One day I was exploring the Upper East Side with my roommate when we stumbled across a new bakery. Not only was there a delicious smell of fresh baked bread, but they also owned a restaurant, where presumably said fresh bread was also served. So, on another parental visit, mom, dad and I explored the new Corner Cafe & Bakery.
Normally I have a sick ability to remember what everybody I'm dining with had to eat. For some reason, the only thing I can remember from this meal was that my mom had bacon, and it was delicious. She either had a turkey club or a blt, both items I've seen my mother eat and for the life of me I can't remember which it was. I can't even remember what I had to eat because that bacon stuck out like a sore thumb. Also, the bread was fresh and delicious because, of course, they made it at the bakery a few feet away.
The Corner Cafe is small, but the service was good and the staff was friendly. This was some time ago, and it was fairly new, but I saw it was still thriving and can only imagine the fresh bread just keeps bringing diners back time and time again.
WHAT TO BITE? BLT, $11.95.
Showing posts with label UES. Show all posts
Showing posts with label UES. Show all posts
Friday, February 25, 2011
Fetch, 1649 3rd Ave (btwn 92nd & 93rd)
When I lived on the Upper East Side I found exploring restaurants to be a good use of one's time, since lets' be honest, once you move below 42nd Street you find any excuse not to have to go above it. My parents were still living in Westchester during that time and fortunately for me were willing to visit often, since my work schedule didn't allow many leisurely trips home. On one such occassion, Dad and a good friend of mine decided to walk North on 3rd Avenue and see what we could find. We stumbled upon Fetch, which stole my heart because the owners are heavily involved in animal rescue, and the food is quite good.
Fetch is technically a family place, so don't go between 7am and 9pm if you're really not in the mood to have a screaming toddler at the table next to you. 99.9% of the time I don't want to see children in a restaurant, but I won't fault parents for bringing them to a place like this. Where they certainly should not be is at Marea on a Saturday night. No seriously. It's weird.
The ambiance is friendly and inviting, there are pictures of pet owners and their dogs on the wall, and they even have an adoption wall so you can cry after eating your eggs. The food is pretty standard, with a few pleasant surprises. They have these philly cheese steak egg rolls that apparently are a little slice of heaven. Too bad I was still off red meat when I was dining there. So, if you find yourself WAY on the Upper East Side, maybe after visiting one of our fine NYC museums, walk a few avenues East and grab some food at Fetch.
WHAT TO BITE? Philly Cheese steak Egg Rolls, $10, Cobb Salad (with fresh corn!), $11.
Fetch is technically a family place, so don't go between 7am and 9pm if you're really not in the mood to have a screaming toddler at the table next to you. 99.9% of the time I don't want to see children in a restaurant, but I won't fault parents for bringing them to a place like this. Where they certainly should not be is at Marea on a Saturday night. No seriously. It's weird.
The ambiance is friendly and inviting, there are pictures of pet owners and their dogs on the wall, and they even have an adoption wall so you can cry after eating your eggs. The food is pretty standard, with a few pleasant surprises. They have these philly cheese steak egg rolls that apparently are a little slice of heaven. Too bad I was still off red meat when I was dining there. So, if you find yourself WAY on the Upper East Side, maybe after visiting one of our fine NYC museums, walk a few avenues East and grab some food at Fetch.
WHAT TO BITE? Philly Cheese steak Egg Rolls, $10, Cobb Salad (with fresh corn!), $11.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Session 73, 1359 1st Ave (@ 73rd)
I forget exactly how I came across Session 73. Two very dear and amazing friends lived around the corner from it, so I'll give them credit for stumbling upon it when exploring the neighborhood. Session 73 is an Upper East Side bar without carrying the stigma attached to some of its neighbors. It's velvet curtains and plush couches give it a lounge atmosphere, but it's long bar, stage for live music, and "private" back bar area make it a great oasis in the land of beer pong and overcrowded frat parties.
I've been for dinner numerous times, and the tapas style lends itself to late dinners that quickly turn into dance parties. Ranging from Asian to Southwestern, the food has all those familiar bar bites you'd like to have. A little more expensive than I'd like to spend when traveling so far from home, but the all-in-one ambiance makes up for it. Friends have danced on their bar, friends have made out next thier bar, friends have taken pictures of drunk girls falling asleeping at their bar. The bands range from awesome to not, so find a good one, get there early, enjoy some food and then dance (or sway) the night away.
