy fries ($8)  and honey, Siracha and lime Brussels sprouts  ($8) with a covering of crumbed bacon and crispy onions. The sides were worth going there for; the main dishes — although nicely seasoned — were pricey [...]

By |2017-08-20T13:01:09-04:00February 15th, 2017|NYC Restaurant Reviews|0 Comments
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Villard, The Palace, Midtown East, NYC

Last time I ate at The Place was when Le Cirque was there. Yes, a long time ago. So when the publicist asked for me to come try Villard's new breakfast, I couldn't resist. Elegance is the word that comes to mind as you enter Villard at the luxurious (now called) Lotte New York Palace. I selected the Wild West ($17) bloody Mary from their four interesting options. This one is made with Ketel One vodka, mezcal, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish and some salsa, garnished with jalapeños and yummy crisp bacon. We started with everything on the "for the table" menu that included the unusual hearty farmhouse popovers baked with [...]

By |2017-08-20T13:01:09-04:00February 13th, 2017|NYC Restaurant Reviews|0 Comments
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Union Square Cafe, Union Square, NYC

Like many New Yorkers, I was patiently awaiting the re-opening of Union Square Café that closed its doors after 20+ years right off Union Square. When it finally re-opened on 19th and Park, four of us headed to Union Square Café  to sample the new fare. The new rendition is not as upscale or as cozy as the original. Although the service is attentive with lots of personnel, the waiter doesn’t appear out of nowhere when you drop your folk or lift your head when you wanted something. This new Italian bistro is comfy with multiple levels for seating and two bars; the lighting is good (meaning I could read [...]

By |2017-08-20T13:01:09-04:00January 31st, 2017|NYC Restaurant Reviews|0 Comments
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Le Coucou, Soho, NYC

Stephen Starr's Le Coucou had been on my "Want to Go” list since it opened earlier this year to rave reviews. I read nary a negative word about it. In fact according to myriad food writers, chef Daniel Rose offers spectacular food. How could I rest? I headed downtown to the 11 Howard hotel in Soho with a friend to experience what all the fuss was about. The hard part was choosing from all the interesting offerings. We opted to each get one from each section and share. Our first appetizer resembled a crustless apple tart ($14) as thinly sliced Honeycrisp apples covered a pile of shredded celery root in [...]

By |2017-08-20T13:01:09-04:00January 28th, 2017|NYC Restaurant Reviews|0 Comments
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Hao Noodle and Tea by y Madame Zhu’s Kitchen

Like many other New Yorkers, I read Pete Wells Top New York Restaurants of 2016 and quickly made reservations.. From his list, my sister, brother-in-law and I opted for Hao Noodle and Tea on Sixth Avenue. We decided to try Madam Zhu’s Spicy Fish Stew ($25) that Peter raved about. It's a dish that truly gives a new meaning to hot. With so many varieties of peppers floating in the soup, my B-I-L who's been known to casually eat raw habañero peppers found this melange almost too much. I must add that he did say he'd go back for it again. In addition, we tried the sweetly smoked sole ($12) [...]

By |2018-09-23T14:40:54-04:00January 23rd, 2017|NYC Restaurant Reviews|0 Comments
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Cafe Fiorello, Lincoln Square, NYC

Walking down Broadway from the Lincoln Center movie theater after seeing the talented Nathalie Portman in Jackie, we picked the inviting Cafe Fiorello to head into for a bite. Baby boomers who lived through the assassination of JFK will appreciate the movie, the footage and how Nathalie captured the true essence of Jackie even more than others. Hers is Oscar-worthy performance. We squeezed into our table, began looking at the wine list and menu when a staffer walked by carrying a tray of warm chocolate chip cookies. Déjà vu. Same thing happened at Florian. I had to ask whether one restaurant had anything to do with the other. Yup, Florian [...]

By |2019-06-20T15:29:04-04:00January 15th, 2017|NYC Restaurant Reviews|0 Comments
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Duke’s Original Roadhouse, Upper East Side, NYC

Duke’s Original Roadhouse was one of the restaurant casualties when Union Square Cafe moved to the corner of 19th and Park. I was invited to their newest location on the UES near 83rd Street to sample their fare. If you don't know about it, Duke's is an affordable place to get a bite with huge-portions and fast, friendly service. Best bite from their menu is their meaty, juicy wings in a spicy buffalo sauce (single order $10.99). The manager told us that were award-winning. They are that good. Their  guacamole, salsa and tri-colored chips ($10.99) are fine, what you'd expect a family friendly place. Same with their chilled and crisp [...]

