ZenTaco Brunch
In November 2017, an intimate, fun restaurant called ZenTaco opened on the Upper West Side. Last week, they hosted a press-brunch to debut their new mouth-watering brunch menu.
ZenTaco is an Asian-Latin fusion taco shop owned by the Executive-Chef, Rene Garcia. The owner previously owned Verde Latin in North Carolina before making the decision to join his brother, Alex Garcia, who owns the popular A.G. Kitchen just down Columbus Avenue.
The ZenTaco brunch menu features Latin and Asian inspired dishes such as a Vietnamese Torta, Papas con Panza, Chilaquiles and Vegetable Fried Rice with a fried egg and a choice of meat. Vegetarians and vegans can choose to substitute meat with tofu. Everything I tasted was cooked and seasoned to perfection, my personal favorite dish was the Mexi-Tatertots. This dish includes potato tots, cheese dip, pico de gallo, crema, guacamole, cotija, and a fried egg. It was delicious.
Coming into an Asian-Latin restaurant, one would expect for their taste buds to burn a little bit (in a good way), but ZenTaco has got you covered. Something that makes this restaurant unique is their speciality Popsicle Cocktails including the Bloody Mary Pop, a Tequila Bloody Mary served with an Avocado Tortilla Popsicle inside, and the Strawberry Lemonade Mimosa Pop made with Orange Juice, Vodka and a Strawberry Lemonade Popsicle inside. Even on the freezing 9-degree day, these drinks were a huge hit.
ZenTaco is the perfect restaurant for a quality yet inexpensive brunch on the Upper West Side. For more information, check out their Instagram (@zentacousa) and their website http://www.zentacousa.com.
Photos courtesy of ZenTaco
Stax Ice Cream
Stax Ice Cream, located in China Town, opened on September 30th, 2017. The impressive new dessert spot was opened by two recently graduated, women entrepreneurs. During their time in college, their used to make ice cream as a hobby and upon graduation, they decided to pursue their passion instead of going along the traditional route of a 9 to 5 job.
The shop have interesting flavours such as Ube, which is made up of purple sweet potato, and Cornflake Bourbon. Jasmine Milk Tea, one of signature items on the menu, has a refreshing flower smell and a rich taste.
The freezing weather did not slow down the ample amount of customers from rushing into the cozy store for a quick sweet tooth fix.
Stax also offers unique donuts that will stimulate your appetite. One of the customer’s favorites was the Panda donut which tasted as good as it looked.
The hardest challenge facing most customers is choosing what to order. However, if you get a chance to stop at this place, their signature Carmella, a pressed donut ice cream sandwich is a must try. Ice cream is harmonized with donut so that flavour is more rich and savoury. They made three choices of donuts can satisfy various personal preference. After choosing donut type and ice cream, they put ice cream in between the donuts and wrap them up, then warm them up using a machine that seems to be used to press the panini.
There are lots of way to get information about them through their Facebook, Instagram (@Staxicecream) etc.
Enjoy Stax Ice Cream’s charm!
Food Loves Tech
On November 3rd and 4th, 2017, food and drink innovators and enthusiasts gathered at Industry City, Brooklyn, to explore the developing relationship between modern technology and food systems at this year’s Food Loves Tech (FLT) symposium. Hosted by food magazines Edible Manhattan and Edible Brooklyn, the event was described as an “education-by-entertainment innovation expo.”
The two-day expo was designed to give attendees a chance to experience multiple immersive installations, interactive tastings, leadership panels, and a one-of-a-kind sensory experience that united art, tech, food, and drinks. Edible Manhattan and Edible Brooklyn Editor-In-Chief Brian Halweil mentioned that the event will be careful to not only highlight those novel technologies that solve what they call “#firstworldproblems,” like faster ways to order food online, but also spotlight the technologies and startups that are “compelled by a mission to fix our broken food system.”
The event kicked off on Friday with the Future of the Cocktail event, where expert mixologists and bartenders served up cutting edge cocktails that featured several innovative brewing and distilling technologies. A few Industry City tenants were also represented, including avocado bar Avocaderia, whole-animal salumeria Ends Meat, and artisanal beverage product Barrow’s Intense Ginger Liqueur.
Guests were treated to taste exclusive dishes and drinks from alternative, plant-based proteins, sustainable seafood and produce, and incorporate greens from local rooftop farms such as Gotham Greens and others. Featured chefs included Chef Mike Anthony from the Gramercy Tavern, Chef Michael Chernow from Seamore’s, Chef Winston Chiu from bonbite, and Chefs Nicole Gajadhar and Brad Farmerie from Saxon + Parole. A particular fan favorite was the impossible foods sliders, which was a vegetarian slider that was incredibly meaty and juicy.
Rounding it all out, the "On the Horizon" section delved into the technology aspect of future foods. BeeHex (who have developed a 3D printed food system) printed smiley face cookies. SELFEE, a photo booth that printed guests’ faces on edible cookies truly showed us that a food and tech future is a fun one.
