Category Archives: American

NY Restaurant Week (yet again… *sigh*)

restaurant week 2012

Dear Food Diary:
It seems inevitable at this point that Restaurant Week Month arrives twice a year. You know how I feel about it, but like I’ve admitted in the article, if friends want to go, I would tag along. Over the years I’ve had mixed experiences. Some were decent and others simply not worth it. Dinner with wine+tax+tip usually comes to $60+ (I wouldn’t call that a steal). I still prefer spending my money and tummy on regular menus. Regardless, here’s my favorite from Winter Restaurant Week 2011:

LE BERNARDIN: One of my favorite meals of 2011… (pre-renovation)

le bernadin 20
Dear Food Diary:
I visited Le Bernardin right before their renovations earlier this year. Regardless of the new decor and trendy bar menu, the food and service I read, remain untarnished. As I looked back at this tasty and exciting year, this dinner was without a doubt top of the list and one I’ll surely remember.

Bell Book & Candle: Worst Brunch Experience ever!

bell book and candle 1
Dear Food Diary:
I heard about Bell Book & Candles aeroponic rooftop garden and loved the idea of farming in the city, so naturally it got bumped to first spot on my eating list. I couldn’t wait to taste for their local, organic and sustainable dishes. 60% of their produce comes from their rooftop, how awesome!

SWEET REVENGE: New Breakfast Tasting

sweet revenge 1
Dear Food Diary:
This Greenwich Village sweet spot is known for their unique cupcakes with wine/beer pairings, but owner Marlo Scott invited me to try their latest breakfast creations. The Red Velvet Signature Belgian Waffles caught my attention immediately, so I braved the autumn snow last Saturday and stopped by for a complimentary tasting.
sweet revenge 2
I’ve never seen a cupcake place with a bar, so that was quite cool. Friendly place with one of those small business stories I love. Marlo got laid off, so she made cupcakes out of the lemons life threw her.

RECIPE: Brunch I return for again and again (closed)

recipe 1
Dear Food Diary:
With such an array of brunch options in this city it’s hard to commit to one place. I wouldn’t call Recipe my usual, but when I tallied the receipts from last fall till now, this Upper West Side joint won the most visited. Some of my less adventurous days, I just want what I crave, without any surprises and Recipe delivers just that. Plus, their logo is super cute and I dig that.