Bianca

REVIEW

July 8, 2009


CUISINE: Italian
NEIGHBORHOOD: East Village, Noho, Nolita

 

5 Bleeker Street at Bowery

(p) 212-260-4666

 

Considering the high-quality of the food combined with the charming atmosphere, the prices at Bianca are shockingly low. Pastas are all under $12 and there isn't a protein dish that exceeds $15. The tiny space is country-chic with homey porcelain plates displayed on wooden shelves. Low-lighting, along with wooden floors and brick walls keeps the vibe cool and fresh.  As for the food, the menu hits many favorites, including a savory tagliatelle alla bolegnese, traditional Roman meat lasagna, and a simple spaghettini with tomato and basil.  The gramigna pasta with crumbled sausage and red bell pepper is one of our favorites, packed with a little heat, but mild enough to lure anyone with a salty appetite. The only downside to this cozy spot is the no-reservation and no-credit card policy. But there is a solution! While waiting for a table, we recommend uncorking a bottle of wine at the bar next door. The drinks (and tab) can be transferred to Bianca once you score a seat.

 


Posted in FOOD on July 8, 2009 2:19pm by Jena Steinbach | 18 comments





Pinche Taqueria: The Battle Continues...

REVIEW

May 20, 2009


CUISINE: Mexican
NEIGHBORHOOD: Nolita

227 Mott Street Between Prince and Spring

(p) 212-625-0090

 

 

This morning, during a leisurely stroll through Nolita, I encountered a sign that read: "Have you had your Pinches today?"  Indeed, I had not.  I decided it was time to give Pinches another shot at the behest of our dear Young and Hungry friends, Sean and Parker, who so adamantly opposed our "Not Worth It" rating of the Lafayette Street Location.  And so, I ordered one fish taco.

 


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Posted in FOOD on May 20, 2009 5:41pm by Madeline | 5 comments





Pinche Taqueria

REVIEW

March 30, 2009


CUISINE: Mexican
NEIGHBORHOOD: East Village, Greenwich Village, Nolita, Soho

333 Lafayette St at Bleeker

(p) 212-343-9977

 

227 Mott Between Prince and Spring

(p) 212-625-0090

 

For months I've heard about this spot from friends, teachers, strangers, and other people I look up to.  I figured the tacos must be nearly amazing since Pinche is located a mere two blocks from reigning taco vendor, La Esquina.  I went last week with Madeline and Seth on a beautiful, sunny day when  I was feeling happy and excited to sample the heavily gossiped about tacos.  We sat inside where the vibe is fun, if a bit kitche, (there were Pinche Taqueria t-shirts hanging on the walls), and the music was occasionally ear deafening.  Between the three of us we tried the taco salad with steak, in addition to the chicken, pork, and steak tacos, plus rice and beans...

 


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Posted in FOOD on March 30, 2009 11:42am by Jena Steinbach | 20 comments





CAFE GITANE

REVIEW

February 11, 2009


CUISINE: Diner, French, Mediterranean, Moroccan
NEIGHBORHOOD: Nolita, Soho

242 Mott St Btwn Prince & Houston St

(p) 212-334-9552

 

There are few things more enjoyable than people-watching in Nolita on a beautiful New York day, and Cafe Gitane makes sure that you don't go hungry while doing so.  The self-described French, Mediterranean and Moroccan style diner makes cute sexy again, with waitresses in matching green dresses and charming, flea-market style flatware.    The menu caters to all diners: the less adventurous can't go wrong with a mozzarella, tomato and basil sandwich; the arugula, beet, apple, and walnut salad for the health inclined; and the baked pasta with roasted tomatoes, gorgonzola and breadcrumbs for the more indulgent (our waitress suggested that we add prosciutto-- cute AND smart).  

 


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Posted in FOOD on February 11, 2009 9:51pm by Jena Steinbach | 20 comments





CAFE HABANA

REVIEW

February 11, 2009


CUISINE: Cuban, Latin American, Mexican
NEIGHBORHOOD: Nolita, Soho

 

 

17 Prince Street at Elizabeth

(p) 212-625-2002

 

It can take forever to get a table here, but the food and prices are a nice reward.  The grilled corn “Mexican style” with chili powder, lime, and cotija cheese is a tasty mess.  Make sure to floss afterwards.  Portions are filling and huge; splitting is a good alternative. Though the enchiladas and Sincronizada are worth the calories, a healthier option that doesn’t skimp on the flavor is the steak salad.  Of course, meat dishes with beans and rice are what café Habana is all about.

 


Posted in FOOD on February 11, 2009 9:31pm by Jena Steinbach | 11 comments