WHAT TO BITE? Eggplant Parm Fritters, $10
I've been for dinner numerous times, and the tapas style lends itself to late dinners that quickly turn into dance parties. Ranging from Asian to Southwestern, the food has all those familiar bar bites you'd like to have. A little more expensive than I'd like to spend when traveling so far from home, but the all-in-one ambiance makes up for it. Friends have danced on their bar, friends have made out next thier bar, friends have taken pictures of drunk girls falling asleeping at their bar. The bands range from awesome to not, so find a good one, get there early, enjoy some food and then dance (or sway) the night away.
WHAT TO BITE? Eggplant Parm Fritters, $10
JG Melon, 1291 3rd Ave (@ 74th)
People who have lived on the Upper East Side for years rave about this place, but a lot of transient "New Yorkers" brush off the wait and decide to go elswhere to satiate their burger cravings. Well, JG Melon's has a long wait, but trust me, it's worth it. The burgers and fries are the best you'll find in the area, and some say in the city (I'm not going to weigh in on the Best Burger debate, having just started eating red meat a few years ago). But not only that, it's such a neighborhood gem, there's a friendliness between the servers, the patrons, even the owers, that is rare to find in dining these days.
Yes the wait is long, but that's because when you get a table, all you want to do is sit and enjoy your food. Slowly. How food is supposed to be enjoyed. During the warmer months there are tables on the sidewalk, not too many, but it helps alleviate the crowd. Inside you have a typical pub, nothing fancy, but with large tables that can be pulled together for groups celebrating a post-softball team victory.
Oh, one downside is that they are cash only, but with prices so low, you won't need much more than a $20.
WHAT TO BITE? Cheeseburger, $8.75 and Pecan Pie, $5.95
Yes the wait is long, but that's because when you get a table, all you want to do is sit and enjoy your food. Slowly. How food is supposed to be enjoyed. During the warmer months there are tables on the sidewalk, not too many, but it helps alleviate the crowd. Inside you have a typical pub, nothing fancy, but with large tables that can be pulled together for groups celebrating a post-softball team victory.
Oh, one downside is that they are cash only, but with prices so low, you won't need much more than a $20.
WHAT TO BITE? Cheeseburger, $8.75 and Pecan Pie, $5.95
Hi Life, 1503 2nd Ave (@ 76th)
I had to been to Hi Life with my friend one night when she watned fish and I wanted a burger. Since it's a little more difficult to find a place that has both of those things, let alone does both well, we stumbled upon a new bar that opened in the area when we were both living there. Our meals were great, the service was fantastic (despite their lack of honey mustard, which understanably really bothers my friend).
We returned again later, this time with her boyfriend who was in town visiting and sat in a small area they have in the front of the restaurant that is set up more like a lounge. Instead of a table and chairs there are a few benches and small tables that you can order cocktails and small plates to. I really enjoy when restaurants do this, because a lot of times I only want something small to eat, or I'm going with someone who wants food but I've already eaten. Anyway, this little lounge area has ample seating, enough for a few groups of people and faces Second Avenue, so it's fantastic for people watching (especially drunk people watching after happy hour when people are crawling home to continue drinking on their couch/in the shower, before venturing back out to play beer pong at Paddy O's). We happened to be privy to what I find all too often in New York, the awkward First Date. This couple sitting in the area with us certainly had met online and most definitely were having their first in-person interaction. The three of us sat their, analyzing the body language, realizing the guy was defintely not feeling his dining companion and was trying to find ways to speed up the remainder of their date.
Our food came, which was a happy distraction. The restaurant has a lounge menu, which includes pigs in a blanket, so we dove into those. There are also rotating food and drink specials all week, from half priced sushi to prime rib dinner to $5 martinis at happy hour (4-7pm).
WHAT TO BITE: Yellowfin Tuna with Wasabi Crust + 2 sides, $18.95.
