Areppas NYC

We aren’t Texas or California, but New York can still hold its head up when it comes to Hispanic food. I mean, we have not one, but two all night eateries devoted solely to empanadas, a secret taco joint in Chelsea Market, and, more importantly, the best tres leches cake on the East Coast (don’t fight me on this). But now, we have another classic hispanic dish to add to our repertoire -- with the opening of Areppas , the Venezuelan Arepa is coming to take NYC by storm.

Prior to visiting Areppas, my only experience with arepas were the ones you get from the street fairs -- you know, the sweet corn and mozzarella treats the vendors griddle up right in front of you. I had never known arepas could be anything but cheese filled -- I suppose I just love cheese too much to think that I could be having other fillings too! But thankfully, after my recent visit to Areppas, my eyes have been opened. With five signature arepa combinations that include pulled pork, de mano cheese, avocado, and short rib -- as well as the option to make your own, Areppas has plenty of options to choose from, and although the arepas may look tiny, they’re definitely way more filling than you’d expect.

But if you’re not into arepas (don’t know why you wouldn’t be, but whatever), Areppas has plenty of other dishes on their menu. I’m talking cachapas, empanadas, rice bowls, vegan bowls, and even churros. Oh, and did I mention the cheese stuffed tequenos?

There’s something even more amazing about Areppas than the food, however: its altruism. With every purchase of an arepa, Areppas, in partnership with the Friends of Fe y Alegría foundation, provides a meal for a child in Latin America -- and since the opening of Areppas in September 2018, the restaurant has provided more than 92,000 meals for need children. If that’s not a reason to go over there and try some of the food, I don’t know what is.

Feel free to drool over Areppas’ arepas by browsing through their instagram, @areppas, or just go ahead and visit them at either Gramercy at 115 East 23rd Street, or at their flagship at 954 3rd Avenue.

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/

Bell Book & Candle

Photos: Michael Weber

Went here with a small group of friends for a private dinner on Tuesday night. The place could be a bit hard to find. It's in the middle of the street and in a basement, but don’t let the confined entrance waver you from stepping in and having a grand time.  

Bell Book & Candle (BB&C) has a snug yet rustic decor. It's an intimate space, dimly lit. After a long day, I especially appreciated the tranquil setting so we didn’t feel like we had to yell to talk to each other.

BB&C revolves around homegrown, organic, sustainable and overall responsible procurement. The menu rotations are seasonal and heavily influenced on creations from the aeroponic roof-top tower garden. Finding muse in the regions of America and focusing on the modern aspect and range of the melting pot, BB&C's food strives for a component of innovation and uniqueness.

Everything on the tasting menu were delectable, cooked just right, and full of flavor. No disappointments! The most outstanding dish, however, was definitely the “crab stuffed Montauk fluke” which came with sautéed spinach lemon seaweed butter sauce. I have now told all my friends about this dish which was the most delicious crab I have ever had. The main dish was the Chicken in a Pot – a whole roasted chicken with potatoes, carrots and chicken gravy. The chicken is served with skin, and is succulent. The rich and juicy gravy was the perfect compliment to the dish.

Photos by Michael Weber

Drinks were flowing all night. BB&C offers a list of classic American cocktails crafted with seasonal ingredients. The wine list features both American and international selections. Drinks are mostly $15 which is very reasonable for this area and experience. The cocktails are fantastically named and just as delicious. You can taste the careful thought and the personality of the bartender that goes into each drink. There is a great variety, however, I particularly enjoyed “Soup of the day” which was a brilliant concoction with extra dirty martini and house made blue cheese olives. The service was great, everyone was welcoming and worked as a team to make sure all was well taken care of.  

This probably will become one of my favorite restaurants in NYC, hands down one of the best in the west village, perfect for a date but also fun for a group dinner. And with the food changing seasonally, there is always a reason to go back.

Bell Book & Candle is located at 141 W 10th Street. or more information or to make your reservation, please visit bbandcnyc.com and call  212.414.2355.

BB&C is having specials for the Super bowl and Valentine’s day.

Valentine's Day - 7-Course Vegan Tasting Menu in addition to a 7-Course Non-Vegan Tasting menu so that vegans and meat lovers alike can enjoy their very own individual tasting menus together, side by side. Executive Chef John Mooney will prepare Caramelized Tofu, Roasted Cauliflower Soup with Toasted Hazelnuts & Black Truffle and Spinach and Wild Mushroom Taco for the vegan menu. Non Vegan items include Surf & Turf with grass fed beef filet & Crab Stuffed Montauk Fluke with potato gratin, wilted spinach, and Old Bay butter, a Quail Egg Benedict with Osetra, house cured salmon and béarnaise as well as Lobster Tacos with tomatillo avocado salsa.  Both menus are $75 per person or $200 per couple, which includes a bottle of Cremant de Bourgogne Brut.

Super Bowl -  Bell Book & Candle will offer an exclusive Super Bowl Sunday menu while guests watch the game on two 75" HD projectors complete with surround sound. Menu items include BB&C Smoked Whole Wings with Chipotle BBQ, blue cheese and hot sauce for $3 each, Drunken Bean Dip with goat cheese, tomato, and grilled flatbread for $10 and a BB&C Patty Melt Burger with grilled onions, vintage cheddar and rooftop pickles for $17.

Photos by Michael Weber