Maialino

REVIEW

February 26, 2010


CUISINE: Italian
NEIGHBORHOOD: Flatiron/Union Square, Gramercy

Photo: John Lei for NYTimes

 

2 Lexington Ave. at 21st St.

(p) 212-777-2410

Maialino on Urbanspoon

 

Mailaino — little pig in English — is the most recent dining venture from YAH's favorite restaurant-making-machine, Danny Meyer.  Housed in the Gramercy Park Hotel, I'm not sure what it looked like before, but after the Meyer-makeover it's looking pretty good.  At first glance, earthy colors and refurbished woods provide a simple, understated charm. But look a little closer: notice the high-tech wine cooler behind the bar, the cool, industrial light fixtures and the gigantic windows with views of the park.  It's thoughtful, detailed, and expensive.  CONT'D

 

 


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Posted in FOOD on February 26, 2010 1:26pm by Jena Steinbach | 0 comments





Dos Toros

REVIEW

January 18, 2010


CUISINE: Mexican
NEIGHBORHOOD: East Village, Flatiron/Union Square

Photo: NYtimes

137 Fourth Ave. at 13th St.

(p) 212-677-7300

 

After years of listening to my southern and northern California friends argue about which area has real Mexican food, one of them did something to back up all the talk. Along with his brother Leo, our friend Oliver Kremer opened Dos Toros in the tiny space on 4th Avenue which many of us fondly remember as Tasti D-Lite.  Modeled after one of their favorite taquerias in the Bay Area, the brothers hope to "Change New York's Burrito Landscape."  CONT'D

 


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Posted in FOOD on January 18, 2010 2:01pm by Jena Steinbach | 1 comment





City Bakery

REVIEW

March 1, 2009


CUISINE: Coffeehouse, Desserts & Bakeries, Health Food, Salads, Sandwiches
NEIGHBORHOOD: Flatiron/Union Square

3 W 18th St between 5th and 6th avenue

(p) 212-366-1414

 

Oh, if only my high school dining hall was like City Bakery, where a variety of alluring options displayed buffet-style aim to satisfy various pallets. Healthy lunchers will delight in fresh spinach and arugula salads, marinated vegetables like string beans and swiss chard, in addition to glazed tofu and roasted peppers. Those craving something savory and substantial will relish in homemade baked macaroni and cheese, slices of fried parmesan encrusted chicken, and proscuitto and gorgonzolo pizzettes. Of course, patrons craving sweets will be overwhelmed with City Bakery's famous assortment of cookies and cakes. On a cold day, City Bakery's hot chocolate is a great substitute for cookies or coffee; it is thick and intense, reminiscent of the Willy Wonka chocolate river. Yum.


Posted in FOOD on March 1, 2009 3:00pm by Jena Steinbach | 0 comments





GREY DOG COFFEE

REVIEW

February 15, 2009


CUISINE: Coffeehouse, Desserts & Bakeries, Sandwiches, Soups
NEIGHBORHOOD: Flatiron/Union Square, Greenwich Village, West Village

Dual Locations:

 

 

90 University Pl Between 11th and 12th st

(p) 212 414-4739

 

33 Carmine St between Bedford and Bleeker

(p) 212-462-0041

 

Amazing spot for breakfast, lunch, coffee, and cookies.  Extensive sandwich options include more eclectic choices like the Sliced Granny Smith Apple sandwich with turkey, brie and raspberry mustard in addition to more standard fare like Tuna Melts and PB&Js. Country style salad with a scoop of chicken, tuna, or tofu is a tasty option.   Cappuccinos are made correctly here, and the regular coffee is always fresh. Pick up your fork and napkin yourself and listen for your name to be called over the inevitable crowd.  

 


Posted in FOOD on February 15, 2009 8:38pm by Jena Steinbach | 0 comments





Coffee Shop

REVIEW

February 8, 2009


CUISINE: American (Traditional), Coffeehouse, Diner
NEIGHBORHOOD: Flatiron/Union Square

29 Union Square West at 16th St

(p) 212-243-79969

 

Foodies, beware! The best part of this overpriced, poorly portioned restaurant is the juice/smoothie bar attached to it.  That, and the extensive outdoor seating in Union Square.  Yes, the waitresses all look like models, but why is this an incentive to order a cheeseburger and fries? The food is just plain bad. 

 


Posted in FOOD on February 8, 2009 9:00pm by Seth | 0 comments