Cosme - Finally a new restaurant worth the hype

We used to go to new restaurants every week.  However, in the last 5-6 years, I don't know if it's just that we got lazy and didn't want to play the "game" of dialing or hopping on opentable at 9am sharp to get the latest "hot reservation," but we've tended to stick closer to home frequenting the same go to spots week in and week out.

On the off chance we did try a new place, more often than not it wasn't worth the hype or hefty price tag.

A couple weeks ago we happened to be walking right around the corner from our apartment - taking 21st street between broadway and Park...for some reason a route we never frequent (we seem to be more partial to 20th)...and happened upon Cosme.  It was the middle of the day so it wasn't open, but I peered in the window wondering what this new seemingly chic place was.  At first I thought, wine bar?  Then I realized a new Mexican place.  But I was afraid it would just be another Rosa Mexicano or Dos Caminos, so I quickly dismissed it wondering how long it would last in this area where restaurants come and go every year.

While surfing the Internet though, Cosme kept coming up - The New Yorker gave it a favorable review, so did the New York Times...

I decided, let's try it.  So I went on their site - and low an behold, of course...the land of 5:30pm or 10:45pm availability.  Okay...so I picked a lone 6pm reservation for President's Day.  Why not - seemed like a good way to end the weekend.

The decor at Cosme is pretty minimalist - very sleek and modern...and very dark.  There is great lighting right above your table, and as other reviews have mentioned - it lends yourself to focusing on just your partner and your food alone.  While trendy, it differs from a lot of the loud bustling places around town, and focuses on the food and company.  It's wonderful.

I'll get right to the food.  Cosme is pretty pricey - the menu has three sections (small apps, vegetarian apps and main courses). They recommend 3 dishes per person, but I think you could go with probably 4-5 total for two, especially if you get the duck carnitas which I highly recommend.

We started with the uni tostada - paired with bone marrow, it was delicious and unique...definitely leveraging the "it" factor of uni right now, but I'm not complaining.  It was a generous portion of Uni and I do think it can be shared for two - small, but who can really each that much rich uni anyhow.

Uni tostada and Sepia

We also got the Sepia - this was an interesting dish.  I had never tasted Sepia, and it was similar in texture to raw calamari, but had a delicious smoky smooth taste and texture.  A unique dish, but may not be for everyone as it is a bit fishy.

The burrata was as good as everyone says - smooth and creamy served with salsa verde and fresh micro greens.  Who would have thought? The salsa verde cut into the creaminess of the burrata in just the right way.

Burrata

For our main - we of course went with the duck carnitas - after seeing pretty much every table near us order the same thing.  It was magnificent. Really delightful - hot out of the oven...the way to eat it is to mix everything up - take the fork and knife and mix it all up - the skin, the greens, and make sure to dig up the fond on the cast iron pan.  Mash it together and its the most delicious, juicy duck you'll ever have.  It's an order for 2, but honestly I think it could have fed four.  We were stuffed half way in and had to take the rest home.  I'm not complaining.  I needed to save room for dessert.

Duck Carnitas for two

The Husk meringue and corn mousse. WOW.  WOW. WOW.  This was a show stopper - the corn flavor wasn't overpowering, with just a hint of smokiness matched with the sweet meringue was a perfect and unusual dessert.  Well worth it.  I thought I was full, but I gobbled it up quickly.

Husk Meringue with Corn Mousse

All in all I would DEFINITELY recommend Cosme.  It's one of the few new restaurants that I really think is worth the buzz, hype and price tag.  Definitely worth a second, third, fourth visit....

Cosme
35 East 21st St between Broadway and Park Ave South
Reservations on opentable

The Raines Law Room - Take me back in time

From http://harrietmagpie.com/

So I finally went to The Raines Law Room last Friday night - and boy was it worth the wait!  Which by the way is probably the most atrocious wait I've ever endured to go to a bar.  After having a failed attempt the past Sunday night when we dropped by at 11:30pm (!) to be told it was an hour wait - at which point they would be having last call, we decided to try again another night - and go MUCH earlier.