Panels will take place on both days and evolve around topics like High Hopes: Can Vertical Agriculture Help Us Produce More Food, More Sustainably?; How Should We Grow Food for the Future?; How Can Technology Help Us Mitigate Food Waste?. One of the most interesting conversations was “How Tech is Changing How We Drink” were guests were able to enjoy the discussion, while tasting the Belvedere samples served in Martini glasses.
From vertical farming and food distribution to virtual reality menus and plant-based proteins, FLT united food and drink innovators, thought-leaders, and enthusiasts, to invite them experience a special future of food and drink exhibition.
Rosewood Theater's Private Preview Party
On the night of October 25th, Rosewood Theater hosted a private sneak preview party to showcase it’s all new “adult playground” before its official opening on October 26th. Rosewood Theater is a modern twist on classic gentleman’s clubs, offering guests various performances, great music, dancing, drinks, and more. Men and women alike can come to Rosewood Theater any given night and have an entirely unique and individualized experience.
At the sneak preview party, guests enjoyed specialty house cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. As people socialized and relaxed around the comfortable leather seating and furniture, two acts were performed. The first was an interactive burlesque tease by a woman dressed in full gentleman’s club attire, and the second was an interpretive dance by a man with shockingly impressive gymnastic abilities. Additionally, guests enjoyed battling one another in games of Prosecco pong over rhythmic music played by the DJ.
Rosewood Theater’s two-floor area, stage, and bar provides guests with a great deal of space to get lost in time. The old-school style chandeliers, dim lighting, and decor of the venue create an atmosphere that is unlike many others that exist today. The enjoyment that guests got out of the preview party was a clear sign of the future success of Rosewood Theater as an adult playground unlike any other.
Photos courtesy of Oleg March
Food Film Fest
For the 11th consecutive year, the Food Film Festival returned to AMC Empire 25 to continue its tradition of marrying food and film in the ultimate celebration of gastronomy.
The festival, by far the most sensory experience available to New Yorkers, is unique in that event goers can not only see delectable dishes on screen, but taste them, thanks to restaurants taking the time to recreate the meals. Showcasing the best independent food-films, cinema fans also enjoyed an array of an incredible selection of food, both local and international. Still, the festival is not just a feast of self-indulgence -- it makes an effort to show how each dish has evolved from or contributed to a certain aspect of culture, as seen with the first night of the event, a homage to chef James Beard that featured the film James Beard: America’s First Foodie. Guests feasted on original recipes from Beard’s cookbook, Hors D'oeuvre and Canapés, including his famous Onion Sandwich (complete with his mother’s mayonnaise recipe), Leeks à la Grecque, Strawberry Shortcake, and Crepe Suzette -- all while learning about his life and legacy in American Cuisine.
The next day, the Food Film Festival presented “Hometown Heroes,” which paid tribute to original New York City eats. VIPs enjoyed bites from Win Son, a Brooklyn based Taiwanese Restaurant, before watching the short films 1 Minute Meal: A Documentary Portrait of NYC, The Science of Dry Aging, Seared, Sacred Gin, Hometown Hero: The Legend of New York’s Chopped Cheese, and Why Rappers Love Grey Poupon. Guests were treated both during and after the films to recreations of the featured dishes, including the original chopped cheese from Hajj’s Blue Sky Deli up in Spanish Harlem, dry aged beef from DeBragga, and peanut butter and jelly donuts from Leske’s Bakery.
For the third day of the event, the Food Film Festival brought back its famous Food Porn Party, this time focusing on Japanese Cuisine, with dishes such as ramen and takoyaki. There was a special screening of the cult Japanese film Tampopo, as well as the U.S premiere of Taste of Love, a short film that explored the relationship between food and sexual pleasure.
The event culminated on Sunday morning with (of course) a full on brunch, complete with pastries from Bread’s Bakery and coffee from Q Coffee and films such as The Hungover Origins of Brunch and Finding Pisco. Like most brunches, it was both a celebration of what had happened and a conversation about what was to come -- the festival will return in all its glory next year, with just as satisfying a food and film lineup, so be sure to get your tickets then.
For a full list of participating restaurants and films, check out http://thefoodfilmfestival.com/
Edible Escape 2017
On Thursday, October 19th, Edible Manhattan hosted their Edible Escape at Pier A Harbor House. The event was any foodie’s dream with all the guests sampling an assortment of globally inspired food and drinks, all prepared locally.
The 7th annual Edible Escape tasting event offered New Yorkers the chance to give their tastes buds an escape from local eateries and enjoy international cuisine without ever leaving the island of Manhattan. Always well planned and thoroughly enjoyable, guests were treated to some amazing dishes and drinks from various upcoming restaurants and purveyors of fine food and spirits. Edible Manhattan tapped some outstanding local restaurants to play a role in this year’s event utilizing Brooklyn, Manhattan and even some Long Island chefs for the occasion.
