Country inns with restaurants tend toward a certain type of accomplished sameness. The North Fork Table & Inn takes this concept and elevates it ten fold. Perhaps it’s because two of the the Inn’s four managing partners are famed pastry master Claudia Fleming and her husband, executive chef Gerry Hayden. Looking for a different pace of life, they left their days at NYC restaurants like Gramercy Tavern (Claudia) and Aureole (Gerry) and set up shop in Southold on Long Island’s North Fork.
Pastry Master Claudia Fleming
Unlike the now-glitzy South Fork encompassing the Hamptons, the North Fork has remained au natural, thanks in part to over 35 wineries that have preserved the area’s open space. Picturesque rocky beaches feel more like Europe and the copious farm stands still feel like the produce is actually from the area. As nice as it all is, the area has long been lacking in nicer places to stay and some great places to eat. Thanks to the North Fork Table & Inn, that problem no longer exists. Continue reading “North Fork Table & Inn” »
Hashi
5009 Broadway
NYC 10034
646-837-6888
Nestled in the heart of Inwood, Upper Manhattan’s historical playgrounds for literature greats such as Edgar Allan Poe arrives the sushi spot, Hashi that residents in Inwood sing praises for. Hashi, which means chopsticks in Japanese pleases every taste bud that you can detect with their genius blend of herbs in their appetizers. I suggest these that I had during my visit: Mixed Sunomono (Cucumber salad with shrimp, kani, octopus and furikake sweet vinegar dressing and vegetable gyoza with ponzu sauce. I know you’re licking your lips and I haven’t begun to describe the entrees, but first let’s talk about the ambiance. Continue reading “Hashi Is Inwood’s New Sushi Haven” »
The Peppermill Restaurant & Fireside Lounge gives new meaning to that Las Vegas slogan we know all too well. In this town where the newest and most novel reigns supreme, there really isn’t much that has stayed in Las Vegas. Compared to Aureole’s flying sommeliers and the Encore’s Switch Steak where the decor changes several times during dinner, the Peppermill is a retro-sexy breath fresh air that’s much the same as it was when it opened over 30 years ago.
Getting to the Peppermill on foot from the spectacular and nearby Wynn is decidedly unsexy. Located on the Strip between the stalwart and shabby Riviera and the Stardust, it’s in a pretty grim neighborhood of seedy tattoo parlors, medical clinics and cheap variety stores. Plod on, nonetheless, and the Peppermill’s colorful, kicky neon looms large. Like a bright little Oz, it beckons you into the big parking lot and suddenly it’s 1979. Continue reading “The Peppermill: Sexy Coffee Shop” »
Being my first time traveling to South America by way of LAN Airlines, the start of my journey was off to a good one that will live in my mansion of memories forever. LAN is the leading international airline that caters to the South America region and they sure do know how to make you feel comfortable and assure you that with each trip you fly to Latin America, it will be with LAN. Not only was it my first time to South America but flying there in Business Class added to one of the many reasons why LAN gets my vote. From the great hospitality of its staff, 3-course meals with the finest wine of South America, to their impressive 40-plus movie selections to keep you entertained during your flight. Business Class aren’t the only guests who receive the many perks, guests in Economy receive the same treatment… minus the recliner seats. In a matter of a workday schedule, you’ll arrive in one of South America’s most beautiful cities, Buenos Aires.
View more photos of LAN Airlines Continue reading “My Guide to Argentina” »
Ann Arbor: a Michigan college town with a degree in great food.
Meal after meal in this classic midwestern college town surprised me, rising far above the expected student mainstays of chicken wings, nachos and burgers. Sustainable, seasonal, organic and artisan were seen over and over on irresistible and affordable menus. Who would expect delicate small plates at a wine bar close to campus? Brewpubs with not only incredible beer, but excellent farm-to-table food? And fine Mediterranean fare in a strip mall? In Ann Arbor, there’s all that and more.
