There’s a new Japanese Brasserie in town that is definitely worth a visit. ROKI Le Izakaya is Chef Koji Hagihara’s new venture, branching out from over 8 years of experience of being at Hataka Tonton (one of NYC’s Japanese sweet spots).
Disclaimer: I was invited as a guest to this establishment for a complimentary meal. All opinions expressed in this post are my own
Pelicana Chicken was one of the pioneers in the fried chicken craze in Korea. They now have two outlets in New York City in Sunnyside and Flushing.
Hao Noodle and Tea by Madam Zhu’s Kitchen, has been an instant sensation since the time it hit the New York City. Having received two stars from Pete Wells and being put on Eater’s ‘Best New Restaurants of 2016’, Hao Noodles is certainly on its way.
I was recently invited to a “Fall Into Chocolate Dipping Party” at Roni-Sue’s Chocolates co-hosted by Jackie Gordon of Divalicious Chocolate Events, Fountains & Tastings.
Sel et Poivre (salt and pepper) is something you will not need tableside at this delightful French bistro on the Upper East Side, as the food is seasoned just right.
Disclaimer: I was invited as a guest to this establishment for a complimentary meal. All opinions expressed in this post are my own
Korean fried chicken is all the rage in New York City right now with many spots offering good rendition of it. However in my opinion no one makes it as well as Oppa does – none come even close.
Chef Andrew LoPresto owns a remarkable eatery on Lenox Avenue that is just as noteworthy as its neighbors in Harlem’s restaurant row.
Disclaimer: I was invited as a guest to this establishment for a complimentary meal. All opinions expressed in this post are my own
Looking for a down home, no fuss, really good all American comfort food spot – then there’s nothing like Bonnie’s Grill in Park Slope. Started by two guys who were originally from Buffalo and recently taken over by Demetri – this local neighborhood spot will win you over instantly.
Disclaimer: I was invited as a guest to this establishment for a complimentary meal. All opinions expressed in this post are my own
Looking for something a little different on the Upper West Side. Try Bettola Restaurant on Amsterdam Avenue – home of progressive Italian cuisine.
Disclaimer: I was invited as a guest to this establishment for a complimentary meal. All opinions expressed in this post are my own
Ever since my favorite Turkish spot Roka in Queens closed down – I have been on a hunt to find anything even half as good. My explorations led me to Mangal Kebab in Sunnyside a local dive that seems to be patronized by a lot of the Turkish community.
Ignacio Mattos and Thomas Carter can do no wrong. After the runaway success of Estela in Nolita they opened the doors to Café Altro Paradiso, which literally is “another kind of paradise”.
Prince Tea House is a bit of an anomaly in Flushing’s Chinatown. This cozy tea parlor located on Prince Street extends a reprieve from all the ethnic offerings that abound.
I recently attended a remarkable cooking class with Chef Hooni Kim at the De Gustibus Cooking School where I got totally hooked onto his food. That’s what led me to try Danji – his modern, small plate Korean spot in midtown west.
Le Botaniste on the Upper East Side is an apothecary styled organic, plant-based wine bar. This unusual idea is the brainchild of Alain Coumont, who is behind the tremendous success of Le Pain Quotidien in the United States.
I recently received a bottle of the award-winning Ca’ Rainene olive oil which comes from the olive trees of Paolo Bonomelli Boutique Olive Farm. Nestled in the Torri del Benaco, on the eastern shore of Lake Garda, called “Riviera degli Ulivi” (Olive Riviera) which gives this particular blend of olive oil it’s unique properties.
The Paolo Bonomelli Boutique Olive Farm is dedicated to what it calls “from field to bottle” where there is detailed monitoring and care taken to extract the very best quality extra virgin olive oil from their crop. This Ca’ Rainene olive oil is now available in the United States exclusively through Eataly in New York City.
Get yourself a bottle or two– you won’t regret it.
Disclaimer: This product was complimented to me though the opinions expressed here are my own.
I was recently invited to a media dinner at Pepsico’s brand new Kola House in Chelsea. Pepsico has teamed up with Lenny Kravitz’s design firm, Kravitz Design, and The Metric, the group behind Gilded Lily, a nightclub to bring the Kola House into being.
Disclaimer: I was invited as a guest to this establishment for a complimentary meal. All opinions expressed in this post are my own
Brazil meets Israel at the bright and cheery new Padoca Bakery on the Upper East Side.
Disclaimer: I was invited as a guest to this establishment for a complimentary meal. All opinions expressed in this post are my own
The über luxurious Lotte New York Palace, now offers an equally indulgent breakfast experience at its newly launched Villard restaurant.
Disclaimer: I was invited as a guest to this establishment for a complimentary meal. All opinions expressed in this post are my own
The brand new Natsumi Tapas brings together a perfect fusion of Japanese and Italian flavors on what can only be described as art on a plate.
Disclaimer: I was invited as a guest to this establishment for a complimentary meal. All opinions expressed in this post are my own
Restaurateur Nathalie de la Fontaine spent several years in Italy and of course fell in love with it. Upon her return to the US, she felt compelled to bring the best pieces of her experience back here to New York City. That’s how Trattoria Machiavelli was born.
Disclaimer: I was invited as a guest to this establishment for a complimentary meal. All opinions expressed in this post are my own
Last week I spent a remarkable evening at De Gustibus – the upscale cooking school housed on the 8th floor of Macy’s. De Gustibus has one of the most impressive line-ups of celebrity chef’s who come in to demonstrate their culinary talents in a casual and intimate setting. Participants get to observe, interact and partake in a full course menu with wine pairings amongst a delightful cohort of gastro-enthusiasts. I spent the evening with my blogger friends Jean-Philippe from I Just Want to Eat and Cindy from Chubby Chinese Girls Eats.
Bagatelle in New York City is a well-known hotspot in the Meatpacking District famous for its iconic chic party scene with weekend brunches that turn into patrons partying atop tables and chairs.
Disclaimer: I was invited as a guest to this establishment for a complimentary meal. All opinions expressed in this post are my own
I was recently privy to an incredible tasting event hosted by Chef Chris Jaeckle, Nick Solares of Eater, Journee and De Gustibus Cooking School. We had the opportunity to sample several cuts of Olive Fed Wagyu Beef from the island of Shodishima in Japan.