The Pier A Harbor House is among the finest and most distinctive venues in New York City with the brightly lit up backdrop of the Hudson at night. It was the perfect event for those who want to check out up and coming caterers, chefs, beverage vendors, and restaurants.
Among the many bites and booze on offer, highlights of the 2017 Edible Escape included: Wölffer Estate Vineyard • Discover Long Island • Martha Clara Vineyards • Greenport Harbor Brewing Co. • Halifax Restaurant • T Shop • Môtô Spirits • Loire Valley Wines • Health-Ade Kombucha • Orwashers Bakery • Tea Drunk • Badshah Modern Indian Restaurant • Califia Farms • Chomp Chomp • Paulaner on Bowery • Beecher’s Handmade Cheese • First and South • Italienne • Manousheh • Luzzo’s • Ghost & Grits • Schilling • New York Cider featuring Brooklyn Cider House • Birds of a Feather • Hiro Sake • Wines of Argentina • Bruce Cost Ginger Ale • Balvanera • Pier A Harbor House • The Tango Company • Tuthilltown Whiskey and Hudson Whiskey • Severan • Connor McGinn Studios• Insatiable EATS Catering and Event Specialists • Chopt Creative Salad Co. •
One of the best things about living in New York is the food scene. And besides trying new restaurants, one of the best ways to get a real taste is to attend one of the many food events that take place throughout the city. Edible Manhattan is a bi-monthly food magazine, covering news about local foods, food culture, restaurants, beauty and passion of the wine, variety of healthy recipes, drinks and food markets. Devoted to promoting great food and communities, Edible Manhattan and Edible Brooklyn frequently host some incredible events such as Food Loves Tech, Grand Tasting, and Edible Good Spirits. For those attending for the first time, this is a major treat.
Outside the Shell: Oysters & Libation Pairing
On Saturday, October 14th, Pier A and Edible hosted 'Outside the Shell' - An Oyster and Libation Pairing Event. The event was an afternoon of freshly shucked oysters and delicious aromatic cocktails - all against the backdrop of New York Harbor. It was quite a way to kick off the fall festivities.
Edible Manhattan, the innovators behind some of the city's most desirable culinary events, invited patrons to a feast of sensory wonders dedicated to two of people’s favorite sybaritic pleasures: oysters and cocktails.
The superbly restored Beaux-Arts mansion that is Pier A Harbor House was a fittingly glamorous setting for this fabulous event, offering unforgettable views of the Statue of Liberty and the NYC coastline!
There was no other place to be than to be enjoying an array of oysters and cocktails and overlooking the New York Harbor from Pier A Harbor House. Guests sampled creamy and sweet oysters from the East End of Long Island alongside cocktails from celebrated spirit brands. Delicious food and drinks were featured from top NYC restaurants: Montauk Pearl Oysters, Blue Island Oysters, Fishers Island Oyster Farm, Lucky 13 Oysters, and Trois Petits Cochons, Montauk Pearl Oysters • Blue Island Oysters • Fishers Island Oyster Farm • Lucky 13 Oysters • Cornell Oysters • Oysterponds Shellfish Co. • West Robins Oyster Company • Eastern Bays Oyster Company • Pier A Harbor House • L&W Oyster Co. • Stinky Bklyn • Trois Petits Cochons • Hiro Sake • Proud Pour • Remy Cointreau featuring The Botanist Gin • Bruichladdich • New York Cider featuring Orchard Hill Cider Mill • Hiro Sake • Union Beer featuring: Sixpoint Brewery, Brewery Ommegang/Duvel, Barrier Brewing Co. and Flagship Brewing Co. • Diageo featuring Johnnie Walker, Singleton and Guinness • Pernod Ricard featuring: Absolut Elyx, Lot 40, Plymouth Gin and Lillet
Incredible wine, delicious fare, and amazing vibes in a gorgeous setting; Outside the Shell was the perfect way to kick off autumn.
Tea & Fromage Tasting
On the evening of Wednesday, October 4th, Ravi Kroesen and Maxwell Pollock of Royal Tea New York joined Charles Duque of The French Dairy Board to provide a “most unusual but exquisite pairing” of premier tea and cheeses. The tasting took place at The French Cheese Board (La Maison de Fromage), a bright and ornate cheese shop located in the heart of SoHo. As guests arrived at the tasting, they were warmly welcomed with greetings from the hosts and crisp, chilled white wine. Roughly sixteen guests total found themselves seated at a long and rustic wooden table with a breathtaking presentation of cheeses, baguette rounds, quiches, garnishes, and actual tea leaves.
