Restaurants

A.
Anchor Wine Bar
Always coordinated!
Change is hard, but wine and laughter make it bearable.  With that thought in mind, James, Kyle and I headed over to Anchor Wine Bar on 143rd and Broadway.  Anchor is a nondescript spot on a block occupied by bodegas and sneaker stores.  The interior is an interesting combination of rustic, nautical and wine cellar chic.  One of the planks on the floor is an old, wooden police barricade, but somehow it all works.  The space is both interesting and intimate, and Anchor is a place with a sense of humor!
And it's not even the weekend!
Of course we were at Anchor as soon as the bar opened.  We were welcomed warmly, although the bar wasn't quite set up yet.  Wasting no time, I started out with a Pear and Ginger which was beautifully presented with thin slices of pear lining the glass.  Next, I had an Amarella Caipirinha which was refreshingly sweet; it was a glass of tropical goodness.  I  followed that with the best glass of Rosé that I have had in ages.  The cocktails were pretty to look at and tasty-the perfect combination!  
Drinks! Drinks! Drinks!
Feeling a little hungry, we ordered a cheese plate, which came with dates and figs. It was a delicious combination of textures and flavors.  We also had the octopus served with sautéed potatoes, mushrooms, tomatoes, and capers.  I can't wait to go back to try the salmon tartare.


Our evening ended with complimentary Grappa.  Although James and I no longer see each other at work everyday, I think that we have found a new neighborhood restaurant!  Cheers! And bring on the school year!


B.
Bad Horse Pizza
I have never been more grateful for the start of Spring.  This Saturday Jackie, Noah, Chloe and I decided to celebrate the end of winter by going on a fitness adventure at Mianus Gorge Preserve, in Bedford New York. After a scenic 45 minute drive we arrived at the start of the trail. This hike was definitely not your typical walk in the park; picture me in the woods with my red lipstick on sweating my hair out trying to keep up with my six year old!  And let's not mention the coyotes, bobcats, and mice (yikes) that are purported to live on the preserve. We definitely were not in Central Park anymore!
This photo of a bobcat actually appears on the website for the preserve!
I don't care what exercise addicts say; walking is a workout! At Mianus the trails are narrow, unpaved, and mostly uphill.  We crossed streams by balancing on rocks and climbed steep hills in order to get a better look at minerals in the quarry.
Notice that I am waaaay behind Jackie!
The experience was glorious! Someone once told me that "depression is sadness about the past and anxiety is fear of the future."  It was so relaxing to be completely in the moment -appreciating the scenery, listening to the sound of the river, and watching my feet in order to keep from falling (I don't own a proper pair of sneakers or hiking boots- I have to get on that!)

I say all of this to say that I earned my visit to Bad Horse Pizza on Sunday. I had passed this restaurant on several occasions and read a few blog articles depicting it as less than child friendly.  Apparently, someone made a reservation for twelve that the manager cancelled when he discovered that nine of the twelve were children.  Read more about the controversy here.  Anyway, Chloe is well trained and we go to restaurants prepared with an emergency kit (books, paper, writing implements, Kindle) so we decided to head over there anyway. I figure that if Chloe can handle herself at Minton's, Bad Horse Pizza wouldn't be a problem.  We started off with wine and salads.  Note to staff: wine tastes better when served in a proper wine glass.  I was prepared to dislike the place after this:
I ordered a glass of Rosé
Fortunately the food came and the Caesar Salad was amazing.  It came with anchovies and dressing that tasted like it was more than the mayo with pepper that sometimes passes as Caesar dressing. The restaurant offers and variety of speciality pizzas, as well as, various toppings that allow you to create your own pizza.
The pizza was delicious and much less salty that the various options we have for delivery in Harlem. Plus, who knew that a pizza place could have such good desserts?
Apple Pie and Oreo Cheesecake
Add to that good music (Nina Simone) and a good looking staff (think denim, glasses and facial hair) and you have a restaurant that I am dragging Jackie to for our next post-work out lunch!

Barawine

Anyone who knows me knows that I am into giving second chances. With that in mind I headed to Barawine after one particularly stressful day at work. Having already eaten in the dining room, I chose  to sit at a table near the bar. The brightness of this part of the restaurant immediately lifted my spirits. 

The Happy Hour selection included a choice of red, white, sparkling, or rosé.  There was also a choice of a cheese and charcuterie plate or a Reclette. Feeling particularly adventurous (and gluttonous) I had both!

The Reclette is a must for any cheese lover.  It begins with a metal contraption that resembles a cross between a fondue pot and a waffle iron. I was then brought cubes of two different kinds of cheese, dried meat, potatoes, onions, pickles, and bread. I was instructed to pile ingredients onto a spatula and then put it into the oven to melt. The resulting goodness was then scraped onto a plate (Reclette comes from the French word racler, meaning to scrape).  It was a fun new experience, and the food was rich and delicious!

