New York Burger Co.

REVIEW

June 7, 2010


CUISINE: American (New), Burgers
NEIGHBORHOOD: Chelsea, Flatiron/Union Square, Midtown

 

678 Avenue of the Americas at 21st St.  /  303 Park Avenue South at 23rd St.

(p) 212-229-1404 / (p) 212-254-2727

 

A few months back I wrote a less than glowing review of BRGR.  That disastrous meal was enough to make me give up burgers at lunch time for the next few months.  Enough time has passed, however,  that I'm willing to give ground-meat another go.  After hearing good things from a reliable food consort, I decided to try New York Burger Co.  There are two NY Burger locations in Manhattan, and you can rest assured that the quality of meat and bun at this chain far surpasses that of BRGR.  CONT'D

 

 


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Posted in FOOD on June 7, 2010 10:02am by Jena Steinbach | 3 comments





Blue Dog Cafe

REVIEW

April 19, 2010


CUISINE: Salads, Sandwiches
NEIGHBORHOOD: Chelsea, Flatiron/Union Square

 

101 W. 25th Street at Sixth Ave.

(p) 212-229-9222

 

It might not look like much  — it's small and cold with sparse seating— but someone behind the tiny counter is whipping up gourmet sandwiches fit for a queen.  Generously lathered on a fresh baguette, the tarragon chicken salad with avocado and havarti is delicious.  Another fine option: turkey with brie, and caramelized pears.  Seasonal and unique, daily salads are cause for celebration: strawberry, greens, and ricotta salata one day, dried apricots, pistachio and mint the next.  If you want something hot, there's homemade soup (usually two options and oftentimes pea) and quiche (broccoli and cheddar, portobello and spinach) to warm you up. Coffee pairs nicely with the homemade cupcakes and extra large chocolate chip cookies. Find a soft one, there's usually one or two in the mix. 

 


Posted in FOOD on April 19, 2010 10:06am by Jena Steinbach | 0 comments





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