JENNA NORTH  food, wine & travel

 

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NEW YORK

 

Food & Wine

  • Ai Fiori.  @aifiori This Michael White (@Chefbianco) restaurant opened last year and has received numerous accolades from the very beginning.  A formidable restaurant on the second floor of the Setai Hotel, with classic French service, Italian inspired food, mostly French and Italian wines, and a flourish of fresh flowers at every turn, this really is a must if in New York.  They have continued their $84.00 prix fixe four course, which is a perfect introduction to the menu.  Phenomenal wine/beverage program under the direction of Hristo Zisovski (@HristoZ) They are well staffed with qualified sommeliers for guidance on wine pairings.  The agnolotti with fava beans was easily the best I have ever had.

  • Bar Boulud (UWS): Michael Madrigale, Chef Sommelier:  If you can attend one of his Saturday Tasting Tables I highly recommend it.  You will not be disappointed.  I have never learned so much about wine in such a short amount of time.

  • Bar Henry Bistro (Greenwich Village) Panko fried oysters, decent wine and cocktail selection  including half bottles.  This is a good place to start your night or meet up with a friend.

  • Ciano (Flatiron District): John Slover, Sommelier continued his half bottle market program (he started while at Bar Henry Bistro).  Suggestions to try: mixed olives (very simple and uncomplicated) and the ricotta cavatelli with duck sausage and Swiss chard.  The wine selection is extensive, ask for assistance from the Sommelier if you are unsure how to pair with your meal.  They have started serving lunch, which also proves to provide a satisfying dining experience.

  • Eataly New York (Flatiron District).  Its massive beyond any comparison and a phenomenal resource and Italian food destination in the Flatiron District.  Snag a seat at the Salumi bar at La Piazza.  I am pretty sure no matter what you order, you will not go wrong, and I would suggest starting with the Grande Piatto Misto Salumi E Formaggi.  If you have any questions - Sal is the guy to ask!  Also, for those who are looking to improve their culinary skills, they do provide classes at La Scuola di Eataly.

  • Ess-A-Bagel (2 locations)  I have dreams about these bagels.  The guys working the counter are so much fun...and know just what a gal needs after a LATE night out. :)  Even great coffee!

  • Locanda Verde (TriBeCa) Lamb sliders...enough said.  I would live here if I could (well, just above).  Breakfast is equally delicious.  Looking forward to dining at his newly opened The Dutch, should be just as interesting and satisfying.  You can also follow Chef Andrew Carmellini on his website.

  • Motorino Pizza (East Village) This is the best Neapolitan pie I have had outside of Italy.  The Brussels sprout and pancetta was to die for.  There is a bar about 3 doors down you can have a drink at while you wait for a table.  Also a location in Brooklyn, I assume just as good.

  • Pulinos Bar & PizzaA pizza hot spot, the menu selection will please any palate, right down to the traditional fried egg; Patate Pizza was fantastic.

  • The Ritz-Carlton - The Star Bar (Central Park) Awesome Bloody Mary's, beautiful interiors, great conversation and people watching.

  • Terroir Wine Bar. (@terroirny Marco Canora’s (@marcocanora) Tribeca wine bar is a great place for happy hour - amazing selection for food and wine!  I have now added Chateau Musar Jeune and Cuvee Rouge (Bekaa Valley) to my favorites (thank you!).  I imagine you could pair with almost anything; however it was fantastic with my lamb sausage with sage leaves.  There is a lot to explore on the menus: both wine and food.  If you have a chance, set aside a few hours to really enjoy.

Hotels

  • Hilton Garden Inn New York/West 35th Street (Midtown): Best hotel in the city that I have come across (in my price range). Subway access at the end of the block, cabs available at all hours, spacious rooms/baths, most comfortable hotel bed I have come across (at any price point).

  • Doubletree Metropolitan (Midtown): 569 Lexington Avenue, New York (map).  Clean, spacious (for New York), and easy access to the #6.  Down the street is Ess A Bagel which will take care of coffee and breakfast.

  • Holiday Inn - 6th Ave. (Flatiron) Right down the street from a number of great restaurants, bars, and shopping.  Clean rooms, very helpful staff, and affordable.

  • The Pod (Midtown): 230 E 51st St., New York (map).  Just off of Lexington Ave, clean, but very small rooms - even for New York.  Opt for the in-room bath if you can and you will gain a bit of space and privacy.  Shared bath is fine and plentiful.  Close to the #6.  Down the street is Ess A Bagel which will take care of coffee and breakfast.

  • Radisson Lexington (Midtown): 511 Lexington Ave at 48th St., New York (map).  Spacious rooms, clean bathrooms, Starbucks in the lobby for desperate times.  The 6 is 2 blocks up on Lexington.  Down the street is Ess A Bagel which will take care of coffee and breakfast.

JENNA NORTH | Food, Wine & Journeys | jenna.north@jnorthonline.com

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