The other Happy Hour highlight was the service from the manager Fabrice.  He noticed me looking at a photo of Harlem from the 1930's, and proceeded to enthusiastically show me other photos of Barawine's current location from that time period. It is amazing how much Lenox Avenue has remained the same, and who can refuse a meal that comes with a history lesson?

I left Barawine with my fabulosity tank(and my stomach) full.  I would definitely return for Happy Hour.


Bodega 47
A long, long time ago in a village called Harlem there was only one "see and be seen" restaurant in Harlem.   It was called Native, and it occupied the corner of a non-descript block on 118th Street.  If you weren't in the mood for the soul food served at Sylvia's or Copeland's you went to Native.  (This was before rents were sky high, and yellow cabs came Uptown).  Eventually Native went under and restaurants like Red Rooster and Corner Social took over Lenox Avenue.   Luckily, Native has reincarnated itself as a Latin/Caribbean influenced restaurant called  La Bodega 47 Social Club.

Enjoying my birthday at Native with my then BFF Eric circa 2002. 
More birthday fun at Native (And yes, I was almost bald.  Who needs hair when you're skinny?)
Today restaurants in Harlem are all about locally sourced ingredients, extensive wine lists, and rustic decor. I'm not complaining (I love a good cheese plate with a glass of Riesling) but there is nothing about many of the new restaurants that is unique to Harlem.  La Bodega 47 Social Club, located at 161 Lenox Avenue, is a breath of fresh air that I didn't realize that I needed.  It looks like a corner store from the outside, and it is easy to miss with the scaffolding over the building.  I have probably walked by this place a million times without noticing that it is there.


Inside the decor of the restaurant is full of tongue and cheek touches: the lamps are made of old fruit cans suspended from the ceiling, the shutters and bathroom doors are decorated with cereal boxes, and there are "I Love Food Stamps" stickers stuck to the institutional green walls.  However,  the overall atmosphere in the space is authentic and effortlessly chic.   There wasn't any air conditioning the day I visited, but I am going to give the restaurant the benefit of the doubt and say that was to give diners the feeling of being in the tropics :)

Can I bring these stickers to my job?
I'm not really a rum person but I was looking forward to trying the "Storm Warning", which looked similar to a "Dark and Stormy".  Unfortunately, they had run out of the necessary ingredients during brunch, so I decided on a cocktail called the "Mexican Wedding." It was rimmed with a mixture of sugar and Old Bay seasoning that was inventive and tasty.  I also had a drink called "Sleepy Head," which was a yummy blend of chamomile tea, Vodka, vermouth, lemon, and Prosecco.  Both drinks were POTENT!!  I guess that's why I forgot to take pictures of them.


The appetizers (called Lil Plates) that we chose were: the Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings, Short-Rib Nachos,  and Cauliflower Fritters with Cumin Yogurt. Everything was good, but the chicken wings were the best that I've had in a while; they were crispy and well seasoned on the outside and tender on the inside. For dinner we had the Braised Short Ribs, the Burger, and the Seafood Creole.  I look forward to going back and trying more of the Lil Plates, the Shrimp and Cheddar Grits, and the Hi-Yaaah Chopped Salad.

My visit to La Bodega 47 was the perfect way to celebrate the last bits of Summer.  I wish that I had discovered it earlier, and I will definitely be back.

Getting use out of our white clothes before Labor Day
How can you not have fun sitting underneath this photograph?





Bouchon Bakery



The The Shops at Columbus Circle is our home away from home. It's fifteen minutes away by express train, and it attracts an interesting mix of tourists and native New Yorkers.


After spending way too much money at J. Crew, one of our favorite places to visit is Bouchon Bakery. It has a beautiful view of Central Park, and it strikes the perfect balance between being sophisticated and child friendly (Chloe is obsessed with the grilled cheese and tomato soup).

I like starting lunch with an iced coffee or a cappuccino.  If I'm in the mood for a cocktail, the Bittersweet Departure (lemon, ginger, and vermouth) is my drink of choice. A new addition to the menu, the Kale and Shrimp salad is simply amazing. The dressing is creamy, and the pickled onions and croutons are tasty additions. This salad is "I just ate a big bowl of kale and I'm feeling virtuous" fabulous. Don't forget to order dessert- oatmeal cookies are healthy too right?


Walking home from work one day James and I decided to stop into Harlem Flo on 122nd and Fredrick Douglass Boulevard. We must have looked as tired and ragged as we felt because the florist immediately asked if we were teachers (we're used to being mistaken for fashion models). We gave her our price range and she whipped up a beautiful arrangement of peonies and roses in minutes.  When James and I get married (not to each other 5th graders!) We both want to get our flowers from Harlem Flo!

Boulevard Bistro

Another new discovery this week was Boulevard Bistro which is one block over on 122nd and Lenox. My family visited this restaurant, which bills itself as "crafted American soul," for a pre-Father's Day brunch. The space was intimate and chic, and the food was what you would cook at home, but better. Much better.