By MUCH earlier, that meant for us dropping by to put our name down around 8:30pm, knowing fully well we wouldn't get called back until 11pm.  WOW.  I know.  It's not something I would ordinarily ever have the patience for or tolerate.  I'd likely rather just go to bed.  And it set me up to try really hard to go in and just not like it - to be able to say - it's not worth it, I'm over the whole speakeasy thing.

Well, it was pretty worth it.  The bar is really small, but as soon as you get in you feel somewhat transported to another world, another time. Like I really felt like I was back in prohibition days (not that I know what that was like, but you get the drift).  Each of the table areas had a cute doorknob that you would press which would alert the "kitchen" that you needed assistance.  How clever.  There were several types of seating arrangements, some being enclosed in drapes, others in open in the front like a cozy lounge.  You sort of felt like you were at someone's home - and intimately involved in everyone's conversation.  I kind of liked that.

The bar itself - be forewarned, you will likely be told upon entering that they have "two standing room" spaces for you at the bar.... (trust me - this fired me up, I was like woah, wait - I waited 3 hrs to stand?)...but bear with it.

The "bar" is at the back and is really more like an open kitchen where the bartender is making all the drinks.  It's honestly like being in someone's kitchen with an awesome bartender.  Front row seat for the action!  I honestly loved it, and bit my tongue that I had acted a little less than proper when originally being sent back there to "stand."

The drinks are strong - and well described in the menu.  Think old fashioned cocktail time - with unique and novel twists.  Honestly, I'm no cocktail connoisseur, so I can't really describe many of them, but know that I had something that had the "peat" smell.  Everyone found this fascinating (not sure I really got it, but okay).

All in all - I say it's definitely worth a try.  Just plan ahead so you put your name down before dinner in the neighborhood. Otherwise you might end up passing your time at Rye House down the street...

If you do go before 6:30 or so on a weeknight, you may be able to walk in...after 7ish though get ready to wait.  Once people get there, they don't tend to leave quickly.

They take reservations Sun-Wed

The Raines Law Room
48 West 17th St (between 5th and 6th)
It's down some stairs - there's a doorbell.  Ring it and someone will answer.

Last Week for Madison Square Eats!

Madison Square Eats is a monthlong outdoor food haven located at Worth Square with the diverse tastes of some of the city’s most raved about eateries. Open from 11am to 9pm each day!  It's so good, I've been going everyday for dinner!

Closes on June 3rd, so hurry there this week!!

Mad. Sq. Eats 2011 Participants:
Asia Dog, Bar Suzette, Breezy Hill Orchard, Calexico, Carnelian Knoll, Chameleon, Cookie Panache, Eataly, Engage Green, Goat Town, Hong Kong Street Cart, ilili, Karma Living, kudu-lah, Marquet, Momofuku Milk Bar, Nunu Chocolates, P&H Soda Co., Peter Charles, Piccolo Café, Resto, Roberta’s Pizza, Sigmund Pretzelshop, Stuffed Artisan Cannolis, Selen Design, Spices and Tease, The Filling Station, Yumi Chen Designs

http://www.madisonsquarepark.org/things-to-do/calendar/mad-sq-eats

ABC Kitchen's Magical French Toast & Pancakes

So I haven't been lucky enough to try ABC Kitchen for dinner yet, but I have been there for brunch several times.  Whenever I am in the mood for pancakes or french toast - ABC Kitchen is my go to place!  Located in ABC Carpet & Home, ABC Kitchen is fabulously decorated as one would expect courtesy of the venerable furnishing and decor landmark.  It's eco friendly for the glamorous!

Anyhow onto the food.  I am totally convinced there is something other worldly in their yeast, because all of their carb/dough based dishes are super delicious.  Light and fluffy, never leaving you with that "I'm so stuffed" feeling."

The french toast is very eggy and light - typically I take one bite of french toast and I am done, but I can finish theirs in record time and still want more.  Served with seasonal fruit (now it is roasted apples), this french toast is like nothing I have ever had!  Not really bread based, I would say it is more eggy and soft inside with a crisp bite, you can't miss it!

