The Shake and Burger Bar
Is there anything more American than the classic shake and burger? Yes, actually: souped up shakes, binge-worthy burgers, and Back to the Future playing on a hi-res tv -- all things that can be found at The Shake and Burger Bar, a new sports bar and grill in Kips Bay, Manhattan.
I admit, walking into The Shake and Burger Bar, I wasn’t sure what to expect -- hipsters wanting pics for their socials? An older, mostly male crowd catching up on the game? Who I got as dining companions, however, were a different, unexpected group: families with young children, no doubt drawn to the abundance kid friendly items featured on the menu: mozzarella sticks, sliders, and of course, milkshakes.
But the food at The Shake and Burger Bar is much more than your nostalgic childhood fare. Take the mac and cheese -- slightly soupy, and customized with either truffle oil or bacon bits, this appetizer stole the show as soon as it was placed at our table. Served in a generously sized cast iron pan and finished with a layer of bubbling cheese, I burned my tongue rushing to get a second bite after being overwhelmed by the first, and spent the rest of the course glopping forkfuls of the dish onto my own plate.
The truffle Mac & Cheese, which I cannot recommend enough, is also featured on the burger menu, as part of the Truffle Mac & Cheese Burger. I, however, went for the Left Coast Turkey Burger, served on an activated charcoal bun, while my friend gorged on the giant, cheese covered Surf N Turf. While both burgers were well made, and definitely filling, they were outshone by the sweet potato fries, which came dusted with brown sugar and served with a marshmallow dipping sauce. I am now a firm believer that this is the way all sweet potato fries should be enjoyed. Yes, the fries are sweet, but hey, if marshmallow topped sweet potato casserole can fly at Thanksgiving, marshmallow dipped sweet potato fries can work for lunch.
Nevertheless, The Shake and Burger Bar does offer regular fries and onion rings as sides to their burgers, especially if you’re saving your sweet tooth for the eatery’s biggest draw: their milkshakes, divided into either Drunk Shakes or Insane Shakes.
Be forewarned: You will not be able to finish your milkshake, particularly if you’ve been munching away at all the other goodies The Shake and Burger Bar has to offer. The Juniors Cheesecake Raspberry shake I ordered came topped with a slice of Juniors Cheesecake, whipped cream, donut holes, and graham crackers. I ended up having to take the toppings and shake to go, and it held up well on the train ride back home, where I spent the next two days alternating between gulps of the milkshake and the bites of the cheesecake.
So, who is The Shake and Burger Bar for? The answer may not be too clear from the atmosphere, but I think I’ve derived an answer from the menu: anyone that is fond of fun, flavorful food.
ReThink Food Gala
Every year, NYC sends million tons of waste to landfills, almost a third of which is solely food. When food waste degrades in landfills, it produces methane, a harmful greenhouse gas. NYC restaurants, in total, account for the largest single stream of food waste on the commercial side. They generate close to more than 650,000 tons of food waste annually. As such, the restaurant segment represents the greatest commercial opportunity to reduce the volume of New York City’s landfilled food waste. If just five percent of New York City’s largest restaurants deterred from landfill half of the food waste they generate – by reducing it at source, donating what’s edible, and composting what’s not, the city as a whole would reduce landfilled commercial food waste 14 percent.
ReThink Food NYC Inc, is trying to fix this extensive problem. With donations from some of NYC’s top restaurants and product suppliers such as Eleven Madison Park, Fleishers, Square Roots, and many more. The company takes excess food from food distributors, restaurants, and other services institutions and transform it into delicious, safe, ready-to-eat meals for the NYC food bank and other social service agencies. The donators get the benefit of a potential tax write-off, so it’s a win-win for everyone. Over the last year the ReThink has worked extremely hard with their team of lawyers and industry professionals to help create a cohesive system that allows them to redistribute all the wonderful excess food in New York City.
Last Monday, May 14th, ReThink held a celebratory gala at the iconic NoMad Hotel. An evening of delicious food, cocktails, and fun ensued. Board members, gave a heartwarming speech stating that, “This is only the beginning, we are going to help a lot more people.” Live entertainment and music was provided by Purr, while delectable food and drink specialties, curated by The NoMad, roamed around all night. A coveted silent auction also took place, with guests bidding on generous gifts and items donated by top restaurant and hospitality groups from all over NYC.
In attendance were a lot of people from the restaurant industry, and after speaking with a few of them, it was apparent that these people truly believe in the organization and the charitable aspect of feeding the 1 in 4 Americans that still go hungry every day. Pietro Collina, the social equity director for the ReThink passionately said that, “We are not about making money, we are all coming with backgrounds in the food and hospitality industry so we know the business, and we just want to help people, that’s why we are a non-profit.”
It was a wonderful night filled with amazing people for an essential cause. All proceeds from the evening are charitable donations and will go toward the continued success and growth of ReThink.
About ReThink Food
Rethink Food NYC Inc is a non-profit organization working to recover nutritious excess food to provide low or no-cost meals to New York City families in need.
We transform unused food from grocery stores, restaurants, and farmers’ markets into meals that are delivered to local agencies in New York City; serving those in need. With the initiative to run a community kitchen, our top chefs can both serve their community while developing entrepreneurial and leadership skills to help students establish an education that they will carry with them into future careers. Rethink Food NYC Inc goes beyond meals by using food as the tool to promote poverty solutions, implement garden initiatives, participate in nutrition education, and convene food policy events.