We started with the bread basket, which was served warm and included biscuits, banana bread, and croissants. Next, we shared the cheddar omelette, shrimp and grits, French toast, macaroni and cheese, and the fried chicken.
This little boy is clearly related to me. He was dipping his bacon into butter before eating it!
One of the standouts of the meal was the  cocktail (what's brunch without a cocktail?) I had the BLVD Spiked Sweet Tea, which was fruit infused tea topped with  Prosecco. So delicious! I can't wait to go back; next time I'm sitting outside, ordering a carafe, and having dessert.  Who's coming with me?




Buddakan

My low-carb diet was foiled on Friday when Mikita brought over a bottle of wine to celebrate the Chinese New Year (she insists that her beauty secret is drinking only coffee, water, and wine). Three little girls dressed in red, screaming "Happy New Year"like they actually understood what we were celebrating calls for Riesling. 



The next night I headed to my favorite restaurant, Buddakan, to celebrate Jackie's 38th birthday with her ex-husband Rob (black don't crack-and in Jackie's case neither does yellow). Of course since it was a festive occasion I was under no illusion about following any diets.

I started off with a Tranquility cocktail which is a refreshing mix of elderflower infused vodka and oolong tea. For appetizers we shared a Bo Bo plate, which included boneless spare ribs, shrimp toast, tuna tartare spring rolls, carrot dumplings, and Cantonese spring rolls.  Everything was amazing, but the tuna tartare spring rolls were to die for! I usually order the General Tso's dumplings, which should have replaced the shrimp toast on the tasting platter. 

For dinner Jackie, Rob, and I shared black pepper beef, beef short ribs, sweet and crispy jumbo shrimp, cauliflower stir fry with mint and pork, and long beans with spicy pork and ground shrimp. I love that Buddakan serves their veggies with a generous portion of meat-who knew that Southern Revival and Asian fusion cooking had anything in common?

To end the night, we went on a trip to dessert heaven: almond bread pudding with caramel and banana, pumpkin donuts with Chinese 5 spice, passion fruit & coconut basil sorbet, tropical peony tea, latte, and cappuccino. 


I'm sure that we looked incredibly gluttonous, but who cares! Dessert was the best part of a really impressive meal. As for my diet, as Scarlett O'Hara says "tomorrow is another day."

I identify with both people in this picture.  Clearly, I have issues."
C.
The Cecil 

Richard Parson's new restaurant The Cecil, located at 210 West 118th Street, is a visually arresting restaurant.  Great attention has been paid to the detail- from the wall paper to the cast iron teapots.  It's a beautiful space populated by beautiful people, but that is to be expected- we are talking about The New Harlem, after all. 


What sets The Cecil apart from some of the new places in Harlem is the food. It is a truly delicious blend of familiar and unexpected tastes. It proves the point that food can be interesting, challenging and good to eat at the same time.

Perhaps, as Harlem residents, we are still getting used to the thrill of not having to travel downtown to eat out. We have options now (I grew up at a time when Copeland's was the only "fancy" restaurant we had in the neighborhood-and it had a cafeteria attached). Consequently, we have gotten used to food that is good, but not great. We are satisfied  with nice decor and decent service.

The Cecil, which describes itself as an "Afro-Asian-American brasserie," sets the proverbial bar higher. It raises the standards for all restaurants in Manhattan.

On the night that I visited I was treating my father and daughter to Sunday dinner. We were greeted warmly, and surprisingly, Chloe was given a music themed coloring/activity book (She has been talking about Jazz ever since).


Sahara Night
I started with the Sahara Night, a champagne based cocktail that was so good that I had to have two! My father ordered a Margarita and was particularly impressed. He remarked that the huge ice cube kept his drink cold without melting too fast and watering it down (it's all about the details)!

L-R: Heirloom Beet Salad, Jasmine Rice Bowl, and dessert


For an appetizer I had the Heirloom Beet Salad which was incredibly flavorful. For dinner we shared a Jasmine Rice Bowl with chili tofu and green apple Curry, the Skillet Fried Salmon with sweet plantains and kimchi, and the Feizoada with oxtails and lamb sausage (I am blessed to have a 5 year old who is an adventurous eater!) My father proclaimed the food "delicious" which is a rare compliment from him.

To my knowledge, The Cecil's chef Joseph Johnson and my mother are the only two people to have their food described using such superlatives. If "Dr. John" is enthusiastic about a restaurant then you know that it is better than good!

December 31st I promised myself that I would give two things a rest in the New Year: J. Crew and eating out.  Who was I kidding? A $16.00 skirt marked down from $150.00 is practically free, and I can never turn down an invitation from good friends.  