As the formal tasting took place, three distinct cheeses were paired with three unique types of tea. While the cheeses were already positioned on the table, the different teas were freshly brewed at the “tea bar” counter. From there, Maxwell Pollock described in great detail his pairing choices. Rich Matcha tea was paired with tangy, buttery cantal cheese. Qu Lan Phoenix Oolong tea, a tea rich in honey and pear flavors, was paired with Secret de Scey (Morbier) cheese, a creamy and mature cheese. Finally, Golden Yunnan tea, which has hints of sweet potato and caramel, was paired with Fourme D’Ambert cheese, a creamy, delicate, and fruity blue cheese. Throughout the tasting, guests enjoyed discussing the various flavors and aromas of the cheeses and teas.
The French Cheese Board is the perfect stop for all cheese connoisseurs of New York as well as for those looking to learn more. Since it is considered a “concept store,” The French Cheese Board serves as an educational space on the cheeses of France. Additionally, Royal Tea New York is a tea importer that provides tea drinkers with an abundant variety of teas to take home. Overall, the two businesses forged together splendidly, as the Tea & Fromage tasting was both informative and a complete delight.
Special thanks to @frenchcheeseboard
Photos courtesy of Teddy Adolphe
Taco Takeover 2017
Summer’s over, so that means...tacos? On the surprisingly hot weekend of September 23rd, 2017, Cannonball Productions and Thrillist presented the NYC Taco Takeover, a food festival/party that celebrated the most cultured of comfort food: the taco.
Hosted at The Well in Brooklyn, the Taco Takeover featured Latin inspired dishes from restaurants such as La Esquina, Oaxaca Taqueria, and Zengo. Some of my personal twists on the taco were the Spicy Pork Taco from Kimchi Grill, the Empanada Al Pastor from Empanada Papa, and the Chicken Taco from Bodega Negra.
As the afternoon went on, focus shifted from the food to the fun: margaritas, beer, and tequila flowed freely, the DJ pumped up the music, and everyone took turns whacking the pinata and testing their stomachs in a nacho eating contest. Other games included a giant Connect Four set and a beanbag toss, which guests enjoyed while munching down on churros that they decorated themselves.
Overall, the Taco Takeover is a fun foodie feast that all of taco obsessed will love. Get there early, and you’ll be sure to have a great time.
For a full list of participants and sponsors, check out thetacotakeover.com.
Photos courtesy of Taco Takeover
Luckyrice 2017
On September 22, 2017, on 36th floor of the gorgeous Mandarin Oriental, LUCKYRICE hosted its eighth annual New York Feast.
Created by Danielle Chang in 2010, LUCKYRICE is a platform that supports Asian cuisine and culture by showcasing the Asian influenced work of top chefs, mixologists, and entrepreneurs from around the world.
On Friday, however, the focus was on the food. This year’s samplings included a tasty duck confit from Osamil, a new brunch spot in Koreatown; butter chicken from the contemporary Indian restaurant Badshah; and jianbing from none other than the legendary Mr. Bing.
For dessert, guests were treated to an assortment of mooncakes and sponge cakes; thai ice cream rolls from 10Below Ice Cream; and, for the bravehearted, a grasshopper panna cotta from the Black Ant.
The event also featured an American Express lounge, where guests could take funky pictures and spin a “Wheel of Fortune” to win prizes. This writer managed to take home a copy of Danielle Chang’s book Lucky Rice: Stories and Recipes from Night Markets, Feasts, and Family Tables, which features some of the best dishes Chang has collected since beginning LUCKYRICE.
Since it’s inception, LUCKYRICE has sponsored cocktail parties, homey dinner feasts and wine tastings all over the country, managing to gain the support of culinary stars such as Anita Lo, Daniel Boulud, and Marcus Samuelsson along the way. It’s a platform that is continuing to expand and grow, and one that will no doubt prove an incredible influence in changing the context in which we view Asian cuisine -- from a cheap commodity to a product of thousands of years of history and tradition.
Learn more about LUCKYRICE on their website, and be sure to check out their show LUCKY CHOW, which airs on PBS.
Photos courtesy of Luckyrice
Vago's One-Year Anniversary Party
On Tuesday night, Victoria Guan and Tony Rustja celebrated the one-year anniversary of their Midtown restaurant ‘Vago’, whose name means ‘beauty’ in Old Latin. The restaurant serves a variety of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, and the menu is divided into classic meat, seafood, and pasta entrees.
Guests at the anniversary party tried a variety of the restaurant’s best dishes, including lamb meatballs, smoked salmon topped with goat cheese and caviar, crab-stuffed mushrooms, oysters rockefeller, a creamy truffle risotto served out of a giant wheel of cheese, and, to top it all off, tiramisu martinis.
The flavors were exquisite, the presentation was refined and luxurious, and the service was impeccable. Guan and Rustja’s passion for beauty and excellence shone through every dish, and guests enjoyed a lovely and lively evening at a beautiful location.