Photos courtesy of ReThink
Taco Takeover in Brooklyn
On Saturday, May 12th, Cannonball Productions brought Taco Takeover back to New York City for its second annual celebration of tacos, tequila, empanadas, and beer. The event took place at the Brooklyn Expo Center, where it gathered several local chefs who brought their best Mexican-inspired dishes to the table. With tacos from Queens Bully, Dos Caminos, Mid|Nights, and Zen Taco to empanadas from Empanada Mama, there was something for everyone to indulge in.
Organized a week after Cinco de Mayo, the Taco Takeover included options for traditional taco fans, as well as for those willing to experiment. There was a “Hot Chicken Taco” from the Queens Bully, which was a twist on the concept of a traditional taco since white bread was used instead of the taco shell. The spicy “taco” was accompanied by a cool coconut “margarita,” which was a mixture of Don Julio tequila, coconut milk, cane sugar, and coconut flakes. There were also fun vegetarian options, such as the “Shroom Taco” from Dos Caminos, and “Masala Jackfruit” taco from Baar Baar, which included spices and ingredients from the South-Asian cuisine.
Besides the finger-licking food and fun alterations on classic drinks, the Taco Takeover also transported its visitors to a summer getaway. The event included beer pong and inflatable pool floats as props for photobooth photos provided by Deadpool and Lyft while songs from Celia Cruz to J Balvin were playing. It was difficult not to think of the approaching summer days.
Missed out on the Taco Takeover in NYC? No worries, since Taco Takeover will also be coming to Dallas, TX and San Diego, CA. The organizers of the event are also invested in working with local non-profit organizations and food recovery programs in order to donate leftover food to those in need. If you’re interested in finding out more information about the festival, visit https://thetacotakeover.com
Taste of the Upper West Side 2018
With new bars and restaurants opening everyday on the Upper West Side (UWS), it’s difficult to stay on top of them! However, every year, there is one event that gives the people from the neighborhood and all over NYC to experience the eclectic culinary scene of the UWS in just one place
Taste of the Upper West Side 2018 took place on May 18th and 19th under the Grand Tent at O’Shea Complex Schoolyard, located on Columbus Avenue between 76th and 77th Streets. New Upper West Side restaurants were introduced to the public, as old-time favorites also made appearances. Adding to the fun of this annual food fest was live music, wine tastings and professional mixologists.
The event was broken down into two days with different themes. On Friday, May 18th, “Summer in the City” introduces highly-anticipated new restaurants and bars, along with longtime local favorites. This year’s honoree was Jacob Hadjigeorgis. Jacob is the owner of neighborhood favorites Jacob’s Pickles and Maison Pickle. As always, there was unlimited wine, spirits and music by DJ Phresh – all centered around innovative seasonal food prepared by 40 of the most popular restaurants on the Upper West Side. The restaurant that were yet to open but wanted to give the guests a taste was the savory Lucky Pickle Dumpling Co! Some of the new additions to the UWS present included Zen Taco, Twin Palms, Amelie, Make My Cake, Elea, Recolte, and Vai. Neighborhood favorites like Playa Betty’s, Jing Fong, Bodrum, AG Kitchen, and FishTag all brought their most delicious dishes to show out.
On Saturday, May 19th, “Best of the West” was presented by Park West Village Apartments. On this night, a lucky few had the chance to mingle with celebrity chefs at a limited attendance reception! The honoree is John Fraser, known for Dovetail, The Nix, Narcissa and The Loyal. VIP guests had a special seating area and early entree to the evening’s food, spirit, wine, and beer presentations, and direct access to the chefs before the main event. An hour later, general admission opened the doors to everyone else.
The event highlighted signature bars and mixologists, all prepared unique and delicious cocktails. Participants included Manhattan Cricket Club, Da Capo, Amelie, Guyer’s, Maison Pickle and Prohibition. Best of the West Honoree John Fraser served tastings from Dovetail, along with 40 other Upper West Side restaurants, including The LEOPARD at des Artistes, The Milling Room, Red Farm, Rosa Mexicano, and Crave Fishbar. Live music and entertainment was provided by Joe Battaglia & The New York Big Band further enhancing the ambiance of the Upper West Side’s most anticipated event of the year.
Upon entry guests were given a wine glass necklace – a plastic wine glass on a rubber necklace allowing patrons to double-fistfull bottles of beer and small plates. Almost everyone took these cups home noting how useful they will be at their next event. Everyone also received a bottle cap to deposit at your favorite restaurant in order to announce the overall most popular booth.
Getting to taste all the different cuisines in the neighborhood is only part of the fun. There was a nice couch area set up for those who wanted to step away and relax but I was too into the action to ever really take a seat.
At the end of the night, I have to say, you will hate yourself for many reasons. You will be completely stuffed with overly decedent and rich foods, and more than a few different types of alcohol. This event is absolutely on the list of NYC annual must attend.