We returned again later, this time with her boyfriend who was in town visiting and sat in a small area they have in the front of the restaurant that is set up more like a lounge. Instead of a table and chairs there are a few benches and small tables that you can order cocktails and small plates to. I really enjoy when restaurants do this, because a lot of times I only want something small to eat, or I'm going with someone who wants food but I've already eaten. Anyway, this little lounge area has ample seating, enough for a few groups of people and faces Second Avenue, so it's fantastic for people watching (especially drunk people watching after happy hour when people are crawling home to continue drinking on their couch/in the shower, before venturing back out to play beer pong at Paddy O's). We happened to be privy to what I find all too often in New York, the awkward First Date. This couple sitting in the area with us certainly had met online and most definitely were having their first in-person interaction. The three of us sat their, analyzing the body language, realizing the guy was defintely not feeling his dining companion and was trying to find ways to speed up the remainder of their date.
Our food came, which was a happy distraction. The restaurant has a lounge menu, which includes pigs in a blanket, so we dove into those. There are also rotating food and drink specials all week, from half priced sushi to prime rib dinner to $5 martinis at happy hour (4-7pm).
WHAT TO BITE: Yellowfin Tuna with Wasabi Crust + 2 sides, $18.95.
Caffe Buon Gusto, 236 E. 77th (btwn 2nd & 3rd)
After studying abroad, one of my traveling companies and I would get lonesome for the relaxing evenings we had overlooking Rome and eating mountains of pasta. Such moods would often lead us to Caffe Buon Gusto, where you can compliment any pasta with any sauce (much like the famed Pastarita Pizzerito "chain" in Italy). The food is fantastic, the atmosphere at both locations is relaxing, and the service is always wonderful... especially when your dining companion attempts to set you on fire.
Often times I'll complain that restaurants in New York try to cram in too many tables. Then I remember that life is a business, and they need to serve more customers. Caffe Buon Gusto is a small restaurant, where the table generally consists of a bread basket, candle, oil and vinegar, your plates and glasses and not an inch of visible tablecloth. Now, the delicious bread basket has a fatal flaw. No, not that it magically gets refilled, but because they line it (or at least that day they did) with a paper napkin. Well folks, I'm pretty sure you can see where this story is going. Candle + paper napkin + small table + fearful friend = blow it out in the direction away from fearful friend and closer to me. Needless to say, we all had a great laugh after and were returned a bread basket (napkin free) and continued our evening.
While I have only ordered a non-pasta entree once, I hear that when you have it delivered (as many of my fellow classmates in law school did) they provide you with your entree, a side of pasta, a small salad and bread for the same price. Pretty fantastic, I think. What I go for however, is the pasta. It's pasta here, not macaroni. The other day I caught myself saying I never had good carbonara in the United States. I think I might have tricked myself into remembering this falsehood because carbonara is so deliciously bad for you. But when in Rome (or the Upper East Side), one can indulge in a fresh pasta complimented by a lavishly rich sauce, or any of their other numerous sauces (my flaming dining companion loves their pesto). You can also add on some protein to the pasta dish, I go for the sausage. If a seemingly endless bowl of pasta isn't your thing, try one of their delicious eggplant dishes (they do the trifecta: parmigiana, rollatina or bolognese). And you'll most certainly want to leave room for dessert. Great for a date, or an intimate dinner, but I wouldn't go here with a terribly large party unless you plan on renting out the place.
PS - This location only takes Amex so, Visa and Mastercard holders, stop bye the ATM first.
WHAT TO BITE? Carbonara over your choice of fresh pasta, $11.95
Often times I'll complain that restaurants in New York try to cram in too many tables. Then I remember that life is a business, and they need to serve more customers. Caffe Buon Gusto is a small restaurant, where the table generally consists of a bread basket, candle, oil and vinegar, your plates and glasses and not an inch of visible tablecloth. Now, the delicious bread basket has a fatal flaw. No, not that it magically gets refilled, but because they line it (or at least that day they did) with a paper napkin. Well folks, I'm pretty sure you can see where this story is going. Candle + paper napkin + small table + fearful friend = blow it out in the direction away from fearful friend and closer to me. Needless to say, we all had a great laugh after and were returned a bread basket (napkin free) and continued our evening.
