Thursday, September 29, 2016

Watch NYC Wake Up From The Top Of The Empire State Building

You absolutely won’t want to miss this once-in-a-time opportunity.

For a limited time, guests can watch New York City wake up from the top of the Empire State Building. Dubbed the “Sunrise Experience,” this unique opportunity allows guests to watch the sunrise over NYC from the world famous 86th floor Observatory, which provides unobstructed, 360-degree open air views of the city that never sleeps.
Once guests take the high speed elevator to the 86th floor Observatory, they cansoak in the Gotham City transitions from night to day - from the lit up skyscrapers in the dark to the clear morning views of NYC. This is the first time ever that the Observatory will be open to the public for the sunrise.
Given the fickle weather in NYC, the opportunity to see the “perfect” sunrise is at the whim of the weather god. However, rest assured that no matter the weather, guests will nonetheless enjoy the breathtaking views of NYC from one of the most famous buildings in the world.
The Sunrise Experience doesn’t have to end once guests descend to the lobby. STATE Grill and Bar, located in the lobby of the Empire State Building, will offer the“Empire State Building Sunrise Breakfast,” available exclusively to visitors who wake up before dawn. The new offering allows ticket holders to add on a prix fixe breakfast option - which includes delicious entrees like Morning Wrap (pictured above) made with egg whites, avocado, and ricotta, Classic Eggs Benedict, and Cinnamon French Toast.
To experience this limited time experience, which is available only from October 1, 2016 through November 20, 2016, visit www.esbnyc.com/sunrise. Act fast - no more than 100 tickets will be sold per sunrise.

Monday, September 26, 2016

Mouthwatering Brunch Items At The Award-Winning Rosa Mexicano In NYC

Rosa Mexicano is offering a new brunch menu that combines authentic Mexican flair with classic brunch favorites.

Complimentary Skillet Cornbread

Complimentary Skillet Cornbread
Every brunch menu comes with this heavenly skillet cornbread for the table. The melt-in-your-mouth cornbread, which has crusty exterior and moist interior, is topped with agave-lime butter, sauteed pepper and onions, and cilantro

Bistec con Huevos

Bistec con Huevos
Rosa Mexicano’s version of Steak & Eggs has Mexican influence. On top of juicy and tender grilled marinated skirt steak are two poached eggs (or eggs any style) sprinkled with cilantro. You can enjoy savory enchilada ranchera stuffed with melted cheese, sweet potato hash, bell pepper, and a dollop of guacamole on the side.

Sopes Benedict

Sopes Benedict
This traditional Eggs Benedict dish has been upgraded with Mexican flair - instead of the boring ole’ English muffins, you get corn masa cakes topped with poached eggs and other delicious toppings. The “Traditional” is topped with Canadian bacon, chipotle hollandaise, and black bean puree, while the vegetarian option includes spinach and mushroom with pasilla de Oaxaca crema.

Huevos Josefina

Huevos Josefina
Fluffy scrambled eggs are sauteed with caramelized onion, potato, and savory chorizo with melted Chihuahua cheese. The eggs are layered on top of crunchy tostadas with mestizo creema and pico de gallo.

Ensalada Picada

Ensalada Picada
While not part of the new brunch menu, this beautiful, fresh salad is topped with natural grilled salmon with Tuscan kale, roasted corn, chayote, tortilla strips and roasted poblano peppers tossed in a poblano pepper vinaigrette.

Tres Leches Cake

Tres Leches Cake
Be sure to save room for dessert! The tres leches cake at Rosa Mexicano is absolutely divine. A piece of moist pound cake soaked in condensed milk is topped with a scoop of berries. This melt-in-your-mouth goodness is everything you have ever dreamed of.

Saturday, September 24, 2016

My Favorite Eats At The Annual Taste Of Gramercy Neighborhood 2016

Showcasing some of Gramercy’s top restaurants, Taste of Gramercy Neighborhood doubles as a fundraiser event to benefit healthy meal programs at local public schools.

