Category Archives: Downtown (22 St and below)
North End Grill: Ramps by Top Chef Master
Dear Food Diary:
Ramps aka wild leeks are still in season and I can’t get enough of them!
Last week, we couldn’t make it to Ramp Fest 2013, so we got a table at the North End Grill instead. Top Chef Master winner Floyd Cardoz has them on the menu 3 ways and we got them all. Grilled, on a pizza and as a gravy!
The chef tweeted me that it’ll be on the menu at least till end of this week, so hurry! If you love mom, take her to eat ramps!
Elevate Restaurant & Lounge: great bridal shower
Dear Food Diary:
This city has plenty of great spaces to host parties, but finding one that won’t break your bank is a challenge. For our good friend J’s bridal shower a couple weeks ago, we chose Elevate Restaurant & Lounge in Chinatown. They offered an $18 3 course brunch + a drink, allowed us to show up early to decorate and stay for 4 hours. The bride and guests enjoyed themselves and the bridal party (me included) had a great time hosting.
PULQUERIA: hidden Mexican in Chinatown
Dear Food Diary:
Doyer Street (Chinatown) is one of those interesting alleys that’s short but full of surprises. Nothing is what it seems.
It can be a bit shady and creepy at times, but unlike the old days, it is quite safe.
Without any signs, the hidden underground Mexican joint Pulqueria is tucked between Apotheke (speakeasy bar) and Nom Wah Tea Parlor (the oldest dim sum spot in NY). They claim to be the first restaurant outside of Mexico to batch and serve pulque (fermented beverage made from the agave plant). Part cantina/bar, part restaurant serving plenty of drinks, tortas and tacos, Mexican street market style.
YUJI RAMEN: 5 course ramen omakase tasting
Dear Food Diary:
Yuji Ramen took the spot at Smorgasburg Whole Foods Bowery last week. The Brooklyn based Ramen Lab has been a regular at Smorgasburg and Brooklyn Flea, serving up his experimental Mazemen (ramen sans broth) with local and sustainable ingredients.
Until May 12th, Yuji gets a chance to show off his signature mazemen creations lunch/dinner/takeout. At night, he’s full on play mode, torching ingredients and re-shaping ramen dough for his unique 5 course Omakase Tastings ($40). 2 seatings of 6 seats at a time, all tickets sold out in 2 days.
FRAUNCES TAVERN: George Washington’s drinking spot. Pot pie, booze and museum
Dear Food Diary:
Wall Street is a total mystery to me. Without numbered streets, I get lost at every turn (even with an iPhone). Last week, it worked to my advantage as my lack of direction led me to Fraunces Tavern. Built in 1719, it’s one of the oldest buildings in NYC. A charming corner spot that was once George’s Washington’s drinking spot and where he chose to make his final farewell.
I went in to try their pot pie (George Washington’s favorite dish) and discovered an awesome whiskey bar, several dining areas and an museum on the 2nd floor.