Elements of rustic Italian comfort paired with a sleek and modern sophistication make Vago a cool and comfy spot for New Yorkers of all ages. Bob and Lauren, two of Vago’s first and most devoted customers, praised the restaurant for its quality, service, and location. “It’s a great neighborhood restaurant,” said Lauren. “She (Victoria Guan) wants to make you happy. They have great service and great brunch.” When the restaurant opened last year, the couple was happy to find Vago to be the trusted, local spot they had been waiting for. “And they make a great martini,” added Bob, whose endorsement on the subject is not lightly given.
Vago is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner every day. It’s easy to find, and certainly worth a trip. Check them out at 509 3rd Ave and get a preview of their menu here
Photos courtesy of Vago
Taste Talks 2017
The rise of foodie culture has given rise to ways in which we can celebrate foodie culture, and Taste Talks, a series of national festivals held in Brooklyn, foodie capital of the world, is the perfect way to do that.
This year, the Taste Talks Festival was held from September 8th to September 10th, starting with the second ever “TASTY AWARDS” at the Weylin Hotel in Williamsburg. Categories for the awards included “Best Pastry Chef,” “Best Startup,” and “Best Food Literature,” and nominees ranged from the high end Alinea to the artisanal Felix Trattoria.
Drinks for the event were sponsored by Altos Tequila
After the awards ceremony, guests were treated to snacks from The Meatball Shop and Campbell’s Cheese and Grocery at an exclusive after party located at the extravagant Weylin, which set the focus on food for the remainder of the festival.
The next day, ticket holders headed over to The Williamsburg Hotel for a Future Food Expo, which featured companies that work to produce more sustainably sourced and environmentally friendly food, such as Zesty Z and Kellog’s. Other panelists at the Expo included Wandering Bear Coffee, the Cabot Creamery Co-operative, and teapigs.
To close out the festival, Taste Talks held an “All Star BBQ Cookout,” where guests could enjoy mini dishes from some of Brooklyn’s biggest food talent, including Andrew Whitcomb, Yuji Haraguchi, and Brad Farmerie. My favorites of the day included the “Burro Taco,” a 28 day dry aged Pat LaFrieda ribeye taco from Saxon and Parole, the Double Smoked Bacon Bao from Nom Wah Tea Parlor, and lastly, the out of this world “Cosmic Mousstachio Vegan Ice Cream Sundae” from Van Leeuwen, in partnership with Frankie Cosmos.
"Mile Em Poutine" from Mile End x Emmy Squared
The Double Smoked Bacon Bao from Nom Wah Tea Parlor, in collaboration with Schaller x Weber
"Burro Taco" from Saxon + Parole
“Cosmic Mousstachio Vegan Ice Cream Sundae” from Van Leeuwen, in partnership with Frankie Cosmos
The Taste Talks Festival is a must go for any aspiring NYC foodie. Not only is it a fantastic place to find your new favorite food, but it’s somewhere where you’ll learn about how the food world is changing, and what you can do to help. Find out more at: http://www.tastetalks.com/
Maison the Faux Show SS 18 Collection
On September 8th, New York Fashion Week got a little bit more fun and mysterious. MAISON the FAUX showed off its new collection, “#Fauxmosapien the evolution.” The Dutch fashion house approached its show as a “Faux” ritual, which consisted of a model, who also served as a wordless actor. The performer began spraying the water on the models as they were walking by -- almost as if they were being “baptized” into a new population; a population MAISON the FAUX likes to call "FAUXmosapiens”.
The collection portrayed an alternate world, in which the designers, Joris Suk and Tessa de Boer, were letting go traditional ideals of beauty and embracing a relatively new spin on an old movement in fashion: individuality. Models of every race, sex, and body type carried valiant confidence strutting down the runway, which made MAISON the FAUX even more special.
The collection itself was borderless and inclusive, just as the models. Red striped plastic bags, faux-furs, mermaid dresses with striped tutus, sequins, gallons of milk, and computers were just some of the things and fabrics the models were seen wearing. A male model in a red tutu with a plastic cape; another male model in a pink faux-fur coat and mismatched heels; a female model with a plastic bag for her purse and another plastic bag on her head; and a male model in black-and-white striped capris with a laptop on his arm to serve as arm candy, were just some of the outrageous yet fascinating looks designed by the designers for MAISON the FAUX.
MAISON the FAUX did not just produce a very curious and fun collection; it also had a front row to match it. The Fat Jewish and the Urban Bush Babes were just some of the A-listers, who attended the show. Others were fashion photographers, young musicians, and bloggers. Yet, all members of the audience, VIP and otherwise, had one thing in common: they were watching a show that was produced by a liberal, forward-thinking and anti-standard fashion brand.
After watching the show, one could confidently say that this collection was not the last for MAISON the FAUX. Filled with designs that reflected a forward-thinking and thought-provoking brand, MAISON the FAUX managed to leave its attendees speechless, causing the audience to not just reevaluate their perspectives, but also challenge society’s views. The show was not just a fashion show; it was an artistic movement with various powerful messages hidden within.