Photos courtesy of TUWS
Sushi by Bou Preview Party
On Tuesday, May 8th, a brand new dining experience in Chelsea opened its doors for an exclusive preview of its food and drinks menu.: Sushi by Bou. A Limelight patio located at the foot of Jue Lan Club, Sushi by Bou is the perfect spot for the ever-rushing New Yorkers as it offers a 30-minute speakeasy experience from sushi chefs David Bouhadana, Michael Sinensky, and Erika London.
Sushi by Bou invites New Yorkers and guests from around the world to embrace the Japanese practice of “Omakase,” which allows the meals to be selected by the chefs rather than the visitors. The outdoor dining experience serves 8 to 10 guests and offers drinks like sake, Japanese whisky, rose, and champagne. In addition, with summer approaching, Sushi by Bou also presents a new addition of slushie cocktails, including a refreshing mixture of rose sangria and sake.
The food menu certainly does not disappoint. With choices such as Hamachi, Albacore Tuna, Botan Shrimp, and Wagyuni (Wagyu with Uni on top), Sushi by Bou is bound to make one feel happy and full in less than an hour.
If you are looking for an unique dining experience for the summer, Sushi by Bou will open its doors for lunch and dinner on Monday, May 14. The reservations can be made via text at 917-870-1587, and the address is 49 W 20th St, New York, NY 10011.
The Springs Preview
If you are on the lookout for a new summer cocktail bar, The Springs is the place to go. Located on the border of Brooklyn and Queens in the Greenpoint neighborhood, The Springs offers a 1950s Southern California vibe without having to leave New York.
Sarah Boisjoli Photography
Sarah Boisjoli Photography
Sarah Boisjoli, who is a mixologist, photographer, and the owner of the new “it” spot, introduces a wide variety of perfect summer cocktails. The cocktails include classics, such as the Old-Fashioned, but also cocktail slushies that come in surprising flavors and with unique names, such as Sunburn (Tequila, Aloe Vera, Blue Curacao, and Lime), Desert Springs (Milagro Silver Tequila, Dolin Blanc, cucumber, mint and Thai chile), Riverside Revival (Hendricks gin, grapefruit cordial, lemon, and Absinthe). If you are feeling a bit more on the traditional side, you are welcome to grab a refreshing Pina-Colada or a classic Coca-Cola float from the bar.
Sarah Boisjoli Photography
Sarah Boisjoli Photography
To complement the delicious assortment of summer cocktails, you are welcome to grab a juicy beef burger, mac’n’cheese, or a martini-flavored grilled cheese. Want something a bit more on the healthier side? Try the eggplant rollatini sticks that come with their own special dip.
Sarah Boisjoli Photography
Sarah Boisjoli Photography
Sarah Boisjoli Photography
The Springs has everything and more to offer. With summer temperatures in town, it is the perfect time to pay a visit to Southern California without breaking the bank by taking the train to 224 Franklin St, Brooklyn, NY 11222.
Photos courtesy of Springs
RealEats goes Veggie
RealEats is the only meal subscription service offering fresh, healthy meals with ingredients sourced from New York’s Finger Lakes region, that are ready to eat in six minutes or less. Adapting sous-vide technology, RealEats offers fresh, convenient and thoughtfully sourced meals to consumers who care about what they eat, but may not have the time to shop, prep, cook and clean.
RealEats works with acclaimed chefs to create sophisticated meal options, and recently launched — just in time for summer! — three new vegetarian meals, including Farratto with peas, spring green onions and asparagus, Sumac Sweet Potatoes with quinoa tabbouleh and citrus labne, and Pasta Caponata with peppers, eggplant and ricotta.
In addition to the three new vegetarian meals, RealEats also added three new non-vegetarian meals to the menu, including Roast Chicken with mushrooms, potatoes and swiss chard, BBQ Brisket with red cabbage slaw and smashed potatoes, and Maple Rosemary Turkey with lentils and roasted beets, turnips, radishes, parsnips, red onions, celery and carrots.
Now offering 18 meal options, RealEats is currently available in 21 states with plans to expand to the Midwest and West Coast.
Photos courtesy of RealEats
Billion Oyster Party 2018
The oyster party of the year went down again in Red Hook on April 27th when the New York Harbor School’s Billion Oyster Project threw its annual fundraiser bash. Once again, NY Waterway provided a complementary and convenient ferry ride from Pier 11 to Red Hook for guests to arrive at the party in style. Upon arrival, attendees packed the spacious Pioneer Works for the ultimate oyster experience. The amazing experience offered its guests to try oysters from over 50 oyster farms, dishes from 20 chefs, and uncountable good moments. To date, Billion Oyster Project has restored 25 million oysters to NY Harbor. Throughout the night, over 30,000 oyster shells were collected, which will return to NY Harbor to help restore oyster reefs.
Attendees washed down the oysters with brews, sodas, spirits and wines from local partners while watching the BOP All-Star Shucking Championship. Guests also got the chance to speak to NY Harbor School students about their work on the project. Not only did the chefs serve their best fairs, each of the growers also spoke about their experiences being pioneers in this emerging industry. Like any incipient industry there are hurdles, however, each one spoke ardently about the business and their campaigns for future growth.
