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





Tabla Frankie Cart

REVIEW

September 10, 2009


CUISINE: Indian
NEIGHBORHOOD: Gramercy, Murray Hill

 

11 Madison Avenue Btwn 24th and 25th St

(p) 212-889-0667

 

Tired of cheeseburgers and hot dogs? I am.To toast the remaining days of summer, I suggest you head to the Tabla Frankie Cart on Madison Square Park. Located just outside Tabla's doors, the cart sells one of the most explosively flavored, deeply satisfying lunches in the city. At only $8 a pop, the Frankies are an affordable way to get a feel for Chef Cardoz's soulful cooking. A favorite street food in Mumbai, the Frankies are a kind of Indian burrito, made with egg-washed rotis, mint chutney, fresh cilantro, and tender strips of lamb or chicken. The dish is a flavorful mess —you'll need a bunch of napkins and a fork— but it's nearly impossible not to consume every last bite.  Snag a bench or table in Madison Square Park and feast on a most delicious Indian creation. 

 


Posted in FOOD on September 10, 2009 10:01am by Jena Steinbach | 1 comment





Blue Smoke

REVIEW

August 23, 2009


CUISINE: Barbeque, Southern & Soul
NEIGHBORHOOD: Gramercy, Murray Hill

 

116 E 27th St Btwn Lexington & Park Ave

(p) 212-447-7733

 

Tuck in your napkin and prepare to lick your fingers clean at Danny Meyer's barbeque-feasting restaurant. The atmosphere is casual; red plastic booths are done up with paper napkins and multiple bottles of barbeque sauce. The lively bar, serving over twenty different kinds of bourbon and an original, Blue Smoke Ale, is decorated with dark woods and rustic light fixtures. Of course, the real draw here is pit-master Kenny Callaghan's three kinds of ribs: Memphis baby back ribs, Kansas City spareribs, and Texas beef ribs...

 


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Posted in FOOD on August 23, 2009 3:06pm by Jena Steinbach | 0 comments





Irving Mill

REVIEW

April 13, 2009


CUISINE: American (New), Burgers
NEIGHBORHOOD: East Village, Gramercy

116 E 16th st Between Union Sq East and Irving Pl

(p) 212-254-1600


Which One of the Following Does Not Belong at Guy's Night?

 

A) Salt and Pepper Pork Ribs

B) Pork Toast

C) Irving Mill Burger

D) Fries

E) Whiskey

F) Eggplant and Ricotta Bruschetta

 

After one too many "healthy" salmon dinners with Jena and Madeline, Chef Frankie and I decided that we had been spending too much time with the females of YAH, and a guy's night was long overdue.  When I  informed Jena that I was in need of some testosterone, my ever-supportive girlfriend sent me an email that said something like the following:  "Burgers and whiskey for $15 at Irving Mill-- Go there."  Like a helpless disciple, I gathered the boys, and obeyed...

 


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Posted in FOOD on April 13, 2009 11:34am by Seth | 1 comment