Photos courtesy of EB Consults
A Night With America’s Best New Restaurants
On Wednesday, September 6th, Bon Appétit Magazine hosted it’s annual “Best New Restaurants” event at the exclusive Spring Studios on Varick Street.
Each year, the event celebrates the restaurants Bon Appétit has named the “Hot 10” -- 10 restaurants, out of hundreds that have opened nationwide, that stand out for their culinary creativity. The top five finalists for 2017 included the New Orleans based Turkey and the Wolf; Chicago’s Elske; Mister Jiu’s in San Francisco; Palizzi, an Italian American joint located in Philly; and Hart’s, a seafood inspired restaurant in Brooklyn.
Rounding out the top ten were Chicago’s Giant; the seasonal eatery Spring Marietta; the izakaya meets Texas BBQ Kemuri Tatsu - Ya in Austin, Texas; Nixta, in Saint Louis, and finally, Brewery Bhavana, a quirky cafe styled eatery in Raleigh, North Carolina.
For the affair, each restaurant provided samplings of their menu items for over 1,000 guests -- elite restaurateurs and aspiring foodies alike. Particular favorites included the Chicken Liver Pate on Toast from Spring Marietta and a Thai chili sweet corn with tiny shrimp and peanuts from Giant, but those with a less adventurous palette satiated their hunger with an extensive cheese platter or various hor d'oeuvres that made their way around the room.
As an art, cooking tends to be underrated and overlooked, driven down by its everyday practicality. Watching the chefs, however, it was clear how much craft and care they had all put into creating their dishes, displaying an understanding of food that no everyday cook could come close to. Thanks to platforms like Bon Appétit, we are able to see just how versatile food can be, as well as appreciate the people who can take the oddest or most ordinary of ingredients and make them into dishes that are delectable and different.
Be sure to check out the full details about America’s Best New Restaurants at http://www.bahot10.com/.
Special thanks to Craig and Molly.
Photos by Kyle Dorosz
Oscar Wilde NYC
In his house in the London neighborhood of Chelsea, famed Irish playwright Oscar Wilde wrote in a study containing “a colossal bust of Apollo, a number of bronzes, a Chinese lantern, a Persian carpet as well as a sheepskin rug, and several easy chairs.” There’s no doubt, then, that the witty writer would feel much at home at the soon to be opened Oscar Wilde NYC, named in his honor.
The bar, boasting smooth bronze figurines and cool marble statues, dozens of high backed, leather covered chairs, and a painted glass window that creates the illusion of everlasting sunlight, is a true homage to the writer’s gilded, ornate style. Even the bathrooms, a flight below the main bar area, are adorned with extravagance, with portraits of Victorian era figures and dark mahogany molding.
Perhaps even more breathtaking than the decor, however, are the elaborate, handcrafted cocktails thought up especially for the bar by mixologist Johnny Swet. Patrons can enjoy Wilde inspired drinks such as “Fifty Shades of Dorian Gray,” “Oscar Wilde’s Potent Elixir,” and a chilly, era esque absinthe drip. There’s the standard bar fare as well, but, in true Victorian fashion, it comes with an opulent twist -- displayed behind the the marble topped bar, which, at nearly one hundred and nineteen feet, is the longest in New York City, there are 300 types of whiskey and 32 beers on tap.
But Oscar Wilde NYC isn’t a slave to gilded memories of the past. In a move that departs from its grandiose Victorian theme, the bar will also provide modern dining options using fresh, farm-to-table ingredients. Dishes will include cured salmon with fried capers, crème fraiche, jalapeno, and salted cabbage slaw; ‘buffalo wings styled’ cauliflower, buttered in rice flour and tossed with a Sriracha butter sauce; and a personal, heartier favorite -- tender, pull apart oxtail with a side of pureed potatoes.
In putting this bar together, owners Tommy Burke and Frank McCole have outdone themselves with their dedication and attention to the work and lifestyle of Oscar Wilde. This isn’t a bar likely to end up jumbled up on your list of pre-game drinking spots, mixed in with your old college hang out and the place your bartender friend works at. Like the man himself, Oscar Wilde NYC is the main event, meant to be enjoyed in the singular, and -- most importantly -- in earnest.
OSCAR WILDE NYC opens on August 16th, 2017, and is located at 45 West 27th Street.
Photo courtesy of Oscar Wilde
Serafina Launches in Tribeca
Last week, Serafina welcomed its tenth New York City location in the trendy neighborhood of Tribeca. Its launch coincided with the celebration of Serafina’s 20th anniversary. The location is the largest yet, taking up a luxurious space of 6,500 square feet across three levels. To bring life to its interior, Pato Paez’s paintings decorate the walls throughout the building.
