There has been a lot of chatter about comfort food over the past few years, in particular that old school favorite, Mac & Cheese. Hipster-saturated Williamsburg was serving it up back when the L Café was offering Bedford Ave’s only alternative food. It was never that great. Now, it’s a Thai-Sushi-Noodle wasteland on and just off Bedford. There are exceptions, but they ruin the flow of this piece!
Over in nearby Greenpoint (10 blocks away), comfort food has taken on a more grown-up nuance, leaving behind the less-than-expertly prepared fare of the early Bedford Ave days. Still alternative but more thoughtful than their predecessors. Comfort food has put some new roots.
And now, given the current chaotic state of the economy and the “ack” that many of us experience daily, Greenpoint is happy to annouce a food crawl that is bound to make us all feel a little better: The Greenpoint Mac n Cheese Crawl;
This Sunday, From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., chefs from Red Star, The Habitat, The Mark Bar, and t.b.d. Brooklyn will serve up free samples of their particular macaroni and cheese. Then at 8 p.m., the crawl will end at t.b.d. Brooklyn. Crawlers & judges (Camille Bercerra , maybe?) will determine who makes Greenpoint's best mac and cheese.
Did I mention the drink specials at each restaurant? Indeed, there will be drink specials! Crawl your way into Mac n Cheese:
Red Star
37 Greenpoint Avenue at West Street
718-349-0149
The Mark Bar
1025 Manhattan Avenue bet. Green and Freeman Streets
718-349-2340
The Habitat
988 Manhattan Avenue at Huron Street
718-383-5815
t.b.d. Brooklyn
244 Franklin Street bet. Freeman and Eagle Streets
718-349-6727
Tags:
mac and cheese, red star, tbd brooklyn, the habitat, the mark bar
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Posted on 3/18/2009
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Not so long ago, a scientific article appeared that set the web on fire, and became known virally as “137 Reasons to have Sex” (v. Cindy Meston, co-author of “Why Humans Have Sex,” in the Archives of Sexual Behavior (Volume 36, Number 4, August 2007) Candy sales world wide went up (so did cigarette sales, but that is a taboo topic). Now, another publication promises to have the same effect at dessert bars all over town: 237 More Reasons To Have Sex, by Denise Duhamel and Sandy McIntosh (Otoliths, Feb 2009). This poet team honors us all with a new list poem that will be bedside reading for years to come.
In 36 pages, they give 237 more reasons, some of which will inspire you and some of which will remind you of something you once considered. Delicious, yes it is. After devouring these pages, you will want a sweet treat. Here are some tasty suggestions for great dessert places: ChikaLicious Dessert Bar 203 E. Tenth St, New York, NY, 10003 Kyotofu 705 Ninth Avenue, New York, NY, 10019 P*Ong Pichet Ong 150 W. Tenth St., New York, NY, 10014
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237 more reasons to have sex, denise duhamel, dessert bars, sandy mcintosh
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Posted on 3/3/2009
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Just in time for Womens History Month, Fred's at Barney's New York announces a "Special Wine and Food Tasting with Deborah Brenner" This is a great bargain: food & wine tasting plus a copy of the newly released book - reserve now! Tuesday March 10, 2009 (Barney's is located at 660 Madison Ave)
6:30 pm-9:30 pm
$50.00 advance purchase
$55.00 day of event
*cost includes a copy of the book Women of the Vine In honor of Women’s History Month, Fred’s at Barney’s New York would like you to join Deborah Brenner (author of Women of the Vine & proprietor of Women of the Vine Cellars) and award winning winemaker, Marketta Fourmeaux, at Fred’s. The hosts will serve a selection of their award winning limited production wines for this exclusive private tasting.
Women of the Vine was elected by Wine Spectator as Critical Reading for any wine enthusiast’s library.
To order tickets, please contact:
Niki Le Bouquin
Fred’s at Barneys New York
660 Madison Avenue, 9th Floor
(212) 833- 2207
fred'scater@barneys.com
Tags:
deborah brenner, freds at barneys, women of the vine
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Posted on 2/24/2009
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Given the current state of the economy and my personal twists and turns following the elusive Pierre all over town, I had low hopes for Valentine's day. Rumor had it that Pierre had flown to Paris to check out a shake up at a recently demoted Michelin restaurant.
But then some friends showed up in town unexpectedly, and I found myself dressed up for V-Day and out looking for some tasty dishes. We headed to the newly opened Atria, in Midtown. It seems I have found myself in Midtown more than a few times of late—Rouge Tomate, Fig & Olive, to name a few—not my normal stomping ground. But I was immediately attracted to Atria's location in the old Grayz space, and to the Chef, Martin Brock, who cut his culinary teeth in Kunz's kitchens. An added bonus is Nic Bradley, formerly of Per Se, as sommelier. Nic promised me that the 2007 Chateauheuf-du-Pape would be arrving soon.