While I have only ordered a non-pasta entree once, I hear that when you have it delivered (as many of my fellow classmates in law school did) they provide you with your entree, a side of pasta, a small salad and bread for the same price. Pretty fantastic, I think. What I go for however, is the pasta. It's pasta here, not macaroni. The other day I caught myself saying I never had good carbonara in the United States. I think I might have tricked myself into remembering this falsehood because carbonara is so deliciously bad for you. But when in Rome (or the Upper East Side), one can indulge in a fresh pasta complimented by a lavishly rich sauce, or any of their other numerous sauces (my flaming dining companion loves their pesto). You can also add on some protein to the pasta dish, I go for the sausage. If a seemingly endless bowl of pasta isn't your thing, try one of their delicious eggplant dishes (they do the trifecta: parmigiana, rollatina or bolognese). And you'll most certainly want to leave room for dessert. Great for a date, or an intimate dinner, but I wouldn't go here with a terribly large party unless you plan on renting out the place.
PS - This location only takes Amex so, Visa and Mastercard holders, stop bye the ATM first.
WHAT TO BITE? Carbonara over your choice of fresh pasta, $11.95
Sala Thai, 1718 2nd Ave (btwn 89th & 90th)
Growing up, the only food from Asia I was exposed to was the local Chinese restaurant, and once a vietnamese place near the WTC. Dad sometimes ordered sushi when we went out as a family for Chinese food, but that was really it. So when I decided to try ordering dinner from Sala Thai, I wasn't entirely sure what I was in for. Let's end the story simply with, I alternated ordering from here and China East every Sunday for about 2 years. Always quick to bring my delivery, always friendly on the phone, and always a good meal. I've never dined here, and frankly until I looked up the location to write this blog I didn't even know where they were located, but now I feel bad because the poor delivery guy had to either walk up/ride his bike via the giant hill connecting Second and Third Avenues at this point on the upper east side. But I tipped him well, so I'm sure it wasn't too terrible of a burden.
When you need Thai in your pj's and you're on the upper east side, give sala a call. You'll be happy you did.
WHAT TO BITE? Chicken Cashewnut, $10.95
Milano Market, 1582 3rd Ave (@ 89th)
Milano Market might be the number one reason I would move back to the upper east side. Before there was Buon Italian in Chelsea Market, and way before there was Batali's infamous Eataly, there was Milano Market. When I craved Italian food, especially before meeting friends and sunning in the park, we'd stop here and get some food. They have everything from cured olives, to delicious meats, fresh cheeses, wonderful bread and tons of prepared food that was most certainly prepared with time and detail.
Not only can you walk in here and get just about any Italian delicacy, but they have the basics too. Like San Benedetto orange 'soda' which is the total opposite of sunkist but way better than organgina. There isn't anywhere to eat, but that's ok, all the more room to stuff the store with a massive selection of mulino bianco cookies. Yum.
WHAT TO BITE? Go for the pre-made dishes, they vary in price, but one of my favorites is the fusilli ricotta salata, $4.49/lb.
Amber, 1406 3rd Ave (@ 80th)
One of my good friends gets excited every time Amber is mentioned. I sometimes forget in the city of sushi places every corner, how good the sushi is at Amber. Some complain that it's expensive, but good sushi should be a few bucks more. When I go out for sushi, especially when I don't know the reputation of the restaurant, I get a roll, just in case the fish isn't so great, the other items can mask the taste (or lack thereof). When I go to Amber, I get sashimi because the fish is that good. If I get sushi a la carte, it's also fantastic because they put a small amount of rice under the perfectly cut piece of fish (Alton Brown would absolutely approve!)
I went last night for dinner and went for the sushi a la carte, spanish mackrel, salmon and yellowfin. Last night the salmon was wonderful, nay I should say it was beautiful. Note, the rock shrimp tempura, which I've had only a handful of times but was craving last night was a little disappointing. I've also gone to Amber's sister restaurant, Aquamarine where I almost always get the Yaki Udon, not because the sushi is subpar but because the udon is so wonderful. I've been meaning to try Amber's udon but the sushi is just so superior (and the groupons to eat there that appear so frequently) make it such a treat.
The decor in all of the Amber restaurants range, but it's definitely on the trendy side, a little dark and comprised usually of some sort of natural element, be it a giant stone waterfall or exotic plants an flowers. It's great for a date, with friends, with family, with large groups or small. Enjoy some tea, enjoy the lovely staff, and most importantly, enjoy the sushi!