Vinology
Vinology is a downtown wine bar where the décor is as stylish as the food. Lighting fixtures at the cozy booths give patrons a little wine lesson that’s pretty and fun. 50 wines are available by the glass and 100 by the bottle from the beautiful bar they refer to as the Wine Library. And if you like a bottle or a glass you have at the restaurant, you can buy a bottle to take home for less than the menu price. Vinology offers a whole lot of artful small plates, cheeses, entrees and desserts – so there’s something for all tastes. My favorite was the delicate chicken wings (an homage to the students, but at an entirely other level) served with strawberry barbecue sauce paired with a glass of pink champagne. Continue reading “Ann Arbor Dining” »
Brooklyn over the last several years has blossomed into NYC’s biggest tourist attraction thanks to the beautiful folks that devoted their time and love to raising its beloved child to be the adult that it is today by being this metropolis of culture and swagger. The Brooklyn Hajj decided to give praise with a weekend of events celebrating the global Brooklyn phenomenon. The Brooklyn Hajj takes you on a secular pilgrimage to the mecca of Kings aka the global village of New York City. The Brooklyn Hajj aims to celebrate the “holy land of Brooklyn Culture ” and to promote established and emerging businesses and artists.
The Brooklyn Hajji Passport is the all-purpose pass to The BK Hajj, with a pre-ordered visa to participating retailers, restaurants, and bars. The Brooklyn Hajj Passport will be issued online at BrooklynHajj.com and visitors will be able to purchase a printable tickets to be redeemed at the participating retailers. The Passport will be honored by the participating between the hours of operation. The pre-determine time in which a visitor may use the redeemable passport is between the hours of operations of each participating vendor on Saturday, August 22nd and Sunday August 23rd.
1800 Tequila launches Essential Artists Limited Edition Bottles
Your best friend on a Friday night should be shots of Tequila, so next time you’re at the bar ask your bartender for the limited edition 1800 Tequila Essential Arts bottle.
1800 Tequila have announced an international campaign, commissioning nine artists to design limited edition bottles for the premium tequila brand. A unique mix of palette and palate, Essential Artists celebrates the talents of artists from the United States and Mexico; allowing for up-and-coming artists to showcase their visions on a unique medium offering an exciting perspective beyond the art world.
The nine artists commissioned to design these collectible limited edition bottles include Jorge Alderete (Mexico City), Jeremy Bacharach (Chicago), Glenn Barr (Detroit), Will Chambers (Chicago), Chris Dean (Detroit), Kim Dosa (Atlanta), Josh Ellingson (Oakland), Hannah Stouffer (Oakland) and Urban Medium (Atlanta). Only 1,800 bottles have been produced with each design and they will be available for $34.99 at high-end liquor stores.
The commissioned artwork will be unveiled as part of an $8 million outdoor advertising and promotional campaign across the country — a new-generation museum that brings art to the people.
In addition to the Essential Artists campaign, 1800 fans will be able to design their own bottle and enter a competition to be selected for the 2009 billboard campaign. As an added bonus and in collaboration with GourmetKickz, consumers will be able to create their own pair of custom sneakers at www.1800Tequila.com using artwork from the 1800 Essential Artists series.
We’ll drink to that!
Minetta Tavern
Though its closing left you a bit in the lurch, here’s hoping Keith Mcnally’s resurrection of Minetta Tavern will be like saying hello to an old friend.
You fancy yourself as a traditionalist so when the former Hemingway haunt closed in April, you had a hard time letting Minetta Tavern (especially their Tortellacci) go. But before you turn your cheek, give Keith Mcnally’s interpretation a try. The restaurateur has already taken over everywhere from Soho to the Meat Packing District, so it was only a matter of time before he tried his hand in Greenwich village. But before you think the iconic Minetta (pictured) is going to get a completely new facelift, some familiar names (chef and co-owner Riad Nasr and Lee Hanson) will be in house. You’ll still recognize the original bar, tin ceiling and artwork, but expect new furniture and tile. The menu boasts Pat la Frieda’s “Black Label” Glamburger and roasted marrow bones, you can bet on some comfort eats. you’ll think it’s all the ingredients for some stick-to-your-ribs success.
Minetta Tavern
113 Macdougal street
between Bleecker and West 3rd
212.475.3850
Minetta Tavern Website
Metro Bistro
Opened on Jan. 20th, it’s hard to trump a historic day like that. Introducing Metro Bistro, Miami’s first-ever pub and organic restaurant located within a car wash, now open at Karma Car Wash.
Designed by an Arquitectonica alum, the bold vision is like a high-design clubhouse—polished concrete floors and soaring ceilings give you the sense that anything is possible.