The upstairs bar & lounge are modern sleek yet classically inviting. I would have been happy just having a great cocktail and a snack while sitting at the bar. While having one of their signature gin cocktails, I noticed that the man next to me was thoroughly enjoyng his lobster tail ravioli. No doubt this old townhouse will become a great after work cocktail destination. (The building was once the home of J.D. Rockefeller—a very New York experience for those who truly love New York.)
The menu is described as Modern European, a hallmark of the London culinary scene. Like New American, Modern European incorporates classic dishes (like cassoulet) with Mediterranean grills, regional specialties and new ingredients from all corners of the world. At Atria, given Chef Brock's Bavarian roots, there is a central European profile to some of the dishes.You'll find roasted meats that feature Asian-inspired glazed, and a lot of bacon elements throughout the menu.
A very pleasurable experience at this destination-dining spot.
My Notes of Prix Fixe:
I've said it before and I'll say again: Prix Fixe makes better business sense, and it makes better dining sense. A rambling, ingredient-laden a la carte menu is not a responsible way to operate a resto or to dine. But a great prix fixe is a beautiful thing. Chef Brock offers a well-thought out menu just for you. The wine pairings are also gorgeous.
Some Notable Dishes at Atria:
Cured Tasmanian sea trout, served with lotus root chips, sesame seeds, curry remoulade – how often do you see these items looped together? A lox of a different color!
Roasted chicken, served with savoy cabbage, schupfnudeln and maple cider reduction – a testament to good roasting skills, this dish feature a truly southern German element – the schupfnudeln (a spetzle-like potato noodle). A winter entrée, order before the spring thaw.
Pork roast for two, served with Brussels sprouts, yams and rosemary jus – I love dishes for two (when there is someone worth sharing it with), and a fine pork roast is a beautiful thing.
Tags:
atria, fig and olive, grayz, martin brock, nic bradley, notable wine list, prix fixe, romantic, rouge tomate
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Posted on 2/17/2009
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Not in the mood for romance? Dread the thought of going out and looking at inter-twined lovers? There are alternatives!
As Pierre has already lead you down the road of wine & chocolate, I will take you to some alternative spots:
Dining alone?
• Sit at the sushi counter at Blue Ribbon in SoHo and ask the head sushi chef for a recommendation. Get a small bottle of sake and watch how the sushi chef assembles your dish. Spend that $50 on yourself!
• Head to MoMA and become one with your Modern (or post-Modern) self, treat yourself to a snack at the Terrace, or a drink and a nosh in at the bar in The Modern.
• Catching up on shopping? After strolling Chinatown and lower Broadway and jousting with the crowds of modern-wannabees, into the French Culinary Insitute and get a seat by the window. Have a great meal for a great price, prepared by the culinary students.
Hanging out with unattached friends?
• One great Flatiron recommendation would be to head to Slate and grab a table and a beer.
• There's always Mars Bar in the East Village. Order a round enjoy the remnants of old school punk. Definitely will not break the bank!
• Do a family style meal at your favorite Chinatown restaurant. Don't have one? Check our listings for some ideas.
Feeling unloved? You're not alone.
1. SoHo SPREAD THE LOVE is designed for those who are interested in spending their Valentine's Day indulging in fun ways to better take care of their mind, body, spirit, and community. Whether on a date or flying solo for the evening, this V-day event caters to New Yorkers interested in natural and sustainable ways to live a healthy and vibrant life. Organic food and community-building are central. The evening will be an opportunity to learn, network with like-minded individuals, and also kick back and enjoy the entertainment in a festive environment.
Highlights:
• Decadent organic buffet
• Wellness workshops
• DJ/dance music from the 70's, 80's, and 90's to current hits
• Salsa dance lesson
• Silent auction to benefit the New York Association for Naturopathic Physicians
• Free chair massage (arrive early to reserve your time)
Entry is by pre-sale only. Call 212-222-8187 or click here to reserve.
2. Free Wine Tasting - Feb 14, 2009
Noon-6pm
New York Vintners
21 Warren Street
3. Free Highland Park Tasting - Feb 14, 2009
4pm-7pm
Wonderful Single Malt Scotch Whiskies
Acker Merrall & Condit
160 West 72nd Street
As always, email me with your ideas. Please, no marriage proposals.
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None
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Posted on 2/12/2009
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