Carnegie Diner and Cafe

It’s hard to pick a staple NYC Diner -- that one classic, iconic place that will not only impress your tourist friends, but fulfill your desire for hearty New York food. I mean, there’s the Stardust Diner, the Empire Diner, the Pearl Diner, Kellog’s Diner...JUNIORS….the list goes on and on. And, as of last Monday, January 13th, there is now another place contending for the top spot: the Carnegie Diner and Cafe, located at 205 West 57th Street . 

The first thing you’ll notice about Carnegie Diner is how well lit it is. Carnegie is a diner that just glows: the lighting is golden, the people are cheery...the place just gives off a certain bright and happy vibe that’s usually so hard to find around midtown.

The second thing you’ll notice about Carnegie Diner (depending, of course, on the strength of your nose verses your eyes), is just how great the diner smells. And I don’t mean only inside. What I mean is that Carnegie Diner is the sort of place that smells amazing even while you’re standing outside on the corner of 57th and 7th ave. I’m saying that the aroma of the waffles, burgers, milkshakes and fries that Carnegie Diner serves up is so strong and stunning that it’s impossible to not stop mid-stride and wonder where the scent is coming from (as evidenced by my friend, who was was super excited when she found out that the place we were going was, in fact, the very place that smells exactly like buttered pancakes and lemon cheesecake).

And luckily, a great smell always equals great food. In addition to classic American fare (think pancakes, burgers, and seasoned home-fries), Executive Chef and Culinary Director Stathis Antonakopoulos has also brought Greek food to Carnegie’s menu, including phyllo dough spinach and cheese pies, as well as some modern fare, such as the much coveted Vegan Impossible Burger. There are some fun desserts in the mix as well -- in addition to your standard Vanilla/Chocolate milkshakes, Carnegie Diner has dreamed up their own Oreo Cookie Cake Milkshake, Brownie Extravaganza Milkshake, and -- wait for it -- a Chocolate Pancake Milkshake. 

So, the next time you’re craving some greasy, delicious diner food, stop in at Carnegie Diner and have your fill. In true diner fashion, the restaurant will be open from 6am - 11pm during the week and from 6am to midnight on the weekend, so there’s bound to be a time you’ll be able to stop in and have your fill. 

For more information about Carnegie Diner and their delectable menu, visit their website at www.carnegiediner.com, or their instagram, @carnegiediner. 

Brunch at the Ainslie

A few months ago, our team was lucky enough to visit the newly opened Ainslie, a wine bar and beer garden serving Italian fare in the heart of Williamsburg. Last week, our team was once again invited back -- this time to try the newly crafted brunch menu from Chefs John DeLucie and Erasmo ‘Mino’ Lassandro.

The thing about Brunch in Brooklyn is that there’s a lot of it: weekend brunch, weekday brunch, party brunch, boozy brunch...even bottomless pizza brunch. The options are endless, so every place likes to run their own gimmick. Not that it’s a bad thing -- I’ve definitely had a day or two where all I needed was to eat french toast while being serenaded by shirtless waiters. Still, it’s refreshing to visit a place where brunch can be a simple, cozy affair. For a beer garden, the Ainslie is surprisingly wholesome -- manager Joe’s hope is to make the restaurant into a go-to community space for the neighborhood. He’s even planning to host a children’s meet and greet with Santa come Christmas time -- which, lest I forget to mention, the Ainslie definitely has space for, able to accommodate up to 340 people. Santa could definitely bring all of his elves. 

But wholesomeness isn’t the only thing the Ainslie serves up. Their brunch menu, available from 12-4pm on Saturday and Sunday, puts an Italian spin on traditional American fare, with a Pancetta & Pecorino Omelette, a Bongiorno Pizza, and Pancakes topped with Gelato. But their traditional food is nothing to scoff at either -- I devoured my Eggs Benedict, and according to my dining partner, the Steak and Eggs are to die for.

So if you’re looking for someplace a little more genuine to enjoy a meal at the Ainslie is your best bet. Check them out @ainsliebkny or at https://ainsliebk.com/. 

Marlow Bistro

There is no surer sign of summer in the city than the appearance of sidewalk seating. Wicker chairs, potted plants, decorative awning...it’s a pretty picture, and there’s no place more guilty of this aesthetic than the mediterranean farm-to-table restaurant Marlow Bistro.

Located on the Upper West Side, Marlow Bistro is the child of Chef Zivko Radojcic, a place for him to wheel out original and modern twists on classic mediterranean food. The menu, which changes depending on the available seasonal fare, includes fresh handcrafted pizzas, homemade pastas, and expertly mixed cocktails.

On my first visit to Marlow, I could only hope that the food would live up to the charm of the bistro, from the soft candlelight to the pretty potted plants. My expectations were more than surpassed, starting with the first course -- and artichoke salad with Jerusalem artichokes, goat cheese, and frisée; a bowl full of creamy, cheesy polenta, and the house bread: crispy focaccia paired with olive oil.