This annual party is just a step towards the final goal of restoring 1 billion oysters by 2035 while fostering the next generation of environmental stewards and reconnecting New Yorkers to the waterfront. Proceeds from the event will support the four program areas of the Billion Oyster Project: Oyster Production, Reef Construction & Monitoring, Shell Collection, BOP Schools, and Public Engagement. Each program stands alone as an important advance in ecosystem restoration and public education. Together they make up the Harbor and City-wide project that will have a dramatic impact on ecosystem health as well as public awareness, understanding and appreciation of NY Harbor.
All in all, this year’s party, which was the largest one to date, was both an unforgettable experience and a highly educational event. After experiencing all that the Billion Oyster Party had to offer, guests absolutely left feeling upbeat, pleasantly full from incredible food, and informed on an incredible mission. It was the perfect way to start Spring.
To learn more or to donate to BOP please visit:
Photos by Kirsten Midura and David Hawkins
EastmeetEast Ramen Competition
The EastMeetEast dating website and app held its first annual "EastMeetEast Singles Ramen Eating Competition" on Monday, April 23rd at the world-famous Gotham West Market. Demonstrating how to gobble up Ramen noodles as quickly as possible and judging the competition was six-time Nathan's Coney Island Hot Dog Eating Champion and eight-time Guinness World Record holder, Takeru Kobayashi.
EastMeetEast is a successful website and app for creating happy, passionate, and fulfilling relationships. Among the Asian population in North America, 29,079 individuals have found partners through the site so far.
"We wanted to do something fun and exciting to bring singles together in a non-traditional way," says EastMeetEast Founder Mariko Tokioka. "Having Kobayashi judge the competition and demonstrate is the icing on the cake. He not only brings his expertise to the event, but an exhilarating and dramatic flair wherever he goes. The excitement surrounding him is palpable."
Six contestants (4 male, 2 female) faced off in the competition. Behind every contestant were their EastMeetEast dating profiles, which had fun amazing facts about their lives to attract potential future partners.
Known for his trademark body wiggle- the "Kobayashi Shake", Kobayashi started off the competition by demonstrating to the contestants the keys to winning by slurping down 3 bowls in under 20 seconds.
After chowing down the grand total of 15 bowls! The winner was Wayne Algenio, a former Guinness world record holder for eating the most Carolina reapers (the hottest pepper in the world) in 1 minute. EastMeetEast will give Wayne an all-expense paid dream-date. "Maybe we can find someone for you" said Kenji, the marketer of EastMeetEast, after handing Wayne a prize envelope.
See the full highlight video below:
About EastMeetEast: EastMeetEast is a successful platform for creating happy, passionate, and fulfilling relationships. Thanks to EastMeetEast's high matching ratio among the Asian population in North America, 29,079 individuals have found partners through our site so far.
About Takeru Kobayashi: Takeru Kobayashi is a Japanese competitive eater. He is a six-time Nathan's Coney Island Hot Dog Eating Champion and eight-time Guinness World Record holder.
Photos Courtesy of EastmeetEast
Chat N' Chew Private Preview
If you are looking for a cozy setting for your next date night, Chat N’ Chew is a must try. Located in the heart of Union Square, the restaurant is a 20-year comfort food staple. Following a popular trend, the restaurant has now upgraded their menu to match the current flow of healthy eating habits. Curated by the restaurateur Andrew Silverman, is reopening to the public, once again, to show that hearty meals do not have to be a part of guilty pleasures.
The new menu offers a variety of familiar hearty meals, but is also introducing healthy options for those on a health kick. Along with juicy hamburgers and not your mother’s mac’n’cheese, vegan and vegetarian options are now available to the public. Appetizers, like Matzo Ball Soup, “Platter of the Gods” Hummus & Tzatziki and “Duke’s Buffalo Shrimp” were just previews before the big game of finger-licking entrees. For a more traditional comfort food experience, try menu items, such as a “not-so-classic grilled three cheese,” as well as the “Thanksgiving on a Roll.” Those are just some options “between the bread” that show that Chat N’ Chew raised the stakes in the comfort food dining game. While other variations of entrees, such as “110% Veggie Chili” and “Butternut Squash Ravioli & Crumbled Sage” are the healthier twists on otherwise “self-indulgent” meals. To round-up a feast of deliciousness, Chat N’ Chew’s dessert menu is something to pay attention to. With “Creme Brûlée Cheese Cake” and “Carrot Cake in a Chat N’ Chew Mug,” accompanied by a list of egg creams, flots, and milkshakes, Chat N’ Chew definitely satisfies the sweet tooth.
Inspired to visit Chat N’ Chew for your next Sunday brunch? Check out the restaurant’s address below:
10 E 16th St, New York, NY 10003
Tribeca Film Festival After Parties
A true pioneer of celebration - The "Supper Suite" by A-List Communications has been rocking Tribeca with several events and panels thus far for its tenth year in a row during the annual film festival. A-List Communications launched Supper Suite program in New York City almost a decade ago and has become a integral part of every red carpet celebratory destination every year.
On Friday, April 20th, Megu on West 16th street played home to the BACK ROADS pre-screening cocktail party with cast members Alex Pettyfer, Jennifer Morrison, Nicola Peltz, June Carryl followed by the 7 Stages To Achieve Eternal Bliss by Passing Through The Gateway Chosen By The Holy Storsh Post Tribeca screening party, with producer Elijah Wood and actors Sam Huntington, Kate Micucci, Dan Harmon, Josh Brenner, Matt Jones, Mark McKinney and Taika Waititi.
