Emporio

REVIEW

July 8, 2010


CUISINE: Italian, Pizza
NEIGHBORHOOD: Nolita, Soho

 

231 Mott St. at Prince St.
(p) 212-966-123

You probably haven't heard of Emporio. It hasn't received much press, save for its un-hyped inclusion in New York Mag's Top 20 Pizzas of the Moment last June, but that doesn't mean it's not packing some serious heat. And thanks to the lack of buzz, you can expect to be seated right away, sans reservation — something to be cherished in this city.

 

Designed to look like a twenties-era Roman grocery – white tile, rustic wooden paneling and bags of pasta stacked high on shelves — Emporio has a relaxed, welcoming feel strengthened by affectionate Italian staff. CONT'D

 

 


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Posted in FOOD on July 8, 2010 9:26am by Jena Steinbach | 3 comments





Balaboosta

REVIEW

June 23, 2010


CUISINE: Greek, Israeli, Middle Eastern
NEIGHBORHOOD: Nolita

 

214 Mulberry St. at Spring St.

(p) 212-966-7366

 

From the guys who brought you Taim — one of our favorite falafel spots in the west village — comes balaboosta, Yiddish for "the perfect housewife."  Departing from the comforts of fresh pita and fried falafel, Balaboosta offers a well-rounded menu which includes many of my favorite Israeli flavors.  The atmosphere, too, is expanded: planks of hardwood line the ceiling, modern light fixtures brighten things up, and a large portrait of Aunt Hana, the original balaboosta, hangs on the wall. CONT'D

 

 

 


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Posted in FOOD on June 23, 2010 7:47am by Jena Steinbach | 0 comments





AN OPEN LETTER TO SPRING NATURAL

REVIEW

April 8, 2010


CUISINE: American (Traditional), Health Food
NEIGHBORHOOD: Nolita, Soho

WTF is that? 

photo from keaner.net

 

66 Spring Street

t. 212 966 0290

 

Dear Spring Natural,

 

Oh, how I wish you were good.  I would really like to rate you as "worth it." I so need a healthy restaurant in my life.  I was attracted to you for so many reasons: You are big enough that you rarely have a wait, and the atmosphere reminds me of my childhood. (California upbringing, vegetarian mother, etc. etc.)  You are affordable, and close to my apartment. Thus, you've given me nearly every reason to turn to you as my go-to joint.  BUT NO.  You nearly had it in the bag, buddy, but my fantasies of a beautiful relationship have been destroyed. You've ruined everything because your food is bad. CONT'D

 


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Posted in FOOD on April 8, 2010 3:00pm by Rachel Hochhauser | 106 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 | 2 comments





Rice

REVIEW

February 17, 2010


CUISINE: Asian, Indian, Thai
NEIGHBORHOOD: Brooklyn Heights/DUMBO, Fort Greene, Nolita

 

 

Nolita: 292 Elizabeth St. at Bleecker St.

Dumbo: 81 Washington St. at Front St.

Fort Greene: 166 DeKalb Ave at Washington Park

 

Rice is the UN of restaurants; the food is a smorgasbord of international flavors. The staple of the democratic menu is, intuitively, rice.  Though it boasts all of the normal kinds (brown, basmati, Japanese), there are special varieties as well.  You will enter a world of rice that you never knew existed.  For example, one can opt to have Thai black rice steamed in coconut milk, or alternatively, sautéed in garlic and mixed with edamame.  In essence, the menu invites you to curate your entire meal in such a manner.  Condiments are served in test tubes placed on every table, but those who want to go crazy can order sauces such as alepo yogurt, or chipotle mayonnaise. CONT'D

 


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Posted in FOOD on February 17, 2010 9:20am by Rachel Hochhauser | 1 comment