Having rarely had the chance to try house made pasta, I went with the mint-ricotta tortellini with peas, spring garlic and lamb-shank ragout, while my friend chose the the gnocchi sardi, with ramps pesto, mushrooms, asparagus, and feta. Both were delicious, but even so, there were still so many more dishes I wish I could have had room for -- from the goat cheese ravioli with artichoke barigoule, olives, parsley and a sun-dried tomato, to a tartufata pizza laden with blueberry goat cheese, french beans, Parma prosciutto, and truffle oil.

But even if you’re stuffed beyond belief, is there’s one thing you must absolutely make room for at Marlow Bistro, it’s dessert. The restaurant in unique in that it boasts the full-time pastry chef Leidy Azcona, whose dedication to her craft is apparent in each of her delicate, visually stunning dishes. While I only managed room for a chocolate espresso mousse paired with hazelnut ice cream, there are many, many more options to satisfy even the most picky of sweet tooths.

So if you’re looking for the perfect place to enjoy good food and bask in the warmth of a summer night, Marlow Bistro is a must visit. Check them out on their Instagram @marlowbistro, or at their website: https://www.marlowbistro.com/

Brunch at Buenos Aires: Feels Like Argentina

Classic Hollywood star Marlene Dietrich once said: “Latins are tenderly enthusiastic. In Brazil they throw flowers at you. In Argentina they throw themselves.” I have never visited the country, but after trying the authentic Argentinian restaurant, Buenos Aires, I now know how Dietrich felt.

On a sunny winter day, I went to try Buenos Aires’ newly-launched, brunch menu. As soon as I set foot inside, I was teleported to the world of soccer, tango, and steak. As I walked between the rustic brick walls, decorated with soccer jerseys and postcards from Buenos Aires, every single staff member welcomed me with a smile, as they guided me to the brunch area.

Seated in a cozy glassed room, I ordered some Sangria, and started reading the menu: For $35 per person ($25 without alcohol), Buenos Aires offers two main courses, a dessert, two cocktails, as well as coffee or tea. Having a variety of traditional dishes and drinks (like the Argentine Parilla, Chorzio, Chropian, Empanadas, Panqueques de Dulce de Leche, Mate Cocido…), I decided to try the House Salad, the Breaded Prime Veal, and the Caramel Crepe.

The simplicity of the recipes, and the quality of the products, are what make Ismael Alba’s (Buenos Aires’ Chef/Owner) dishes so unique and appetizing: The freshness of the salad’s Mozzarella Di Bufala, the organic eggs topping the delicious, USDA meat, as well as the delightful homemade caramel, were truly delicious. Simple, appetizing, yet consistent- but it is the Argentinian servers’ kindness, warmth, generosity, and humor that elevated the whole experience to another level.

Through his authentic and traditional restaurant, Ismael Alba brought a piece of his native city to New York. He cooked for Meryl Streep, Al Pacino, James Gandolfini, and even Pope Francis. Now it’s time for him to cook for you.

The restaurant is located at 513 East 6th Street, New York, NY 10009

Freehold Brunch

The word “brunch” holds a special meaning in the hearts of New Yorkers. Brunch is a weekly tradition for those who live in the city, typically celebrated on Sunday with a good group of friends. There are places all over Manhattan that offer a tasty meal and cocktails to beat the “Sunday scaries.” But head down to Brooklyn and you’ll find  Freehold - the refined yet urban restaurant that can do it all.

This well-rounded restaurant checks most of the boxes one looks for in choosing a place to eat, drink, and have a good time. The Freehold has mastered creating a space that has a unique aesthetic and artistic feel. While the Freehold operates day-to-day as a restaurant, coffee shop, and bar, special events offer live music, dancing, and special performances that transform the space from day to night.  Sundays at the Freehold usually start off quiet as guests gather for brunch and by mid afternoon- the music turns on.

Known for their savory dishes, the Freehold recently unveiled their newest brunch menu.  The selection offers gourmet dishes of both breakfast and lunch favorites such as the “Smoked Salmon Scramble,” cooked over an English muffin; the “Brunch Burger,” a ground patty stacked with Munster cheese, fried egg, and the works, and a simple egg platter, scrambled with meat and made to perfection.  Yummy vegetarian options now include the “Housemade Yogurt”, with berries, granola, and honey, the “Everything Salad”, and a plant-based veggie burger named the “Impossible.”

Also introduced were a range of cocktails perfectly crafted for the afternoon.  The “Dirty Chai” tastes of chai, cinnamon, and tequila. A fruitier choice is the “Bloodhound,”a vodka-based drink disguised with a splash of grapefruit.

To celebrate, The Freehold generously hosted an intimate brunch in their private dining space.  Tables were served courses of each dish, family-style to share and taste throughout the course of the afternoon.  Both the food and cocktails were well received by guests, leaving no plate untouched. Overall, the event was very successful in launching their new menu.

Heading to Brooklyn? Make sure to stop by the Freehold to check out their new menu.  Or make a trip; it will be well worth it. Brunch at the Freehold is served both Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 4pm.

Photos courtesy of FreeHold