Tahira and I circa 2001
Tahira and I met in 2001, my first year of teaching. My favorite memory of her involves drumming and a certain dance of celebration. Through the years we have supported each other through jobs at different schools, relationships, and the journey into motherhood. Tahira is one of the few women who is fancier than I am! She has exacting standards and she expects the best. I am so happy that she has found Jim, a man who both indulges and protects her. They are as mushy today as the day they met!
Tahira and her husband Jim
I met Tahira and Jim at The Cecil on a Saturday night around 7. This was the first time that I had been back since my birthday party debacle, during which my friends were asked to hurry up and leave after spending over $2000 dollars on an overpriced prix fixe dinner. I had previously had an excellent meal at The Cecil so I was hoping that the third time would be the charm. 

Thanks to Jim, I found my new favorite cocktail, a tequila based elixir called Blood and Fire. In addition to tequila, the drink was made with sorrel, muddled lime, and cucumber. The flavor was intense and unlike anything that I have tasted before: both spicy and sweet, yet smooth.

Blood and Fire

Apparently, Saturday was my lucky day because I also discovered my new favorite dessert: the pumpkin pie created by Pastry Chef Mame Sow. Tahira agreed that it was one of the best things that she has ever tasted. 
Pumpkin Pie

C.
Chez Lucienne


Don't believe anyone who tells you that teachers have it easy because we get the summers off.  On a daily basis we are consumed with lesson planning and disciplining. We navigate Common Core Standards, Rubicon, and PLC's. We are academics and entertainers; nurturers and administrators of fairness. And that's just first period!  With that being said, even teachers need a time-out! 


Chez Lucienne, located at 308 Lenox Avenue, is the perfect location to catch your breath and enjoy a glass of wine. We love the German Riesling, and when you are having an extremely stressful day the fried calamari and the french fries are a perfect pair!  We look forward to returning soon for dinner!


Corner Social 
Corner Social, located at 321 Lenox Avenue, was definitely at the forefront of the new wave of bars and restaurants in Harlem. I remember how excited my friends and I were when it opened, and it remains one of my favorite spots for a casual lunch with my daughter Chloe or drinks after work with fellow teachers. The bartenders pour a generous glass of wine and the crowd is lively and diverse.
Clockwise: Social Nacos, Turkey Bacon BLT w/Sweet Potato fries, Sweet Potato Cheese Cake, and Meatloaf Sandwich 
Corner Social can get very busy, which sometimes means slow service-but the food is consistently good and the menu features some kid friendly items (Chloe's favorites are the Sweet Potato Fries and the Social Nachos). Don't leave without trying the Sweet Potato Cheese Cake!

Clove
Clove, located on 139th and Amsterdam, is the latest edition to the restaurant scene in the Hamilton Heights neighborhood.  It is also one of the few Indian restaurants in Harlem.  Clove has a bright exterior with a beautiful outdoor seating area.  It has an extensive food menu, but does not serve alcohol yet (although a waiter was heard telling a patron that she could go to the store, buy a beer, and bring it back to the restaurant).  Chloe enjoyed the buffet lunch special, and I enjoyed the fact that she could eat her fill for less than ten dollars.  The service was fast and friendly, and the crowd was a mix of local residents and City College students.  If you have a nut allergy, I suggest informing your server, as several of their dishes are made with almonds.



E.
The Edge Harlem
I wrote about The Edge Harlem a few weeks ago as a part of another post, and after visiting again this weekend I most assuredly did not do the place justice. The Edge definitely deserves its own post!  
101 Edgecombe Avenue
After a week of breaking my own heart (or narrowly avoiding disaster- I can't decide which) I headed to Edgecombe Avenue for some much needed James and Kyle time.  I packed the iPad and some earphones so that we could have some adult conversation, but ever clever Chloe put the earphone in one ear so that she could monitor the conversation in case something juicy came up! 

Unfortunately, the only thing juicy that we were able to discuss at brunch were the mimosas!  I started off with a Mango Mimosa, followed by a Spiced Hibiscus Mimosa.  Both were inventive, tasty, and much needed! The cocktails were so much better than the flat champagne and OJ that are usually served at brunch.  Kyle and James both enjoyed the non-alcoholic sorrell, which we were told was made by the owner's grandfather.


Our meals were wonderful: colorful, fresh, and tasty.  The standout was the Crabcake that Kyle ordered, which came with plantains.  I definitely plan to order it the next time I visit.
Crab Cakes with Mixed Greens
Fried Egg Sandwich with Avocado Tomato, and Mixed Greens
Luckily, Chloe talked us into having dessert and it was a REVELATION.  The Croissant Pudding was the best thing that I have tasted in a while and I have been thinking about it every day since.  Is it the weekend yet?

Croissant Bread Pudding


G.
The Grange

If there is a dessert that could top the blackberry cobbler at Minton's this is it. Often high end restaurants have a disappointing dessert selection, but this pie has complex flavors that make you slow down take notice. The sweetness of the pumpkin is offset by the tartness of the cranberry compote. The portion size is perfect and who can resist marshmallow ice cream!  Don't forget to order coffee or cappuccino; it's the best in Harlem. 