Serafina serves authentic Italian fare in a family-like setting. It was founded by Vittorio Assaf and Fabio Granato, who came up with the idea for the restaurant while lost at sea. The two friends were stranded on a small sailboat, suffering from brutal weather and severe hunger pains. They fantasized about creating the perfect pizza and swore to bring the idea to life if they survived. While the dream started with only one restaurant in mind, Serafina now boasts 29 locations worldwide, including outposts in Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo, and Dubai.
At the opening party, guests were treated to an abundance of Italian foods including pizza and pasta paired with signature drinks. The restaurant’s famous pizza includes a thin-crust made with extra virgin olive oil imported from Italy. Handmade personal pizzas were prepared in front of guests before getting fired into a Marra Forni brick oven.
To complement the hearty food, Serafina served delicious passion fruit margarita shooters, along with imported Italian beers and select wines. Patrons will be able to order drinks in an XL “By The Magnum” format at the Tribeca location.
Notable guests included founders Assaf and Granato, joined by Francesco Genuardi, Consul General of Italy. Genuardi officiated the pasta ribbon cutting ceremony of the night.
“We know what our customers expect, whether you visited the first location or one that’s only been open for a short time, you will experience the same fabulous food we introduced over 20 years ago,” said Assaf.
The founders have many plans for the future, including launching breakfast options at their restaurants and opening a hotel in Puerto Rico later this year.
Since its opening, the restaurant has attracted celebrity diners including NYCFC star athlete Andrea Pirlo, actress Michelle Pfeiffer, and television producer David E. Kelly. To make a reservation, call (212) 766-2700.
Photos courtesy of ShadowPR
Good Beer 2017
The 9th Good Beer festival, one of the hottest events among Manhattan beer lovers, was held on July 20. This event took place at 28 Liberty; an amazing outdoor venue for drinking vibes. Chilling outside with beers, ciders and wines, allowed all the guests to forget the intense heat in NYC, while also enjoying unlimited access to delicious and fresh finger foods.
While live music played, people had a chance chat, laugh off the day’s frustrations by sampling the great variety of food and drink.
People rushed to the booth pouring Ireland’s most prized beverage: Guinness. There were four varieties available, including the fruit flavored Irish Wheat: a drink that equaled the popularity of the iconic Guinness draft.
Many Breweries participated in this amazing event with many bringing their seasonal summer creations. Porterhouse Brewing Company poured Hollows & Fentimans Ginger Beer, made with 100% natural ingredients which left a particular lasting impression.
If you love flavorsome ales, you should choose Beach Plum Goes, the traditional German ale of Blue Point Brewery. Bride of Beach Zombie brewed by KCBC would be also be nice for your taste buds.
Original Sin Cider’s booth was crowded for their unique brand concept, while Harlem Shake drew attention for their own promotional items including snapbacks, folding fans, and post cards.
On a tough day, a pale ale brewed by Reinheits-Boten could be comforting. Be careful though: its smooth taste hides an alcohol content of 8.5%
It was an amazing opportunity to be in the company of so many food and drink lovers. Prohibition Bakery served up mini cupcakes with a pretzel and Nutella cream. L&W Oyster Company showed off their fresh Hawaiian tuna. The amazing sausages from The Meat Hook were unforgettable.
The last one is Trio collection, the new ice cream of Häagen-Dazs. If you’re a ‘real foodie’, you must know that ice cream works wonders for curing a hangover. After drinking too much, grab the Salted Caramel chocolate flavor with crisp belgian chocolate! That will get rid of your pain.
Everyone was laughing and dancing when all of a sudden, it started to rain, but people never stopped enjoying Good Beer. It was a tasty day.
Special Thanks to Marissa
Tableside Italian Cook Shoppe Preview
The first official day of summer marks the debuts of Tableside Italian Cook Shoppe’s new menu, an intimate East Village hideaway.
With a family restaurant background that spans several decades, owners and industry legacy Anthony DeGrezia and his fiancé Saje Dyer, daughter of the famed motivational speaker, Dr. Wayne Dyer, preview DeGrezia’s family recipes with a Lower East Side twist.
“I’ve always been in the business, grew up with it, always worked in it. So it just got to a point where it was a right place, right time,” said DeGrezia.
Dishes like the decadent Truffle Money Bags and Rolling with the Eggplant curated by long-time chef and family friend, Massimo Felici, will have the neighborhood and taste buds alike buzzing with intrigue.
The inviting atmosphere and mellow backdrop music paired with Northern and Southern Italian eats makes you feel right at home and amongst friends.
“We wanted to fit into the casual vibe of the East Village, but still provide high-end authentic Italian food. So we thought, let’s give them names that sound a little more approachable and fun,” mentioned Dyer.
Cocktails such as the subtle Smoky Elixir, a habanero-infused Mezcal with blood orange juice and cherry liqueur, and the thirst-quenching Muddler, vodka meets prosecco muddled with mint, basil, and strawberries, are next level and perfectly marry with the eclectic dishes.