1. Moroccan Spiced Carrots with Chickpeas & Quinoa from Anisette

This gluten free, vegan dish from Anisette featured quinoa mixed in with a medley of vegetables and legumes like squash, carrots, bell pepper, and chickpeas in Moroccan spices.

2. Orecchiette with House-Made Sweet Fennel Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, and Basil Pesto from Follia

Al dante orecchiette pasta dish from Follia was complemented by house-made sweet fennel sausage, crunchy broccoli rabe, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese all mixed in basil pesto sauce.

3. Tuna Ceviche with Grilled Corn and Pimenton de la Vera from Adalya

Two for the price of one! Adalya showcased savory tuna ceviche with grilled corn on top of crunchy toast, as well as a stick of celery smeared with hummus and topped with fig.

4. Seared Tuna with Grilled Olive Tapenade and Chimichurri Sauce from Sarabeth’s

A slice of perfectly seared tuna from Sarabeth’s was topped with grilled olive tapenade, micro greens, and a drizzle of olive oil. The chimichurri sauce on the side added nice layer of creaminess.

5. Toasted Ricotta Gnocchi with White Truffle Cream from The Smith

The pan-fried ricotta gnocchi from The Smith had perfectly crispy exterior paired with soft interior. The gnocchi was topped with rich and creamy white truffle sauce.

6. Burrata with Black Truffles from Obica

Creamy burrata from Obica was layered on top of fresh basil and topped with black truffles with a drizzle of olive oil.

7. Crostini with Caponata and Herb & Honey Scone from Midwinter Kitchen

This duo of sweet and savory treat from Midwinter Kitchen included crostini with caponata and dense herb & honey scone.

8. Cabernet Braised Short Rib with Potato Puree on a Roasted Parsnip from Hardings

You got your meat and protein in one bite with this dish from Hardings. On top of roasted parsnip were tender, cabernet braised short rib with potato puree.

9. Mini Lobster Rolls with Japanese Aioli and Potato Brioche from Burger & Lobster

The mini lobster roll from Burger & Lobster was packed with juicy, succulent lobster meat mixed in with Japanese aioli, and sandwiched in between grilled potato brioche.

Delicious Dishes You Must Order At Patsy’s, An Authentic Italian Restaurant In NYC

Owned and operated by the Scognamillo family since 1944, Patsy’s Italian Restaurant has been a neighborhood favorite beloved by locals and visitors alike.

Fried Zucchini Blossoms

Delicate zucchini blossoms are stuffed with creamy ricotta and mozzarella, and then dipped in a thin layer of batter and fried for crispy perfection. The blossoms are served with a side of Patsy’s signature marinara sauce and wedges of lemon.

Eggplant Rollatine

Thin slices of eggplant are stuffed with mouthwatering fillings made with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. The rollatine is baked in rich tomato sauce with prosciutto, and garnished with a sprinkle of parsley.

Stuffed Calamari

A truly unique dish, the stuffed calamari features three plump, tender calamaris stuffed with shrimp, crab, and lobster braised in a chunky tomato and garlic sauce. You will enjoy a diverse range of textures and flavors from the chewy calamari to savory fillings.

Lobster with Linguine

Fresh, steamed lobster is the highlight of this pasta dish, which features 2.5 pound lobster with sweet, succulent meat. The lobster is served atop a bed of home-made linguine pasta in Fra Diavolo sauce made of plump fresh tomatoes simmered to a delicate, fiery finish with fresh garlic, parsley, onions, crushed red pepper ,and a hint of fresh-picked basil.

Friday, September 23, 2016

Enjoy Healthy, Delicious Dishes From NYC’s Brand New Eatery

ReViVer, which recently opened its second location in Manhattan, provides balanced, nutritious meals that you can enjoy every day.