Although I love to be out and about, I rarely spend New Year's Eve anywhere other than my bed. Seriously, the last time I went out was 2006! I remember it well; my friend Charli and I had dinner at a fancy restaurant on the Upper East Side called Bruno Jamais. We spent the evening drinking champagne, eating caviar, and fending off the dozens of women who were trying to hit on her father. 

Since then, the high prices of New Year's Eve events, and the prospect of trying to hail a cab home to Harlem in the freezing cold has kept me indoors. Plus, going out on the last night of the year comes with it's own set of expectations that are often difficult to live up to. 

This year every time someone asked me what I was doing for New Year's and I responded "nothing," I was met with a mixture of surprise and pity. I decided to make plans. Almost immediately after Christmas, restaurants in Harlem began advertising their New Year's Eve menus on Facebook. My friends and I decided that The Grange would be a good option because it is in walking (stumbling?) distance from our homes. Plus, The Grange was advertising a five course meal and unlimited unlimited wine for 85 dollars. Who can resist that?

The night began on a promising note. The scaffolding around the restaurant was decorated with lights and the interior of the restaurant was filled with black and gold balloons. We ordered cocktails at the bar and proceeded to our table where we were informed that our round of drinks had been comped by the bartender! From there on out it was a party!

I'm not sure if The Grange has a cabaret license, but it didn't matter! Anyone who has met me knows that it is impossible for me to stay in my seat when The Jackson Five or Prince is playing. The hats, horns, and beads that were given out were a great touch. 



                                                                                   H.
The Handpulled Noodle
I am lucky that Chloe has an adventurous palate.  On Saturday we had South African food at Madiba, and on Sunday we decided to try "North Western Chinese Soul Food" at  The Handpulled Noodle on Broadway between 148th and 149th Street. 



Located between a Dominican barbershop and a tattoo parlor, The Handpulled Noodle is small and frequently crowded with with locals and food tourists alike. You pick a style of noodle and then decide whether you would like it prepared in soup or stir fried with meat and vegetables.  Patrons are encouraged to eat their food in the restaurant in order to appreciate the unique taste of the handmade noodles.  

Chloe and I ordered scallion pancakes, pork dumplings, and chopped noodles with chicken and mixed vegetables.  The scallion pancakes were nothing that you couldn't find at Emperor Schezuan.  The dumplings were better, juicy and flavorful inside,  with no need for a separate dipping sauce.  The noodles were rich and spicy, but Chloe thought that they were too doughy.  The food was pretty heavy so I wouldn't frequent this place, but the Lychee Pekoe Black Tea was worth going back for.

Lychee and Chrysanthemum Tea
Ding Dong Noodles with Chicken Stir-Fry

Harlem Shake

You know you're having a good time when you are dancing wildly with strangers, and you almost forget to eat the five courses that you are paying for. I said "almost" because anyone who has met me also knows that I never forget to eat. I particularly enjoyed the Portobello Mushroom Soup, although I wish that it had a bit more texture. The standout was the Sambuca and Crushed Tomato Seafood Stew. My one disappointment was that dessert was not more substantial. At that point in the evening I would have loved a donut or a fried snickers to soak up some of the "spirits" I had imbibed. Thank goodness I only had to stumble home. 


Whenever I head out on a snowy day  I'm always surprised by the volume of people who are out too. The City that never sleeps is also The City that doesn't slow down during a snow storm.  This Saturday, Chloe and I braved the elements in order to get her hair done at The Mirror Salon at Carol's Daughter because Mommy can't braid! Afterward, Chloe always looks cute, but I am usually close to broke so we head to Harlem Shake at 100 W. 124th to get something cheap to eat. 
Harlem Shake is a diner with a 1970's Black aesthetic. It is also extremely kid friendly; you will see a cross section of young people on dates, girlfriends indulging in a post workout meal, and parents with toddlers. 
The menu is quite diverse: there are hamburgers, hot dogs, and grilled cheese sandwiches. Harlem Shake offers turkey burgers, veggie burgers, and a Kale Chickpea Salad for those looking for healthier options. There's also beer and wine on the menu, which never hurts!
Chloe usually orders a mini-burger and sweet potato fries. That Saturday I ordered the Kale Salad because I was feeling guilty about eating the cookie dough donut that one of my students brought me for Valentine's Day. Obviously, I wasn't feeling that guilty because I ordered a peanut butter milkshake too!
Chloe finished her burger before I was able to get the paper off my straw, so obviously she thought that her food was good! The Kale Salad was better in idea than in execution because of the mediocre, flavorless dressing. The high point of the meal was definitely our milkshakes. Chloe's salted caramel was amazing! 
The food isn't the primary appeal of Harlem Shake, but the decor makes visiting the restaurant worthwhile. Retro booths, bars tools, and a huge poster of 'Miss Harlem Shake' make this a fun place to eat.  Check out this article on the Jet magazines that wallpaper the bathroom.