As for the pancakes - again, super light and airy with an egg base - these go down super smooth as well.  No heavy feeling afterwards - in fact, I usually have room for dessert!

Cue up the glazed donuts!

In fact, I am all carbed out by the time I leave...

Make sure to make reservations via opentable, or hope that there is a seat by the bar as this place is pretty much booked every weekend.

ABC Kitchen
35 E 18th St., New York, NY

The Breslin - Wear your best flannel and puffy vest!

So I went to The Breslin yesterday morning for brunch to check out what everyone's been talking about.  Boy was I glad I had whipped out the grandpa cardigan and oxfords! 

The place was crawling with facial hair, flannel, puffy vests - moneyed people outfitted by the adjacent Opening Ceremony, spending who knows how much to look like they stepped out of Goodwill!

The Breslin @ The Ace Hotel

If you ask me it was all a little too much for me.... anyhow onto the food and decor.  A bit too dark for my taste - definitely too dark for brunch, but I suppose the lack of light matched the rustic dark wood decor giving an air of heaviness to the environment.  A heaviness that was certainly matched by the food.

I had the pumpkin pancakes which were quite lovely.  Not particularly light or eggy - more like a multi-grain pancake.  My boyfriend said it reminded him a bit of eating oatmeal, it definitely had that kind of heartiness to it. 

I obviously ordered a side of the house cured bacon.  Now this was delicious.  But definitely a heart attack in the making.  Fatty, fatty, fatty...You definitely need some sort of acid to counteract all that grease and fat.  Perhaps a Bloody Mary?

Our neighbors had the full English breakfast - fried egg, sausage, bacon, tomatoes and mushrooms.  $21 bucks! Urmmmm......I don't know about that.

The lamb burger on the other hand was delicious - but just to warn, it is topped with goat cheese (I am not a fan - I know, that's like blasphemy to most people...but just saying...)

Accompanied by crisp steak fries....I definitely felt guilty gorging on this meal while at the same time thousands were running the NYC marathon....hehe

All in all, I probably wouldn't come back to The Breslin - I am not a huge fan of the heavy Irish pub fare, but those true Spotted Pig lovers will definitely appreciate it.

I would however come back to the lounge at The Ace Hotel - if only to people watch!

All the style blogs must capture a lot of people for their street scene shots from here.  Curious location for the hipsters though - 29th/Broadway...not exactly what I think of when I think of where the cool kids play.....

Maybe I'm just getting old... 

The Breslin
16 West 29th (at Broadway)
212-679-1939

Shake Shack B Line - Concretes/Custards Galore - but NO SHAKES

So now that I live very close to Madison Square Park, I've been trying to take advantage of my proximity to Shake Shack!  Unfortunately I haven't been too successful, as during the summertime the line NEVER seems to cease.

Your best bet for a burger may be near closing time....

However - I have discovered the merits of the B Line.  The often ignored line.  The line that isn't a line.  Fastest way to a delicious dessert anywhere!  Custards, concretes, you name it!  Just no shakes...

The custard is somewhat described as a blend of premium ice cream (hard) + soft serve. Put them together and you get a perfectly rich thick and creamy dessert that proves that the sum of to things is often better than the parts.

I usually just go for a sundae - part vanilla, part chocolate with nuts on top!  But you could also make your own blend with a variety of mix-ins (cookie dough, toffee, shortbread cookies....etc) or choose from any of the special blends.  I kinda think of it as a fancy upscale version of the old McDonald's McFlurrys or Dairy Queen Blizzards.

Or if you are feeling more daring - you often can't beat the concrete special of the day....

Gives you an excuse (or me an excuse) to pick up dessert here everyday of the week!

Yummmm.....

Shake Shack marks the beginning of spring!

Shake Shack Burger, hot dog, fries!!

My first Shake Shack burger of the season comes fittingly on one of the first spring like weekends of the year!  With temperatures around 80 degrees last weekend, I figured it was a great time to test out that line in Madison Square Park.