DeGrezia and Dyer have successfully navigated multiple feats within the past few months, including planning a destination wedding in Hawaii for July.
“We have chosen different roles and stuck with them. He is here night and day. 16 hours a day. Open to close. I come in and help when it is open. And then I take care of the things I can at home. I’m doing the bookkeeping. Doing all the paperwork that’s involved. So just taking different roles and sticking with it,” reiterated Dyer.
“I give her all the credit for the wedding planning,” chimed DeGrezia.
Tableside Italian Cook Shoppe is located at 345 E 6th St, New York, NY 10003.
Photos courtesy of Tableside Italian Cook Shoppe
Black Tap LES Opening
Photo By Jason Bao
Black Tap Craft Burgers and Beer has been an NYC foodie’s hot spot since achieving internet fame in 2016 for their extravagant milkshakes and stacked burgers. In fact, this writer herself has spent the better part of a Wednesday afternoon waiting on a twenty person line for the chance to devour a Bison Burger with a side of French Fries and Sour Cream and Onion Dip -- and regrets nothing. Luckily, however, the lines at your nearest Black Tap might just get a little more manageable, as on Wednesday, June 14th, the burger joint held a party celebrating the opening of a 5th location on the Lower East Side.
Photo By Jason Bao
@InvitedNYC
The newest addition to the Black Tap brand, for which no expense was spared, boasts a full bar, tables in the front, leather-backed booths in the back, and fresh wall art by street artist Fumero. It is the perfect setting for a mixer, and guests were free to explore all areas of the new space while sipping on specially crafted cocktails and enjoying the food, which was served family style, with tray after tray brought out from the kitchen and handed out to party-goers.
Photo By Jason Bao
Photo By Jason Bao
@InvitedNYC
In their party menu, Black Tap showed that they would be sticking to their signature items -- their bacon stuffed Texan Burger, All American Burger, and brownie topped Brooklyn Blackout Milkshake all made appearances throughout the night. Other popular favorites included Korean BBQ Wings, Sweet Potato Fries, and Onion Rings. The restaurant also debuted a never before seen milkshake topped with Fruity Pebbles flakes and a cereal bar, which is sure to earn a permanent spot on their menu.
@InvitedNYC
Photo By Jason Bao
@InvitedNYC
Overall, the newest Black Tap promises to carry on the foodie legacy of its predecessors with just as much, if not more, style. So if you are having an insatiable burger and milkshake craving, head on down to 177 Ludlow Street and have your own Instagram-worthy meal -- right after the fifteen people lined up in front of you.
Photos courtesy of Bullfrog and Baum
Taste of Home 2017
On the evening of Wednesday, June 14th, Housing Works hosted “Taste of Home,” its annual culinary benefit that fully supports those living with HIV/AIDS in the New York City area. Taste of Home took place at Housing Works’ own Bookstore Cafe, a cozy destination that is a downtown staple for tourists and locals alike. However, for the event, the charming bookstore transformed into a hospitable and upscale dining venue, where guests enjoyed tasting the craft of some of NYC’s supreme chefs.
Upon arrival, guests checked in and were greeted by amiable hosts with a menu of tasting options for the night. Throughout the bookstore were numerous tables adorned with a wide array of cuisines. VIP hour, which was accessible to those who purchased VIP admission tickets, consisted of a reception with hors d'oeuvres from Comparti New York and an intimate “meet and greet” with the chefs and co-host Alex Guarnaschelli, a highly acclaimed chef who has made appearances on both Chopped and Iron Chef.
General admission, which began at 7:00 p.m., provided guests with foods from Shopsin’s Tamara Shopsin, Mission Chinese Food’s Angela Dimayuga, Bread & Salt’s Rick Easton, Superiority Burger’s Brooks Headley, and Comparti New York’s Felipe Donnelly. Dessert was presented by Butter’s Kevin O’Brien. Each of the various foods, from ceviche to cheddar cheese pancakes, were served and described by the chefs at their own decorative tables dispersed throughout the bookstore. Additionally, Greenport Harbor Brewing Company beer and Nomikai Fizzy Rosé were served as refreshments.
Overall, hosts Alex Guarnaschelli, Sam Sifton, Geoff Bartakovics, and Francis Lam, in addition to honorary chairs Ruth Reichl, Mo Rocca, and Jessica Seinfeld were remarkable in organizing this delightful evening celebrating the art of food, as well as Housing Works’ mission of providing services and displaying political advocacy for those living with HIV/AIDS. Housing Works, which accounts for not only Housing Works Bookstore Cafe, but also Housing Works Thrift Shops and The Works Catering, is based on the three pillars of advocacy, service, and entrepreneurial businesses, all of which center around fighting both AIDS and homelessness in New York City. 100% of the proceeds raised through “Taste of Home” went towards ending HIV/AIDS.
Photos courtesy of Astrid Stawiarz for Getty Images
For more information or donate to Housing Works visit: http://www.housingworks.org/