Guests enjoyed Day Owl Rose, Blue Moon Brewing, Ciroc and Deleon plus Altec Lansing's latest audio items, during the “Supper Suite” pop-up events during the Tribeca Film Festival, produced by A-List Communications.
On Saturday, April 21st, The "Supper Suite" also popped up at STK NYC on Little West 12th street, and hosted a press junket for EGG with Christina Hendricks, Alysia Reiner, Gbenga Akinnagbe, David Alan Basche, IN A RELATIONSHIP starring Michael Angarano, Dree Hemingway and Patrick Gibson, LITTLE WOODS starring Tessa Thompson, Lily James and Luke Kirby, STATE LIKE SLEEP starring Katherine Waterson, Michael Shannon and Michiel Huisman, and JONATHAN starring Ansel Elgort and Suki Waterhouse.
On Monday, April 23rd, The "Supper Suite" went back to Megu and hosted "Untogether” Premiere After Party which featured a outstanding cast of: Jemima Kirke (Girls), Jamie Dornan (Fifty Shades of Grey), Ben Mendelsohn (Rogue One: A Star Wars Strory), Lola Kirke (Gone Girl), Scott Caan (Oceans Eleven), Billy Crystal (When Harry Met Sally), Jennifer Grey (Ferris Buellers Day Off), Alice Eve (She's Out of My League).
Guests did not leave empty handed. Each patron were given Altec Lansing's latest portable audio items, and stayed hydrated with Essential Water during the daytime junket.
Photo Credits: Thomas Concordia
Taste of the Nation NYC 2018
Food events are common nowadays, but on April 18th, one of the most anticipated annual food events brought all the foodies to Brooklyn Expo Center in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Each Spring and Summer, the country’s hottest chefs, sommeliers and mixologists join together to donate their time, talent and passion, with one goal in mind: ending childhood hunger in America by supporting Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry presented by Citi and Sysco.
Here in New York, 1 in 5 kids struggle with hunger. Only 47% of kids who eat free/reduced price school lunch also eat school breakfast, and only 31% of kids who eat free/reduced price school also eat summer meals. That being said, No Kid Hungry have made huge strides in New York City. Working with the Mayor's Office, the department of Education, community leaders, teachers, and corporate partners to overcome barriers, No Kid Hungry has helped schools modernize the way they serve breakfast. This April, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a state budget that includes a requirement for all "high needs" public schools - those with 70% and higher free and reduced-price student population - to offer Breakfast After the Bell. Over the next few years, this bill will impact tens of thousands of kids at risk of hunger across New York State.
Widely considered a wonderful celebration that brings entire communities together to enjoy the best of what your city has to offer in food, drinks and fellowship. With nearly 40 events in 20 cities across the nation, guests of Taste of the Nation gets to sip and sample gourmet creations from each city’s premier culinary talent and participate in unique food, travel and lifestyle auctions – all while supporting a good cause.
In addition to hosting wonderful food events, Taste of the Nation also brings together top talents in the music industry to perform on its special event stages. This year’s NYC event was definitely no different, with a special performance by the rock hitmakers, X Ambassadors. X Ambassadors, provided a live soundtrack featuring some of their biggest hits - Renegade and Unsteady, to an evening of unforgettable gastronomic creations.
This year’s celebration featured delectable dishes from American Cut, Baar Baar, Bessou, BKLN Larder, Blue Smoke, Claro, Colonie, CUT, Cuzin’s Duzin, Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse, Department of Education, DoughNation, EMMY Squared, Fausto, Ferris, Glaze Donuts, High Street on Hudson, Kung Fu Tea, La Newyorkina, Little Tong Noodle Shop, Mokbar , Pain D’Avignon, Restaurant Norman, Samesa, Shuka, Sunday in Brooklyn, Talde , Temple Court, The Doughnut Project, Underwest Donuts, Vic’s, and Walter’s Hot Dogs
Special drinks to wash down all delicious bites were hand-crafted cocktails mixed by bartenders from BlackTail, Las’ Lap, Leyenda, Llama Inn, La Contenta, LOVERBOY, Porchlight, Rockey’s, Rum House, Sauvage, and Ward III
Guest were also able to enjoy the free-flowing Rosé Garden, a Donut Derby, and interactive photo booth fun; a phenomenal evening, all for a great cause!
Photos courtesy of Taste of the Nation
Wok Wok Southeast Asian Kitchen
Ever since I moved to New York City, I’ve tried to find the perfect Central Perk esque hangout spot. Someplace cozy and clean, with great coffee and comfy couches...the perfect place for chill catch ups with friends.
Well, that was then, and this is now. Coffee shops are out, and Chinatown is in. That’s right, my days of scouring the East Village and battling hipsters for seats are over. As of last Friday, my new go-to hangout is Wok Wok Southeast Asian Kitchen (@Wokwokny), a fusion restaurant specializing in Malaysian and Thai cuisine.