I showed up around 5:30pm expecting a horrendous line (at its worst, I have waited north of 2 hours before!)  This time the line was surprisingly doable.  Ended up only being about 30-45 minutes.  By the time we got our food it was around 6:30pm.  Not too bad for those of you who are accustomed to such waits for Danny Meyer's famous burgers.

Now, some history on my burger eating background.  I did not grow up eating burgers.  I did not grow up liking ground meat.  I was a firm hot dog eater, not a burger girl whatsoever.  I'm not sure what it was and to this day I have never had a burger from McDonalds.

Only recently did I start to eat burgers.  And I think it was that mini slider I had last fall at Le Fooding, aka Pat La Frieda's Black Label Minetta Tavern Burger.

Now of course that was the mini version of the $26 burger served at Minetta Tavern.  Since then, I have gone back to the restaurant and had the full sized version a couple times.  Each time, it never disappoints.  So mind you - my burger eating began with a $26 burger.  I knew I had to start trying more affordable burgers.

But I'm loyal to Pat La Frieda.  Given my squeamishness around ground meat (I mean sometimes I just don't know what's in it!) I just trust anything with his name attached.

Since he is the king of the NY burger (read this interesting NY Magazine article on him), it's not hard to be loyal.  After all, it's his burger in The Stand, Spotted Pig, Minetta Tavern...and of course Shake Shack!

Anyhow - onto my Shake Shack burger.  A little on the small side, maybe I should have gone with the double - the burger was delicious.  Just as I expected.  Juicy, yet not too oily (am I crazy or does it seem like it's not that unhealthy?)  More of the size of a large slider, at around $4-5 bucks, it's neither cheap nor expensive.  But you probably need two to walk away full.  The only thing that could make it better is a toasted bun :)

Paired with fries that bring me back to high school cafeterias - who doesn't remember those crinkle cut fries!  And of course a thick chocolate milk shake...what a great way to start off spring with a bang!

Now if only every weekend could be so nice.

Shake Shack
Original Location
Madison Square Park

Check website for a Shake Shack coming near you!

'witchcraft for lunch = delicious sandiwches

Part of the growing Tom Colicchio empire, 'witchcraft for lunch is a wonderful option if you are lucky enough to have one near you.

Given their recent expansion, more likely than not there is a 'witchcraft within walking distance to your office.  You may just not know it!

While they also serve dinner, they don't serve the sandwiches.  Thus, I haven't really been super interested to try dinner yet.

I frequent the 'witchcraft in flatiron - located on 20th between Broadway and 5th Ave.  Housed in a charming, yet narrow building, 'witchcraft takes up several floors.

Order on the first floor and bring your card upstairs for seating and the servers will find you.

The second floor has a nice seating area plus an outdoor garden if you want to venture out on a nice summer day.  There haven't been many of those here lately, but I'm sure it's lovely in September!

Exposed brick throughout, it's a rather nice lunch spot for neighboring offices or tourists who are savvy enough to choose this over Chipotle or goodburger.

I personally love a good grilled cheese, and 'witchcraft has several options.

My go-to sandwich is the grilled cheese with gruyere and caramelized onions on rye bread.  Delicious!  The onions are the star of this sandwich.  Sweet, sugary and soft, they are the perfect complement to the gruyere.  Yum.  And served piping hot.  There's nothing worse than a cold grilled cheese.

As for the cold sandwiches, I like the chickpea sandwich.  A nice and refreshing option to the usual fried falafal.

Roasted red peppers, olives, lemon and parsley make this a wonderful, cool option for vegetarians - or non vegetarians!

Go to 'witchcraft for a nicer lunch alternative and if you need a pick me up - between 3pm - 6pm they have a coffee happy hour!  50% off all coffee items.  Yay!

'witchcraft
11 locations around NYC

Julie & Julia Movie + Cooking Class at ICE

To celebrate the opening of Sony Picture's Julie & Julia, ICE (Institute of Culinary Education) is hosting a Julie & Julia 7 hour affair on Sunday August 8th and Saturday August 15th called "Cooking with Julia: A Film, Cooking Class, and French Supper." 