Creamy Cauliflower Soup

To start, enjoy a bowl of this rich, creamy soup without the guilt. The puree of cauliflower is finished with scallions, toasted almonds, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Red Sauce Meatball

You won’t be yearning for your grandma’s meatball once you try the Red Sauce Meatball from ReViVer. The dish includes a giant, house-made natural chicken meatball with roasted zucchini and spinach in a classic Italian tomato sauce. The tender meatball, topped with a generous spread of asiago cheese, is extremely juicy without the fat and the grease.

Sweet Orange Mahi

Enjoy the taste of the tropicals right in NYC with this dish, which features grilled line-caught mahi mahi glazed in sweet orange sauce and topped with creamy avocado salsa verde. The mahi mahi is served on top of savory vegetable slaw made with crunchy napa cabbage, shaved Brussels sprouts, kale, roasted butternut squash, and cannellini beans.

Steak and Fig Salad

The Steak and Fig Salad is all you have ever dreamed of in a salad - filling, delicious, and healthy. Atop a bed of fresh baby greens are pieces of tender, grilled flat iron steak, roasted butternut squash, cannellini beans, mission figs, red onion, crumbled blue cheese, and crunchy whole wheat croutons. The salad is served with roasted tomato tarragon dressing.

Saturday, September 17, 2016

Best Eats From The 12th Annnual Vendy Awards

Known as the “Oscars of Street Food,” the annual Vendy Awards celebrates the deliciousness of street food with a friendly competition to determine the best of the best. Find out who one this year’s competition, as well as other honorable mentions!

The Vendy Cup: Tacos el Rancho

The coveted Vendy Cup went to Tacos el Rancho, which specializes in home-style Oaxacan food with fresh produce, homemade salsa, and handmade tortillas. The plate included perfectly marinated chicken with cilantro, avocado slice, radish, cilantro, pineapple salsa, and a squeeze of lime on top of soft tortilla.

People’s Choice: Cachapas on Wheels

Fan-favorite Cachapas on Wheels, a Venezuelan food truck, delighted attendees with three types of sandwiches using sweet plantains or fried corn cake instead of bread. These delectable Venezuelan treats were stuffed with delicious fillings like juicy pulled pork, chicken, or cheese with everything from Romaine lettuce to tomatoes with creamy white sauce or red hot sauce.

Rookie of the Year: Mr. Bing

If you have only had traditional French crepes, then Mr. Bing will change the way you think about this delectable dish. Jingbing, a delicacy from Northern China, is a traditional street crepe filled with savory ingredients like Peking duck, BBQ pork, scrambled eggs, and crunchy wontons. The thin, crispy crepe is made with green bean and rice flour coated with black sesame seeds, scallions, and hoisin sauce.

Best Market Vendor: Big Mozz

Mozzarella sticks are favorite snacks for kids and adults alike, and the ones from Big Mozz won’t disappoint. These fried-to-order mozzarella sticks are made with stretchy mozzarella that exudes freshness. The exterior is perfectly crispy with cheese shavings for an extra touch of cheesiness.

Best Dessert Vendor: The Good Batch

Who can say no to ice cream sandwiches on a sunny Saturday afternoon? The Good Batch served a duo of ice cream sandwiches - the signature Goodwich made with sea salt-sprinkled oat chocolate chunk cookies, Blue Marble’s creamy vanilla ice cream, and a thick drizzle of dark chocolate fudge, and the Crispy, which highlighted house made caramel & rice crispy treat cookies.

Best Vegan Vendor: Mysttik Masaala 

Regardless of whether you are vegan or not, the delicious platter of Indian food from Mysttik Masaala catered to a whole lot of people’s taste buds. The plate included yellow chickpea and potato curry, red beans over rice, and creamy spinach curry.

People’s Choice Vegan Vendor: Monk’s Meat

This trio of vegan sliders from Monk’s Meat packed so much flavors - from BBQ to Bulgogi to Jerk. Each slider is topped with unique toppings like cabbage slaw, pickled daikon, spring kimchi, and grilled pineapple chutney.