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/06/05/an-old-staple-of-black-culture-now-adds-to-a-new-restaurants-dcor/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0

H.
Hogshead Tavern
If you are looking for something healthy to eat, do not go to Hogshead Tavern.  Luckily, James, Kyle, and I were not in the mood for a salad.

Spring!
On Saturday we spent four glorious hours walking the grounds of The Botanical Gardens and racking up steps on James's Fitbit.  By the time we got back to Harlem it was past wine o'clock, and we had walked about 11,000 steps.  It was time to eat!


And drink! Never having heard of a 'beer cocktail," I concluded that I should definitely try one.  I got the Pink Squealer which was a refreshing blend of rum, fresh lemon juice, Merlet Creme de Fraise, and Crispen Pear Cider.  Next time, I am going to try The Tipsy Piglet on the basis of the name alone!


Since we were famished (a walk in the park will do that), we decided to order practically everything on the menu.  We enjoyed  Kale and Artichoke Dip, Spicy Moroccan Meatballs, Korean Beef Tacos
Hogshead Sliders, and Crispy Pork Belly Grilled Cheese.

The food definitely exceeded my expectations.  It is what you need from bar food: salt, cheese, and carbs-while being flavorful and sophisticated (think gouda and sweet onion relish, rather than cheddar on the grilled cheese).

Our visit to Hogshead would have been perfect if the crowd had been more diverse (I don't think that I will ever get used to being one of  four black people at an establishment on 143rd and Amsterdam).  It's a weird feeling to go from this:


To this:

Where are the colored people?
Just by walking through a door . . . It all felt oddly colonial.  We were seated next to three annoying Columbia students who talked loudly about their escapades on Tinder and their dislike of President Obama.  According to them, Obama is "articulate" but "too moderate."  I hope that they don't think that traveling above 116th Street to drink beer with other white people makes them liberal.  I prefer not to be a minority on the weekend, but the food and drink at Hogshead Tavern was worth having to think about race on a Saturday.
J.
Jado Sushi


For years Harlem residents who wanted sushi had two options: travel downtown or call Empire Schezuan and wait an hour for your food to be delivered.




Jado Sushi, located on Frederick Douglass Blvd. between 114th and 115th, is upscale and chic. Mirrored walls and excellent lighting give the small space a feeling of depth. Patrons have the option of sitting at the sushi bar or in one of the comfortable booths.  This is a perfect spot for date night.

Clockwise: glazed short ribs, soy calamari, spicy mango tuna roll, and 
There are several excellent options on the small plates menu. The glazed short ribs, and the soy calamari were particularly tasty.  Lime was an interesting addition to the edamame. The sushi menu has both traditional and specialty rolls. The Spicy Mango Tuna Roll was excellent, and the Soft Shell Crab roll contained Granny Smith apple and coconut curry which were interesting flavor combinations.  We also ordered the salmon, the black cod, and the sushi rice, which were good but not comparable to the small plates.

Our meal ended with two delicious desserts: the peanut butter pie and the double layer mango cheese cake. Paired with a glass of plum wine we were in dessert heaven.



L.
Lido

Lido is not a restaurant you go to simply to see and be seen. Lido is where you go when you want to experience a meal prepared with attention to detail and served in an ambient environment.

The restaurant's blue awning brightens up the corner of 117th and Fredrick Douglass Boulevard where it is located. Inside it has a light and open feeling; there are hanging lamps, exposed brick walls, and lit candles. The mirrored bar is the focal point of the restaurant. There is an extensive wine list, and the bartenders make an excellent red sangria.

As our group of eight sat down to dinner we noticed Serena Bass was seated near us. We decided that if the Executive Chef was eating at her restaurant was a good sign. The fresh, richly flavored Italian food immediately convinced us that we were correct. In particular, we enjoyed the peach and mozzarella salad, which was offered as a special. The sweet crunchiness of the peaches contrasted with the smooth saltiness of the cheese. We also tried the Warm Kale Salad with grilled shrimp. The kale had a delicious smokey flavor and the shrimp was nicely seasoned, which isn't always the case when you order protein as an addition to a salad.

The Special: Peach and Mozzarella Salad
We also enjoyed The Gnocchi with Truffle Butter; it was rich, decadent and wonderful beyond belief.  Other favorites at our table included the Prosciutto and Parmesan Crostini, the Roasted Atlantic Salmon, the Seared Scallops, and the Grilled Branzino.