You will attend a screening of Julie and Julia in a theater close to ICE, then return to the school to cook a number of dishes from Julia’s classic book, Mastering the Art of French Cooking.

At the end of the night, students will enjoy a fabulous French supper, sip Sancerre and Burgundy, and have plenty of time to talk about the movie and Julia’s influence on your cooking life.

Chef-Instructor Melanie Underwood---whose first solo baking attempt, at 8, was the book’s éclair recipe---will lead you through the feast, as you make Moules a la Provencal; Quiche Lorraine; Petit Chaussons au Roquefort; Bifteck Sauté au Buerre; Concombres au Buerre; Champignons a la Greque; Carrots a la Concierge; Charlotte Malakoff aux Fraises; and Crepes Fourrees et Flambees.

To enroll in the $115 event, call (800) 522-4610.

ICE
50 West 23rd St. (Between 5th and 6th)
1-800-522-4610

Tabla & Tabla Bread Bar - A Danny Meyer Favorite

Tabla is a Danny Meyer Indian inspired restaurant, that like most of his other restaurants, has a special emphasis on seasonal and locally sourced foods.

Tabla experiments with traditional Indian flavors and western techniques, resulting in a truly gourmet experience. The restaurant is especially known for its daily selection of fresh baked Tandoori breads.

Be forewarned, dinner at Tabla can be quite expensive so take advantage of the $25 prix-fixe lunch served daily in the dining room. Don't be surprised if you find that the dining room has been taken over by business lunches. No more of those $500 lunches these days!

I could sit here and describe all the dishes - but instead here is a video to show some of the highlights - all exquisitely plated with vibrant colors and flavors. Dishes shown include lamb, halibut, and several desserts including vanilla kulfi and chocolate ganache.



P.S. Next door to Tabla is the Bread Bar which serves food in a more casual setting and at a lower price point.

Tabla
11 Madison Ave. New York, NY 10010
212-889-0667
http://www.tablany.com/

Resto - Belgian Comfort Food at it's Finest. Moules Frites anyone?

Resto is a new tasty food spot, filling a void in an area desperately needing more food options, straddling Murray Hill and Flatiron. I'm not really sure where one begins and the other ends....

Nonetheless, Murray Hill residents are cheering now...

Resto is a sleek and modern, classic rendition of an old Belgian beer bar and serves Belgian food at its best. Burgers, moules frites done 3 different ways, and fries with 7 different sauces, ranging from mayo with onion (my favorite) to lime pickle and lemon with smoked paprika.

Fries galore. It's like I've died and gone to heaven.

The appetizers are the BEST. BEST. BEST.

Start with the deviled eggs. No longer just cocktail fodder, deviled eggs are making a comeback all around town with renditions at The Spotted Pig and Hundred Acres.

But, Resto serves up one of the best - deviled eggs on pork toast with green onion. Deviled eggs with bacon? Does it get any better than that? I think not.

The burger is a popular choice- topped with gruyere, red onion, pickle and mayo. For the moules frites - I always choose the parsley and garlic.

Other moules frites options include witte ale, garlic and orange zest, and debal curry, coconut milk and cilantro. I'll have to try that sometime.

As for beers...of course they have one of the widest selections, with over 5 dozen Belgian beers, But..

Beware. Don't ask for advice- they'll just point you in the direction of the most expensive beer on the menu. That's how I ended up drinking my first $14 beer.

Also, dessert is disappointing. $8 for a liege waffle. Take me to the Waffle & Dinges Truck any night of the week instead.

One more tip - the restaurant only reserves 50% of the tables, leaving the other half for walk-ins. But since the restaurant is fairly small, if you get there past 7pm you might be out of luck and in for a long wait at the bar.

Happy Drinking.
(picture from nymag.com)

Resto
111 East 29th, New York, NY
212-685-5585
http://www.restonyc.com/