By |2017-08-20T13:01:09-04:00January 13th, 2017|NYC Restaurant Reviews|0 Comments
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New York Central, Midtown East, NYC, Boozy Brunch

I was invited to return to the Grand Hyatt New York's New York Central restaurant this time for their weekend boozy brunch. It's when they offer their signature Grand Mimosa made with a sparkling rosé, blood orange juice and Grand Marnier unlimited as an addition to any entree for only $15. We indulged in those flavorful mimosas along with a Benedict ($26) overflowing with Maine lobster under a poached egg all atop a toasted muffin covered in tarragon flavored Hollandaise sauce accompanied by mixed greens and potatoes. Although their frittata was menu offered as an egg white one, I requested it with whole eggs. It was filled with a blend [...]

By |2017-08-20T13:01:09-04:00January 10th, 2017|NYC Restaurant Reviews|0 Comments
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La Barrita Steakhouse and Wine Bar, Brooklyn Heights, NYC

Earlier this fall, La Barrita Steakhouse and Wine Bar in Brooklyn Heights opened, serving grass-fed, cage-free and hormone free meats and poultry prepared by a native Argentinian. Having been invited to sample their fare, we chatted with creator Sebastian Cardona to help us make selections. The perfectly dressed salad of baby arugula, pears, pecorino cheese and truffle honey ($12) is a nice light starter. We needed that — as from that point on, Sebastian — who's mighty proud of his offerings — kept bringing out more and more. Don't miss, but do share, the housemade polenta covered in a creamy porcini sauce. It's way too rich to eat on your own ($12.50). [...]

By |2017-08-20T13:01:09-04:00January 5th, 2017|NYC Restaurant Reviews|0 Comments
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Jack’s Wife Freda, West Village, NYC

This second outpost of Jack's Wife Freda doesn't have the long lines found at the first one in Soho on Lafayette We headed there after seeing the way-too-long Rancho Vieja at Playwrights Horizon. If ever a play needed editing this 3-hour, 2-intermission one was it. Great acting, though. Not being too hungry, we opted to try a few of the menu "shares."  I was only disappointed in the thick zucchini slices ($9) that came with a smoked paprika aioli as I had sampled incredibly paper thin ones  at Avra.  I felt the same about the large chunks of salt and pepper eggplant ($10) although I liked the tzatziki accompaniment. What's [...]

By |2017-08-20T13:01:09-04:00December 31st, 2016|NYC Restaurant Reviews|1 Comment
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Gabriel Kreuther, Midtown West, NYC a revist

I returned to Gabriel Kreuther. I was there the month he opened when I was wowed by the food, while the service was off. Our mistake was to sit in the middle of the dining room where it was so noisy that I couldn't — without straining — hear my dining partner sitting directly across from me. The amuse at GK were interesting takes on classics, Especially good were the marinated king crab in a leek vinaigrette and the pumpkin "shake" with pomegranate. The breaded mozzarella balls were more plebeian. We all chose the prix fixe two-course for $58; the best of our starters was the poached foie gras with [...]

By |2017-08-20T13:01:10-04:00December 29th, 2016|NYC Restaurant Reviews|0 Comments
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Signature Café and Bar, Hell’s Kitchen, NYC

What a find! Conveniently located in the lobby adjacent to Signature's three small theaters at the corner of Tenth Avenue and 42nd Street, the Signature Café and Bar offers light, flavorful and healthful fare from Great Performances. There's also a full bar including a glass of champagne or Prosecco and live music on performance nights. All this comes to you at reasonable prices with the organic produce they served grown at GP’s Katchkie Farm in Kinderhook, NY. You'll need to go to the counter to order from the limited but tasty menu. Much of their food is already packaged — like deliciously dressed chopped Tuscan kale, roasted butternut squash, caramelized apples, [...]

By |2017-09-07T15:25:41-04:00December 23rd, 2016|NYC Restaurant Reviews, Theatre|0 Comments
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