L-R: Gnocchi with Truffle Butter; Seared Scallops

Overall the service was decent, although we had to wait longer than usual for the appetizers to arrive. Also, we were a bit disappointed by our choices of dessert. However, Lido is a must visit for all serious foodies. It's excellence extends beyond convenience  and  proximity. It's not just a great restaurant in Harlem. It's a great restaurant. Period.



have to admit that I like the idea of brunch, but not always the execution of it. The attempt to provide both breakfast and lunch dishes, and get patrons in and out as quickly as possible often causes brunch to fall flat for me. The weekend brunch at Lido is the exception to this rule. 



The food is fresh, inspired, and flavorful. We ordered the French Toast, Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict, Turkey Sausage, and Fried Potatoes. And of course, we had to try the crepe and plum gelati for dessert (as if French Toast with whipped cream and syrup isn't dessert enough). Obviously, I'm all about Sunday afternoon decadence!  


Everything we tasted was amazing, but the sausage was a particular standout. It was almost the consistency of a crab cake with flavors of apple, lemon, and sage. 


Our server Chris was excellent. He was attentive, knowledgeable and fun! He took our orders right away, and checked in on us to see how our "first bites" were. Most importantly, regardless of how busy the restaurant got, he was always magically on hand to refill our champagne glasses. The mimosas were indeed bottomless!!

The diverse and lively crowd at Lido is part of the experience; brunch is an excellent time for people watching. Furthermore, Lido is one of those rare places that is fabulous and kid friendly at the same time. Chloe says that they make an excellent Shirley Temple, and she recommends the spaghetti with melted butter. 

You'll be thinking of reasons to come back to Lido before your meal is over. Make reservations or be prepared to wait for a table :)


M.
Minton's



This is not a history lesson or a restaurant review; it's a love letter of sorts. Dining at Minton's was an experience unlike any other that I have had at a New York City restaurant. It reminded me of what l had been missing and elevated my expectations for all other restaurants. 

As soon as we walked into the restaurant we were transported to another time. Not necessarily an earlier time, but an infinitely more sophisticated one.  Minton's is a narrow space, but it is not small. The wood walls give off a burgundy hue and the mirrors give the place a feeling of depth. The art that adorns the walls is simultaneously classic and modern. The mix of black and white photography and color paintings is visually stunning. 


Music at Minton's is not background music. It is an integral part of the dining experience. It encourages you to eat slowly and savor your meal- to put your phones down and connect with your dinner companions. We were particularly thrilled with the spirited and fabulous female piano player, Bertha Hope. 

The service at Minton's was incomparable. Our waiter Connor was knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive. He was a fantastic guide through our low country eating experience (and he recommended great cocktails!)
Ask for Connor to be your server!
Our party of five started with the Sherry She Crab Soup, Smoked Gouda and Gruyere Mac and Cheese, Grilled Shrimp and Okra, and the Seared Foie Gras (we were hungry!!).  Everything was delicious and perfectly portioned to share; the foie gras was a crowd favorite. 

Now about the biscuits . . . they are a revelation served with butter and maple syrup! The flaky warm goodness elicited audible sighs from our party (ok, maybe it was just me). Thankfully, before I fell completely out our dinner arrived. For entrees we shared the Pan Seared Halibut, the Skate Wing, the Grilled Rib Eye. I don't think that there was a morsel of food left on any of our plates. 

The highlight of my meal was the Blackberry Cobbler that we had for dessert. Served with corn bread ice cream (how did they do that?), it reminded me of the cobbler my grandmother used to make after we went blackberry picking in Maryland.  

When making a reservation at Minton's be aware that there is a dress code. Harlem is a place worth getting dressed up for!   Men are required to wear jackets, and those who arrived without were provided with one.  Minton's is about more than just style. It's about culture.



N.
Ninja New York
Chloe is an accomplished eater (she gets it from her Mama) and a lover of Japanese food.  Her first solid meal as a baby was Shrimp Shumai , and today she loves a good salmon avocado roll.   Chloe and I have always gone out to eat with friends and family, but recently I have been taking her on "dates."  I tell her that when she gets older and starts to like boys they have to take her to places that are at least as nice as the ones her mother took her. 


This Friday on the advice of several of my 6th graders, I took her to Ninja New York.  After a long (and expensive) cab ride to 25 Hudson Street we were greeted by a friendly hostess who sat us right away, even though we were almost 30 minutes late. We were led to a dark elevator which took us underground.   We then walked down a dark and cavernous hallway, and I almost had a heart attack twice when servers dressed as ninjas jumped out at me screaming "HIYAH!"  Obviously, Chloe thought that was the funniest thing ever and she was primed for a good evening. 


The menu features kids cocktails and Chloe chose the Baby Star, which was a fruit concoction of lemonade and lychee puree.  It came with a black ninja star which she loved.  For appetizer, we chose the Endan which were two hard shelled tacos filled with lobster and beef short rib.  We then ordered several rolls of sushi, which were good with the exception of the mango salmon roll which was too rich.  Of course, after we ate Chloe was still hungry so we ordered french fries and dessert (she's an expensive date!)  There are other are menu options, like burgers, if your child doesn't like sushi. 
Items on the menu marked with a star are served with a special presentation.


