Rye

REVIEW

April 13, 2010


CUISINE: American (New), Bistro
NEIGHBORHOOD: Williamsburg

 

247 S. 1st St. Between Roebling and Havermeyer Sts. 

(p) 718-218-8047

 

Hidden on First St. in Williamsburg, I never would have found Rye if not for Frankie's bright yellow vespa, conveniently parked in front of the restaurant's sneaky wooden doors. Bingo! 

 

While waiting for our table, we sipped on old fashions, fancied up with gigantic square ice cubes, and discussed how everyone in the restaurant was way above average looking. (Singles, take note.)

 

I was really into the atmosphere: the lighting was low, the wooden floors were creaky, and our antique salt and pepper shakers arrived on charming silver platters. Our waiter, who didn't seem to know much about the menu, was at least well-styled, rocking a sweet vest and black skinny tie. CONT'D

 


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Posted in FOOD on April 13, 2010 9:39am by Jena Steinbach | 30 comments





The New French

REVIEW

March 2, 2010


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


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 | 38 comments





Balthazar

REVIEW

February 25, 2010


CUISINE: Bistro, French
NEIGHBORHOOD: Nolita, Soho

(photo taken from Balthazarny.com)

80 Spring Street

(P.) 212-965-1414

Balthazar on Urbanspoon

 

To me, Balthazar is a New York institution.  I remember when I made my first solo trip to the city, I ordered the shepherd’s pie.  When I graduated from college, my family squeezed around a circular table, and the light reflected off of the speckled mirrors and white tabletop, where our wine left purple rings.  I remember meeting an ex-boyfriend for martinis at the long wooden bar, and squeezing an impromptu business gathering into one of the booths that flank the area.  The last time my grandmother was in town, we ate salade nicoise and drank cups of coffee.  Such are my memories of Balthazar.  CONT'D

 

 


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Posted in FOOD on February 25, 2010 3:22pm by Rachel Hochhauser | 41 comments





August

REVIEW

June 22, 2009


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

 

 

359 Bleecker Street between Charles and W 10th St

(p) 212-929-8727

 

For those seeking a quiet and lovely meal, August — inconspicuously nestled between boutiques on a shady block of Bleecker Street — offers a charming respite from the weekend shopping crowds. This is not to say that the restaurant itself doesn’t get crowded; people flock to enjoy the hearty dishes, and we recommend making a reservation ahead of time, especially if you want to sit on the delightfully green patio.

 


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Posted in FOOD on June 22, 2009 9:05am by Jena Steinbach | 34 comments





Counter

REVIEW

February 8, 2009


CUISINE: Bistro, Brunch, Vegan, Vegetarian
NEIGHBORHOOD: East Village

105 First Avenue at 7th street

(p) 212-982-5870

 

Forget your morning sweet tooth.  Counter proves that French toast absolutely needs to be made with real eggs. Their vegan version with banana flambee had the consistency of a regurgitated meal, and a taste so faint it was more like an aftertaste. The Omelette Lorraine was greasy, the potatoes were not crispy, and the side salad was tiny and seriously overdressed. The only saving grace was the housemade baked goods with sangria marmalade and strawberry butter.  The service was atrocious and the prices were high—drinks were not included and regular coffee cost $3.  You’re better off brunching at Café Brama a few blocks north.  

 


Posted in FOOD on February 8, 2009 8:30pm by Seth | 70 comments