Lunching and Shopping at Grand Central Market

REVIEW

March 11, 2010


CUISINE: American (New), Desserts & Bakeries, Italian
NEIGHBORHOOD: Midtown

 

A couple of weeks ago YAH was invited to go sampling in the Grand Central Market. Having grown up in Bedford, NY, Frankie's the only one in the gang who's familiar with Grand Central. Madeline and Rachel are from California, and when Seth and I want to visit the family in Philadelphia, we're stuck with Penn Station, the food options of which are limited to Famous Amos cookies at the news stand, or a full blown wings-and-fries dinner at TGI Fridays.  I knew that Grand Central had some decent grub, but I didn't realize the extent of their culinary prowess. Forget getting a train; let's get some lunch.

 

Below: A rundown of the day's edibles, plus a video of YAH talking to Murray's Cheese, interviewing Mr. Zaro of Zaro's Bread, and sampling $100 per lb. proscuitto.

 


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Posted in FOOD on March 11, 2010 8:51am by Jena Steinbach | 2 comments





The New French

REVIEW

March 2, 2010


CUISINE: American (New), Bistro, French
NEIGHBORHOOD: West Village

Jeff Gurwin for TONY

522 Hudson St at 10th St.

(p) 212-807-7357

New French on Urbanspoon

 

Don't be fooled by the name; the menu is more New American than it is French. Hanging out on Hudson Street in what used to be Le Gamin, the New French is small and poorly advertised, so don't miss it!  With plain wooden tables and a chalkboard menu the atmosphere is more laid back than the food, which is detailed, thoughtful, and damn good. From start to finish, the meal exceeded my expectations. If I lived in the neighborhood, The New French would easily become a go-to dinner spot. CONT'D

 


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Posted in FOOD on March 2, 2010 3:38pm by Jena Steinbach | 0 comments





Joseph Leonard

REVIEW

January 4, 2010


CUISINE: American (New), French
NEIGHBORHOOD: Greenwich Village, West Village

Photo: NY MAG

170 Waverly Pl. at Grove St.

(p) 646-429-8383

 

Dining at Joseph Leonard is an exercise in patience. First, there's the inevitable wait —  usually between one and two hours — and then the space itself, which is unbearably small.  There are only seven tables, most of which fit two people plus the knees and elbows of waiting diners. It was so packed that I couldn't lift my arm without unintentionally poking the girl next to me. Run by Gabriel Stulman, JL bares a striking resemblance to Stulman's former haunt, The Little Owl, in that they are both nestled in teeny-tiny west village corners and are decorated in a rustic, low-key fashion. But unlike The Little Owl, Joseph Leonard does not take reservations, and the food isn't worth waiting for. CONT'D

 

 


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Posted in FOOD on January 4, 2010 5:43pm by Jena Steinbach | 1 comment





Commerce

REVIEW

October 27, 2009


CUISINE: American (New), Brunch
NEIGHBORHOOD: West Village

photo: Eater.com

50 Commerce at Barrow St

(p) 212-524-2301

 

It is rare to find a Sunday brunch not overtaken by the masses, or a dining room without the cacophony of hungover hordes.  Cut to Commerce, nestled away in a (literal) corner of tree-lined West Village heaven and you'll search no more.  The calm of the restaurant dining room is reflected in the somber interior decor choices: dark grainy woods, chocolate leather, subdued murals done in muted earth tones.  The old-school NYC vibe comes with an appropriate cocktail menu, complete with an orange bloody mary. CONT'D

 


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Posted in FOOD on October 27, 2009 8:59am by Rachel Hochhauser | 1 comment





The Standard Grill

REVIEW

October 23, 2009


CUISINE: American (New), American (Traditional)
NEIGHBORHOOD: Meatpacking District, West Village

Photo: the-feedbag.com

848 Washington at W 13th St.

(p) 212-645-4100

 

The Standard Grill, located on the first floor of Andre Balazs's Standard Hotel, has been praised for both its food and its scene. The main dining room — a grand space with high ceilings, large windows, and a floor tiled with pennies — is a sight. In terms of sheer size, the restaurant seems to have more in common with a chain like Fridays or Olive Garden than a coveted dining destination, but the high-quality food and impressive diners put any un-glamourous associations to rest. CONT'D

 


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Posted in FOOD on October 23, 2009 10:10am by Jena Steinbach | 1 comment