At first, it’s easy to dismiss Wok Wok as a generic hole in the wall -- it’s easy to miss, located in the basement area of a nondescript building at the far end of Mott Street. But the path down the narrow stairs reveals something more: a clean, minimalist space, accented with a open pantry that gives the area a slight shophouse vibe. It’s an eclectic mix, but it works almost as well as the food, which, as it should be, is the absolute highlight of the Wok Wok experience.
My friend and I started off our meal with the Creamy Thai Iced Tea -- a staple at any Southeast Asian restaurant. Served in mason jars, the drinks were immediately to our liking -- just the right amount of sweetness, and Instagram worthy to boot.
We followed our drinks with a round of appetizers. As recommended, we dug into a variety of street snacks: Roti Cheese, Roti Rendang, Grilled Satay Chicken, Popcorn Chicken, and Fried Potstickers. While the staples were top notch, the Roti dishes especially stood out: golden, layered, and crisp, they were the perfect accompaniment to a spicy chicken and potato curry.
For my main, I ordered the Malay Kam Heung Shrimp, which was served in the Chef’s signature 18 spice house blend, while my friend opted for Malaysian Curry Chicken with Potato Over Rice. Both of us exclaimed over our respective dishes: my most repeated phrase that night was “it’s so soft!” -- in reference to the fall apart, melt in your mouth shrimp I was served, and even as someone who is notorious for avoiding chicken served on the bone (I’m definitely a breast over wing type), I found myself pulling pieces of chicken out of the curry and eating them straight up. Yes, it was that flavorful.
While there are various dessert options at Wok Wok, my friend and I finished our meal with a dish from the appetizer menu: fried buns served with condensed milk. Known as fried mantou, the dish is almost the perfect metaphor for Wok Wok as a whole: simple, yet satisfying.
So next time you’re down in Chinatown, stop in at this hidden gem and try a few or even all of their dishes. With such a huge, diverse menu and great portions, there’ll definitely be something here for even the pickiest of your crew.
The restaurant is located in the heart of chinatown: 11 Mott St, New York, NY 10013
Special thanks to Roy and Marissa
The Bloody Mary Festival
On Sunday, April 8th, New Yorkers from all five boroughs gathered together in the the heart of Brooklyn to enjoy good company and even better Bloody Marys at The Bloody Mary Festival - NYC, also known as the “Sunday Funday Brunch Party of the year.”
The festival, which hosts dozens of New York restaurants and bars, is a chance for mixologists of all levels to serve guests their best Bloody Mary concoctions in order to determine whose brunch cocktail reigns supreme.Guests of the festival were able to enjoy a few hours of live music, tasty food, and most importantly, Bloody Marys of all kinds. The event took place at Grand Prospect Hall, a breathtaking Victorian banquet hall in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Guests were also able to use an outside seating area of the hall to enjoy the spring sunshine.
Additionally, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly products as well as beer on tap were offered to those who steered away from the Bloody Mary route. Local vendors sold their food and drink products (one memorable item being bacon jam in a jar - which was delicious) and enjoyed telling guests about them. After trying all of the different craft Bloody Marys, guests were able to vote on their favorite stations with poker chips.
Overall, everyone had a fantastic time, and the Bloody Mary Festival undoubtedly has left its bloody mark on New York. From spicy to sweet to citrusy to robust, this festival has proven that there is no right or wrong way to make an incredible Bloody.
Photos courtesy of Bloody Mary Festival
Rock'n'Roll at SUSHI ROXX
If you’re looking for a restaurant experience unlike any other, turn to Sushi Roxx. Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, this Japanese restaurant offers both delicious food and a live dance show, performed by none other than the waiters and waitresses, who are also talented singers and dancers. But this isn't the Stardust Diner. Sushi Roxx is a little more selective with their musical choices: their show “We Will Roxx You” only features music from world famous rock artists such as Aerosmith, AC/DC, Lenny Kravitz, and Journey.
Although the restaurant has been open for a few years, it has recently launched a series of new menu items in order to go along with the musical dining experience. The venue, which exudes romantic Asiatic influences, offers delicious specialty cocktails named after Marvel and DC superheroes, such as the Green Lantern (Jameson, blue curacao, peach, lemon), the Skywalker (Avion Silver, honeydew, agave, lime, jalapeno, basil), and the Black Panther (Aviation, Creme De Cassis, blackberry, lime), as well as additional food items, such as sushi pizzas and rolls with combinations varying from spicy tuna to lobster. There is something for everyone to enjoy while singing along to some of the most popular throwback songs of the 20th Century.
For those craving something sweet to finish off the night, fun desserts, such as Nutella S’mores (nutella, marshmallow, graham cracker), Berries and Creme (seasonal berries, lemon, schlag), and Death by Birthday Cake (chocolate cake, whipped cream, chocolate fudge, vanilla cream) are just a few choices of sweets available for anyone interested in getting a sugar rush after a gleeful night.
If you’re up for some old school music with a fun twist and delicious food, or would like to spice things up by visiting a new restaurant in the midst of New York City, make sure to reserve a table at Sushi Roxx by visiting http://sushiroxxnyc.com/, and check out the menu by clicking here.