WHAT TO BITE? If you can't take advantage of the great lunch special, try the sushi/sashimi a la carte, most traditional pieces average $3
Sarabeth's East, 1295 Madison Ave (@ 92nd)
Sarabeth's is a New York brunch institution. Famous for its jams which you can buy in stores across the country, it also has a fantastic brunch. I've been to a few of their locations, but the one on the upper east side is my favorite because there is a small area upstairs where you can get a table. Makes it more private and quiet, and is great if you're having an intimate breakfast party (or birthday brunch!).
On the weekends there will be a wait just about as bad as Balthazar, but it is certainly worth it. Sarabeth's takes a country home spin on its meals, you have a few options, but it's basic food dressed up and complimented with a fresh baked muffin or croissant. Great place for Mother's Day brunch, or a girls weekend. The staff is friendly, though a little overwhelmed at times, but will help you out with whatever you need. Stop in at any of their locations with an appetite and you won't be disappointed.
WHAT TO BITE? Country breakfast, $14.95, with a pumpkin muffin.
Jackson Hole, 1611 2d Ave., (btwn 83 & 84th)
Jackson Hole apparently has some of the largest burgers in Manhattan. I believe this, not because I've eaten one, but because I've been at the restaurant and seen it happen. This was part of the 15+ years of my life when I wasn't eating red meat, so I came here with a friend and had a chicken sandwich. It wasn't anything fantastic to write home about, but it was massive. The side of fries was massive too. I'm not sure who they think they are feeding, but it is great for sharing with a friend or loved one, because you probably shouldn't eat the entire thing. Unless you're training for an eating competition, or if you lost a bet at Mad River the night before.
It's a no frills place, with some tacky decorations on the wall but simple (huge) burgers. Give them a shot, see what they are like, and feel free to report back. I should return now that I eat red meat, but with all the burger joints out there, I have a lot to get to!
WHAT TO BITE? Beefburger platter, $9.90.
Effy's Cafe, 1638 3rd Ave (btwn 91st & 92nd)
I used to pass Effy's Cafe on the way home from the gym, and there's nothing the body craves more after a spinning class than carbohydrates. Though I make it a point not to take my wallet with me to the gym for that exact reason, often I'd shower, think about my next meal, and walk over and take a seat at Effy's. First of all, they serve breakfast all day, which I personally find fantastic. Second of all, it's an adorable little cafe with some of the best people watching a person could hope for. And third, it's not a Starbucks, so I'm happy to support it.
You can pick up or sit in the cafe, but be warned, on the weekend's its tough to find a spot. The good thing is Central Park isn't too far away, so you can get your food and then take a seat near Jackie O's reservoir.
WHAT TO BITE? Spinach quiche, $6.95 or the Tel Aviv Salad, $7.95.
WHAT TO BITE? Spinach quiche, $6.95 or the Tel Aviv Salad, $7.95.
Brother Jimmy's, 1485 2nd Ave (btwn 77 & 78th)
If you went to an ACC college, at some point you will find yourself at a Brother Jimmy's. When I first moved to the city, a friend of mine would organize saturday game days at the upper east side location, which I believe is considered "the original". I also had the pleasure of living 2 blocks away from the upper UPPER east side's bait shop on 92nd and 3rd, which my roommate and I found hilarious to visit in our PJs one night.
Brother Jimmy's is loud, and if there is a remotely interesting game on it's going to be crowded, but if you are fortunate enough to get a table facing a TV playing your game, you will not be disappointed. Aside from the $2 PBRs, Brother Jimmy's also does a swamp water, which is a ridiculously sugary mixture of various mixes, alcohols and who knows what, doused in ice and then presented to the table with about 20 straws and a plastic alligator. The waitress blows a whistle as she brings it to the table and everyone hurridly sucks away only to find out 2 minutes later it was probably the worst idea they'd had in a long time. Not to say I didn't have my fair share of swamp waters, but when you're 23 you're not exactly making the best life decisions.