Here’s how we see the scene playing out. If your car just needs a quick once-over, drop it off with the cleaners and belly up to the bar for a cold one—there’s Dogfish Head and Chimay Tripple on tap. But if a leisurely meal is more what you’re looking for—and why wouldn’t it be; you’re at a car wash, after all—toss the keys to the guys for a full-detail job, then head to the teak tables and comfy couches of the outdoor patio, thoughtfully outfitted with plenty of Biscayne-buffering plants.
The menu is mostly organic, from the baby arugula tossed with chives and goat cheese to the ahi steak sandwich served on organic beer bread. Yes, beer bread.
Metro Bistro
7010 Biscayne Blvd (between 70th and 71st),
Miami, Florida 33138
305-751-8756
Metro Bistro Website
Frugal Fridays at Craft
Yes, we know you have a full schedule. And we know how quickly your weekends get booked.
Which brings us to Frugal Fridays at Craft. No doubt, you’ve probably heard of, and even indulged in Tuesdays with Tom—the Top Chef’s private and alternating unique dinner service. Inspired by the feedback and your patronage, Colicchio brainstormed with executive chef Damon Wise, and together they created Frugal Fridays: a Friday night program serving up small plates under Wise’s discretion complimented with beers and cocktails to match—all under $10 each.
Nevermind the intimate setting and guaranteed palate-pleasing that has built Craft’s reputation; the beauty of this movement lies in the fact that Chef Wise will be on hand prepping, cooking, and explaining the concept behind each dish, from Salt Cod Fritters with Piquillo Marmalade to Griddled Pork Belly with Braised Peanuts & Cranberry Mostarda.
We trust that watching Wise wax poetic on his various Meat on a Stick plates, might be worth the price alone.
Frugal Fridays at Craft
47 East 19th Street (at Park Avenue)
Tel: (212) 780-0880
Craft Restaurant Website
Nu-Kitchen
Think of Nu-Kitchen as two parts personal chef, one parts delivery service and one part Pandora-style meal ordering. Nu-Kitchen makes gourmet meals from scratch and delivers them to your door each day, so you don’t have to spend time preparing food, cleaning dishes or even putting on pants. All the meals are 100-percent fresh and well-balanced, and include tastiness like hibiscus turkey with sweet potato mash, and orange-chile tilapia with black “forbidden” rice.
Of course, you have better things to do than wait around all day for tilapia, so Nu-Kitchen lets you schedule where, when and how often you want the meals. You can also select your meals yourself, or let them choose for you based on taste preferences. And no matter what you get, it’ll arrive in individualized, reheatable containers.
Which should come in handy on those nights you get home hungry from the bar. Sorry, we mean the gym.
Nu-Kitchen Website
Paradigm, a new restaurant within a restaurant introduced at Naomi’s Grill at the Trump International Beach Resort in Sunny Isles. There are only ten seats available, and the eleven-course menu changes each time. And it all goes down just once a week—on Thursdays.
The menu is nontraditional. The technology they use for their cooking utensils are close to military designed gadgets: custom-rigged smoking guns for pumping smoke into glass-covered oysters; a large tower of dashi broth that, aided by pumps and tubes, slowly materializes into effervescent bubbles; lobster bricks, Worcestershire sheets, feta dust, shots of corn juice. Routinely, chefs from other restaurants will contribute to the creativity, trading techniques and experimenting.
Paradigm at Naomi’s Grill,
Trump International Beach Resort,
18001 Collins Ave (between 178th and 183rd), Sunny Isles
Reserve at 305-692-5645,
I’ve heard about this restaurant for a while and went there with a few friends one afternoon, and if you never had a meal that sells itself, Wildwood Barbeque is where your stomach needs to be. With entrees like Applewood Smoked Chicken and House Park Brisket sandwiches, you have no other choice but to loosen up your belt. Brought to you by restaurateur Steve Hanson (Primehouse, Dos Caminos; which all happen to be located on Park Ave) and “Big Lou”. Wildwood is a meat-eaters paradise.
The menu has meals for all stomach intake levels like Big Lou’s Barbeque Burger, Free Range Turkey Cobb and even for our fellow vegetarians, there’s Vegetarian Low Country Chili, and to top it off, you NEED to get a Cold Ass Beer… you will not go wrong!
Wildwood Barbeque
225 Park Avenue South (near 18th St.)
Tel: 212-533-2500