Photos courtesy of SUSHI ROXX
Sneak Preview of Borrachito at The Garret East
On Wednesday night, one of New York City’s most reputable cocktail bars, The Garret, located in the Lower East Side, turned into a finger-licking taco concept. As guests walked in, they were welcomed to a drink of their choice at the bar, where they had a chance to strike up a conversation with a compelling stranger. And when the evening went well, invitees continued their night by walking further into a more romantic setup dubbed, “Borrachito.”
Borrachito, which is located in the back area, was once a speakeasy restaurant entitled, “Dinnertable,” turned itself into an intimate and date-appropriate bar and taco spot, filled with lots of delicious tacos to accompany a wide array of boozy cocktails and luscious wines.
Borrachito brings Mexican street food inspired by family recipes to the comfort of a New York City bar. Executive Chef Yuval Ochoa thrills the crowd with tacos filled with pork, steak, and fish, as well as delightfully unexpected fillings, such as burrata. Each taco is a masterpiece of its own: the “Pork Bomb” taco includes roasted pork belly, confit pork shoulder and deep fried pork skin, andpico de gallo and pickled onions; the “Baja Fish” taco is a refreshing creation comprised of fried seabass, grilled pineapple salsa, and guajillo majo. Not feeling tacos but still want a flavor of Mexico? Try “Del Every Dia” soup, or ceviche and guacamole appetizers. And for those with a sweet tooth, Borrachito does not disappoint. There is a choice of paletas (ice pops) with flavors such as pineapple mezcal and strawberry cilantro, and duros (sweet chips) covered in sugar, cinnamon, and served with a side of corn ice cream.
To accompany the flavorful feast, grab one of the delicious cocktails from The Garret’s bar. From “Detroit Dancehall” to “Cheap Furniture,” your night is guaranteed to be a blast. With mouthwatering food and equally delicious drinks, what else could one wish for? In the age of Instagram, it is an aesthetically-pleasing venue, which Borrachito and The Garret most definitely offer.
Looking to experience street style tacos but are on a date, or would just like to enjoy flavors of Mexico with a delicious drink in another hand? Borrachito is for you. It doesn’t have to be #TacoTuesday for you to visit this cozy and flavorful location this weekend by going to 206 Avenue A, NY, NY 10009, located in the back of The Garret East.
Photo credit @fohnyc
Flamenco Night at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola
If you are looking for a place to relax to smooth sounds of jazz in the midst of a busy city, you might want to turn to Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola. Located at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola hosts weekly jazz events featuring a variety of talented musicians, along with the opportunity to wine and dine, for students, members, and fans of jazz.
On Friday, March 23, 2018, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola turned into a destination for anyone who wished to hear the collision of the sounds of jazz and flamenco without traveling to the origin of flamenco--Spain. The evening, accompanied by delicious cocktails and a wine carte, as well as a range of mouthwatering appetizers, such as a gooey mac-n-cheese and roasted brussel sprouts with bits of bacon, introduced the New York crowd to four exceptional artists: DORANTES, Adam Ben Ezra, Chano Domínguez, and a guest musician, Tim Ries.
The quartet created an energetic and picante melange of jazz, flamenco, classical, and Latin melodies in order to bring elements of surprise and curiosity into the audience. With nighttime lights of Columbus Circle and Central Park in the background, the night seemed to take unexpected yet pleasant turns with every note of music.
If you are looking to conclude a tiresome week on an upbeat note, or find a new romantic private spot in the city for a successful date night, Jazz at Lincoln Center is the place to do all of the above and more. Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola at Jazz at Lincoln Center holds weekly, two evening sessions: one at 7:30 pm, and another at 9:30pm, as well as a late night session at 11:15pm. There is always time to enjoy jazz for every New Yorker.
Jazz at Lincoln Center is also the destination for students who are looking to indulge in the sounds of jazz by themselves or with a friend, since the tickets are only priced at $20 for most of the sessions. As for the post-studies crowd, have no fear as the jazz destination allows to absorb most of the musical nights starting at $35.
Whether you're a fan of jazz or just looking for a more unique cultural experience, Jazz at Lincoln Center has it all. If you are interested in paying a visit or two to Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola in Jazz at Lincoln Center, visit http://www.jazz.org/dizzys/ for more information.
Sneak Preview of Sugar Momma
On a chilly Tuesday night, a cafe “Hole in the Wall” turned into a mysterious bar and restaurant dubbed, “Sugar Momma.” Located in the heart of the Financial District, the location serves as a bright and cozy coffee spot during the hours of 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, but turns into a playful and cheeky relaxation zone from the hours of 6:00 pm until midnight.
The dining and cocktail location provides a large variety of delicious food on its menu designed by the Executive Chef Brent Hudson (@hashtaghudson). The menu items range from hot and cold appetizers such as Crispy Pork (soy caramel, sour apple, picked herbs & cashews), Shrimp and Crab Crackers (remoulade and avocado puree), and East Coast Oysters and Burrata with shaved melon and prosciutto. After a spread of starters, Sugar Momma serves up a feast of equally mouthwatering entree items, such as their signature Truffle Beef and ‘Shroom’ Burger (crispy bacon, caramelized onions, house pickles and special sauce), Grass-Fed Wagyu Rib Eye (XO mushroom butter, broccolini and garlic chives), Satay Curry Chicken and the ability to Roll Your Own Brisket Tacos.