Just about any night of the week is going to be hopping, so it's good to go with friends, large groups, or even a date if she's into that (and there are many of us who are!). The Bait Shop has a huge back room great for alumni gatherings, and the lexington avenue and union square locations have some outdoor seating.
WHAT TO BITE? Nachos, $12.50, to accompany your Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwich, $10.50 - when asked your choice of side, steer clear of the fries and find your way to the mac n' cheese.
Brother Jimmy's is loud, and if there is a remotely interesting game on it's going to be crowded, but if you are fortunate enough to get a table facing a TV playing your game, you will not be disappointed. Aside from the $2 PBRs, Brother Jimmy's also does a swamp water, which is a ridiculously sugary mixture of various mixes, alcohols and who knows what, doused in ice and then presented to the table with about 20 straws and a plastic alligator. The waitress blows a whistle as she brings it to the table and everyone hurridly sucks away only to find out 2 minutes later it was probably the worst idea they'd had in a long time. Not to say I didn't have my fair share of swamp waters, but when you're 23 you're not exactly making the best life decisions.
Just about any night of the week is going to be hopping, so it's good to go with friends, large groups, or even a date if she's into that (and there are many of us who are!). The Bait Shop has a huge back room great for alumni gatherings, and the lexington avenue and union square locations have some outdoor seating.
WHAT TO BITE? Nachos, $12.50, to accompany your Carolina Pulled Pork Sandwich, $10.50 - when asked your choice of side, steer clear of the fries and find your way to the mac n' cheese.
The Barking Dog, 150 E. 34th (btwn Lex & 3rd)
My dad and I ventured to the Barking Dog around St. Patrick's Day because I'm pretty sure he wanted some Irish food and I'm also pretty sure Mom was out of town and making Sheppard's pie for one is entirely too daunting a task.
You have to be a dog lover to like this place because plain and simple, they let dogs dine there too. With so many buildings in Manhattan no longer allowing dogs (or only allowing them to be a measly 20 pounds), it's nice to find a place where not only are dogs allowed, but are welcomed.
Service overall, especially on a busy Saturday brunch can be a little slow, and I've had friends tell of mixed reviews with the food, but I've always had a good meal. As crowded as it gets it's never too loud, and the Murray Hill location has some outdoor seating which is especially nice if you're with your puppy (and yes, they will forever be puppies).
WHAT TO BITE? Wild Mushroom Omelet w/ hashbrowns, $10.95. I forget if my dad liked his...
You have to be a dog lover to like this place because plain and simple, they let dogs dine there too. With so many buildings in Manhattan no longer allowing dogs (or only allowing them to be a measly 20 pounds), it's nice to find a place where not only are dogs allowed, but are welcomed.
Service overall, especially on a busy Saturday brunch can be a little slow, and I've had friends tell of mixed reviews with the food, but I've always had a good meal. As crowded as it gets it's never too loud, and the Murray Hill location has some outdoor seating which is especially nice if you're with your puppy (and yes, they will forever be puppies).
WHAT TO BITE? Wild Mushroom Omelet w/ hashbrowns, $10.95. I forget if my dad liked his...
Monday, December 27, 2010
Spice, 1411 2nd Ave. (btwn 73 & 74)
I love spicy food. It might not love me back, but I enjoy eating spicy food all year round. One of my standard dinner spots is Spice. They are located in just about every neighborhood in the city and provide an affordable meal in a slightly-trendy setting. While all of the locations varry in size and location, the one I frequented the most was while was living on the upper east side. Definitely able to seat a large group of people but also small enough to remain intimate. Their biggest location in just south of Union Square on 13th Street, but be forwarned there is likely going to be a wait thanks to all those NYU kids.
Spice also has some fantastic drinks. A lychee martini is around $5 and worth every penny, unless of course you don't like lychee. Spice is also good for a group where one person might not like thai but is willing to try it, as the menu is pretty expansive.
WHAT TO BITE? Crispy Calamari Salad, $6 and Drunk Man Noodle, $11
Spice also has some fantastic drinks. A lychee martini is around $5 and worth every penny, unless of course you don't like lychee. Spice is also good for a group where one person might not like thai but is willing to try it, as the menu is pretty expansive.
WHAT TO BITE? Crispy Calamari Salad, $6 and Drunk Man Noodle, $11
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