Personal Favorites: Bamboo Bites

The appropriately-named Bamboo Bites served sticky glutinous rice topped with either mango & sesame seeds or curried fried tofu with cilantro and peanuts on top of a bamboo leaf.

Personal Favorites: Tuson Sate

Tuson Sate , which serves Indonesian grilled skewers, featured grilled beef, chicken, and seitan skewers topped with peanut sauce, fried shallots, Indonesian style pickle, sweet soy sauce, and spicy pepper upon request.

Personal favorites: Matzahbrei

A modern twist to this classic Passover dish, Matzahbrei serves savory or sweet matzah brei made with scrambled eggs and matzah. There are three different varieties, which includes the Monica (mushrooms, spinach, gruyere & dijon mustard), Yannis (beets, roasted peppers, mint & tahini), and Xavier (avocado, four-cheese blend & peach-mango salsa).

Sunday, September 11, 2016

All The Delicious, Collaborative Eats From 2016 Taste Talks All-Star BBQ In Brooklyn

Sunday afternoon’s All-Star BBQ, the capstone event of Taste Talks festival, highlighted unique collaboration among New York’s top chefs, bands, and celebrities. Ranging from pulled pork grilled pizza to chicken thigh sandwich, here are some of my favorite bites.

Pig & Khao x 8G Band

This12-hour baby back rib was marinated in a melange of sauces and spices like teriyaki, garlic hosin, and fish sauce for complex yet satisfying flavor. The rib was topped with crispy garlic, scallions, and cilantro for additional flavor and texture profiles.

DBGB Kitchen & Bar x How to Dress Well

The lone vegetarian dish at the event was also one of my favorite. Flavorful Japanese eggplant over pistou sauce was accompanied by tomato marmalade, piquillo peppers, and crispy puffed rice.

Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream x GG’s

You are free to enjoy dessert first with this dish from Morgenstern and GG’s. Alongside a skewer of grilled pineapple, cipollini onion, cherry tomato, and Huli Huli roast pork with a side of coconut rice was refreshing pineapple sorbet.

Blue Smoke Alabama White Wings

These chicken wings are anything but ordinary. The wings are grilled over flame fire to maintain their juiciness, and tossed in creamy, rich white sauce.

Greenpoint Fish & Lobster Co. x Blue Point Brewing

The aphrodisiac oyster was beautifully grilled with seaweed butter and Prop Stopper Seaweed IPA to produce an earthy undertone, and topped with a sprinkle of bread crumbs.

Soho Tiffin Junction x Speedy Romeo

If you ever had trouble deciding between curry or pizza, then this dish is made for you - on top of warm baked naan were a spread of chicken tikka masala, basmati rice, cilantro, and pickled onion.

Hard Times Sundaes x Fletcher’s BBQ

This All-American burger just got upgraded to something revolutionary. Beyond the traditional ground beef patty, this burger featured smoked brisket patty topped with smoked pub cheese and creamy slaw, all sandwiched in between soft potato roll.

Emily x Hometown BBQ

On top of grilled bread rubbed in honey were generous servings of juicy pulled pork, creamy and cool ranch slaw, pickles, and crispy onions.

Momo Sushi Shack x Jarobi White

A bite of this sandwich delivered all the textures and flavors you could think of: crunchy, moist, sweet, savory, and soft! In the potato roll rubbed with yuzu were organic free range chicken thigh, peach gastrique, apricot, pickled onion, romaine, and Kewpie mayo.

The Economist x C-Fu Foods

You haven’t had ice cream until you have had it topped with…crickets. This sustainable protein option sat atop a scoop of creamy honeycomb ice cream from Van Leewen.

This Is What Peak Greek Food Looks Like In Midtown

 A full tour through pikilia, octopus, lamb chops, and one unforgettable moussaka at Delos Greek Restaurant in NYC Let me set the scene: Del...