To accompany the mind-blowing food journey, Sugar Momma offers 11 signature cocktails, all created by lead mixologist, Ryan Byrnes. Some of the cocktails include sweet and bitter combinations, such as The Gatsby (gin, pama, lemon, prosecco), Back in Fashion (bourban, honey, bitters & orange), and Momma’s Martini (vanilla vodka, passoa, passion fruit puree & prosecco), along with some spicier choices, such as Spicy Time Margarita (tequila, combier orange, lime, simple syrup & jalapeno). However, if you would like to withhold the cocktails and enjoy the meal with a glass of chilled-rose or some quality beer, Sugar Momma presents wines by the glass and bottle in addition to Brooklyn Lager and an Oyster Bay IPA.
Sugar Momma is sure worth a visit. With tracks straight from 90s hip hop to candles and neon signs, Sugar Momma has it all. Relaxing ambiance with scrumptious food, rich drinks, and great company is all you really need to unwind after a stressful day at work and jump straight into a commitment-free weekend.
Pay a visit to Sugar Momma to jump start your weekend: 15 Cliff Street, New York, NY 10038
Photos courtesy of Sugar Momma
Beer, Bourbon and BBQ festival
On January 27th, 2018, the Beer, Bourbon and BBQ festival was held at the Porchlight in New York. The spectacle was a feast for both the eyes and the mouth. All the patrons were treated to an assortment of southern inspired food and drinks.
More than 3,000 people showed up to the the festival, which served more than 60 kinds of beers, 40 kinds of bourbons, and a whole lot of barbecue. Food Tastings featured pit masters / chefs as well as some of NYC’s finest BBQ and Southern cuisine restaurants. Dishes included pulled pork, ribs, and brisket, all slow-cooked, succulent, and served with any fixin’ you could imagine.
The highlight of the night was definitely the whole hogs. The tender pork with the special homemade sauce hit the spot just right. Alongside the BBQ dishes, appetizing finger foods and delicious desserts were also served.
One of the reasons why the event is so enjoyable is probably the variety of drinks they have prepared. So many choices and all the vendors were generous with servings. Many of the staff would even fill your tasting glass to the brim. All you could consume for hours - wonderful or insanity - it's all how you look at it.
The atmosphere was bumping, with an awesome DJ playing and people dancing inside the spacious venue.
If you want to enjoy southerners live by beer, bourbon and barbecue, I absolutely recommend this festival. We came, we drank, we ate pork, and we pillaged and plundered. Looking forward to doing it all over again next year.
For more information, click here.
Coyote Ugly Saloon turns 25th
Everybody knows Coyote Ugly, the much-loved local dive bar that transformed into an international icon after the success of the movie of the same name. in the aftermath of the The bar has been a fix in the village for celebration of all occasions. Ever since its opening, out-of-towners flooded the New York City bar, which quickly became a favorite stop for tour buses. A fun place like no other, wild, wild and wild.
Coyote Ugly Saloon celebrated their 25th Anniversary in New York City on January 28, 2018. Founder and muse behind the 2000 movie, Coyote Ugly, Liliana Lovel (aka“Lil”) celebrated with a packed bar of family, friends, and the famous Coyote Ugly girls boot stomping on top of the bar.
Justina Valentine of MTV’s Wild ‘n Out performed freestyle on top of the Coyote Ugly bar while roasting the crowd alongside two dancers. Continuing with their tradition of providing fans with the unexpected, a contortionist showed off her flexibility while a bearded lady hosted a beard contest, and New York City’s famous Naked Cowboy closed out the event while performing ‘Pour Some Sugar On Me.’
Also in attendance were Drita D’Avanzo of VHI1’s Mob Wives, Broderick Hunter of HBO’s Insecure, Donald Paul of FX’s Atlanta/ABC’s Quantico, and Monte Bezell of NBC’s The Black List.
About Coyote Ugly Saloon
Coyote Ugly Saloon is the most famous bar on the planet with 26 locations in 8 countries, with more locations opening every year, including Japan in February 2018. The Coyote Ugly legend began in 1992 when Liliana Lovel (aka“Lil”), a 24-year old Wall Street apprentice-turned-bartender gained notoriety for her antics on the bar, as well as behind it. Tired of working for other people, Lil was ready to make her move. The plan was simple; open her own bar, make money, and have fun doing it. Determined not to let anyone or anything get in her way, she drew up a business plan and the first Coyote Ugly Saloon opened its doors on January 27, 1993. Over the years Coyote Ugly has meant different things to different people. Some come in just to get yelled at by Lil and to drink cheap tequila out of her boots.
Coyote Ugly Saloon quickly established itself in the hearts of New Yorkers as the preeminent drinking establishment when it gained national attention in early 1997. The article, “The Muse of the Coyote Ugly Saloon”- written by former Coyote bartender Elizabeth Gilbert (author of Eat, Pray, Love) for GQ- directed a spotlight on the little bar in the East Village. Shortly after that, Hollywood came knocking and the movie rights to Lil’s story were sold. “Coyote Ugly” opened in movie theatres in August 2000 starring Piper Perabo and Maria Bello. It grossed more than $100 million and a worldwide audience quickly learned what the phrase “We don’t serve water here!” meant.
Photos courtesy of Coyote Ugly Saloon