During dessert a magician came around and tried to interest Chloe with some ball- in- cup tricks, but she was more interested in perfecting her ninja poses and attempting to scare the servers.  Ninja New York is a loud, fun restaurant with a super friendly staff.  I haven't seen Chloe have this much fun in a long time. Reservations are hard to get, but totally worth the experience!
R. 
Red Rooster



The bar at Red Rooster, located at 310 Lenox Avenue, is not to be missed. The crowd is diverse: neighborhood locals mingle with hipsters, Upper Eastsiders, and tourists stopping by for a drink.  I've honestly never met a friendlier group of people at a bar (except for that one night on my birthday . . . ) 

Notice how we're still posing despite the man in the background w/a cane in his hand?  Photobombed!
Anyway, the space is beautiful; how could  you not like looking over your shoulder and seeing a copy of Prince's classic album "Under the Cherry Moon?"


The Red Wine Sangria, known as Rooster Punch, is one of my favorite drinks of all time (or at least of the past 25 years that I have been drinking).  My co-workers and I have re-named it The Sweet and Dirty because it is both fruity and potent.  Stop by Red Rooster after work and enjoy one during Happy Hour. I have mine with a side of cornbread!











S.
Serafina Harlem
This week Serafina opened it's eighth location in the 5 boroughs.  Serafina Harlem is conveniently located on 122nd and Amsterdam, and it serves great food in a relaxed atmosphere.
We started dinner with a glass of Riesling that was a little on the sweet side, which is exactly how I like it.  For appetizers we shared calamari, tuna tartare, and tomato and mozzarella.  Our food came out right away and was tasty and perfectly portioned.  For dinner we had the Ravioli "Degli Innamorati" (heart shaped lobster ravioli in a lobster bisque sauce) and the Ravioli Ai Porcini (mushroom ravioli). 
Our servers were knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive; and the food was fresh and deliciously prepared.  We left dinner feeling satisfied, but without the food hangover that sometimes comes with a large meal at an Italian restaurant. We will definitely be back.

Streetbird
The next day, James and I decided to try Marcus Samuelsson's new restaurant Streetbird.  I was excited to visit because I love the decor of his places. We were lead to great seats right away and the decor didn't disappoint- think 80's hip-hop chic.   Everywhere that you look there is color: on the walls, the chairs, and the menu.  I loved the practical detail of the paper towel rack connected to the table.  I appreciate that Marcus Samuelsson hired a diverse waitstaff and that neighborhood people seem to frequent Streetbird.  It prevents the place from feeling too staged, like Disneyland in blackface. 



Unfortunately, the first disappointment was actually the drinks. Don't get me excited about a glass of Jam Jar if you don't have it!
This is the best wine ever!
Furthermore, if I am paying twelve dollars for a glass of wine, I do not want it served in a plastic cup (regardless of how cute the cup is). It may sound silly, but wine just doesn't taste the same in plastic.  Either that, or my Cava was just warm and flat.  James got a speciality cocktail and he wasn't thrilled with it either.  And if James only orders one drink, you know there's a problem . . .


For food, I ordered french fries and chicken wings and James ordered a chicken sandwich.  Both meals were mediocre, but thankfully not expensive.  I was not exactly surprised, as the food at Red Rooster can be inconsistent.  However, there are certain things at Red Rooster that you know will be good (the drinks, chicken wings and cornbread).  Hopefully, there are those things on Streetbird's menu that I have yet to discover because it is a place that would be fun to visit again with a group of friends.


V.
Vinateria



This was a brutal week at work: think The Crucible set on 129th Street in Harlem.  Adults attempting to enforce rules, and anxiety ridden teenagers who have been stuck inside all winter are not a good combination. After a particularly brutal showdown I was craving some comfort food. I needed carbs in both liquid and solid form. 

This is pretty much how I looked and felt the Friday before Spring Break

Vinateria, located at 2211 Fredrick Douglass Blvd, provided just what I needed. I first visited Vinateria a few weeks ago, and I have to admit that I had low expectations because of a mediocre review from an old friend. Thankfully, my expectations were exceeded from the very start. You really can't go wrong with a Pear Cilantro Margarita and an extensive wine list. 


For an appetizer, Chloe and I shared a cheese and charcuterie plate. See her review  below :

Writing food reviews is a good alternative to using the Kindle Fire at the dinner table
Next we shared the crispy baby artichokes, which Chloe enthusiastically declared were "like rubber" (we both loved them, by the way). For our entree we split fettuccine with mixed wild mushrooms and parmigiano, which was rich and delicious.  Service was slow both times I visited and dessert was a waste of calories (don't you hate that). However, I love the intimacy of the place and the pasta is amazing. I will definitely return the next time my life turns into high drama.




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