Category Archives: Downtown (22 St and below)
Torrisi Italian Specialty: Great $65 Tasting Menu
Dear Food Diary:
My first taste of Torrisi was back at Le Fooding 2010, where Rich Torrisi and Mario Carbone’s pig tongue dish left a bad taste in my mouth. Therefore the restaurant got bumped all the way down on my eating list. Only recently, did it make it to the top again. Word on the street is that their fresh mozzarella is legit, so I had to take this long overdue trip to Nolita.
Smorgasburg at Whole Foods Market Bowery
Dear Food Diary:
Whole Foods Bowery is bringing Smorgasburg to the city. “Smorgasburg Bowery” features one vendor at a time on their 2nd floor. The line up looks pretty sweet so far, I can’t wait to see some of my faves join the list.
ATERA: chef + forager + mad scientist + artist
Dear Food Diary:
For StalkerBoy’s birthday this year, I wanted to surprise him with a little more than just a “nice” meal. I was aiming for that ecstatic moment when you’re ripping the wrapping paper of a gift, only with every dish and each bite (which would save me on an actual gift! LOL). Atera’s concept of “foraged-food” (the first in NY) fit to a tee. I was only able to snatch a reservation on Friday the 13th (“lucky” us).
Foraging is a new movement adapted by many young chefs. At Atera, chef Matt Lightner brings nature to our plates through modern cooking techniques. Think man in the wild with the heart of a mad scientist, the sense of a creative artist, in an impeccable kitchen, serving up surprises, one after the other.
Nothing was what it seemed…
FRANKIES SPUNTINO: Fresh and simple lunch
Dear Food Diary:
A while back at the Frieze Art Fair, I made sure we snatched a reservation for Frankies Spuntino. Amongst the brightly lit pavilion filled with art work from galleries all over the world, we also got to stimulate our senses during meal time. A fresh and simple lunch by the window. Nice and relaxing.
The items were right off the menu of their Manhattan and Brooklyn locations. Perfectly light for a hot summer day.
Scharffen Berger Chocolate and Wine Pairing while sailing on the Hudson
Dear Food Diary:
A couple weeks ago Scharffen Berger invited us to a wine & chocolate tasting cruise along the Hudson River. The Statue of liberty and a glorious sunset in the background, wine and chocolate at hand, I couldn’t think of a better way to spend an early Saturday evening. You can replicate this experience yourself with Manhattan by Sail . They offers these 2 hour trips daily, plus you can bring your own wine, chocolate and cheese!
This is a great idea if you want to impress that special someone…